Spinal Cord Injury

Thank you for contacting me about spinal cord injury (SCI). Thank you for also bringing to my attention the forthcoming APPG meeting on Spinal Cord Injury on 17th April. Unfortunately, due to other parliamentary business I will be unable to attend.
 
Like you, I believe that SCI patients deserve the best health and care that the NHS can provide. I understand the importance of being able to access timely rehabilitation services.
 
There is an NHS England National Programme of Care for Trauma, which oversees the commissioning of specialised services, including specialised spinal cord injury services and complex spinal surgery. The NHS England SCI service specification clearly sets out what providers must have in place to offer evidence-based safe and effective services. The service aims to support patients with the management and rehabilitation of their condition and to maximise their potential for independent living. I am pleased to note that this rehabilitation takes place in specialist units, which reduces SCI patients' length of stay in hospital, and limits the costs of long-term care.
 
It is a key objective of the Government to ensure that more preventative work is done so that people do not go into hospital, and to ensure that if they do go in, they are able to leave as soon as possible. I believe the specialist units will relieve pressure of hospitals, and will enable that those who are admitted to hospital are given the right treatment as quickly as possible.
 
Care is commissioned by NHS England in line with the National Spinal Cord Injury Pathways and is provided by a multi-disciplinary team to ensure optimal outcomes for people with SCI.
 
I am happy to note that NHS spending will increase by a minimum of £8 billion in real terms throughout this parliament, which will support the care of those suffering from SCIs.
 
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.