Josh joined Dr Alex Ball, Consultant and Clinical Lead, Rehabilitation Medicine at Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT), which runs Haywood Hospital, at the Westminster launch of the report on Acquired Brain Injury.
Dr Ball said: “I presented Josh’s case as an example of the long term cost benefits of inpatient specialist rehabilitation for national organisation, the UK Acquired Brain Injury Foundation (UKABIF). This led to his case being included in an all-party parliamentary working group, culminating in a report launched at the Houses of Parliament to a select committee.
“The report outlined the critical role of neuro-rehabilitation for brain injury survivors and the need for intense rehabilitation following a brain trauma. Josh’s story is an example of how effective treatment can be and we have been thrilled with the progress he has made and that he and his family were able to join me at the launch of the report.”
Following the accident in February 2016, Josh was rushed to the Royal Stoke Hospital – the designated Major Trauma Centre for Josh’s home town of Wrexham, North Wales – due to his severe injuries, before being transferred to Broadfield for his rehabilitation.
Despite a lengthy coma and early severe disabilities, Josh went on to achieve an excellent recovery during his time in specialist rehabilitation on Broadfield and his goal to walk out of hospital was realised a year to the day after the accident.
Josh’s dad Pete Weeks, 51, who is a full-time carer for his son, along with his wife Kay, said the treatment on Broadfield was ‘invaluable’ to Josh’s recovery.
He said: “From the moment we got to Broadfield Ward the care was absolutely fantastic. From the speech and language therapists to the activities coordinator and particularly the Occupational Therapists, the care was wonderful and has been invaluable in Josh’s recovery and regaining his independence.
“It was a joint effort with Josh and that gave him a lot of confidence and made him feel like he had control of his own rehabilitation. The support hasn’t stopped since we left either – Dr Ball has been fantastic and is always at the end of the phone for advice.
“It’s not only the specialist hands on help Josh received but also the knowledge and confidence the team gave us as parents to keep going with Josh's recovery and progress which was so valuable.”
Pete and his wife joined Josh and Dr Ball at the launch of the report and Pete said they were delighted to support it and help spread awareness of the importance of neuro-rehabilitation.
He said: “The rehabilitation Josh received on Broadfield was invaluable – I have no doubt about that. He would not be anywhere near where he is today without that initial input. But, as the report points out, not everyone is as lucky as we were to have access to that which is why we are keen to spread awareness.
“I remember when we were on the Ward I saw a message in a thank you card from another patient which said ‘doctors saved my life, rehab gave me my life back’. I will never forget that as it is so, so true.”
Neil Carr, Chief Executive of MPFT added: “I am very proud of the work being carried out by our dedicated and multi-skilled team on Broadfield Ward to put the patient at the heart of what we do.
“Hearing about Josh’s remarkable progress highlights the fantastic work being done within MPFT to empower patients and their families and to make life better for the communities we serve.”
The report, including Josh’s case study on page 18, can be found at www.ukabif.org.uk/campaigns/appg-report/
You can also follow Josh’s progress on his Facebook page, Josh Weeks "Living with a Brain Injury".