The Government has committed to developing a new approach to prevent and limit the impact of acquired brain injuries with its new ABI Strategy.
Efforts are being made to gather evidence to help enhance the quality of services and assistance. Health professionals who have worked with injured patients in the past are encouraged to participate in the project. The first step is taking part in a public survey.
The Government is looking for anyone affected by brain injury to share their stories and offer suggestions on enhancing the assistance and care that’s available. It is also asking those with birth-related brain impairments for their opinions on how to improve their quality of life.
Over the following 12 weeks, an invitation to become involved will be sent to those with ABI, their loved ones, medical experts, and nonprofit organisations.
The Government will use first-hand accounts from those affected to identify what services are required, where gaps exist, and how the Government might make improvements.
Gillian Keegan, Minister for Care and Mental Health, and Labour MP Chris Bryant, MP, will co-chair a new program board tasked with developing a new plan for reducing injuries while also enhancing the lives of those who have had brain injuries.
Minister of Parliament for Rhondda, Chris Bryant, said:
“I’m delighted that the Government is starting to pull together a cross-government strategy on acquired brain injury.
We need people to come forward with ideas and suggestions based on their experience of brain injury as practitioners, patients or family members so we can get this strategy right.
I urge everyone to take part if they think they have an insight to offer.”
UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum Executive Director Chloe Hayward said:
“We are very pleased the Government is giving acquired brain injury the attention it deserves with the ABI strategy.
The call for evidence will help the panel to focus and prioritise their efforts, so we need people with lived experience of brain injury – whether survivors, carers or professionals – to participate. This will ensure the panel has the best available information to develop their strategy.”
There is also a call for input on whether or not the plan should be broadened to encompass other types of neurological disorders.
Concussions in sports have been the subject of an action plan developed by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to lower the risk of brain injuries. Concussions will be better understood, prevented, and treated in sports at all levels with the implementation of this strategy.
As the Government works to lower risks, better understand symptoms, and enhance treatment and services, those directing the concussion protocols will support this effort and push for evidence.
Take Part
The easiest way to participate in the call for evidence as an individual is by completing the public survey.
Acquired brain injury strategy call for evidence
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 6 June 2022.