Referral Expectations: Community Physiotherapy
Please note due to limitations on service capacity we are unable to accept patients where there is no indication of significant functional limitations or those whose referral does not provide adequate detail relating to the impact to function, activity and/or quality of life. If the appropriate information is not provided the referral may be declined or delayed in being processed.
A referral must include the following information:
- Falls: frequency/ when/ where
- Fear of falling: e.g. has avoided activities due to fear of losing balance
- Mobility: do they have a mobility aid and do they use it/ walking distance/ balance
- Functional strength: e.g. difficulty standing from toilet/chair.
Please note we are unable to provide assessment for walkers that are for outdoor use only, as this does not meet the Ministry of Health criteria and these would need to be privately purchased.
Please telephone the Referral Screener for all requests, information and advice:
Phone: (09) 486 8945 ext 43222 (8.00am - 4.30pm; Monday to Friday)
Email: OlderAdultsHomeHealth@Waitematadhb.govt.nz (for referrals)
Referrals accepted from:
- Self or, with the patient's permission, family/ whānau.
- GPs or other health professionals.
Referrals are not accepted for the following:
- People already receiving care from another service provider of the same or similar discipline.
- People whose physiotherapy needs can be appropriately met through Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā outpatient physiotherapy and are able to attend in-hospital outpatient clinic appointments if required.
- Patients who are eligible for ACC funded physiotherapy.
- Referrals for falls prevention - if over 75 years of age, should be referred to the in-home strength and balance programme.
- Referrals for assessment for lighter walkers or walkers for outdoor use only - this does not meet Ministry of Health funding criteria and will need to be privately funded.
- Children under the age of 16 years (except for those with acute respiratory conditions).
- Residents living in residential homes/care facilities who require ongoing treatment.
- Assessment of complex wheelchair and level two seating (should go directly to Mobility Solutions).
- Children with a disability who are over 16 years and still attend school (seen by Child Development Service).
Referral Expectations: In-Home Strength & Balance Prevention Programme
Patients need to have an identified fall risk/strength and balance issue (recent fall, difficulty getting out of a chair, or reduced activity due to fear of falling) and be too frail to attend a community group programme.
