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Rapid Allied Health (RAH)

The Rapid Allied Health (RAH) service aims to prevent avoidable presentations to ED and hospital by providing a rapid response and short term allied health intervention. This service can provide discipline specific care.

What we do

RAH is able to provide one to four sessions of care delivered by a Physiotherapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Social Worker or an Allied Health Assistant as clinically indicated. 

These sessions may be delivered face to face at home, via telehealth or onsite in a clinic setting as determined by the treating clinician.

Who this service is for

RAH supports adults with urgent needs related to: 

  • pressure injuries or a high risk of developing them
  • frequent falls or a high risk of falling
  • immediate safety concerns at home
  • high risk of returning to hospital soon after being discharged
  • sudden change in ability or mobility, causing high stress for carers
  • delays in accessing other services, such as long waitlists for community rehab, that could lead to a hospital visit. 

We currently support people living in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham Vale and Melton. 

Who is not eligible 

RAH is an adult-only service. We are not able to accept referrals for children or paediatric cases.  

Services and facilities

RAH offers 1 to 4 sessions of care, based on clinical need. Care may be provided by: 

  • physiotherapists
  • occupational therapists
  • social workers
  • allied health assistants. 

Sessions can be delivered at home (in person), by telehealth (video or phone) or in a clinic. The treating clinician will decide the most appropriate option. 

Referrals

We accept referrals from (but not limited to):  

  • Emergency Department Care Coordinators
  • Western Health wards
  • external hospitals
  • general practitioners
  • medical specialists
  • Ambulance Victoria
  • Mercy Palliative Care. 

Contact

If you have an enquiry about RAH or if you’re unsure whether the person you’re referring is suitable for our service, please call us on (03) 8395 9123 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm). 

In the case of a life threatening emergency, call 000.
Emergency