The Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network celebrates 10 years of service

Professionals from a number of different backgrounds gathered at The Walton Centre in November to celebrate ten years of the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network (CMRN).

The CMRN, a collaboration of commissioning and provider partners, held a showcase event this week to highlight the different aspects of the network, with the theme ‘strengthening partnerships and collaborative working’.

A number of activities took place on the day, including a roadshow showcasing the work of the different teams, presentations and videos from recovering patients and interactive sessions. 

The CMRN was set up ten years ago after it was recognised that by improving the trauma pathway in the region, a new collaborative pathway for patients with complex rehabilitation need, regardless of diagnosis, was required. A number of specialities are involved in the network, including medics, a range of therapists and nursing staff.

The CMRN is the first of its kind in England, providing a coordinated pathway of care from hospital to community, which can be accessed by patients at any point in their rehabilitation journey. The network is dedicated to specialist rehabilitation based on need, not diagnosis, following traumatic injury or illness.

During the event patients and staff with experience of the network shared stories and learning about how much the network has changed since it began. There were also interactive sessions, where visitors could experience activities such as art and animal-assisted therapy – both widely used in the network. 

Angie Harrison, CMRN Manager, said:

“It’s been fantastic to celebrate the network in this way! We hope that everyone who attended was able to take away something away from the event – be it an inspiring patient story or a way of working that can be applied to their area of work.

“The network is all about helping patients get the right treatment, rehabilitation at the right time and place, and ultimately as much independence as possible. Here’s to another ten years!”

Tony Newman, a patient, said of his rehabilitation journey:

“From the minute I got there, it was amazing. All the staff were just fantastic. I knew I needed to be there. Everyone treated me with dignity. I couldn’t move at first, but we set goals and managed to hit them every two weeks. All the different departments referred me to the right community support. I’ve got a plan for my daily routine. I’m now able to walk with two walking sticks, still a little bit cautious, but I’m getting stronger every day.” 

Find more information about the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network here.

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