§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what facilities currently exist in Scotland for intensive specialised rehabilitation of traumatic brain damage caused by head injury; what plans he has to set up such a specialised unit; and if he will make a statement;
386W(2) what steps have been taken to implement the Mair report recommendation in 1972 that two specialised centres providing specialist rehabilitation treatment for traumatic brain damage through head injury were required in Scotland;
(3) if he will estimate the annual additional need that arises every year in Scotland for places which provide specialist rehabilitation for patients who suffer traumatic brain damage through head injury;
(4) what proportion of the population suffer from permanent long term disability following head injury; and what is the average age at the time of the injury and the average life expectancy thereafter;
(5) what specialist training and advice is given to care professionals treating patients with traumatic brain damage caused by head injury;
(6) what medical studies have been carried out into the special needs of those who suffer traumatic brain damage through injury;
(7) what evidence exists to demonstrate the efficacy of specialist rehabilitation of patients who suffer traumatic brain damage through head injury;
(8) what advice is given to area health boards regarding the provision of specialist rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain damage caused by head injury, and what checks are made on the quality of long-term care provided to such patients by the area health boards.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythProvision of specialist treatment and rehabilitation facilities for head injured patients in Scotland is a matter for individual health boards. The Scottish Home and Health Department is currently considering as a matter of urgency the needs of brain-injured patients and the most appropriate form of rehabilitation facility which is required. The Mair report did not make a specific recommendation that two specialised centres were required.
It is understood that around 100 patients each year are left with severe disability following traumatic brain injury. The average age of these patients is around 28 and life expectancy is 30 or 40 years. All doctors, nurses and members of paramedical professions receive basic training in rehabilitation techniques. The two main centres for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injury are located in Edinburgh and Glasgow respectively and it is there that care professionals can gain training and experience. A wide range of studies has been carried out into the special needs of brain-damaged patients, and a number demonstrate the efficacy of specialist rehabilitation.
Boards providing general rehabilitation services are aware of the more specialised facilities available in Edinburgh and Glasgow for more severe cases of head injury and can seek advice if necessary. Patients are referred from other boards to these specialised facilities. Long-term in-patient care is provided generally within psychiatric or geriatric hospitals. Both are inspected regularly by the Scottish Hospital Advisory Service; in addition the Mental Welfare Commission makes annual visits to all mental hospitals.