The rehabilitation department was started as early as the beginning of April because the staff realized early on that many who had been cared for for covid-19 needed both physical and mental rehabilitation. To date, 129 patients have been discharged.
- The common denominator is that everyone has been seriously ill. Rehabilitation is individualized, but many people need help to get started with, for example, being able to eat and move again before they can go home, says department head Cathrine Göransson.
The rehab team consists of about 60 assistant nurses, physiotherapists, counselors, doctors and occupational therapists. During the spring, the workload has been high - but the staff have helped and replaced each other with tasks that do not usually belong to their area.
- Just like at the rest of the hospital, we are seeing a reduction in the number of patients right now. But we are prepared as the situation would change, says Cathrine Göransson.
Jan became seriously ill in covid-19 in early June and needed to be on a respirator. Today he is being cared for in the rehabilitation ward.
- I make small progress every day. The staff here do a great job, says Jan.
In the clip above, you can hear Jan and the staff in the rehab department tell you more.