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Motability operations hands over specialist car rig to Stoke Mandeville Hospital Spinal Unit
Motability Operations, the company that manages the car scheme for disabled people, has handed over a new static vehicle rig to the UK's leading specialist spinal unit at the Stoke Mandeville hospital in Aylesbury. The rig, a new Vauxhall Corsa, will allow both in- and out-patients at the National Spinal Injuries Centre to practice getting in and out of the car, and will form an important part of the rehabilitation process for those with severe spinal injuries. The project has been led by Neil McNicholl, manufacturer relations account manager at Motability Operations, who spent six months at the specialist unit of the Stoke Mandeville hospital following a traffic accident. The previous static vehicle rig was an outdated car that did not offer patients a realistic experience of modern cars, or do much to build patients' confidence that it was possible to drive following a spinal injury. Handing over the car to the National Spinal Injuries Centre on Friday 18th May, Neil McNicholl said: "After my accident I didn't expect to be able to get behind the wheel of a car again. The rig enables patients like me to practice these manoeuvres in a safe, easily-accessible environment, before getting out again to the freedom of the open road." "By providing access to all the features and seating configurations available in a modern car, the new rig offers an experience closer to today's motoring world." Ian Goswell, commercial services director, Motability Operations, commented: "Motability Operations is delighted to support the work of the specialist spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville hospital, and provide this rig to boost the rehabilitation of people with spinal injuries. The Motability Scheme has many customers with such injuries and we understand how important a car is, either behind the wheel or as a passenger, as a route to independence." Patients at Stoke Mandeville hospital can now make use of the new static vehicle rig. The car is a new Vauxhall Corsa with the engine, battery and fuel tank removed, on a moveable platform to help people get in and out from all angles. Patients can also easily get to the boot too, to practice putting items, including mobility equipment, into this area of the car. The design and installation has been funded by Motability Operations and the car has been provided with the kind support of Vauxhall Motors Limited. Hayley Ingram, Motability sales and marketing manager for Vauxhall Motors explains: "As one of the major suppliers to the Motability Scheme, Vauxhall Motors Limited is proud to be involved in the project, and pleased to have supported both the Stoke Mandeville Hospital and Motability Operations in delivering the new car for the spinal unit." Receiving the static vehicle rig on behalf of the Stoke Mandeville hospital, David Griffiths, general manager of the National Spinal Injuries Centre said: "Providing the best possible care and rehabilitation of our patients is the main priority of the National Spinal Injuries Centre. We would like to thank Motability Operations for the development and installation of the new static vehicle rig that will greatly improve the experience of patients at the unit. As the first and most up-to-date rig of its kind in the country, Stoke Mandeville hospital is proud to continue its tradition for offering the leading levels of care in the specialist spinal injuries area." The National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) at Stoke Mandeville hospital is a 106 bed dedicated spinal injuries centre providing comprehensive care to patients with acute spinal cord injury. The work of the unit consists of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients. The Motability Scheme delivers affordable motoring solutions for disabled people and their families. Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement can use this to pay for the lease of a brand new car. The payment includes comprehensive insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover. No credit checks or further medical assessments are required and customers can receive a new car every three years. For more information about the Motability Scheme call 0800 093 1000 or see www.motability.co.uk.
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