Supporting people with spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impacts every part of a person’s life. Not only does it affect their mobility, but it also affects their level of independence and function.

To better support SCI consumers and carers, the Fiona Stanley Hospital based Spinal Outreach Service is hosting four free online education sessions in September.

Information sessions

Skin care and pressure injury prevention

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk of pressure injury and skin damage due to:

• having poor or no sensation
• limited mobility and capacity to lift their own body weight
• poor circulatory function, including the impact of swelling
• a dependence on being seated for mobility
• using equipment for transfers.

This presentation will include information on:

• ski structure and function
• risk factors for developing pressure injury
• the different stages of pressure injury
• strategies to prevent and manage pressure injury.

When: 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Monday 2 September 2024

How to register: Register for skin care and pressure injury prevention session (external site) or scan this QR code.

Registrations close at 5:00pm on Friday 30 August 2024.

Bowel management

Following SCI, you can often lose voluntary control of your bowel. The aim of a bowel management program is to have a routine that manages the neurogenic bowel while maintaining dignity.

This presentation will discuss:

• the function of the digestive system and changes following SCI
• neurogenic bowel function
• strategies for management.

When: 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Wednesday 4 September 2024

Register now: Register for the bowel management session (external site) or scan this QR code.

Registrations close at 5:00pm on Tuesday 03 September 2024.

Autonomic dysreflexia

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) occurs in people with spinal cord injury at T6 and above and is a medical emergency.

It can be triggered by any continuous noxious or irritating stimulus below the level of the SCI and is commonly linked to bladder, bowel or skin problems.

The best treatment for autonomic dysreflexia is prevention. This presentation will discuss:

• the signs and symptoms of the condition
• strategies for management.

When: 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Friday 6 September 2024

Register now: Register for the autonomic dysreflexia session (external site) or scan this QR code.

Registrations close at 5:00pm Thursday 5 September 2024

Ageing with SCI

How a person ages is influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioural and environmental factors.

For people with SCI, their age in years is not the only factor affecting how and when signs and symptoms of ageing present. The level and severity of their injury, their age when it happened and time that has passed since the injury are all important factors to consider.

This session will outline:

• the complexities of ageing with a SCI
• how to manage the physical changes associated with ageing.

When: 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Friday 6 September 2024

Register now: Register for the ageing with SCI session (external site) or scan this QR code.

Registrations close at 5:00pm on Thursday 5 September 2024.

When we receive your registration      

Once you have registered, you will receive email confirmation from Try Booking.

The Microsoft Teams link to your online information session will be emailed to you a few days before the presentation. Please note this link will be sent to the email address you provided during registration process.

More information

For further information please contact the Spinal Outreach Service on 6152 1153 or send an email