While patients wait

You could give the following information to patients whilst they are waiting for our input.

What should I do if my situation has changed?

If you feel that you no longer require therapy input, please contact the office on 01202 718457 to update us. This will help to reduce our waiting list and allow us more time to contact those who would most benefit from our input.

If your situation has deteriorated (for example, you are experiencing more frequent falls) please contact the office on 01202 718457 to update us as so that your referral can be appropriately triaged. 

What can I do while I am waiting?

Think of specific community-based rehabilitation goals you would like to achieve. By this, we mean chose something you would like to work on with us that is important to you. For example, your goal may be 'to be able to walk indoors with a walking stick rather than a zimmer frame', or 'to be able to have a strip-wash independently'.

Collect all relevant past medical history including a list of your medication and information of your falls history (if applicable). Your falls history should include how many falls you’ve had in the past year as well as where and when they occurred and how you fell.

Within this webpage we have included some useful contacts and resources which may be helpful while you are waiting to be seen. It is important to remain as active as you can and engage in functional tasks as much as you are able/safe to do so. Please use these resources to help you with ideas to remain active.

How can I access private therapy while I am waiting?

We cannot recommend any particular provider, however there is a database of private physiotherapists and occupational therapists held by our governing bodies
(CSP and RCOT) should you wish to look at this further:

What about equipment?

You may prefer to purchase your own aids privately from a local mobility store or the internet rather than waiting for an assessment. If you would like information on how to use a walking aid safely and how to measure the walking aid to ensure it is the correct height for you, please contact the office to request an information sheet. We have information on using walking sticks, crutches, frames and rollators. See the links below for online everyday living aids shops.

Everyday living aids – Parkinson's shop (parkinsons.org.uk)

Healthcare Pro - the new online store for NRS Healthcare

If you need equipment such as grab rails, toilet frames, perching stools, commodes, stand aids or hoists, and do not have rehabilitation goals, then the Social Services Occupational Therapists would be more suitable to review you. Please contact them on 01202 123654.

If you have been provided with equipment from the NHS previously and find it is broken or worn, please contact NRS on 0344 8936364 to arrange repair or replacement: Healthcare Pro - the new online store for NRS Healthcare