The group’s services are designed to improve the function, reduce symptoms, and enhance the well-being of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI), spinal injury and other neurological conditions.
“We work hard to put our clients at the heart of life and to create a friendly, welcoming environment”
Sue Houston
Established in 1998, the group operates from 10 centres located across the UK, 90% of which are rated “good” or “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission.
The company is also a Headway approved provider with services reflecting the specific needs of people with ABI and a member of the Independent Neurorehabilitation Providers Alliance.
Ms Houston, a registered nurse with 42 years’ experience, is currently conducting research into sepsis in neurological patients.
She joined Christchurch in 2013 and has spent six years working as the registered home manager at The Laurels – a specialist community-based centre focussed on transitional rehabilitation in Lincoln.
The Laurels was the first post-acute neurological unit in the UK to be rated “outstanding” by CQC.
“Sue has a proven track record in delivering this and best quality care to our clients”
Richard McKenzie
In her new role, Ms Houston will be responsible for co-ordination and supervision of evidence-based nursing and best practice across the group, as well as clinical governance and further improving the quality of patient care.
She will also be responsible for patient care pathways that maximise their rehabilitation potential with the aim of discharging them to their home environment.
Other duties include ensuring that the requirements of nurses are met and that registered practitioners assess, plan and implement care of patients in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council code of conduct.
She will also develop and review policies relating to legal compliance and conduct high quality standard clinical audits, said the group.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Houston said: “The group receives clients directly from acute facilities and provides a care pathway that maximises their rehabilitation potential with the aim of discharging them to their home environment.
Sue Houston
Sue Houston, head of nursing, Christchurch Group
“We work hard to put our clients at the heart of life and to create a friendly, welcoming environment, so I’m enormously proud to be recognised with this promotion,” she said.
Richard McKenzie, chief executive of Christchurch Group, said: “Robust governance, safety, leadership, first class evidence-based nursing outcomes and training are top of our agenda.
“Sue has a proven track record in delivering this and best quality care to our clients,” said Mr McKenzie.
“Her promotion is very well deserved and is set to further bolster Christchurch Group’s excellent senior leadership team,” he added.
Neurorehabilitation is a complex medical process which aims to aid recovery from a nervous system injury, and to minimise or compensate for any functional alterations resulting from it.
https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/workforce/neurorehabilitation-service-provider-appoints-head-of-nursing/7029256.article