Skip to main content
Advertise Buy the paper Contact us Shop Subscribe Support us
Let down by ‘care via video call’
RUTH HUNT looks at the risks of remote appointments for patients with long-term spinal cord injuries, who have substantial clinical needs

WE know the NHS is going backwards on key performance targets. This raises concern for patient groups, such as those with long-term spinal cord injuries (SCI) who, prior to the pandemic would have a yearly, in-person, monitoring appointment, regardless of their clinical need. 

These appointments are crucial because, as those with SCI age, they are more prone to developing life-limiting secondary conditions. But it’s not just physical factors a spinal team should be assessing, as living with a disability or disabilities can also take a heavy toll on mental health.

The NHS Care Pathway for Spinal Cord Injuries calls it: “Lifelong follow-up of people living with SCI to prevent and manage SCI related complications.”

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Report / 30 March 2024
30 March 2024
ROS SITWELL reports from a conference held in light of the closure of the Gender Identity and Development Service for children and young people, which explored what went wrong at the service and the evidence base for care
Features / 26 October 2023
26 October 2023
ROS SITWELL reports from the three-day FiLiA conference in Glasgow
Features / 7 July 2023
7 July 2023
ROS SITWELL reports on a communist-initiated event aimed at building unity amid a revived women’s movement
Features / 15 July 2019
15 July 2019
London conference hears women speak out on the consequences of self-ID in sport
Similar stories
Features / 25 April 2024
25 April 2024
When over-fifties fracture bones from minor falls, scanning could show if they have this debilitating condition, and steps can be taken to treat it. Major delays and lack of scanners means this isn’t happening properly, writes RUTH HUNT
Features / 8 April 2024
8 April 2024
RUTH HUNT reports on a campaign urging government action to address the life-threatening state of bowel care, the need for a new national policy and adequately trained staff to ensure patient safety and dignity
Opinion / 9 February 2024
9 February 2024
Access needs for patients with mobility issues still a problem at many NHS trusts, writes RUTH HUNT