Moore Barlow Partner and Head of Major Trauma Service, Trevor Sterling, along with clients, Hannah and Mostafiz McWann, have told ITV London News about the impact Covid-19 has had on people with serious brain injuries and others living with “hidden” conditions.
Moore Barlow has supported Hannah Mcwann and her family since December 2017. Hannah suffered a catastrophic brain injury after she was hit by a bus at a zebra crossing. Since the incident Hannah has undergone daily rehabilitation and therapy sessions from several carers and therapists. This all changed in March this year, when the country went into lockdown and the risk of carers coming into the McWann family home and spreading the virus was judged to be too great. Lockdown meant therapists and carers, who are vital for Hannah’s recovery, could no longer support her. The role of carer was placed on Hannah’s husband and children who were home from school. No progress has been made on her condition since March.
The experience of the McWann family is sadly not uncommon. As the country went into lockdown in response to the spread of Covid-19, many families also had to become the primary carer to a loved one. As a nation, we need to recognise the impact Covid-19 has had on the “hidden” victims, like Hannah whose rehabilitation and recovery from a catastrophic brain injury was put on hold.
It is time for the Government to look at the effect Covid-19 has had on some of our most vulnerable citizens and support the work of charities, such as Headway and the Child Brain Injury Trust, who do such brilliant work for people with serious brain injury, but whose resources have depleted during this period. The Government must rectify the shortfall in provision with capital investment in care services.
Trevor Sterling, Partner, Community Care, Major Trauma
