• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Spinal Life Australia
  • HLC Cairns
  • HLC Brisbane

Spinal Life Australia

1300 774 625

Menu

Close menu

  • Knowledge Guide
    • What is spinal cord damage
    • Impacts to your body
    • Mental Health & Wellbeing
    • Pain Management
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Getting back to work
  • Therapies and Supports
    • Search Available Services
    • Clinics and Classes
    • Peer Support
    • Personal Support
    • Community Nursing
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Allied Health Assistants
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Assistive Technology
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • Advocacy
    • Social Work
    • Access and Inclusion Consulting
    • Equipment Supply
  • Resources for you
    • Understanding your funding
    • Training solutions
    • About the Disability Royal Commission
    • Latest update email newsletter
    • The Advocate magazine
    • Events
    • Spinal Life Takeaways
    • The Australian Accessible Tourism Alliance
  • Our community
    • About Spinal Life Australia
    • Become a member
    • Donate
    • Our Board and Executive Team
    • Our Patron and Ambassadors
    • Our Sponsors and Supporters
    • Sustainability at Spinal Life
  • Work with us
    • Current opportunities
  • Contact us
  • Donate

A win for advocacy: Spinal Injuries Unit funding announcement

August 22, 2023 by Rachel Toune

Media Statement

Spinal Life Australia is delighted to acknowledge a significant step forward in addressing the pressing needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

The State Government’s announcement of a $20 million investment to enhance the existing Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU) and the commitment to construct a modern replacement unit at the Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service at Princess Alexandra Hospital is truly commendable.

Spinal Life Australia CEO Mark Townend said Spinal Life has been steadfast in advocating for a larger and more contemporary SIU with more staff and beds for many years.

“We’re heartened by the willingness of the Premier and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman MP to engage with us, as well as individuals with disabilities and industry representatives, in the decision-making process,” Mark said.

“This inclusive approach speaks to the government’s commitment to fostering a healthcare system that genuinely meets the needs of the community it serves.

“We appreciate the warm and authentic engagement we have shared with the government throughout this journey. It reflects a genuine dedication to understanding the challenges faced by the disability community and a sincere effort to find meaningful solutions.

“These tough decisions haven’t been made easily, but they are timely and sensible, addressing immediate concerns whilst simultaneously charting a course towards a more forward-looking future. Patients, their families, and loved ones deserve nothing less, and we believe the measures announced will greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities for generations to come.

“Spinal Life Australia remains committed to working collaboratively with the government as these plans take shape, ensuring the voices of those who rely on the SIU are heard and integrated into the implementation process. Our goal is to create an environment where individuals with spinal cord injuries receive the highest quality care in facilities that are both cutting-edge and compassionate, taking into account the many months patients will spend during the rehabilitation process.”

Click here to read the Minister’s media release.

Read more about Spinal Life’s advocacy services.

Filed Under: Media releases, Our news Tagged With: advocacy, disability support, disability advocacy

Find services near you

Location Map (Woolloongabba)

GETTING THERE

Use the Accessible Australia app to find information and reviews to help you get around better.

Visit

Footer

Quick Links

  • Donate
  • Publications
  • News
  • Privacy
  • PSW Resources/Login
  • Office Staff Login

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you! Leave a message here or you can call toll free on: 1300 774 625

Your feedback

Feedback is always welcome from our members, clients and the general public.

Leave Feedback

Pay your invoices online

Settling your Spinal Life invoices is easy with our online payment portal.

Pay online

Copyright © 2023 Spinal Life Australia. All Rights Reserved.

Accessibility Statement Sitemap Admin

Back to top