On the 22nd of September the Chief Medical Officer issued a circular regarding the prevention, early detection, treatment and care of patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression. The implementation of these guidelines has implications reaching across all services including primary care, diagnostic, acute and emergency services, as well as for rehabilitation services and spinal surgery.

To this end the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN), in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, held a half-day workshop on Wednesday, 19th May 2010, from 09:00-13:30, at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim.

The purpose of the workshop was to consider the Guidelines, their implications for health and social care services within Northern Ireland, and to agree a way forward.

Speakers included:

* Mr. Alistair Stirling, Spinal Surgeon, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham

* Ms. Jackie Whigham, South East Scotland Macmillan Project Manager for MSCC

 To view Presentations from the workshop, plese follow thw links below:

• Dr Joe O'Sullivan, 'Implementing NICE Guidance'
• Ms Jackie Whigham, 'MSCC the past, presnt and future'
• Mr Alistair Stirling, 'the surgeons role in MSCC'

 Click here to view the Workshop Summary Report