Physiotherapy - Peter Mac Cancer Centre

What do we do?

• Acute management of thoracic and abdominal surgical patients, focusing on preventing complications, early mobilisation and reducing hospital stay.
• Acute (inpatient) and longer-term (outpatient) management of patients undergoing breast, skin and head and neck surgery. Treatment includes exercise programs, strengthening, pain management, shoulder rehabilitation, mobilisation and stretching.
• Specialists in lymphoedema management for patients with acute or chronic lymphoedema (inpatients and outpatients). Includes ongoing assessment, prescription and monitoring of pressure garments, bandaging, and self-management techniques (e.g. exercises, massage).
• Mobility, gait, balance and transfer training to assist patients to maximise their physical capabilities and functional independence - including provision of gait aids where appropriate.
• Chest physiotherapy for patients with, or at risk of developing, chest infections or respiratory conditions.
• Intensive/critical care unit involving post-surgical, cardiorespiratory and neurological physiotherapy as appropriate.
• Neurological rehabilitation for patients affected by either primary or secondary cancers to the brain or spinal cord.
• Strengthening programs to empower patients in the physical aspects of their recovery, by providing specific exercises to target their individual needs.
• Palliative care, e.g. assisting patients and their families to prepare for and manage a safe discharge home, or working with the team to maximise comfort for inpatients at end of life.
• Clinical education – offering clinical placements for physiotherapy students from various universities.
• Participating in multi-disciplinary team meetings and working closely with other departments, in particular Occupational Therapy, to co-ordinate patient care and plan for discharge.
• Providing education, support and advice to families, carers, other health professionals and physiotherapists in the community.
• Referral to community or local services for ongoing care upon discharge where appropriate.

The role of exercise in cancer

Hospital Inpatients

Outpatients

Lymphoedema Clinic

• Pre-operative arm measurements for patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer. This allows better monitoring and earlier detection of any lymphoedema type changes that occur after surgery.
• Education to all patients undergoing breast surgery in regards to lymphoedema prevention and limb care.
• Assessment and management of new and ongoing patients with lymphoedema.
• The prescription of compression garments, where required.

The Physiotherapy Team

• Rebecca Bramley (Head of Department)
• Anya Traill
• Sarah Davies
• Sharni Patchell
• Olivia Aitchison
• Andrew Murnane (Physiotherapy Assistant / Exercise Physiologist)

Contact Us

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