Westmead HD Outreach Service

Westmead Hospital Huntington’s Disease Outreach Service

Phone: 02 8890 9960

The Westmead Hospital Huntington’s Disease outreach service is part of a multidisciplinary team of medical, nursing and allied health services which provides review, intervention, treatment, case management, counselling, support, education and management of problems and issues associated with Huntington’s for patients, their families and carers.

• The Physiotherapy service provides education and support, by assisting patients with their mobility, so they are better able to walk and move safely, decreasing the risk of falls and injury, as well as increasing their independence.
• The Occupational Therapy service provides assistance for patients and their significant others in relation to addressing and managing daily activities and home safety which may be compromised due to movement problems and unsteadiness.
• The Speech Pathology service provides assistance for patients and their significant others in relation to addressing and managing speech and swallowing difficulties.
• The Dietetics service provides assistance for patients and their significant others in relation to addressing and managing nutritional needs for weight maintenance to assist in maintaining good health and functional capacity. The high energy needs experienced by sufferers of Huntington’s can be difficult to meet by normal dietary means. Nutritional supplements can be a convenient way to meet the increased energy requirements. Supplements can be purchased at cost price through Westmead Hospital.
• The Social Work service also provides assistance for patients and their significant others in relation to addressing emotional and relationship problems, as well as accessing and utilising relevant Community Services.
• The Diversional Therapy service oversees the recreational activities at, education and assists in other aspects of patient care.

This services is provided in a variety of settings including the patient’s private home, boarding house, nursing home or hostel and Outpatients Department.