Continuing care of the spinal cord injured.

The functions of a comprehensive Spinal Cord Unit do not cease with the discharge of the patient from in-patient treatment after rehabilitation; they extend to aftercare, both in medical follow-up and prevention and treatment of complications, and in ongoing support and education of the patient and his family. An effective aftercare service must offer a life-long commitment to patients, and the aftercare team must include members of the disciplines which were involved in the initial rehabilitation, and also often others. Although demanding of time, resources and money, good aftercare is cost-effective in terms of savings in the cost of out-patient treatment and of re-admissions to hospital for the treatment of complications, and in maintaining many patients in the community, often as contributing members of society.