Counselling services are available for you and your partner during and after your treatment. The counsellor’s role is to support you in managing possible stressors, while helping you recognise your strengths. Many people find it helpful to talk about the difficulties they have faced when trying to achieve a pregnancy or going through fertility preservation. They are able to access this service to share their thoughts and feelings about the future.

https://www.fertilityandresearchcentre.com.au/frc-research/counselling-…

The Perinatal and Women’s Mental Health Service supports women who are receiving antenatal care at the Royal, who have birthed at the Royal within the last year and live within the SESLHD, and parents whose babies are in the NICU. 

For more information, see the Perinatal and Women’s Mental Health Service page.

The Gynaecological Oncology Psychology Service supports women who are receiving treatment for gynaecological cancers at the Royal Hospital for Women as inpatients or outpatients. 

For more information, see the Gynaecological Oncology Psychology Service page.

We prioritise places in our gym program for women who meet one or more criteria below:

• Your first degree relative has diabetes (mum or dad)
• You are 40 years old +
• You have gained a lot of weight this pregnancy
• You haven’t been exercising this pregnancy  
• You are having your 3rd or 4th baby

You can complete this short survey to join our GDM Gym here  https://qars.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/Survey?p=DFF18494

We are passionate exercise in pregnancy experts. Our team includes trained physiotherapists, and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.

We work in partnership with diabetes educators, endocrinologists, obstetricians and your local doctor (GP).

Our administration officers can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquires.

Our gym is a safe and welcoming environment for all people with all levels of fitness. Sessions are supervised by the physiotherapy team to ensure:

• You get the most out of the session
• That exercises can be modified as needed
• Your pregnancy health and fitness improves over time

In GDM gym, blood sugars are monitored before and after exercise. A combination of cardio and strength exercises are performed in each session with modifications as needed.

Exercise training is 30min with a 5-10 minute warm up and cool down at your own pace.

Please bring a drink bottle, towel and glucose monitor, and wear comfortable exercise clothing

When do the classes run?

Physiotherapy-led supervised exercise classes are held on the following days and times.

• Monday 9am, 10am
• Wednesday 9am, 10am
• Thursday 9am, 10am, 2:30pm

How much do these sessions cost?

GDM Gym is covered by Medicare. If you are Medicare ineligible let us know, we might be able to help.

How long are the classes?

You are in and out within the hour!

What do I wear?

Wear clothes you are happy moving and sweating in, and bring your glucose monitor!

What if I have to work?

We can provide attendance certificates for your employer. We also provide individual virtual appointments to support you to manage your glucose control and your exercise routine if you can’t make it to class

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide. All physiotherapists in our team are committed to achieving the best possible health outcome for you and complete regular supervision with a senior or specialist physiotherapist. You can ask your physiotherapist if your care can be reviewed with a senior or specialist physiotherapist and your physiotherapist might suggest this from time to time.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Our Physiotherapists are highly trained and can manage the following conditions:

• Bladder leakage (also known as urinary incontinence)
• Bladder problems (such as urgency or having to rush to the toilet, difficulty emptying, or going too often to the toilet overnight)
• Bladder pain (that might occur when the bladder is full or with emptying)
• Bowel leakage (also known as faecal incontinence)
• Bowel problems (such as constipation, bloating and other gut symptoms)
• Bowel or bottom pain (that might occur with bloating or emptying the bowel)
• Sexual pain (pain around the vagina, anus, penis or genitals)
• Sexual dysfunction (difficulties with libido, arousal or other parts of sexual activity)
• Pelvic pain (that might occur in or around the genitals (vulva, vaginal, penis, scrotum, anus) or in the pelvic (that might occur in or around the bladder, uterus, ovaries or bowel)
• Lymphoedema in the arms or legs
• Post-prostatectomy incontinence
• Back pain and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
• Carpal tunnel and de Quervain’s syndrome in pregnancy
• Severe and/or complex symptoms of the menopause
• Gestational diabetes

Our Physiotherapists are highly trained and can provide the following treatments:

• Exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
• Pelvic floor muscle training
• Joint mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
• Muscle re-education to help you control your movements
• Bladder re-training
• Breathing exercises and techniques to help you clear your airways
• Bowel management including techniques to improve emptying
• Garment fitting and/or bandaging for the management of lymphoedema
• Exercise programs to improve recovery from cancer treatment
• Assistance with use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs
• Education regarding your condition and how you can help manage it yourself.

Health professional referral:

To come to the Physiotherapy Outpatient Department you will need to have your local doctor (GP) or treating specialist write you a referral letter explaining your relevant surgical and medical history. The referral may then be mailed, emailed or faxed to us or you can bring it into our department in person.

To make or cancel an appointment please telephone 9382 6540.

We try to see all of our patients as quickly as possible. However, we have a large number of patients seeking treatment. Appointments are offered based on urgency. Urgent conditions are generally given an appointment within a few days of receiving the referral. Non-urgent conditions may need to go on a waiting list. It can take up to 2 months for non-urgent conditions to receive an appointment.

Can I chose the day and time I attend appointments?

We will try to find appointment times that suit your availability. Our hours of operation however are 8:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday. We do not offer weekend treatments.

Self-referral for Physiotherapy services:

Click here to self-refer 

For your first appointment, please bring:

• Any test/scan results that you have had recently
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
•  A list of any medicines that you are taking

If you arrive 5-10mins before your appointment time we will ask you to complete a short symptom survey. Your physiotherapist will discuss the results with you and might ask you to repeat the survey after a few sessions to measure your progress.

