Spinal Injuries Unit - Outpatient Clinics

How we can help you 

We are only one of two units in New South Wales providing care for people with spinal cord injuries. We strive to make sure our patients are empowered to achieve their maximum possible level of independence and quality of life. Our aim is that all patients and their carers feel informed and confident about treatment options and are actively involved in planning their care.

We have an acute inpatient ward and rehabilitation inpatient ward. 

After leaving hospital our unit will continue to provide support through your local general practitioner (GP) and through our our outpatient clinics.

We will support you with:

  • Respiratory problems
  • Bladder and bowel management
  • Skin pressure wounds
  • Deep vein thrombosis (clots)
  • Pain management
  • Spasticity 
  • Changes is sexual function
  • Mental health 

Our outpatient clinics include:

Service

What we do

Clinic times

Spinal outpatient clinic/ Telehealth clinic

Medical review

 

Spinal pressure care clinic

Multi-disciplinary clinic for patients with pressure areas after spinal cord injury

Weekly

Spinal multidisciplinary clinic

Spinal Specialist, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist

Fortnightly

Spasticity clinic

Spinal Medical Specialist, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist

Weekly

Liaison psychiatry spinal clinic

Mental health review

Fortnightly

Pain clinic

Medical Specialist; and a multidisciplinary team as required

 

Seating Clinic

Seating Clinic is a joint service between Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation Engineering.

We work with people who are reliant on a wheelchair to determine the most appropriate wheelchair, cushion and backrest for their needs. We provide advice regarding pressure injury management (in relation to wheelchairs and shower commodes) as well as managing postural changes that arise.

To access the Seating Clinic, you must be under the care of a POWH clinician.

Contact details: SESLHD-RehabEng@health.nsw.gov.au

Mon - Fri (by appointment)

Our team includes:

  • Medical staff
  • Nursing staff
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Dietician
  • Speech Therapists
  • Social workers
  • Psychologist
  • Orthotists

You are the central member of your health care team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.

To attend one of our clinics you will need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialist doctor. They can fax their referral letter to: (02) 9382 8570 or you can bring it to your first appointment.

Once you have a referral, you can make an appointment by calling our clerical staff on 02 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163. They will organise your appointment date and time over the phone.

Most people are seen within a few weeks, but urgent problems will be seen sooner.

When visiting our clinics for the first time, you will see a specialist doctor for a medical review and to plan your therapy. Expect your appointments to take around 1 hour.

You will need to bring:

  • Medicare card
  • Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
  • Previous xrays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
  • Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
  • Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
  • Your referral from your GP (local doctor) is essential.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.