Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 16 April 2008

UP TO 160 jobs will be created when a new £5 million specialist brain injury centre is set up in Carlisle next year.

The purpose-built facility is the result of a new partnership between the University of Cumbria and Neuro Partners, a firm which specialises in neurological rehabilitation.

It will be based in Carlisle, though a location has yet to be confirmed. It is expected to open in autumn 2009.

The centre will specialise in the treatment of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), which can be brought about by anything from a road accident or fight to a fall or even a stroke.

Neuro Partners Ltd is one of only a few providers of focused ABI treatment and rehabilitation in the country.

Originally set up in the north east, the firm has now rolled out services across Cumbria and has a permanent office in Carlisle.

A large proportion of its funding in the county comes from the NHS, via Cumbria Primary Care Trust (PCT).

It is currently in the middle of a recruitment drive, with bosses looking to appoint 100 additional staff to provide services within local communities over the coming year.

A further 120 to 160 positions will then be created when the new specialist centre is finally up and running.

As there is currently a shortage of specialist providers, ABI patients often have to travel outside the county for treatment, which can result in long journey times and can cost more than £300,000 per person.

The new partnership will enable many of these individuals to receive treatment in their own community, fitting in with the PCT’s ongoing Closer to Home strategy.

Bosses say that the aim is to ensure services in Cumbria are among the most accessible in the country, with treatment that focuses on the individual needs of each patient.

They say they have chosen the University of Cumbria, and the city of Carlisle, for a number of reasons.

This includes the county’s challenging geography, which makes it difficult for many to access existing services, and the fact that an urban area is the ideal environment to encourage rehabilitation.

This process often requires a combination of several methods, including occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychology, expertise all of which is available at the University of Cumbria.

They say discussions are also under way which may lead to university students working within the new facility.

Martin Gannon is head of enterprise and strategic partnerships at the university, which was established in August last year.

He said: “This partnership is fantastic news for the people of Cumbria and such a facility is desperately needed.

“We are delighted to be working alongside a company with a proven track record in this important area and look forward to providing the region with levels of care that will be amongst the best in the country.”

Jonathan Wade, managing director at Neuro Partners, said: “Neuro Partners inpatient rehab unit and community service is all about providing local services for local people and creating local employment. We are recruiting heavily for community staff at the moment throughout Cumbria and this will ensure there is a seamless provision going from inpatient to community living.

“Working with the University of Cumbria, Carlisle City Council, the PCT and organisations like Headway has been a joy in Cumbria. They are welcoming, supportive and engaging, creating the environment one needs for investment on this scale.”