The Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service this week launched ‘The QSCIS Backbone’ which is the fulfilment of a collaborative co-design effort from stakeholder partners, consumers, staff of the service, and the Compassion Revolution team to develop a shared commitment to the way the service provides care.
The event welcomed Mary Freer from Compassion Revolution back to the campus to join with representatives who were involved in designing the commitment to celebrate the milestone of the journey.
The QSCIS Backbone is:
- We are Collaborative – Our paths have crossed, and everyone has an important role to play
- We are Compassionate – We practise compassion and keep each other safe
- We are Hopeful and Optimistic – Together we build hope for a positive future
- We are Intentional – We are responsive, not reactive
- We are Respectful – Our community is built on a foundation of respect and dignity
Staff Specialist and A/Medical Director of the Division of Allied Health and Rehabilitation, Dr Claire Panagoda said the resulting commitment which is documented as a handheld reference booklet is very adaptable to everyday life and how we can alter our mindset.
“I was able to apply this in my own life – specifically, ‘the way in which I think and speak affects how I feel about the future’,” she said of a humorous example from her family life.
“It has been a wonderful experience, and this is just the beginning in terms of how we implement this commitment and we look forward to that into the future.”
The long-term rehabilitation environment of the state’s Spinal Cord Injuries Service is unique in that patients stay within the unit for an extended time following their injury undertaking the full spectrum of rehabilitation to prepare for independence in the community setting. They are then supported with transitional rehabilitation services and support from the Spinal Outreach Team with ongoing interactions with the outpatient clinic which could be for the rest of their lives.
“To our QSCIS community who have provided so much of their time and creativity to this document, we really are fortunate to be here at this point and setting up a sense of who we are for the future,” Dr Panagoda said.
The launch featured a song performed by Peer Support Worker with Spinal Life Australia – Queensland, Tim McCallum called Proud.
Through the introduction of The QSCIS Backbone, and the ongoing work of the QSCIS Enhancement Project, PAH’s spinal injuries community look forward to being Stronger Together.