UK Rehabilitation Council calls for common standards in the rehabilitation industry

27/05/2009

The Council is an independent organisation made up of several different representatives from the health sector, insurers, employers, trade unions and legal professions

The new Standards are aimed at private companies or individuals who offer therapy, nursing, and psychological support to people injured in accidents. The Rehabilitation Council warned that action was required because of a small minority of rouge firms which have entered the industry.

The Council has also published a Consumer's Guide as to what should be expected from a rehabilitation provider.   

Every year hundreds of people across the UK receive rehabilitation after suffering a brain injury, many within the NHS sector. Rehab services are often purchased to “top up” NHS care by employers, insurers and as part of a claims process if the injured consumer pursues a claim for compensation.

Neil Whiteley of theheadinjurysite.com gave a cautious welcome to the new standards: "We welcome the initiative as way to ensure that people recovering from a brain injury and receiving support from private providers get the right quality of care, from individuals who are properly qualified to give that support, and at a fair cost. The Standards are however only voluntary and there is currently no system for accrediting or approving providers. At least now we have a good benchmark that all can refer to”.

This documentation can be viewed on their website - www.rehabcouncil.org.uk.

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