Occupational therapy services to the Hip Fracture Unit

What we do

The occupational therapists on the Hip Fracture Unit have a specialist interest in this area. They are skilled in the assessment, treatment and management of patients who have sustained a fractured hip.

The focus is on a multidisciplinary approach with close links to the consultants, nursing staff, physiotherapists and community teams.

The occupational therapy service provides assessment, intervention and discharge planning to facilitate safe and timely discharges from the acute hospital setting for patients following a fracture to their hip. They provide acute intervention to enable patients to regain and maximise independence.

A wide variety of assessments are used, which include – initial assessments, personal care, kitchen (domestic activities of daily living), transfers on/off furniture (bed, chair, toilet etc), risk assessment, cognitive assessments, assessment for the provision of any equipment, aids/adaptations, and wheelchairs. Access visits, home visits or discharge home visits are also carried out.

There is a great deal of liaising with relatives, carers, other professionals and the voluntary agencies to establish the level of care / type of support needed for a safe and timely discharge home. Signposting to other appropriate services may also take place.

Aims of service:

• Individual assessment and intervention to facilitate safe and timely discharge from hospital for patients following a fractured hip.

• Co-ordinate complex discharge planning with hospital and community services through working autonomously and taking a key role in the multi disciplinary and multi-agency teamwork.

• To maximise patient independence and decrease the need for premature admission to a residential care setting.

Where we are

Ward 25, York Hospital.