Victims of Spinal Cord Injury Need More Support

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British solicitor repeats call for greater SCI victim care after Lords AGM

Spinal cord injuries are life-changers and the standard of treatment for sufferers in the UK has been described as unacceptable by one of the countrys most esteemed solicitors.

John Spencer first spoke out against negligence in care for SCI victims during the summer of 2012. His concerns were ignited following an AGM at the House of Lords on the subject, where sufferers spoke of their post-injury struggles and revealed to Spencer just how low the level of care for SCI victims actually is in Britain today.

Months down the line, a follow up meeting was held. This time, Spencers colleague and Chief Operating Officer, Allison OReilly attended in Johns absence and was equally moved by what she heard on the day particularly from one of the suffering speakers:

Roger Hearn spoke about his injury sustained on a cricket tour in India. Like many others unable to afford the cost of private treatment, Mr Hearn was forced to live in a care home. He spoke of his experiences in the home, explaining how as soon as nursing staff were familiar with his needs, they could suddenly move on and be replaced restarting the relationship-building process with staff all over again. Also, he mentioned how some nurses were not native Brits and how difficult that could sometimes make communication.

Further to that, Allison was angered by how undignified Mr Hearns treatment within the home was as a person: He praises his wife for maintaining an optimistic outlook on things but even that slice of positivity was immediately countered by the fact the couple cannot sleep in the same bed togetherMrs Hearn sleeps on the floor.

Spencers Solicitors were infuriated by the findings at the AGM - Allisons report on the follow up conference has only heightened that fury, as little seems to have changed. Spencers original question still stands:

Why, in a civilised society such as Britain, is it so difficult for people whose quality of life is so dreadfully curtailed to obtain adequate care?

His law firm specialise in securing serious injury compensation, so will no doubt continue to hear stories like Mr Hearns until the health care sector undergoes a dramatic transformation. During the interim, it might just take the enraged opinions of authoritative individuals like Spencer and OReilly to help kick-start change.

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Victims of Spinal Cord Injury Need More Support