PA patients inspired by those who have been there before them

Peter Harre, Katie Franz and Col Mackereth are the ideal support team for newly-injured patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit.

The trio all work for the Spinal Injuries Association’s Peer Support Program and have a spinal cord injury, so when they say to patients, “I know how you feel,” they really do.

While Peter had been visiting the Spinal Injuries Unit on an informal basis for many years, five years ago he decided to make a full-time career out of visiting, mentoring and supporting people who were facing months of rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury along with major life changes.

“While you have plenty of support in the Unit, the intricacies and challenges of a spinal cord injury are often best explained by someone who has been there, done that,” Peter said.

“We’re not there to preach or tell them what they should do when they leave hospital, but we can give them ‘insider knowledge’ and practical advice that will mean their transition from hospital to home is a bit smoother.

“We also maintain regular contact with our clients once they’re back in their communities, and we’re only ever a phone call away if they need some advice or support.”

Katie, 30, began her role in November 2008, because she wanted to show newly-injured patients that life goes on after a spinal cord injury.

“My outlook on life is extremely positive; I push the boundaries of disability on a daily basis and I want to inspire others through my role as a Peer Support Officer to adopt that same philosophy,” she said.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you choose to react. Having to use a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy life and achieve your dreams.”

Col is based at the Association’s Townsville office, and he supports people from the North Queensland region when they return home from the Spinal Injuries Unit. However, several times a year he also visits the Unit to start building a rapport with patients that are from the north of the state.

“We are all incredible in our own way and each and every one of us is an inspiration to someone else, somewhere, sometime. Peer support is all about inspiring each other,” Col said.

“It never ceases to amaze me the way people with a spinal cord injury can think outside the square, to find a way to do things that initially seem impossible.

“My role is to help people to move forward, to live in the now and to look towards the future.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the trio’s regular interaction and connection with patients in and out of the Spinal Injuries Unit was not only an opportunity for them to give practical advice such as easier ways of transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, but they also provided optimism that you could go on to lead a rewarding life following a spinal cord injury.

“Peter, Katie and Col have clearly shown that using a wheelchair is no impediment to leading a full life, having a job, a family and enjoying exercise and other hobbies,” Mr Henley said.

“The Spinal Injuries Association is dedicated to assisting and empowering our 1,500 members throughout Queensland to live independently in their community.”

For more information please visit www.spinal.com.au.

Issued 28 July.