Local brain injury service supports patients to thrive in the community

A Townsville-based service is helping north Queenslanders with brain injuries reclaim their independence by successfully returning to life in the community. 

Since its launch in May 2024, The Brain Injury Community Integration Service (BICS) has helped 65 patients across the region manage their injuries while achieving goals like returning to work, driving, and getting involved in sport and recreation. 

Stroke survivor Henk Pit credits the BICS team with helping him get back on his feet after suffering a devastating stroke in early 2023. 

“My life changed in an instant on a quiet Sunday morning when I suddenly fell over while making tea,” Henk said. 

“After a quick ambulance ride, thanks to my daughter’s quick thinking in calling triple zero, I spent two weeks in hospital and then months as an outpatient. 

“At first, I was unable to move my arm or leg and I was really facing an uncertain future. 

“But today, I’m able to walk with a walker, I volunteer at my local yacht club, and I’m planning a trip to visit family in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.” 

Henk said he wouldn’t have been able to achieve these milestones without the support of the BICS team in Townsville. 

“Going from outpatient care five days a week to being at home by myself was a frightening prospect,” he said. 

“I’m so thankful that my Rehabilitation Coordinator Melanie Senent, and the rest of the BICS team, were so fantastic in supporting me during this challenging time. 

“They’ve helped me with exercises to assist in my recovery, as well as daily activities like banking and setting up my aged care support package. 

“Without BICS, I would have struggled adapting; I’m so thankful to have this important service available close to home.” 

Henk’s Rehabilitation Coordinator Melanie Senent said the BICS service ensured patients experienced continuity of care after leaving the hospital environment.

“It’s very important for us to step in at a what can be a vulnerable time for the patient, when acute care ends and the intensity of outpatient rehab appointments becomes less frequent,” Melanie said.

“As well as helping our clients get back to daily activities, we’re also supporting them as they navigate systems like the NDIS, which is especially important for those with cognitive or physical challenges post brain injury. 

“I’m lucky to see the first-hand benefits of empowering clients to once again do the things that are important to them; this certainly helps in the prevention depression and isolation. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding for our team to see someone like Henk thriving in the community; whether it’s volunteering at the yacht club or planning a holiday, his progress has been fantastic.” 

BICS Team Leader Jenny Quaill said the service offered up to 12 months support for clients through home visits, community outings, and phone or telehealth consults. 

“BICS supports north Queenslanders with moderate to severe brain injuries to transition back into the real world – whether it’s through working, driving or sport, or by helping clients and their families navigate complex health and disability systems, providing brain injury education and training, and building sustainable support networks around the impacted individuals,” she said. 

“This is the first service of its kind outside of Brisbane, which makes the world of difference for local clients with brain injuries. 

“Given BICS has already experienced a high demand from the community since its launch in Townsville, we hope to secure permanent funding and to expand the service reach to ensure more people across north Queensland have access to this critical care close to home.” 

Referrals to BICS are available through GPs, medical specialists, and allied health professionals.