Information
This is a dedicated specialist neurological physiotherapy service, which provides neuro-specific assessment and rehabilitation, for adults with neurological conditions. Collaborative working with the patient, carers and the wider multi-disciplinary team, where appropriate, underpins the service. We provide a supported self management model where patients engage with therapeutic activates to work towards their person centred goals.
Patient can be seen in an out-patient clinic or community setting, such as their own home or community facility, depending on their specific needs. Out-patient clinics are held across the City of Edinburgh, including at: Astley Ainslie Hospital; Slateford Medical Centre; and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, RIE.
Lothian-Community-Neuro-Rehabilitation-Service-v1.0.pdf
This service provides specialist input into the Spasticity clinic. If impairments specifically relate to spasticity you should refer to Spasticity – RefHelp
This service also provides a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Clinic at Astley Ainslie Hospital. Please refer to Functional Electrical Stimulation – RefHelp
For patients with added or multiple neurological complications (e.g. pain; continence or sexuality issues; mood or behavioural issues) you may want to consult Neurological Medical Rehabilitation Ref Help page.
Who to refer:
Lothian Community Neuro Rehab Service – Physiotherapy
- Patient must be aged 16 years of age or over.
- Patient has a neurological diagnosis or neurological symptoms which are under investigation.
- Neurological condition is the key issue at time of referral
- Patient needs specialist neuro rehabilitation to meet their person-centred goals.
- Patients are a resident of City of Edinburgh (out-patient and community appointments), or Midlothian (out-patient appointments only).
When to refer:
- Patient has noted a change in their mobility or function.
- Patient has identified person-centred goals which neuro rehab physiotherapy can support.
Who not to refer:
- Patients under the age of 16.
- Patients without neurological symptoms.
- Patients who don’t require specialist neuro rehabilitation approach to meet their goals.
- Patients who are not a resident of City of Edinburgh or Midlothian (out-patient only).
- Patients who are being seen by another service for the same reason.
- Patients who have primary dystonia.
- Patients who require input for vestibular management only.
Who can refer:
All health and social care professionals. We also accept patient self-referrals from patients who are known to our service.
How to refer:
Refer to Lothian Community Neuro Rehab Service – Physiotherapy using this referral form
Email enquiries to the team to this address: loth.neurorehaboutpatientservice@nhs.scot
Telephone number for enquiries: 0131 537 9082.
Patients can self refer to our service, if they are known to the team, via telephone: 0131 537 9082.
Physiotherapy prioritisation criteria
The following guidelines are for the benefit of Consultants, GPs, and other health professionals referring patients to the Physiotherapy Service.
All patients should be assessed by the referrer and consented for the referral.
It is recognised that certain groups of patients are going to need to be seen sooner than others.
Professional judgement based upon reliable information will determine the urgency required in seeking an early physiotherapy appointment. The allocation, however, will be according to clinical judgement and discretion of the physiotherapy service.
Patients presenting with one of the following criteria and are at risk of deteriorating are considered to be acute and therefore need urgent appointments:
- Requiring early intervention for continuity of specialist neurological rehabilitation.
- Recently deteriorated/having unmanaged risks leading to potential for risk of injury (please note we are not able to be an emergency service and referrals for this type of input should be directed to a prevention of admission team).
- Likely to deteriorate without timely specialist neurological rehabilitation.
- Having significant safety issues where specialist rehabilitation intervention would reduce the risk.
- Problem impacting on ability to work/return to work/caring role.
- Having a life limiting condition requiring timely intervention e.g. (MND, Parkinson’s plus syndromes) Please note we are not an end of life service.
In the event of an acute/urgent referral, we will endeavour to offer an appointment within 10 working days, subject to external constraints imposed upon the department concerned, e.g. waiting lists, staffing shortages, etc.
If you want to discuss a referral please contact our Professional Line by phone on 0131 537 49082.
Please direct referrals for East Lothian here: loth.eastlothianphysioreferrals@nhs.scot
Please direct referrals for Mid Lothian Domiciliary here: loth.midlothianphysioreferrals@nhs.scot
Please direct referrals for West Lothian here: loth.refphysiowestlothian@nhs.scot
