Acquired Brain Injury

HC Deb 31 January 2002 vol 379 c549W

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to improve community-based rehabilitation services for those with an acquired brain injury. [16820]

Ms Blears

In February 2001, the Department announced a National Service Framework for long-term conditions would be developed, with a particular focus on the needs of people with neurological disease and brain and spinal injury. The NSF will try to encompass all aspects of care including rehabilitation, and pensure fair and appropriate access to these across the country.

The Health Select Committee report on head injury rehabilitation, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline for the initial assessment, management and first referral of patients with head injury are likely to inform the development of the NSF.