For patients diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, which includes conditions such as spina bifida, referral to a specialist service is a critical component of their care NICE NG211,NICE NG41.
Specifically, for individuals with a spinal cord injury, ongoing contact with the regional specialist spinal cord injury centre should be established, and a referral should be made using the national spinal injuries database within 24 hours of diagnosis NICE NG211. All people who have a spinal cord injury should receive a lifetime of personalised care that is guided by a spinal cord injury centre NICE NG41.
Additionally, advice from the regional specialist spinal cord injury centre outreach team should be sought throughout the person's inpatient stay and at discharge to support their rehabilitation NICE NG211. For children and young people with a spinal cord injury, referral to specialist play services and education services is recommended to support their emotional, physical, and educational development and wellbeing NICE NG211.