Spinal injuries experts from around the world praised the work being done by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff, during a visit to the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU) earlier this month.
The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) held its Annual Scientific Meeting in Edinburgh, and as part of the event a group of delegates travelled to QENSIU for a tour and to hear about the important work being done there.
On their visit, delegates were welcomed by the Clinical Lead of QENSIU, Consultant in Spinal Injuries Dr Mariel Purcell, and the Unit’s Lead Nurse Helena Richmond and, as well as a tour of the facilities, they were given presentations and demonstrations on areas which are seen as particular strengths internationally:
- Dr Purcell shared a presentation on pathways of traumatic spinal cord injury and hyperacute rehabilitation
- Nursing teams from liaison/outpatients described the fantastic service the unit offers across Scotland
- Allied Health Professional colleagues demonstrated skilled rehabilitation techniques/equipment.
- The Unit’s research teams gave a glimpse of the innovative work that is under way.
- Peer Support and Horatio’s Garden sharing the good work they do in supporting patients and families.
During the tour, posters displayed throughout the unit generated discussion across all departments and highlighted the good work that has been undertaken.
Afterwards, Interim Lead Nurse Helena Richmond, said: “It was a real privilege to be able to welcome delegates to our unit. All went to plan and we received very positive feedback.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to them, and to everyone to helped to make the visit such a success. We look forward to the next time we can play host to such a prestigious event.”
ISCoS has a membership of clinicians and scientists from 87 countries. It promotes the highest standard of care in the practice of spinal cord injury for men, women and children throughout the world. Through its medical and multi disciplinary team of Professionals, ISCoS endeavours to foster education, research and clinical excellence.
It holds its Scientific Gathering in a different country each year, and this year the conference was in Scotland on 7th -11th October.