Bligh Government continues support for Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
08/11/2009
Bligh Government continues support for Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries
 
The Bligh Government has renewed its commitment to supporting Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries, Minister for Disability Services Annastacia Palaszczuk said today ahead of Spinal Injuries Awareness Week (9-15 November).

Ms Palaszczuk said the Government had committed over $50 million to the Spinal Cord Injury Response initiative since it began in 2006.

"This initiative is a partnership between Disability Services, Queensland Health's Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme, the Princess Alexandra Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit and the Spinal Injuries Association," she said.

"It ensures people with spinal cord injuries get access to essential personal care, specialised equipment, safe, appropriate and affordable housing and home modifications.

"It's about helping individuals transition back to their community and preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions.

"The Spinal Injuries Association has helped 61 people since 2005 to return from rehabilitation to community life under initiative."

Ms Palaszczuk announced an extra $500,000 to fund personal care and support for people with spinal cord injuries earlier this year, on top of the existing annual allocation of $1 million from Disability Services.

Other funding for the initiative comes from:
•Department of Communities (Housing) $38.5 million
•Department of Communities (Home Modifications) $4 million
•Queensland Health (Medical Aids) $1.4 million

Ms Palaszczuk said Spinal Injuries Awareness Week should serve as a timely reminder to Queenslanders that spinal cord injuries can happen to anyone.

"About 90 people sustain spinal cord injuries in Queensland every year," she said. "On average, that's one person every four days who will have their life turned upside down.

"Many will be permanently paralysed, need to use a wheelchair and need help with basic tasks such as eating and bathing.

"They face significant physical and emotional challenges and having access to essential resources and support is a critical factor in effective rehabilitation.

"We're committed to supporting these people and helping them to get their lives back on track.

"That's why the State Government is contributing $80,000 a year to the Spinal Injuries Association to help it run its Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) program.

"SEAT presenters devote their own time visiting schools around the State to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries.

"They do a great job educating young Queenslanders about spinal cord injuries, and the steps they can take to prevent them.

"This financial year, SEAT presenters are expected to reach 100,000 Queensland students."

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley welcomed the increased State Government funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Response initiative.

"The Spinal Cord Injuries Response Program which is now in its fifth year of operation is continuing to make a great improvement to the lives of people who have incurred a spinal cord injury," Mr Henley said.

"While we can't control the unexpected or stop it from happening, through the Spinal Cord Injuries Response program, we are supporting those who have incurred this injury to transition back to their community and get on with their lives."

Ms Palaszczuk said men aged 18-35 were most vulnerable to spinal cord injuries, with a major cause being road trauma.

"Always wear a seatbelt, wear full protective gear on motorcycles and, when purchasing a vehicle, make safety features such as curtain airbags a priority," she said.

"Other advice includes never diving into water without first checking for depth or obstacles, wearing protective gear and playing fair at sport and obeying safety precautions at work."

To find out more about Spinal Injuries Awareness Week or donate to the Spinal Injuries Association, visit www.spinal.com.au