Neurological Rehabilitation

We provide inpatient multidisciplinary, goal-orientated rehabilitation for adults (over 16) with disability linked to any underlying neurological condition. The inpatient core team includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists (OT) with speech and language therapists, and in addition can call on psychologists, dieticians, orthotists and nurse specialists.

Examples of the conditions we see include:

• Stroke
• Brain haemorrhage
• Brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal compression
• Spinal injury
• Neuropathies such as Guillain Barre syndrome
• Complex multiple learning disability (adults)
• Prolonged disorder of consciousness (“vegetative” and “minimally conscious”)

We also provide an outpatient service, aiming to provide holistic and individualized care. This can include assessing such things as mobility, cognitive skills, communication, nutrition and swallowing, spasticity, continence, equipment, home adaptations, social care, medication reviews, management of epilepsy, employment and many more. Outpatient physiotherapy, community OT, orthotists, social services or referrals to other medical specialties can then be arranged according to patient’s needs and preferences.

Rehabilitation aims to restore a person to independence and maximize their participation in society; if independence is not achievable, rehabilitation may still achieve meaningful reduction of their dependence on other people. The long-term benefits for the patient, their carers, and for society are indisputable.

Rehabilitation has the best chance of success if the disability is of recent onset or, if due to a progressive condition, has recently worsened. It is also more likely to achieve useful results in a patient able and willing to actively participate in OT, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy

Ward F61 0191 5699761

Inpatient care is provided on Ward F61, Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Outpatient appointments are provided at Chester Wing outpatients, Sunderland Royal Hospital, and Monkwearmouth Hospital.

Patients should meet the following criteria:

• Aged over 16
• Recent loss of ability due to new or progressive neurological condition
• Able to co-operate with therapy
• Able to retain information – Significant dementia limits the effectiveness of rehabilitation. However, patients with recent severe brain injury resulting in vegetative or low-awareness state may be accepted for assessment.
• Medically stable enough to participate in therapy most of the time
• Require input from more than one Allied Health Profession working collaboratively

The following patient groups are not normally suitable for our service:

· Medically unstable patients

· patients who are Aggressive, severely disinhibited or are mobile but very disorientated

• Patients with significant dementia (unable to learn new skills)
• Patients with rapidly progressing malignant conditions
• admissions for mainly social reasons
• Certain conditions which are managed in specialised regional units; these may be suitable for F61 for initial stabilisation, assessment and rehabilitation, or if patient preference is for local services:
  • Severe traumatic brain injury (usually Walkergate Park Hospital Newcastle)
  • Spinal Cord Injury (usually James Cook Hospital Middlesbrough)