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Companies
Our qualified team of Health Professionals have an extensive range of experience, in a wide variety of worksites including foundries, mines, refineries, factories, transport organizations, office/administration and tourist industries. Services that NQTS provide for proactive employers include:
Manual Handling Audits / Office Ergonomic Audits
NQTS will assess various departments of the workplace to assess manual tasks from a Risk Assessment perspective and provide ideas on solutions to control identified hazards. NQTS provide feedback via presentations to supervisors or meetings to discuss and assist with control implementation.
Manual Handling Tasks - include pushing / pulling; lifting, moving, grasping, handling and climbing all of which cause strain and sprain injuries (one of the highest causes of injuries in the workplace).
Office Ergonomics -Workers in offices often think they are immune to injuries due to the “light” nature of work. These workers are however often at risk to Occupational Overuse Injuries (OOS), an umbrella term for a range of diagnosis such as tendonitis (e.g. golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow), carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve impingements etc. These injuries are cumulative in nature but usually give the worker a range of symptoms before it becomes debilitating. Correct set-up of the office environment, use of micro-breaks and stretches performed by workers in the course of their usual work can reduce the risk of these injuries.
Health Training Seminars
Courses / toolbox talks NQTS provide to workplaces include:
§ Manual Handling Training
§ Office Ergonomics Training
§ Stress Management Training
§ Heat Stress Training
§ Rehabilitation Co-ordinator Training
§ Warm-up At Work Training
§ Noise Conservation Training
§ Protecting Your Eyes Training
§ Protecting Your Hands From Injury Training
§ Other programs or series of toolbox talks can be individually tailored to your company’s needs
Vocational Rehabilitation / Injury Management
NQTS are experienced in assisting injured employees with return to work programs to return employees to their pre-injury role or vocational redirection if they are unable to return to work. NQTS can assist for particularly difficult cases where there is multiple or complex injuries or difficult circumstances.
§ Case Management
§ Functional Capacity Evaluations
§ Vocational Assessments
§ Work Site Visit
§ Job Task Analysis or Develop a Suitable Duties Manual for different departments in your workplace
§ Return to Work Programs
§ Vocational Re-direction
§ Work Trial Set-up
Pre-employment Assessments
Employers who wish to determine if there is a match between job applicant’s abilities and workplace task demands can do pre-employment functional assessments. This is a two step process involving
1) Job Task Analysis and 2) Establishing a Functional Capacity Assessment to match the position.
Writing and Developing Site Specific DVD’s
NQTS can develop simple or complicated training DVD’s tailored specifically to your company for Induction or Ongoing training purposes.
§ Manual Handling Induction
§ Health Training Seminars
§ General Induction of our site
§ Induction for Contractors
Workplace Fitness programs
Employers who wish to improve the health of their employees. NQTS can provide workplace fitness programs for individual or group on-site training. Programs include discussions about holistic health with emphasis on exercise, nutrition, relaxation and stretching, a baseline assessment and periodic reviews.
Workplace Observations- Manual Handling Observations
Employers that are looking for a proactive approach to manual handling training, workplace observations is an onsite-feedback approach. This involves an Occupational Therapist walking around worksites with a supervisor to watch workers perform normal workplace duties, and then approaching them in relation to their manual handling techniques. Workers are congratulated on good postures/ work practices and improvements that can be made will be discussed.
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Doctors and Health Professionals
Our qualified Health Professionals an have extensive range of experience, in a wide variety of complex rehabilitation treatment services, including:
Home Assessments and Equipment Prescription
NQTS have an experienced team who will perform home visit to access for the suitability of equipment required for activities of daily living. NQTS are also DVA registered providers and can assess for specific equipment for DVA members.
Lymphoedema Treatment
NQTS provides lymphoedema treatment which includes massage, bandaging and pressure garment prescription. Addie Jones an experienced occupational therapist has attended a specialized lymphoedema course and is a member of the Australia Lymphoedema Association. Patients who are DVA are eligible for treatment.
