Services for people with spinal cord injuries in Ireland are severely lacking, with some new patients facing major delays in accessing rehabilitation and some young people left to live in ICUs or nursing homes because home care packages to help them live independently are not available.

According to support service, Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII), spinal cord injuries are widely acknowledged as one of the most devastating and life-changing injuries a person can sustain. There are currently around 1,800 people living with these injuries in Ireland.

SSI carried out a survey last month, which identified major gaps when it comes to the care of those affected. It revealed that some new patients face long delays in accessing rehabilitation and according to SII chief executive, Fiona Bolger, this is because ‘rehabilitation is acknowledged as the poor relation of the health service'.

"Despite promises by previous administrations, there has been no progress. People with a spinal cord injury have identified key issues that impact on their lives, from transport to health to employment, and we request that the new Government moves services much further up the list of priorities.

"While we very much welcome the building of a new National Rehabilitation Hospital, a new physical space does not mean new and improved services, particularly when people return to their own community," Ms Bolger commented.

The survey found that 60% of those affected do not feel that healthcare professionals have enough knowledge or experience when it comes to managing these types of injuries. A further 58% do not feel that their personal assistants or carers have sufficient training to deal with their needs.

Some 54% do not feel that they receive adequate counselling in the community, while 48% do not feel that they receive adequate physiotherapy.

"A spinal cord injury is regarded as one of the most devastating injuries that a person can sustain. It is of real concern that more than half of people with such injuries feel the medical staff entrusted with their care in the community do not have the right experience to manage their condition. It is critical that access to essential services is universal and consistent across the country," Ms Bolger insisted.

SII has partnered with Coloplast to run a nationwide awareness progrmme this month - ‘This is my Life' - for people living with a spinal cord injury. For more information on this programme, click here

For more information on SII, click here