Allied Health placements

The Physiotherapy team provides evidence-based assessment and intervention to support patient mobility, function, and recovery across acute, subacute, and outpatient settings. Physiotherapists work collaboratively with nursing, medical, and other allied health teams to promote safe mobilisation, prevent complications, and optimise patient outcomes. Clinical areas include:

• Abdominal surgical
• Cardiothoracic
• General medical including respiratory and cardiology
• ICU

The Speech Pathology team helps patients regain and maintain communication and swallowing abilities essential for daily life. They work closely with nursing, medical, and other allied health staff to assess function, manage difficulties, and provide strategies for safe eating, drinking, and effective communication. Services include:

• Swallowing assessments
• Dysphagia management
• Communication
• Cognitive-communication assessments
• Patient and carer education

Social Workers at the San provide psychosocial assessment, support, and advocacy for patients and families across acute and subacute care settings. Social workers collaborate closely with nursing, medical, and allied health teams to support patient wellbeing, discharge planning, and continuity of care. Services are delivered in accordance with established professional frameworks and include:

• Psychosocial assessment
• Counselling and emotional support
• Crisis intervention
• Family meetings
• Coordination of community and support services

The San’s Occupational Therapy service focuses on supporting patients to maintain or regain independence in everyday activities across acute, subacute, and rehabilitation settings. Occupational Therapists work closely with nursing, medical, and other allied health teams to assess functional abilities, support safe mobility, and promote engagement in meaningful activities. Services include:

• Functional assessments
• Cognitive and sensory interventions
• Adaptive equipment provision
• Discharge planning
• Patient and carer education

The Dietetics service provides expert nutritional assessment and management to support patient recovery, health, and wellbeing across acute, subacute, and rehabilitation settings. Dietitians collaborate closely with nursing, medical, and other allied health teams to optimise nutrition, manage dietary-related conditions, and support safe discharge planning. Services include:

• Nutritional assessment
• Specialised diet planning
• Enteral and parenteral nutrition management
• Patient and carer education
• Menu review for therapeutic diets

The Exercise Physiology team delivers evidence-based assessment and exercise interventions to support patients with chronic disease, complex medical conditions, and functional limitations. Exercise Physiologists work collaboratively with medical, nursing, and allied health teams to optimise physical capacity, improve health outcomes, and promote long-term self-management. Clinical areas may include:

• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Oncology
• Metabolic conditions including diabetes
• Musculoskeletal and chronic pain management