Acquired brain injury (ABI) is brain damage caused by events after birth, rather than as part of a genetic or congenital disorder. Common causes include falls, road traffic accidents or diseases affecting the brain. ABI can result in cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioural impairments that lead to permanent or temporary changes in functioning.

The Care Quality Commission are an independent regulator of health and social care in England, who monitor, inspect and rate hospitals, GPs and care homes, for their fundamental standards of care. These inspections are then rated as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards – are amendments to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, allows restraint and restriction to be used, but ONLY if they are in the person’s best interest.

Multi-Disciplinary Team – a group of clinical professionals from different backgrounds working together to provide the best programme of care.

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults – is to protect any person aged 18 or over from abuse. Forms of abuse include; physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect, professional abuse, sexual abuse, racism and sexism. The Bedford Adult Safeguarding Team can be contacted on 01234 276222. Or email address is adult.protection@bedford.gov.uk

• Traumatic Brain Injury – as a result of an accident, fall or assault
• Acquired Brain Injury – due to a haemorrhage, infection, tumour or hypoxic damage (lack of oxygen)
• Other Long Term Neurological Conditions that meet our admission criteria

• National Health Service
• Local Social Services
• Legal, insurance and associated Case Management Services
• Privately

We understand the role of commissioning bodies and very much seek to work closely with those bodies both from a referral basis and in highlighting our therapeutic outcomes and successes.

The Admissions Process aims to be straightforward and is designed to help the transition to our Neurological Rehabilitation Unit be as simple as possible. Please click here for further information

At all times throughout this process we will welcome the engagement and input of the families and friends of those individuals considered for referral.  Formal visits to our facility at Manton Heights are welcomed.

This is normally funded through either the NHS, Social Services (or a combination of) and, in some cases, through insurance.

We would suggest that you bring the following personal items; day and night clothes including underwear, coat, shoes/slippers, toiletries, medication, books or other electronic devices such as a laptop or tablet, photographs, glasses, hearing aids, mobile phone and a small amount of money.

We have an open-door policy for visiting. However, we would ask your family and friends to refer to your Weekly Programme to ensure they do not visit while therapy sessions are taking place.

Parking is free, there are a number of spaces outside the ABI Unit and the main care centre.

The service does have WIFI, the password will be available to you on admission.

Your post can be delivered to the main service. If you require support to open letters/parcels a member of staff can support you.

During your stay at the Manton Heights ABI Unit, it would be expected that you are supported by our retained GP practice, the De Parys Group. There are five surgeries you will be able to attend, all within the Bedford area. Our GP’s are extremely supportive and will do all they can together with our Consultant and team of Therapists to ensure your health and welfare.

To ensure you are able to purchase personal items and access the community we would ask that you bring in a small amount of money. We have a safe where money can be stored, a clear record is kept.

Yes, all of our staff have accredited medication training and are, therefore, able to provide you with your medication in accordance with the prescriber’s instructions.

A Review Meeting is an opportunity for you, your family, your funding placement offer, our Unit Manager and relevant Therapist(s) to meet in order to discuss your progress. Recommendations and future goals will be discussed at the meeting, this usually takes place four to six weeks following your admission.

Yes, you will be encouraged to formulate your Care Plan with a member of staff on admission as part of our person-centred approach and be part of the reviewing process on a monthly basis. We would also encourage you to be supported by your next of kin. You will be given the opportunity to make changes, agree and sign any documentation in relation to your needs.

A Weekly Programme is a timetable showing all activities, events and therapy sessions for the week ahead.