An award-winning facility for brain injury rehabilitation in a Lanarkshire hospital has celebrated its first anniversary.

The Briar Centre, located within NHS Lanarkshire's Stonehouse Hospital, marked the milestone with a tour.

These included the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Susan Haughey CBE, and the Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Margaret Cooper.

The centre has rapidly gained a reputation as a leader in its field, recently winning the Special Recognition Award at NHS Lanarkshire's staff awards.

Jane-Marie gives a tour of the centre (Image: South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership) The establishment of the Briar Centre has provided a significant enhancement to community-based care, offering 10 inpatient beds exclusively for the assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injuries.

Before its opening, individuals with brain injuries severe enough to require hospitalisation were admitted to a general ward in acute hospitals.

Jane-Marie Stobie, allied health professional consultant for Brain Injury Rehabilitation, said: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injuries and, in just 12 months, we have already helped changes the lives of 40 patients.

“Our holistic approach to rehabilitation brings together inpatient care, community support and vocational rehabilitation, ensuring patients care tailored to their very particular needs throughout their entire recovery journey.

“Thanks to the expertise and commitment of our multi-disciplinary team, we have experienced remarkable recoveries.

"We have worked with patients who were unable to stand when they came in - and then literally walk out the door and back into their homes, their workplaces and their communities."

Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "The Briar Centre stands at the forefront of innovation, setting new national standards in brain injury rehabilitation.

"The response of patients and families has been overwhelming, and my thanks to them for their engagement, their feedback and their support.”

Lady Haughey said: “I was delighted to be able to meet the team and witness the ground-breaking work being delivered at the Briar Centre."