TAC compensation after a transport accident

Major trauma services

• Major trauma in Victoria

  The Victorian State Trauma System provides urgent and coordinated care to people experiencing a major trauma event...

• Metropolitan and regional trauma services

  Metropolitan and trauma services provide world class emergency care services to people of all ages...

• Who's who in the emergency department

  The emergency department is staffed by highly trained clinicians, including nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals...

• Rural and regional healthcare

  Some rural patients have to travel to regional centres or metropolitan areas for the healthcare they need. The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme can subsidise travel and accommodation...

• From incident to recovery - major trauma services

  Explore interactive maps, hear from the experts and read about Phillip's personal journey...

Discharge post major trauma

• Major trauma discharge from hospital

  Discharge from hospital after a major trauma event can be confusing, find out more...

• Hospital discharge information for family and carers

  Family, friends and carers can provide both practical and emotional support to a person who has experienced a major trauma and is about to leave hospital...

• Hospitals, surgery and procedures

  A hospital stay can be planned or unexpected. Learn about the hospital journey from admission to discharge...

• Hospital costs and payments

  Treatment as a public patient in Victorian public hospitals is free to all Australian citizens and most permanent residents of Australia...

• Preparing to leave hospital

  Start your hospital discharge planning before you leave hospital. Speak with your healthcare team to understand the hospital’s discharge process to get the support you need in place...

• Communication in hospital

  There is a range of support to help you communicate with your doctor and hospital to get the services you need, from interpreters to special food and emotional support...

Rehabilitation after major trauma

• Rehabilitation after major trauma

  Rehabilitation services provide treatment to improve mobility, increase strength, pain management and mental health difficulties after a major trauma incident...

• Surgery - recovery and rehabilitation

  Major surgery can require some time to recover from. After your discharge from hospital, you may need intensive physical rehabilitation, or to simply take it easy for a few days. Make sure you get the...

• Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Services

  The Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service caters for children and adolescents who require specialist interdisciplinary rehabilitation...

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

  The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will transform the way in which people with disability access the support they need to achieve their goals and participate fully in community life...

• Chief Psychiatrist talks about major trauma

  The Chief Psychiatrist provides clinical leadership and promotes improvement in the quality and safety of mental health services...

• Physical disabilities

  Common physical disabilities and the issues relating to having a disability – find information on diagnosis, treatment and disability services...

• Who's who in your healthcare team

  Your healthcare team may include a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, medical specialists, allied health professionals and complementary medicine practitioners...

• Working with your healthcare team

  If you see a number of healthcare professionals, it is important to tell them about any other healthcare services you are using...

• Who to call in a crisis

  Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of emergencies...

Home and recovery

• Transition care after hospital

  The Transition Care Program provides care through tailored support packages, while the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program provides a range of basic maintenance and support services...

• Healthcare and support at home

  Home care services are available for people recovering from illness or surgery, frail older people, the elderly and people with disabilities...

• Post Acute Care Program

  The Post Acute Care (PAC) Program provides short-term services and support for those who need extra help at home after a public hospital stay...

• Aids and equipment at home

  Disability aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, walking frames and braces can help people with disabilities and the elderly gain more independence...

• Alcohol and drugs - dependence and addiction

  Asking for help when you first suspect you have an alcohol or drug problem is important. If you think you have an addiction, speak to your local doctor or phone DirectLine...

• Carers, caring and respite care services

  Learn more about the wide range of services and support available to carers in Victoria...

• Convalescence

  During convalescence, it may be beneficial to set goals for each day which will aid in your recovery...

• Coordinating hospital appointments

  Coordinating your hospital appointments well will ensure the process of diagnosing, treating and recovering from or living with medical issues runs as smoothly as possible...

• Counsellors

  Anyone who is struggling with a personal concern can seek help from a counsellor...

• Falls – services for older people

  Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. There are many services available to help prevent or recover from a fall...

