East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is celebrating after being named Regional Champion in the NHS Excellence Awards for their Neuro Rehabilitation Online Service (NROL).
The innovative service, which offers online rehabilitation for neurological conditions and stroke, came top in the category for Excellence in Patient Involvement and Choice for its digitally enabled, multi‑trust neuro rehabilitation programme.
The service, Hosted by ELHT but working with teams across, Blackpool teaching Hospital, University Hospitals Morecambe bay and Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust, support patients across Lancashire and South Cumbria, is one of just ten services recognised across the North West for its outstanding contribution to patient-centred care.
NROL Operational Lead, Adam Partington said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Regional Champion in the NHS Excellence Awards.
“NROL is a true example of what can be achieved when patients and clinicians work together to design services that meet people’s real needs. By combining digital innovation with personalised rehabilitation and peer support, we are helping more people access the care they need, when they need it and in a way that works for them.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of the whole team and the invaluable contribution of our patients in shaping the service.”
NROL supports people recovering from stroke, brain injury and other neurological conditions by delivering online, group-based sessions focused on physical, cognitive and communication rehabilitation. It combines clinical expertise with peer support, helping patients remain motivated, connected and engaged in their recovery.
The programme is co-produced with patients who are involved at every stage of development and their feedback has directly shaped how the service operates. This has led to a number of key improvements, including:
- A wider range of both standing and seated exercise groups
- Dedicated communication sessions for people living with aphasia
- Adapted sessions designed for people with degenerative neurological conditions
- Improved information and enhanced patient choice through the introduction of the new NROL ‘Autonome’ app
This patient-led approach has significantly improved access to rehabilitation for individuals who may be isolated, living in rural areas, or unable to travel regularly for face-to-face care.
Since February 2025, NROL has supported more than 240 patients, delivering over 330 online therapy sessions and around 2,100 hours of additional rehabilitation without the need for travel. Attendance rates remain high, with fewer patients leaving the programme early, demonstrating strong engagement and positive outcomes.
Feedback from patients has been consistently positive, with many reporting increased confidence, greater independence and reduced feelings of isolation. The peer support element of the programme has been highlighted as particularly valuable in helping individuals stay motivated throughout their recovery journey.
The NROL team will attend the national NHS Awards ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo 2026 in Manchester on Wednesday, 10 June.