Patients in the South West could benefit from better health outcomes and reduced waiting times as a new pilot is set to launch.
The news comes from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which, from this Wednesday, will launch a 14-week trial for patient with varying neurological conditions. Adults with physical or cognitive neurological impairments will be the focus of the programme.
The initiative will be jointly delivered on a weekly basis by the trust and Cornwall Council with the latter providing upfront support workers and the former patient supervision.
By its close, local health leaders hope the scheme enables its participants to live more independently as well as reducing the burden on carers.
Currently, those living with long-term neurological conditions can experience up to three-month waits for special NHS rehabilitation support.
NHS Cornwall believes its project will allow patients to access treatment quicker, improving rehabilitation which will in turn alleviate pressure on the NHS in the long-run.
The council’s Echo Day Centre will be working in tandem with the NHS trust for this delivery of this programme. Team leader at the centre, Lorna Searle, said: “All our staff are really excited to try working in a more joined up way and bring together 2 highly motivated teams with different skills to benefit the patients. It will also be an opportunity to share available resources within Cornwall.
“Our patients are so enthusiastic about the project and have helped us develop the ideas. Going forwards, we aim to support people to take more control of their own lives, improve their health and wellbeing, work towards building their self-esteem and empowering them to become more engaged, confident, and active which enables them to reach their full potential.”
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