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STV News
3 hours ago
- Health
- STV News
'How I help people recover from life-changing brain injuries'
A Lanarkshire health professional has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 in recognition of her exceptional contribution to brain injury rehabilitation. Jane-Marie Stobie, a leading Allied Health Professions (AHP) consultant, is the clinical lead for NHS Lanarkshire's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service. She oversees a 'pioneering, seamless' care model that supports patients from inpatient treatment at the Briar Centre in Stonehouse through to community and vocational rehabilitation in Hamilton. Jane-Marie describes the accolade as the proudest achievement in her career since joining the NHS in 1989. She told STV News: 'I was very surprised – it was unexpected. I'm humbled by receiving it. 'It proves the recognition that the service model and clinical delivery works – and it works exceptionally well.' After qualifying as an occupational therapist in 1989, Jane-Marie joined NHS Lanarkshire in 1997. She played a pivotal role in establishing the region's first specialist community brain injury rehab service in 2012. Since then, she has driven the development of the Briar Centre, which opened in November 2023 and features ten inpatient beds, therapy suites and a therapeutic garden – creating an AHP-led model unique in Scotland. 'Every brain injury is different. I always say, 'once you've seen one brain injury, you've only seen one'. 'There are different types of difficulties – physical, cognitive, behavioural. It's a really interesting, complex area of work as you need to think outside the box. 'That's what attracted me to it in the first place. I believed I could make a change in how those services were delivered for people.' Jane-Marie and her team realised early on that many brain injury patients in Lanarkshire were 'slipping through the net.' NHS Lanarkshire Jane-Marie Stobie and the team at the Briar Centre 'Rather than building or setting up a ward, we took a whole new approach, delivering rehabilitation in community settings where people live, work, and learn,' she said. 'And it's grown from there.' The Briar Centre now supports around 250 patients annually, providing tailored therapy focused on patient goals, from simple daily tasks to returning to work. The multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, neuropsychologists, dietitians, and medical staff. Patients practice skills such as cooking, driving, and communication, and can attend a vocational assessment and rehabilitation lab to determine their readiness for work. The team collaborates closely with third-sector organisations, social services, and leisure groups, ensuring a holistic approach that continues when patients leave the centre. Jane-Marie said: 'Patients come in for inpatient care, then rehab is continued in the community – it's a single team throughout the whole journey. 'We aim for a really flexible and seamless transition out into the community, whether it's getting them a care package or working with their employer to make adjustments for their return to work. 'We set goals around what the patient wants. That's something you wouldn't necessarily get from a purely medical model.' One memorable patient was a construction worker who suffered a brain injury following a fall from a cherry picker. For his last therapy session, he requested it take place on the lift, helping him come to terms with the trauma. 'That last session was real closure for him – he was returning to do office work but wanted to go back to where it happened. 'We meet patients where they need to be seen – sometimes even at their workplace – so rehab feels meaningful and relevant to them.' Another inspiring story is of an 18-year-old woman severely injured after being hit by a car on her way to work as a nursery nurse. Upon arrival at the Briar Centre, she faced physical and cognitive challenges, including right-side weakness and memory difficulties. Over five weeks of inpatient and a further year of rehab, she relearned daily tasks, including curling her hair, an important part of her identity. 'She was a hoot while she was here. It was so lovely to have a younger person in, playing her music and bringing in glittery decorations to make the room her home,' Jane-Marie said. After months of intensive therapy, the young woman made remarkable progress and was recently promoted to team leader at her nursery. 'We're really proud of her – she's an absolute powerhouse and was determined to make a good recovery.' Recovery can be difficult and slow. A Lanarkshire dad who suffered a brain injury after an unprovoked attack faced struggles with planning, decision-making, and concentration. Referred for rehab months after the incident, he had lost his job, home, and marriage. With the team's support, he worked on cognitive strategies and now has his own flat where his daughter lives with him and is training his dog to be a therapy pet. Jane-Marie said: 'He's currently working hard to return to paid employment in the future – he has come such a long way.' Jane-Marie said hearing about the success of those moving into the next chapter of their lives is one of the favourite parts of her job. 'We have a lot of thank you letters and cards from those we've supported and their families, but as time goes on, they put distance between themselves and the brain injury. 'Eventually, we sink into the past, which is exactly how it should be, and that means you've done that right. 'Saying goodbye after months of care can be emotional for everyone. 'People don't normally cry when they are finally leaving the hospital… But there you go,' she joked. NHS Lanarkshire The Briar Centre has been honoured with the prestigious Special Recognition Award at the 2024 Staff Awards. The service's innovative approach earned the Briar Centre a Special Recognition Award at NHS Lanarkshire's Staff Awards in 2024. It also recently received a royal visit from Princess Anne, who praised the centre's leading role in brain injury rehabilitation. Jane-Marie expressed gratitude for her team and the broader support behind the service. 'It's such a pleasure to receive recognition for the work I've done and the amazing team involved. A lot of people have helped deliver this. 'When we started this service in 2012, it was a big leap of faith. The board trusted me and went along with it. 'This honour reflects the strength of teamwork across services and the importance of continually striving to improve care.' Looking ahead, Jane-Marie hopes to see their groundbreaking care model rolled out more widely across Scotland and beyond. 'I'd like to see this type of seamless therapy model, where it's delivered right from admission, through discharge, back into the community and the workplace – extended across Scotland. Not just for brain injury, but for other complex neurological and vascular conditions. 'The Allied Health Professional-led model is non-traditional and may be an uncomfortable model for some, but as long as it's being led by the right people with the right qualifications, I'd like to see it more. 'It gets more difficult everywhere to recruit, and we have to look at alternative ways of doing things. Hopefully, that will be the legacy of this service.' Louise Long MBE, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'Jane-Marie's compassion and innovation have transformed brain injury rehab in Lanarkshire. Her MBE is richly deserved.' Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, added: 'Jane-Marie's dedication has made a profound impact on patients, families, and colleagues alike. She has set an important example for others to follow.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Royal recognition for Lanarkshire health professional's dedication to brain injury rehabilitation
Jane-Marie Stobie has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025. A leading Lanarkshire health professional has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 for her outstanding contribution to brain injury rehabilitation. Jane-Marie Stobie, allied health professions (AHP) consultant in brain injury rehabilitation, has been recognised for her services to people with brain injuries in Lanarkshire. As the clinical lead for NHS Lanarkshire's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Jane-Marie oversees a whole-system model of support that includes the inpatient Briar Centre at Stonehouse Hospital, the Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service and the Vocational Assessment and Rehabilitation HUB in Hamilton. With a career spanning over three decades, Jane-Marie has consistently championed person-centred and innovative rehabilitation approaches. After qualifying as an occupational therapist in 1989, she joined NHS Lanarkshire in 1997 and later led the establishment of the region's first specialist community brain injury rehabilitation service in 2012. She has since been a key force behind the creation of the inpatient Briar Centre, leading a pioneering, AHP-led model that supports people at every stage of recovery. The Briar Centre features ten inpatient beds, a state-of-the-art rehab suite, therapy kitchen, sensory equipment and a therapeutic garden. Providing seamless care from hospital to home, the service supports around 250 people in Lanarkshire each year who sustain brain injuries requiring specialist rehabilitation. The centre enables individuals to access personalised, life-changing care closer to home, delivered by a skilled and compassionate team focused on restoring independence and quality of life. In 2024, it received the Special Recognition Award at the NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards, celebrating its innovative and patient-centred approach. Reflecting its national impact, the centre was recently visited by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who met with staff, patients and families and praised its leading role in brain injury rehabilitation. Speaking about the honour, Jane-Marie said: 'I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. It has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate and skilled colleagues over the years and to support individuals and their families as they rebuild their lives after brain injury. This honour reflects the strength of teamwork across services and the importance of continually striving to improve the care we provide.' Louise Long MBE, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to see Jane-Marie's exceptional contribution recognised at national level. Her leadership, compassion and innovation have been instrumental in transforming brain injury rehabilitation in Lanarkshire. Her MBE is richly deserved.' Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, added: 'I am absolutely delighted for Jane-Marie on this fantastic achievement. This prestigious recognition is a testament to her continuing dedication to her patients, their families and her colleagues. 'Her unwavering commitment to the development of brain injury services in Lanarkshire has not only made a profound impact on those we serve but has also set an important example for others to follow.' And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and Village Bank & Trust Celebrate Grand Opening of Zion Woods Apartments
