Week 4 #3 (7/11)

Another week down. One to go. Was a pretty rego day at the Quad Centre but had a couple of interesting experiences. This morning we spent a couple of hours in the spinal rehab gym at RPH in shenton park. Was interesting to see the comparison between the Quad Centre gym and the gym at RPH. The RPH gym is used in a more acute setting, so there patients with Halo traction on which was cool to see (a metal frame screwed to their skull, to keep their cervical spine immobilised), also there was a much greater focus on maximising independence i.e. there was no hoist at RPH, whereas as hoists are an absolute necessity in the Quad Centre. Suppose this reflects the goals of more independent transfers at RPH.
Most of the afternoon was spent chasing patients up to do vitalograph tests. Had top go into their rooms, some patients who we had not met before. Think we conducted the tests pretty well, not that there is too much to it. But was good to see patients outside of the gym, which is where we spend 99% of our time and also to chat with new patients. Then went to the nursing post to chase up a list of meds that one the patients is on (need it for an assessment our supervisor has asked us to do), couldnt believe how many meds this person was on. But turns out this is pretty rego for spinal injury patients. Probably the most important meds in spinal injury patients are anti spasm meds such as baclofen. Anyway thats my story from today, nothing too special but its all ive got. Have a good weekend (not sure if anyone actually reads these, or if they do they probably lose interest and dont make it this far. but if you do then thanks and have an especially good weekend)