National Disability Services

All Ireland Acquired Brain Injury Conference, Great Southern Hotel, Dublin.

28/29th th September 2006

Acquired Brain Injury Definition

Damage to the brain, which occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital or degenerative disease. These impairments may be temporary or permanent and cause partial or functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment.

(W.H.O. Geneva 1996)

Data

 ● 11,000 per year require hospital admission for Traumatic Brain Injury.

– Of whom 1,000 suffer moderate to severe injury, requiring acute rehabilitation 6,000 registered on the NP&SDD with a primary diagnosis of Acquired Brain Injury

Current Provision in Republic

 Historically developed from a low, poorly resourced base.

 Fragmented approach to provision, often based on emerging need rather than within an agreed and co-ordinated framework.

 Structural blockages e.g. health boards and voluntary providers.

 Lack of equity across the system.

Contd…

• 

Much good practice developed and continues, to include:

– Establishment of ABI Teams – Appointment of ABI service development officers and co-ordinators Establishment of stroke rehabilitation programme at N.R.H.

Contd…

 Targeted funding towards development of residential and associated services  A very dynamic and committed voluntary provider sector  Need to establish a process of linking all such initiatives to provide a seamless continuum of care

Where We Want To Be Key Principles

 Timing and availability of appropriate services to facilitate optimal outcomes  Need for facilitated access to health and other services which requires transdisciplinary and cross-agency working  Key Worker Approach  Promotion of early and ongoing specialist care and rehabilitation

Contd…

     Development of community based services, where gains achieved through therapeutic interventions are reinforced via routine activities of daily living Clear policies and procedures for management of care Clear pathways of referrals and provision Clear guidelines around responsibilities for care and funding of the continuum of provision Strong monitoring and accountability in all aspects of planning and delivery

Framework for provision

   A strong National Strategy – Disability Act 2005 – – EPSEN Act 2004 Multi-annual Investment Package (2006-2009) – Government Sectoral Plans A single national delivery system – HSE The development of a national rehabilitation strategy that will underpin the future nature and direction of service delivery