Feedback and FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refer myself to the physiotherapy department?
You can refer yourself directly to the Physiotherapy Service if you are a Taranaki DHB staff member. You can also refer yourself directly to the Physiotherapy Service if your injury is covered by ACC under the Hand Therapy contract. All other ACC and non ACC injuries require referral from a consultant, GP or other DHB professional. We also accept referrals from some external agencies such as independent midwives, Access Ability and support group field officers.

Does the Taranaki DHB physiotherapy service charge co-payments?
In November 2009 ACC cancelled the existing physiotherapy contract and introduced a new contract which reduces physiotherapy payments by approximately 30%. Private practices recoup these costs by charging a co-payment. Taranaki DHB physiotherapy service does not seek co-payments, but has introduced an entry criteria for most ACC physiotherapy treatment. The entry criteria is:

• Consultant referral
• Community Services Card Holder
• TDHB staff members

When will I be seen?
This depends on the size our current waiting list and what priority you are given. We try our best to accommodate as many people as we can into as short a time frame as possible. Please contact us if your condition changes so that we remain informed about your progress.

Is there any cost?
There is no charge for physiotherapy at Taranaki Base Hospital or Hawera Hospital. Treatment is either funded by ACC or the Ministry of Health depending on your condition. Some cost may be involved if you wish to purchase specialised equipment such as Orthotics.

Where is the department located?
Taranaki Base Hospital Physiotherapy department is located on Level 2 of the hospital, off the main corridor between the maternity entrance and radiology department. This is also directly above the cafeteria. Our rehabilitation outpatient services (neurological, amputee and older persons health & falls prevention) are located within the Older Person Health & Rehabilitation Service Unit at the end of the corridor on Level 2, heading towards Tukapa St. The Hawera Hospital department is clearly signed from the entrance.

Where can I park?
For Taranaki Base Hospital the nearest car parking is by the maternity entrance. Otherwise, the main hospital car park may have more spaces available. Hawera Hospital has parking at the front of the building.

How long will my appointment be?
Your initial appointment for musculoskeletal outpatients, hand therapy and respiratory outpatient services is typically 40 minutes. Neurological rehabilitation, amputee, falls and elderly services are typically one hour.

Who do I contact about the orthopaedic review process?
Any enquiries about the orthopaedic review process should be directed to the Surgical Booking Office on 06 753 8645.

Feedback

If you have a suggestion to make, or a complaint, please let us know so that we can act on it.

You can make a suggestion or complaint by:

• Speaking to your therapist
• Leaving a note in our suggestion box in the waiting area. You are welcome to do this anonymously
• Contacting us directly via e-mail
• Contacting our customer services team

For further information on your rights you can visit the Health & Disability Commissioner website or contact our customer services team

Last updated: Thursday, January 5, 2012