MEP visits Stafford Headways Centre

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th May 2009

Liberal Democrat West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne today visited the Headways Centre in Stafford. The Headways Centre is a day centre service provided for people who have sustained head injuries from the age of 18 to 64.

Liz spoke about her work as the region's MEP and with members of the centre about the support they provide for people with head injuries.

Commenting after the visit Liz said:

"For many people with head injuries groups such as Headways can be the only source of support, which is why the services they provide, are so important. The Headways Centre is a great example of what can be achieved and I congratulate them for that.

"However, we must ensure the Government does much more to prioritise head injuries, which often sadly are not top of the agenda, as well as doing more to provide support and back up.

" I believe we can learn alot from other European Countries in this area by looking at what they are doing and sharing best practice effectively. By working together we can fight to ensure that everyone across the European Union receives the best care possible.

Maxwell Rey, Chairperson of South Staffordshire Headways, commented

"I am passionate about Headways; brain injuries are all too often the Cinderella of health problems and receive a lack of attention and action compared to other injuries despite the fact that head injury affects so many people."

Vicki Evans, manager of Headways South Staffordshire Group said

"Headways are trying to be an intermediary between services. We have recently set up the acquired injury care pathway forum to make sure services from healthcare professionals to carers to support staff are able to talk to each other in order to provide the best standard of care and support for people who have suffered head injuries or strokes."

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please contact Liz Lynne on 01789 262785 or 07764 452725