Latest news with #King'sBirthdayHonoursList2025
STV News
28-06-2025
- 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
27-06-2025
- 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!
Glasgow Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
NHS Lanarkshire worker awarded MBE for brain injury work
Jane-Marie Stobie, an Allied Health Professions consultant in Brain Injury Rehabilitation, was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 for her outstanding contribution. She is the clinical lead for NHS Lanarkshire's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service and oversees support for patients across the Briar Centre at Stonehouse Hospital, the Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, and the Vocational Assessment and Rehabilitation Hub in Hamilton. Read more: Temporary loading and waiting ban announced on two Rutherglen streets Ex-Liverpool midfielder joins Champions League rivals of Rangers Having qualified as an occupational therapist in 1989, she joined NHS Lanarkshire in 1997 and went on to establish the area's first specialist community brain injury rehabilitation service in 2012. Ms Stobie was also behind the creation of the Briar Centre. The Briar Centre has 10 inpatient beds, a rehabilitation suite, therapy kitchen, sensory equipment, and a therapeutic garden. The service supports around 250 people in Lanarkshire each year who require specialist rehabilitation after sustaining brain injuries. Ms Stobie 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, said: "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.'
Edinburgh Reporter
18-06-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish charity founders help 200,000 children annually with surgery network
A husband and wife have both been awarded honours in the King's Birthday Honours List for their contribution to children's healthcare across the world. Garreth and Nicola Wood have been recognised with MBEs for services to health and charity, particularly surgery for children internationally- a nod to their transformative work through the charity they co-founded, Kids Operating Room. The six-year-old charity is a Scottish-based global health organisation creating permanent paediatric operating rooms in low and middle income countries. With projects in more than 40 countries, the charity has helped build capacity for nearly 200,000 life-saving operations annually. Professor George G Youngson CBE, Trustee of Kids Operating Room, said: 'The impact that our charity has had on the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of children across the world is a testament to the leadership, commitment and energy shown by our co-founders, Garreth and Nicola Wood. 'Kids Operating Room is delighted that Garreth and Nicola have both been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025, a richly deserved recognition.' As co-founders, Garreth and Nicola have helped guide the charity from an ambitious idea into a globally recognised organisation working to solve a critical and largely hidden global health emergency – the lack of access to safe surgical care for children in low-resource countries. Garreth Wood, MBE, Executive Chairman of Kids Operating Room, said: 'From co-founding Kids Operating Room together, to championing causes close to our hearts here in Scotland and around the world, our journey has always been about giving every child a fairer start in life. 'Nicola and I were deeply honoured to each receive an MBE for 'Services to Health and Charity, particularly Surgery for Children internationally'. 'It's humbling to be recognised in this way, and even more special to share this moment side-by-side with Nicola.' Kids Operating Room invests in building local capacity for paediatric surgery by installing state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure, providing training and equipment to local teams, and pioneering the use of solar-powered operating rooms to combat unreliable power supply in remote regions. Over the past seven years, the charity has installed close to 100 paediatric operating rooms across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its innovative solar surgery systems have been deployed in over 200 hospitals, allowing uninterrupted life-saving operations even during blackouts. It recently installed solar panels at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya to avoid disastrous power outages that resulted in the hospital only able to use one theatre, causing huge back logs. Nicola Wood, MBE, Co-founder and Trustee, said: 'We're so incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. The dedication, passion and belief of our colleagues around the world, who are working tirelessly to build a fairer world for children, inspires us every day. 'These awards are a tribute to the entire team at Kids Operating Room. We are more motivated than ever to keep going.' Kids Operating Room achievements include preventing more than 11 million years of disability and generating over $20 billion of economic benefit for partner countries. The charity's long-term vision is to become redundant – a world where every nation has the infrastructure and expertise to care for its children without relying on external aid. David Cunningham, CEO of Kids Operating Room said: 'I cannot think of two more worthy recipients of an honour. Each and every day, both Garreth and Nicola transform the lives of children around the world. 'It takes tremendous generosity to work so tirelessly to make the lives of complete strangers so significantly better. Everyone at Kids Operating Room is extremely proud to be part of their team and of the work they have inspired and continue to lead with such energy and enthusiasm.' Kids Operating Room has ambitious plans to scale further. In 2019, it pledged to install 100 operating rooms by 2030. That goal was met four and a half years early. Now, the charity is doubling down with a new pledge to install another 100 rooms by the end of 2030. Despite ongoing challenges in the global funding landscape, the charity continues to grow. Garreth and Nicola have personally pledged to underwrite core running costs for the next six years, helping ensure that every external donation goes directly to front-line projects. With headquarters in Edinburgh and a Global Operations Centre in Dundee, Kids Operating Room continues to punch well above its weight on the world stage. The charity remains a shining example of Scottish innovation and global solidarity in healthcare. Garreth and Nicola Wood Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
Police apology to Nuneaton locals left waiting for parcel deliveries after discovery
Police have apologised to residents in Nuneaton who may still be waiting for parcels to be delivered. It comes after they stopped a delivery driver's car. They found out that the driver, who has not been identified, was delivering parcels without any insurance. As a result, they had to seize the car. The driver was also reported to court. But, in the meantime, it means that all of the parcels that the driver was due to deliver have been delayed. READ MORE: Car involved in 'dangerous' Nuneaton police chase found at pub with suspects 'hiding' READ MORE: The Nuneaton trio honoured in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 revealed A post on the Nuneaton and Bedworth Police page on Facebook explained: "Apologies to some residents of Nuneaton who are awaiting parcels today- the driver of this vehicle was delivering parcels without any insurance to be doing so. "Vehicle has been seized and reported for the driving offence. If driving a vehicle- ensure you have the correct documentation to be doing so." The action today (June 16) comes after local teams also seized two bikes on Friday (June 13). It followed what they described as some 'excellent information' from a member of the public. One was seized for being driven on the public road with no insurance and the other for being stolen. They said that the stolen bike will be returned to its rightful owner.
