Visiting the hospital

The acute unit

If you have never been to hospital or are a very infrequent visitor, seeing your relative lying in bed surrounded by tubes, wires and machinery may be quite a shock.

In an SCI Centre your relative is likely to be admitted onto an Acute Care Ward for newly-injured, post-surgery or very unwell patients.

During their stay on this ward, your relative may be sedated, sleep a lot and will probably be lying flat on their bed or be in traction for a period of time. Traction helps to maintain the neck in a stable and correct position in order to allow it to heal.