SIA's response to Lord Darzi's review of the NHS

Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) has welcomed Lord Darzi’s 2024 NHS Review, which addresses several critical areas impacting the spinal cord injured (SCI) community. The report’s emphasis on integrating health and social care, streamlining NHS processes, and addressing the growing mental health crisis directly align with SIA’s long-standing campaigns to improve care for individuals with spinal injuries.

Integrated Care and Social Care Funding

We are encouraged by the report’s recommendation to simplify the NHS through the creation of health and care authorities that will integrate services and focus on local needs. For those living with SCI, fragmented care pathways often lead to delayed access to essential treatments and rehabilitation services. A more streamlined, coordinated system could significantly improve these outcomes, ensuring patients receive timely, personalised care.

Moreover, the call to double social care funding by 2030 is critical for improving home care and support services for people with SCI, many of whom rely on a comprehensive care network to maintain their independence. SIA has always campaigned for a better-funded and more equitable social care system, and this recommendation is a step in the right direction.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

Lord Darzi’s report also highlights the growing mental health crisis in the NHS, with a particular rise in mental health issues following the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially concerning for people with spinal cord injuries, who often face unique psychological challenges following the life-changing injury. Recent findings from SIA’s What Matters survey shows that 63% of people with SCI experience anxiety or depression, exacerbated by a lack of specialised mental health services. These are even more exacerbated when it comes to people from other communities, where culture sensitive mental health services are also absent.

While the report acknowledges the need to tackle the surge in mental health referrals, particularly among those with long-term conditions, it is essential that specific focus is also placed on the SCI community. There is a clear need for dedicated mental health support tailored to the complex needs of those adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury, where both the physical and emotional impact is profound.

Technological Innovation and Accessible Care

We also support the report’s call for embracing new technologies to empower patients and improve care delivery. However, we urge decision-makers to ensure that technological advances remain fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Innovative solutions must not only address specific physical health needs but also incorporate mental health and emotional well-being.

Call to Action

The SIA is committed to working with the government and NHS leaders to ensure that the SCI community’s needs are fully represented in the coming reforms. Whilst we recognise that change cannot happen in a day, we urge swift implementation of Lord Darzi’s recommendations on social care funding, mental health, and integration of services, as these are vital to improving the quality of life for people with long term conditions, including those in the SCI community.

We look forward to contributing to the development of a 10-year plan that ensures every person living with a spinal cord injury has access to the care, mental health support, and rehabilitation services they deserve.

Dharshana Sridhar campaigns manager at SIA said:

“Lord Darzi’s report paints a painful picture of the current state of the NHS, highlighting its deep-rooted challenges, from record waiting times to an escalating mental health crisis. For people with spinal cord injuries, who already struggle with delayed access to care and inadequate mental health support, these findings resonate painfully.

The government now has an early opportunity to act on these urgent recommendations, particularly around social care funding and healthcare integration, to restore the NHS to proper functioning. This is a pivotal moment to ensure the system works for everyone, including those living with spinal injuries.

We look forward to working with the Government and the NHS to ensure the recommendations from Lord Darzi’s report lead to tangible improvements in care and support.”