The Northern Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (NBIRS) based at Ballina Hospital provides rehabilitation and case management services for adults (16-65 years) with traumatic brain injury who live in the Northern NSW area.
Referrals are accepted from any individual or organisation, such as GP, family member, other health provider. Please note that eligibility criteria apply.
Contact Information:
Phone: (02) 6620 6361
Fax: (02) 6620 6348
Mail: PO Box 523, Ballina NSW 2478
Location:
Ballina District Hospital
58 Fox Street
Ballina NSW 2478
Hours of Operation:
8am – 4:30pm
Find out more
- What does the NBIRS provide?
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- Early intervention, support and advice for families
- Detailed assessment and individual therapy programs in preparation for return to home, work and study
- Formulating goals with the client and assisting the client to achieve their goals
- Liaison and referral to appropriate services and support
- Coordination of the multiple stakeholders to work together as a team
- What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
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A Traumatic Brain Injury occurs after birth and is damage caused by an accident or trauma to the brain as a result of an external force directed at the head.
The most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Assaults
- Falls
- Sporting injuries
- Eligibility Criteria
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- Those with a recent severe Traumatic Brain Injury are priority
- Aged 16-65 years (over 65 years with realistic goals to return to work will be considered case by case)
- Must have current rehabilitation goals related to the brain injury
- Able to engage in the rehabilitation process
- Resides within the Northern NSW Local Health District
- In some case, acquired brain injury (e.g. stroke) may be considered
- How Does a Brain Injury Affect You?
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An injury to the brain can have a variety of effects and this depends on the part of the brain that has been damaged and the severity of the injury. A person may have difficulties with:
- Memory
- Attention and concentration
- Physical ability and balance
- Communication
- Vision, smell and taste
- Behaviour and emotions
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Planning and organisation
- Relationships & Parenting
- Work & Education
- Driving
- Sexuality
- Independence
- How do we work with you?
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The NBIRS team will work with you to identify your rehabilitation goals and develop a rehabilitation plan. This plan may include other team members, local resources and specialists.
Brain Injury rehabilitation in the NBIRS is provided in many different ways:
- Face to face in your home or community
- Over the phone
- Telehealth (such as Skype)
- Visiting the NBIRS team at their office
- Other health facilities near you
- Who is on the Brain Injury Team?
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- Service Manager
- Rehabilitation Specialist (Dr)
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Pathologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Coordinator
- Administration Officer
- What does it cost?
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There is no direct charge to the person who has sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury.
If you have a claim with CTP, WorkCover or Lifetime Care and Support, NBIRS will seek to recover the cost for our service from that agency.
- Who can make a referral?
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Referrals are accepted from any individual or organisation, such as GP, family member, other health provider.
Please note that eligibility criteria apply.
- How long will the program last?
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Some people may only require a single consultation or short term involvement. Others need longer periods of assistance.
As a general rule the involvement with our service will last as long as the client has active rehabilitation goals related to their brain injury.
If necessary, a rehabilitation program can be reactivated some months or years later as a person’s life circumstances and rehabilitation needs change.