Overview

Professionals in the fields of physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, social work and dietetics are employed to work at Epworth in the acute wards and rehabilitation.

Dietetics

Epworth's dietetics department provides a comprehensive range of nutritional service to inpatients and outpatients, as well as educational support to patient's families and carers. Dietitians are available to consult on all aspects of nutrition, including assessment, recommendations for nutritional management, implementations of therapeutic diets and nutrition support, nutritional counselling and education.

We aim to optimise your health, nutritional status and quality of life, working closely with our food services teams to meet your nutritional needs.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists aim to maximise your function and safety. Wherever possible, they facilitate your return to your previous level of function.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists use exercise prescription to maximise your potential and aim to return you to your community as near to functioning at pre-existing physical levels as possible. These programs are provided as inpatient and outpatient services.

Psychology

Our psychologists work with inpatients, outpatients and people living in the community. The psychology department is comprised of both neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists.

Our psychologists are mainly involved with those receiving rehabilitation following work or motor vehicle accidents or who have experienced stroke or other neurological impairment.

Social Work

Social Workers work across the acute and rehabilitation areas of the hospital. Social workers assess the impact the change in health status has had on the social situation of you and your family. This is done in order for the treating team to adequately plan and organise your care and discharge based on your individual social needs. The focus is on family support and community integration.

Speech pathology

Epworth's speech pathology team are involved in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of a range of communication, cognitive and swallowing impairments. The department provides specialist services to maximise the recovery and well-being of people with difficulties arising from a variety of neurological impairments and medical conditions.

Acquired brain injury rehabilitation

Epworth's speech pathologists also specialise in facilitating recovery in these areas following acquired brain injuries. This care involves a team approach (in conjunction with medical, nursing and allied health professionals) to assist you in returning to activities such as day to day tasks, work, study, social communication, eating and drinking.

Information brochures

The following brochures explain Epworth's speech pathology services, and the conditions speech pathologists assess and manage:

Referring to Allied Health

Our patients are at the centre of everything we do.

Our Find a Doctor directory allows you to contact an Epworth accredited specialist for your GP to refer you to.

A referral from your GP, a specialist or other health professional is required to access most Epworth services and some can be called directly by the patient including our Allied Health Clinic, GP Clinic, Men’s Health Clinic and Jean Hailes at Epworth Freemasons as well as our Breast Services, Epworth Sports and Exercise Medicine Group and Epworth HealthCheck.

Read more: For GPs - Connecting GPs with Epworth.

Related services

Clinical institute

Rehabilitation, Mental Health and Chronic Pain Clinical Institute

Director:
Dr Robin Hunter
Rehabilitation is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who collaborate in providing care for patients, developing individualised programs and setting recovery goals.