We care for people who have a long-term lung or heart condition including people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, other lung conditions and heart failure. We also care for people who have lung surgery.

We are specialist physiotherapists who provide you with a comprehensive assessment and personalised plan to improve your breathing, fatigue, physical abilities and quality of life.

We work with a team of medical specialists, nurses and other health professionals, including a psychologist and speech pathologist, to help you better manage your lung and heart condition.

We provide a comprehensive initial assessment with a physiotherapist at the hospital followed by an 8-week supervised exercise training program.  This can occur either in a gymnasium or in a hydrotherapy pool, at home with a physiotherapist, or at home using computer technology. We also provide ongoing exercise groups which you can attend after completing the initial 8-week program, and a social and support group.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program? 

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor. You can refer yourself to our program.  A letter explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking is always helpful.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to refer yourself to our program or need to change or cancel an appointment please call 9382 2851. This program is in high demand so there may be a 3-4 month waiting period before you can attend. We will tell you the approximate waiting time when you first contact our staff. 

Can I choose the day and time I attend the hospital for my appointment/s?

Your first appointment time is flexible. However, the exercise programs run on weekdays at set times. 

How often do I need to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program?

If you join the program, you will be expected to participate in exercise training and education sessions twice a week for 8 weeks.

What should I bring

Please wear flat, enclosed shoes and loose comfortable clothing suitable for exercise.

Please bring a list of your current medicines and reading glasses (should you need them) to your first appointment.

Please bring a water bottle.

You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

What if I can’t exercise because of my other health conditions?

Our physiotherapists are specialists in prescribing exercise to suit each individual person, and we can modify your exercise program to take into account any other health issues you may have.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment or exercise sessions. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Lung Foundation Australia 

We care for people who have a long-term lung or heart condition including people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, other lung conditions and heart failure. We also care for people who have lung surgery.

We are specialist physiotherapists who provide you with a comprehensive assessment and personalised plan to improve your breathing, fatigue, physical abilities and quality of life.

We work with a team of medical specialists, nurses and other health professionals, including a psychologist and speech pathologist, to help you better manage your lung and heart condition.

We provide a comprehensive initial assessment with a physiotherapist at the hospital followed by an 8-week supervised exercise training program.  This can occur either in a gymnasium or in a hydrotherapy pool, at home with a physiotherapist, or at home using computer technology. We also provide ongoing exercise groups which you can attend after completing the initial 8-week program, and a social and support group.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program? 

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor. You can refer yourself to our program.  A letter explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking is always helpful.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to refer yourself to our program or need to change or cancel an appointment please call 9382 2851. This program is in high demand so there may be a 3-4 month waiting period before you can attend. We will tell you the approximate waiting time when you first contact our staff. 

Can I choose the day and time I attend the hospital for my appointment/s?

Your first appointment time is flexible. However, the exercise programs run on weekdays at set times. 

How often do I need to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program?

If you join the program, you will be expected to participate in exercise training and education sessions twice a week for 8 weeks.

What should I bring

Please wear flat, enclosed shoes and loose comfortable clothing suitable for exercise.

Please bring a list of your current medicines and reading glasses (should you need them) to your first appointment.

Please bring a water bottle.

You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

What if I can’t exercise because of my other health conditions?

Our physiotherapists are specialists in prescribing exercise to suit each individual person, and we can modify your exercise program to take into account any other health issues you may have.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment or exercise sessions. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Lung Foundation Australia 

Our Acute Aged Care team includes doctors, nurses and allied health staff who work together with you, your family and carer to meet your physical, mental and emotional needs while you are in hospital, and to begin planning for when you leave hospital.

ReVive program volunteers

Our volunteers receive 12 hours of training to provide support, companionship and practical assistance to patients, particularly those who are feeling confused, are at risk of falling or are losing some abilities as a result of being in hospital. The volunteers spend time with patients, listening to their stories, talking about things of interest, giving hand massages, encouraging them to eat and drink or helping them walk safely around the ward.

If you think your relative might benefit from a visit from a ReViVe volunteer please contact the Aged Care Volunteer Coordinator on 9382 2014. 

The aged care wards offer nursing care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is always on call. Other members of the team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our nurses will try to connect you with other members of staff at your request but, depending on the time and day and the seriousness of the situation, you may have to wait, particularly when it is after hours or on the weekend. We know this can be frustrating, especially if you are worried about your relative, and will do what we can to answer questions in the meantime.

We value your opinions and know that clear communication is essential for your care. If you do not understand anything please ask us:

• Why are you doing that?
• What does that word mean?
• What does that procedure involve?
• What alternatives are there?
• What side-effects might there be?
• How will this help?

When it comes to sharing information with family and friends, it is helpful if one person takes responsibility for asking staff for updates and passing this information on to the others.

What happens if my relative is transferred to another ward in the hospital?

