Discharge Home to Assess (DH2A) Physiotherapists
Description of Service
DH2A is a model of integrated community care supporting early discharges from acute and community hospitals. We are a community team comprising of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Technical Instructors. We regularly liaise with colleagues in other sectors such as; social care, care agencies, GPs, district nurses, dietitians, social services, OT and CPNs.
We accept medically optimized patients onto our pathway to receive the necessary health and social care assessments within their own home rather than these having to be completed in hospital. DH2A provides an enablement, rehabilitative pathway for 3 weeks.
There are multiple physiotherapists within the Hertfordshire DH2A team.
The role of a Physiotherapist within the team is to:
- Upon an initial assessment, patients’ previous level of ability and rehabilitation potential will be discussed and used to help formulate goals that are realistic within the 21 day admission period and also potentially longer term goals as well.
- Assess mobility and identify any appropriate equipment that may aid the patient in their recovery and increase safety whilst doing so, then progress the equipment to increase confidence in mobility and when appropriate to wean of the use of walking aids and return to independent mobility.
- Offer advice and support around self-management strategies for how to complete everyday tasks safely.
- Use of a wide range of moving and handling equipment ranging from frames to full body hoists.
- Identify any mood and/or cognitive issues and refer onto the CPN when agreed and appropriate.
- Refer onto other services such as bladder and bowels, or dietetics etc. to ensure the safety of the patient once returning home.
More information can be found at: https://www.hct.nhs.uk/our-services/discharge-home-to-assess-dh2a/
Specialties covered
- Supportive discharge and community physiotherapy
- Falls prevention & rehabilitation
- Orthopaedic surgery – discharges when patient is housebound
- Neurology
- Long term conditions
- Amputee rehabilitation
Areas covered
We work in patients’ homes and therefore students will need to be able to drive independently to home visits during placement.
Our office bases are:
- Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, School Lane, Welwyn AL6 9PW. Welhat DH2A team based in the Skin Health office. Parking available on site.
- Robertson House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2FQ. Stevenage DH2A team based here. Parking available on site.
- Gregans House, 34 Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF. North Herts DH2A team based here. Parking available on site.
- Hoddesdon Health Centre, 34C High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BY. East DH2A team sometimes based here. Parking available on site.
- Herts & Essex Hospital, Haymeads Lane, Bishop Stortford, CM23 5JN. East DH2A team sometimes based here. Parking available on site.
Main contact
Josie Andrews, DH2A Deputy Manager and Placement Co-ordinator
josie.andrews1@nhs.net
Dress code/uniform
- White tunics and/or polo shirts
- Blue or black trousers
- Black shoes/trainers
Recommended pre-placement reading
- It would be useful to be aware of current NICE guidelines regarding management of falls.
- Some knowledge of post op intervention following hip and knee surgery.
- General overview of some common neurological conditions such as M.S, Parkinsons Disease and CVA.
Preparing for your placement
Please contact your practice educator 4 weeks prior to commencing the placement, and agree which office base you will meet at for the first day. Please meet your practice educator at the office base at 8am unless informed otherwise.
Working hours will need to be negotiated with the therapists you are with each day, but as a guide our core hours are 8am to 4pm.
What to bring on your first day
We recommend that you bring lunch with you on your first day. At most office bases there is a kitchen with access to a fridge, hot water and microwave.
Other information
We will aim for you to have access to a laptop during your placement.
