Transferring interstate during rehab

Kim
Kimon Wednesday, January 27 2016
8 Comments

My brother had a stroke 4 weeks ago.  He's only 54.

He's currently in hospital in Queensland; but will probably need to come to my home in NSW once discharged, as he'll be unable to live independently for a while.

He's making good progress so far, which is great.

My question is.....how/when/should I try to have him transferred to NSW (near my home), as this is where he will stay until he reaches his optimum level of independence? 

I don't want to interrupt his progress; but I've been told he needs to complete inpatient rehab nearest to his point of discharge...?

Ive also been told we would need to travel on a commercial flight with a referral to the NSW hospital, as a medical transfer would be too difficult? What should we do?

8 Responses
StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Kim,

I’m sorry to hear about your brother’s stroke. 

Completing rehabilitation in the same area as discharge is important. It allows his therapists to look at community integration, joining clubs, exercise programs etc. and to set up any carer training, home modifications and services.

 

I would strongly advise that he be transferred directly to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in your area. It is much easier to transfer someone between hospitals as opposed to admitting him from home.

His Queensland medical team will select the most appropriate rehab facility and arrange his transfer. The Queensland medical team will advise you of the most suitable transfer time. They will want to make sure that he is medically stable, safe to travel, and that there is a bed available for him in NSW.

 

If he is to travel on a commercial flight then the Queensland medical team may need to arrange an escort.

The Queensland medical team will provide a detailed handover to the NSW rehabilitation team to minimise any disruption to his recovery.

 

If you have any queries about this process, please speak with his social worker or his treating medical team as it is up to them to organise all aspects of the transfer.

 

You can also contact us on StrokeLine (1800 787 653) for further advice and support.

 

Best wishes,

Alana

Speech Pathologist for StrokeLine

Kim avatar
Kim

Thanks, Alana, I'll get onto the team.

Diana avatar
Diana

Hi Kim, 

 

How did it go with the team?

 

I hope it all want well. Call us on StrokeLine if you need us 1800 787 653.

 

Diana

Kim avatar
Kim

😩😩😩 Within 1hr of meeting his new Physio we were told my brother would not "get much more out of his L leg/arm" and they would be looking to discharge him within 3 weeks.

We are devastated, because he was making such good progress in Qld. The team at Mackay Base were keen to continue and were happy to have him there for as long as he was "making gains". 

At Woy Woy Rehab in NSW they give the patient 6 weeks from the date of the stroke (27/12/15) and then they're out.

i wish I had let him stay in Mackay 😞😔😢

 

 

Heathber avatar
Heathber

Once again the "System" fails us.  6 weeks is nothing

Deigh avatar
Deigh

Ignore advice that nothing more can be gained. After 15 months I am still gaining ground with muscles. I have no help except exercise devices I have made myself.

I am 86

Deigh

Rocky62 avatar
Rocky62

Whilst the inpatient stay may be a matter of a few  weeks ongoing rehabilitation post discharge is extremely important to optimise recovery. Request a meeting with Nurse in Charge to discuss discharge plan and ongoing rehabilitation.

 

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