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Queensland Health
Health Services > Statewide & Community Health Services > QSCIS

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Spinal Injuries in Queensland

There are approximately 90 people in Queensland each year, who will suffer spinal cord injuries (SCI).

This may be due to accident or other trauma or because of medical illness or disease. At present, there is no cure for SCI and these injuries often result in serious permanent disability. Most people with serious SCI need to come to the Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU) in Brisbane for treatment and rehabilitation.

For an overview of Queensland Spinal Cord Injury statistics, click here

About the Spinal Injuries Unit

The Queensland Spinal Injuries Unit is a 40 bed unit servicing all of Queensland and Northern NSW. It is situated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, in close proximity to all other acute medical services that are required to successfully manage a person with SCI.

Rehabilitation services are provided by an experienced multi-disciplinary professional team.

It is the only Spinal Injuries Unit in Queensland. It provides a unique service being the only Spinal Injuries Unit in Australia that provides acute care, primary rehabilitation, transitional rehabilitation, outpatient services and outreach services from the one facility.

Photo of Spinal Injuries Unit exterior


Who is Eligible to Access the Service?

  • Adults over the age of 12
  • People who have trauma resulting in spinal cord damage with loss of movement or feeling
  • People with spinal damage from other causes who are assessed as suitable for a rehabilitation program
  • People who have had a previous SCI and who develop a complication that requires treatment in the SIU
  • A referral from your doctor and an assessment by one of the SIU doctors is required before you can be admitted to SIU.


    This page last updated: April 2009
    Review date: April 2010