Speak Out October 2018

Northern Territory

The PRH team jump for joy at the opening of the new therapy space.

New therapy space for NT

ON AUGUST 27 Palmerston Regional Hospital (PRH) opened to much fanfare and celebration. Located just outside of Darwin, PRH is the first new hospital built in the Northern Territory in more than 40 years. At present, the 116-bed hospital has an emergency department, pathology lab, radiology department, pharmacy, medical ward, rehabilitation ward, and a GEM (geriatric evaluation and management) ward. PRH also offers a range of outpatient clinics, including speech pathology and other allied health services. Other wards and outpatient services, including a day surgery ward are planned to roll out over the next 18 months. From September, all outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation services for the Darwin and Palmerston region are now based at PRH. Throughout July and August of this year, the small speech pathology team at rehabilitation services had an influx of new staff in preparation for the move out to PRH. The tiny two person team transformed into an energetic five person department just in time to pack boxes, participate in scenario testing and help transport entire wards of patients from Royal Darwin Hospital to PRH over two days. Working in a brand new hospital with sparkling facilities has been a welcome change for our team. Previously at RDH, the rehabilitation building was located outside of the main hospital building behind the

laundry. Getting to and from the ward required a sweaty outdoor expedition for therapists or a bus ride for patients multiple times a day. At PRH, we have the luxury of a ward and therapy space all under the same roof. This is a welcome change as the increasing humidity signals the end of the dry season and the start of the build-up. However, many of our patients and visitors enjoy the fresh air, even in the wet season, and there are many outdoor courtyards and verandas for people to escape the air conditioning and lap up the tropical sunshine and refreshing storms. Between our team of five speech pathologists, we are servicing the whole of PRH including ED, general medical wards, GEM and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Although our rehabilitation service includes a mixed caseload, the speech pathology clientele predominantly consists of stroke, TBI and progressive neurological conditions. With a larger team, we are looking forward to undertaking quality improvement projects and welcoming students to experience the glorious life of being a speech pathologist in the top end.

NT 55 members as at October 2018

NT members we need you ! Call for 2020 National Conference Planning Committee Speech Pathology Australia is now calling for expressions of interest from Northern Territory members to join the 2020 Darwin conference planning committee (4 available positions). Your expression of interest should include a covering letter stating relevant experience and a curriculum vitae to support the application. Applications should be submitted to Pamela Richards, SPA National Conference

Monique Vizzarri Speech Pathologist Meg Redway Speech Pathologist

Manager via email conference@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Applications close Wednesday 31 October 2018.

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October 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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