If you are in hospital:

The Specialist or Discharge Planner from the referring hospital will refer you to Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital.

If you are at home:

Your General Practitioner or Specialist will need to refer you to Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital.

After your referral is received, one of our Rehabilitation Assessment Nurses will visit you at the referring hospital or contact you or your carer / relative. The Rehabilitation Assessment Nurse will discuss your rehabilitation goals, current limitations, discharge plans, suitability for our rehabilitation program and answer any questions you may have about your admission.

The rehabilitation process will be explained and information regarding your medical history, medications, mobility and previous surgeries will be collected and prepared for the multi-disciplinary team. The Rehabilitation Assessment Nurse will ensure you are referred to one of our Rehabilitation Specialists or Geriatricians.

When you are ready for transfer or admission to Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital, the Rehabilitation Assessment Nurse will liaise with the referring hospital or patient at home to arrange admission.

On admission you will be greeted by our friendly Reception staff and shown to your room by one of our Rehabilitation Nurses or Patient Services Assistants.

Your initial observations will be taken along with a general admission assessment. Your Nurse will discuss your nutrition, skin integrity, falls risk, continence, wound care, mood, any other areas of concern and implement strategies to ensure you are receiving optimal care.

You will be orientated to your room and the hospital, and assistance will be given to unpack your belongings. Fully qualified Nurses are available to assist you at all times.

Our Rehabilitation Specialists, Geriatricians, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists will conduct assessments of your capabilities and requirements in regard to mobility, self-care and other activities. They will work with you in formulating an individual plan to achieve your rehabilitation goals.

Your therapy may include gym based exercises, hydrotherapy and educations sessions.

Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital is a 64 bed facility with private and shared rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms specifically designed for people with decreased mobility. If your room of choice is not available, every effort will be made to meet your preference during your admission.

Our beds are all fully adjustable electric beds. All patients have a wardrobe and set of drawers for personal belongings. All our private and shared rooms have personal televisions and telephones. Local calls are free of charge. Wi-Fi is available throughout our hospital for your personal use.

Should your family / friends wish to take you out on day leave, the Clinical Nurse will discuss arrangements necessary for your day leave.

We are committed to making your transition to home as smooth as possible.

During your admission the multi-disciplinary team will meet once a week to discuss your progress and goals, and consider any concerns or barriers regarding discharge. If necessary, your Occupational Therapist may recommend a home visit to assist with discharge planning and accompany you to your home.

Your therapists will ensure you have the necessary equipment and modifications in place to maximise your independence and safety.

Our Discharge Coordinator will meet with you a few days prior to discharge to discuss your requirements and ensure any concerns you may have are addressed. The Discharge Coordinator will ensure you have the necessary referrals to other services and follow up appointments are known.

An adequate supply of medication for discharge will be arranged, including the provision of daily packaged medication from the Pharmacist if required. You will receive a detailed list of your medications, the reason you are taking them and when they should be taken.

After consultation with you, nursing staff may complete a referral to MyAgedCare for assessment in the community, to allow access to increased home supports or care.

All personal electrical equipment brought into the hospital for patients must be presented to staff in order to be tested and tagged for safety before use.

As an integral part of your recovery, our goal is to provide appropriate nourishment through meals made from fresh and nutritious ingredients. Menus are carefully compiled with focus on quality of the highest standard in both preparation and presentation of your meals. All meals are freshly prepared in the hospital’s kitchen and delivered to your room. Our kitchen caters for special diets as required and this information will be collected from you on admission.

There can be a risk of food poisoning when food is not properly prepared, transported or stored. Additionally some patients may require modified textured foods or thickened fluids. If you wish to bring in any food or alcohol, please speak to the nursing staff.

All rehabilitation programs are covered by:

• Private health funds
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Workers compensation
• Compulsory Third Party

Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital charges no gaps for inpatients. However, some levels of your health cover may incur an excess.

Pets are permitted within the hospital grounds and must be kept under control.

With the exception of guide dogs or assistance dogs, pets are not permitted within the hospital building.

Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital is a ‘Smoke Free’ facility. Smoking is not permitted within the grounds or the interior of the hospital.

If you would like further assistance in how to stop smoking contact your General Practitioner, or call Quitline® on 13 78 48.

®Quitline is a registered trademark of The Cancer Council Victoria.

It is desirable for all valuables and money to be taken home by the family where possible. If this is not possible, nursing staff can lock valuables and money away and issue you with a receipt.

This process must also be considered for money given to you during admission.

• Clothes appropriate for physiotherapy / gym sessions (eg, tracksuit pants or shorts and short sleeve shirts)
• Comfortable, well-fitting shoes / slippers with enclosed heels
• Bathers
• Nightwear
• Personal toiletries (including electric shaver if required)
• Walking aids (if you currently use them)

Should you wish a pastoral care visit at any time, arrangements can be made through your Nurse.