The unipolar spinal unit of Umbria, located at the Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital in Perugia, is set to be enhanced. Stefania Proietti, President of the Region, confirmed the plans during a legislative assembly session, responding to an urgent question presented by Bianca Maria Tagliaferri.

Established in 1998, the spinal unit is one of only eleven such structures in Italy and is recognized nationally for its thorough approach to rehabilitating individuals with spinal cord injuries. Recent challenges, including staff shortages and bed reductions, have prompted the need for renewed investment and support.

The Spinal Unit as a Center of Excellence

Proietti stated, “The absolute will of the region is to maintain and enhance the spinal unit, fully integrating it into the rehabilitation network.” This integration includes maintaining the 13 beds and increasing staff to restore full operational capacity.

The new regional social and health plan will position the spinal unit as a central component in the reorganization of the post-acute rehabilitation network. This network encompasses units for acquired serious brain injuries, intensive, extensive, outpatient, and home rehabilitation services.

The absolute will of the region is to maintain and enhance the spinal unit, fully integrating it into the rehabilitation network.

Coordination of thes efforts will be led by health directors and managers of rehabilitation operating units, including Dr. Sauro Biscotto,director of the spinal unit. The goal is to provide clinically appropriate and organizationally lasting responses to the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Addressing Critical Needs and Protecting Patients

Italy sees approximately 2,500 new cases of spinal cord injury each year. In Umbria alone, there are 20-25 new cases annually, with a stabilized population of over 500 patients. The Perugian structure serves as a vital resource for these individuals, as well as patients from other regions.

Tagliaferri emphasized the strategic importance of the spinal unit, advocating for continuity of care, investments in technological rehabilitation aids, and improved organizational efficiency. “It is not obvious to have a spinal unit in Umbria. At the time of its institution, in 1998, there were only three throughout Italy. And today our task is to preserve it and enhance it“.

Proietti also noted that the enhancement of the structure is included in the recent regional law 7/2024, which focuses on a comprehensive project for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This law aims to integrate health and socio-welfare services, involving the third sector in strategic planning.

Healthcare Focused on the Future

The umbria Region is committed to overcoming past challenges by implementing a person-centered organizational model. The unipolar spinal unit of Perugia exemplifies a broader strategy that prioritizes specialization, accessibility, and continuous care.

Tagliaferri expressed satisfaction with the response,stating,”Finally there is talk of perspective,attention,a concrete role in the social and health plan. The spinal unit cannot only be a chapter, but a backbone of a modern vision of rehabilitation“.