Planned ASMS senior doctors' strike — Thursday 1 May, 24 hours
Patient safety is our priority. Our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. Continue to attend all appointments on the day of the strike unless we have contacted you to reschedule.
Occupational therapists work with people who have limited ability to do everyday activities. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough occupational therapy services help people with disabilities in both hospital and in the community.
Nelson Hospital
Occupational Therapy, Level 5
Nelson Hospital
Tipahi Street
Nelson 7010
Phone: 03 546 1801
Wairau Hospital
Occupational Therapy, Allied Health
Wairau Hospital
Hospital Road
Blenheim 7201
Phone: 03 520 9927 option 1
Golden Bay Community Health Centre
Occupational Therapy
10 Central Tākaka Road
Tākaka 7183
Phone: 03 525 8915
Therapists work with the person and their whānau to improve their abilities by learning or practicing skills, or by adapting their environment. This might be providing advice on equipment or recommending housing alterations.
In Nelson Marlborough, occupational therapists help people with disabilities in a wide range of hospital and community settings.
Occupational therapists working within Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora are registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and comply with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA).
The burns and scar management outpatient service is based at the occupational therapy department of Nelson Hospital and is available to people of all ages.
Care is provided by an occupational therapist who has specialised in the assessment and treatment of burns, injuries, surgery and diseases that have the potential to cause scarring.
Scar management assessment and treatment can be funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) if caused by an accident. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora funds non-accidental scarring for those with public health services eligibility. Referrals are accepted from healthcare providers through the Nelson Marlborough region.
Scarring is a normal healing process, however sometimes the scar can become red, raised and thickened (hypertrophic). Hypertrophic scars usually develop 6 to 8 weeks after skin closure has been achieved.
Wounds caused by burns or skin grafting, trauma, surgery or disease that take more than 2 to 3 weeks to heal, can become hypertrophic and would then benefit from scar management.
The scar may also be itchy, tender or painful. If it is over a joint it may prevent full movement if the scarring contracts and tightens.
Factors that can influence the likelihood of hypertrophic scars include:
The burns and scar management therapist will assess scars or the potential for scarring that could occur from the injury or condition.
A therapeutic plan is evaluated and discussed with the person. The aims of treatment are to:
Treatment for hypertrophic scarring usually takes 12 to 18 months or until the scars have matured — they have become pale, soft, smooth and flat.
People are referred to occupational therapy services if they:
Referrals to the occupational therapy department can be made by healthcare providers, needs assessment co-ordination services, whānau or a self-referral.
Phone: 0800 543 222
Fax: 0800 345 000
Inpatient occupational therapy services accept referrals from the medical team and complete assessments for inpatients of all ages.
Adult community services accept referrals for adults aged 16 years and over that reside in the Nelson Marlborough region.
Community services for those under 16 can be referred for a short-term need for our services – such as following an accident, or surgery.
Outpatient services accept referrals for assessment and treatment for burns and scar management for all ages.