Rehabilitation unit

Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Rehabilitation Unit features a 44 bed multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation service and a Day Therapy Rehabilitation Program that is offered several mornings per week.

The specialised multidisciplinary team at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Rehabilitation Unit includes:

• medical specialists in rehabilitation and geriatric medicine
• physiotherapists
• occupational therapists
• rehabilitation nurses
• speech pathologists
• pharmacists
• social workers
• dietitians
• rehabilitation assistants
• personal care assistants
• housekeeping
• administration
• pastoral care staff.

The Rehabilitation Unit provides individualised and specialised rehabilitation programs which aim to improve:

• mobility
• balance
• upper and lower limb strength and function
• ability to manage personal cares
• continence
• domestic tasks
• confidence to return home
• preparation for a return to work
• driving and leisure skills
• medication self-management
• communication
• pain management
• education
• domestic task completion
• community living skills.

Home modifications and equipment for home can be organised as part of the coordinated, multidisciplinary discharge planning for each patient.

Conditions appropriate for rehabilitation

Rehabilitation may be suitable for people who:

• have neurological conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy or following neurosurgery
• have orthopaedic conditions of the upper and lower body such as hip or knee replacement surgery, spinal surgery, lower limb amputation or recovery from fractures
• are suffering from prolonged illness, multiple injuries or respiratory conditions
• have fallen at home
• require management for a range of chronic pain conditions.

Some people may be admitted to rehabilitation after acute illness or injury. Others may have longer term or chronic conditions managed at home but would benefit from a period of rehabilitation. Pre-admission medical review is undertaken for all patients and recommendations can be made regarding rehabilitation needs or options.

Rehabilitation Program at Mater Redland

A new rehabilitation service at Mater Private Hospital Redland provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation service for individuals following injury or illness.

Inpatient rehabilitation programs include lower limb orthopaedics, upper limb orthopaedics, reconditioning and chronic pain management.

The service which is located in Mater Private Hospital Redland, allows for rapid transfer to an acute care environment and access to specialist consultations in the areas of orthopaedics, urology, geriatric medicine, oncology and other specialties as required.

The program serves as a satellite service to the already established 44 bed inpatient and day therapy Mater Private Rehabilitation Unit at South Brisbane. Dr Victor Voerman, Rehabilitation Director of both areas is supported by nursing staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, patient care assistants, dietitians, speech pathologists, orthotics/
prosthetics, podiatrists and psychologists, as required.

All patients referred to the service are assessed for suitability for program participation and admissions will be based on the patient’s readiness and capacity to work towards functional goals.

Standardised therapy assessment tools and measures are used to document progress and outcomes relevant to the patient’s diagnosis and home exercise programs will be provided for all patients discharged from hospital.

At completion of the program a comprehensive multidisciplinary report is provided for the referring doctor and treating GP.

For further information about rehabilitation services at Redland please contact 07 3163 7444.

Funding for a rehabilitation program

Participation in a rehabilitation program is generally available for people with hospital cover through private health insurance funds. Health fund cover is checked before admission.

Rehabilitation is also available for those covered by Veterans Affairs, WorkCover, third party insurance and privately self-funded patients.

Make a referral

To make a referral for an inpatient or day therapy program simply download a referral form and fax to 07 3163 2747 or contact the rehabilitation coordinator on 07 3163 1946 or 07 3163 1600.

All patients are medically reviewed prior to admission.