Are you visiting our website today as a:

NHS Pan Birmingham Cancer Network

Rehabilitation opportunities
What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is the process of restoring skills and functional abilities to a person affected by illness or injury. Many cancer patients struggle with everyday tasks as a result of their illness, or as a result of the side effects of treatment. The NHS aims to ensure that appropriate services are available to support patients at every stage of their illness.

Who provides rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation services are provided by a group of people known as allied health professionals (AHPs). There are lots of professions included in this term, the ones most likely to be involved with cancer rehabilitation are:
- Dietitians
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Lymphoedema Practitioners
For more information on AHPs, click here.

Where does rehabilitation take place?

Many patients will receive their first rehabilitation in an acute hospital, perhaps to get them independent enough to go home. Later on, they may see AHPs in outpatient clinics, GP surgeries, day centres, hospices or in their own home.

Many rehabilitation services require a referral from a medical team, so you should discuss your rehabilitation needs with your consultant or specialist nurse. However, you can contact social services direct if you think you may require rehabilitation at home, equipment to help you move around or increase your safety, or more permanent adaptations to your property like a ramp.

You can contact the appropriate team for your area as below:

Birmingham Social Services

Older Adults Service - 0121 303 1234

North Worcestershire Social Services
South Worcestershire Social Services
- Adult and Community Services - 0845 607 2000
Solihull Social Services
- Solihull Care Trust Adults Services - 0121 329 0191
Sandwell Social Services
- Sandwell Council ASSIST - 0845 352 2266
Walsall Social Services
- Adult service - 0845 111 2922

Coping with your diagnosis