BURNLEY MP Julie Cooper has called for government action to ensure adequate provision of specialist rehabilitation services for people who suffer brain injuries.

The Labour health spokeswoman told a Westminster debate on the issue: " Improvements in medical procedures and acute care have led to improved survival rates for those who acquire an injury to the brain.

"Early and continued access to specialist rehabilitation has been shown to optimise the chances of recovery and to be extremely cost effective.

" However, the number of available beds across the UK is inadequate. Service provision is variable; consequently, long-term outcomes for brain injury survivors are compromised.

" Will the government commit to introduce a neuro-rehabilitation consultant ​in every major trauma centre? ."

Junior health minister Seema Kennedy said: " All trauma networks should review access to rehabilitation consultants and make improvements.

"Patients should have either a rehabilitation consultant or an alternative clinician with skills and competencies in rehabilitation to provide an initial formulation and plan to complete and perform a rehabilitation prescription."