Non-weight bearing beds provision

Bedded care for 24 patients who are prescribed a period of non-weight bearing (NWB following surgery or injury, have identified potential for rehabilitation and who are unable to return to their usual place of residence during this period. All possible strategies must be utilised to enable patients to return to their usual place of residence both prior to transfer from ESHT acute hospitals and throughout their stay with the NWB rehabilitation service. Following review and amendment of weight-bearing status at orthopaedic out-patient clinic, a review of the patient must be undertaken by the NWB Therapy Team to ascertain whether return home or transfer to rehabilitation bed is the best course. For clarity, the requirement is for x24 beds to be available for the provision of the service 365(6) days of the year, therefore it is expected that there may be periods when beds are unoccupied and available for new patients. Upon vacation, beds must be available for re-occupation within 24 hours. The NWB status may apply to either lower or upper limb. In the case of upper limb, this may prevent a patient using any walking aid and if this is their usual means of walking, prevent them from doing so throughout the period of NWB.