At your first appointment we will ask about your medical history and your health needs. We will conduct a physical examination, which might include pelvic floor assessment. We will then discuss what type of physiotherapy will benefit you. This can include a combination of appointments at the hospital with a physiotherapist and a plan for you to follow at home. Physiotherapy treatments involve education, movement training, exercise programming, manual therapy (hands on techniques) and may involve the use of ice, heat, ultrasound or, electrical stimulation. Your physiotherapist will always provide options for the physical examination and your treatment so that you can make decisions about your care and have an active role in your health.

You can expect your physiotherapist to provide you with information about your:

• Diagnosis (what is wrong, or the name of the problem, including how severe it is and what might have caused it)
• Prognosis (how long it will take to recover, what you can do to help and how physiotherapy can help)
• Tests (results from tests completed by the physiotherapist, if you will need any further tests or referrals)
• Treatment plan (the options for treatment, pros and cons, number of appointments and how often, etc.)

Will I always see the same physiotherapist at each visit?

As we are a teaching hospital you will be treated by a physiotherapist or a student physiotherapist. We will try to only have one therapist treating you. However, many of our staff rotate in their roles so you may find during the course of your treatment program you may receive treatment from more than one therapist. If this happens, we will make sure an effective and comprehensive handover takes place.

How often will I need to attend the Physiotherapy Department?

This will vary depending on your needs. Usually we offer up to 6 treatment sessions.

How long do the treatment sessions take?

Your first session will take 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions generally take 30 minutes.

Does the Physiotherapy Outpatients Department generally run on time or will I have to wait?

We try to run an on-time clinic.  You will rarely have to wait more than 15 minutes for your appointment. To minimise stress, please make sure that you arrive 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment time. You can ask the administration officer when you arrive if your physiotherapist is running on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late you may be asked to reschedule your appointment.

Will I always receive hands-on treatment such as massage, heatpacks or ultrasound?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research and best practice. Your therapist will discuss with you what would work best for your condition and provide options. They will do this after your first appointment.

Will I be expected to do exercise outside of my physiotherapy appointments?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. It is highly likely that your therapist will ask you to do certain activities or exercises as part of your treatment plan. They will teach you anything you need to do like exercises and provide you with opportunity to decide when and how you can complete your treatment plan in your every day life.

Will my physiotherapist talk with my doctor?

Your physiotherapist will work in partnership with your referring doctor. They will contact your doctor if they have any questions. When you finish your treatment plan your GP will receive a discharge summary letter outlining your initial assessment, the treatment plan you completed and the outcomes achieved. Our physiotherapists work closely with specialists at POWH and RHW and will share outcomes of any discussions they have about your care with your treating team.

Will I need to undress during my treatment sessions and will the therapist touch me?

At times we will need to touch you to assess your needs or to provide hands on treatment. If this is needed you may need to undress. You may be provided with a hospital gown. Your modesty, privacy and dignity will be respected by your therapist at all times. Our team of physiotherapists are

Will I experience soreness as a result of my physiotherapy?

With any exercise program it is normal to have some muscle soreness the next day. This should only last for a short time. If you have any ongoing soreness or pain please let your physiotherapist know.

Can I receive ongoing treatment for my problem?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research. Many conditions are chronic and require ongoing management. In these instances, we will identify what you can do for yourself after your treatment program finishes.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide. All physiotherapists in our team are committed to achieving the best possible health outcome for you and complete regular supervision with a senior or specialist physiotherapist. You can ask your physiotherapist if your care can be reviewed with a senior or specialist physiotherapist and your physiotherapist might suggest this from time to time.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

• Personalised service
• Ongoing care with your GP who will continue to look after you and your family before and after baby is born
• More flexible appointment times, that is, after hours and weekends
• Waiting times are generally shorter than hospital clinics

It is recommended that several months before you are planning to become pregnant you see your GP to discuss issues such as rubella immunity, folic acid intake and your options for antenatal care.  If you are already pregnant see your GP as soon as possible.

You will have some of your pregnancy care with  your GP and some with the midwives or doctors at the hospital.

You would give birth to your baby in the hospital birthing unit, a midwife will look after you during your labour and birth.  Your GP may come and visit you while you are in hospital but will not deliver the baby.

You usually spend 2-4 hours in the birthing unit before being transferred up to the postnatal ward.  Some women who have had an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth may go home four hours after the birth with midwifery support.

If you choose to go home early, a midwife will visit you in  your home until baby is 5-7 days old, your GP may also visit if required.

If you require emergency medical help and you are less than 20 weeks pregnant please contact the Prince of Wales Emergency (casualty) department.  If it is a non-urgent problem contact your GP (some GPs provide an after hours service) who will assess your condition and may refer you to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) at the hospital the following day.

If you are over 20 weeks pregnant contact the birthing unit on 9382 6100.

At the Royal Hospital for Women there is a midwife to assist women that choose to participate in the Antenatal Shared Care Program who can be contacted on 9382 6016 and can assist you with the following :

• Answer any concerns/questions you may have about the program
• See you for check ups if your GP is going to be away
• Explain and arrange various services at the hospital
• Provide you with information on pregnancy, birth and after the baby is born

The midwife is a resource person in the hospital for you to contact at any time.

You may not be able to choose this option of care if you have significant medical and/or other history, or develop complications throughout your pregnancy, or your GP is not affiliated with the Royal Hospital for Women Antenatal Shared Care Program.