Orthopaedic Therapy Service inpatient guide Information for patients MSK Orthopaedic Inpatients (Therapy)
This leaflet is designed to answer any queries you may have about the Orthopaedic Therapy Service. What is the Orthopaedic Therapy Service? Our service provides assessment and rehabilitation to enable a safe discharge from hospital. We provide a service for patients who have sustained a bone fracture or soft tissue injury and have a reduced level of function. We also provide a service for patients following a planned procedure such as a hip replacement. The rehabilitation team consists of: Physiotherapists Occupational therapists Technical instructors Therapy assistants What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy helps to improve movement and function when a person is affected by injury, illness or disability. After initial assessment, if appropriate, our physiotherapy team can provide: Some advice and education about your surgery An exercise programme to help increase and maintain range of movement in your joints An exercise programme to help regain muscle strength Practice with your mobility, progressing to independent mobility with walking aids where appropriate Practice on steps/stairs in preparation for your discharge An outpatient referral for continued rehabilitation if required page 2 of 8
What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy aims to improve the health and wellbeing of a person through relevant functional activities. Occupational therapists aim to ensure that discharge from hospital is as safe as possible. After an initial assessment our Orthopaedic Service can provide if appropriate: Functional assessments - the occupational therapist can assess functional tasks such as getting on and off the toilet, in and out of bed, in and out of a bath and getting in and out of a car. Activities of daily living - the occupational therapist can assess your independence with personal care, kitchen activities and arrange for help on discharge as needed. Equipment the occupational therapist can work with you to identify if you have any equipment needs and order these for you on discharge if required. Cognitive assessment the occupational therapist can assess any problems with memory or concentration in more detail in order to identify any potential discharge problems. Splinting/bracing - a splinting/bracing service is also available for inpatient orthopaedic patients at the request of your consultant. Home visits are not routinely provided. Patients are usually assessed within our simulated home facility. Referal is made for assessment at home only when needed. page 3 of 8
What can I expect during my hospital stay? Your therapy will start once your doctor has a treatment plan for you. The therapist will gather relevant information to enable them to tailor a suitable treatment programme for you. This will enable your safe discharge from hospital. Information will include: your type of injury/operation how it was caused any relevant medical history your home environment any support you have available at home your usual level of function. You will receive therapy on a regular basis provided you are well enough to participate in therapy sessions. Where appropriate you will be shown exercises which you can carry out independently on the ward to aid your recovery. A service is provided at the weekend to meet the needs of patient s with urgent therapy requirements. page 4 of 8
How can I help myself / how can my family help when I am in hospital? It would be helpful if you or your family could bring in appropriate footwear and clothing so that you can participate in rehabilitation activities safely. How can I help myself after I leave hospital? After any period of immobility due to injury, illness or an operation your exercise tolerance will be lower and you will be more at risk of circulatory problems. Try to remain as active and mobile as you can after discharge from hospital, this helps to maintain good circulation and joint and muscle health. Take adequate periods of rest through the day to aid recovery. Try to do shorter periods of activity more often rather than too much in one go. Progress your activity levels gradually and progressively as your recovery allows. Discharge planning The therapy team and / or discharge nurse will discuss the discharge pathway with you and / or your designated representative. This will be prior to making any referrals for further rehabilitation, home help, equipment and referrals to other agencies. page 5 of 8
Discharge checklist Action taken by therapist on discharge: No equipment required Equipment issued (patient/family to take home) Equipment delivered Equipment to be delivered post discharge Delivery Date (if known): Referral to other agencies: Active Recovery Community Occupational Therapy Community Falls Therapy Team Community Physiotherapy SCELS - Sheffield Community Equipment and Liaison Service Home Care Other (Please indicate): page 6 of 8
Where can I find further information? Here are some useful contacts that you might require when you leave hospital: Access Team for Carer Support 0114 273 4908 Active Recovery A Sheffield based community rehabilitation team 0114 305 4321 City Wide Alarms 0114 242 0351 Dementia Rapid Response Team North Team 0114 226 2548 South Team 0114 226 2551 Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre 0114 271 5807 SCELS (Sheffield Community Equipment and Loan Service) 0114 226 3800 Social Services Equipment and Adaptations 0114 273 4908 Stay Put 0114 256 4270 www.yorkshirehousing.co.uk/home-improvement/sheffield page 7 of 8
Who should I contact if I have any questions or comments? If you have any concerns regarding your rehabilitation or your discharge please speak to either your physiotherapist or your occupational therapist. If your relatives or carers have concerns regarding your rehabilitation or discharge they can contact the Orthopaedic Therapy Service on: 0114 271 4112 Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working together we can help local patients feel even better To donate visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk Registered Charity No 1169762 Alternative formats can be available on request. Please email: alternativeformats@sth.nhs.uk Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2017 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Email infogov@sth.nhs.uk PD7665-PIL3146 v4 Issue Date: January 2018. Review Date: January 2020