Senior leaders from NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) took time out to visit the Briar Unit at Stonehouse Hospital as part of a board walk round.
During their visit, they met with staff and patients to see first-hand the difference the specialist brain injury rehabilitation facility is making.
The visit provided an opportunity to hear directly from the dedicated team about the challenges they face and the inspiring recoveries they help facilitate every day.
Attendees included Colin Lauder, Interim Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Trudi Marshall, Executive Director of Nursing and Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership.
Also in attendance were Non-Executive Directors Donald Reid, Lesley McDonald and Siobhan White along with Amanda Minns, Head of Evidence and Calvin Brown, Director of Communications.
The Briar Unit, officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in June 2024, represents the latest advancement in NHS Lanarkshire’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Model, providing seamless rehabilitation across inpatient, community, and vocational pathways.
The centre has quickly become a beacon of hope and healing for individuals recovering from brain injuries, with a dedicated multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals (AHP), nurses, and doctors working around the clock to deliver personalised, goal-driven rehabilitation.
The walkround was led by Paul O’Neill, Head of Health and Social Care and Jane-Marie Stobie, AHP Consultant for Brain Injury Rehabilitation.
Jane-Marie said: “The Briar Unit is an integral part of NHS Lanarkshire’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, which provides expert rehabilitation not only within the unit but also across the community. Our team delivers intensive, multidisciplinary care, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics and psychological support.
“Many of our patients have complex needs, and our goal is to help them regain as much independence as possible. Our service has seen a significant increase in referrals over the years, reflecting both the growing demand and the effectiveness of our rehabilitation programmes.”
Patients at the Briar Unit have injuries that have resulted from a range of traumatic events, including from accidents, assaults or acquired brain injuries from medical conditions. The team works closely with colleagues in acute hospitals, across community services, and with external partners to ensure continuity of care.
The service has seen a significant rise in referrals, with numbers increasing from 92 patients in its first year to 285 last year, with around 75% of referrals come directly from acute hospital sites. The largest patient group falls within the 45-54 age range, rather than younger individuals as initially expected.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The care and support provided at the Briar Unit is truly outstanding. The team’s dedication to rehabilitation and improving patient outcomes is evident in every aspect of their work. The individuals who come through these doors face incredibly challenging circumstances, yet through a combination of specialist care and their own resilience, we see remarkable recoveries and improved quality of life. This unit is an invaluable asset to our health and social care system.”
The average length of stay at the Briar Unit is around 8 months, with some patients staying from as short as 3 weeks to over a year. The vocational rehabilitation hub supports patients in returning to work, with 40% of all patients and 87% of eligible patients successfully regaining employment.
Colin Lauder, Interim Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, praised the efforts of the Briar Unit team, stating: “It is truly inspiring to see the dedication and expertise of the staff at the Briar Unit. Their commitment to providing high-quality rehabilitation care makes a real difference in the lives of patients and their families. This service is an essential part of our broader efforts to support people on their recovery journey.”
The board walk round allowed senior leaders to see first-hand the impact of the unit’s work and to engage with staff about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Briar Unit remains committed to delivering high-quality rehabilitation services, supporting patients on their journey to recovery. The insights gained from the board walk round will help inform future developments, ensuring that the unit continues to provide exemplary care to those in need.
