At Askham Rehab, we mark Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day by honouring all healthcare professionals who work diligently to support individuals with spinal cord injuries.

While this condition has profound impact on many individuals across the UK, healthcare professionals are able to offer support as needed. That’s why this year we decided to take a moment and appreciate the work done by the specialists within the sector as part of the rehab journeys of those affected by spinal cord injuries.

To find out more about the way in which we decided to mark this day, read below:

The role of healthcare professionals

Spinal cord injuries have a profound impact on patients and place immense responsibilities on healthcare professionals. When thinking of a spinal injury, its severity and where along the spine it occurs may vary and, as such, the symptomatic impact will be different from patient to patient. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases, once initial impact and injury has been assessed and stabilised, a structured reablement programme is needed, demanding specialised care and expertise.

This is where the role of healthcare professionals becomes crucial – with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and nurses all playing pivotal roles in the rehabilitation process. By combining dedication and a person-centred care approach with innovative equipment, the team of healthcare professionals are able to support the patients and, thus, have a massive impact on the lives of those affected by spinal cord injuries.

Being dedicated and offering the best care

Meeting the needs of our patients means being dedicated, working hard and providing the best possible care in order to help everyone achieve their goals as part of their rehab journey. While we put accent on the person-centred care approach, we value the presence of highly skilled team members who stand by the patients’ side throughout their stay with us. Our team’s dedication and hard work are paramount; at Askham Rehab, they are also doubled by the existence of innovative equipment that can truly help our patients achieve their goals.

Empowering our professionals while also fostering a collaborative healthcare environment are part of our commitment to help our team members see value in every rehab session they are part of.

Our professional multidisciplinary team made out of clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists work with our patients to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based) goals to aid their treatment programmes. Apart from making use of our onsite hydrotherapy pool, our patients are able to use the state-of the-art robotics suite which includes some of the latest robotic technologies in the sector: the Tyromotion equipment with its Amadeo, Myro, Pablo and Omego.

Talking about the role of healthcare professionals as part of the rehab journey of our patients, Luke Cook, our Head of Rehab and Nursing, says: “Seeing so many successful stories makes us be very proud of our team of professionals, as we know that their role in our patients’ rehab journey is massive. We recognise the importance of supporting them in order to continue delivering the best care. Empowering our professionals while also fostering a collaborative healthcare environment are part of our commitment to help our team members see value in every rehab session they are part of.”

Justin’s rehab journey

We pride ourselves on being able to help our patients with spinal cord injury with their short-term but also their long-term goals. One of the biggest achievements we as a team are very proud of is in the case of Justin who managed to make progress towards his ultimate goal quicker than expected. Justin’s long-term goal was to be able to take steps again. Justin’s ambition and dedication doubled by the help provided by his rehab team, made him able to weight-bear transfer and take steps with assistance. Even though there is a still long was to go, the progress he made is massive. You can read more about his amazing rehab journey here.

Empowering healthcare professionals

Today is such an important day and while we recognise the necessity to continue supporting and empowering people living with spinal injuries, we really wanted to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the work done by healthcare professionals that stand by their side. Providing support and expressing gratitude towards those who help patients living with this condition may have an impact on many rehab journeys – this is how we can create a collaborative space within the sector and enhance rehab outcomes.

Askham Rehab is part of Askham Village Community, a family-run community with a rehabilitation service that has transformed the lives of many individuals, and its remote setting is the perfect place to approach any personal challenge — big or small. With the latest robotic equipment and state-of-the-art gym and hydrotherapy equipment, it is leading the way in the local area for rehabilitation services.

At Askham Rehab, we’re always welcoming new residents and staff into our growing community. For further information, please contact us via email at info@askhamrehab.com or via phone at 01354 740269.