The day was chaired by the very charismatic Kate Tym. Kate is a carer by experience, writer and founder of Coffin Club UK. She shared some personal insights of supporting someone with an acquired brain injury and did a fantastic job of bringing lightness and energy to the day.
In the morning sessions, we heard from Dr Czarina Kirk, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, who presented on managing risk in complex neurorehabilitation.
Next, Jamil Hussain, an Expert by Experience, shared his own story of recovery. His presentation included the remarkable progress he made, with the support of Cygnet Brunel and his family. The session was followed by lots of questions from the audience, who were keen to learn what he felt were the most powerful tools in his recovery.
Just before lunch, we heard from Dr Emma Warren, Senior Clinical Psychologist. Dr Warren spoke about the importance of considering the brain before the brain injury during rehabilitation through sharing case studies.
The lunch break gave delegates time to chat with our sponsors, NRC medical Experts and Milbotix, who had exhibition stands at the event. There were also poster presentations on display, submitted by team members from Cygnet Neuropsychiatry services.
In the afternoon, Dr Mark Edwards presented ‘Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)’, another topic which sparked lots of questions from delegates about how we can support service users diagnosed with FND – and educate staff with less understanding of the condition too.
The final sessions were an opportunity for delegates to join a special interest group of their choice. The Special Interest Sessions allowed for an in depth focus on a range of topics including neurodegenerative conditions and the world of capacity assessments within a rehabilitation environment.
Rachael Chamberlain, Cygnet’s Business Development Director (Neurological) said, “Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation is one of the lesser known pathways within the world of Neurological Rehabilitation. To be able to hold a conference on this topic, with nationally and internationally renowned speakers attending was an ambitious goal to achieve but I am delighted that we were able to do this in the heart of the North West of England.
“The onset of psychiatric disorders post brain injury is a lesser talked about topic but so vital to focus upon if we are to deliver truly person centred rehabilitation. What a perfect way to recognise World Mental Health Day?”
Overall, the day was a great success, with delegates sharing that the sessions were engaging and informative. It was fantastic to hear from so many different perspectives on Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation.