Child development services in Whanganui
Therapy services work within the inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Services include child development, dietitics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work and speech language.
Where to find us
- Building E Te Whare Kākāriki
- 100 Heads Road
- Whanganui
Whanganui Hospital map
Services we provide
We provide services for tamariki with physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities. Appointments can be in the clinic, at home or in community settings.
The Child development service helps tamariki with conditions including:
- neurological conditions, for example cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia
- developmental delay
- intellectual disability
- motor skill delay
- autism spectrum disorder.
Our team includes an:
- occupational therapist
- physiotherapist
- neurodevelopmental therapist (visiting)
- autism spectrum disorder coordinator
- social worker
- speech-language therapist
- child psychologist
- dietitian.
Referral information
The Child development service accepts referrals from:
- health services
- education services
- community agencies.
Whānau and caregivers can also refer their tamaiti to our service.
All referrals must be written with the consent and knowledge of the parent or caregiver.
Referrals must be in writing and contain as much information as possible about the developmental concerns and the input required from our service. It is very helpful if you can provide a report or any additional information.
Speech-language therapy services
Phone: 06 348 3465 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Speech-language therapy involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of speech, language, and swallowing problems.
Our speech language therapists provide:
- assessment and identification of problems
- direct therapy and development of treatment goals
- information, advice and support to clients, carers, family and whanau
- multi-disciplinary casework management with other clinical staff
- liaison with community organisations.
Referrals for this service can be made by your main health provider or another health professional involved in your care.
Occupational therapy services
Phone: 06 348 1286 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Our occupational therapists and assistants work with people of all ages who are experiencing practical problems associated with living with physical or mental illness, injury or disability.
We provide occupational therapy services to adult inpatients with:
- arthritis
- stroke
- multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
- patients who have recently had orthopaedic or other surgical procedures.
Referrals for this service can be made by your main health provider or another health professional involved in your care.
Clinical dietician services
Phone: 06 348 3310 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
We have a small team of clinical dietitians who work with people in our community from paediatrics through to the elderly.
Our dietitian services include:
- malnutrition
- oncology
- IBD/IBS and low FODMAP diet
- diabetes across the lifespan
- enteral nutrition
- disordered eating
- paediatrics
- weight management and other long term chronic health conditions, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure
- gut and intestinal health.
Referrals for this service can be made by your main health provider or another health professional involved in your care.
Physiotherapy services
Phone: 06 348 1286 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Fax: 06 348 1285
Our Physiotherapy services include:
- physical skill assessments for children aged 2 to 16
- primary care following injury
- hand therapy services
- community services
- specialist groups including cardiac rehabilitation and Parkinson's
- women’s health
- lymphoedema care
- antenatal therapy and education
- hydrotherapy
- cardio-respiratory care
- persistent pain management.
Referrals for this service can be made by your main health provider or another health professional involved in your care.
Social work services
Email: referral.centre@wdhb.org.nz
Our social work team work with you and your whānau as an inpatient, or in your home, to assess your health and disability needs, and support you to reach your goals.
Our social work services include:
Referrals for this service can be made by you, or your whānau, your health providers and community agencies with your consent.