Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists provide services for the aged and younger people with chronic medical conditions in the Sutherland Shire with the aim of optimising function and maintaining the client in their home. This involves the assessment of the client in the home, prescription of equipment and home modifications and referral to community and other Southcare services.
Hours/Days of Operation
8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday
-34.038246574702, 151.11341342925
A resident of the Sutherland Shire needing Occupational Therapy services.
A resident of the Sutherland Shire (or residing with) who are aged or younger, physically disabled of 18 years of age and over, and who have the potential to remain in their own home.
Exclusion Criteria:
- People living in a nursing home.
- Third party insurance clients.
- DVA Gold Card Holders.
- NDIS clients.
- People receiving a Home Care Package Level 3 or 4.
Persons under 65 years:
- Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH) or
- Fax an Access and Referral Intake Form to (02) 9540 7869 or
- Scan and email an Access and Referral Intake Form to SESLHD-SouthCareIntake@health.nsw.gov.au
Persons 65 years and over:
Online at My Aged Care www.myagedcare.gov.au or phone 1800 200 422. Ask to be referred to Southcare Community Services - Service Type – Allied Health Occupational Therapy.
Yes – this can vary, contact Occupational Therapy to enquire if necessary.
All referrals are prioritised and allocated according to their functional need.
URGENT referrals are usually seen within 1-2 weeks.
Nil
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7540.
Mobility Group Exercise Class
The Mobility Group is a once a week for 8 consecutive weeks group exercise and education program for individuals aged 65 years and older who have experienced a decline in their mobility. It is designed to improve their physical function and reduce risk of falls. Clients may be using a walking frame or walking stick.
Clients will have their gait analysed and lower limb strength and balance tested. An individualised home exercise program to improve lower limb strength and balance is provided to participants.
At the end of the Mobility Group program, clients are encouraged to continue their exercise regime at home and/or join a community-based exercise group for long-term maintenance of activity
Hours/Days of Operation
10:00am - 11:00 am Thursday and Friday
-34.038246574702, 151.11341342925
A resident of the Sutherland Shire aged 65 years and older who has experienced a decline in their mobility.
A person that has mobility issues and:
- Is a resident of the Sutherland Shire and aged 65 years or older
- Has a cognition level suitable to engage in the program
- Able and willing to exercise in a small group setting
- Is motivated to continue an exercise regime at home
- Has a goal of participating in a community-based outside activity
Exclusion criteria:
- People living in aged care facilities who have access to their own physiotherapist
- Third party, insurance, or NDIS clients
- People who are currently accessing external community exercise programs
- People who require constant 1:1 supervision
People unable to walk independently (with or without walking aid)
Mark attention MOBILITY GROUP.
Referrals accepted from any healthcare provider.
Must complete an Access and Referral Form
- Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH) to Southcare Community
- Fax Access and Referral Form to (02) 9540 7869 or scan and email to SESLHDSouthCareIntake@health.nsw.gov.au
A prioritisation tool is utilised to triage referrals.
Priority is given to clients with a recent history of falls.
Donations towards gym equipment are welcome.
Limited bus transport to and from the program is available for residents of the Sutherland Shire at a cost of $5 per session.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7540.
Geriatricians
The Geriatrician service provides:
- Medical consultation and management.
- Psychogeriatric consultation and management.
Hours/Days of Operation
8:00am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
-34.038273191814, 151.11339737158
Must be referred by a GP or medical officer.
A person with aged care illnesses requiring a medical or Psychogeriatric consult.
A referral letter from a GP or Specialist must be received by the clinic in advance of the scheduled appointment either by fax or in person on the day and must include the following:
- Name of the specific geriatrician, date of referral, GP or Specialists name, practice, provider number and signature
- Name, address, date of birth of patient, Medicare and/or DVA number, country of birth and if an interpreter is required.
- Reason for referral.
- Relevant medical history.
- Current medications.
- Recent pathology or x-ray results.
Exclusion Criteria:
People requiring social or functional assessment without the need for a medical Psychogeriatric or general Aged Care Assessment should be referred to Southcare indicating service/s required.
Fax a letter of referral [must indicate if URGENT] to (02) 9540 7870
Email a referral to SESLHD-Geris@health.nsw.gov.au
By phone (02) 9540 7109
4 to 8 months waiting list.
However, URGENT clients will be seen earlier.
Medicare bulk billed.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7109
Geriatric Flying Squad (Southcare)
The Geriatric Flying Squad is a rapid response outreach service into Sutherland Shire Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs).
Clients suitable for referral to the Geriatric Flying Squad (GFS) are from Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) in the Sutherland Shire local government area who are acutely unwell.
