11-year-old Flynn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) following a complication during birth. His mum Sarah shares her experience of rehabilitation at The Pace Centre and how legal support has allowed Flynn to work towards living as full and independent a life as possible.
Flynn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just a few months old, and at age three he was diagnosed with autism. Flynn now needs a high level of support and rehabilitation.
Sarah was keen for Flynn to access the best rehabilitation to increase the function in his limbs as much as possible. She was recommended to The Pace Centre by a friend and Flynn underwent treatment there for over a year. She credits how far he’s come to the time and intensive therapy he has received at The Pace Centre.
The Pace Centre
Pace is a charity that transforms children’s lives with neurodisabilities, or conditions that affect the brain. The charity works with those who have predominantly physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy with the aim of improving their cognitive ability and movement.
Pace promote early intervention, in the first two or three years of a child’s life, as being critical in enabling them to reach their full potential through:
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Conductive education.
The charity use play-based therapy techniques to support families in creating nurturing interactions, activities and environments at both the centre and at home.
After an assessment, Pace provide a hybrid package of support, comprising highly effective remote therapy sessions and an intensive block of face-to-face sessions. The introduction of the hybrid package has allowed Pace to support families nationwide.
The results
Sarah, Flynn’s mum, says:
“Flynn saw the same therapist, Szilvia Kopor, at each appointment, which was brilliant as she built a really good relationship with Flynn, and he really trusted her.
“Szilvia completely understood his needs and was really good with him, so each session was a very positive experience. The therapist would even sing songs to encourage Flynn to carry out various exercises – such as going from sitting to standing and so forth to motivate him.
“She also worked with him on his sense of self-movement and body position, helping to develop Flynn’s fall reflex. Szilvia made it fun so Flynn didn’t feel like he was working.
“Szilvia used creative activities to keep sessions interesting and fun. As a result was able to get Flynn to do things that no-one else could, including his physiotherapy.
“Some sessions used a swing so Flynn could practice his balance. Szilvia got him to lie on the swing to encourage him to spend time on his tummy.
“She gave him lots of support, encouragement and positivity. There was very much an attitude of ‘we can make this happen’, celebrating achievements and helping Flynn to succeed.”
Sarah was really pleased with the progress Flynn made at The Pace Centre, and would highly recommend it to other families with children who have similar needs.
Flynn’s family had to re-locate after he started school, so it wasn’t possible for Flynn to continue attending The Pace Centre.
But, Sarah was thrilled to be able to recruit an occupational therapist who had previously worked at The Pace Centre to continue to support Flynn’s rehabilitation.
Making a legal claim
Sarah instructed Irwin Mitchell to look into any mistakes that had happened during his birth. The family continues to be supported by solicitors Ania Bean and Rebecca Cherry.
The hospital accepted liability for Flynn’s injuries. We’re now supporting him and his family to make sure he has access to the the support he needs throughout his life.
To ensure Flynn is supported, Sarah has been able to employ a case manager and a team of private therapists. The family have also been able to make adaptations to their home, providing Flynn with a bedroom and bathroom downstairs, and an accessible garden for him to enjoy.
Medical negligence solicitor Rebecca Cherry said:
“We’re continuing to support Flynn and his family to ensure he has the support he needs in place now and in the future.
“This will provide for all of Flynn’s needs for the rest of his life, and will equip him to lead as full and independent a life as possible.”
Our Public Law and Human Rights team have also supported Flynn to challenge the insufficient provisions within his Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Find out more about the medical negligence team and how our experts can help you or a loved one.
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