World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress visits the WCRC | Western Cape Government

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World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress visits the WCRC

18 July 2017

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) Congress recently took place in Cape Town from the 2nd - 4th July 2017. Members from the physiotherapy division at the Western Cape Rehabilitation (WCRC), based in Mitchells Plain, had the opportunity to participate and attend the congress.

Founded in 1951, the WCPT is the sole international voice for physical therapy, representing more than 350,000 physical therapists worldwide through its 112 member organisations.

According to Andrea Trout, Chief Physiotherapist at the WCRC, the event provided the team with an opportunity to share best practices with fellow trade professionals. “My team and I were privileged and excited, not only to attend the WCPT Congress, but to actively participate and contribute to this event. The WCRC team had three poster presentations at the WCPT Congress and I am very proud of the team that participated in this event and hope that it will inspire others to follow,” says Trout. 

Established in 2004, the WCRC provides specialised, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programmes for persons with physical disabilities. The focus is outcome-based and the promotion of functional independence with the goal of community-reintegration. The facility has a maximum capacity of 156 beds, and daily Outpatient Specialised clinics for referred patients. 

“Rehabilitation programmes focus on reducing activity limitations and participation restrictions for individuals who have a disability as a result of adverse health events such as a stroke, head Injury, spinal cord afflictions, other neurological conditions and amputations. Currently our facility has 12 Clinical Physiotherapists, two Physiotherapy assistants and two Supervisory Chiefs, who are actively involved with assessment, treatment and goal setting of the client during their inpatient stay at the facility. As physiotherapists we address all aspects of mobility (client specific) to assist client with participation in everyday activities, this process forms part of the interdisciplinary team approach followed by WCRC, ” she explains.
 
The team also hosted a walkabout session at the WCRC for WCPT delegates who wanted to learn more about the function and services available at the facility. “The walkabout session included an introductory presentation about the WCRC, meeting the physiotherapy team and tour of the facility premises and overview of services available at the facility, including the indoor heated hydrotherapy pool and a small collection of gymnasium apparatus,” concludes Trout. 

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Bianca Carls
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CD: General Specialist and Emergency Services 
Western Cape Government Health
 
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