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SIA warmly welcomes Diagnosis Connect initiative
Spinal Injuries Association warmly welcomes the Government’s new ‘Diagnosis Connect’ initiative.
Commenting on the announcement by the Prime Minister on the rollout of the new Diagnosis Connect programme, Nik Hartley OBE, chief executive of the Spinal Injuries Association, said:
“This is a hugely welcome announcement and something the Spinal Injuries Association has campaigned for over many years. It is heartening to see the Government listening to the voices of those directly affected and taking meaningful action. For too long, individuals with long-term conditions like a spinal cord injury, and their families, have felt isolated and overwhelmed in the early moments of a life-changing diagnosis. Diagnosis Connect means connection to third sector support from the outset which means information, support, and community connections at the most critical time in their lives. The step reflects the power of persistent advocacy, and we are delighted to see it finally become a reality.”
For many years, we have campaigned tirelessly, alongside many other charities, for a more joined-up approach to support and care from the moment of diagnosis for long term conditions. Too often, individuals are left to navigate complex health, care and support systems alone at the most challenging moments of their lives. In recent discussions and decision-making with Government, we were proud to play a significant role in ensuring this initiative was included in the Government’s plans and in shaping how it can be rolled out in a way that truly meets patients’ needs.
For the spinal cord injured community, we are working in wherever people with spinal cord injury need us with a focus on ensuring newly injured people have access to expert information, lived experience, and practical help from SIA and its network of specialist organisations as soon as possible. We will continue to work with Government to scale up this offer, so that every single person with a spinal cord injury can benefit from the earliest days in their journey.
This is a real win for the voluntary sector, for patients, and for a more compassionate, integrated health and care system and we look forward to continuing our work with the Government to bring it to life.
More information
‘Patients with long-term conditions to receive help from charities’
- Hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from expert charities, under a new service announced by the Prime Minister today.
- Better support to understand and manage conditions from day one, improving quality of life and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits, supporting an NHS fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change.
From: Department of Health and Social Care, Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP Published: 17 July 2025
