The Centre for Rehabilitation is led by a Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, Dr. Marie O’Connor, working closely with the medical team and an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team to provide highquality, personcentred care for older adults.
Care is guided by a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, with rehabilitation goals based on each patient’s needs, abilities, and priorities. The team works collaboratively to promote recovery, optimise independence, and support safe transitions of care.
The interdisciplinary team include nursing staff, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, medical social work, dietetics, pharmacy, and healthcare assistants.
We liaise closely with family members throughout the rehabilitation process. Where appropriate, family meetings are arranged to support shared decision-making, rehabilitation planning, and timely, coordinated discharge planning.
Consultants in Geriatric Medicine
Offer specialist knowledge and expertise in Geriatric Medicine for older adult patients.
- Dr Marie O’Connor
Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors – Rotational Posts
Provide daily support to Hospital Consultants
Nursing Staff
Provide nursing care for patients. Nursing Staff are led by:
- Ms Lorraine Coroner, Clinical Nurse Manager 2
- Ms Deepthy Jacob, Clinical Nurse Manager 1
Physiotherapy
Working on a one-to-one basis or in group settings our physiotherapists create personalised exercise programmes for the restoration of function, strength and stamina.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT enhance the skills needed to perform daily life activities independently.
Speech and Language Therapist
Speech and language therapists help patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
Dietitian
Dietitians assess dietary needs, recommending health-promoting foods to aid recovery.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists help patients adjusting to the changes that have occurred in their lives as a result of their illness or injury.
Medical Social Worker (MSW)
MSW provide emotional and practical support for patients and their families.
Pharmacist
Pharmicists ensure new medications prescribed will not interact with existing medications or affect an underlying medical condition. They fulfil prescriptions for long-stay patients and assist medicine management, guiding patients who are prescribed several medications.
Podiatrist
The Podiatrist treats and manages foot-related conditions.
Education at the Centre for Rehabilitation
The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh is a teaching facility where students observe and assist in treatments. Patients consent to student involvement in advance of interactions, consultations, examinations, or treatments. Refusal to participate will not affect patient care.
Accommodation
In the Centre for Rehabilitation, patient rooms have television and WiFi access. Bedside lockers are provided for storage of personal items, and as space is limited, we ask friends and relatives to check and remove unnecessary items and clothes for laundry.
Daily Activity
Individualised rehabilitation programmes are designed so that each patient can overcome physical challenges and optimise recovery. Each day includes some or all of the following activities: medical rounds, nursing care, individual and group exercise and therapy sessions, regular mealtimes as well as rest periods.
We actively encourage a “Get Up, Get Dressed” approach, recognising the important role that wearing day clothes plays in promoting mobility, confidence, and participation in rehabilitation. Patients are encouraged to wear their own comfortable day clothing for therapy and daily activities, with well-fitting shoes or runners with backs to support safe movement and reduce the risk of falls.
Supporting Patients with Additional Care Needs
We recognise that, in some instances, patients may require additional care and support during their rehabilitation. We also understand that hospitals can be challenging environments at times, particularly for older adults and those living with cognitive impairment. Our team is committed to providing care in a way that is calm, supportive, and reassuring, with a strong focus on dignity and comfort.
The Centre for Rehabilitation is a dementia-friendly unit, designed to support orientation, independence, and safety. Dementia-friendly features include:
- Large, easy-to-read clocks in designated dementia-friendly rooms
- Patient room doors distinguished by colour to aid recognition and reorientation
- Bathrooms and toilets clearly identifiable with picture-based signage
To support truly person-centred care, we use a “What Matters to Me” profile, completed with patients and their families. This document helps the team understand the individual beyond their medical needs, including personal preferences, routines, communication needs, and what brings comfort and reassurance. This information supports more meaningful engagement, personalised care, and a positive rehabilitation experience.
Patients should enjoy meals without interruption and disruption. We operate a protected mealtime policy asking visitors to refrain from visiting during meal times unless they are invited to do so by a member of the interdisciplinary team.
Visiting Times
Visitors are welcome to the Centre for Rehabilitation Unit:
- Monday to Friday: 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Please note that only 2 visitors are permitted at the bedside and visitors under the age of 18 are not permitted, except in exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM).