More people will have neuro-rehabilitation services closer to their homes and be able to access online physiotherapy support, Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething announced today.
A £1.2m annual investment from the Welsh Government will help to transform the way neuro-rehabilitation services are provided in Wales.
A new children’s neuro-rehabilitation service is being set up in Wales for the first time and new specialist physiotherapy services will be created as the result of the first phase of funding, which was announced last year as part of a £10m investment in 10 of Wales’ major health conditions delivery plans.
Mr Gething said:
“We are investing almost £1.1m this financial year and £1.2m every year afterwards so more people can receive the specialist support they need closer to their homes.
“We want to ensure people who are affected by a neurological condition can get the care and support that they need, irrespective of where in Wales they live.”
Children in Mid and South Wales will be able to access new paediatric neuro-rehabilitation services as a result of a £38,000 investment this year and £150,000 every year onwards. Previously children had to travel to Liverpool, Oxford or Tadworth for care.
In Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, additional services will be set up for people with an acquired brain injury to support earlier hospital discharge and to receive rehabilitation in their own homes. The health board has received £52,000 this year and will receive £206,000 every year afterwards.
The Neuro Muscular Network will use its share of the funding – £17,000 this year and £60,000 next year – to develop online specialist adult physiotherapy for people with neuromuscular conditions.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board will use £64,000 this year and £174,000 every year onwards to expand its rehabilitation service in the community. It will set up a multi-disciplinary team offering a range of rehabilitation services, including specialist physiotherapy and clinical psychology.
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Cwm Taf, Hywel Dda and Powys health boards will receive funding to set up community neurological and stroke rehabilitation services. These specialist follow-up teams will help stroke and neurology patients to leave hospital faster as part of their rehabilitation and get the right support once they have left hospital. Powys teaching Health Board will also develop a therapy-led spasticity service.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will receive investment to develop options for the development of an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation unit at Llandudno Hospital
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