Medical Staff
A Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine manages and coordinates patient care with a Rehabilitation Registrar providing further medical support when necessary. Medical staff liaise closely with doctors and surgeons from acute treating hospitals to ensure all medical needs are assessed and treated. Should the need arise (and the care required is accident or medically related), acute medical services are readily available at Epworth HealthCare.
The Nursing Team
Nurse Unit Managers on each Rehabilitation ward guide patient care and lead and support the nursing team. Nurses on the ward support and guide patients and families in rehabilitation and are skilled in all aspects of Rehabilitation management and care. The nursing team will provide the co-ordinated approach to your 24 hour care.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapist provides assessment, therapy, education and equipment to assist in achieving goals related to daily living. The Occupational Therapist may organise a home visit to assess access to the home and recommend any equipment or services required for a safe discharge home. The Occupational Therapist assists with any issues related to returning to school, work and driving. Further support in this area can be followed up at discharge through the outpatient services of Epworth Rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapy program is designed at admission and reviewed during admission. Physiotherapists teach and assist in goal achievement related to mobilization, muscle strength and balance. Hydrotherapy is available and is often included in the rehabilitation program. At discharge further plans are implemented to ensure adequate follow-up either at Epworth Rehabilitation Out-Patient department or at a local facility dependant on identified needs.
Psychology
A Clinical Psychologist is available to treat psychological reactions to injury, medical conditions and hospitalization. These may include anxiety, depression, phobias, relationship difficulties and nightmares. If a loss of consciousness was sustained in an accident or difficulties are occurring with concentration/memory a Neuro-Psychologist assesses these problems and provide strategies manage.
Social Work
A Social Worker is available to provide supportive counselling regarding your accident, injuries and/or medical conditions. They also provide assistance with financial issues, TAC and WorkCover matters and assist with the planning for discharge from hospital and coordinate communication with community services.
Dietetics
Dietitians trained in clinical nutrition are available to provide nutrition support to meet individual needs and assist in recovery. Medical events/trauma can have a profound effect on metabolism and nutritional requirements. Often a patient entering rehabilitation has experienced weight loss or nutritional issues associated with medical condition/hospitalization. During admission a patient’s nutritional status may be further compromised for several reasons including increased nutritional requirements, loss of appetite, fatigue, pain, injury, illness, swallowing difficulty or poor oral intake. Poor nutrition can increase fatigue levels, decrease wound healing and delay recovery.
Speech Pathology
A Speech Pathologist is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of a range of communication, cognitive and swallowing impairments. Such difficulties frequently arise as a consequence of acquired brain injury, neurological impairment or surgery. The Speech Pathologist will tailor a program to suit the individual and may include a combination of individual and group based therapy.
Pastoral Care
A pastoral care worker is available to support your spiritual needs or a member of your religious denomination can be contacted on your behalf.