Toronto (March 27, 2011) - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (Toronto Rehab) has renewed its relationship with the
Worker’s Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) and will expand its
Neurology Service to improve continuity of care for workers who are injured on the job. Toronto Rehab has been assessing injured workers on a fee-for service basis for WSIB since 1998. Under the terms of a new contract with WSIB, Toronto Rehab’s Neurology Service will not only provide comprehensive neurological assessments for WSIB clients but can now treat those who need highly specialized rehabilitation services.
“We have a long history of working with the WSIB and are excited to be able to expand our services and offer a seamless continuum of care for people injured at work,” says Dr. Mark Bayley, Medical Director, Neuro Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehab. “By combining early assessment with prompt access to the best treatment our research can find, we will optimize the brain’s ability to recover from injury.”
Toronto Rehab’s Neurology Clinic has an interprofessional team of physiatrists, neurologists, a neurosurgeon, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, rehab therapists and a return-to-work coordinator - that is unique in Ontario. The team provides a coordinated and goal-driven approach to treatment. Care is informed by the latest research – some of which is conducted at Toronto Rehab – and other advances in
brain injury rehab.
Based on a client’s needs, the clinic offers a seamless transition from inpatient rehab to outpatient and community rehab.
“Our specialized clinic offers each client a goal-oriented, customized treatment plan and return-to-work recommendations for workers who are able to return to work,” says Cathy Irwin, Program Services Manager, Neurology Services, Neuro Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehab.
The clinic provides an opportunity to practice community living skills in real world environments, such as at home or in the workplace. Under the guidance of the rehab team, strategies are developed, for example, to support a person’s return to work. Therapists actually work with clients in their workplace to ensure that they have all of the tools they need to successfully return to work.
The move into Toronto Rehab’s new patient care tower in February 2011, has allowed its Neuro Rehabilitation Program to expand inpatient capacity on two secure units to better serve cognitively impaired patients and WSIB clients.
About Toronto Rehab
One of North America’s leading rehabilitation sciences centres, Toronto Rehab is revolutionizing rehabilitation by helping people overcome the challenges of disabling injury, illness or age related health conditions to live active, healthier more independent lives. Affiliated with the University of Toronto as a teaching and research hospital, Toronto Rehab integrates innovative patient care, groundbreaking research and diverse education to build healthier communities and advance the role of rehabilitation in the health system. Find out how at http://www.uhn.ca/TorontoRehab/.
