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Future of SCI databases secured through collaborative action
The national Spinal Cord Injury Database, along with a number of other specialist registries operated by MDSAS, has been secured following constructive intervention led by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), working closely with Department of Health and Social Care officials and with support from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Andy McDonald MP, the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Spinal Cord Injury.
At a point where continued operation of the databases was at immediate risk, SIA convened discussions, helped unblock barriers, and ensured the right support was in place. Without this coordinated push the databases were likely to have been discontinued, with serious implications for patient safety, care, referrals, and clinical benchmarking.
SIA is extremely grateful to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Andy McDonald MP, and DHSC officials for their help in securing this outcome, and to MDSAS for their cooperation and acknowledgement of the significance of this work.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Database provides referral pathways, insight into outcomes and service quality, and are used across the spinal cord injury (SCI) community and wider NHS. The continuation of not just the National SCI Database but other specialist databases serving other health conditions too, is a win not just for the SCI community, but for clinical teams and researchers throughout the UK.
“This was an essential outcome. The spinal cord injury community, clinicians, and researchers rely on robust national data to improve outcomes. I am proud of the constructive work undertaken between SIA, MDSAS, DHSC, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Spinal Cord Injury to ensure continuity. This shows what can be achieved when the system works together in the interests of patients.” Nik Hartley, CEO Spinal Injuries Association
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ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP on SPINAL CORD INJURY
We work with a cross-party group of parliamentarians who are committed to tackling issues that affect people with spinal cord injuries. The group is made up of MPs and peers from all parties who help to make sure spinal cord issues are high on the government’s agenda.
Our goal is to improve care, support, and rehabilitation for people living with SCI. Spinal cord injuries are life-changing, affecting individuals, their families, carers, and communities. We are a coalition of spinal cord injury (SCI) charities and partner organisations and we are working with the NHS, government bodies, and the healthcare community to make sure the strategy prioritises:
