South Australia Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (BIRS)

The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services (BIRS) is a South Australian statewide specialist rehabilitation service for people in South Australia, which also provides services for clients from western New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

A brain injury may result from trauma, hypoxia, infection, tumour, substance abuse, degenerative neurological disease or strokes.

Following a brain injury, people may experience a variety of difficulties including changes to their:

Services available

Rehabilitation programs are individualised for each client. Following a period of initial assessment, rehabilitation goals are negotiated with clients to address their specific issues and needs.

BIRS includes the following services:

Further information

For more information about rehabilitation services, contact the rehabilitation team at your local hospital. For more information about brain related injuries, see the following:

Websites


Brain Injury Rehabilitation Community and Home (BIRCH)

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Community and Home (BIRCH) is a South Australian statewide specialist rehabilitation service based at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and the Repat Health Precinct. It has been operating since 1987.

BIRCH is the community section of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services and is part of the broader Central Adelaide Rehabilitation Service. Prior to 2001 BIRS was managed by Julia Farr Services.

BIRCH services

  • skilled therapy teams which address an individual’s physical, psychological, cognitive, independent living, vocational, educational and leisure needs
  • an interdisciplinary, holistic approach
  • individualised service
  • skills training in a variety of settings
  • support for families and caregivers
  • a driver assessment and retraining program
  • a return to bike riding program
  • support, education and counselling for individuals and their families.

Therapy aims to facilitate recovery and adjustment to changes and to promote independence and a positive lifestyle in the community. Therapists work closely with people to work towards goals that have been identified by the individual.

Therapy may occur in a variety of settings including:

  • the person’s home
  • in his or her community
  • at one of our rehabilitation facilities. 

BIRCH eligibility criteria

To access BIRCH, you must:

  • be over 18 years of age
  • have experienced an acquired brain injury 
  • require a period of specialised interdisciplinary rehabilitation to facilitate recovery and adjustment to changes and to promote independence and a positive lifestyle in the community.

BIRCH referral information

BIRCH receives referrals from major metropolitan and subacute facilities; country centres and interstate facilities. Referrals are reviewed and triaged by the team.

Contact (08) 8222 1888 for a referral form or download below:

BIRCH contact details

BIRCH North

Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre
207-235 Hampstead Road, Lightsview SA 5085

Telephone: 08 8222 1888
Fax: 08 8222 1871

BIRCH South

Rehab Building 12
Repat Health Precinct
216 Daws Road, Daw Park SA 5041

Telephone: 08 7117 5100
Fax: 08 7117 5083

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU)

The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) is a 24 bed inpatient rehabilitation unit for adults with an acquired brain injury.

BIRU is the inpatient rehabilitation service of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services (BIRS).

BIRU offers an interdisciplinary team approach to rehabilitation. The client and the family are an integral part of the therapy team, actively participating in decision-making and the therapy process.

Team members work closely with clients as they strive to meet their goals and work towards a return to community living. This may involve:

  • Improving function
  • Promoting independence and safety
  • Learning new strategies and modified skills

Progress in physical and cognitive therapy and progress towards achieving a successful discharge are reviewed regularly with the client and family. Support, education and counselling form an integral part of our service.

Once medically and practically possible, time at home will be encouraged as part of the rehabilitation process.

The rehabilitation team liaises with relevant community agencies and assists clients to explore any issues around accommodation, equipment and support as a part of planning.

BIRU eligibility criteria

To be eligible for BIRU, you must:

  • Be over 18 years of age
  • Have an acquired brain injury
  • Require a 24 hour residential facility
  • Have identified rehabilitation goals focusing on promoting independence and quality of life in the community or in supported accommodation
  • Be medically and psychiatrically stable.

BIRU Eligibility Criteria & Triage Process

BIRU referral information

Access to the services is by medical referral through the BIRU Liaison Nurse 0403 149 302. 

Please complete the BIRU Inpatient concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) referral form (DOCX 57.7KB).

BIRU contact details

Repat Health Precinct - Statewide Rehabilitation Services Building
216 Daws Road, Daw Park SA 5041

Phone: (08) 7326 1800

Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) clinic

The Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury clinic provides education and advice to clients following a mild brain injury.

Resources for concussions and MTBI

Contact us

Repat Health Precinct Outpatients Department
Telephone: 7117 5232