On Saturday 26^th September, Aspire held its first Spinal Day at the Southport Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport & Formby General Hospital.  The aim of the day was to showcase the latest equipment available to people with spinal cord injuries as well as giving them, together with their friends and relatives, the chance to speak with experienced professionals. The event was attended by the Mayor of Sefton Stephen Kermode (pictured above with Emily Hoban from Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust and The Mayoress), and was sponsored by Active Assistance Group, Cyclone and Wellspect Healthcare, all of whom were on hand to showcase the latest products.

90 people attended the event, including many families who took advantage of the Relative’s Education Sessions hosted by NHS nursing staff and specialists, which gave them the opportunity to find out more about Spinal Cord Injury and its underlying conditions.  A number of specially selected providers were invited along to showcase the latest products and equipment available, including the latest wheelchairs, current personal care products and the newest car adaptations.

All the exhibitors said that the day was extremely beneficial and worthwhile and that they would be keen to participate in any similar future events, whilst attendees found the day to be extremely informative and helpful.

Emily Hoban, Directorate Manager for North West Regional Spinal Injuries Unit, said: “Spinal cord injury is a life changing event for which we provide rehabilitation to enable patients to live a full life back into the community.  Education days such as this event organised by Aspire provide much needed additional support, help and an opportunity for patients to speak directly with companies who provide services to spinal cord injured people.  The event was well attended and the feedback has been excellent.  We hope to be able to work with Aspire again to put on another event in the future.”

Brian Carlin, CEO of Aspire, said: “I am pleased that our first Spinal Day was a success and that we have had such great feedback from those who came along, whether they were patients, friends and relatives or exhibitors.  Every eight hours someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury.  Aspire provides practical support to those affected across the UK and so we wanted to organise an event where people could find current information and advice about products, services and assistance that is available to them, all in one place.  We hope to organise more Spinal Days around the country in the future.”