BUNDABERG HOSPITAL BOOSTS PHYSIOTHERAPY RANKS
Published Monday, 24 September, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Bundaberg Hospital will recruit two additional physiotherapists to help meet the growing demand for rehabilitation and community physiotherapy services in the region, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson said the recruitment would bring the total number of physiotherapists at Bundaberg Base Hospital to 11.
“One of the additional physiotherapists will be part of the Healthier Ageing Program for new geriatric services in Bundaberg,” he said.
“As part of this program, they’ll oversee the new Falls and Balance Clinic to help restore the independence and confidence of aged people within the community following a fall.
“Another physiotherapist is being recruited now to ensure appropriate staff for the new 20-bed medical ward when it opens next year.”
Mr Robertson said a new Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening clinic was also planned for Bundaberg in 2008-09.
“The clinic will help deal with the increasing demand on orthopaedic services in the region,” he said.
“Many non-urgent patients who could expect a wait of at least 18 months to see an orthopaedic specialist might only need to wait less than three months for physio treatment.
“This is a smarter, quicker, more efficient way of delivering health care by better utilising our allied health workforce with real benefits for patients.
“These orthopaedic physiotherapy screening clinics are proven to have great success in reducing waiting lists and times for people referred to an orthopaedic specialist for assessment.”
Mr Robertson said since June 2005, the Wide Bay Health Service District has boosted clinical staff by 26 extra doctors, 92 extra nurses and 15 extra allied health professionals.
24 September, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson said the recruitment would bring the total number of physiotherapists at Bundaberg Base Hospital to 11.
“One of the additional physiotherapists will be part of the Healthier Ageing Program for new geriatric services in Bundaberg,” he said.
“As part of this program, they’ll oversee the new Falls and Balance Clinic to help restore the independence and confidence of aged people within the community following a fall.
“Another physiotherapist is being recruited now to ensure appropriate staff for the new 20-bed medical ward when it opens next year.”
Mr Robertson said a new Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening clinic was also planned for Bundaberg in 2008-09.
“The clinic will help deal with the increasing demand on orthopaedic services in the region,” he said.
“Many non-urgent patients who could expect a wait of at least 18 months to see an orthopaedic specialist might only need to wait less than three months for physio treatment.
“This is a smarter, quicker, more efficient way of delivering health care by better utilising our allied health workforce with real benefits for patients.
“These orthopaedic physiotherapy screening clinics are proven to have great success in reducing waiting lists and times for people referred to an orthopaedic specialist for assessment.”
Mr Robertson said since June 2005, the Wide Bay Health Service District has boosted clinical staff by 26 extra doctors, 92 extra nurses and 15 extra allied health professionals.
24 September, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680