Spinal Injuries Unit

Please note: QSCIS has developed a new website for health and disability professionals and can be found at: https://qscis.health.qld.gov.au  

The resources available on the new website are designed for clinical purposes with the aim of building capacity for acute care, rehabilitation, and community management of spinal cord injury.

Currently there are resources available for bowel and skin management, as well as QSCIS contact and referral information. More resources will be published soon.


Our mission

To provide a state-wide service that enables people with spinal cord injury to achieve their maximum potential.

Spinal cord 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.

Who are we?

The Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU) is a 40 bed unit and the only specialist spinal injuries rehabilitation unit in QLD.  Most people with serious spinal cord injury need to come to the SIU in Brisbane for treatment and rehabilitation. We offer both acute and rehabilitation services.

The SIU is part of the Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Services (QSCIS) which is also comprised of the Transitional Rehabilitation Program (TRP) and Spinal Outreach Team (SPOT). We are located at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in close proximity to all other acute medical services that are required to successfully care for a person with spinal cord injury.

Our purpose is to enable people with spinal cord injuries living in QLD to achieve their   maximum potential. We aim to individualise your rehabilitation program to achieve the best possible outcomes with you.

Spinal Injuries Unit Fact Sheet PDF (299kB)

Who Can Use Our Service?

Adults over the age of 16 who are residents of QLD and

  • have suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury or
  • have a medical condition which has   resulted in spinal cord impairment or
  • have had a previous spinal cord injury who develop complications that require specialist treatment


If you live outside of QLD or plan to relocate interstate or overseas, a transfer to the nearest spinal injuries unit to your home will be arranged when you are medically fit to travel.

Detailed information regarding eligibility for admission can be found in the Spinal Injuries Unit Admission Guidelines (this will be visible only if you are accessing this page within Queensland Health's network)

Referrals

Acute referrals to the Spinal Injuries Unit (new patients) require referral by the treating consultant.

The Spinal Injuries Unit Acute Patient Referral Form can be obtained by :

Visiting the Spinal Injuries Unit Queensland Health Intranet Website (this will be visible only if you are accessing this page within Queensland Health's network) OR
Contacting the Spinal Injuries Unit Office Manager on Ph: +61 7 3176 5061 or by e-mail SIU referrals only.

  • About the Spinal Injuries Unit

    Information about the Spinal Injuries Unit, including eligibility criteria and new referrals.

  • Rehabilitation Programs

    Information about rehabilitation programs in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Medical Services

    Information about Medical services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Nursing Services

    Information about Nursing services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Occupational Therapy

    Information about Occupational Therapy services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Physiotherapy

    Information about Physiotherapy services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Social Work

    Information about Social Work services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Psychology and Neuropsychology

    Information about Psychology services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

  • Leisure Therapy

    Information about Leisure Therapy services in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service.

Last updated: 10 March 2021