Rehabilitation services for children

What is rehabilitation?

The Tasmanian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (TPRS) is a statewide service.

Our team of doctors and allied health professionals work together to provide specialised rehabilitation care. We provide care in different locations across the state. Depending on your needs, we might see you during a hospital stay or at an outpatient appointment.

We aim to help you and your family to:

• achieve your highest level of skill and independence (function)
• maximise your quality of life
• take part in everyday activities that are important to you.

Who we care for

We care for children and young people who need specialised rehabilitation support due to a health condition (such as an illness, injury or disorder) or after a medical or surgical procedure. Access to our service is based on clinical need and priority.

Some common conditions we see are:

• cerebral palsy
• brain injury
• other neurological conditions
• complex orthopaedic conditions
• spina bifida
• spinal cord injury
• functional neurological disorder
• limb difference
• deconditioning following a long hospital stay, surgery or illness

Our specialist outpatient clinics include:

• Paediatric Rehabilitation Clinic. For specialised rehabilitation assessment and reviews.
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection Clinic. For the management of movement disorders.
• Combined Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Clinic. For paediatric rehabilitation patients who need specialised orthopaedic input.
• Spinal Clinic. For people with spina bifida, spinal cord injuries or illnesses.
• Paediatric Brain Injury Clinic. For people with concussion / brain injury.

How to access the rehabilitation service

A paediatrician referral is required. Referrals should be directed to Royal Hobart Hospital and can be submitted by your GP.

Learn more on the Tasmanian Health Service Outpatient Clinics website

Your primary rehabilitation team

Your paediatric surgical team usually begins with the following people:

Child and family/caregiver

Children, their families and caregivers are valued members of our health care team. You have a unique view on how your family works and the impact that behavioural and developmental challenges have on your everyday life. We create management plans with your input.

Rehabilitation specialist doctors

Rehabilitation specialist doctors are experts in the assessment and treatment of conditions that affect the way your body functions. They will review your health at each clinic appointment, make sure you receive the care and tests you need and will be involved in making decisions about your care.

Paediatrician

Your paediatrician is a key member of your health care team, they provide specialist medical care and look at your health holistically. Your paediatrician often takes the lead in providing a diagnosis or organises referrals for tests or assessment with other health professionals.

General Practitioner (GP)

Your GP takes care of your general health needs within the community. They often provide initial assessment and can refer to a paediatrician if more specialised care is required. Your GP can provide care in between more specialist appointments and assist with prescriptions and community care plans/action plans for your family or school. They will receive updates from other professionals.

Depending on individual needs the following health professionals may also provide care:

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are experts in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. They can help with motor skills (such as walking), joint problems, pain and fatigue.

Occupational therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists help people to participate in activities they find meaningful and daily activities that they need to do.  These activities include self-care (such as mealtimes or getting dressed), play, learning, school, work, leisure, hobbies and spending time with friends and family.  Occupational therapists assess and assist with movement, thinking, sensory processing and equipment.

Social worker

Social workers can provide counselling and teach skills to help you cope with problems with your health, relationships or circumstances. They can help you understand your rights and help to advocate for you.

Speech pathologist

Speech pathologists are experts in speaking, language and communication. They can also help with assessment and therapy around feeding and swallowing.

Psychologist

A psychologist works with you to understand the impact your condition has on your life and helps you to overcome challenges, change behaviour and improve your mental health.

Dietitian

The dietitian will assist in the assessment and management of your nutritional needs related to your condition. They will talk to you about your diet and make recommendations to support your health and growth.

Paediatric nurse

A paediatric nurse may help to gather supporting information, complete pre-assessment work up and meet with you to perform a clinical assessment.

Orthotist and prosthetist

Orthotist/prosthetists assess and treat the physical and functional limitations resulting from illnesses and disabilities.  They prescribe, design, fit and monitor orthoses and prostheses.

Other medical specialists

Other medical specialists that we can refer to include orthopaedic surgeons (muscle and bones), urologists (urinary issues), neurologists (brain), geneticists (genetics), and endocrinologists (hormones). At times we also utilise services from the Gait Laboratory in Victoria.

Other support

Early Childhood Early Interventions (ECEI)

The Early Childhood Intervention approach is available to all children aged under 7 years with a developmental delay or a disability.

You contact the ECEI team directly on 1800 800 110 to make an Access Request.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Depending on your child’s needs, they may be eligible for NDIS funding for disability support and equipment.

Learn more on the NDIS website

Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS)

CHaPS work in partnership with families of children 0-5 years of age and aim to enhance the health and wellbeing of all young children in Tasmania, through supporting their parents to understand their child’s growth and development needs.

Learn more about Child Health and Parenting Services

Family Support Services

Some families may require increased support through a community organisation due to the complexity of their situation or other vulnerabilities.

Learn more on the Strong Families Safe Kids website

School

Tasmanian Government schools can access extra support or services to meet health and disability needs. It is important to discuss any individual requirements with school staff.

Learn more on the Department of Education website

Early Childhood Intervention Service (ECIS)

ECIS support children with a disability or developmental delay from birth to school entry, and their families. The aim is to provide parents and families with the knowledge, skills and support to meet the changing needs of their child and to optimise the child’s development and ability to be part of family and community life. Parents may refer their child to Early Childhood Intervention Service.

You can contact ECIS on 1800 816 057 or by email: [email protected]