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 and associated guidance for relevant public bodies, aiming to improve prevention, diagnosis, support, and treatment.

Description

The Acquired Brain Injury Bill requires the Secretary of State to create and publish a national strategy for ABI by April 1st, 2023. This strategy must address improving services provided by various public bodies, including local authorities, NHS bodies, the Ministry of Defence, HM Prison Service, and relevant government departments.

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Preventing ABI through initiatives like concussion protocols in sports and workplace health and safety.
• Researching the causes of ABI.
• Improving diagnosis of ABI in various settings (prisons, schools, armed forces).
• Assessing the needs of individuals with ABI and providing appropriate services (neuro-rehabilitation, physiotherapy, welfare payments).
• Training staff who work with individuals with ABI.
• Establishing local leadership for ABI services.

The bill also mandates that a relevant national authority (the Secretary of State for England and Wales, and the Welsh Ministers for Wales) issue guidance to the public bodies mentioned above on implementing the strategy by December 31st, 2022. Public bodies must act according to this guidance in their operations.

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 paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

• Adults and children with acquired brain injuries: The bill directly aims to improve services and support for this group.
• Public bodies (local authorities, NHS bodies, Ministry of Defence, HM Prison Service, government departments): These bodies will be responsible for implementing the strategy and guidance, potentially requiring changes to their operations and resource allocation.
• Healthcare professionals: The bill may lead to increased training and potentially altered service delivery for professionals working with individuals with ABI.
• Schools and educational settings: The bill's focus on identification and support in schools will affect staff and procedures within these environments.
• Sporting organizations: The bill promotes the development of concussion protocols, impacting the policies and practices of professional and amateur sports.
• Employers: The emphasis on workplace health and safety will likely affect employers' responsibilities and risk management strategies.

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