This is for POWH Aged care and Rehabilitation
Heartlink - managing your heart problems at home
If you have heart problems or care for someone who does, the Heartlink service may be able to help. This service has nurses with trained in heart health who will monitor you and provide advice and activities so that you can manage your condition and stay as healthy as possible.
The Heartlink nurses can provide support, education and counselling to people with heart problems and their carers. They will work with your Doctors, the hospital and pharmacist and discuss what you need and develop a plan with you.
Our nurses may visit you at home and can also talk to you on the phone. This service is free.
Community Nursing Team
How we can help you
Community nurses visit people at home. They are able to discuss what you need and develop a health plan with you. Some of the things nurses can help with are: wound care, managing health problems such as diabetes, managing your medicines and bladder or bowel problems. They also provide care and support for people who have life threatening diseases or choose to die at home.
Nurses often work with your doctors to control sickness and pain symptoms. They can support you, your family and carers. They can also give health advice and falls prevention education, information about home-help services and health care equipment.
A community nurse can discuss ways to help you improve or cope with bowel or bladder problems. They also help people manage their urinary catheters. The appointment can be in your own home or at the hospital. For more information on continence click here.
This is a free service.
After receiving a referral a community nurse will phone you within 24 hours to arrange a time to come and visit you in your home.
Hours of operation
Seven days a week.
Community Nursing Team
How we can help you
Community nurses visit people at home. They are able to discuss what you need and develop a health plan with you. Some of the things nurses can help with are: wound care, managing health problems such as diabetes, managing your medicines and bladder or bowel problems. They also provide care and support for people who have life threatening diseases or choose to die at home.
Nurses often work with your doctors to control sickness and pain symptoms. They can support you, your family and carers. They can also give health advice and falls prevention education, information about home-help services and health care equipment.
A community nurse can discuss ways to help you improve or cope with bowel or bladder problems. They also help people manage their urinary catheters. The appointment can be in your own home or at the hospital. For more information on continence click here.
This is a free service.
After receiving a referral a community nurse will phone you within 24 hours to arrange a time to come and visit you in your home.
Hours of operation
Seven days a week.
Community Nursing Team
How we can help you
Community nurses visit people at home. They are able to discuss what you need and develop a health plan with you. Some of the things nurses can help with are: wound care, managing health problems such as diabetes, managing your medicines and bladder or bowel problems. They also provide care and support for people who have life threatening diseases or choose to die at home.
Nurses often work with your doctors to control sickness and pain symptoms. They can support you, your family and carers. They can also give health advice and falls prevention education, information about home-help services and health care equipment.
A community nurse can discuss ways to help you improve or cope with bowel or bladder problems. They also help people manage their urinary catheters. The appointment can be in your own home or at the hospital. For more information on continence click here.
This is a free service.
After receiving a referral a community nurse will phone you within 24 hours to arrange a time to come and visit you in your home.
Hours of operation
Seven days a week.
Spinal Injuries Unit - Acute and Rehabilitation Inpatient Wards
How we can help you
We are only one of two units in New South Wales providing care for people with spinal cord injuries. We strive to make sure our patients are empowered to achieve their maximum possible level of independence and quality of life. Our aim is that all patients and their carers feel informed and confident about treatment options and are actively involved in planning their care.
Our acute ward has 10 beds while our rehabilitation ward has 20 beds.
We will support you with:
- Respiratory problems
- Bladder and bowel management
- Skin pressure wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis (clots)
- Pain management
- Spasticity
- Changes is sexual function
- Mental health.
Manager
Medical Director Dr Sachin Shetty
A/Nursing Unit Manager Lauren McPake
How to find us
Level 1, Clinical Sciences Building (Building 8 on our campus map)Me
We are a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals and we work together with you to set and reach treatment goals. Our team includes:
Dietician
After a spinal cord injury it is likely you will lose up to 4-8kg due to the loss of muscle mass associated with your injury. Your dietitian will conduct an initial nutrition assessment to determine your specific nutrition needs. They will also provide dietary advice and education to you and your family. Our dietitian will continually monitor your weight, food and fluid intake while you are in hospital as your nutrition priorities may change.
Discharge Coordinator
The discharge coordinator’s role is to make sure you have a smooth transition from hospital back home. They are also involved in your education program. For example, what bladder and bowel equipment you may need and how to order it at home.
Doctors
When a patient comes to the unit they would be admitted under one of our specialist doctors. He or she would be your primary treating doctor and would be responsible for your ongoing care through your journey in the hospital and sometimes after you leave hospital. You can expect to see them once a week.
The medical team also includes other doctors specialising in rehabilitation and doctors in training. Their is always a doctor available to deal with any medical problems that you may have.
Considering the complexity of spinal cord injuries we often closely work with other specialists including:
- Neurosurgeons
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Respiratory physicians
- Pain specialists
- Urologists
- Plastic surgeons
- Psychiatrists
- Infectious disease specialists
Nurses
Our nurses will be involved with your care on a day to day basis. They will:
- help you to practice and achieve your rehabilitation goals
- help you to adapt to a changed lifestyle in a safe environment for you and your family
- provide education and teach you and your family new skills
- help you and your family deal with any issues of grief and loss that you and your family may expeirence
- inform you on how to prevent complications now and in the future
- help manage any pain.
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Coping with a spinal cord injury is very challenging and an important part of the clinical nurse consultant (CNC) is to provide support, education and training to you and those who support you. They will also assist you in making decisions about your personal care. Some of the areas that you may require help with include skin care, bladder and bowel care, autonomic dysreflexia education, and sexuality and fertility functioning.