• Healthcare and support in the community

  There is a range of community health services and supports available for people with disabilities and the elderly still living independently at home...

• Making healthcare decisions for someone else

  Family members may be involved in making healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions and it is not a medical emergency...

• Medications

  Medications include prescription, over-the-counter and complementary or herbal treatments. Taking medicines correctly can help reduce side effects...

• Medicine information leaflets for consumers

  A Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet gives you accurate information about the safety of your medication and how best to take it...

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

  The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will transform the way in which people with disability access the support they need to achieve their goals and participate fully in community life...

• Older people – preventing falls at home

  Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. Find out how you can prevent falls around your home...

• Pain and pain management

  Pain is our bodies built in alarm system. Learn about types of pain, what is acute, persistent or chronic pain and and how to manage your pain...

• Seeing a specialist

  Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine...

• Surgery - recovery and rehabilitation

  Major surgery can require some time to recover from. After your discharge from hospital, you may need intensive physical rehabilitation, or to simply take it easy for a few days. Make sure you get the...

• Trauma and families

  When a family is affected by trauma, everyone will react in a different way...

Physical recovery after major trauma

• Pain and pain management

  Pain is our bodies built in alarm system. Learn about types of pain, what is acute, persistent or chronic pain and and how to manage your pain...

• Acquired brain injury

  The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound...

• Rehabilitation after major trauma

  Rehabilitation services provide treatment to improve mobility, increase strength, pain management and mental health difficulties after a major trauma incident...

• Acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries

  Acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries may have a significant effect on your intimate relationships, friendships, social networks, recreation and work activities...

• Medications

  Medications include prescription, over-the-counter and complementary or herbal treatments. Taking medicines correctly can help reduce side effects...

• Brain and nerves

  The brain, nerves and spinal cord form part of the nervous system. Brain injury, tumours, disorders, headaches and seizures can affect the brain...

• Healthcare and support in the community

  There is a range of community health services and supports available for people with disabilities and the elderly still living independently at home...

• Disability groups and networks

  Connecting with other people who have a disability and their families can be a good way of getting informal advice and support...

• Physical disabilities

  Common physical disabilities and the issues relating to having a disability – find information on diagnosis, treatment and disability services...

• arbias

  arbias provides specialist services for people with acquired brain injury...

• Seeing an allied health professional

  Allied health professionals are university-trained health practitioners who work as part of your healthcare team...

• Spinal cord injury - paraplegia

  Most people who have a spinal cord injury are young males, who have a greater tendency to indulge in risky behaviour...

• Seeing a specialist

  Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine...

Mental health after major trauma

• Chief Psychiatrist talks about major trauma

  The Chief Psychiatrist provides clinical leadership and promotes improvement in the quality and safety of mental health services...

• Mental health services

  There are a mix of public and private services in place to help people living with mental illness in Victoria...

• Rural and regional mental health services

  Public mental health services in rural and regional Victoria are often some distance away or more costly than they are in the city...

• Mental health services and programs explained

  If you think that you or someone you know has a mental health issue, there are a number of ways that you can seek advice, information and referral for general and mental health issues in Victoria...

• Acquired brain injury

  The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound...

• Caring for someone with mental illness

  Being a carer for someone with a mental illness can be emotionally and physically demanding, but it can also be a rewarding experience...

• Counselling, online and phone support for mental illness

  There are many free mental health hotlines and mental health online support services available across Victoria which provide crisis support, information, resources, counselling and therapy to people...

• Counsellors

  Anyone who is struggling with a personal concern can seek help from a counsellor...

• Let's talk about depression in men

  Depression affects men of all ages, however men continue to seek help for mental health issues at significantly lower rates than women. Jonathan experienced depression and anxiety throughout his...

• Medications

  Medications include prescription, over-the-counter and complementary or herbal treatments. Taking medicines correctly can help reduce side effects...

• Psychiatrist

  A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and emotional problems...

• Psychologist

  Psychologists are educated in the science of how people feel, behave and react...

