Healthwatch Shropshire Launches Campaign to Hear People’s Experiences of Spinal Injury Services

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Healthwatch Shropshire, the county’s independent public feedback service for health and social care, has launched a new campaign to understand more about people’s experiences of spinal injury services across the county. 

The initiative follows a recent visit by Healthwatch Shropshire volunteers to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Inpatient Ward in Oswestry, where staff and patients shared valuable insights into local health and social care services. 

The campaign aims not only to gather feedback from people who have experienced spinal injury services – whether directly or as family members or carers – but also to raise awareness of the Spinal Injuries Association’s (SIA) Strategy 2030, which focuses on improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. 

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, emphasised the importance of listening to the spinal injuries community: 

“We want to give a voice to people in Shropshire who have experience of spinal injury services. Their stories matter, and they deserve to be heard. By gathering people’s feedback, we can shine a spotlight on what is working well and where improvements can be made. 

 We also want to highlight the importance of the SIA strategy and ensure it is supported locally. We encourage anyone with any experience – good or bad – to get involved and share their views with us, whether online, by phone or email.” 

Brendan Fitzgerald, Regional Representative and Support Coordinator for the Spinal Injuries Association in the West Midlands, welcomed the campaign: 

“As someone with a spinal cord injury myself I’m delighted that Healthwatch Shropshire are taking steps to highlight and raise awareness of spinal injury services in the county, as well as the SIA’s 2030 strategy. This work is vital in ensuring that people with spinal cord injuries and their families receive the support, care, and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives.” 

Call to Action 

Healthwatch Shropshire is urging anyone who has used spinal injury services in Shropshire – either as a patient or a carer – to get in touch and share their experiences. 

You can share your views in the following ways: 

Your feedback will help shape the future of spinal injury services in Shropshire and ensure that voices from the spinal injuries community are heard.