We hold a patient/family education program every Thursday morning at 11am in the dining area of the Spinal Unit. This program is run with the assistance and support of the Spinal Cord Injuries Australia Peer Support Program.
The CNC will work with you, your family and your care provider to determine how much assistance and nursing related equipment you may require when you leave hospital. The CNC will help make requests for care.
Occupational Therapists
Your Occupational Therapist (OT) will be working with you to achieve independence in various areas of your daily life, including:
- Personal Care (feeding, drinking, grooming, showering & dressing)
- Mobility (including wheelchair mobility)
- Home living (access, cooking, cleaning)
- Community living (shopping, banking, driving)
- Leisure activities
- Work and study options
You will be scheduled 3-5 sessions a week with your OT. We will support you with identifying your goals which guide your therapy program. Your program may include:
- Hand and upper limb exercises
- Transfer and mobility training
- Personal care retraining
- Community access
- Equipment trials and provision
- Recommendations to make sure you can get around your house safely once you go home
- Education for you and your family/carer
Occupational Therapists have specialist knowledge in wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, pressure care management, home modifications and technology to aid independence in your everyday life.
Home access and modifications
Your specific needs will be discussed with you. Where necessary a home visit will be made to identify what modifications can be made that will support you to stay safe and independent within your home. Home modifications rely on accessing funding. What funding is available will vary depending on where you live.
Work and study options
Another part of the OT program is a service called In-Voc which provides vocational rehabilitation. In-Voc works collaboratively with you and your current employer to help you to identify and explore work or study options.
Leisure
Various leisure pursuits will be introduced to you. You will be invited to join the rehabilitation team in regular outings arranged by the sports and recreation officer. No allied health therapy sessions take place on scheduled outing days
Psychology
A spinal cord injury is considered a traumatic event and is often life changing. It will affect you physically, emotionally and socially. These challenges and difficulties can initially appear devastating as virtually all aspects of life is disrupted. At this time, you may not know what to expect from your injury and may find it difficult to make sense what has a happened.
You will be seen by a psychologist following your spinal cord injury who will work with you to address your individual needs. These needs may be addressed by yourself or with your significant other or family. The psychologist commonly assists with:
- Counselling for psychological reactions such as shock, anger, disbelief, grief
- Therapy to address your beliefs about your sense of self and your future
- Counselling relating to altered sexual image and functioning
- Stress management and coping skills
- Pain management strategies
- Neuropsychological assessment and referrals when traumatic brain injury accompanies a spinal cord injury
- When necessary, the psychologist works closely with the treating psychiatrist
- Referral to ongoing psychological Services where appropriate
The psychologist is part of a multidisciplinary team, and with your permission will communicate to other team information regarding counselling issues and your progress when appropriate.
Physiotherapy
Our Physiotherapy team offers specialised knowledge and skills aimed at optimising your physical capacity and independence. The role of physiotherapy will depend on your needs and may include respiratory management, strength, fitness and flexibility programmes, functional task retraining, aquatic therapy and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
On the acute spinal ward your physiotherapist will assess your lung function, strength and flexibility and implement a therapy program based on your needs. Your physiotherapist will work closely with other members of the team to get you up and moving as soon as possible. Once you are medically well enough, your physiotherapist will commence your rehabilitation program in the physiotherapy gym setting.
Your first gym session(s) will involve different assessments to look at your strength, flexibility, endurance and ability to perform various functional tasks. From this assessment your physiotherapist will be able to identify your specific physical problems and needs to develop an individualised physiotherapy program. All spinal cord injuries and people are different, therefore your physiotherapist will work closely with you to optimise your potential function and achieve your personal goals. Some of your physiotherapy sessions may also be held on the ward to look at various aspects of your function. This is to make your function part of your day to day living and help with the transition back to life at home.
Your physiotherapist will also work with you to plan for leaving hospital. This will involve investigating options for ongoing exercise (home exercise program, equipment or ongoing services) to maintain and perhaps even further improve your function. This will be different for everybody and therefore your physiotherapist will tailor your plan to your ongoing goals and home environment.
Respiratory care
Respiratory function may be affected with injuries above T12. This may affect the ability to take a deep breath, or to cough. Your physiotherapist may be involved with assisting and implementing strategies to improve your ability to cough or to breathe in.
Strength training program
Weakness is a common consequence of spinal cord injury and can have significant effects on one’s ability to perform day to day tasks. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a strength training program targeted at key areas to assist your function. This may involve strengthening the muscles above the level of your injury, or optimising muscles that have neurological weakness. Muscles that are completely paralysed do not respond to strength training.
Cardiovascular fitness program
Maintaining your fitness is beneficial for your cardiovascular health, stamina, well-being and ability to perform day to day tasks. Your physiotherapist will work with you to build a fitness program suited to your function.
Flexibility program
Maintaining flexibility and preventing joint contracture may be achieved by a stretching program. Your physiotherapist may prescribe splints or various positions as part of your stretching program. Your stretching program will be tailored to your needs to optimise your function.
Hand management
Spinal cord injuries involving the cervical spine may result in changes in the upper limb and hand. The severity and level of your injury will determine the changes and the effects on upper limb function. Your physiotherapist will work with the occupational and hand therapists to optimise your ability to use your upper limbs.
Aquatic Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapy program may involve the hydrotherapy pool. The pool can be used for therapeutic and also recreational purpose (eg return to swimming or water sports). There are certain criteria that we require for any patients using the pool. This can be discussed further with your physiotherapist.