• Seeing a specialist

  Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine...

• Stigma, discrimination and mental illness

  Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of a particular characteristic or attribute, such as mental illness. When someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness...

• Trauma and children - two to five years

  Preschoolers may not have the words but will show their distress at traumatic events through changes in behaviour and functioning...

• Trauma and families

  When a family is affected by trauma, everyone will react in a different way...

• Trauma and teenagers - common reactions

  A teenager may be deeply upset by a traumatic event, but not share their feelings with their parents...

• Trauma - reaction and recovery

  It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions after a distressing or frightening event, and help is available...

• Veterans, war and mental health services

  The Australian Government scheme ‘At Ease’ offers support, counselling and other resources to help war veterans and Australian Defence Force personnel living with depression, anxiety and other kinds...

• Who's who in mental health services

  There are a range of mental healthcare and welfare professionals who can help you or someone you care for...

Compensation, claims and finances

• TAC compensation after a transport accident

  Financial compensation after a transport accident is available from the TAC for qualifying Victorians...

• Financial support after a workplace trauma

  Workers compensation insurance covers medical expenses of workers injured at work...

• Victims of crime

  Victims of crime in Victoria are entitled to free help and may also obtain victims of crime compensation and receive victim support services...

• Understanding health insurance

  There are many health insurance providers on the market that offer a wide variety of healthcare plans...

• Veterans - compensation after major trauma

  Support for veterans who have experienced a major trauma is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs...

• Hospital stay – financial support and family accommodation

  All Victorian hospitals have a patient services staff and social workers on staff. They can help you and your family with hospital accommodation and hospital support services...

• Financial support for carers

  The Australian and Victorian Governments offer a number of carer support services to people who provide care to someone with a disability or mental illness, with a medical condition, after an illness...

• Hospital costs and payments

  Treatment as a public patient in Victorian public hospitals is free to all Australian citizens and most permanent residents of Australia...

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

  The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will transform the way in which people with disability access the support they need to achieve their goals and participate fully in community life...

• MoneyHelp

  MoneyHelp provides a telephone financial counselling service and online financial information and advice to help people who are experiencing financial difficulty or debt...

Major trauma - personal stories and advice

• Chief Psychiatrist talks about major trauma

  The Chief Psychiatrist provides clinical leadership and promotes improvement in the quality and safety of mental health services...

• Steven shares his major trauma story

  Steven talks about his major trauma incident...

• The 'new norm' - Sharon and Phillip's story

  Sharon talks about caring for Phillip from accident to recovering at home...

• Colin's story about his son John

  Five years ago, Colin's son, John (not his real name), suffered a brain injury in a high-speed motor vehicle crash. Colin shares his experience and tips to help other trauma patients and their...

• From incident to recovery - major trauma services

  Explore interactive maps, hear from the experts and read about Phillip's personal journey...

• Angela's story - a nurse's major trauma experience

  Angela, a nurse, was nursed by her colleagues in the hopsital she work at. ' I have never cried so much in my life.'...

Returning to social and leisure activities

• Relationships

  Communication, family, work, separation and divorce, conflict, abuse and improving relationships...

• Vision loss - recreational activities

  Many recreational activities can be reworked to suit a person who is blind or has low vision...

• 10 tips for making new friends

  Forget about gossip and build strong relationships... 10 tips for making new friends...

• Vision loss - social events

  With planning and preparation, most social events can be adapted to suit people with vision loss...

• Travel assistance for people with a disability

  If you or someone you care for has a disability and needs help to get around, there are support services available...

Returning to work and study

• Returning to work after major trauma

  Getting back to work can be good for your health and wellbeing so start planning a return to work with your employer and WorkSafe Victoria...

• Work and your health

  Work can provide satisfaction, but loss of a job or work-related problems can affect our physical, emotional and mental health...

• Returning to tertiary study after traumatic injury

  If you have experienced major trauma and previously studied at a tertiary institution, contact student services for support to return...

