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Understanding the Health System and How to Use it

As there been a number of changes to the Health System over recent years, many people do not realise the scope and function of the various health agencies.

The main point  is:

• The Ministry of Health is the Government Agency which provides funding for all of the Health Services

Inpatient & Outpatient Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services

As the title implies, these services are comprehensive, multi disciplinary services which make thorough assessments of disabled people, treat them and rehabilitate either back into the Community or into a residential facility (e.g. rest home or long stay hospital).

Specialists such as Speech Language Therapists etc. run clinics. Generally,Doctors and Health Professionals will arrange appointments for people to ensure comprehensive assessment and treatment.

Various services are provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Individuals are also assessed on a day patient basis or in the Community (e.g. in their homes, residential homes etc.).

A comprehensive range of services is provided, these may include Medical and Nursing staff, Psychotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. The team may also include a Clinical Psychologist, Speech Language Therapist, Dietitian or Pharmacist. One or two may visit and this could result in further assessment at your closest or regional Hospital.
In general, both inpatient and outpatient services are provided for older people who may have multiple and complicated age related health and support needs.

Referrals

REFERRALS can be made from many sources e.g. GP's, Health Professionals, acute wards or the person themselves.

Those referred will generally have some of the following conditions:

• Those unable to complete their normal activities of daily living
• People who are unsafe to go home but who would improve with more input from the Rehabilitation team
• Those who are medically unstable
• Patients who require complex home assessments or whose family members require skills and confidence to care for them
• People with poor mobility or low exercise tolerance

Outpatient Clinics

As disabled people can have multiple and complex needs, specific outpatient clinics are generally run at most regional hospitals.

Costs

There are no costs for any of these Services.

Inpatient Services

In addition to medical and nursing staff, the following health professionals provide specialised assistance:

• Physiotherapists - to access mobility, provide aids if necessary