The Service User, a 13-year-old girl, was admitted to the emergency department following a car accident. She was found conscious but unable to move or feel her legs. On assessment, she had loss of motor and sensory function below the nipple line, with absent reflexes, indicating a T4 complete spinal cord injury. MRI revealed a fracture-dislocation at T4 with spinal cord compression.

When implementing the care package, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was initiated, including physiotherapy for mobility and strengthening, occupational therapy for daily living skills, and psychological support for emotional adjustment.

Staff were trained in the bespoke needs for service user, which included Bladder and bowel training including the procedure for intermittent catheterisation.

Working with the clinical lead, our service user developed a care plan that helped identify her outcomes and goals in a realistic timeline.

Care focused on preventing pressure sores, promoting effective elimination, and supporting emotional well-being. A plan to transition back to a school program was initiated, the service user has achieved independence in her wheelchair mobility and self-care with continued therapy and family support.