What is this unit/Dept about?
Physical medicine and rehabilitation unit
15 bed unit. 2. Side rooms –high care patients.3 X dormitories with 4 beds. 1 flat room to monitor patient independency pre discharge.
Officially opened: 21 April 2005.
It is an established unit that caters for public and private patients.
NB! There is no other rehabilitation unit in northwest province.
What are its specialised services (what does the unit offer)?
- Medical care
- Nursing care
- Biokineticist
- Physio therapy/ Occupational therapy
- Psycho therapy
- Speech and audiology/ Dietetics
- Social work (Services)
ROLE: Medical Officer
Assessment and medical management of patients admitted for rehab.
ROLE: Nursing
To provide quality nursing care to the patients.
ROLE: Biokineticist
To restore optimal functioning of a patient by training him/her after illness or injury.
ROLE: Physiotherapist
Assessment and management of physical impairments to get patients as functional and mobile as possible.
ROLE: Occupational therapist
To promote maximal independence and quality of life through addressing barriers and challenges caused by physical, mental, development etc, difficulties.
OT: Looks at all areas of a person’s/individuals functioning, for example activities of daily living, work, play and leisure activities and psychosocial aspects.
ROLE: Speech and audiology
Assessment and management of speech, language, hearing, swallowing and literacy disorder.
ROLE: Dietetics
Assessment of patient’s nutritional status and prescribed diet according to patients energy and nutritional related chronic conditions/diseases
ROLE: Psychologist
Individual psychotherapy, assessment of in and out patients. Supportive role within the multi disciplinary team to add clarity on psychological level to ensure optimal rehabilitation process.
ROLE: Social work (Services)
Obtaining of collateral information regarding patient, arranging family conference, educating family members and caregivers about patient condition (patient consent).
What is the disease profile of your Unit?
We offer care to patients who have suffered:
- Cerebro vascular incident (Stroke)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Other neuro conditions depending on clinical manager decision
How does one get access to the unit (through grooming or straight)?
Patients are referred to us from public or private acute health facilities.
Referral is made on referral forms that need to be filled in by, for example the medical practitioner, physiotherapist, occupational therapists etc.
Could you please explain the steps followed to access the services?
Referral arrangements are done between the case manager and the referring health care facility.
The case manager can booked the assessment appointment for the patients that have been discharged home by the acute health facility.
What type of diagnosis do you admit at your unit?
- Traumatic brain injuries: due to assault, Pedestrian vehicle accidents/ motor vehicle accidents
- Spinal cord injuries: due to Pedestrian vehicle accidents/ motor vehicle accidents, stabbed with an object or example knife/screw driver/gunshot
- General medical condition such as Gillian barre syndrome and TB
- Cerebro vascular incident (Stroke) due to general medical condition example, hypertension
Are there any competent skilled nurses or doctors working specially for the unit?
Yes
How many are they and what do they specialise with?
- Senior medical officer x 1
- Community serve medical officer x 1.
- Assistant director nursing x 1
- Critical care nursing x 1
- Professional nurses x 10 (Contract=1)
- Enrolled nurses x 5
- Auxilliary nurses x 16 (Contract =1)
What machines medical equipment: diagnostic / treatment / do you use at the unit?
- Defibrillator/AED/ Electrocardiogram CTG machine
- Vital signs monitor and haemogluco test ( HGT/Blood glucose) machine
- Urodynamic machine
- Infusion pumps
- Suction machine (wall mounted and mobile)
- ENT set (Wall mounted)
- Oxygen apparatus
How effective are the systems and machines in assisting with speedy recovery of the patients?
Most of the equipments used are functional and used to render services for the patients
Do you think your dept is making a difference as a Mental & Rehabilitation Hospital Services?
Yes
What makes the staff in the unit win (succeed)?
Team work
What are expectations from patients and public/your facilities?
Most patients expect to return to their full pre-morbid functionality example: to be fully independent.
How do you deal with such expectations?
Patient diagnosis, their investigations done, and their prognosis are explained to them individually. Any unrealistic expectations and or goals after the above discussion are dealt with in psychotherapy
Quarterly stats.
Admissions: ranges between 48 – 50
Discharges ranges between 45 to 50
Any other additional information expectations?
Witrand Psychiatric hospital: 0182949100
Ward 09: 0182949215/16/17/21
