Spinal Support Group

The Spinal Support Group was started in 1999 with a few patients meeting regularly at the hospital in an informal way, to encourage patients to swap stories and help and support each other, both before and after surgery. The group has now grown and the meetings have become very popular, with about a 100 patients and relatives attending each meeting. The group decided to apply for, and was given charity status in 2000, and became the Tees Valley Spinal Support Group Trust, with a nickname of 'Bouncing Back'. Hundreds of patients now are involved in meetings, fund raising and social events. The support network between patients has grown too, and with the support and encouragement of Mr Krishna and his team, patients are helped through difficult times by both hospital care and patient support. The group meets every 2-3 months at the hospital and both families and friends are welcomed too.

Many patients describe attending the Spinal Support Group as the turning point in their decision to opt for treatment, and one of the most rewarding parts of their journey to recover from their spinal problems.

CONTACT: You can contact the group via Email - spinalsupport@gmail.com

The registered charity that supports the Spinal Unit at North Tees needs ongoing donations , if you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque payable to Tees Valley Spinal Support Group Trust (or TVSSGT) to the charity headquarters : Tees Valley Spinal Support Group, Room 311, North Wing Floor 3, University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick, Stockton on Tees, TS19 8PE. We welcome any donation, no matter how small.

You can also visit the discussion board on this website, and attend one of the meetings.

DETAILS OF MEETINGS FOR 2008 and 2009 are listed below. All meetings are held on Saturday Mornings in the teaching centre at North Tees Hospital, at 10am in the Teaching Centre . Here you can meet and speak with patients who have had similar care as has been advised in your case.

Please confirm the dates and venue by emailing the support group, or contacting the spinal team, as occasionally they are subject to change.

June 7th 2008

August 16th 2008

November 1st 2008

January 17th 2009

March 21st 2009

June 6th 2009

You and your family/friends are most welcome to attend the meetings. No prior notice is needed, and the meetings are free.
Even if you have not been seen by a consultant and just want more information, you are most welcome.