Health Minister publishes Acquired Brain Injury Action Plan

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today published the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Action Plan.

The Action Plan sets out how services to treat people affected by acquired brain injury should be developed, and aims to promote a person-centred approach in the provision of care.

Launching the Action Plan, the Minister said: “The ABI Action Plan aims to ensure earlier recognition, diagnosis, treatment, care and rehabilitation, as well as recognising the importance of support for the families and carers of people affected by acquired brain injury.

“This two-year Action Plan has been undertaken by my Department in collaboration with the Health and Social Care Board, Health and Social Care Trusts, and health and social care professionals and staff.

“I firmly believe that this Action Plan will help to significantly develop existing services by putting patients at the heart of healthcare delivery.”

The Action Plan draws much of its evidence from the ‘Review of Services for People with Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury in Northern Ireland’, which was commissioned by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, in 2008. The Review, chaired by Richard Dixon, was initiated after concerns were raised regarding equality of access to brain injury services.

The Review found that, whilst there had been significant development in ABI services in recent years, there was a sense of isolation of elements of the service, giving a an impression of a lack of co-ordination to the programme of care being commissioned for a brain injured person. The Review also highlighted an insufficient focus on strategic planning and management.

The Minister continued: “I am grateful to all those who contributed to the development of this Action Plan, including everyone who responded to the public consultation last year. The Regional Acquired Brain Injury Implementation Group, Chaired by Kevin Keenan of the HSC Board, showed a high level of commitment and dedication in taking forward the implementation of this challenging piece of work.”

Notes to editors:

1. In November 2007, the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety announced a review of the Northern Ireland-wide provision of services for those with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

2. A Review Group, chaired by Richard Dixon of the former Eastern Health and Social Services Council, was formed in early 2008 and completed a Review of Brain Injury Services for People in Northern Ireland in early October 2008.

3. To take forward the recommendations contained in the Review Report, the Department developed a draft Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Action Plan (2009/10 – 2010/11). The draft Action Plan and the Review Report were published for public consultation on 31 March 2009 on the Departmental website.

4. Forty seven responses to the consultation were received from a range of statutory, professional, voluntary and community organisations, as well as a number of individuals. These responses were individually analysed and a summary was produced.

5. The Action Plan has now been revised in light of the comments received during the consultation phase, and is now being published alongside the Summary of Consultation Responses.

6. The Action Plan also sets out the establishment of the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Implementation Group (RABIIG), which will take forward the implementation of the actions. The Group commenced its work in August 2009, under the auspices of the HSC Board, and meets regularly.

7. The Action Plan is available online

8. Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.