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Our aim is to enable you to achieve your physical and verbal potential
How many of us are there?
Our physiotherapy (physio) team is lead by one Clinical Specialist. The rest of the team includes a Respiratory Clinical Specialist, six senior physios and a junior physio on 4 monthly rotation. There are three therapy support workers shared with Occupational Therapy. Two senior physios cover outpatients, and several of our team are part-time.
How do we work?
On admission you will be allocated a primary physiotherapist (physio) who will provide most of your treatment, and an associate physio for when your primary physio is unavailable.
Your primary physio will plan your treatment around your needs and those of other patients. Your primary therapists make up part of your Primary Care Team along with yourself and members of other professions.
Throughout your stay you will be encouraged to partake in planning and reviewing your goals with your Primary Care Team.
Ward Physiotherapy
We run a rota to provide ward physiotherapy, and when you arrive on the Centre you may meet several members of our team.
Routine work may include:
- assessment and treatment of all new patients admitted to the Centre. respiratory treatment for those with breathing difficulties, including those requiring ventilatory support.
- maintaining a range of movement in joints and muscles which may become tight or stiff while in bed.
- assisting patients, where able, to use and strengthen muscles to minimise weakness while in bed.
- getting a patient up for the first time in conjunction with the Nursing and Occupational Therapy teams.
- getting to know you and your family to help plan goals for rehabilitation and discharge
When I am out of bed?
Once you are up and out of bed, your physiotherapy sessions will usually be held in the gym (upstairs or downstairs). Each week you will be given a timetable detailing your physio and OT sessions and those group sessions which are appropriate for you.
These sessions will include:
- one to one treatment sessions
- group sessions, including weights wheelchair skills and sports
- hydrotherapy sessions
- trips out of the Centre
- Goal Planning Meetings
The whole of the Physiotherapy team, including our therapy support workers, will be actively involved in your rehabilitation. Gradually, as you become more independent you will be expected to take more of a lead in your therapy activities.
The Gym
The gym is open all day, and after discussion with your primary therapist you are welcome to attend in between therapy sessions to use equipment, if supervision is available.
The department is open 8.30 - 12.30 & 1.00 - 5.00 Mondays to Thursdays, 8.30 - 12.30 & 1.00 - 4.30 Fridays.
Routine gym work may include:
- helping you do as much for yourself as you can
- strengthening muscles
- joint and muscle stretches to prevent tightness or stiffness
- work to improve balance
- postural assessments and arranging appropriate seating
- wheelchair and transfer skills
- standing
- assessment and treatment of abnormal muscle tone
- sporting activities e.g. archery, bowls, table tennis
- teaching you to verbally direct your own care
If you are unable to attend a timetabled therapy session please ensure a message is given to the therapists with as much notice as possible. With notice, it may be possible to re-arrange your session.
What else is going on?
We have the use of a hydrotherapy pool and use the warm water to aid movement and to teach swimming where appropriate. Most patients are able to attend one session per week.
Each Wednesday we try to arrange a trip into town (or sailing in the summer) with the Occupational Therapy Department. For your first trip out of the Centre you will be accompanied by therapists.
If you have any ideas about activities or trips you would like to do please let us know.
What about weekends?
As well as individual caseloads, the Physiotherapy Department provides a 24 hour on call and weekend service for some patients. Your Physiotherapist will assess your need for treatment at the weekend.
If you need this information in another language or medium (audio, large print, etc) please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 374 208 email: [email protected]
