THE chairwoman of a North-East charity for people with brain injuries has called for radical change to the way such patients are treated.

May 18 to 24 is Action for Brain Injury week and the Darlington and District branch of the Headway charity is holding two events on Friday (May 22), to raise funds and awareness of the challenges faced by brain injury patients.

Across the UK, there were almost 350,000 admissions to hospital for an acquired brain injury in 2013-14, with more than 16,000 in the North-East.

Nicola Hughes, chairwoman of Headway in Darlington, said: "Our long-term vision that no-one can be discharged from hospital without a long term rehabilitation plan after an acquired brain injury – it is highly irresponsible that this is not the case today.

"It will take a radical change to the status quo working with other brain injury charities, private sector – and of course the NHS."

Headway is encouraging people to take part in a Hats for Headway on Friday, with participants asked to wear a hat – the wackier the better – and make a donation to the charity.

Meanwhile, a Mad Hatter's Tea Party will be held at Hurworth Grange, in Hurworth, near Darlington, from 1pm to 4pm, on Friday.

Visitors will be able to sample home-made refreshments and shop at a 'shabby chic' stall.

Mrs Hughes, from Hilton, near Stokesley, got involved with Headway after her husband suffered a life-changing brain injury.

She added: "There are lives that need rebuilding and we have a responsibility to create awareness of the fact that the reason that Headway exists is that 'brain injury' is the invisible and forgotten long term injury.

"Sadly, it shatters lives and families break down.

"I am dedicating my time to change that! The current process is irresponsible and not acceptable.

"Hopefully you will see small pockets of organisations and people in Darlington wearing their hats for Headway Darlington this coming Friday."

Headway has created another video promoting its fundraisers, which can be viewed by clicking here.

Tickets for the Mad Hatters Tea Party cost £10 and are available from Debra Thornton on 07792-025-192 or casemanagement.thornton@gmail.com

To support Hats for Headway, click here.