Pressure Garment Prescription
NQTS offer pressure garment prescription for clients that have inflammation of the veins, spider veins, varicose veins, thrombosis, leg ulcers and lymphoedema. Compression stockings lend the veins support in exerting a medical correct compression gradient onto the leg. The pressure decreases the diameter of the leg enabling the venous valves to close again, thus reducing the amount of blood flowing back down the legs which regulates the venous return.
Driving Assessments
Following illness or injury, a person’s ability to learn to drive or resume driving may be affected by physical, cognitive, perceptual and/or behavioural changes, compromising the safety of both the driver and other road users. Anna Nicholls is qualified to perform practical driving assessments to assist doctors to determine an individual’s ability to continue driving safely. Driving modifications can also be trialled, though this service may have to occur in Townsville as there is only one driving school with these modifications available for testing and practice.
Posture Retraining Program
NQTS offer posture retraining for motivated patients who need improved posture to manage deformity or pain. The program integrates good posture into everyday activities; with the assistance of Back Tone a biofeedback device worn to assist clients to learn good posture. The program includes an assessment of posture, prescription of a BackTone (biofeedback brace), a graded program and posture assessment reviews.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
NQTS offer private rehabilitation to assist patients and their families who have suffered the effects of an Acquired Brain Injury as a result of a head injury, stroke, cardiac condition or neurosurgery. Rehabilitation includes cognitive rehabilitation, visuoperceptual treatment and motor upper limb retraining. NQTS are also able to run STEPS programs for groups of patients with brain injuries who would benefit from a 6 week education session with the aim of the groups establishing a self-managed support group.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Ø Assists clients to understand their deficits and strengths
Ø Instruct and teach clients to use specific compensatory strategies
Ø Teach the client and their family to modify environment to facilitate the best performance
Ø Generalise strategies learnt to home, community, work and educational settings
Stroke Rehabilitation - For patients who have hemi paresis (weakness on one side of the body); cognitive and memory problems; dyspraxia. NQTS are able to perform motor retraining, cognitive and memory training and assist with practical training programs to facilitate independence.
Motor Upper Limb Treatment
Ø Prevention of Muscle stiffness through correct positioning and support
Ø Minimising risk of “painful shoulder syndrome”
Ø Promoting of functional recovery of the affected limb
Ø Provision of equipment/assistive devices to facilitate independence in everyday tasks
Workplace Rehabilitation
NQTS are able to assist in the injury management process, which will include:
- Functional Capacity Assessments
- Worksite Visits - Suitable Duties Programs
- Case Management
- Prescription of assistive equipment
- Education of workers
When to call an Occupational Therapist to assist with injured workers rehabilitation:
ü Injury is long term i.e. worker requires longer than a week off work
ü Complex industrial relations / HR issues exist at the workplace and requires an objective opinion
ü Assistance is required to select appropriate duties in relation to injury
ü Assistance is required to design a graded return to work program
ü Assistance is required to ascertain worker’s capabilities, restrictions and any inconsistencies in performance
ü Review of rehabilitation program and general direction of cases
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Private Patients
NQTS offer private occupational therapy service to the Townsville, Ingham, Ayr, Charters Towers and Collinsville Communities. Services that NQTS offer include:
Home Assessments & Equipment Prescription
NQTS have an experienced team who will perform home visit to access for the suitability of equipment required for activities of daily living. NQTS are also DVA registered providers and can assess for specific equipment for DVA members.
Lymphoedema Treatment
NQTS provides lymphoedema treatment which includes massage, bandaging and pressure garment prescription. Addie Jones an experienced occupational therapist has attended a specialized lymphoedema course and is a member of the Australia Lymphoedema Association. Patients who are DVA are eligible for treatment.
Pressure Garment Prescription
NQTS offer pressure garment prescription for clients that have inflammation of the veins, spider veins, varicose veins, thrombosis, leg ulcers and lymphoedema. Compression stockings lend the veins support in exerting a medical correct compression gradient onto the leg. The pressure decreases the diameter of the leg enabling the venous valves to close again, thus reducing the amount of blood flowing back down the legs which regulates the venous return.
