Admission and referral criteria

We normally aim to admit patients with acute spinal cord injury and cauda equina damage, who are medically fit for transfer, within the first 24 hours following traumatic or stable non-progressive cord injury secondary, for example, to vascular damage, infection or haemorrhage. Patients with cord injury requiring ventilation are accepted.

Children under the age of 16 can be admitted for rehabilitation once they have commenced mobilisation after injury.

If an appropriate bed is available, we will also admit patients with established spinal cord injury who become acutely unwell.

We do not usually accept patients with cord damage due to malignant neoplasm, spinal fracture without cord injury, progressive neurological conditions (eg disseminated sclerosis) or conditions which preclude engagement in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, such as severe brain injury.

Guidance for patients unfit to travel to the centre and those under the age of 16 is available to encompass medical, nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy advice.

For private patients and overseas visitors, please contact:

Stuart Coalwood, general manager for National Spinal Injuries Centre.  Tel: 01296 315819
Carol Watkinson, Head of Contracts, Private Patients and Overseas Visitors.  Tel: 01494 734855
Helen Thomas, Overseas Visitors Officer.  Tel: 01296 418150
Carole Church, Private Patients & Overseas Visitors Officer.  Tel: 01296 315131