THE Government is being urged to take action on issues affecting people with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Last week, a group of people, including Stephen Cluskey, from Swords, visited Leinster House to brief TDs and senators.
As a matter or urgency, the group is calling for delivery on three key issues which affect the 1,800 people living in Ireland with a SCI:
• To list SCI as a long-term illness. A spinal cord injury is not listed as a long term illness by the HSE. Many with SCI are in receipt of a medical card and Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) is asking for SCI to be designated as a long term illness, so that fear of loss of access to medical care is not a barrier to those with SCI in seeking to rejoin the active workforce.
• To deliver on essential services by 2020. SII has a vision for a pathway of support and care including:
1. A countrywide community rehabilitation service, with access to psychological, physio and occupational therapies to promote best wellbeing;
2. An Irish-based rehabilitation service for all people with SCI who are on ventilation treatment;
3. Home care packages for all people with a SCI so they can live as independently as possible, as soon as their conditions permits;
4. Training and support for carers, personal assistants, health and social care professionals and advocates so that all are equipped to provide integrated and holistic specialist support for people with a spinal cord injury; and
•To enable SII to provide relevant supports and education so people with a SCI participate fully in society.
Fiona Bolger, chief executive of Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII), said: “We acknowledge the State funding that SII receives. However, in order to provide sustainable services SII requires ongoing funding.”
The visit was faciliated by Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony, Fianna Fail’s spokesperson on Disability. Deputy Murphy O’Mahony said spinal injury is a devastating realisation for those affected.
“I believe that legislators need to be more cognisant of the barriers faced by persons with spinal injuries, as well as their families and friends,” she said.
“The three issues highlighted by Spinal Injuries Ireland are very realistic aims which will make a huge difference to a person’s quality of life.”
Meanwhile, Ms Bolger briefed the TDs and senators on the outcome of a survey carried out in April and a recently completed series of meetings nationwide, supported by Coloplast, which visited 10 cities and towns around Ireland during May.
“Five hundred people with SCIs and their families attended these meetings and signed a pledge calling on Government to address these issues,” she said.