28 Nov 2024
Raising Awareness of Spinal Cord Injuries
As of 1st December 2024, we are proud to confirm that Speed Medical will become an official Business Member of Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), something which cements our commitment to raising awareness about spinal cord injuries and supporting those affected by them.
Why is it important to understand spinal cord injuries?
Every two hours, a person’s life is changed when they sustain a spinal cord injury (SCI). Their world – and that of their family – is turned upside-down. Spinal cord injury can be caused by accidents, illnesses or health conditions
Individuals with a SCI may experience significant physical challenges. Some may lose the ability to walk, while others may struggle with bowel and bladder control. Those with high-level injuries may have limited or no use of their hands and arms and may require the assistance of a ventilator to breathe. A SCI can be an immensely traumatic experience, not just for the person directly affected, but also for their entire family.
Research conducted by SIA highlighted worrying scale of the psychological toll of spinal cord injury, with half of the people living with SCI in the study saying they had experienced mental health problems. https://spinal.co.uk/get-support/mind-matters/depression/
At Speed Medical, we believe that understanding SCI isn’t just crucial for the individuals directly impacted, but also for society as a whole so people who sustain a SCI can get the support they need to lead a fulfilled life.
Spinal Injuries Association provides a lifeline for those in need
Founded in 1974 by Baroness Sue Masham and who now have the Princess Royal as their Patron, SIA plays a vital role in providing support, information and advocacy for individuals living with SCI, and has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for those affected by SCI.
The association offers a wealth of resources, including information on rehabilitation, employment and social integration, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives after injury, and we’re proud to confirm that as of December 1st 2024, Speed Medical will become an official business member of SIA, enabling us to collaborate with an organisation that shares our values of support, education and awareness.
By working closely with SIA, we can contribute to vital initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those affected by SCI and help to strengthen the lifeline for those affected.
The economic impact of spinal injuries in the UK
The financial costs associated with SCI are staggering, as according to the NHS, the estimated annual cost of spinal cord injuries in the UK exceeds £1 billion, a figure which is inclusive of medical treatment, rehabilitation, social care and loss of productivity due to disability.
But beyond the immediate financial implications, spinal injuries can also have a long-lasting financial impact on individuals and their families, often requiring ongoing support and care.
Because of this, the importance of prevention and education cannot be overstated, particularly as a proactive approach, it has the potential to significantly reduce both the frequency and costs associated with SCI.
Most common types of spinal injuries
Understanding the most common spinal injuries can help raise awareness and facilitate prevention efforts.
Some of the most prevalent types include:
- An incomplete spinal cord injury: which occurs when some sensory or motor function remains below the level of injury, meaning that individuals may retain some movement or sensation
- A complete spinal cord injury: which results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site, leading to paralysis
- A herniated disc: which occurs when a spinal disc's inner gel leaks out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness or weakness
- Or a fractured vertebrae: which can occur following trauma, leading to instability and potential spinal cord damage
Life after a SCI
Living with a SCI can present a number of unique challenges, but the positive news is that many individuals do find ways to adapt and thrive thanks to comprehensive rehabilitation processes such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychological support available to them.
Communities and organisations such as SIA play a pivotal role in providing the necessary support systems to help individuals regain their independence and reintegrate into society, and at Speed Medical, we’re proud to stand by them as an official business member.
SCI support from Speed Medical
Our service offering is designed to provide comprehensive support throughout the claims process, ensuring that those affected by SCI receive the care and compensation they deserve.
With our dedicated team of medical professionals, we offer a range of services tailored to the needs of individuals with SCI, including:
- Medical assessments: whereby our experts provide thorough assessments to ensure accurate reporting of injuries, aiding in claims for compensation
- Rehabilitation support: where we connect clients with appropriate rehabilitation services to facilitate recovery and improve quality of life
- Access to resources: where through our partnership with SIA, we can offer clients valuable information and resources to help navigate life after a SCI
- And total claims management: whereby our experienced team assists clients in managing their claims efficiently, ensuring a smooth process during a challenging time
But above all, as we look forward to becoming official business members of Spinal Injuries Association, we remain committed to raising awareness about SCI and continue to advocate for prevention and providing essential support for those affected.
Advancing care for SCI with Speed Medical
As the UK’s leading independent medical reporting agency and rehabilitation provider to the legal, healthcare and insurance industries, Speed Medical can work in partnership with you to deliver a flexible and convenient service to your clients and reduce administrative processes for your business.
For over 25 years, we have developed and refined our skills, knowledge, IT infrastructure and supply chain coordination to build a strong reputation within the industry, now holding an impressive roster of eminent clients who will attest to our unequivocal commitment to customer service.
We also offer a truly bespoke service dedicated to support the complexity of a serious injury claim and the suite of investigative stages of a clinical negligence claim, and we offer a choice of nominated experts after assessing their relevant experience, qualifications, any conflict and ensuring service, giving you ultimate control over the most suitable expert for your case.
Partnering with Speed Medical adds real value through cost saving, quality, and adaptability to meet individual customer requirements and expectations.
For more information, please visit www.speedmedical.com, contact our team via email at info@speedmedical.com or call us directly on 0330 094 8749.