Driving Assessments
Following illness or injury, a person’s ability to learn to drive or resume driving may be affected by physical, cognitive, perceptual and/or behavioural changes, compromising the safety of both the driver and other road users. Anna Nicholls is qualified to perform practical driving assessments to assist doctors to determine an individual’s ability to continue driving safely. Driving modifications can also be trialled, though this service may have to occur in Townsville as there is only one driving school with these modifications available for testing and practice.
Posture Retraining Program
Poor posture is often the basis for advancing degenerative conditions, aggravating pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions and cause pain and discomfort. NQTS offer posture retraining for motivated patients who need improved posture to manage deformity or pain. The program integrates good posture into everyday activities; with the assistance of Back Tone a biofeedback device worn to assist clients to learn good posture. The program includes an assessment of posture, prescription of a BackTone (biofeedback brace), a graded program and posture assessment reviews.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
NQTS offer private rehabilitation to assist patients and their families who have suffered the effects of an Acquired Brain Injury as a result of a head injury, stroke, cardiac condition or neurosurgery. Rehabilitation includes cognitive rehabilitation, visuoperceptual treatment and neuro-motor upper limb retraining such as behaviour management, memory strategies and independence skills. NQTS are also able to run STEPS programs for groups of patients with brain injuries who would benefit from a 6 week education session with the aim of the groups establishing a self-managed support group.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Ø Assists clients to understand their deficits and strengths
Ø Instruct and teach clients to use specific compensatory strategies
Ø Teach the client and their family to modify environment to facilitate the best performance
Ø Generalise strategies learnt to home, community, work and educational settings
Stroke Rehabilitation
NQTS are able to perform motor retraining, cognitive and memory training and assist with practical training programs to facilitate independence.
Motor Upper Limb Treatment
Ø Prevention of Muscle stiffness through correct positioning and support
Ø Minimising risk of “painful shoulder syndrome”
Ø Promoting of functional recovery of the affected limb
Ø Provision of equipment/assistive devices to facilitate independence in everyday tasks
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Students
NQTS is committed to providing learning opportunities for occupational therapy students from tertiary institutions and each year the team at NQTS welcome students participating in practical experience.
NQTS provides quality management and injury prevention service to Townsville and North Queensland. Services are tailored to individual and company needs, such as mines, refineries, construction, transport and service industries as well as solicitors and insurance agencies.
NQTS is a private practice run by Anna Nicholls who begun operating in the year 2000 as a sole practitioner. Over the past 8 years the business has grown to include 3 additional occupational therapist and 1 exercise physiologist.
On your placement at NQTS you will have the opportunity to observe and participate in a wide variety of areas of occupational therapy. These areas include:
v Functional Capacity Assessments
v Medico-legal Assessments
v Pre-Employment Assessments
v Driving Assessments
v Worksite Assessments
v Seating Assessments
v Posture Retraining
v Community Rehabilitation
v Case Management
v Job Task Analysis
v Return to Work Programs
v Vocational Re-direction
v Home Visits
v Safety Management
v Office Ergonomics
v Manual Handling Audits
v Manual Handling Training
v Cognitive Therapy
Hours
Monday to Friday - 8am to 4:30pm
This may vary depending on appointments and/or worksite visits.
Breaks can be negotiated with your supervisor.
Dress
JCU OT uniform Shirt with dark trousers or smart professional work clothes. It is recommended that you bring closed in shoes in case of work site visits. Steel cap safety boots and PPE are available to borrow if required.
Illness
If you are unwell and unable to attend you must phone to advise your supervisor. If you are unable to attend for 2 days or more then a medical certificate must be supplied to you supervisor and the university.
Parking
On road parking is available outside NQTS.
