DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL IN LONDON AND ESSEX
Friday 27th December 2024
Gemma B
DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL IN LONDON AND ESSEX
When you have been discharged from hospital after surgery, illness or injury, the transition home can lead to a huge change in routine and responsibility. A period of rehabilitation can play a crucial role in regaining mobility and confidence. Often, there is a long wait for therapy input after being discharged, leaving people unsure on what to do.
RIGHT TO REHAB
Based on a survey conducted by the Charted society of Physiotherapy, of more than 500 Physiotherapists in 2023, due to the lack of appropriate rehabilitation space, 59% of Physiotherapists report seeing an increased level of disability and 50% reported increasing levels of depression and anxiety. Alliances working across the UK are fighting to secure the necessary changes and investment in community rehabilitation. The King’s fund is asking for equal access to community rehabilitation to all and have posted some stark figures, form 2020, which indicate the scale of the problem:
Right To Rehab Report, February 2020 - web.pdf
BRIDGING THE GAP
Physiotherapy can be invaluable in providing immediate, person-centered therapy when initially discharged home. At Estuary Physio, we have therapists who are able to start rehabilitation in someone’s own home within days of discharge. Whilst people wait for NHS therapy, our therapists are able to start the rehabilitation process. For some, this will be as simple as a few sessions of education and teaching someone the skills needed to take care of themselves moving forwards.
For others, this might mean more intensive input until the NHS teams have space to start providing their therapy services. At Estuary Physio, we work closely with rehabilitation assistants atStanford Wellbeing - The Empowering Care Company who are able to complete rehabilitation programmes with the oversight of a Physiotherapist, for cost effective treatments plans for those who need intensive packages.
Immediately on discharge, the therapist can work on what is important to that person, meaning that the person will be further into their recovery when the NHS services start. Goals in the early stage might range from being able to stand up and get a cup of tea, carrying the laundry down the stairs or popping out to the shop. Waiting weeks to months for therapy input to start can lead to further deconditioning, posture changes, loss of confidence and muscle changes. To find out what to expect on an initial assessment read our Blog - Estuary Physio Home Visit
Physiotherapy in London and Essex
We are able to provide feedback and progress with the NHS teams to ensure a seamless, continuity of therapy input when the NHS take over.
COMBINING PRIVATE AND NHS INPUT
The NHS services are exceptional and many of our therapists have a background working in the NHS. However, the rehabilitation input someone receives is a postcode lottery and the level provided will vary depending on the area. A high demand and time constraints, in some areas, sometimes means that the focus on each person can be limited, with long gaps between sessions or a limited number of sessions. At Estuary Physio, we can work alongside the NHS Physiotherapists to compliment and supplement the input provided. We recommend an open discussion with both teams to ensure joined up care.
tag TWO THERAPISTS
We often hear that people who need two therapists to treat them struggle to get their needs met in the community by NHS therapy teams. Often people are able to get two carers to call, up to four times per day. However, people struggle to get two therapists to complete rehabilitation. This can lead to a vicious cycle of not being able to get the practice needed in order to progress off needing two people, further deconditioning and reducing function.
At Estuary Physio, we are able to provide support for those who need two people to do their transfers or rehabilitation. If someone has a new change in function, such as walking before going into hospital and now requiring two people and equipment, depending on the condition, we may recommend a trial of intensive therapy early on. Our private Physiotherapists work closely with Stanford Wellbeing rehabilitation assistants, so that we can support those who need two therapists can receive cost effective rehabilitation. We are also able to recommend equipment to allow you to practice outside of therapy sessions, with carers and family.
PAIN
Rehabilitation following discharge from hospital sometimes involves managing some level of pain. Starting Physiotherapy early can help provide you with effective strategies to manage this pain, whether this is hands on techniques or an exercise programme, early rehabilitation is always best.
MOTIVATION
Returning home after a hospital stay can be a lonely, isolating process. It can be difficult to stay motivated if recovery is slow or you have a fear or reinjury or falling. A Physiotherapist is able to provide expert guidance, as well as emotional support. Read here to find some tips on staying motivated with your rehabilitation: Blog - Estuary Physio Home Visit Physiotherapy in London and Essex
BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT
If someone you or someone you love is in hospital and waiting to go home or recently been discharged, please do get in touch and we will be able to provide you with more information on Estuary Physios services.
Please get in touch with us today and speak with one of our clinicians.
