A HEALTHCARE provider that works with the NHS has appointed a neuropsychology lead to develop forward thinking and inclusive services.

Cygnet Health Care has announced the appointment of Sue Copstick as its neuropsychology lead, who will also deliver and develop neuropsychology provision at two of the firm's neuropsychiatric services; Newham House in Middlesbrough and Pindar House in Barnsley.

Ms Copstick, a consultant clinical neuropsychologist, has previously worked at NHS neuroscience centres before becoming clinical director of an independent neuro-rehabilitation provider nearly seven years ago.

At Cygnet, she will oversee national neuropsychiatric rehabilitation services.

Ms Copstick, a fellow of the Division of Neuropsychology UK and academic, will be developing services for people with acquired brain injuries, which result in nearly 1000 hospital admission each day across the UK.

She said: “We specialise in taking complex cases, often with psychiatric co-morbidities, and I pleased to be using evidence-based rehabilitation neuropsychology practice to expand and improve services to those with neurological conditions with my new colleagues at Cygnet.

"Some of the effects of brain injury or disease are hidden or subtle, particularly when the person with the injury can move and communicate normally.

"Others may have a reduced ability to recognise emotions, which can cause social difficulties, and some people with a brain injury can experience significant language, memory and new learning problems.

"We never forget that the person, the essence of someone's sense of self and self-identity never goes, and that a person's memories, culture, values and motives continue to burn strongly whatever has happened.

"Our rehabilitation services use these strengths, and in addition to our bespoke treatments and methods, we work to help people learn compensatory strategies in order to lead independent lives."

Rachael Chamberlain, business development director for Cygnet’s neuropsychiatric services, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sue to the team.

"She will provide a valuable contribution to the specialist neuropsychiatric rehabilitation programmes Cygnet offers for those affected by a brain injury or who have a neurodegenerative condition.”