Planned NZNO nurses' strikes: 2 and 4 September 2025
NZNO nurses, healthcare assistants and some midwives plan to strike from 7am to 11pm on Tuesday 2 September and 7am to 11pm on Thursday 4 September. Patient safety is our priority and our hospitals will remain open. Continue to attend all appointments unless we have contacted you directly to reschedule.
If you have a fall or need help recovering from a major event like a stroke, rehabilitation services can help you get well faster. Rehabilitation is about assessing your needs and setting goals to get you back on your feet.
If you have been admitted to Wairarapa Hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation ward you will be cared for by a team of:
doctors
nurses and nurse specialists
occupational therapists
social workers
dietitians
speech-language therapists
Māori health support workers.
The team is on duty 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Outpatients
An older persons (geriatrics) clinic is available in the community where you can be seen at home.
Visits are on Thursday afternoons, except for the first Thursday of the month.
Health recovery
Health recovery is an option for non-ACC patients who have been approved for a 3 to 7 day convalescent stay in a residential home. Approval requires a needs assessment coordinated by FOCUS.
The health recovery service is for patients who need a bit more time to recover before going home.
Stroke recovery
After a stroke, a team called Allied Health will help you on the road to recovery. The team of specialists includes:
physiotherapists
dietitians
occupational therapists
social workers
speech-language therapists.
The allied health team will assess all aspects of your health, from swallowing and managing foods and fluids, through to physiotherapy to recover mobility (walking).
Occupational therapists will assess you cognitively (mentally) and physically.They will check your home to see if you need mobility access, like ramps and handrails.
Community Stroke Navigators from Stroke Foundation NZ can support and advise stroke patients and their families.
Once you have left (been discharged from) hospital and are back in your community, you may need some extra equipment for a time:
standing frames
crutches
tilt tables
shower commodes
therapy equipment to help you reach objects.
Assessing your needs at home
To help you remain independent at home, occupational therapists and physiotherapists can test your mobility and function and find out what you need.
Aids like shower stools and adaptive kitchen equipment can help you keep safe at home.
Preventing falls
Part of your recovery is preventing future falls. Each year about 1 out of 3 New Zealanders over 65 will fall. Many of these falls result in broken bones.
You can reduce this risk and look after yourself by:
Your healthcare provider can refer you to an occupational therapist to examine your handling skills, coordination, perception and motor skills. A driving assessment takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Recommendations are sent to your healthcare provider.
Transport
You may need help getting around after a significant medical event.
Transport services are available including:
Red Cross (Wairarapa) van service to and from Wairarapa Hospital, and between hospitals in the region — phone 06 377 3586external link for enquiries and bookings