NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

The Illawarra Brain Injury Service is an interdisciplinary team comprising of 7.2 FTE staff that includes team leader (occupational therapist), rehabilitation specialist, clinical psychologist, social worker, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, clinical nurse specialist, paediatric co-ordinator, Shoalhaven Outreach Worker (MAA funded project), and clerical support.

The Illawarra Brain Injury Service provides comprehensive goal directed rehabilitation to clients with a traumatic brain injury residing in the Illawarra Area Health Service and aged 5 - 65 years (acquired brain injury 5-55 years). Rehabilitation is provided on an outreach/outpatient or community basis.

Intervention is provided to meet the rehabilitation needs of clients through individual or group programs.

Referrals to the Illawarra Brain Injury Service are accepted from all sources, including self, family, community services and other agencies.

Persons referred to the Illawarra brain Injury Service are required to meet the following criteria: 

• Be aged between 5-65 years and have sustained a traumatic brain injury.
• Be residing within the geographical region serviced by the Illawarra Area Health Service (Helensburgh - Milton/Ulladulla).
• Establish rehabilitation goals in collaboration with staff.
• Issues related to the brain injury are the primary diagnosis.

Priority is given to people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Those with an acquired brain injury will be considered within service delivery availability.

Referrals can be taken over the phone by staff, or by completing the Illawarra Brain Injury Service referral form (See attached) .

Urgent referrals will be prioritised. New referrals deemed appropriate to the service will be assigned a case manager who conducts an initial assessment to ascertain needs and establish rehabilitation goals.

Services provided by the Illawarra Brain Injury Service include:

• Case management
• Assessment of abilities and impairments
• Behaviour management
• Adjustment counselling
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Driving assessment and retraining
• Medical rehabilitation consultation
• Cognitive retraining
• Anger management
• Speech and language therapy
• Physical upgrading
• Assistance with social issues, e.g. accommodation
• Assistance with reintegration to school
• Assessment and retraining of ADL's
• Education to clients, carers and others.
• Monitoring of clients discharged from acute care wards.

Referral Sources:

1. Acute wards within the IAHS
2. Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programme
3. Community agencies/service providers