Treatment of musculoskeletal or orthopaedic issues
Injuries to other parts of the body may be sustained following your spinal cord injury, such as shoulder pain, fractures associated with your original injury. Your physiotherapist may be involved with managing and progressing these injuries throughout your rehabilitation program.
Functional task retraining
No two people with a spinal cord injury are the same, therefore everyone undergoing a rehabilitation program will have unique goals. Your level of injury and the severity of your injury will impact on what goals you may work on with your physiotherapist and the functional training you may undertake. Your physiotherapist will tailor your rehabilitation program and functional task retraining to optimise your ability to perform various tasks. These tasks may involve improving your upper limb function, ability to get in and out of bed, ability to transfer, use your wheelchair and or to walk.
Equipment and exercise prescription for discharge home
Your physiotherapist will provide you with a tailored home exercise program to continue when you leave hospital. Various equipment may be needed for you to perform this program, and will be dependent on costs, insurance status, space and access at home. Your physiotherapist will work with you to discuss appropriate options for your situation.
Ongoing Physiotherapy / Maintenance program
When leaving the hospital some people may need an ongoing maintenance program, whereas others may require ongoing physiotherapy input to achieve outstanding physiotherapy goals. Your physiotherapist will discuss what your ongoing physiotherapy needs may be and discuss suitable options with you.
Physiotherapy Service Times
Physiotherapy Spinal Service from 8.00am-430pm Monday to Friday.
Gym Opening times: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Monday to Friday. Sessions as per patient timetables. Our partners
Sport and Recreation Officer
Sport and Recreation is an important aspect of life. This is no different for people who have had a spinal cord injury.
The Spinal Injuries Unit has a Sport and Recreation Officer who will assist you to pursue your particular sporting and recreational interests.
The Sport and Recreational Officer organises monthly community visits and other activities away from the hospital. These are very important because they not only provide a break from regular treatment programs but are also very beneficial in the process of adjustment back into the community.
As well as these regular community access visits, the Sport and Recreation Officer will arrange attendance and participation in a variety wheelchair sports ‘come and try’ sessions and other activities which frequently occur outside normal working hours.
The Sport and Recreation Officer also can advise you a many other aspects of your recreational life such as access issues, public transport, accommodation, travel, etc. and has a wide range of resource material to which you can refer.
From a clinical perspective the Sport and Recreational Officer works in the Physiotherapy Department and assists the physiotherapists with your physiotherapy program, conducts any hydrotherapy sessions (under the guidance of the physiotherapists) and will be responsible for any wheelchair skill training where appropriate.
Social Workers
Spinal cord injury is a life changing event for both the individual and their support network. Social Workers are here to support you and your family by offering emotional and practical assistance.
Emotional Support
It is normal to experience shock and disbelief after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Social Workers can offer a safe space for you to talk about your grief and loss. You may experience a range of emotions as you process changes to your lifestyle, relationships and body. Social Workers provide adjustment counselling and can help you and your family cope emotionally with the effects of spinal cord injury.
Practical Support
Social Workers assist with practical needs in the following areas:
- Finances – Centrelink, income protection, superannuation
- Legal matters – Link you in with agencies who can provide proper legal advice
- Transport – Assist you to apply for parking and transport subsidies
- Personal care – Support you to arrange care on discharge if needed
- Insurance – Liaise with the relevant insurer such as icare, CTP, NDIS and My Aged Care
- Accommodation – Help you to navigate the private rental market, apply for Housing NSW and/or Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Community - Connect you with community supports such as Spinal Outreach Services, Paraquad and Spinal Cord Injuries Australia
We also offer a number of social and other events including:
| What's On | Day | Time | Venue |
|
Community Access Outing |
Wednesday Monthly |
9.30-15.30 |
Different each month |
|
Patient/Family Education |
Thursday Weekly |
11.00-12.00 |
Spinal Unit Dining Area |
|
Physiotherapy Sport and Fitness Group |
Thursday Weekly |
13.30-15.30 |
Physiotherapy Gym |
|
Breakfast Group |
Tuesday |
8.00-9.00 |
Spinal Unit Dining Area |
|
Upper Limb Group |
Tuesday Weekly |
11.00-12.00 |
Occupational Therapy Dept |
|
Goal Planning |
Thursday every 2- 3 weeks |
Time varies |
Conference Room |
|
Spinal Cord |
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia The State Spinal Cord Injury Service Health Direct - Spinal Cord injury |
|
Counselling |
|
|
Finances |
mygov - Payments if you are sick or injured Services Australia - Payments if you are living with a disability |
|
Legal |
|
|
Transport |
|
|
Personal Care |
Disability Gateway - Everyday living |
|
Insurance |
|
|
Accommodation |
|
|
Equipment |
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 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.
Spinal Injuries Unit - Acute and Rehabilitation Inpatient Wards
How we can help you
We are only one of two units in New South Wales providing care for people with spinal cord injuries. We strive to make sure our patients are empowered to achieve their maximum possible level of independence and quality of life. Our aim is that all patients and their carers feel informed and confident about treatment options and are actively involved in planning their care.
Our acute ward has 10 beds while our rehabilitation ward has 20 beds.
We will support you with:
- Respiratory problems
- Bladder and bowel management
- Skin pressure wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis (clots)
- Pain management
- Spasticity
- Changes is sexual function
- Mental health.
