One word describes RCC's clinics -- teamwork. Every child that enters our outpatient clinics has access to the full range of services and programs offered by RCC. Individually these team members offer leadership and expertise in the area of pediatric rehabilitation. But it is the partnership of the RCC team with the children and families of the Centre that is the true magic -- one team devoted to the health and well-being of children.
Did You Know?Many of our clinics are held on an outreach basis in rural communities throughout Manitoba, enabling us to help families in their own communities. |
The Spina Bifida Clinic Team is made up of four physicians: a pediatrician, two urologists and an orthopedic surgeon. Two nurses provide expertise in the area of health assessment and health teaching. The services of a lab technician and an X-ray technician mean that children receive essential support services in one convenient location.
RCC's Orthotics team and Assistive Technology team also provide consultation and assistance in the areas of bracing, adaptive equipment and electronics. The clinic also has access to the expertise and services of the Outpatient Therapy team as well as to the School Therapists who assist the child in school settings.
Children with bone problems such as scoliosis and other back conditions are assessed in the Scoliosis clinic. Here, the child and caregiver work with the clinic team, including the orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist, and the orthotist to assess and treat orthopedic problems. X-rays are taken as necessary to aid in diagnosis. Decisions are made with regards to the need for a back exercise program, the need for an orthosis (brace) and follow-up.
Children with muscular problems who may require postural seating braces are also assessed in this clinic. Because children grow quickly, regular follow-up at the clinic is required to ensure that the fit of the orthosis is regularly reviewed and maintained.
Physiotherapists work with children who require spinal braces, posture re-education and education to prevent back pain. They teach back exercises, posture correction and activity modification. A videotape of the exercise program is available to make this information more accessible to rural clients and caregivers.
Upon referral from a family physician or pediatrician, children experiencing orthopedic problems are seen in the orthopedic clinic. Children attending this clinic may require bracing for a congenital or acquired orthopedic condition, for postoperative assessment and treatment or follow-up following an injury.
Referrals to other team members at RCC may be made, including Assistive Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and the Scoliosis and Neuromuscular therapy programs.
The Feeding Clinic provides specialized assessment and treatment of feeding concerns in children with dysphagia, physical, neurological or developmental disabilities. Children are seen for a variety of reasons, including coughing and choking, weight loss, the inability to chew food, or the desire to initiate oral feeding in tube-fed children.
The weekly clinic is staffed by a developmental pediatrician, nurse and occupational therapist. Together the team works with caregivers and families to evaluate oral motor skills, positioning for feeding and the motor skills needed for the child to feed himself or herself. The team provides families and caregivers with the skills and training needed to carry out feeding routines and oral-motor treatment plans.
Patient information handouts on food textures and thickeners, as well as "High Fat, Low Chew " cookbook are distributed to families. The child's height, weight and progress with the feeding routine are monitored on subsequent follow-up visits to the clinic.
Manitoba's children with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and other muscular problems receive specialized assessment and treatment from RCC's neuromuscular program. The physicians at this clinic carefully review the health and functional status of the child, and work with the child and families to prevent and correct complications such as respiratory problems, muscle contractures and body positioning concerns. The occupational therapist may assist families with the issues of power mobility, seating and environmental access.
Children are referred to this clinic for neurological assessment and examination. Children may present with such concerns as headaches or motor problems. An in-depth review of the child's current and past health status, family history and developmental milestones aids the physician in diagnosis and treatment. Referrals are made to the wide range of rehabilitation specialists available through RCC, as well as to community resources, including psychologists, teachers and social workers.
Children living with physical disabilities often require specialized equipment to aid in mobility, seating, standing and activities of daily living. Many of these devices are designed and customized at RCC. Ongoing assessment and modification of these devices, as well as of commercially available devices, are conducted in the Assistive Technology Clinic.
The rehabilitation team, consisting of an orthopedic surgeon, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, orthotist, assistive technology engineer and technician meets with the child and caregivers to assess the child's physical status and review motor skills, mental status and functional status. The team members assess each piece of equipment the child brings, and make recommendations about new pieces of equipment that may help the child with sitting, positioning and mobility.
Close collaboration between the Assistive Technology team and other agencies providing care to the child, such as therapy agencies, wheelchair services, third party funding agencies and private rehabilitation technology suppliers, ensures continuity of care for the child and family.
Children who have lost a limb, or are born without a limb require the services of the Juvenile Amputee Clinic. The team, consisting of an orthopedic surgeon, prosthetist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist work with the child and family to assess the need for limb replacement.
The physician conducts an assessment of the child's orthopedic and functional status. The physiotherapist reviews the child's walking status and general physical abilities. Upon prescription from the physician, the prosthetist fits and constructs a prosthesis that will meet the individual needs, lifestyle and environment of the client. The occupational therapist provides training in the use of prosthetic devices when needed.
Assessment of the limb, instruction in the care and use of the prosthesis, and gait training (if needed) are provided to the child. Because children grow rapidly, it is essential that the child be assessed on a regular basis to determine the need for a new prosthesis and to prevent skin or tissue problems.
[ Rehabilitation Centre for Children Home Page | Linkd Home Page ]