The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre specialises in the total
management of patients paralysed following spinal cord injury or
non-progressive spinal cord disease. This includes ongoing advice and support
to meet
the changing needs of the patient.
Our multidisciplinary teams enable an individual to optimise their physical and psychological ability to achieve independence appropriate to their level of disability. This will take into consideration the values, choice and social situation of the patient, their families and carers.
We are committed to provide a high standard of quality care through an ongoing education, research, development and staff training programme.
Inpatients
What service do we offer?
- A specialist spinal interdisciplinary team - discharge co-ordinator, nursing, medical, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, clerical dietics, medical/surgical specialities. Our specialist spinal team work together to offer patients a goal orientated programme of care and education.
- We have limited access to psychiatric services.
- We offer a limited acute out reach service.
- Comprehensive specialist advice available for acute out reach (including paediatrics).
- Study days for the management of spinal cord injury.
- Education and support to families and carers as appropriate.
Services for patients with the following diseases will not be provided:
- Progressive diseases of the central nervous system (including malignant disease of the spinal cord).
- Cerebrovascular accidents.
- Injuries to the brain, not including the spinal cord.
- Cases of Spinal Bifida
- Infective spinal cord disease.
- Patients with major psychiatric disorders, which may interfere with physical treatment or those under Mental Health Section.
- The elderly, who may have limited physical ability, poor stamina and poor family/social support may only be offered an initial assessment period.
- Patients under a Primary Care Trust contractual exclusion.
- Private patient.
- Patients with a neurologically intact spinal cord.
With an overall agreed policy, there may be cases where the Consultant at the Spinal Injuries Unit and referring Doctor believe treatment would be appropriate.
Outpatients
What do we offer?
- Follow up clinics 12 weeks post discharge, 6 months and one year post discharge and thereafter for life.
- Specialist services to include - specialist long term tissue viability follow up, specialist continence service, posture and seating assessment, tendon transfer, urology, paediatrics, sexual function.
- Advice and education to staff, patients, family and carers.
- Community Liaison visits 6 - 8 weeks post discharge and thereafter on referral.
What can we currently not provide to outpatients?
- Psychology
- Dietics
- Speech and language therapy
- Routine outreach clinics
- Routine CL visits
- Other Information
- Life After SCI
- Message Board
- SCI Charities
- Useful Links