Community Rehabilitation Unit (Herne Bay)

Who we are

We are a multi-disciplinary team of physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and support workers providing services for people who experience problems with falls, balance, pain and mobility.

We are here to help by assessing patient needs and creating a personalised rehabilitation plan. We help our patients to be more independent and able to get around when they start to feel unsteady, weak or less confident.

We provide our services at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, Herne Bay.

What we do

We will carry out a multi-disciplinary assessment to establish the cause of a patient fall and identify specific needs. A rehabilitation program can include exercises to improve muscle strength, balance, and confidence. We may assess the home environment and if appropriate provide suitable equipment and home adaptations.

Our aim is to provide rehabilitation programs to patients to enable them to remain independent, active and confident; and to prevent falls and deconditioning.

We can assess the need and eligibility for supportive services and, if necessary, give advice and signpost information on other issues. The team can also give advice and information on medication, nutrition and diet to support recovery if a patient’s weight has altered, or if they have a poor appetite and make necessary onward referrals. We work closely with local primary care networks (PCNs) and the voluntary sector.

Rehabilitation sessions are individually prescribed and take place at QVMH, they include exercise and education in health and physical activities and related topics.

Referral criteria

We accept referrals for patients with reduced mobility and balance and those who are at risk of falls or who have already fallen, this includes patients with neurological conditions.

Patients should be:

• willing  to travel to the QVMH
• motivated and committed to attend a course of weekly exercise sessions for a minimum of 6 weeks.
• cognitively able to follow instruction
• medically stable.

How do I refer to this service?

Referrals need to go through the Local Referral Unit via email or phone call on:

0300 123 1959
kcht.canterburyLRU@nhs.net.