More injured Queenslanders get help to go home

Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced a $4 million funding boost for the Spinal Injuries Association to help more Queenslanders move back into their communities after rehabilitation.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the extra $920,000 per annum over the next four years would increase services to people in the early recovery phase of spinal cord injury at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

“This extra funding takes the Queensland Government’s commitment to the association’s Spinal Cord Injuries Response project to more than $3.5 million a year,” she said.

“The association provides a vital support and services to help Queenslanders with newly acquired spinal cord injuries make what can be a difficult transition from hospital back to their home towns.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the project helped people get access to essential equipment, housing, community services and personal support to help them live in their communities following rehabilitation.

“Returning home can be a challenging experience for people with a spinal cord injury and the Spinal Injuries Association does a wonderful job helping to make this transition a little easier,” she said. “The association provides transition planning, coordination and ongoing support for individuals to help them sustain living arrangements in their communities and prevent unnecessary readmissions to hospital."

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Mark Henley said moving back home after months of hospitalisation with one of the most traumatic injuries a person
can sustain was daunting to say the least.

“The Spinal Cord Injuries Response project provides people with appropriate supports to transition and live more independently,” Mr Henley said. “This funding will go a long way to providing this support and care.”

Media Contacts: Minister office Karla Steen 0417 603 409, or Spinal Injuries Association John Mayo - 0418 884 806