Paediatric Rehabilitation Services caters for children and adolescents that due to injury, medical/surgical intervention or functional impairment would benefit from a rehabilitation program. Children are individually assessed and provided with a time-limited rehabilitation program that is developmentally appropriate, goal focussed and designed to meet their needs.

Aims and objectives

• To ensure a smooth transition from hospital to community
• To ensure that children and families are treated within their own communities
• To provide a child focused and family centred service
• To provide coordinated referral and discharge pathways
• To provide specialist therapy that is developmentally appropriate

Who can access the service?

Children and adolescents aged between 0-18years, with complex needs, who will benefit from a set period of rehabilitation can access the service. They may include children or adolescents who have:

• Acquired brain injury
• Neurological injuries/surgery
• Orthopaedic injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• A specific medical event or surgery

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from paediatricians, general practitioners, Royal Children's Hospital, nursing staff, maternal child health nurses, allied health, self referral, and hospital paediatric services.

Paediatric Rehabilitation Team consists of specialist and support therapists:

• Regional co-ordinator of paediatric rehabilitation
• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Social work
• Neuropsychologist
• Exercise physiologist
• Speech pathologist

Service features:

Our specialist team approach means a comprehensive program that includes access to:

• Exercise and home activity programs
• Individually specialised programs for home and school
• Hydrotherapy
• School and home visits
• Regular reviews at school and home
• Advice about aids and equipment
• Information and referral to other local community services
• No waiting list - initial appointments booked following the triage process (aim within two weeks of referral)
• Flexibility for re-referrals and re-entry into service
• Specialist treating team