We provide multidisciplinary assessment and management planning for patients who have had falls and who have mobility and balance problems.
Key points
- Our team includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrist and clinical psychologist
- We provide assessment and management planning for patients who have had falls and who have mobility and balance problems
- Follow-up appointments occur at 10 weeks and a further six months later via phone, telehealth or in the clinic to review progress and make further adjustments as needed
What we do
We provide assessment, management plans and information for patients who have had falls, or who have mobility and balance problems.
Who can use our service
Anyone who experiences falls or balance related problems can use our service. We generally see people who live in the local city council areas of Melbourne, Moreland and Hume but may accept referrals from other areas where there is no similar service provided and following discussions with a Direct Access Unit (DAU) team member.
The Falls and Balance Clinic has a team of health professionals with expertise in balance and mobility problems for older people.
After a detailed assessment, the team identifies the main factors causing a patient's unsteadiness or falls, develops a management plan with them and provides information and support. The staff in the clinic work with patients, their carers and other health service providers to refer them to physiotherapy or exercise groups, provide information on how to make their home safer and simplify medication requirements.
They may also offer counselling and other management strategies to help people maintain dignity, confidence and independence.
Referrals
Direct Access Unit
We accept GP and specialist referrals:
- Use the RMH Community Services Referral Form, the RMH GP Referral Form or a template from your own system
- Complete and fax your referral to Direct Access Unit on (03) 8387 2217
DAU welcomes phone enquiries. Contact us on (03) 8387 2333 to discuss potential or existing referrals.
Referrals should include:
- Relevant clinical history
- Reason for referral
- Patient details including address, date of birth and contact phone numbers
- Your details and provider number
- Name of the consultant (for Medicare clinics)
- Investigation reports related to the referral
Referrals are triaged based on priority. In an emergency, patients can go to the Emergency & Trauma Service at any time.
For advice, urgent referrals and out of hours support, call The RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000 to page our registrar on call.
HealthPathways Melbourne provides guidance on best practice assessment and management of common medical conditions, including when and where to refer patients.
Parkville Connect is a secure web-based portal providing GPs, specialists and other health professionals with information in the Parkville electronic medical record (EMR).
What will happen at the clinic?
A patient's initial assessment is divided into two visits. These are usually two weeks apart.
Both visits take about two hours:
- On their first visit, patients are seen by a specialist doctor, a nurse and a physiotherapist
- If they have a second visit, patients are seen by an occupational therapist (in clinic or at home) and a podiatrist
- We organise a follow-up appointment in about 10 weeks and again about six months later. At this appointment we are interested to know how their balance has been over that time and discuss any new concerns.
Links & documents
Appointments
For all new appointments, contact the Direct Access Unit on (03) 8387 2333
To cancel or reschedule a booked appointment, contact the Clinical Centre on (03) 8387 2194
What to bring
Every time you come
Every time you come in 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 appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- Your appointment book
- TAC or WorkCover claim number
Interpreters & cultural support
We provide qualified, professional interpreters to help you communicate with us at any time during your stay and at your clinic appointments.
- Μάθετε περισότερα γιά διερμηνείς & υποστήριξη κουλτούρας
- Scopri di più sugli interpreti e sul supporto culturale
- Tercümanlar ve kültürel destek hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek için
- Tìm hiểu thêm về thông dịch viên và hỗ trợ văn hóa
- 找出更多翻译与文化支持的信息
- لمزيدٍ من المعلومات عن خدمة الترجمة الشفهية والخدمات الثقافية
Links & documents
Ground Level Robert Campbell Wing (Building 17)
34-54 Poplar Rd, Parkville, Victoria