Darren Deery

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare spinal surgical emergency that, if not treated urgently, can lead to life-changing consequences such as paralysis and loss of bowel, bladder and sexual function. Early intervention is critical, yet awareness remains low, even among healthcare professionals.

Access to timely treatment and surgery in Scotland can be challenging due to limited specialist spinal surgery centres in the region. Through this partnership, Cauda Equina Champions Charity and Irwin Mitchell hope to raise awareness amongst the public and healthcare professionals, ensuring more people access early intervention and achieve better outcomes.

The firm has already supported an in-person workshop in Glasgow in September 2025 and will play a key role in funding and supporting further workshops where patients, carers and loved ones can meet specialists, share experiences and learn more about managing CES.

Darren Deery, partner at Irwin Mitchell and leader in clinical negligence across the firm’s Scottish branches, said: “Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare event and spinal emergency that some doctors and nurses might never encounter in their careers but the consequences of missing the important red flag symptoms (as unfortunately many do) can be truly life-changing for patients.

“At Irwin Mitchell we receive a disproportionate number of client calls in terms of missed CES symptoms, whether that be in primary or secondary care, in the context of how rare the condition is suggesting that there remains a need for better awareness and training.

“Charities such as the Champions Charity play a crucial role supporting those with the condition and raising awareness in addition to providing rehabilitation. In a similar way to the charity, our aim is to provide better access to early rehabilitation and financial compensation so that our clients can start to rebuild their lives after what can be devastating consequences.”

Claire Thornber, charity founder and ethical partnerships leader at Cauda Equina Champions Charity, added: “Most people have never heard of Cauda Equina Syndrome, and while it may seem rare, it affects at least three people in every 100,000 in Scotland – that’s around 150 cases every year.

“Through this partnership we can amplify patient voices and take vital steps to raise awareness and improve education, ensuring that no one with Cauda Equina Syndrome is misdiagnosed, dismissed or left without support.