Common conditions GFS can assist with include:
- Pneumonia Community acquired and suspected aspiration pneumonia
- Delirium (i.e. acute change or fluctuation in cognition and/or behaviour)
- Fevers/Infections (i.e. urosepsis, cellulitis or sepsis of unknown origin)
- Acute exacerbations of chronic conditions/symptoms (i.e. heart failure, lung conditions)
- Outbreak management (i.e. gastroenteritis, influenza) – proactive symptom management and support to RACF (Residential Aged Care Facility)
- Terminal palliation following acute deterioration
- Acute conditions where preference is to avoid hospital presentation/admission and focus of care is on conservative management in the RACF
Hours/Days of Operation
8:00am - 10:00pm Monday to Sunday
-34.038246520014, 151.11341346483
A person who:
1. Is living in a Sutherland Shire RACF.
2. Has an acute deterioration.
3. Hospital transfer is being considered.
4. Has consent of GP (or GP uncontactable/unavailable and client/family consent for referral obtained)
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Residents residing in RACFs outside of the Sutherland Shire LGA
2. GP, resident or family decline Geriatric Flying Squad service
3. Where the condition requires a response in less than 2 hours (NB: GFS response time is 2- 12 hours)
4. Clients with acute cardiac event or haemorrhage or surgical problem for active treatment (referrals for same may be accepted if client is on palliative care/approaching end of life and hospital avoidance is preferred and acute symptom management is needed)
5. Transfusions of blood or blood related products
6. Ongoing chronic issues requiring a long-term input and management plan (i.e. no current acute concern)
7. Community members residing in Independent Living Units (ILUs) or group homes
- By phone 0419 382 406
- Fax a Geriatric Flying Squad referral form/checklist to (02) 9540 7869.
- Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH)
The Geriatric Flying Squad service accepts referrals from General Practitioners, Residential Aged Care Facility staff, NSW Ambulance service and TSH Emergency Department staff.
Nil
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 0419 382 406.
Generalist Community Nursing
The Generalist Community Nursing Team consists of Registered and Enrolled Nurses who provide the following nursing care to people residing in the Sutherland Shire.
The Generalist Community Nurses can provide:
- Post-acute management such as surgical drains, suprapubic catheter/indwelling catheter care, complex wound management.
- Acute and chronic wound management.
- Administration of s/c medication, short term only, assessed on an individual basis.
As part of the holistic care provided, a comprehensive nursing assessment is attended with referrals made to appropriate services if required.
Hours/Days of Operation
8:00am - 4:30 pm Monday to Sunday (weekends & Public Holidays limited service for urgent referrals only)
-34.038264301215, 151.11342419367
A resident of the Sutherland Shire needing community nursing services.
Persons under 65 years and those aged over 65 years following recent treatment and or those new referral’s requiring ACUTE treatment
1. Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH) or
2. Fax an Access and Referral Intake Form to (02) 9540 7869 or scan and email to SESLHD-SouthCareIntake@health.nsw.gov.au
3. By phone (02) 9540 7956
Persons 65 years and over
Online at My Aged Care www.myagedcare.gov.au or phone 1800 200 422 also can be accessed through my useful link tab on intranet site.
All referrals are to be through a medical officer, nursing staff and/or allied health staff – not related.
Residents of the Sutherland Shire (or residing with).
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7540.
Equipment Lending Pool
The Equipment Pool hires equipment to residents of the Sutherland Shire who have been hospital in-patients or clients of a community health service, especially Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service. This is to enable the client to return and remain at home, as independently and safely as possible.
The Equipment Pool was established to complement the services of health care professionals. The role of the Equipment Pool is to provide the necessary mobility, self-care and rehabilitation equipment to eligible people. The requirement for the equipment to be hired is based on assessment by a health professional.
Hours/Days of Operation
8:30am - 11:30 am AND
2:00 pm 4:00 pm
Monday to Sunday
-34.038264301215, 151.11341346483
A resident of the Sutherland Shire who has been a hospital in-patient or a client of a community health service that has been assessed by an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Nurse as requiring equipment.
Residents of the Sutherland Shire.
Must be assessed by an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Nurse for the prescription and instruction in the correct use of the equipment.
Phone the Equipment Officer on (02) 9540 7909.
NOTE: A Hire Prescription Form will need to be completed to establish eligibility for the service.
At times.
There may be no availability on equipment that is in high demand, like walking frames or orthopaedic chairs.
STANDARD equipment is $50.00.
SPECIAL equipment, like hoists, Roho products, alternating mattress/overlays, shower commodes and wheelchairs are an extra $50.00.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7909.
