Media Release
Date: Monday 14 January 2013
Start Service Takes Patient From Shaky To Strong
Kevin Lichtwark experienced problems with his balance after undergoing coronary surgery and it left him feeling “incompetent and very down”.
Two months later, thanks to persistent support from Waikato DHB’s START team, the 77-year-old Hamilton man’s physical and emotional stability have improved “out of sight”.
START stands for Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team and is a multidisciplinary group with expertise in rehabilitation. The team works with patients and their families in the patient’s own home to set rehabilitation goals and help patients to reach those goals.
In Kevin’s case, members of the START team assisted him almost every day twice a day for five weeks until his balance and confidence were restored. Kevin was so impressed with the service he hand-wrote his gratitude to START staff.
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About Waikato District Health Board and Health
Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 373,220 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6450 people.
Health Waikato is the DHB’s main provider of hospital and health services. It has six groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.
ENDS