A chance to support rehabilitation services, research efforts The new look NORTH Foundation has launched its 2019 Christmas appeal, seeking help to fund high-tech rehabilitation equipment across the district, and more research into medication use by the elderly.
Chief Executive Officer Gilbert Lorquet said there’s increasing demand for occupational therapy services across Northern Sydney, and widespread support will help us purchase additional equipment. “Robotic equipment, like the Tyromotion Diego, SaeboReJoyce and Pablo, incorporate video games into traditional occupational therapy exercises, and patients are able to play interactive and stimulating games while undertaking repetitive exercises to help them regain movement in their upper limbs,” he said. “This innovative rehabilitation equipment has helped patients recover faster and we are committed to providing additional specialised resources to support our teams.” Occupational therapy team leader at Ryde’s Graythwaite Rehabilitation Unit Renee Gearin hopes the community will throw their support behind this year’s appeal. “These devices can help patients get home to their families at Christmas-time, which can have a meaningful and positive impact on their mental health and overall treatment outcomes,” she said Funds from the Christmas appeal will also support research into the best use of medications by older people.
Head of the Kolling Institute’s lab of Ageing and Pharmacology, Professor Sarah Hilmer said one in five older people take at least one drug where the risks of harm outweigh the benefits. “We have developed a tool for clinicians, called the Drug Burden Index, to guide the safer use of medicines,” she said. “We need further support to extend our research within the Penney Ageing Unit and help improve the effectiveness of medicines for older people, not just in Australia but internationally as well.” The NORTH Foundation is encouraging all staff to help support their colleagues within occupational therapy and the Penney Ageing Unit by spreading the word about the Christmas Appeal and fostering community engagement. The Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic at Hornsby Ku- ring-gai hospital has gone live with electronic documentation. Staff have been preparing for the move from paper to electronic for several months and are excited about achieving the “huge milestone”. Physiotherapy Manager Katie Lee said it means quicker access for other departments to review clinic notes and no waiting for scanned documents. “This is timely with Christmas and public holidays around the corner. It is a more efficient way of record keeping, clearer documentation and having less paper is better for the environment.” Orthopaeds goes electronic at HKH
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