The Late Effects of Poliomyelitis

Living with Late Effects

Decades after the initial infection, many polio survivors develop a condition known as post- polio syndrome, sometimes referred to as late effects. Progressive and persistent new muscle weakness which may be accompanied by fatigue, muscle atrophy and joint and muscle pain and a general deterioration in physical ability. These patients are likely to benefit from the support and care provided by a multidisciplinary team of medical and allied health professionals.

The Late Effects Clinic

The State Rehabilitation Service (SRS) provides a Late Effects of Disability Clinic which is located on Level 2 at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch. The clinic provides a comprehensive holistic clinical workup for patients who are aging with a disability which has resulted from conditions such as poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, neurological conditions or acquired brain injury. Polio survivors make up about a third of patients who attend.

The aims of the Clinic are to provide patients with:

  • Education, support and advice to about ageing with a disability

  • Interventions to prevent complications

  • Assistance in setting goals and strategies for long term self-management

  • Support in accessing appropriate community resources

  • Referrals to appropriate agencies

Accessing the Clinic

Accessing the clinic requires a referral from a general practitioner. Prospective patients are encouraged to do so before their ability to function declines significantly. Telehealth consultations can also be arranged.

Referrals addressed to the Late Effects of Disability Clinic, State Rehabilitation Service, Fiona

Stanley Hospital may be sent via:

a. Central referral service FAX 1300 365 056

b. FSH referrals Email FSH.Referrals@health.wa.gov.au

c. e-referrals (WA Health Internal Pathway only)

Orthotic Clinic referrals may be addressed to Rehabilitation Orthotics Clinic, State Rehabilitation Service, Fiona Stanley Hospital. Patients may also be referred to Hydrotherapy and other specialities as required.

Appointments

Appointments will be issued once the referral had been processed.

The initial appointment will be at the Specialist Physiotherapy Clinic. The average waiting time is 30 – 60 days from when the referral is received. This clinic provides patients with an initial assessment and a physical management consultation.

When the physiotherapist’s report has been completed, the patient will be referred to the Rehabilitation Clinic for a consultation with a rehabilitation physician. This clinic has a long waiting list. A full assessment is likely to take an hour or more resulting in only a few patients being seen in one session.

Patient Access

a. Car Park 5 – pedestrian bridge from Carpark Level 5

b. Set down at ground level outside the State Rehabilitation Services building (SRS)

c. Train or bus stop at front of SRS

Volunteers will meet patients with a wheelchair. Phone: 6152 2222

Further Resources

The national body Polio Australia provides information sheets about various aspects of living with the late effects of polio. The sheets are available through PPNWA. Topics include:

  • Late Effects of Polio: General Information

  • Anaesthesia and Surgery

  • Aides and Equipment

  • Bone Density and Health

  • Continence

  • Fatigue

  • Footwear/Pedorthics

  • Health Professionals

  • Heat and Cold Tolerance

  • Medications

  • Pain Management

  • Physical Activity and Exercise

  • Sleeping and breathing