It has been confirmed that the long-awaited ABI Strategy will not be delivered this year.
Having been given the go-ahead by the Government in December 2021, replacing the need for the Private Members’ Bill introduced by Sir Chris Bryant, the ABI Strategy has still not been unveiled.
Earlier this year, brain injury solicitors expressed their doubts over whether the ABI strategy will lead to a step change in the care and support available to people living with brain injury.
Research by Exchange Chambers and Calvert Reconnections revealed the following:
- 78 per cent of brain injury solicitors do not believe the government’s new ABI strategy will lead to a step change in the care and support available to people living with ABI
- 89 per cent of brain injury solicitors believe the NHS is under resourced and unable to provide effective support for brain injured patients
- 59 per cent of brain injury solicitors have experienced a situation where the family has not acted in the best interests of their brain injured relative
- 94 per cent of brain injury solicitors believe family members of those with ABI require greater support
- 62 per cent of brain injury solicitors play an active role in the development of their client’s rehab plan, including the choice of rehab unit
- 59 per cent of brain injury solicitors do not believe there are enough residential-based rehabilitation units / programmes in the UK.
Commenting on the findings, Bill Braithwaite KC, Head of Exchange Chambers, said:
“Solicitors are unconvinced about the Government’s ABI strategy. I share their scepticism. I’ve never thought that the Government had anything useful to contribute beyond the acute and sub-acute treatment following catastrophic brain injury, which is why I’ve spent my life pursuing compensation for those who need it.”
Commenting on the development of the client’s rehabilitation programme, Bill Braithwaite KC added: “By working collaboratively with the case manager, solicitors have a hugely important part to play in the client’s rehabilitation plan.
“In order to do so, they need a good understanding of the clinical position, the type of rehab needed, the range of units available, and their vastly different services. For example, Calvert Reconnections at the Lake District Calvert Trust in Keswick offers a service basing focussed brain injury rehabilitation around outdoor activity, which is very different from some or all other units.”