Allied Health
The hospital's team of physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians and pharmacists are an important part of the care for neurology patients. Assessments and treatments happen on a daily basis while patients are admitted to the Neurology ward.
Physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy involves the treatment of people with movement and function disorders that have originated from problems within the brain, spinal cord or neuromuscular system. These conditions can lead to muscle weakness, decreased sensation, poor balance and coordination, uncontrolled muscle spasm and tremors or loss of function. Based on your symptoms and condition, acute physiotherapists will conduct a comprehensive assessment and tailor a treatment program to the unique needs of the patient. Depending on the impairment, physiotherapy treatment may include gait retraining, positioning, splinting, functional retraining, breathing exercises, exercise or balance programs and discharge planning.
Speech Pathology
The Speech Pathologist on the Neurology ward is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing difficulties in patients with neurogenic disorders. They provide specialist assessment to differentiate and diagnose between different communication disorders and provide individualised support to enable successful communication on the ward and with carers. Specialist objective swallow assessments are provided as required. This includes Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS). Early rehabilitation is provided for acute presentations and community referral is ensured for those with ongoing communication and swallowing goals.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists aim to enhance and maximise function, independence and quality of life by developing and maintaining people's ability to carry out their everyday occupations such as self care, work, school or leisure and play.
Social work
Our social workers provide patients, relatives and carers with emotional and social support, and practical assistance related to their life changes, illness and treatment. Social workers can provide counselling, assist in organising transport, provide information on financial services and connect you to community services and support groups.
Nutrition and dietetics
Dietitians can give patients appropriate dietary advice during treatment to manage and optimise nutrition throughout illness and recovery. Nutrition is an important component of optimising patient recovery. Dietitians are qualified to provide individualised advice on the nutritional status of a patient, and on food and nutrient manipulation in order to meet patients' nutritional requirements.