• Travel assistance for people with a disability

  If you or someone you care for has a disability and needs help to get around, there are support services available...

Rights and responsibilities

• Health Complaints Commissioner

  The Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC) resolves complaints about healthcare and the handling of health information in Victoria. It can also investigate providers who pose a serious danger to the...

• Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)

  The OPA promotes the rights, interests and dignity of people with a disability...

• Patient and carer rights in hospital

  You and your carers should expect clear communication about medical issues and treatment options and costs in hospital in a way that you can understand...

• Disability Services Commissioner

  The Disability Services Commissioner is an independent agency that helps resolve complaints raised by, or on behalf of, people who receive disability services in Victoria...

• Informed consent for carers

  Informed consent means that a person understands their condition and any proposed medical treatment and carers can help with the decision-making process...

• Disability rights, discrimination and the law

  If you feel that your human rights have been violated or that you have been discriminated against, you have the right to make a complaint...

• Making a complaint on behalf of a patient as a carer

  Carers have the right to make a complaint on behalf of a person in their care to a healthcare professional, service or regulatory body...

• Victorian Disability Worker Commission

  The Disability Services Commissioner is an independent agency that helps resolve complaints raised by, or on behalf of, people who receive disability services in Victoria...

• Making a complaint about a mental health service

  If you are dissatisfied with a mental health treatment or service, you have the right to make a complaint and have your concerns addressed...

• Hospitals feedback and complaints

  You have rights when seeking medical care, including a right to comment on your care, and to have your concerns addressed...

• Doctors (GP) – how to make a complaint

  If you feel uneasy about the conduct of your doctor, it may be a warning sign that something is wrong...

• Making a complaint about disability services

  If you are unhappy with the way a disability service has treated you, you have the right to complain and to have your concerns addressed...

• Medical treatment decision makers

  You can appoint someone to be your medical power of attorney, also known as ‘enduring power of attorney (medical treatment)’, to make medical decisions on your behalf when, in certain circumstances...

• Advance care plans

  Advance care plans can help the people close to you and those caring for you to know what is important to you about the level of healthcare and quality of life you would want...

• Informed consent for medical treatment

  Informed consent means having enough information about a medical procedure to decide whether to have it done...

• Complaints about health services

  The Health Complaints Commissioner can accept complaints about anyone who claims to provide a health service...

• People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect

  People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them...

• Confidentiality and privacy in healthcare

  There are laws that set out how healthcare professionals can collect and store your health information and when they are allowed to share it...

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• Anxiety Disorders - treatment and support (video)

  In this video clip, participants discuss the various forms of treatment and support they have received from medical professionals as well as from other sources. Some of the strategies for managing...

• Anxiety Disorders - Diagnosis (video)

  Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one in ten with persistent, excessive worrying that can hinder their ability to function. They may worry constantly about things that do not warrant it or...

• Pregnancy and your mental health

  Finding out you are pregnant can be a very exciting time. But it can also make you feel uncomfortable, unwell, worried and make you wonder how you are going to cope. And it doesn’t stop when the baby...

• Let's talk about depression in men

  Depression affects men of all ages, however men continue to seek help for mental health issues at significantly lower rates than women. Jonathan experienced depression and anxiety throughout his...

• Meditation [infographic]

  Mindfulness meditation has a range of benefits and can help clear your mind...

• Laughter clubs (video)

  Laughter has some great health benefits such boosting your immune system, lowering your blood pressure and reducing stress...

• Anxiety disorders

  Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect many people...

• Depression explained

  The most important thing is to recognise the signs and symptoms and seek support...

• Strong relationships, strong health

  Throughout your life, the number and strength of your relationships affect your mental and physical wellbeing. The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous. Proven links...

• Panic disorder and agoraphobia

  Panic disorder is not the same as anxiety or a single panic attack. Most people experience anxiety and up to 40 per cent of us have a panic attack at some stage during our lives. People who have...