The Neurosurgery Department of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has inaugurated a support group for people living with spinal cord injuries. This initiative aims to promote psychosocial support and improve the overall well-being of patients. The department launched the group at a symposium organised by its Holistic Round Team to commemorate this year’s World Spinal Cord Injury Day. The event brought together healthcare professionals involved in the multidisciplinary management of spinal cord injury patients.
The symposium, themed “From Awareness to Action”, featured a keynote address by Prof. Adefolarin Malomo, the pioneer of the Holistic Round Team. Malomo, a neurosurgeon, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to managing spinal cord injuries. He stressed that healthcare professionals must go beyond treating physical injuries to address the psychological, emotional, and broader biopsychosocial needs of patients. According to Malomo, spinal cord injury care should not be limited to surgical intervention or physical rehabilitation.
Prof. Sesan Oluwasola, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, representing UCH management, commended the team’s efforts. He noted that management had always supported the drive to cater for patients’ well-being. The Assistant Director of Nursing, Public Health Nursing Department, UCH, Omobosede Ayebameru, described the theme of the event as a call for healthcare professionals and the public to move beyond awareness to concrete action in preventing spinal cord injuries and supporting affected patients.
Ayebameru said the newly established support group would provide a platform for patients with similar experiences to interact, communicate, and support one another. The group will operate through WhatsApp, enabling members to stay in touch and build relationships beyond their hospital-based care. This initiative is part of the Holistic Round Team’s efforts to provide broader support to spinal cord injury patients.
The Holistic Round Team comprises professionals from neurosurgery, nursing, clinical psychology, physiotherapy, and medical social work, among other disciplines. The team’s coordinated approach aims to care for patients with spinal cord injuries comprehensively. Dr Olaoluwa Akinbo, representing the Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Prof. James Balogun, said the initiative underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to caring for patients with spinal cord injuries.
The support group is expected to provide emotional and psychological support to patients, helping them cope with their conditions. Patients will have the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, fostering a sense of community and understanding. The initiative also highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing holistic care to patients with spinal cord injuries.
The University College Hospital’s initiative is a significant step towards addressing the needs of patients with spinal cord injuries in Nigeria. By providing a platform for patients to connect and access support, the hospital aims to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. The hospital’s efforts also underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with complex needs.
Key points
- University College Hospital, Ibadan, has launched a support group for people living with spinal cord injuries to promote psychosocial support and improve their overall well-being.
- The support group will operate through WhatsApp, enabling members to stay in touch and build relationships beyond their hospital-based care.
- The initiative highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing holistic care to patients with spinal cord injuries.
