Spinal injury: assessment and initial management

At the hospital

After someone who might have an injury to their spine arrives at hospital, if possible they should be asked if they would like a family member, carer or friend with them. A member of staff should also be there to provide support and answer questions. When staff are talking to the person, they should make eye contact with them and make sure they can see them so that they don't have to move their head.

The person should be told about their injuries, including any tests and treatments they might be having. They should also be told how long it might take for them to recover from their injuries, when or if they're likely to be able to return to their normal activities and how their quality of life might be affected. People should have the chance to ask questions, which should be answered honestly.

Children and adults who may need extra support

If the person who is injured is a child or adult who might need extra support (for example, because they have a learning difficulty or dementia), a member of the hospital staff should be assigned to look after them and to contact their families or carers. If possible, parents and carers should be able to stay where the person who is injured can see them. Staff should work with family members and carers to explain injuries and treatment in a way the person with the injuries can understand. Brothers and sisters of any children who are injured should also be included when support is offered to the family.

When moving to another hospital

If the person who is injured is moving to another hospital, they should be told where they are going, why they are being moved there and who will be responsible for their care at the new hospital (including their contact details). They should be given some written information about this. The name and contact details of the person who was responsible for their care at the first hospital should also be written down for them.