It’s hard to believe that 2019 is already drawing to a close! As we prepare to welcome in 2020, we take a moment to look back at some of our…and more importantly…our client’s highlights from 2019.

New Website and Video

Earlier this year, we gave our existing website a lick of paint and also filmed a new promotional video to showcase our state-of-the-art facility, the therapies available and the accommodation at STEPS.

The video not only shares the incredible rehabilitation journeys of some of our clients, but also the core values of STEPS: care, family, empowerment, dignity, collaboration and transparency. We’re so pleased with the final video, we put it on our homepage – it can be viewed here.

Industry Recognitions for STEPS Rehabilitation

Since opening our doors in 2017, we have built a national reputation for delivering high-quality inter-disciplinary medical and rehabilitation care to those recovering from brain injury, spinal cord injuries and complex trauma injuries. We have clients from across the UK and tailor our packages of care to the needs of individual clients, providing a bespoke, flexible approach to every rehabilitation journey to ensure those affected by life-changing injuries achieve their full potential.

It is wonderful to receive industry recognition for the work we do, and in 2019 we have been shortlisted at the following industry awards:

More recently, we were absolutely delighted to be named “Rehabilitation Provider of the Year” at the prestigious national Personal Injury Awards held on 27th November 2019. This is the second consecutive year that we have won the award, reaffirming the positive impact that we are having on those who have suffered serious injuries and illnesses.

The Judges said that we “Shone in patient satisfaction and adapting services to constantly meet and provide high-quality services…their outcomes we’re outstanding!”

Founding Director, Jules Leahy said,

“Our ethos is to create a rehabilitation environment with a strong family-feel, where positivity and a can-do approach is adopted by everyone working at STEPS. This has been the key to our success and enables us to achieve the very best outcomes for our clients. It is very much a team effort!”

STEPS Community

We work hard and play hard at STEPS and try to make the experience a ‘home from home’ for our clients by hosting recreational activities and welcoming guests to the facility.

This year we have kept our clients busy with Boccia Tournaments courtesy of Sheffield Smashers and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Wheelchair Skills with Andy and Hannah from the BackUp Trust, Belly Dancing and we even held our very own Sports Day in the Summer!

We’ve also had regular visitors in the form of snakes and two bearded dragons from The Animal Club UK, Apricot the Duck and Leo the Therapy Pony from Smile at Lightwood, Sheffield.

Ed at the Parklane Plowden Chambers Conference

In October, our client, Dr Ed Hudson, his solicitor David Tomlinson (Barratts Solicitors), consultant, Mr Pradeep Thumbikat and physiotherapist, Jo Shaw were invited to speak

at the Parklane Plowden Chambers annual Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Conference.

The focus of the day was ‘Litigation and rehabilitation: the role solicitors play in rebuilding lives.

The entire afternoon was dedicated to Ed’s story; from the day of his accident, to him returning home, and the team from STEPS who have treated and supported him on his rehabilitation

journey so far. The conference was the first time Ed has spoken publicly about his accident and he was wonderful. His talk was honest, engaging and totally inspiring and he stole the show when he walked across the room in the EksoGT exoskeleton suit – a video of which can be viewed here.

A Case Study – Rehabilitation following a Spinal Cord Injury

We’re so proud of each and every one of our clients at STEPS as they progress on their rehabilitation and would love to share everyone’s stories with you!

In this blog however, we focus on Shaun’s Story – who came to STEPS following a serious motorbike accident in April 2018. Shaun sustained an incomplete fracture (T7/8) and lesion on (T2) to the spine. After completing a 3-rehabilitaiton programme at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Unit in Sheffield, he arrived at STEPS for a 6-week intensive rehabilitation programme, funded by interim payments from his insurance company.

On arrival, he was moved immediately into the independent living apartment, allowing his partner and son to visit and stay at STEPS with him. In just the first few weeks, Shaun saw a number of improvements, and now has more hip flexion and improved control of his knee.

Shaun returned to STEPS in September for another period of rehabilitation, after instructing Chris Smith of Stewarts Law and receiving a further interim payment.

Shaun is currently teaching himself software engineering and plans to ride an adapted motorbike at Silverstone with ‘The Bike Experience’.

Of his time at STEPS, Shaun said, “The more physical I am, the better I am mentally. I hated being treated like I was made of glass by everyone and love that STEPS push me to my limit.”

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.