Services We Provide - Adult Rehabilitation & Health of Older People (ARHOP)

Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit

The Counties Manukau DHB Spinal Injury service is a regional service which provides comprehensive care for people with a Spinal Cord Injury from the Central North Island to the far North. The service is currently based at the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU) in Bairds Road, Otara and is a 20-bed inpatient unit and outpatient service.

Following a diagnosis of Spinal Cord Injury, patients are admitted to an Acute Hospital in the region under the care of the Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon with the majority of patients being admitted to Middlemore Hospital. The ASRU Acute Care Team, led by the Consultant and Admissions Co-ordinator have regular contact with patients, their families and Acute Hospital Staff to offer support and advice whilst the patients are in the acute phase of their injury. The patient will be transferred to the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit once medically stable.

A forty-five strong interdisciplinary team of Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Worker, Counsellor and the Rehabilitation Consultant, work with the patient and their family to set goals and plan a programme of rehabilitation aimed at the patient gaining maximum independence prior to discharge home.

Assessment of equipment needs such as wheelchairs, commodes, hoists etc are undertaken through-out the rehabilitation process. The team works closely with the Accident Compensation Corporation Support Co-ordinators and other Health Provider Agencies to ensure that patient needs are met and discharge planning is well co-ordinated.

The core rehabilitation service is supported onsite by the following services:

• Kaleidoscope - a vocational rehabilitation service

• TASC – the ‘Buddy Organisation’ assisting patients in very practical ways towards successful rehabilitation

• Parafed- Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association who provide links with sporting and recreational opportunities in both the inpatient and outpatient setting

The ASRU has a vibrant outpatient department offering a ‘for life’ monitoring and support service. Patients are regularly reassessed either at the Unit or at an Outreach Clinic in their local area. The Outpatient team travels to an area outside Auckland one week in every month.

Published:  27-Apr-2009  |  Enquiries:  Contact Us