The trial project will offer additional support to outpatients who have suffered a concussion by providing information and resources they may not otherwise be able to access. Most concussion cases require a level of follow-up care, but the amount and nature varies widely across the County, leaving some outpatients left with inadequate knowledge.
Through the Concussion Awareness Campaign, we hope to mitigate the deficit of information provided to those suffering from concussions in the region, beginning with the creation of a comprehensive and clinical information leaflet.
Distributed initially in the James Paget University Hospital just before Christmas 2022, the leaflet is being given to relevant patients who come through their A&E Department. Our team of occupational therapists, as well as health experts Dr Michael Grey (Reader in Rehabilitation Neuroscience at the University of East Anglia) and Duncan Peacock (consultant in emergency medicine), provided feedback and participated in discussions about the content of the leaflet. It provides coping techniques, tools and resources, relevant community support services, information on returning to work, signs of post-concussion syndrome, general information about Headway Norfolk and Waveney and possible short and long term consequences of concussion. The pamphlet also includes a QR code which takes you directly to our online content on head injuries.
Whilst also being distributed to other community and healthcare locations in the region, the pamphlet has also been modified into a downloadable format.
The charity’s team of Occupational Therapists will also be featured in a series of short clips of Bitesize content to provide an alternative way to view the information.
The third and final part of the campaign will see the launch of an online support group that people affected by concussion can attend soon after discharge. The workshops are strategically designed by Headway Norfolk and Waveney Occupation Therapists and delivered by Key Support Workers in a live video call environment. The support includes all the key content as described in the leaflet and online videos, as well as frequently asked questions and feedback to support group users about their experiences and recovery. If service users require additional support they can be referred to Headway Norfolk and Waveney for rehabilitation/recovery sessions.
Michael Kitching, Chief Executive Officer of Headway Norfolk & Waveney explains: “As a Brain Injury Charity, we are very aware that individuals who have suffered a mild concussion often receive a varied and limited amount of information regarding aftercare.”
“We are therefore grateful for the support of Fosters which has enabled us to get this campaign up and running, and very-much look forward to working with them on this project”. This will enable us to provide much-needed support to people across the Norfolk and Waveney region, distributing key information about managing brain injury and the associated physical and mental health problems.”
Fosters’ Head of Personal Injury & Group Actions, Steve Green added: “As trusted legal advisors for head injury cases, we are very proud to be supporting Headway Norfolk & Waveney and working with them on this new project, which will focus on identifying those who have suffered a concussion injury but are often unaware of its potential effects.”
With Fosters support, many concussion outpatients and their families/carers in the region will now have more than adequate support to ensure they can effectively manage minor head injuries/concussions. As a result, they are more likely to be able to successfully return to all aspects of their lives and recognise any potential signs of post-concussion syndrome, thereby avoiding further negative impact on themselves and their families.
Fosters Solicitors can provide trusted legal advice to those who have suffered a brain injury. Please contact their specialist team on 01603 620508 or email them directly for a no obligation chat or first meeting to see how they can help support you.
