Short Term Support Service (STSS) is a team of physiotherapists and technical instructors. They work with other specialists, including occupational therapists, from Northumberland County Council.

They aim to support adults who are house-bound. Others will have needs based on their surroundings.

Clients may have a long-term condition or disability that is worsening. They could have a newly diagnosed condition or disability. Or they may be recovering after a trauma, injury or illness.

The likes of GPs, nurses and social workers can all make referrals. Clients themselves, family members and carers can also make referrals.

To make a referral, contact Onecall.  

The STSS operates across all of Northumberland. Clients should be registered with a Northumberland GP or a Coldstream GP.

  • Hexham Team – Dene Park House   
  • Alnwick Team – Alnwick Fire Station
  • Berwick Team – MacDonald House
  • South East Team – Blyth Community Hospital (Harbour Suite)

The support offered by STSS includes:

•    Rehab after orthopaedic surgery including trauma  
•    Rehab after stroke
•    Neurological conditions, eg, Parkinson's disease, MS, brain tumour
•    Elderly rehab 
•    Admission avoidance
•    Crisis management 
•    Post-surgical rehab
•    Falls
•    Assessment for supportive aids related to any of the above.

The team supports clients to live at home on their own through recovery. This includes equipment or aids to promote this.

An appropriate specialist will carry out an assessment of your needs. They will assess you where you live. This will look at how you manage everyday activities. This may include washing, dressing, cooking and managing medication.

They will support you to identify your own rehab goals. You may be offered support from a physiotherapist or technical instructor. This specialist may create a home rehab plan and provide any equipment needed. 

You may need regular reviews as well as visits to see how you are doing. If needed, they will make changes to your goals.

There may be a point when further rehab will not help you achieve your goals. In this case, they may link you to another service to support your long-term needs.