When Dr Paul du Toit was asked to open the Wide Bay’s first rehabilitation unit eight years ago, he was hesitant to leave his career on the Sunshine Coast.
However, a tour of St Stephen’s Hospital quickly changed his mind.
“I visited on Boxing Day of 2017, and I couldn’t believe how spectacular this new hospital in Hervey Bay was,” the Rehabilitation Medicine Physician said.
While modern medical facilities were a major draw card, the noticeable gap in rehab services for the region’s growing and aging population also motivated him to make the move.
The specialised ward is the only one of its kind in the region and provides critical services for patients living with physical impairments due to injury, illness and chronic disease.
Since opening, it has grown from eight to 25 beds in response to increasing demand.
Dr du Toit is the only local doctor who provides Botox Therapy for the management of spasticity in neurological conditions, including post-stroke, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. He uses an ultrasound-guided technique to ensure the correct muscles are injected, reducing the chance of injecting a nerve or blood vessel.
“Reducing spasticity helps in many ways – it can improve function, reduce pain and improve hygiene.”
Before he introduced the service, patients had to travel long distances to access the life-changing treatment.
Dr du Toit recalled a memorable exchange with a mum whose son has cerebral palsy. For eight years, she drove to the Sunshine Coast every three months so he could receive the therapy.
“When she found out I was doing it, she asked if she could hug me because she was grateful that she no longer needed to travel back and forth.”
The service is bulk billed, in an effort to make it accessible to more patients.
“I feel there are still patients who go very far to get this treatment, so I would like people to know that we offer this service and to get a referral from their GP.”
For more information on Dr Paul du Toit, visit: https://ststephenshospital.com.au/doctors/Paul-du%20Toit