2018 Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Discussion at Westminster

In 2018, the Kent Brain Injury Forum (KBIF) organised a discussion at the House of Commons to explore the future of brain injury neurorehabilitation.

Presentation and Discussion on Clinical Research Using Innovative Technology for Improved Health and Wellbeing for People with Brain Injury

1. Robotic technology for rehabilitation of people living with long term neurological conditions, Clinical research trials using Rex robotic for people with MS
2. Ideas from Kent Brain Injury Forum to enhance care in Kent & Medway County
3. Prevalence of traumatic brain injury and extent of disability in military veterans, a population study
4. Poster: Assistive technologies and reducing long term neurological disability – ADAPT & EDUCAT EU research projects
5. Summary, thanks and opportunities for questions – Dr Mohamed Sakel

KBIF Chairman, Dr Mohamed Sakel, presented the proposal for the discussion. Rosie Duffield MP led the programme, with Dr Sakel co-chairing the event alongside her. The discussion was also supported by Chris Bryant MP.

The event brought together senior stakeholders from the field of brain injury and neurorehabilitation, providing an opportunity to consider the proposal from a range of clinical and professional perspectives. Professor Wilkinson and Professor Bateman of the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF) contributed an academic analysis, alongside wider expert contributions.

Dr Sakel concluded by committing to report on the progress and tasks generated through the event, with the aim of continuing to advance the discussion and support improvements in brain injury rehabilitation.

Following the event, Professor Karen Saunders published an article reflecting on the launch and highlighting the urgent challenges facing brain injury neurorehabilitation. She emphasised the increasing demand for specialist services, pressures on the NHS workforce and the need to better address the longer-term needs of people living with brain injury in the community. The meeting was described as a successful opportunity to build momentum and bring together those working to improve services for people affected by brain injury. Her full article, Launch of Kent & Medway Brain & Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Initiative, can be read in full here.

Building on the work and discussions initiated in 2018, the Kent Brain Injury Forum will return to Westminster in September 2026 for a further discussion on traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. The event, taking place at the House of Commons on Tuesday 8 September 2026, will reflect on the progress made since the 2018 initiative and consider priorities and next steps for the future. Rosie Duffield MP will chair and sponsor the discussion, with Dr Mohamed Sakel as Co-Chair.

Read more about the 2026 Westminster discussion