Dietetics
The Dietetics service provides a home visiting service for housebound elderly and disabled residents of the Sutherland Shire.
Dietitians provide nutritional assessment, education and counselling to clients with nutrition related conditions.
This can involve the development and monitoring of nutrition care plans for individuals as well as conducting group education sessions to meet the needs of outpatients.
Hours/Days of Operation
8:00am - 4:30 pm Monday to Sunday
-34.038242074713, 151.11342419367
Housebound residents of the Sutherland Shire requiring Dietetic services.
Clients who hold a DVA Gold Card should, wherever possible, be referred to a private practice Dietitian who conducts home visits.
- Client must be housebound or unable to access other Dietetics services due to physical or mental health reasons.
- Client must live within the Sutherland Shire.
- Client is able to understand and actively participate in a self-management program (or has a carer who is able to do so).
- Client is aware of the referral and agreeable to Dietetic intervention.
- Clients with a swallowing problem should be seen by a Speech Pathologist before being referred to the Dietitian.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Nursing home and hostel residents.
- Clients receiving level 3 or 4 home care packages (Dietitian should be accessed through package provider).
- Clients who are not housebound or who can access other Dietetics services.
- Clients eligible for NDIS funding (Dietitian should be accessed through NDIS funding).
Persons under 65 years
- Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH) or
- Fax an Access and Referral Intake Form to (02) 9540 7869 or
- Scan and email an Access and Referral Intake Form to SESLHDSouthCareIntake@health.nsw.gov.au
- Persons 65 years and over
Online at ‘My Aged Care’ or phone 1800 200 422
Referral priorities exist and all referrals will be prioritised according to clinical need
A limited service is provided for clients referred for weight management advice.
Clients will receive an initial assessment and three reviews before being referred onto another service.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7540.
Continence
The Continence Service is offered to all residents (any age including children) in the Sutherland Shire.
The service is divided into two areas:
- Catheter Care - includes catheter education, catheter changes, trial of voids and checking of residuals with a bladder scanner.
- Continence - includes assessment and management of a client that has continence issues, education in management and/or the most appropriate products.
NOTE: There is the availability of clinics and home visits.
Hours/Days of Operation
8:00am - 4:30 pm Monday to Sunday
-34.038264301215, 151.11340810042
- A resident of the Sutherland Shire with a continence or catheter problem.
- Any child with constipation, soiling, daytime and night time wetting.
- Any child or adult with a disability (without Continence NDIS Funding).
Residents of the Sutherland Shire (or residing with) who have a continence or catheter problem.
Exclusions:
- Clients receiving NDIS Funding for Continence.
- Clients receiving level 4 home care packages (Continence should be accessed through package provider).
- DVA Gold Card clients
Persons under 65 years and those aged over 65 years following recent treatment and or those new referral’s requiring ACUTE treatment.
- Electronic Medical Record (eMR) referral (TSH) or
- Fax an Access and Referral Intake Form to (02) 9540 7869 or scan and email to SESLHD-SouthCareIntake@health.nsw.gov.au
- By phone (02) 9540 7956
Persons 65 years and over and those requiring chronic care management.
Online at My Aged Care www.myagedcare.gov.au, or phone 1800 200 422. Can also be accessed through my useful link tab on intranet site.
Clients, relatives or carers can refer themselves to the Continence Service (via MAC if aged 65 and over) or referrals can be made by medical officer, nursing staff and/or allied health staff, RACF. RACF do not have to refer via MAC.
CATHETER referrals are contacted within 48 hours of a referral being received.
OTHER referrals are categorised and seen on priority waiting list.
There is always a waiting list which can be up to 3 months.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 9540 7540.
Aged Care Services Emergency Team (ASET)
Aged Care Services Emergency Team (ASET) provides a consult service for patients 70 years and older who present to the Sutherland Hospital Emergency Department. ASET work collaboratively with Emergency Department staff to achieve optimal care and management of the elderly patient.
ASET assess and identify complex issues, advocate for patients and their carers’, refer and facilitate access to other relevant services if medically cleared from the Emergency Department.
Hours/Days of Operation
7:30am - 4:00 pm Monday to Sunday
-34.038259855915, 151.11340810042
Persons over 70 years of age who present to the Sutherland Hospital Emergency Department.
Persons over 50 years for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Exclusion Criteria:
Persons residing in a residential aged care facility (RACF).
Phone/Page the ASET team member and give details of the person to be referred to ASET once they have been sent to the Emergency Department at Sutherland Hospital.
Nil.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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 us on 0400 092 965.