NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program
"Providing a comprehensive Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services to the population of NSW"
New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service
Geographical area
New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service ( NEBIRS) covers a geographic area of 98,000 square kms, stretching from Quirindi in the south to the Queensland border in the north, from Tenterfield in the east to the borders of Moree and Narrabri shires in the west. NEBIRS is situated in Tamworth and outreaches to all communities in the New England/North West region.
Client Group
NEBIRS provides rehabilitation and case management services for people with traumatic brain injury living in the New England/North West region. Rehabilitation in provided for adults aged 16 to 65 years of age (working age range), whilst a case management service is provided for people with rehabilitation needs from 0 to 65 years.
NEBIRS gives priority to people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. All clients must have a rehabilitation goal. People with an acquired brain injury from other causes may also access the service if NEBIRS is deemed the most appropriate service and has the capacity to provide the services needed. NEBIRS does not provide a service to people with a congenital brain injury, degenerative brain injury or brain injury related to alcohol abuse. If NEBIRS is unable to accept the referral, they will refer the client and family to other more appropriate services in the community.
Services Provided
NEBIRS employs a wide range of health professionals who work with individuals and their families to identify specific needs and develop an individualised rehabilitation plan. Staffing includes:
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Speech Pathologist
- Social Worker
- Living Skills Assistants
- Consultant Rehabilitation Medical Specialist
- Rehabilitation Coordinators
- Services of Neuro-psychologist and OT Driver Assessor are brokered as required.
A case manager is appointed for each person to assist in coordinating the rehab plan. NEBIRS uses various service delivery models to assist people to achieve their rehab goals, including community outreach and inpatient models.
NEBIRS can provide assistance with:
- Independent living skills
- memory strategies and skills
- Anger management strategies
- Family and relationship counseling
- Support to return to school or work
- Recreation and leisure options
- Information and education for carers and family members
- Coordination of and referral to other community services, including respite care services
- Advice regarding home modifications and equipment prescription.
In addition, case managers will liaise with insurance companies, solicitors, doctors and other agencies as required.
Transition Living Program
NEBIRS has a three-bed transitional living unit on site at Tamworth. It is staffed 5 days per week. It provides a home-like environment where people can practice and gain confidence in skills needed for every day living, and is often used to accommodate people from outlying areas to attend assessment and program reviews.
Community Services
NEBIRS continues to provide care for people when they have returned home to their community. They outreach to all communities in the New England, providing home visits, workplace visits, and school visits as needed.
Referrals
Referrals to NEBIRS are accepted from all sources, including individuals, family members, medical practitioners, schools and other community services.
Contact Details
New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service
Tamworth Rural
Locked Mail Bag 9783,
NEMSC
Ph: 02 67678350 Fax: 67669343 Toll Free: 1800 668110
Manager: Marg Macpherson