An innovative digital rehabilitation model, backed by Health Innovation North West Coast, has been commissioned across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The Neuro Rehabilitation Online (NROL) model marks a major change in the way stroke and neurological rehabilitation services are delivered in the integrated care system (ICS). It also creates a blueprint for future delivery of other rehabilitation services.
NROL delivers real-time, clinician-led group rehabilitation sessions via video technology. The model has been designed to increase access to therapy, improve efficiency and support more equitable care for patients recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions.
NROL was created by University College London and the charity SameYou in 2020. It was brought to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and had some success, however a SBRI Health Care grant in January 2025 gave it the boost it needed to develop the service, and develop a framework to spread it throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria ICS and into neighbouring Cheshire and Merseyside.
Neuro Rehabilitation Online has shown to have a clear impact for patients for both access and recovery outcomes and is in line with improving access to rehabilitation while demonstrating how embedding research, innovation and technology can improve outcomes for our population.
Aaron Cummins
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB