An 'inhuman approach'

Calls have been made for the Government to designate spinal cord injury (SCI) as a long-term and permanent condition and to extend eligibility for the medical card to anyone with a SCI on a permanent basis.

Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) made the call on Monday as it published its pre-Budget submission and announced details of an upcoming meeting in Cork.

The meeting, which is set to take place in the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs from 6.30pm on 20 September, will provide public representatives with a better understanding of the issues local people living with a SCI are facing on a daily basis.

Cork residents who are living with life altering spinal cord injuries will tell the meeting how the Government’s current approach to awarding medical cards is having a negative impact on their lives and why a change in policy is necessary.

They will highlight how anyone who sustains a SCI and who is in need of a medical card is currently assessed on their means rather than their needs, as well as the fact that the maximum period for any medical card is 3 years.

Fiona Bolger, CEO of SII, said: “This is an arbitrary and inhuman approach which is delaying or denying treatment and the supply of necessary equipment to many people living with a spinal cord injury.

“It also contributes to significant stress, financial hardship, erosion of personal dignity and independence and additional physical and mental challenges. It is inhuman and it must change.”

The meeting is part of a national roadshow organised by SII to generate wider support for its pre-Budget proposal.

Ms Bolger added: “Our number one priority is the permanent provision of medical cards based on assessment of need. Our shared belief is that a spinal cord injury should be classified as a life-long condition, similar to diabetes or epilepsy. It is critical to recognise that anyone living with such a life-long condition is also at risk of developing secondary conditions that can be debilitating and even life-threatening,” she said.

The SII CEOconcluded: “In many cases, people with a SCI are unable to return to their former employment. Spouses, family members or partners commonly give up their employment to provide them with home care.

“There is a huge loss of family income and it is estimated that 25% of those with a SCI live below the poverty line.”