Physiotherapy

The physiotherapy service at Countess Mountbatten House covers ward patients, outpatients, day care and home visits. Patients are seen on five mornings and three afternoons a week.

Patients requiring a physiotherapy assessment need an initial referral to the palliative care consultant covering their geographical area. Once this is established, any member of the multi-professional team can make a referral.

Assessments usually cover one or more of four categories:

Mobility

Assessments can range from simple measures to encourage people who, for various reasons, have temporarily gone "off their feet", to those who require complex rehabilitation, ie following spinal cord compression. Often these more complex cases are referred from other areas in the Trust, thus freeing acute beds.

We have a large range of walking aids, which are available for loan.

We liaise with carers, as appropriate, and advise them on the best and the safest methods of moving and handling.

Lymphoedema

The physiotherapy department is referred anyone with swollen limbs. In palliative care, the reasons for swelling can be multi-factorial. The limbs will be assessed and there is a range of treatment options, which could include simple lymphatic drainage, containment hosiery, exercise, flotron therapy, resting positions and advice on skin care.

Non drug pain relief

Our treatment will range from the use of simple methods of heat and cold therapies, to the loan of a TENS machine with full instructions and backup. There is also the facility for acupuncture, but this is only for ward and outpatients. We also advise on positioning and splints/supports, where appropriate.

Breathing

We see all patients who are experiencing shortness of breath and difficulty in clearing sputum, and those having panic reactions to distressing symptoms. We teach a variety of breathing techniques and simple relaxation to manage their symptoms.

The overall aim of our interventions is to enhance quality of life and give patients realistic goals.