The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit
Following a spinal cord injury the body works differently. There is a period of adjustment and learning new skills. Your rehabilitation journey will be unique to you. During this time you will learn how to do things differently, how to prevent complications happening and recognise when things are not quite right and how to manage them. The aim is for you to become an expert in your own care - this may be by being fully independent with all aspects of your care or being able to direct others to ensure safe care delivery.
Education is not the sole responsibility of one person, but the entire multidisciplinary team (MDT). From admission, you will be learning from your doctors, nurses and a variety of other healthcare professionals who will support and guide you. There is an inpatient educational programme which runs every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon supported by the MDT and peer support staff to ensure you have all the information you need and every opportunity to ask questions in a safe space.
Family and friends are welcome along to many of these sessions. We also recognise that family and friends need support too and for this reason we host a Family and Friends Education Day twice a year.
For more information, visit the Education pages.
Meet the team
Mary started her nursing career in February 1988, qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in 1991 from the Southern General College of Nursing and Midwifery (now the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital).
After qualifying, Mary gained experience in a variety of specialities including General Medicine, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery.
In 1998 she joined the Spinal Injuries Unit and has enjoyed a variety of roles. She was appointed as Education Sister in 2017. Her role involves co-ordinating and delivering patient education sessions as well as supporting staff, healthcare professionals, university students and carers from across Scotland.
Mary is involved in ensuring best practice is maintained, delivering on national initiatives and improvement.
Areas of interest are all things spinal, and assuring that the very best levels of care are delivered to all of our patients.
Contact Details
Mary Hannah, Education Sister
0141 201 2543
Aaran Bissell, Unit Support Nurse
0141 201 2537