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Neurosciences

Neuroscience across Barwon Health consists of teams of health clinicians at University Hospital Geelong, McKellar Centre, community rehabilitation centres and the Neuroscience Clinic. The clinicians have specific skills in management of neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neurone disease (MND), epilepsy/seizure and other diseases of the brain and nervous system.

The clinicians in the teams are doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, social workers, dieticians, pharmacists, technicians, psychologists, neuro psychologists, therapy assistants, patient service attendants and food service attendants.

We aim to consistently provide evidence-based care, education and support to reduce the impact on people with neurological conditions and their relatives.

Referrals are made as needed to other departments, medical specialties and hospitals.

Information regarding neurological conditions

The teams can provide you with information while you are associated with Barwon Health. The consumer support associations also provide clear and accurate information both electronically and in hard copy regarding their area of speciality and therefore, are a good place to start for general information.

Diagnostic tests and treatments

Some of the tests listed below may be done and some may be done more than once to check your progress.

  • Brain scans (CT and MRI)
  • Heart monitoring (ECG, cardiac monitor, echocardiogram)
  • Carotid ultrasound (sound wave test on arteries in the neck)
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG)
  • Blood tests to check blood cells, minerals and salts, sugar levels
  • Clot-busting treatment for stroke (thrombolysis medication may be suitable for some stroke survivors)

Multidisciplinary assessments

Assessments guide ongoing treatment.

The aim is individualised treatment and therapy that meets the person’s own goals. It is a proactive process that may begin the first day after admission to University Hospital Geelong or at any other Barwon Health facility. Rehabilitation aims to enhance the individual’s potential to return to previous activities.

  • Mobility - how you stand, walk and get around
  • Swallowing - how you eat and drink
  • Communication - speaking, listening and reading
  • Nutrition - what and how much you are eating
  • Psychosocial - how things feel now and how you are
  • Continence - problems going to the toilet
  • Premorbid - how you were before hospital
  • Activities of daily living - what you can do for yourself
  • Cognition - how you think and remember

Discharge planning

Getting people to the best environment possible is very important so planning commences from first contact with Barwon Health and consideration is given to a wide range of options. Clinicians work together with the patient and their significant others to maximise the opportunities for returning the person back to where they have been living.

Ongoing rehabilitation

Rehabilitation aims to enhance the individual’s potential to return to previous activities. Every endeavour is made to access rehabilitation services close to the patient’s usual place of residence.

Neuroscience Acute Inpatient Service standard practice is to refer to the McKellar Centre or where appropriate private rehabilitation.

Living in the community

It is important that you maintain regular contact with your general practitioner (GP). The GP clinics not only provide medical support but also can assist you with contacting services that are best suited to support you in the community.

Not everyone needs further intensive rehabilitation. Others are affected in a way that means they cannot return home. They are referred to agencies that can guide them and their families with available choices.

Neurology Clinics

Referral guidelines

Referral forms

Geelong

  • Epilepsy Clinic: Neuroscience Department, University Hospital Geelong
  • General Neurology Clinic: Neuroscience Department, University Hospital Geelong
  • Movement Disorders Clinic: Neuroscience Department, University Hospital Geelong
  • MS Clinic: Neuroscience Department, University Hospital Geelong
  • Progressive Neurology Clinic: McKellar Centre
  • Stroke Prevention and Intervention Clinic: Neurosciences Department, University Hospital Geelong

Regional Services

  • Colac
    Warrnambool

Last Modified: Thursday, 16 February 2023

Contact

Stroke Services Co-ordinator
P: 4215 2406
F: 4215 2398

Acute Neuroscience Unit (inpatient ward)

University Hospital Geelong, Heath Wing, Level 2

P: 4215 2274

Neuroscience Department (outpatient appointments)

Kardinia House, Level 2, University Hospital Geelong
P: 4215 0710
F: 4215 0757
[email protected] 

Multiple Sclerosis Nurse

P: 4215 0718
[email protected]