Manager
Medical Director Dr Sachin Shetty
A/Nursing Unit Manager Lauren McPake
How to find us
Level 1, Clinical Sciences Building (Building 8 on our campus map)Me
We are a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals and we work together with you to set and reach treatment goals. Our team includes:
Dietician
After a spinal cord injury it is likely you will lose up to 4-8kg due to the loss of muscle mass associated with your injury. Your dietitian will conduct an initial nutrition assessment to determine your specific nutrition needs. They will also provide dietary advice and education to you and your family. Our dietitian will continually monitor your weight, food and fluid intake while you are in hospital as your nutrition priorities may change.
Discharge Coordinator
The discharge coordinator’s role is to make sure you have a smooth transition from hospital back home. They are also involved in your education program. For example, what bladder and bowel equipment you may need and how to order it at home.
Doctors
When a patient comes to the unit they would be admitted under one of our specialist doctors. He or she would be your primary treating doctor and would be responsible for your ongoing care through your journey in the hospital and sometimes after you leave hospital. You can expect to see them once a week.
The medical team also includes other doctors specialising in rehabilitation and doctors in training. Their is always a doctor available to deal with any medical problems that you may have.
Considering the complexity of spinal cord injuries we often closely work with other specialists including:
- Neurosurgeons
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Respiratory physicians
- Pain specialists
- Urologists
- Plastic surgeons
- Psychiatrists
- Infectious disease specialists
Nurses
Our nurses will be involved with your care on a day to day basis. They will:
- help you to practice and achieve your rehabilitation goals
- help you to adapt to a changed lifestyle in a safe environment for you and your family
- provide education and teach you and your family new skills
- help you and your family deal with any issues of grief and loss that you and your family may expeirence
- inform you on how to prevent complications now and in the future
- help manage any pain.
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Coping with a spinal cord injury is very challenging and an important part of the clinical nurse consultant (CNC) is to provide support, education and training to you and those who support you. They will also assist you in making decisions about your personal care. Some of the areas that you may require help with include skin care, bladder and bowel care, autonomic dysreflexia education, and sexuality and fertility functioning.
We hold a patient/family education program every Thursday morning at 11am in the dining area of the Spinal Unit. This program is run with the assistance and support of the Spinal Cord Injuries Australia Peer Support Program.
The CNC will work with you, your family and your care provider to determine how much assistance and nursing related equipment you may require when you leave hospital. The CNC will help make requests for care.
Occupational Therapists
Your Occupational Therapist (OT) will be working with you to achieve independence in various areas of your daily life, including:
- Personal Care (feeding, drinking, grooming, showering & dressing)
- Mobility (including wheelchair mobility)
- Home living (access, cooking, cleaning)
- Community living (shopping, banking, driving)
- Leisure activities
- Work and study options
You will be scheduled 3-5 sessions a week with your OT. We will support you with identifying your goals which guide your therapy program. Your program may include:
- Hand and upper limb exercises
- Transfer and mobility training
- Personal care retraining
- Community access
- Equipment trials and provision
- Recommendations to make sure you can get around your house safely once you go home
- Education for you and your family/carer
Occupational Therapists have specialist knowledge in wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, pressure care management, home modifications and technology to aid independence in your everyday life.
Home access and modifications
Your specific needs will be discussed with you. Where necessary a home visit will be made to identify what modifications can be made that will support you to stay safe and independent within your home. Home modifications rely on accessing funding. What funding is available will vary depending on where you live.
Work and study options
Another part of the OT program is a service called In-Voc which provides vocational rehabilitation. In-Voc works collaboratively with you and your current employer to help you to identify and explore work or study options.
Leisure
Various leisure pursuits will be introduced to you. You will be invited to join the rehabilitation team in regular outings arranged by the sports and recreation officer. No allied health therapy sessions take place on scheduled outing days
Psychology
A spinal cord injury is considered a traumatic event and is often life changing. It will affect you physically, emotionally and socially. These challenges and difficulties can initially appear devastating as virtually all aspects of life is disrupted. At this time, you may not know what to expect from your injury and may find it difficult to make sense what has a happened.
You will be seen by a psychologist following your spinal cord injury who will work with you to address your individual needs. These needs may be addressed by yourself or with your significant other or family. The psychologist commonly assists with:
- Counselling for psychological reactions such as shock, anger, disbelief, grief
- Therapy to address your beliefs about your sense of self and your future
- Counselling relating to altered sexual image and functioning
- Stress management and coping skills
- Pain management strategies
- Neuropsychological assessment and referrals when traumatic brain injury accompanies a spinal cord injury
- When necessary, the psychologist works closely with the treating psychiatrist
- Referral to ongoing psychological Services where appropriate
The psychologist is part of a multidisciplinary team, and with your permission will communicate to other team information regarding counselling issues and your progress when appropriate.
Physiotherapy
Our Physiotherapy team offers specialised knowledge and skills aimed at optimising your physical capacity and independence. The role of physiotherapy will depend on your needs and may include respiratory management, strength, fitness and flexibility programmes, functional task retraining, aquatic therapy and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
On the acute spinal ward your physiotherapist will assess your lung function, strength and flexibility and implement a therapy program based on your needs. Your physiotherapist will work closely with other members of the team to get you up and moving as soon as possible. Once you are medically well enough, your physiotherapist will commence your rehabilitation program in the physiotherapy gym setting.
