About the Physiotherapy Service
The Physiotherapy department is staffed by chartered physiotherapists. The department is situated on the ground floor of the hospital, within the antenatal clinic area. Although small, the department is self-contained, with a waiting area, and four treatment cubicles.
The staff provide a service across the whole unit both for out-patients and in-patients; our aim is to promote health throughout.
To achieve maximum benefit to our clients, there is a close liaison between the physiotherapy staff and the multi-professional team. This promotes continuity of care, ensuring that the physiotherapy service provided relates to current clinical practice.
The client will receive a full explanation of the planned treatment, with all pros and cons discussed. The opportunity to ask questions is given and welcomed, as clients compliance is enhanced by their understanding of treatment aim.
Physiotherapy clinical practice is guided by our professional standards of care and rules of professional conduct. This ethical framework, within physiotherapy, ensures quality throughout the provision of our service.
The physiotherapy staff treats all individuals with courtesy and respect. All information is treated in strictest confidence and the client's dignity is maintained throughout their assessment and treatment.
On-Call
To provide maximum cover, there is an out of hour emergency on-call service for adult respiratory problems. This service is provided to a high standard by our physiotherapy colleagues, at the Royal Liverpool Broadgreen Hospital Trust.
The training to become a physiotherapist lasts three years. Placements within a hospital situation plays an important part in this. Allowing the students, under supervision, to put into practice what they learn at academic level.
Within our unit, students attend for a two to six week placement. An individual programme of objectives is set, supported by formal tutorials. During their placement they visit other departments to gain a broad understanding of this specialist unit. Under close supervision by the qualified physiotherapists, they observe and carry out physiotherapy treatments.
Obstetric Out-patients
In the field of obstetrics we provide consultative outpatient appointments for antenatal women with back and pelvic pain.
Clients are taught self help techniques and are given posture and back/pelvic care advice (with a supporting leaflet). They are taught stability exercises and are fitted with a back support if needed. Other physiotherapy treatment techniques are provided as appropriate.
Working closely with the parentcraft midwife the physiotherapist holds classes for teaching coping techniques in labour using breathing and relaxation techniques.
Paediatrics
Babies with orthopaedic conditions such as Erb's Palsy, Klumpkes palsy or foot (talipes) problems are referred to the physiotherapist. Following assessment, advice and/or exercises are given.
Babies requiring a follow-up appointment are referred to the physiotherapist at the paediatric physiotherapy department or the Child Development Centre, nearest to their home.
Obstetric In-patients
The maternity wards are visited daily (Mon-Fri) by physiotherapist. Midwives and Doctors refer patients with such conditions as chest infections, urinary problems, bruised and painful perineums and pelvic and back problems.
Physiotherapists will carry out assessments and offer treatment appropriate to each client's needs.
A physiotherapy post-natal advice and exercise leaflet is available and is given to the clients by the midwife.
Gynaecology In-Patients
All women undergoing a major abdominal procedure are routinely seen, other clients are referred if specific treatments ie. chest conditions, are required.
Therapy Objectives
- Education - self help techniques to aid recovery are taught, advice on posture and mobility and muscle balance exercises for pelvic and abdominal support. This advice is supported by a leaflet, given to all major surgery (abdominal and vaginal) clients at the pre-operative clinic.
- Prevention - by reviewing clients post operatively to ensure correct technique and compliance with their deep breathing, correct coughing, circulatory exercise and general advice/muscle exercises, risk of complications are reduced and a quicker recovery is achieved.
- Treatment - as required, physiotherapy techniques are used to aid recovery from complications - such as reduced air entry, chest infections and poor mobility.
At all times a close liaison with nursing and medical staff is observed to ensure a speedy recovery for all clients.
Gynaecology Out-patients
Referrals for treatment are accepted from all the Trust's gynaecology clinics and Urodynamics. There is no GP open access. The majority of our referrals are for the treatment of incontinence and discomfort from prolapse. We offer a comprehensive range of up to date treatments in this specialised therapy area. All clients are provided with a private and confidential assessment; this initial appointment takes approximately one hour and involves the taking of a detailed history and an examination.
Based on the assessment findings, treatment selection is discussed and initiated. Treatment will involve one or more of the following:-
- Pelvic floor exercises
- BioFeedback
- Muscle Stimulation
General advice is always given, this will include (as appropriate):
- Reduction of weight
- Reduction of constipation
- Removal of caffeine drinks
- Fluid Balance
- Bladder drilling
- Correct bladder emptying
- Lifestyle changes
At all times clients are involved in the decision making process of their treatment plan and receive advice/exercise leaflets to support this. Clients will attend for review appointments for a period of 3-6 months. At the end of treatment a report is forwarded to the client's consultant.