Behaviour
It is expected that you maintain professional conduct at all times. This placement is a continuation of you education and professional development and you are expected to respect the judgement and position of your supervisor and other staff.
Facilities
There is a well equipped kitchen which offers an oven, fridge, sandwich maker and microwave for the use of all NQTS staff. There is also a shop within walking distance where you are able to purchase food/drinks.
Confidentiality
It is part of NQTS policy that any student on placement must maintain client confidentiality. Confidential information will be available throughout the placement and under no circumstances is this information to be released unless permitted to do so by a supervisor. Ensure that all files and other information relating to clients is left secure and covered if in an area of public access.
Pre-Reading
Revise the second year ergonomics subject. It is important that you review this subject as it provides the basis of NQTS practice. Revise range of motion, grip strength, functional capacity evaluation, manual handling principles, communication and documentation.
Skills and Experience
You will gain a broad number of skills during this placement and will undertake valuable learning experiences. You are encouraged to ask questions and let your supervisor know if there is a particular that interests you. If there is a worksite visit or appointment that you would like to attend then do no hesitate to ask.
Hint
If you accompany a therapist on a work site of home visit then please refrain from asking question until after the visit. It is important that you stay with the therapist at all times and act in a professional manner as you are representing your university and NQTS. The therapist’s encourage questions and your continued learning, however take notes if you need to and ask question at a more appropriate time.
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Legal Professionals
Medico-legal assessments
Our experienced occupational therapists offer opinions for both plaintiff and defendant solicitors. We are able to perform the assessments to determine past, current and future economic losses related to disability. These assessments may include:
§ Functional capacity evaluations
§ Home visit assessments
§ Driving assessments
§ Ergonomic opinions
§ Cognitive assessments in the case of brain injury
We are able to present evidence by telephone or in person, should matters present to court. We have also been present in conference situations.
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Driving Assessments
Following illness or injury, a person’s ability to learn to drive or resume driving may be affected by physical, cognitive, perceptual and/or behavioural changes, compromising the safety of both the driver and other road users.
Before returning to driving you should seek medical advice to be assessed. When your doctor or medical team treating you feel that you may be able to resume driving, an occupational therapist that specialises in driving will be able to assess you to assist doctors to determine your ability to continue driving safely.
Driving modifications can also be trialled, though this service may have to occur in Townsville as there is only one driving school with these modifications available for testing and practice.
Step 1 - OFF ROAD DRIVING ASSESSMENT / PRE-DRIVING SCREEN
An OFF ROAD ASSESSMENT is used to determine if your illness or injury has caused any problems that may affect your ability to drive safely.
The assessment tests:
§ Physical abilities
§ Vision
§ Reaction times
§ Judgement and planning
§ Knowledge of road rules and signs
§ Strategic thinking skills e.g. Decision making
The Off-road assessment results will assist your occupational therapist in determining:
1. Your readiness for an On-road assessment; and
2. If vehicle modifications are required
Step 2 - ON ROAD ASSESSMENT
The On road assessment is usually carried out on the same day as the Off road assessment on the guidelines that a dual controlled car and driving instructor are available.
The vehicle may be automatic or manual with additional modifications if required.
The On road assessment takes approximately 50 minutes during which the occupational therapist will observe from the rear seat to assess the potential effects your illness or injury may have on your driving skills. After the drive, the therapist and driving instructor meet briefly and then sit down with you and give you feedback regarding the drive.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT?
Following the assessment, the occupational therapist and driving instructor may advise you of the following options:
1. Unsafe to drive at the present time
2. Vehicle modifications and lessons to learn to use controls are required.
3. Required driving lessons to develop safe driving skills
4. You are safe to drive
Your occupational therapist makes the recommendations. However, it is your referring doctor who must make the final decision on resuming driving.
COSTS IF INSURED
If you are covered by some form of compensation
§ WorkCover,
§ Private Disability Insurance or
§ Compulsory Third Party Insurance
The cost of the assessment may be met by them.
For all other costs involved with a driving assessment contact our office to receive a quote
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