News Article

A Gateshead based company which treats brain injured patients in their homes could soon be set to share its expertise with the world.

Hunters Moor Neuro Rehab was launched by Professor Mike Barnes, President of the World Federation of Neurological Rehabilitation (WFNR), and John Donovan, a former senior NHS manager specialising in complex disabilities.

The pair were inspired by research showing greater recovery rates in patients who continue to receive treatment at home after being discharged from hospital.

Through his role with WFNR, Professor Barnes is now hosting talks with secretaries of state for health in Poland and the Philippines, and says Hunters Moor has the potential to provide consultancy advice to health services around the globe.

Mr Donovan said: “Once patients are discharged they require co-ordinated support. With our unrivalled knowledge and expertise we combine medical disciplines including occupational and speech therapy and psychology, and take them to the patient.

“We currently provide community therapy programmes throughout the North East as well as UK wide rehabilitation assessment and consultancy. Thanks to a comprehensive marketing and PR strategy crafted with support from Business Link, we are already receiving calls from patients and their families from across the UK.”

Business Link, which provides advice and support to start up and established businesses in the region, helped the company to identify funding options.

John added: “Business Link not only identified suitable funding options but used its expertise and contacts to help us develop and implement our marketing campaign. Their help was vital in brokering relationships with communication professionals and investing in essential marketing tools such as mail shots and our website.

“Without Business Link it would not have been so simple and pain free to let the world know about our service, which has the potential to improve a significant number of lives.”

Steve Langdown, Business Link account manager, said: “For any business, effective communications with customers is key for growth but this is especially true for start-up businesses. Many entrepreneurs do not know where to turn but that is where our knowledge and experience comes into play.

“With guidance from Business Link plus strategic direction from Professor Barnes, Hunters Moor is already gaining an enviable reputation for delivering cutting edge treatment based on individual needs.”

Business Link’s substantial team of expert brokers operate across the region in local access points and on a mobile basis. For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.

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Picture shows from l to r: Business Link adviser Steve Langdown with John Donovan of Hunters Moor Neuro Rehab.

Media contacts: For more information on BLNE, the Business Link Service or the North East England Investment Centre, please contact Gardiner Richardson:

Matt Forster

PR Account Manager

Tel: 0191 261 4250

Mobile: 07525 668868

Email: mattf@gardiner-richardson.com

Philippa Clark

Senior PR Account Executive

Tel: 0191 261 4250

Email: philippac@gardiner-richardson.com