Sometimes, due to bed availability or specific care needs of a patient, patients may be admitted to other wards around the hospital. These patients will still be cared for by the aged care team and will be seen on a regular basis.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Handbook for family and friends of patients admitted to Aged Care Wards

www.myagedcare.gov.au is an Australian Government website and national phone line (1800 200 422) with up-to-date information about Australia’s aged care system and services. It assists people to navigate the aged care system and provides referrals for assessment and service provision.

The Aged Care Information Line provides information on home and community care and financial benefits. Telephone 1800 500 853 TTY 1800 555 677

Our Acute Aged Care team includes doctors, nurses and allied health staff who work together with you, your family and carer to meet your physical, mental and emotional needs while you are in hospital, and to begin planning for when you leave hospital.

ReVive program volunteers

Our volunteers receive 12 hours of training to provide support, companionship and practical assistance to patients, particularly those who are feeling confused, are at risk of falling or are losing some abilities as a result of being in hospital. The volunteers spend time with patients, listening to their stories, talking about things of interest, giving hand massages, encouraging them to eat and drink or helping them walk safely around the ward.

If you think your relative might benefit from a visit from a ReViVe volunteer please contact the Aged Care Volunteer Coordinator on 9382 2014. 

The aged care wards offer nursing care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is always on call. Other members of the team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our nurses will try to connect you with other members of staff at your request but, depending on the time and day and the seriousness of the situation, you may have to wait, particularly when it is after hours or on the weekend. We know this can be frustrating, especially if you are worried about your relative, and will do what we can to answer questions in the meantime.

We value your opinions and know that clear communication is essential for your care. If you do not understand anything please ask us:

• Why are you doing that?
• What does that word mean?
• What does that procedure involve?
• What alternatives are there?
• What side-effects might there be?
• How will this help?

When it comes to sharing information with family and friends, it is helpful if one person takes responsibility for asking staff for updates and passing this information on to the others.

What happens if my relative is transferred to another ward in the hospital?

Sometimes, due to bed availability or specific care needs of a patient, patients may be admitted to other wards around the hospital. These patients will still be cared for by the aged care team and will be seen on a regular basis.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Handbook for family and friends of patients admitted to Aged Care Wards

www.myagedcare.gov.au is an Australian Government website and national phone line (1800 200 422) with up-to-date information about Australia’s aged care system and services. It assists people to navigate the aged care system and provides referrals for assessment and service provision.

The Aged Care Information Line provides information on home and community care and financial benefits. Telephone 1800 500 853 TTY 1800 555 677

Our team includes:

• Hyperbaric staff specialists (anaesthetists, specialist intensive care and emergency doctors and nurses)
• Nurse Unit Manager
• Office Manager
• Registered Nurses
• Technical Officers/Biomedical Engineering staff

There are two types of hyperbaric chambers. Patients can sit in nice comfortable reclining chairs in our main chamber (it is essentially just a big room), and breathe oxygen via a mask. Or some patients may lie down in our single person chambers, however this is not suitable for everyone.

To prepare for your visit please read our patient information booklet.

Main Chamber

Picture of face mask

Picture of single person chamber.

You must have a referral from your Specialist or your local general practitioner to use this service. Your doctor will need to email (SESLHD-POW-Hyperbaric@health.nsw.gov.au) or fax a referral letter to 9382 3834.If the referral is URGENT the doctor Must call the Hyperbaric Doctor to discuss the issue(Not Fax OR Email) The referral needs to be addressed to one of our hyperbaric specialists ( Dr Mary Grealish, Dr Jan Lehm, Dr Robert Turner, Dr Radha McKay, Dr Darren Wolfers, Dr John Mackenzie, Dr Glen Hawkins or Dr Danielle Wood). The referral must include your medical history, relevant test results, phone number, address, date of birth.

These are the days our specialists work:

Please also fill out the patient health questionnaire and patient registration sheet. We can only arrange an appointment once a referral from your doctor and questionnaire has been received.

Once we have all the paperwork, we will contact you via phone to arrange your appointment. We try to find an appointment time that allows you to attend in person or via Telehealth (Audio or Video), however we do have set times that our doctors are available. The Hyperbaric Unit opening hours are 8.00am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

If you live 100km (one way from your usual residence) from the hyperbaric chamber there is a government subsidy program called the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), which will assist you with the cost of accommodation. You may also be eligible if choose to drive to the hospital daily for your treatment and the weekly total of km’s totals more than 200 km. Please discuss with our office manager who will guide you to fill in the appropriate form.

IPTAAS Forms

Visit this website to find the forms you need to fill in to claim for IPTASS.

Our team includes:

• Hyperbaric staff specialists (anaesthetists, specialist intensive care and emergency doctors and nurses)
• Nurse Unit Manager
• Office Manager
• Registered Nurses
• Technical Officers/Biomedical Engineering staff

There are two types of hyperbaric chambers. Patients can sit in nice comfortable reclining chairs in our main chamber (it is essentially just a big room), and breathe oxygen via a mask. Or some patients may lie down in our single person chambers, however this is not suitable for everyone.

To prepare for your visit please read our patient information booklet.

