As part of our annual partnership with The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), we were invited to speak in the latest episode of their podcast "SCI Care: What really matters". Bev Collins, Clinical Lead Nurse for Wellspect UK and Sallyanne Haigh join ISCoS president Professor Ruth Marshall to discuss "A patient's story".
SCI Care: What really matters is the official podcast for the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS). With each episode, experts from all over the world are invited to discuss various aspects of spinal cord injury, including etiology, prevention and care, providing valuable insights regarding the most up-to-date information for those providing care for the spinal cord injured. With series 2, the podcast continues to rethink current trends and the future potential of Spinal Cord Injury Management.
The podcast series is an extension of ISCoS's philosophy to make "Life after a spinal cord injury happy, meaningful and worth living...". In this fifth episode, that is exactly what is covered as current ISCoS president Prof Ruth Marshall is joined by Bev Collins, Clinical Lead Nurse for Wellspect UK and Sallyanne Haigh, a nurse of 30 years with a spinal cord injury, to discuss "A patients story".
Sallyanne recounts her patient story starting six years ago when she sustained a complete spinal cord injury at L1 during a horse-riding accident. Sallyanne shares all aspects of her journey from the very low points to embracing change and overcoming adversity. Through determination, passion, and understanding of her injury and bowel management for her individual needs, she took back control of her life, giving her freedom and dignity.
Sallyanne continues to practice as a nurse and has become an ambassador, motivational speaker, and peer support provider as she shares her lived experience and professional knowledge through various charities. Wellspect has also launched a peer support service in the making of which Sallyanne was heavily involved. In the words of Bev Collins, "this is an absolute game changer in the care and support provided".