medical link: information on our medical services including visiting medical and dental staff, registrars
nursing link: information on our nursing services
allied health link: information on our allied health services including nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, recreation services, social work and speech pathology
clinical support link: information on our Clinical Support Services including Clinical Information, Library, Pharmacy and Radiography.
corporate support link: information on our corporate support services
occupational rehabilitation Unit (ORU) services link: The Unit’s professional team of staff consists of occupational therapists, physiotherapist, clinical psychologist, vocational specialist, neuropsychologist, rehabilitation health physician, occupational hygienist and rehabilitation specialists
Community Integration Program (CIP) : CIP provides support and access services to people with disabilities to enable them to lead valued lives in the community.
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SPINAL OUTREACH SERVICE

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Is the service provided free of charge?

A: The service is available free of charge to all clients under the Medicare arrangement. Clients who are actively pursuing a workers compensation or third party claim are also eligible to receive the service. Reimbursement and approval to conduct the service from the insurance company will be sought on your behalf.

Q: Will the SOS provide physiotherapy in the home?

A: The service has physiotherapists available as consultants. They will visit you in your home and can assist with the establishment and review of a home exercise programme or may assist you with recreational/sporting interests. They may also review your wheelchair skills, posture, transfers in the home. Weekly therapy is not available through the service.


Q: How can clients with SCI living in the community be referred to SOS?

A: Unfortunately, SOS is not able to accept self referrals from clients living in the community. Paraquad and SCIA are well able to deal with these kinds of enquires.

Q: I have run out of my CAAS money, where do I get my catheters from now?

A: The Program of Aids for Disabled People can supply your basic bladder equipment needs eg: catheters, leg bags, overnight drainage bottles, bottle tubing, and catheter leg straps and spare Catheter Procedure Sets No 4 (in case the catheter needs to be changed out of business hours). These items will need to be requested by a health professional on your behalf, eg GP or a Registered Nurse. The problem with PADP is the time taken for approval by the local committee. This could take from 3 to 6 months and an up-front fee of $100 may apply depending on how your local office operates. It is therefore advisable to begin this arrangement before using your CAAS funding. CAAS money can then be used for items not supplied by PADP eg gloves, hygiene wipes, glycerine, cranberry capsules, and lubricant.

Q: What assistance can SOS provide in relation to bladder and bowel problems.

A: The main issue here is incontinence and the impact this has on quality of life. SOS registered nurses can provide continence recommendations and education to clients and their carers. SOS endeavours to establish links with community health continence advisers and community nurses and so work with clients and professional carers to problem-solve. SOS can also give assistance to explore and establish the most appropriate source for the supply of continence equipment.


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