Your first gym session(s) will involve different assessments to look at your strength, flexibility, endurance and ability to perform various functional tasks. From this assessment your physiotherapist will be able to identify your specific physical problems and needs to develop an individualised physiotherapy program. All spinal cord injuries and people are different, therefore your physiotherapist will work closely with you to optimise your potential function and achieve your personal goals. Some of your physiotherapy sessions may also be held on the ward to look at various aspects of your function. This is to make your function part of your day to day living and help with the transition back to life at home.
Your physiotherapist will also work with you to plan for leaving hospital. This will involve investigating options for ongoing exercise (home exercise program, equipment or ongoing services) to maintain and perhaps even further improve your function. This will be different for everybody and therefore your physiotherapist will tailor your plan to your ongoing goals and home environment.
Respiratory care
Respiratory function may be affected with injuries above T12. This may affect the ability to take a deep breath, or to cough. Your physiotherapist may be involved with assisting and implementing strategies to improve your ability to cough or to breathe in.
Strength training program
Weakness is a common consequence of spinal cord injury and can have significant effects on one’s ability to perform day to day tasks. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a strength training program targeted at key areas to assist your function. This may involve strengthening the muscles above the level of your injury, or optimising muscles that have neurological weakness. Muscles that are completely paralysed do not respond to strength training.
Cardiovascular fitness program
Maintaining your fitness is beneficial for your cardiovascular health, stamina, well-being and ability to perform day to day tasks. Your physiotherapist will work with you to build a fitness program suited to your function.
Flexibility program
Maintaining flexibility and preventing joint contracture may be achieved by a stretching program. Your physiotherapist may prescribe splints or various positions as part of your stretching program. Your stretching program will be tailored to your needs to optimise your function.
Hand management
Spinal cord injuries involving the cervical spine may result in changes in the upper limb and hand. The severity and level of your injury will determine the changes and the effects on upper limb function. Your physiotherapist will work with the occupational and hand therapists to optimise your ability to use your upper limbs.
Aquatic Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapy program may involve the hydrotherapy pool. The pool can be used for therapeutic and also recreational purpose (eg return to swimming or water sports). There are certain criteria that we require for any patients using the pool. This can be discussed further with your physiotherapist.
Treatment of musculoskeletal or orthopaedic issues
Injuries to other parts of the body may be sustained following your spinal cord injury, such as shoulder pain, fractures associated with your original injury. Your physiotherapist may be involved with managing and progressing these injuries throughout your rehabilitation program.
Functional task retraining
No two people with a spinal cord injury are the same, therefore everyone undergoing a rehabilitation program will have unique goals. Your level of injury and the severity of your injury will impact on what goals you may work on with your physiotherapist and the functional training you may undertake. Your physiotherapist will tailor your rehabilitation program and functional task retraining to optimise your ability to perform various tasks. These tasks may involve improving your upper limb function, ability to get in and out of bed, ability to transfer, use your wheelchair and or to walk.
Equipment and exercise prescription for discharge home
Your physiotherapist will provide you with a tailored home exercise program to continue when you leave hospital. Various equipment may be needed for you to perform this program, and will be dependent on costs, insurance status, space and access at home. Your physiotherapist will work with you to discuss appropriate options for your situation.
Ongoing Physiotherapy / Maintenance program
When leaving the hospital some people may need an ongoing maintenance program, whereas others may require ongoing physiotherapy input to achieve outstanding physiotherapy goals. Your physiotherapist will discuss what your ongoing physiotherapy needs may be and discuss suitable options with you.
Physiotherapy Service Times
Physiotherapy Spinal Service from 8.00am-430pm Monday to Friday.
Gym Opening times: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Monday to Friday. Sessions as per patient timetables. Our partners
Sport and Recreation Officer
Sport and Recreation is an important aspect of life. This is no different for people who have had a spinal cord injury.
The Spinal Injuries Unit has a Sport and Recreation Officer who will assist you to pursue your particular sporting and recreational interests.
The Sport and Recreational Officer organises monthly community visits and other activities away from the hospital. These are very important because they not only provide a break from regular treatment programs but are also very beneficial in the process of adjustment back into the community.
As well as these regular community access visits, the Sport and Recreation Officer will arrange attendance and participation in a variety wheelchair sports ‘come and try’ sessions and other activities which frequently occur outside normal working hours.
The Sport and Recreation Officer also can advise you a many other aspects of your recreational life such as access issues, public transport, accommodation, travel, etc. and has a wide range of resource material to which you can refer.
From a clinical perspective the Sport and Recreational Officer works in the Physiotherapy Department and assists the physiotherapists with your physiotherapy program, conducts any hydrotherapy sessions (under the guidance of the physiotherapists) and will be responsible for any wheelchair skill training where appropriate.
Social Workers
Spinal cord injury is a life changing event for both the individual and their support network. Social Workers are here to support you and your family by offering emotional and practical assistance.
Emotional Support
It is normal to experience shock and disbelief after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Social Workers can offer a safe space for you to talk about your grief and loss. You may experience a range of emotions as you process changes to your lifestyle, relationships and body. Social Workers provide adjustment counselling and can help you and your family cope emotionally with the effects of spinal cord injury.
