Latest news with #NHSLanarkshire
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
21 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!
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- 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.'
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Project SEARCH graduates 18 young people in Lanarkshire
This year's Project SEARCH cohort marks 15 years of the programme, which helps young adults with learning disabilities gain skills, work experience, and pathways to employment through hospital-based work placements. Since its launch, nearly 300 young people have taken part in the scheme, which began at University Hospital Wishaw and later expanded to University Hospitals Monklands and Hairmyres. Martin Hill, chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: "This event is always a highlight of the year for NHS Lanarkshire and for good reason. "It's a chance to celebrate the hard work of our students and the difference that real opportunities and strong partnerships can make." Project SEARCH is delivered in partnership by NHS Lanarkshire, New College Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire Councils, Serco, and ISS. Each participant completes two or three placements in hospital departments, building practical skills and confidence. Many graduates go on to secure jobs and live more independently. Mr Hill said: "Some of this year's graduates are already moving into work, including jobs with NHS Lanarkshire. "That's something we're really proud of. "It shows how we're helping create real career paths for people in our communities." The scheme's impact reaches beyond employment. Over the years, graduates have passed 13 driving tests, bought 22 homes, welcomed 15 children, and celebrated seven marriages—including two couples who met through the programme. North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy said: "I was delighted to be part of Project SEARCH's graduation. "The event recognises the learning achievements and skills development of young people with a view to them securing and retaining employment. "It was great to hear first-hand the students' experiences and their plans for the future. "Key to the project's success is the strong partnership working in place between the organisations involved who continue to support young adults increasing their employability, confidence and chance of securing employment in the general job market. "Congratulations to everyone involved."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Terminally ill husband and his wife make emotional road trip to honeymoon destination for 'final time'
Steven and Lorraine Cross are making the "once in a lifetime" trip to support the charity which has been there for them during Steven's cancer journey. A terminally ill dad and his wife are set to embark on a road trip of over 4,000 miles from Lanarkshire to Portugal to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts. Steven Cross, 57, and his wife Lorraine, 51, have visited the town of Alvor, which they call their "happy place", every year since celebrating their honeymoon there in 2007. However, this year's trip carries extra meaning, after Steven was diagnosed with cancer last October, and initially given just three to four months to live. However, he says he is "still standing" due to his treatment, and now wants to give something back to the people who have been there for him throughout the journey. The couple, from Wishaw, received support from the Maggie's Lanarkshire centre at Monklands Hospital, and decided to turn a trip they were already planning into a fundraiser for the charity, which helps people across the UK live well with cancer. They left from the centre in Airdrie on Friday, June 20, following a heartfelt send-off from Maggie's staff, representatives from NHS Lanarkshire and Neil Gray MSP's office, and their two daughters, Amiee, 21, and Kayleigh, 19. Speaking to the Record, Steven said: "I'm actually very blessed and very lucky to get the chance to go back, even if it is just this one last time. Every day I wake up and try to live and enjoy my life with my wife and daughters." Despite his initial prognosis, Steven has undergone treatment including six courses of chemotherapy, chemo tablets and radiotherapy for a tumour on his arm. He says he is "delighted" with the treatment he has received so far, and is determined he is "not in any rush to go anywhere". He hopes to be put forward for clinical trials once he returns from his trip. He added: "There's a lot of things to be grateful for, but more than anything it's the medical staff and NHS as a whole. I can't speak highly enough of them." He is also looking forward to the prospect of returning to work as a facilities technician, and prove he has the stamina to "keep ploughing away". The couple's campaign, Steven's Miles for Maggie's, aims to raise £1 for each mile travelled - covering both the journey there and back - totalling 4,086 miles. They raised over £2,000 via their JustGiving page before even leaving the centre, with the full goal set at £4,100. Steven said the fundraiser has "grown arms and legs" since being set up, and admitted he has found people's compassion and generosity quite emotional. He explained how the charity's support quickly had an impact during his treatment: "I've found Maggie's a great source of comfort. I was stuck in the house with the dog, with nowhere to go, and a nurse suggested I visit the centre. "I said 'no, that's not really my thing', but one day I drove over and it was like I had known these people forever. They were so welcoming, and it was a pleasant experience. I was expecting it to be clinical but it was a home from home. "I came away after my second or third visit and thought, if I can do something for them to give back, let's go for it, and decided to do this trip for them." Steven and Lorraine are expected to arrive in Portugal on Friday, June 27, after making a few stops along the way, including staying in a chateau in France, followed by a "mystery tour" seeing where the rest of the journey takes them, including places in Portugal they have never visited. Lorraine said: "When we go back to Portugal, it's like going home, it's our happy place. We know a lot of people over there, the kids grew up going there." Steven joked: "It will just be a bit of a challenge driving a right hand drive car on the opposite side of the road." He added that their friends in Portugal have also been supportive, with some travelling to Scotland to visit him following his diagnosis. Lorrie Cameron, Centre Head at Maggie's Lanarkshire, said: "We are so proud of Steven and Lorraine – their bravery and love are truly inspiring. "This campaign reflects what Maggie's is all about: community, compassion, and walking beside people through the most difficult times."
