London Spinal Cord Injury Centre (LSCIC)

The London Spinal Cord Injury Centre (LSCIC) at the RNOH is one of only 11 in the UK designated to receive and treat spinal cord injured patients. The Centre currently has 40 beds, 30 of which are on the main SCIC ward for adults. These beds include beds for acute care, the first episode of rehabilitation and readmission.

The overarching philosophy of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) at the LSCIC is that rehabilitation is a journey that takes years and is best delivered through lifelong intervention. We aim to give our patients the initial skills to return to their lives as soon as possible, supported by re-admissions and outpatient services for maintaining health and ongoing skill acquisition.

Patients are admitted predominantly from the south-east of England on an urgent referral basis. The aim is to admit all patients as soon as possible following their injury. The centre consists of a team of multi-professional specialists who work towards a patient-focused service and rehabilitation is based around patient centred goals.

The ward has 30 beds divided into four bedded bays, double bays and side rooms.

While on the ward you will be cared for by our experienced team of nurses who are compassionate about the care that they deliver. We aim to treat every patient in our care with privacy, dignity and respect. By enhancing your patient journey, it is our aim that your stay will be a positive experience while you recover from your injury in a safe environment.

You will be kept informed throughout your stay about your condition and progress, but please do ask questions if you require further information.

Spinal Cord Injury Centre (nursing station) 020 8909 5583/5588

Spinal Cord Injury Centre Co-ordinator 020 3947 0100 bleep 755

Community Liaison 020 8909 5594

Starting on 28 June 2024, RNOH will have flexible visiting times for inpatients. There will be no set visiting hours, so up to two visitors can come whenever it is convenient for the patient.

Visitor guidelines

We’d kindly ask that you:

Avoid visiting during meal times, sleep/rest times, treatments, or personal care times.

Keep noise levels low and respect the privacy of other patients.

Step outside of the bay during your visit, if asked to by staff, to protect the confidentiality and dignity of other patients.

The nurse in charge will make the final decision on visiting times to ensure patient needs and overall wellbeing are balanced.

If more than one person is needed, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

For patients receiving end-of-life care, we will accommodate visitors at any time to meet their needs and preferences.

Please contact the ward on 020 8909 5583/5588 for further visiting information.

• Breakfast from 07.00
• Lunch from 12.00
• Supper from 17.15

Beverages are served throughout the day and are available on request.

Mobile phone

As there is no public telephone we do allow the use of mobile phones on the ward. However, we ask that you are considerate to patients around you by using the vibrate setting and refrain from making calls at night.

Dayroom

We have a communal day room with a television, patient education area, PlayStation, Wii and gardens for you to enjoy. We kindly ask that patients are dressed appropriately in the dayroom area as this is used by both male and female patients.

WiFi service for patients is available. If using laptops / DVD players, please ensure headphones are used for the comfort of other patients.

Toilets

Both male and female toilet and shower facilities are available.

Post

Post will be delivered to your bedside should any arrive for you.

Snacks

A snack trolley visits the ward daily if you would like to purchase anything.

Nurse Handover

This takes place between 07.15 – 07.45 and 19.45 – 20.15 at each patient’s bedside.

Doctors ward round

Doctors ward rounds take place throughout the week.