Therapies and Dietetics
The Therapies and Dietetics Department is represented by a variety of Allied Health Professionals, including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Dieticians. Therapy services are provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis at both Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital. Therapy Services are also provided at Potters Bar Hospital and Edgware Community Hospital as well as some outreaching services.
The Therapies and Dietetics Department continually strive to deliver excellent patient care, of which patients, the public and staff can be proud.
Recent service improvements based on patient requirements include Outpatient Physiotherapy extending their clinics into evenings and reducing waiting times to two weeks to improve access for patients. Some patients are now able to self-refer to the services removing the necessity to see their GP's.
Over 130 professionals work within the Therapies and Dietetics Department bringing an enormous wealth of knowledge and diverse expertise. Our therapists are supported by a dedicated team of support workers.
Our recognition of the value of staff training and ongoing personal development as the key to ensuring excellence in therapy clinical practice has led us to develop a dedicated Training Committee to work with staff in identifying training needs and subsequently providing in-house training programmes to disseminate skills and clinical expertise. Our senior clinicians are frequently invited to present at national and international conferences.
The Therapies and Dietetics Department actively participates in the vision and commitment of the Trust, by contributing to performance improvement initiatives such as the 18-week target whilst encouraging a learning environment where staff can thrive and develop into clinical leaders.
Physiotherapists are instrumental in the treatment and recovery of acute care patients and also focus on maximising patient's independence, particularly with regards to mobility which may be affected by a certain medical conditions, surgery or trauma. They provide advice and strategies for managing ongoing physical disability associated with these conditions.
Having physiotherapy at Barnet Hospital
This leaflet is for patients having physiotherapy at Barnet Hospital. It provides information about the department, how to find it and what preparation you need for your physiotherapy session.
GP referrals to Physiotherapy
The Physiotherapy departments at Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and Potters Bar Hospital accept GP referrals for adult musculoskeletal conditions. Please ask your GP to complete a referral form.
Occupational Therapists are responsible for assessing a patient's ability to complete activities of daily living independently and safely. This may include an assessment of an individual's functional ability or their cognitive state. When deemed necessary they assess patient's home environments and provide adaptive equipment to improve independence in activity. They also liaise with social workers and voluntary agencies to arrange agreed care at home by community services.
Speech and Language Therapists are key members of the multidisciplinary team, particularly for patients affected by neurological disorders, those with tracheostomies and in stroke care. They provide swallowing and communication assessments and advice.
Dietitians provide advice and support on nutritional matters for paediatric and adults patients.
Paediatric dietitians advise and support two children and two neonatal wards and undertake general/specialist clinics. Specialist clinics include allergy, diabetes, gastroenterology and multidisciplinary feeding clinics.
The adult dietitians are involved in the speciality clinics of diabetes and Head and Neck cancer and there are more multi disciplinary clinics envisaged in the near future. They are also the driving force behind the "Tackling Obesity" campaign and have a key role in maintaining standards of nutrition for inpatients at the hospitals.
“I came out smiling.”
More patient comments from NHS Choices“Every step of the treatment was explained. My opinion was asked and respected. I could not have received better treatment anywhere else.”
More patient comments from NHS Choices
