
From fractured to functional, fast: Dudley Creek Health
Prompt patient treatment with optimal recovery is a key part of the service model at a leading Christchurch specialist treatment centre. Treating semi-acute fractures in collaboration with other medical specialists is all part of the service.
Specialising in adult hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, the team at Dudley Creek Health (DCH) includes a hand therapist, surgeon, doctor, nurse, and medical imaging provider. The end result is high patient satisfaction and optimal recovery.
Clinicians at DCH say it is imperative that new injuries are presented early to a patient’s own healthcare provider for initial assessment and treatment. This may include pain medication, cast or splint application and medical imaging (X-ray, ultrasound scan). The initial healthcare provider may then consider onward referral to the DCH semi-acute fracture clinic where appropriate.
“Our first step is a thorough assessment. Triage team members assess the injury to determine its nature and severity. This typically includes reviewing correspondence from the referring clinician, review of medical imaging and treatments, and arranging new imaging. The goal is to fully understand the injury, and current state of progress.
“With this information, we design a personalised treatment plan,” they add. The hand therapist plays a crucial role, as they focus on restoring mobility, strength, and function. Initially, the therapist might recommend custom splints or braces to ensure adequate support while preventing unwanted movement that could hinder healing.
As the patient progresses, the hand therapist introduces tailored exercises to improve range of motion. Gentle movements are encouraged with a gradual shift in emphasis to strengthening exercises. The therapist closely reviews progress to adjust exercises, to ensure the patient is neither overexerted nor under-challenged.
The clinicians provide periodic evaluations to monitor recovery and decide if surgery is necessary. Surgery may be needed if a patient doesn’t progress as expected, or for complications such as joint instability or malalignment of a fracture.
“Patient education is a vital element in our clinic ethos,” they explain. “Education of patients about their injury, recovery expectations, and their engagement in empowered proactive rehabilitation further promotes patient well-being and return to work and life activities.”
Through collaborative efforts, the care team aims to maximise successful outcomes, ensuring each patient receives comprehensive tailored care for their injury and lifestyle needs. “At Dudley Creek Health we aim to provide you just this, to enable your speedy return to your best life.”