Join us for an eye-opening episode as we explore the vital yet less visible topic of bowel and bladder health in children with spinal cord injury. We kick off the conversation with Jodie Thompson, a seasoned clinical nurse consultant with decades of experience in paediatric spinal cord injury care. Jodie shares her expert insights into how spinal cord injuries can impact these critical bodily functions and provides practical strategies for establishing healthy routines early on. She discusses the potential health risks associated with neglecting these areas and offers empowering tips to help children gain independence in managing their personal care.

Next, we hear from Clare, an entrepreneur and devoted mother of three, whose journey includes navigating family life with a child with a spinal cord injury caused by a tumour diagnosed in utero. Clare shares practical advice drawn from supporting her son's bladder and bowel health from infancy through to teenage years, while highlighting the significance of community support and the power of connecting with others facing similar challenges. Tune in to discover how addressing these foundational aspects of health can greatly  enhance the well-being and quality of life of children with spinal cord injury.

Meet our guests:

Jodie Thompson

 With over 32 years of nursing experience, Jodie has dedicated much of her career to specialising in the care of children with acquired brain and spinal cord injuries at a leading tertiary children’s hospital. Her extensive background also encompasses aged care, adult rehabilitation and broader paediatric practice. 

In the recent years, Jodie founded Kids Collaborative, a private nursing service that provides Paediatric Continence Assessments and Independent Nursing Assessments for children and adults with complex needs. 

Jodie is an active member of the Agency for Clinical Innovation’s Transition Executive, serves as chair of the Nurse Continence Specialists in Private Practice Interest Group and is engaged with several professional organisations, including Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and the Spinal Injury Nurses Association. A passionate advocate for innovation in healthcare, Jodie frequently attends and presents at conferences and workshops, sharing her vision for a collaborative future in healthcare and the essential role of building strong networks among clinicians to support children and families.

Clare Conroy 

Clare holds extensive experience in Stakeholder Management, Community Engagement, Disability Advocacy and Policy. She is a passionate advocate for disability rights and community engagement, currently serving as the Stakeholder and Policy Manager at a leading health-tech platform. She is also Trustee and advocate for the Evander Conroy Foundation, an organisation focused on promoting awareness of paediatric spinal cord injury and supporting optimal recovery. 

Previously, Clare was the Chief Experience Officer at loop+, a health management system designed for wheelchair users, has held pivotal roles in community engagement and partnerships at an innovative disability tech company, as well as online marketing and content production for high profile international companies. Clare is also the founder of an online lifestyle directory for women that operated across multiple cities. 

Image by: Shutterstock provided for by SpineCare Foundation.