Occupational therapy – Nelson Marlborough

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.

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Contact us

Nelson and Motueka

Nelson Hospital
Occupational Therapy, Level 5
Nelson Hospital
Tipahi Street
Nelson 7010
Phone: 03 546 1801

Blenheim

Wairau Hospital
Occupational Therapy, Allied Health
Wairau Hospital
Hospital Road
Blenheim 7201
Phone: 03 520 9927 option 1

Golden Bay

Golden Bay Community Health Centre
Occupational Therapy
10 Central Tākaka Road
Tākaka 7183
Phone: 03 525 8915

Services we provide

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).

Services may include

  • Assessment of daily living skills, including showering, dressing, wheelchair or seating use and moving around the home.
  • Assessments of how a person thinks and processes information and ways of improving their abilities to complete tasks.
  • Rehabilitation programmes to enhance independence at home and in the community.
  • Identifying the need for equipment. A therapist will suggest the most appropriate equipment. They can apply for equipment for those who are eligible for funding through Enable New Zealand for equipment, wheelchairs or seating, and housing modifications.
  • Assessment and treatment for burns and scar management.
  • Lymphoedema management at Wairau Hospital.

Burns and scar management outpatient service

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.

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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:

  • wounds that have become infected or have prolonged healing
  • age and general wellbeing
  • the depth, size and location of the wound
  • ethnicity or a family history of raised scarring — hypertrophic scars are more common in darker-skinned people or if there is a family history.

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:

  • minimise scarring
  • prevent contracture development
  • achieve optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes acceptable to the client
  • maximise functional independence.

Treatment for hypertrophic scarring usually takes 12 to 18 months or until the scars have matured — they have become pale, soft, smooth and flat.

  • Promotes early scar management intervention.
  • Prescribes custom-made and ready-to-wear compression garments.
  • Uses contact media such as silicone sheeting.
  • Gives advice on scar management and education to the person and their whānau or carer.
  • Facilitates psychological support.
  • Collaborates with and refers to district nurses regarding wound care and a hand therapist for positioning and splinting to maintain optimal joint range of movement and prevention of contractures.
  • Consults with the visiting plastic surgeon and multi-disciplinary team at our regional reconstructive and plastic surgery unit at Hutt Hospital.

Referral information

People are referred to occupational therapy services if they:

  • have worsened functional ability due to hospital admission or a recent event
  • demonstrate cognitive impairment that affects their ability to function or be safe at home
  • live alone with limited social support
  • require environmental checks or home visits to assess safety
  • require equipment on discharge, needing long term funding.

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

Inpatient occupational therapy services accept referrals from the medical team and complete assessments for inpatients of all ages.

Adult community services

Adult community services accept referrals for adults aged 16 years and over that reside in the Nelson Marlborough region.

Community services

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

Outpatient services accept referrals for assessment and treatment for burns and scar management for all ages.