My life was upturned dramatically following an injury that resulted in central chord syndrome, an incomplete spinal cord injury. For me, this Injury resulted in temporary, partial upper limb paralysis. Once I regained the use of my hands, I was safe to go home for gate leave from the hospital but had to remain as an inpatient for rehabilitation as Orange Health Service currently can not offer outpatient rehabilitation (the ability to live and sleep at home and come to the hospital just for therapy). The emotional toll of needing to be confined within hospital walls when I could have been recuperating at home was a challenge for me and my family.

This personal experience is not unique. Many patients and their families face similar challenges due to the lack of outpatient rehabilitation services at Orange Health Service. This gap in service provision not only affects the mental health of patients but also places unnecessary strain on families and caregivers.

The establishment of outpatient rehabilitation services can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. According to a study published by The Medical Journal of Australia, outpatient rehabilitation programs have been shown to reduce hospital readmissions and improve functional independence (The Medical Journal of Australia, 2018). On average an inpatient rehabilitation bed costs over $2000 a day, allowing outpatient rehabilitation would not only benefit patients and their families but would also be more a cost-effective treatment pathway for the taxpayer.

During my admission, I was granted gate leave, which allowed me to have time at home with my partner and my children. It also allowed me to put my therapy into practice, accelerating my recovery. It enabled me to continue being part of my community, enjoying valuable time with my friends and loved ones, and allowing me to enjoy a more meaningful life with my symptoms. It gave me the dignity to try, risk failure and to identify new recovery goals as my condition improved. Gate leave meant that while I  was at home, my bed at the hospital was still tied up and was not used for another person who might have needed it.

Allowing those patients where it is practical to do so to live in the community and go into the hospital for their therapy (outpatient) on an ongoing basis would:

• Have immeasurable mental health and social benefits for the patient and their loved ones
• Speed up the person's recovery
• Identify more relevant recovery goals as they implement their rehabilitation and learn what they can do and what they need help with as they improve
• Allow the treating team to be more targeted with treatment plans
• Be more cost-effective for the taxpayer and free up inpatient beds for other patients.

We are calling on the NSW Health minister and the WNSW LHD Executive to establish an outpatient rehabilitation service that will cater for those recovering from injuries or illnesses who do not need full-time hospital care but still require regular therapy sessions.

By signing this petition, you are supporting our call for better healthcare provision that respects patient autonomy while ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.