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), Village Bank & Trust, Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) and Brinshore Development joined local dignitaries on June 26 at the grand opening of Zion Woods Apartments, a new affordable housing development in Deerfield, Illinois. FHLBank Chicago awarded a $625,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through member, Village Bank & Trust, to assist with construction. Share FHLBank Chicago awarded a $625,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through member, Village Bank & Trust, to assist with construction. Zion Woods features 25 high-quality, environmentally friendly apartments that provide safe, stable, and affordable homes for individuals and families who live and work in the community. The development, located in Deerfield, increases access to affordable housing in the North Shore, an area where such options are critically limited. 'Creating a supportive workforce housing community is so important for people in Deerfield and we are proud to have provided financing to help bring this project to life,' said Stephanie Molster, Vice President at Village Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank. AHP grants subsidize the acquisition, new construction, or rehabilitation of rental or owner-occupied housing. Delivered in partnership with FHLBank Chicago financial institution members, these forgivable grants help to address ongoing housing supply challenges by expanding access to quality affordable housing in many communities. 'Zion Woods will enable individuals and families to affordably live and work in a vibrant community,' said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. 'We value Village Bank & Trust and Housing Opportunity Development Corporation's participation in our affordable housing initiatives, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate in support of this project.' In 2024, FHLBank Chicago awarded $48 million in AHP General Fund grants to 35 affordable housing projects. The grants will help create over 1,300 new or rehabilitated housing units. FHLBank Chicago will announce 2025 grant awardees this fall. 'The opening of the Zion Woods project in Deerfield is a shining example of what we can achieve when investment and local vision come together,' said Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10). 'Affording a home is a challenge that far too many in our community face, and I'm grateful to the many leaders and partners who brought this project to life. Together, we are building a better community and future for our neighbors.' HODC collaborated with the Village of Deerfield, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago's Affordable Housing Program (AHP), local advocates, and neighbors to bring this vision to life. 'This project has been many years in the making, and it's incredibly moving to now see residents moving in and thriving,' said Richard Koenig, Executive Director of HODC. 'Zion Woods stands as a powerful example of what is possible when communities come together to ensure everyone has a place to call home.' 'Zion Woods is the result of years of perseverance, planning and partnership,' said David Brint Co-founding Principal of Brinshore Development. 'Today, we're not just delivering affordable housing but delivering on a promise made to this community, the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church and changing the lives of these residents for years to come.' For additional information about FHLBank Chicago's AHP General Fund, please visit About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago FHLBank Chicago is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with a focus on providing solutions that support the housing and community development needs of members' customers. FHLBank Chicago is a self-capitalizing cooperative, owned by its Illinois and Wisconsin members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. To learn more about FHLBank Chicago, please visit HODC creates and preserves high-quality, affordable housing so individuals and families can thrive. With over 700 homes developed across 35 properties and more in progress, we build everything from single-family homes to larger apartment communities. Our team brings deep expertise in affordable housing finance and development, including LIHTC and complex funding partnerships. Whether working independently or with partners, we deliver impactful, lasting housing solutions in communities that need them most.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Affordable Apartments Receive $1M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Arvest Bank
