Physio leaders in DHBs hot on quality

MEDIA RELEASE

1 November 2013

Physio leaders in DHBs hot on quality

Physio leaders from DHBs around New Zealand are examining how physiotherapy initiatives contribute to quality health care in DHBs, at their “Hot on Quality” conference in Rotorua on 6-8 November.

Initiatives to be discussed include: how physio-led work is producing best results for patients recovering from hip and knee replacements in Taranaki; access to physio for Māori patients in the Te Tai Tokerau (Northland); and the role of allied health rehabilitation coordinators in Hutt Valley.

“Physios are integral to the team of health professionals in DHBs,” says Kristine Nicol, Chair of the DHB Leaders Special Interest Group within Physiotherapy New Zealand. “Physios have a daily influence on care of patients, how long they take to recover, when they can leave hospital, and where they can safely go afterwards.”

Ms Nicol points out the public perception that hospitals are staffed by doctors and nurses. “In truth,” she says, “physiotherapists and other allied health professionals are essential to DHB services for patients in hospital, outpatients, and those in the community.”

DHB Leaders

The DHB Leaders group is a special interest group within Physiotherapy New Zealand, which is a national membership organisation providing advocacy, information and services to more than 3,000 physiotherapists in New Zealand. www.physiotherapy.org.nz

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