The hand therapists from Horsham, Stawell and Ballarat network with each other each month in video conferences but also meet in person twice a year. 

Grampians Health Senior Clinician in Hand Therapy Renee Rock said the regular meetings were an opportunity for professional development and knowledge sharing. 

“They also ensure our hand therapists at each campus are using the same evidence-based practice principles to provide continuity of care and consistent service across all of Grampians Health,” Renee said. 

“In collaborating and networking together as clinicians, we can confidently inform patients where they are going and what it will be like when they get there. 

“We work with ED’s orthopaedic team and plastic surgery teams, as well as ED and other specialty services within Grampians Health to support these patients. 

“For example, if a patient from the Wimmera has a hand injury and is seen by the Orthopaedic or Plastic Surgery clinics in Ballarat, they can be seen by hand therapy at the same time in Ballarat and then transferred back to the Horsham hand therapy team for on-going care close to home. 

“We are providing more access to specialist care across the region. We can do joint Telehealth sessions with patients so we are all on the same page throughout treatment.” 

Stawell Occupational Therapist Kirby Egan gave an example of how she was able to provide a good outcome for a patient recently with the support of Renee in Ballarat. 

“A patient from the region with a complex hand injury came to me because she had difficulty travelling to Ballarat regularly,” Kirby said. 

“Her condition was complex, and we weren’t making enough progress, so we started doing Telehealth sessions with the patient here with me in Stawell and Renee on video link in Ballarat. 

“The patient was able to access both Renee’s and my support and expertise at once by only making one local trip, which not only helped her hand injury but also supported her general health and wellbeing. 

“It is also invaluable to my learning and development to be able to learn from a more experienced therapist in Renee.” 

Kirby said Grampians Health’s hand therapy team started regular meetings two years ago after the initial amalgamation of the campuses. 

“It’s such a specialised area that to have this support from across different sites within the same organisation is wonderful.” 

Chief Operating Officer Hospitals Ben Kelly said the OT collaboration was a great example of Grampians Health’s determination to build on the existing strengths at each campus. 

“The commitment of this team has enabled them to enhance local services by feeling empowered and connected.”