NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) has given notice to Shaftesbury Icanho that it will be offering a new year long contract and reinstating the service previously set for closure.
Patients, staff and the charity are incredibly grateful that the ICB reviewed their decision that was made due to financial reasons.
The service received a substantial rallying call of support against closure from referring health care providers and professional bodies, clients and local community groups that asked the ICB to review the decision to end the contract.
Amanda Cousins, Co-founder of Norfolk and Waveney Acquired Brain Injury Network said:
“We are delighted that Waveney patients who have acquired brain injuries or strokes can once again access the best in community neurorehabilitation via Shaftesbury Icanho, and we look forward to working once more with them, in conjunction with the other neurorehabilitation services across the East of England region.”
Norfolk and Waveney Acquired Brain Injury Network – Management team
Over the next year Shaftesbury Icanho will work closely with the ICB to review the service and the needs of its clients beyond the 12 months to enable the funder to consider its longer-term requirements. The ICB will undertake a wider consultation involving patient representative groups and other interested stakeholders.
Andy Yacoub, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Suffolk, said:
“It is welcome news that despite the recognised budgetary pressures faced by NHS commissioners, the ICB has listened to public and professional concerns and reviewed their initial decision.
We commend the retention of this critical service, which will ensure patients in Waveney can still access potentially life-changing neurological injury rehabilitation when needed.
We hope this is a lasting decision that will extend for the foreseeable future.”
Shaftesbury Icanho is pleased to be able to continue its long-standing support and expertise for Waveney residents; where the team has helped many clients and families (since 1998) to put their lives back together after experiencing a life altering brain injury.
“We are thrilled to hear that this service can resume and once again serve people in the Waveney area who will be able to benefit from the same specialist service as other Suffolk residents. This satellite service provides a lifeline to people in Waveney when they need it most. There is simply no other provision that matches the work locally, supporting complex neuro rehabilitation cases via a highly specialist multi-disciplinary approach. We are committed to ensuring these needs are met in the years to come.”
Jane Percy, Executive Director for Care Operations, Shaftesbury
Icanho Waveney is now re-open for referrals and patients, families, and professionals interested to find out more about what the service offers are encouraged to attend the free open day on 13 February at St Emmanuel Hall Bungay from 10:00 to 16:00. More information can be found here.