Practical Support
Social Workers assist with practical needs in the following areas:
- Finances – Centrelink, income protection, superannuation
- Legal matters – Link you in with agencies who can provide proper legal advice
- Transport – Assist you to apply for parking and transport subsidies
- Personal care – Support you to arrange care on discharge if needed
- Insurance – Liaise with the relevant insurer such as icare, CTP, NDIS and My Aged Care
- Accommodation – Help you to navigate the private rental market, apply for Housing NSW and/or Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Community - Connect you with community supports such as Spinal Outreach Services, Paraquad and Spinal Cord Injuries Australia
We also offer a number of social and other events including:
| What's On | Day | Time | Venue |
|
Community Access Outing |
Wednesday Monthly |
9.30-15.30 |
Different each month |
|
Patient/Family Education |
Thursday Weekly |
11.00-12.00 |
Spinal Unit Dining Area |
|
Physiotherapy Sport and Fitness Group |
Thursday Weekly |
13.30-15.30 |
Physiotherapy Gym |
|
Breakfast Group |
Tuesday |
8.00-9.00 |
Spinal Unit Dining Area |
|
Upper Limb Group |
Tuesday Weekly |
11.00-12.00 |
Occupational Therapy Dept |
|
Goal Planning |
Thursday every 2- 3 weeks |
Time varies |
Conference Room |
|
Spinal Cord |
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia The State Spinal Cord Injury Service Health Direct - Spinal Cord injury |
|
Counselling |
|
|
Finances |
mygov - Payments if you are sick or injured Services Australia - Payments if you are living with a disability |
|
Legal |
|
|
Transport |
|
|
Personal Care |
Disability Gateway - Everyday living |
|
Insurance |
|
|
Accommodation |
|
|
Equipment |
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 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.
Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinics (General Rehabilitation)
How we can help you
If you have had an illness or injury, we will help you set goals and work with you to regain function, independence and wellbeing. Our therapies include: psychology, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, dietetics and podiatry.
If you live in the community we provide these therapies through our outpatient clinics, which include:
| Clinic | What we do | Clinic days |
| General rehabilitation clinic | We provide care for those who are recovering from a joint, bone or muscle problem, including neck and back injuries, arthritis, joint replacement, degenerative conditions or reconditioning after severe illness. | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
| Neuro rehabilitation clinic | We provide care for those who are recovering from a neurological problem, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, head injury, brain tumours or neuromuscular conditions. | Tuesday, Wednesday |
| Amputee rehabilitation | We provide care and long term support for those who are recovering from a upper or lower limb amputation. |
Lower Limb - 1st and 3rd Wednesday Upper Limb - Thursdays |
| Spasticity clinic | We provide care including assessment and intervention for those with spasticity following neurological illness or injury, including botulinum toxin. | Thursday |
How to find us
Dept of Spinal and Rehabilitation Medicine, Level 2, High St building, Prince of Wales Hospital. (Building 2B on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
We care for people who want to recover function or independence after a:
- Stroke
- Other neurological condition such as cerebral aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy or polio
- Leg or arm amputation
- Major operation (Brain, spine or abdominal surgery)
- Serious injury or illness that may need prolonged bedrest or intensive care.
Our team includes:
- Medical staff
- Nursing staff
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Dietician
- Speech Therapists
- Social workers
- Psychologist
- Orthotists
You are the central member of your rehabilitation team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.
To attend one of our clinics you will need a referral from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialist doctor.
You can then make an appointment by calling our clerical staff on 9382 8734. They will organise your appointment date and time over the phone.
Most people are seen within a few weeks, but urgent problems will be seen sooner.
When visiting our clinics for the first time, you will see a specialist rehabilitation doctor for a medical review and to plan your therapy. Expect your appointments to take around 1 hour.
You will need to bring:
- Medicare card
- Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Previous xrays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
- Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
- Your referral from your GP (local doctor) is essential.
We believe research helps us improve what we do and we test and introduce new, proven techniques. You will sometimes be asked whether you wish to participate in research projects. We will always respect your right to decline if you don’t wish to participate.
We are a teaching hospital and have many team members who are trainees. Interns are newly qualified doctors. The registrar looking after you is in training to become a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. The nursing staff will often include students from our affiliated Universities working under supervision, as do our physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech pathology and dietician staff. Be assured that they are all well-supervised by fully accredited senior staff members.
Even our experienced permanent staff members are committed to continual education to keep up to date and to learn new ways of working and supporting your recovery.
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.
Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinics (General Rehabilitation)
How we can help you
If you have had an illness or injury, we will help you set goals and work with you to regain function, independence and wellbeing. Our therapies include: psychology, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, dietetics and podiatry.
If you live in the community we provide these therapies through our outpatient clinics, which include:
| Clinic | What we do | Clinic days |
| General rehabilitation clinic | We provide care for those who are recovering from a joint, bone or muscle problem, including neck and back injuries, arthritis, joint replacement, degenerative conditions or reconditioning after severe illness. | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
| Neuro rehabilitation clinic | We provide care for those who are recovering from a neurological problem, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, head injury, brain tumours or neuromuscular conditions. | Tuesday, Wednesday |
| Amputee rehabilitation | We provide care and long term support for those who are recovering from a upper or lower limb amputation. |
Lower Limb - 1st and 3rd Wednesday Upper Limb - Thursdays |
| Spasticity clinic | We provide care including assessment and intervention for those with spasticity following neurological illness or injury, including botulinum toxin. | Thursday |
How to find us
Dept of Spinal and Rehabilitation Medicine, Level 2, High St building, Prince of Wales Hospital. (Building 2B on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
We care for people who want to recover function or independence after a:
- Stroke
- Other neurological condition such as cerebral aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy or polio
- Leg or arm amputation
- Major operation (Brain, spine or abdominal surgery)
- Serious injury or illness that may need prolonged bedrest or intensive care.
Our team includes:
- Medical staff
- Nursing staff
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Dietician
- Speech Therapists
- Social workers
- Psychologist
- Orthotists
You are the central member of your rehabilitation team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.
