Recovery after surgery – you don’t have to do it alone
One of the most reassuring things about being in hospital is knowing you have expert care at the touch of a button. Every time a nurse comes to check on you, you can ask them questions and raise any concerns you might have. It’s good to know that help is also available for you at home. St John of God Health Care Ambulatory and Home Services CEO Robyn Sutherland explains.
Hospital care in your home
When you return home after orthopaedic surgery you might feel a little worried about caring for yourself.
Going home, it can feel like you are all alone, but our home visiting nurses are able to answer any concerns or questions you may have relating to your care while delivering a high standard of clinical care and expertise in the comfort of your own home.
We can also liaise with your specialist and/or your GP, to ensure prompt and appropriate intervention is provided in a timely manner.
Through St John of God Healthcare at Home, one of our experienced home visiting nurses can come to your home to help care for your wound and general wellbeing.
Our home visiting nurses
Our home visiting nurses can provide a range of treatments after your orthopaedic surgery, including:
- complex and simple wound management – changing and maintenance of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) wound dressings
- drain management – monitoring, maintenance and removal
- IV antibiotics - used to treat various conditions such as pneumonia, cellulitis or osteomyelitis
- anticoagulation treatment – used to treat deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism i.e. Clexane administration.
After surgery home nursing support is available in WA in Perth and Mandurah, and in Victoria in Ballarat, Bendigo, Berwick (south east Melbourne) and Geelong. Find out more.
Outpatient care
Additionally, once you have left hospital, you may still be able to access outpatient programs to help you recover.
These programs, which can be individual or group based, give you access to our allied health professionals including physiotherapists and occupational therapists who focus on getting you moving again.
You may be able to use rehabilitation gyms and hydrotherapy pools at our hospitals as well while you get back to your best.
Inpatient rehabilitation
Sometimes, you may need to stay a bit longer in hospital to start your rehabilitation.
Some of our hospitals offer longer term rehabilitation where you can stay as an inpatient and get intensive support.
Your doctor will provide you with a recommendation for your ongoing care and remember to ask about all of your options so you don’t feel alone.
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