Main Chamber

Picture of face mask

Picture of single person chamber.

You must have a referral from your Specialist or your local general practitioner to use this service. Your doctor will need to email (SESLHD-POW-Hyperbaric@health.nsw.gov.au) or fax a referral letter to 9382 3834.If the referral is URGENT the doctor Must call the Hyperbaric Doctor to discuss the issue(Not Fax OR Email) The referral needs to be addressed to one of our hyperbaric specialists ( Dr Mary Grealish, Dr Jan Lehm, Dr Robert Turner, Dr Radha McKay, Dr Darren Wolfers, Dr John Mackenzie, Dr Glen Hawkins or Dr Danielle Wood). The referral must include your medical history, relevant test results, phone number, address, date of birth.

These are the days our specialists work:

Please also fill out the patient health questionnaire and patient registration sheet. We can only arrange an appointment once a referral from your doctor and questionnaire has been received.

Once we have all the paperwork, we will contact you via phone to arrange your appointment. We try to find an appointment time that allows you to attend in person or via Telehealth (Audio or Video), however we do have set times that our doctors are available. The Hyperbaric Unit opening hours are 8.00am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

If you live 100km (one way from your usual residence) from the hyperbaric chamber there is a government subsidy program called the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), which will assist you with the cost of accommodation. You may also be eligible if choose to drive to the hospital daily for your treatment and the weekly total of km’s totals more than 200 km. Please discuss with our office manager who will guide you to fill in the appropriate form.

IPTAAS Forms

Visit this website to find the forms you need to fill in to claim for IPTASS.

Professor Arun Krishnan our medical specialist and specialist doctors in training. Our doctors will assess, treat and help you manage your MS.

Our administration staff will help you make appointments and provide information about what happens at the MS clinic.

We work in partnership with your local GP, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, local pharmacies, the MS society and researchers from the University of NSW.

Your GP or another specialist doctor will decide if you need to use our services.  If they think you do, they will send a referral to Prof Krishnan explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking.

Once we have your referral we will send you your appointment letter in the post.  If you provide your mobile phone number you will receive a SMS reminder 2 days before your appointment.  Please let the clinic know if you do not want to receive a SMS reminder.

The MS clinic runs every 1st and 3rd week of the month on a Tuesday morning between 9.00am - 11.00am.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone the clinic on 9382 2414.

Waiting times

You may need to wait up to 3-4 months to be seen in the clinic. If your GP thinks you need an urgent appointment they need to telephone the clinic to discuss your needs.

How often do I need to attend the MS clinic?

How often you need to attend will depend on your progress. If your condition is stable you will need to visit the clinic every 6-12 months.

If you need help with your condition, start by making an appointment with your GP to discuss your health. If your GP needs some advice they can telephone the specialist doctor at the clinic.

If you need a prescription, please ask your GP.

Your GP is your primary health care provider and it is important that you continue to visit them. Our specialist doctor will send a letter to your GP after your clinic appointment.

On the day of your first appointment please bring:

• MRI scans
• Recent blood test results
• Your referral letter from your GP
• Your Medicare card
• A list of your medicines or bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter medicines
• You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

We are teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Neurophysiology Department at Prince of Wales Hospital

MS  www.ms.org.au

MS Australia  www.msaustralia.org.au

Professor Arun Krishnan our medical specialist and specialist doctors in training. Our doctors will assess, treat and help you manage your MS.

Our administration staff will help you make appointments and provide information about what happens at the MS clinic.

We work in partnership with your local GP, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, local pharmacies, the MS society and researchers from the University of NSW.

Your GP or another specialist doctor will decide if you need to use our services.  If they think you do, they will send a referral to Prof Krishnan explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking.

Once we have your referral we will send you your appointment letter in the post.  If you provide your mobile phone number you will receive a SMS reminder 2 days before your appointment.  Please let the clinic know if you do not want to receive a SMS reminder.

The MS clinic runs every 1st and 3rd week of the month on a Tuesday morning between 9.00am - 11.00am.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone the clinic on 9382 2414.

Waiting times

You may need to wait up to 3-4 months to be seen in the clinic. If your GP thinks you need an urgent appointment they need to telephone the clinic to discuss your needs.

How often do I need to attend the MS clinic?

How often you need to attend will depend on your progress. If your condition is stable you will need to visit the clinic every 6-12 months.

If you need help with your condition, start by making an appointment with your GP to discuss your health. If your GP needs some advice they can telephone the specialist doctor at the clinic.

If you need a prescription, please ask your GP.

Your GP is your primary health care provider and it is important that you continue to visit them. Our specialist doctor will send a letter to your GP after your clinic appointment.

On the day of your first appointment please bring:

• MRI scans
• Recent blood test results
• Your referral letter from your GP
• Your Medicare card
• A list of your medicines or bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter medicines
• You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

We are teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Neurophysiology Department at Prince of Wales Hospital

MS  www.ms.org.au

MS Australia  www.msaustralia.org.au