To attend one of our clinics you will need a referral from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialist doctor.
You can then make an appointment by calling our clerical staff on 9382 8734. They will organise your appointment date and time over the phone.
Most people are seen within a few weeks, but urgent problems will be seen sooner.
When visiting our clinics for the first time, you will see a specialist rehabilitation doctor for a medical review and to plan your therapy. Expect your appointments to take around 1 hour.
You will need to bring:
- Medicare card
- Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Previous xrays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
- Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
- Your referral from your GP (local doctor) is essential.
We believe research helps us improve what we do and we test and introduce new, proven techniques. You will sometimes be asked whether you wish to participate in research projects. We will always respect your right to decline if you don’t wish to participate.
We are a teaching hospital and have many team members who are trainees. Interns are newly qualified doctors. The registrar looking after you is in training to become a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. The nursing staff will often include students from our affiliated Universities working under supervision, as do our physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech pathology and dietician staff. Be assured that they are all well-supervised by fully accredited senior staff members.
Even our experienced permanent staff members are committed to continual education to keep up to date and to learn new ways of working and supporting your recovery.
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.
Physiotherapy Outpatient Department
How we can help you
Our department can help those with pain or problems in their muscles and/or bones.
We do this by:
- finding out what the problem is when you come to your first appointment
- finding out from you your needs and concerns
- working with you to come up with a plan of how exercise can help you both in the short and long term
- providing education.
We offer both individual services as well as group based programs.
Manager
Head of Physiotherapy Department Daniel Treacy
Opening hours
8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
We do not offer weekend treatments.
How to find us
You can find us on Level 1, High St Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 2 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
We care for people who experience pain or having problems with their bones and muscles caused by disease, trauma or overuse. We also support people as they recover from surgery.
Our team includes physiotherapists, allied health assistants and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.
We work in partnership with medical and surgical specialists and your local doctor (GP).
Our administration officer can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquires.
At your first appointment we will ask about your medical history and your health needs. We will conduct a physical examination. We will then discuss what type of physiotherapy will benefit you. This can include combination of appointments at the hospital with a physiotherapist and a plan for you to follow at home. Physiotherapy treatments involve education, advice, exercise and manual therapy (hands on techniques).
You will need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialty doctor to use this service. Your doctor will need to submit this referral electronically via Healthlink. Your referral will include why you are being referred, your medical history and any relevant test results including imaging.
Once we receive this referral and accept it we will send you a letter with your appointment details. We will also send this to your doctor. If we cannot make an appointment for you, we will send you a letter confirming that you are on the waiting list for the next available appointment.
We aim to see our patients as quickly as possible. We prioritise appointments for patients who have an urgent need based on their condition. Urgent cases are generally given an appointment within 7 days of receiving the referral. Non-urgent conditions may need to go on a waiting list and may take up to 4 months to receive an appointment.
We will contact you when an appointment has become available.
We will call you from the hospital which will come up on your phone as a private number. If we cannot reach you, we will send you an SMS with further instructions on how to contact us directly.
Please call (02) 9382 2850 to update any changes to your contact details.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, no longer require an appointment, or wish to be removed from the waitlist, please contact (02) 9382 2850.
If you are unable to get through to our administration staff, please leave a clear voicemail with your name and contact details so they can call you back as soon as possible.
Will I always see the same physiotherapist at each visit?
As we are a teaching hospital you will be treated by a physiotherapist or a student physiotherapist. We will try to only have one therapist treating you. However, many of our staff rotate in their roles so you may find during the course of your treatment program you may receive treatment from more than one therapist. If this happens, we will make sure an effective and comprehensive handover takes place.
How often will I need to attend the Physiotherapy Department?
This will vary depending on your needs. Usually we offer up to 6 treatment sessions.
How long do the treatment sessions take?
Your first session will take 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions generally take 30 minutes.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring:
For you initial land
- Any test/scan results that you have had recently
- Shorts if it is your legs where treatment is needed
- A list of any medicines that you are taking
Does the Physiotherapy Outpatients Department generally run on time or will I have to wait?
We try to keep to appointment times as closely as possible. You will rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes for your appointment. To minimise stress, please make sure that you arrive 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment time. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will lose your appointment.
Will I always receive hands-on treatment such as massage, heatpacks or ultrasound?
Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Your therapist will discuss with you what would work best. They will do this after your first appointment.
Will I be expected to do exercise outside of my physiotherapy appointments?
Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. It is highly likely that your therapist will ask you to do certain activities or exercises as part of your treatment plan.
Will my physiotherapist talk with my doctor?
Your physiotherapist will work in partnership with your referring doctor. They will contact your doctor if they have any questions. When you finish your treatment plan your GP will receive a discharge summary letter outlining your initial assessment, the treatment plan you completed and the outcomes achieved.
Will I need to undress during my treatment sessions and will the therapist touch me?
At times we will need to touch you to assess your needs or to provide hands on treatment. If this is needed you may need to undress. You may be provided with a hospital gown. If you are receiving treatment for your legs you can bring in your own shorts to change into. Your modesty, privacy and dignity will be respected by your therapist at all times. If for cultural/personal reasons you wish to only have a female therapist please advise us of this when we receive your referral.
Will I experience soreness as a result of my physiotherapy?
With any exercise program it is normal to have some muscle soreness the next day. This should only last for a short time. If you have any ongoing soreness or pain please let your physiotherapist know.
