Department of Physiotherapy NHSL, Colombo

 

Department of Physiotherapy at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo

Left: Celine DeSilva (ADAPT Project Co-Lead), Gayan Jayasekara (Head of Physiotherapy), Ude (Assistant Head of Physiotherapy), Hayley Carter (ATOCP Project Co-Lead)

Hayley, our project lead, and I had the privilege of spending a day at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) to gain a deeper understanding of the current pathways and patient flow within the Accident, Neurophysiotherapy, and Trauma and Orthopaedic Services. Our visit was an eye-opening experience that highlighted both the immense challenges and the inspiring dedication of the healthcare professionals working in this high-demand setting.

Accident Services: A Critical Lifeline

The department operates well despite the overwhelming volume of cases they handle on a daily basis. It was evident that resource constraints and high patient turnover put significant pressure on the staff however the speed and quality of surgery within these cases were remarkable. Managing 400 beds and less than 20 physiotherapist, patients are provided with an intense volume of sessions. We learned a lot about adapting to the profession and dedication provided by this therapy team. 

Rehabilitation and Hope

Next, we moved to the Neurophysiotherapy unit, where we witnessed the incredible work being done to help patients regain function and independence after neurological injuries. The therapists demonstrated a range of techniques tailored to individual patient needs, showcasing their expertise and commitment.  We had the opportunity to sit in on a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, which brought together doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists to discuss patient care plans. 

One of the highlights of the day was meeting Dr. Chamara Jayatunga, Sri Lanka's first appointed rehabilitation consultant. Dr. Jayatunga's leadership and vision are driving significant improvements in the rehabilitation services at NHSL. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the development of comprehensive rehabilitation care in the country. In the recently reopened rehabilitation ward we visited, great strides are being made to establish pathways between Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital (RRH) and developing telehealth into the services. 

Challenges and Opportunities

Throughout the day, we gained a better awareness of the challenges that occur in these healthcare settings. Resource limitations, high patient volumes, and the need for ongoing professional development are just a few of the hurdles that the NHSL teams face daily. However, the resilience and passion of the healthcare professionals we met were truly inspiring.

Supporting Development with ATOCP

The Association of Trauma and Orthopedic Chartered Physiotherapists (ATOCP) aims to share knowledge with the development of the therapy services at NHSL. By providing training and resources, facilitating knowledge exchange, and advocating for resources. Collaboration with NHSL's therapy team will also allow us to gain immense knowledge and insights that can inform our practices and initiatives. The benefits of sharing knowledge between globes are immensely valuable and can transform lives. 

Conclusion

Our observation day at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka was a powerful reminder of the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the dedication required to provide high-quality care in challenging environments. The experience reinforced our commitment to supporting the development of therapy services and highlighted the valuable opportunities for mutual learning and growth.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with NHSL and contributing to the enhancement of healthcare services in Sri Lanka, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and support on their journey to recovery.