UKABIF Response to Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England

UKABIF has welcomed the Government’s commitment to community rehabilitation in the 10 Year Health Plan for England and called for a statutory Right to Rehab for those who have experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI).

As part of the strategy to shift care from hospitals to new Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs), the NHS 10-year plan commits to delivering “effective rehabilitation in the community” - an important step towards the provision of specialist rehabilitation services in every community in the UK. Ministers have also promised to develop an ABI action plan by autumn 2025.

Currently, those who experience a debilitating brain injury face a postcode lottery of provision, while the hidden toll of brain injury costs the UK economy a staggering £43 billion a year, according to a report commissioned by UKABIF and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Acquired Brain Injury.

UKABIF is calling on the Government to introduce a statutory right to rehabilitation, so that specialist services can be protected in the face of real pressure on NHS budgets. 

Chloe Hayward, Executive Director of UKABIF, said: “We welcome the commitment to community rehabilitation in the 10 Year Health Plan for England and look forward to working with ministers on the development of the ABI action plan. Our recently published report, A Right To Rehab, sets out the cost of acquired brain injury to the UK economy and makes the case for investment in rehabilitation. We are calling on the Government to commit to the recommendations of the report, including the introduction of a statutory right to both specialist in patient and community rehabilitation.”

She added, “Giving patients a right to rehab would not only transform outcomes for patients, but would also deliver substantial economic and social returns. It reduces long-term healthcare costs, increases workforce participation, and alleviates pressure on social services. At the same time, it strengthens communities by enabling individuals with brain injuries to lead more fulfilling lives, contribute to society, and support their families. The ripple effect of these outcomes benefits everyone.”