Thanks to our funding, staff at London North West University Healthcare (LNWH) NHS Trust now have the training available that they need to care for patients with spinal injuries.

Ben Woolfries, spinal trauma nurse co-ordinator, identified the need to equip nurses with the essential knowledge and skills they need to help patients with neurogenic bowel and bladder issues, following a spinal injury.

He says: “Unfortunately, we’re seeing an increasing number of patients with spinal injuries coming into our hospitals, and as a result we need more nurses trained to meet their needs.

“Some spinal injuries can lead to temporary or permanent nerve damage, affecting the brain, spinal cord, or pelvic nerves which can result in the loss of bowel or bladder function, so that’s where we need to step in and support our patients.

“Previously, training was available at St. George's Hospital. However, it made sense to bring the training on site, so I applied for funding to purchase a teaching mannequin and was delighted that I was successful.

“I was initially among a small group of nurses across our sites trained to carry out procedures to help patients with complex spinal needs. But, I have trained more nurses across our hospitals, which means we can assist more patients in receiving the care they need.

“The training has been successful, generating significant interest in future participation. I hope that we will be able to offer it to staff from other hospital trusts next year.”