Our Community Rehabilitation Services (CRS) are programs designed to help you improve your functional abilities.
You may work one-on-one with members of our CRS team at home or within a group at Latrobe Regional Hospital or one of its clinics.
Our specialist team includes a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, rehabilitation medicine specialist, social worker, speech pathologist, allied health assistant and in some cases a prosthetist and orthotist.
Our programs include:
Balance group -for people who have had recent falls or have poor balance. This isan 8 week rolling program providing twice weekly exercise and education sessions. The aim is to improve your balance, strength and mobility and itprovides strategies for minimising the risk of falls and injuries from falls.
Cardiac rehabilitation phase 2 -for people with any heart condition who are medically stable, post AMI, stent etc. This isa 5 week rolling program providing twice weekly exercise and education sessions with the aim of improving physical function and self-management of your condition.
Heart failure rehabilitation -for people with stable chronic heart failure. The 8 week rolling program provides twice weekly exercise and education sessions andaims to improve physical function and self-management of your condition.
MS group -for people with Multiple Sclerosis who would benefit from exercise and education. This is a 9 week program providing weekly exercise, education and practical sessions. It is run depending on demand.
Parkinson’s group -for people with Parkinson’s who would benefit from exercise and education. The 10 week program provides weekly exercise, education and practical sessions. It is run depending on demand.
Pulmonary rehabilitation phase 2 -for people with stable respiratory conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions. The 7 week rolling program provides twice weekly exercise and education sessions. It aims to improve your physical function and self-management of your condition.
Stroke rehabilitation education group -a 12 week program providing education and support to stroke survivors and their carers on a range of topics relevant to their ongoing recovery. Stroke survivors who are current inpatients in the Nicholson Rehabiltation or GEM units or those who have a current episode of care with CRS are eligible for this group.
Young and able group -a program offered tor young people aged 16-30 with a variety of physical limitations. The program involves exercise and activities to increase independence. It is run depending on demand.
Eligibility
To take part in CRS programs, you must live in the Latrobe City catchment and need the input of 2 or more different members of our specialist team to work on your goals.
Referral process
Referrals can come from any of the LRH inpatient wards. They can also come from other hospitals, community service providers and agencies. You may self-refer to the service but you will need a summary from your GP before you are assessed.
Assessment
At the initial assessment, you, your family or carer will discuss your goals, the frequency of appointments and an estimated timeline for therapy. Delivery of therapy, either one-on-one or in a group is based on your goals and determined by individual clinicians or the specialist team. Your progress will be monitored regularly to ensure your therapy remains targeted to your needs.
Contact details
If you would like to make a referral or find out more about any of the CRS programs phone Allied Health at Latrobe Regional Hospital 5173 8383.
The Allied Health Department is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. It is closed on public holidays.
Our Health Independence Programs offer continuing care to help you achieve your best health outcome. Their goal is to improve and maintain your ability to live independently in the community.
Many of our programs and clinics fall under our Sub-Acute Ambulatory Care Service (SACS).
These programs help people with a physical disability, illness, injury or who are frail, recover or achieve the maximum function to live independently. The programs also help people with newly diagnosed or developing conditions and chronic illnesses.
A SACS program may be delivered at a specialty clinic, Latrobe Regional Hospital or in your home.
SACS programs and clinics:
Community Rehabilitation Services (CRS)
Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)
Continence Clinic
Falls and Balance Clinic
Pain Management Clinic
Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS)
If you’ve had an injury, surgery or a serious illness, rehabilitation will provide you with the strength and skills to reach your highest level of function.
The Nicholson Rehabilitation Unit links inpatient and outpatient allied health services to provide you with coordinated care through the stages of recovery.
Our Allied Health facility supporting the Nicholson Unit features a hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium and therapy rooms, outdoor area with various walking surfaces and a separate community rehabilitation centre for outpatient programs.
People admitted to the unit will stay in either a single or double room with ensuite facilities.
A detailed assessment will be undertaken when you arrive and a treatment plan including a therapy program developed. You and your family or carer will be involved in the development of the plan and setting goals for your rehabilitation.
You will have access to specialist rehabilitation physicians and nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, speech pathologists, social workers and a prosthetist.
When you have achieved your rehabilitation goals, you will be discharged.
Ongoing therapy will be arranged as will support services to assist you at home if required.
Rehabilitation services
Programs in the Nicholson Unit feature the most up to date techniques in rehabilitation practice.
These include:
a coordinated team approach that encompasses all aspects of your wellbeing
individual, goal orientated programs that aim to deliver the best outcomes for you
coordination of care after hospital discharge to help you make a smooth transition back to your community
the involvement of you and your family or carer in decision making
a pleasant environment that provides you with individual care and attention.
The Nicholson Unit provides inpatient, day and outpatient programs in the areas of general and specialist rehabilitation, home-based and centre-based rehabilitation.
The Rehabilitation Team
Nicholson Unit programs are run by a number of different health professionals including:
a specialist rehabilitation physician
rehabilitation nurses
physiotherapists
occupational therapists
social workers
dieticians
speech pathologists
prosthetist/orthotist.
Facilities
The Nicholson Unit has access to our purpose-built Allied Health facility which includes:
hydrotherapy pool
independent living unit
outdoor area with a range of walking surfaces
raised garden beds
recreation areas
central courtyard
community rehabilitation centre
Path to recovery
Planning for discharge begins soon as you are admitted to the Nicholson Unit.
A detailed assessment is undertaken and a treatment plan developed.
As part of this plan, a therapy program and goals for rehabilitation are established. This is done in consultation with you and your family or carers.
A weekly review is conducted to assess progress and the suitability of the program to your needs.
When rehabilitation goals are achieved, you will be discharged home or when necessary, to suitable accommodation.
Ongoing therapy or community services may be arranged to provide support in the home.
A home or workplace assessment may also be arranged before discharge to ensure the environment is suitable and safe.
Specialised programs
The Nicholson Unit offers a number of specialised programs for people who have experienced:
Children and adolescents up to the age of 18 who need specialist rehabilitation after an injury, surgery or to manage a medical condition are able to access support through the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) run by Latrobe Regional Hospital.
The service also assists children who have returned home after specialist care from the Royal Children's Hospital and Monash Children's Hospital.
Our team includes a rehabilitation paediatrician, neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker and speech pathologist.
Your child is able to access the service if their rehabilitation needs are of a moderate to high complexity. They'll undergo several assessments before a plan is developed focusing on their goals. The plan is reviewed regularly.
Referral process
Children and adolescents can be referred to the VPRS by GPs, paediatricians, allied health professionals, other hospitals and community agencies.
You are also able to refer a child directly by contacting Latrobe Regional Hospital's Allied Health Department on 5173 8383. You will be directed to the VPRS team.
Contact details
If you would like to make a referral or need more information about the VPRS phone Latrobe Regional Hospital's Allied Health Department on 5173 8383.
The Allied Health Department is open Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm and closed on public holidays.
Operation LRH targets surgical equipment
More than 10,000 surgical procedures are performed at our hospital each year. We'd like our surgical teams to have the most up to date equipment available to improve health outcomes for patients across Gippsland.
Support Operation LRH to ensure we're able to provide our patients of all ages with the best possible outcome. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Click on the Make A Donation link or contact LRH Fundraising on 5173 8577. Thank you for your kindness!
Latrobe Regional Hospital
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Quick Contact Details
For Emergencies Call: 000 Ambulance / Fire / Police
General enquiries For general enquiries to Latrobe Regional Hospital Telephone: 03 5173 8000 - Fax: 03 5173 8444 Email: enquiries@lrh.com.au
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