New inpatient referrals will be made in writing, using an appropriate referral form, to the Rehabilitation Consultant and will be discussed with the multi- disciplinary team. Following this discussion and possibly a pre – admission assessment visit, to the patient, a decision will be made as how to best meet the patients, needs.

Suitability for admission to St Cyril’s Rehabilitation Unit will be based on the following inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Patients will not be admitted if they meet any of the exclusion criteria outlined in Sections 1 – 6 below.

1. Presentation/condition

Inclusion: Brain injured adult of 18 years or over traumatic (RTA, Assault, Fall) and non-traumatic (CVA, encephalitis) origin ranging from those with disorders of consciousness, i.e., vegetative, minimally conscious state (including those with a tracheostomy), to those with cognitive and behavioural disabilities, including those potentially in a locked-in syndrome, but excluding those who require secure services. St Mary’s hospital can provide for patients who require secure services as long as the patients meet the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act (1983).

We do not except fully-ventilated patients, but do consider patients with indwelling tracheostomies.

Other patients with complex needs requiring interdisiplinary rehabilitation may be considered on an individual basis after discussion with the MDT

2. Suitability for rehabilitation programme

Inclusion:Willing to cooperate with staff and to participate in a programme of rehabilitation. Pre-admission assessment identifies potential to improve and benefit from a rehabilitation programme.

Exclusion:The patient’s needs would be better met within an alternative service e.g a specialist spinal injury unit.

3. Age

Inclusion: Over the age of 18 + years.

Exclusion:Under the age of 18 years