Officials Gather for Grand Opening of Arkansas Development for Residents 55 and older GRAVETTE, Ark., June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spavinaw Creek Senior Housing, which was built with the help of a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Arvest Bank, celebrated its grand opening today in Gravette, Arkansas. The AHP grant helped pay for the construction of the $7.3 million rental complex for residents ages 55 and older. The one- and two-bedroom apartments are reserved for residents with incomes that are 30 percent to 60 percent of the area's median income. "The funding allowed us to buy what was an abandoned former assisted living center, demolish it and build brand new affordable housing for seniors in Gravette," said Matt Darst, principal with Upward Housing Group. "The AHP grant filling the financing gap for our construction to deliver a fresh, new, energy efficient, affordable housing development that we are all proud of." The apartment complex opened in May and is nearly fully occupied, he said. "Spavinaw Creek Senior Housing addresses an extremely tight affordable housing market in Gravette and provides beautiful new housing that the city's aging residents can afford," Arvest Group CRA Director Virgil Miller said. "The support this project received from FHLB Dallas was critical in getting to the finish line." The development is near parks and walking trails and includes a clubhouse with a computer center, WiFi access and a book exchange library. AHP funds assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing and housing for homeless individuals. The funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area. "We value our relationship with Arvest Bank, which has supported many affordable housing developments over the years in Arkansas using our AHP grants," said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Our AHP grants have a long history of providing gap funding for affordable housing developments throughout our five-state District." In 2024, FHLB Dallas awarded $78.9 million in AHP General Fund grants to 41 affordable housing projects. The grants will help create 3,571 new or rehabilitated housing units. FHLB Dallas will announce 2025 grant awardees this fall. Learn more about the FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Program. About Arvest Bank With more than $26 billion in assets, Arvest Bank is a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its more than 830,000 retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect. Its extensive network of more than 200 banking locations provides loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing as a part of its growing list of digital services. Arvest is known for its commitment to the communities it serves and to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse group of talented people. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more please visit About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $109.9 billion as of March 31, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Corporate CommunicationsFederal Home Loan Bank of (214) 441-8445 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Affordable Apartments Receive $1M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Arvest Bank
GRAVETTE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spavinaw Creek Senior Housing, which was built with the help of a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Arvest Bank, celebrated its grand opening today in Gravette, Arkansas. The AHP grant helped pay for the construction of the $7.3 million rental complex for residents ages 55 and older. The one- and two-bedroom apartments are reserved for residents with incomes that are 30 percent to 60 percent of the area's median income. 'The funding allowed us to buy what was an abandoned former assisted living center, demolish it and build brand new affordable housing for seniors in Gravette,' said Matt Darst, principal with Upward Housing Group. 'The AHP grant filling the financing gap for our construction to deliver a fresh, new, energy efficient, affordable housing development that we are all proud of.' The apartment complex opened in May and is nearly fully occupied, he said. 'Spavinaw Creek Senior Housing addresses an extremely tight affordable housing market in Gravette and provides beautiful new housing that the city's aging residents can afford,' Arvest Group CRA Director Virgil Miller said. 'The support this project received from FHLB Dallas was critical in getting to the finish line.' The development is near parks and walking trails and includes a clubhouse with a computer center, WiFi access and a book exchange library. AHP funds assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing and housing for homeless individuals. The funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area. 'We value our relationship with Arvest Bank, which has supported many affordable housing developments over the years in Arkansas using our AHP grants,' said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. 'Our AHP grants have a long history of providing gap funding for affordable housing developments throughout our five-state District.' In 2024, FHLB Dallas awarded $78.9 million in AHP General Fund grants to 41 affordable housing projects. The grants will help create 3,571 new or rehabilitated housing units. FHLB Dallas will announce 2025 grant awardees this fall. Learn more about the FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Program. About Arvest Bank With more than $26 billion in assets, Arvest Bank is a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its more than 830,000 retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect. Its extensive network of more than 200 banking locations provides loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing as a part of its growing list of digital services. Arvest is known for its commitment to the communities it serves and to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse group of talented people. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more please visit About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $109.9 billion as of March 31, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit
