As part of a national transformation project , Susie Wood is the first occupational therapist to join a new team of clinical specialist nurses at the Spinal Injuries Association . Here she shares how she is developing her new role and working with those affected by a spinal cord injury .
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Intervention , innovation and education
As part of a national transformation project , Susie Wood is the first occupational therapist to join a new team of clinical specialist nurses at the Spinal Injuries Association . Here she shares how she is developing her new role and working with those affected by a spinal cord injury .
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n the UK , each year around 2,500 people sustain a spinal cord injury . For these individuals , their family members , colleagues and friends , life changes in many ways . The aim of The Spinal Injuries Association is to provide support and to facilitate a fulfilled life for those affected by a spinal cord injury diagnosis .
The charity provides peer support , counselling , advocacy , and signposting to a series of trusted partners . It has also built a specialist academy to educate carers and healthcare professionals .
Across the UK , many people with a spinal cord injury are treated in one of the 12 specialist centres . These individuals will have access to a multi-professional team , which can assist them with adapting to their diagnosis and facilitating their recovery , rehabilitation and discharge into the community .
For others however , for a variety of reasons , this is not an option . For these individuals , coming to terms with a spinal cord injury and trying to understand its implications can be a lonely and daunting journey .
May 2023 OTnews 45