The Young Adult Complex Disability Service (YACDS) was established as a pilot project in 2004-2005, and approved by DHS as an ongoing program in 2006 to help young adults with a complex physical disability, their families and carers, move into adult healthcare from children’s health services.
We help link those with a complex developmental disability who are transitioning from children’s health services into adult health services by, reviewing their current health status and working with them to manage their own health care. We also provide a consultative service for young adults who have already transitioned into adult health care whose needs require a multidisciplinary review.
We offer a multidisciplinary patient centred approach, with team assessment and review, and individual or combined allied health intervention, as indicated.
Our Team consists of:
- Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Social Worker
- Orthotist
- Speech Pathologist
- Dietitian
We are also able to access other allied health, nursing, medical and surgical services available at St Vincent's.
We run a state-wide service that supports young people with complex disabilities (predominantly Celebral Palsy) to transition from paediatric healthcare into adult healthcare services through:
- Multidisciplinary patient-centred approach
- Specialist medical and allied health assessment and support
- Referral to other specialist services, within and external to St Vincent's
- Goal-directed therapy
- Equipment assessment and advice, including wheelchairs, orthotics and home modifications
- Establishing links to GPs and community-based therapists
The primary goal of the service is to link individuals with local adult healthcare and disability services. Refer to referral information below for service eligibility.
Key areas of expertise offered by the YACDS team:
Comprehensive team assessment:
- Multidisciplinary initial and review appointments are completed with the patient and their family/carers. This involves assessment and goal setting according to individual need. A documented care plan is developed in consultation with the patient.
Medical:
- Comprehensive medical assessment and management of disability related problems, such as; spasticity, pain, recurrent pressure areas, constipation, continence, progression of deformity, associated health conditions/needs. Referral to adult specialist services as required. Engagement with the general practitioner in long-term medical management.
Physiotherapy:
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Clinical expertise in the assessment and management of physical disability, including; postural management, prescription of specialised equipment such as wheelchairs, walking aids and standing frames, spasticity management, gait training.
Occupational Therapy:
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Clinical expertise in specialist assessment and intervention including; prescription of equipment for people with cerebral palsy and complex disability; posture to ensure the best outcomes with wheelchairs, seating, pressure care management and daily equipment; home and other environments relevant to the client's daily routine and goals.
Social Work:
- Psycho-social assessment, patient and carer support to manage care needs, future planning, transitioning to and navigating the adult service system. Individual advocacy to address funding gaps, linking/referral to adult based services.
Orthotics:
- Assessment, review and prescription of orthoses and footwear. Equipment may be provided by YACDS, or referred to a local provider.
Speech Pathology:
- Identifies swallowing, communication and oral care needs. Preliminary management of identified issues is provided through YACDS, with referral to an appropriate local speech pathology service for long term assessment and management.
Dietetics:
- Nutritional assessment, management of complex disease states, management of enteral feeding, weight management.
The service is based at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy.
Clinic appointments are held on the ground floor of the Bolte Wing (Building F), 14 Nicholson Street, FItzroy.
The Young Adult Complex Disability Service clinics operate on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Allied Health appointments may be arranged on other days.
Referral Forms and Guidelines
Fax: (03) 9231 3808
Post: Young Adult Complex Disability Service, St Vincent's Hospital, PO BOX 2900, Fitzroy, 3056
Service-specific criteria
Inclusions:
- Referral purpose is to support transition from paediatric to adult health care services
- Primary diagnoses is Cerebral palsy, or similar medico physical disability such as: brain injury acquired in childhood, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, Rett Syndrome, Angelman's syndrome.
- Diagnosis is a combination of complex physical and medical needs (single diagnosis not eligible)
- Medical and physical intervention is required (Single discipline referrals not accepted)
- Age 18 – 40 years old
Exclusions:
- Mental health / intellectual disability / behavioral diagnoses only e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder only.
- Single discipline referrals
Information for referrer
Minimum referral information:
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Contact details and address
- Medicare Number/Overseas patient health insurance status
- Indigenous status
- Interpreter requirements
- Clinical information
- Specialty and head of unit to whom patient is referred
- Reason for referral
- Management to date
- Medical history
- Relevant diagnostic results
- Allergies
- Current medications
- Current specialists and allied health practitioners
- Name of referring doctor including provider number, practice name and contact details
Accepted referral:
- GP or treating specialist.
- Patients can self refer, but for medical consultations a GP referral is required
How to refer
Complete Referral form and fax to (03) 9231-3808
Advice: Phone YACDS Team Leader on (03) 9231-4672 or via email at youngadult.complexdisability@svha.org.au
Referral Templates and Pre-Referral Guidelines
Equipment
Support Services
Transition
This site has information for young people, families and health professionals about adolescent transition. It also has a large number of links and references to publications about transition.
Our service is a public outpatient service. Patients can self-refer, but for medical consultations we require a referral from a GP. We recommend patients speak to their GP or current treating specialist if referral to our clinic is thought to be beneficial.