Can I receive ongoing treatment for my problem?
Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Many conditions are chronic and require ongoing management. In these instances, we will identify what you can do for yourself after your treatment program finishes.
We are a teaching hospital and you may be treated by a physiotherapy student. If this is the case the student will be co-managing your case with a qualified, graduate physiotherapist. Students never undertake any decisions without first talking with their supervising therapist. You do have the right to not be treated by a student. In this case your treatment course will be conducted by the next available physiotherapist. This may not always be immediately possible and may result in a delay to starting your treatment plan.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter when we receive your referral. We will organise a professional interpreter for your assessment session.
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.
Physiotherapy Outpatient Department
How we can help you
Our department can help those with pain or problems in their muscles and/or bones.
We do this by:
- finding out what the problem is when you come to your first appointment
- finding out from you your needs and concerns
- working with you to come up with a plan of how exercise can help you both in the short and long term
- providing education.
We offer both individual services as well as group based programs.
Manager
Head of Physiotherapy Department Daniel Treacy
Opening hours
8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
We do not offer weekend treatments.
How to find us
You can find us on Level 1, High St Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 2 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
We care for people who experience pain or having problems with their bones and muscles caused by disease, trauma or overuse. We also support people as they recover from surgery.
Our team includes physiotherapists, allied health assistants and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.
We work in partnership with medical and surgical specialists and your local doctor (GP).
Our administration officer can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquires.
At your first appointment we will ask about your medical history and your health needs. We will conduct a physical examination. We will then discuss what type of physiotherapy will benefit you. This can include combination of appointments at the hospital with a physiotherapist and a plan for you to follow at home. Physiotherapy treatments involve education, advice, exercise and manual therapy (hands on techniques).
You will need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialty doctor to use this service. Your doctor will need to submit this referral electronically via Healthlink. Your referral will include why you are being referred, your medical history and any relevant test results including imaging.
Once we receive this referral and accept it we will send you a letter with your appointment details. We will also send this to your doctor. If we cannot make an appointment for you, we will send you a letter confirming that you are on the waiting list for the next available appointment.
We aim to see our patients as quickly as possible. We prioritise appointments for patients who have an urgent need based on their condition. Urgent cases are generally given an appointment within 7 days of receiving the referral. Non-urgent conditions may need to go on a waiting list and may take up to 4 months to receive an appointment.
We will contact you when an appointment has become available.
We will call you from the hospital which will come up on your phone as a private number. If we cannot reach you, we will send you an SMS with further instructions on how to contact us directly.
Please call (02) 9382 2850 to update any changes to your contact details.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, no longer require an appointment, or wish to be removed from the waitlist, please contact (02) 9382 2850.
If you are unable to get through to our administration staff, please leave a clear voicemail with your name and contact details so they can call you back as soon as possible.
Will I always see the same physiotherapist at each visit?
As we are a teaching hospital you will be treated by a physiotherapist or a student physiotherapist. We will try to only have one therapist treating you. However, many of our staff rotate in their roles so you may find during the course of your treatment program you may receive treatment from more than one therapist. If this happens, we will make sure an effective and comprehensive handover takes place.
How often will I need to attend the Physiotherapy Department?
This will vary depending on your needs. Usually we offer up to 6 treatment sessions.
How long do the treatment sessions take?
Your first session will take 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions generally take 30 minutes.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring:
For you initial land
- Any test/scan results that you have had recently
- Shorts if it is your legs where treatment is needed
- A list of any medicines that you are taking
Does the Physiotherapy Outpatients Department generally run on time or will I have to wait?
We try to keep to appointment times as closely as possible. You will rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes for your appointment. To minimise stress, please make sure that you arrive 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment time. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will lose your appointment.
Will I always receive hands-on treatment such as massage, heatpacks or ultrasound?
Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Your therapist will discuss with you what would work best. They will do this after your first appointment.
Will I be expected to do exercise outside of my physiotherapy appointments?
Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. It is highly likely that your therapist will ask you to do certain activities or exercises as part of your treatment plan.
Will my physiotherapist talk with my doctor?
Your physiotherapist will work in partnership with your referring doctor. They will contact your doctor if they have any questions. When you finish your treatment plan your GP will receive a discharge summary letter outlining your initial assessment, the treatment plan you completed and the outcomes achieved.
Will I need to undress during my treatment sessions and will the therapist touch me?
At times we will need to touch you to assess your needs or to provide hands on treatment. If this is needed you may need to undress. You may be provided with a hospital gown. If you are receiving treatment for your legs you can bring in your own shorts to change into. Your modesty, privacy and dignity will be respected by your therapist at all times. If for cultural/personal reasons you wish to only have a female therapist please advise us of this when we receive your referral.
Will I experience soreness as a result of my physiotherapy?
With any exercise program it is normal to have some muscle soreness the next day. This should only last for a short time. If you have any ongoing soreness or pain please let your physiotherapist know.
Can I receive ongoing treatment for my problem?
Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Many conditions are chronic and require ongoing management. In these instances, we will identify what you can do for yourself after your treatment program finishes.
We are a teaching hospital and you may be treated by a physiotherapy student. If this is the case the student will be co-managing your case with a qualified, graduate physiotherapist. Students never undertake any decisions without first talking with their supervising therapist. You do have the right to not be treated by a student. In this case your treatment course will be conducted by the next available physiotherapist. This may not always be immediately possible and may result in a delay to starting your treatment plan.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter when we receive your referral. We will organise a professional interpreter for your assessment session.
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.