Rehabilitation Centre Praised Following MSP Visit

A pioneering rehabilitation centre, supported by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), has been praised following an MSP visit. 

Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, made the visit to the Sir Jules Thorn Co-Creation Centre for Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Strathclyde earlier this month. 

The Centre, supported by  CHSS since 2022, empowers individuals to take a supported self management approach to rehabilitation. So far the Centre has helped more than 120 stroke survivors leading to improvements across various measures of function and quality of life, beyond just physical mobility.  

Joanne Graham, Director of Service Delivery at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “It was great to welcome Jackie Baillie to the Centre and showcase the excellent work carried out by the University of Strathclyde and CHSS in this partnership. 

“Through cutting-edge, technology-driven resources, users are guided to set personal goals and track their progress in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable. 

“This approach closely aligns with our No Life Half Lived strategy, which envisions a Scotland where everyone affected by chest, heart, stroke, and Long Covid conditions can live full, supported lives. Our strategy strives for to ensure every person with our conditions has access to quality supported self management and community recovery, designed by and for people with lived experience. 

“One of the biggest takeaways from the day was speaking to service users who shared their experiences of using the centre. It was amazing to hear about people’s confidence, motivation physical and mental wellbeing improving through the programme. 

“That’s why visits by leaders like Jackie are so important for us so we can ensure the principles of No Life Half Lived are not only heard but acted upon. Jackie’s involvement with CHSS helps amplify the voices of those who benefit from rehabilitation and strengthens the case for continued investment in person-centred recovery services. 

“Together, we can shape a future where rehabilitation is accessible, empowering, and truly transformative.” 

The visit also comes as CHSS is supporting another technology supported rehab gym (TERG) in Dundee which aims to increase access to evidence-based rehabilitation for stroke survivors. 

Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s Health Spokesperson, said: “Scottish Labour backs the right to rehab for stroke survivors so that they have the best chance of recovering their independence and quality of life. 

“This Centre shows the power of stroke survivors, charities and scientists working together — there is no reason why the tools developed here couldn’t be provided in leisure centres and gyms around the country. 

“I urge the Scottish Government to listen to stroke campaigners and support this brilliant initiative so that stroke survivors across Scotland have the tools they need to rebuild their lives.” 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.