The word 'rehabilitation' means 'restoration of independence' and it is necessary for everyone recovering from any 'serious' disease. Older and more frail individuals take much longer to recover , even from a 'minor' ailment ; hence the need for properly organised multidisciplinary rehabilitation is even more important in their case. Failing to provide this would often make somone 'dependent' for a long period - may be for ever. And 'dependency' is extremely expensive - both fiscally and socially <p>
It , therefore, makes good sense to spend a little more on this just to save a lot in the future - the cost may not be borne by the NHS but by the taxpayers as a whole!<p>
The NHS managers looking at their own balance sheets may find it necessary to 'shut down' rehab facilities in designated acute care areas to save money without realising that such action might generate a long term problem of care in the community.<p>
The well -tried and tested rehabilitation areas eg specific tailormade wards , day hospitals etc are currently being shut down everywhere ( including in Bolton) and are being ''replaced'' by 'intermediate care' venues usually in old social services rest homes. There is nothing wrong in it , so long all the t s are crossed and i s are dotted !! <p>
Just like operative surgery , rehabilitation also needs a team , working together, supported by proper followup and close monitoring. Unfortunately such very needed team rehab work is not always taking place.. all members of the team may see the client but not together --- communications break down and the job remains 'incomplete' and 'undone'! Good medicine must cover everything and be holistic - not just ticking boxes to meet the 'bureucratic requirements'!
The age-old evidence-based methods of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation must be re-introduced right under the nose of doctors and trained nurses and therapists working as a team , communicating with each other and with the patients' relatives and care-givers at home. The Day Hospital has been proven to be a great success where ALL specialties in medicine could assess the client under one roof within the main hospital campus, quickly and action taken. Ill informed health managers do not understand all this ; most of them are only interested in balancing the books - without realising that they are not running a supermarket or a sausage -factory!!!!
Recent scandals in so many districts have not yet opened their eyes...
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article