Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy services are provided at all four sites of Northern Health - Bundoora Extended Care Centre, Broadmeadows Health Service, Panch Health Service and The Northern Hospital. Activity at each site reflects the focus of the particular hospital or health service.
Bundoora Extended Care Centre (BECC)
- Inpatient sub-acute services for rehabilitation and geriatric evaluation and management patients
- Community rehabilitation service and home based care
- Specialist clinics for Falls and Balance, Pain Management and Continence
Services to BECC are provided Monday - Friday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. The department at BECC consists of a site manager, a senior clinician in Falls and Balance clinic, a number of Grade IIs in inpatient and ambulatory care, three Grade Is and 4 allied health assistants. Hydrotherapy service for CRC clients is available once per week in a local community pool.
Broadmeadows Health Service (BHS)
- Inpatient sub-acute services for rehabilitation, geriatric evaluation and management and palliative care patients
- Community therapy service and home based therapy
- Hydrotherapy
Services to BHS are provided Monday - Friday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. The department comprises a site manager, a senior clinician who works across both inpatient rehabilitation and ambulatory care, several Grade IIs in both inpatients and ambulatory care and five Grade Is. Two physical educators are also employed and two allied health assistants. A hydrotherapy pool is located on-site, providing a range of services to both inpatients and community clients.
Panch Health Service, Preston
Paediatric service focusing on 0-5 year old children with developmental delay.
This new service commenced I June 2004 and is staffed by a part time grade II physiotherapist. She works Monday and Fridays and alternate Tuesdays.
The Northern Hospital, Epping
- Emergency and short stay unit
- ICU
- Medical and surgical wards
- Outpatients
- Home based care
Physiotherapy department at TNH provides services seven days a week between 8.15 am and 5.00 pm. Staff include a site manager, a senior clinician in inpatients and a number of Grade II staff across both inpatients and outpatients. There are five Grade I physios and two allied health assistants.
Supervision
All Grade I staff participate in a structured supervision program. Grade II or senior clinician staff are allocated responsibilities to promote clinical knowledge and assist the Grade I staff in reflective practice. At the beginning of each rotation, Grade I staff will discuss with the senior staff their goals/objectives for that rotation. This discussion will also include likely topics for Grade I projects.
Education
All physiotherapy staff have the opportunity to participate in an extensive professional development program including site-based and health service-based activities. Health service wide programs include
- Interpreter Awareness & Cultural Diversity Training
- Aggression Management
- Dementia Care Training
Evidence based practice is strongly promoted. All sites present annually at least one aspect of care which for which the evidence has been researched and evaluated.
Education sessions are run at each site. Opportunities also exist to participate in the education sessions held at other sites. Cross-campus Grade I education sessions occur during every rotation. This program is designed and coordinated by the Grade I staff.
Study leave is provided for relevant external courses and assistance with fees will be considered.
Grade I Projects
All Grade I staff will complete an agreed project during each rotation. The projects are generally aimed at a improving the service or practice within that specific project. Examples of projects include updating referral source information, developing new reference material, and reviewing practice guidelines for weekend exercise programs.
Links:
Contact:
Jenni Smith, Health Service Manager - Physiotherapy
Jenni.Smith@nh.org.au | 
