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24-05-2010

Minister John Moloney unveils new Community Brain Injury Transitional Living Unit in Sligo

Minister John Moloney, T.D., Minister for Disability and Mental Health, today officially opened a Transitional Living Unit in Sligo for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

The Acquired Brain Injury Service, a partnership between the HSE and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI Ireland) supports people with a brain injury in Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan to return to independent living. It provides support and assistance to enable each individual to develop their full potential, retain maximum independence and improve opportunities for full inclusion into the community.

The Community Brain Injury Transitional Living Unit provides a diverse and innovative range of specialist rehabilitation services for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) to help them regain independence and re-learn everyday life skills often lost to them as a result of their injury.

In Ireland, more than 13,000 people each year acquire a brain injury and of these 10,000 are admitted to hospital with significant injuries. These injuries may be caused by trauma such as an assault or road traffic accidents, a stroke or a brain haemorrhage.

The unit is staffed by a Manager and a Team of Rehabilitation Assistants with support from multi-disciplinary clinical experts including a Clinical Psychologist, Senior Occupational Therapist and Case Co-Ordinator. The unit has the capacity to accommodate three people in residence and one person in respite and is operational five days per week and in exceptional circumstances at weekends.

The innovative approach adopted by the unit is illustrated in supporting people with an ABI in rehabilitation projects such as the restoration of a 1950s BSA Bantam Motorcycle, and the development of an organic garden at the service, which Minister Moloney had the pleasure of viewing today at the opening.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Moloney said: "Firstly I wish to congratulate both the HSE and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland for their imaginative approach to the development of this co-ordinated and integrated service. Individuals affected by a brain injury often face a dramatically altered life. The service offers support to both the individual and their loved ones as a brain injury has consequences for the whole family".  

"It is inspiring to see such a successful partnership between ABI Ireland and the HSE in opening this Unit. I also applaud the creative use of resources and the expertise the partnership has brought together. I wish all involved continued success both with the present service and any future developments".

Barbara O’Connell, CEO of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland said: "Every person affected by brain injury is unique and I firmly believe that with the correct environment and appropriate supports people with ABI can live a meaningful life in the community.  We work by the ethos that by maximising ability, you can change lives".  

"Since our establishment 10 years ago, we have continually expanded our services to help those with the greatest need.  We now provide assisted living, transitional living, community rehabilitation, day resource services and rehabilitation and support teams throughout Ireland". 

"The demand for our services has never been greater and our partnership with the HSE has resulted in this specialised new service which provides people with ABI the opportunity to re-learn the skills necessary to return home or live independently".

Mr Pat Dolan, Local Health Manager for Sligo/Leitrim said: "The role of the Community Brain Injury Service, Sligo/Leitrim & West Cavan is to support the clients and their families after discharge from hospital and to enable them to achieve independence and return to their rightful place in the Community".

"The Community Brain Injury Service encompasses a Post Acute Monitoring Service, Case Coordinator Service, Residential Transitional Rehabilitation Unit, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programme, Family Support Service, Leisure and Lifestyle Programme and a Community Outreach Service. In 2009, an average of 44 people per month availed of one or more of the Community Brain Injury Services".

"The partnership between the HSE and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland ensures a continuum of care and service delivery for individuals with a brain injury, from the acute stage right through their period of rehabilitation and community resettlement".

Kathleen, service user, said: "It is clear to me how valuable the Community Brain Injury Service is.  It has made such a difference to my life. My acquired brain injury did change my life but the important thing is that it did not finish my life either. Through the help of the Community Rehabilitation Services, I have once again equipped myself with skills to cope with any minor difficulties I have as a result of my brain injury".