Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill aims to improve services for adults and children with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in England and Wales. It mandates the creation of a national ABI strategy, guidance for relevant public bodies, and a duty for those bodies to act according to that guidance. The bill covers prevention, diagnosis, support, and training.

Description

The bill requires the Secretary of State to create and regularly review a national strategy for ABI services. This strategy must be published by April 1st, 2023 and include consultation with relevant stakeholders. A national authority (the Secretary of State in England and the Welsh Ministers in Wales) must issue guidance to public bodies on implementing this strategy by December 31st, 2022.

Key Aspects of the Guidance:

• Preventing ABI through initiatives such as improved concussion protocols in sports and workplace safety measures.
• Research into the causes of ABI.
• Improving diagnosis of ABI in various settings (prisons, schools, armed forces).
• Needs assessment and service provision, including neuro-rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and welfare payments.
• Staff training for those working with individuals with ABI.
• Local leadership arrangements for ABI services.

Public bodies (including local authorities, NHS bodies, the Ministry of Defence, HM Prison Service, and relevant government departments) are legally bound to follow this guidance in their actions.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be met from public funds. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Adults and children with acquired brain injuries: They will potentially benefit from improved services and support.
• Public bodies (local authorities, NHS bodies, Ministry of Defence, HM Prison Service, government departments): These bodies will have new responsibilities and duties under the bill, requiring them to implement the strategy and guidance, potentially impacting their budgets and operational processes.
• Healthcare professionals: Increased training and potentially workload related to the implementation of the strategy.
• Sports organisations: May be required to implement new concussion protocols.
• Employers: May need to enhance health and safety provisions to help prevent ABI.
• Researchers: The bill could lead to increased funding opportunities in ABI research.