Rehabilitation Patient Orientation Booklet
(PDF,4.12 MB)
Rehabilitation is the branch of medicine that deals with restoring your ability to function and your quality of life.
Rehabilitation is generally the next stage in your journey to full recovery after an injury, illness or surgery. Our team of doctors, nurses and therapists will work with you and your family to help you gain the most independence that is possible.
What we do
Our Rehabilitation service works as a team with you and your family and carers to give you the greatest amount of function and quality of life that is possible.
We specialise in:
- Neurological rehabilitation - stroke, multiple sclerosis
- Hand hub - a robotic and computer-based gaming facility that has been specifically developed for patients who have difficulties using their hand or arm after a nervous system injury or illness such as stroke or multiple sclerosis or brain injury. It can also benefit patients learning to use an arm/hand prosthesis
- Orthopaedic rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation following amputation
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation
What can I expect?
When you arrive, our team will assess your strengths, needs, and abilities. They will also ask you what your goals are. Then they will create a program tailored for you that is focused on helping you achieve a set of goals, set by you and the team together. The amount of therapy you attend will depend on these goals.
Can I smoke on the ward?
The rehabilitation ward is non-smoking. The rehabilitation team is here to help you quit smoking.
What will my day be like?
You will be given a weekly timetable that details your appointments and therapy times. Therapy will be offered between 9am and 4pm (Monday to Friday). Over the weekend you will be encouraged to practice the skills you have learnt throughout the week. Remember that therapy is not just what you do in the gym, but also the everyday things you do on the ward with your nurses and family or carer.
Visitor information?
Visitors play an important part in the recovery and comfort of patients and are welcome any time during the day up till 8pm. When planning to visit, please note the rest period (1:30 and 2:30pm) and therapy times (refer to the therapy timetable). Good communication between patients, families and staff is very important and visitors are encouraged to liaise with staff members. Parking is available on-site for a fee of $7 and free for cars with disability parking in marked disabled parking spaces.
What happens after rehabilitation?
A stay in the Rehabilitation unit is only part of your journey to recovery. Ongoing rehabilitation is often organised when you get back into the community.
How long will I stay on the rehabilitation ward?
This is very difficult to answer. Some people stay a very short time and others much longer. This depends on your goals and needs, and how they change during your therapy.
The rehabilitation team works to build capacity, strength and function for its patients. The team comprises:
- doctors
- nurses
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- speech pathology
- dietetics
- psychology
- social workers
- podiatrists
- prosthetics and orthotics
- pharmacists
- complex discharge coordinator
The rehabilitation ward offers:
- large patient rooms
- a communal multi-purpose room where patients can enjoy "protected mealtimes"
- professionally staffed rehabilitation gym
- hydrotherapy pool
- an outdoor courtyard garden
Each room is equipped with a television available for rental. Medical and nursing care is provided 24 hours a day.
How to access this service
Hospital staff may discuss your eligibility for this service during your visit. Your GP will fax your referral to the hospital.
Once we receive the referral, we will contact you.
If there is a waiting list, we will advise you what to do.
Clinics
| Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic | Royal Park Campus | Clinical Centre Reception, Building 17 | MON, WED, THU, FRI | |
| Vic Artificial Limb Program | Royal Park Campus | Clinical Centre Reception, Building 17 | THU |
What to bring
Every time you come to hospital
Every time you come to hospital for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:
- Medicare card
- Health Care card (if you have one)
- Concession card (if you have one)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
- X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)
For a clinic appointment
If you come for a clinic appointment, you should also bring:
- Your letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- Your appointment book
For rehabilitation
If you come for rehabiliation, you should also bring:
- Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit
- Well-fitting, closed-toe styled shoes with firm grip soles. Do not wear open back, slip-on slippers
- Personal hygeine items such as shampoo, shaving cream, shaver, toothpaste, and deodorant
In a medical emergency, call 000. If you are feeling unwell, see your local GP or go to your local hospital Emergency department for help.