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WAIRARAPA HOSPITAL
0800 946 9800
(06) 946 9800

What is FOCUS?

FOCUS is the Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination (NASC) agency for the Wairarapa region and is a service of Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand.

FOCUS has two main functions.

  • Provides a single point of entry for referrals to long-term disability support services including residential care, palliative care support including Kahukura clinical specialist care and the Health Recovery Programme.
  • Provides Needs Assessment and arranges support services for people with long-term disabilities to support them to be as independent as possible.

What is a disability?

In relation to FOCUS services, a disability is an impairment which can make routine tasks more difficult or impossible.

Impairments may be physical, intellectual, sensory, neurological, age-related or psychiatric and can result from a wide range of causes.

A long-term impairment is one which lasts longer than six months.Many long-term impairments are lifelong.

How do I get help from FOCUS?

Anyone can refer to FOCUS, however, we do require the consent of the person being referred.You may give consent for another person to refer on your behalf.

You do not have to go through your GP practice, although this is recommended as your GP knows a lot about your impairments and medical history.

If you would like help regarding making a referral, please contact us.

To be eligible, you need to be a New Zealand Citizen or have New Zealand Residency.

Office hours and contacts:

Level 2, 49-51 Lincoln Road

Masterton

Open: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday

Out of hours, please leave a phone message for the next working day, or follow recorded instructions if you have an urgent need due to changes in your current support arrangement.

Free phone: 0800 900 001

Phone: 06 946 9813

Postal address: P O Box 96, Masterton 5840

Email: focus@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz

What happens when FOCUS receives a referral?

FOCUS will review the information provided and decide on the appropriate service or outcome to address the referral.

FOCUS will contact you or your referrer to advise of the outcome of your referral.

What does the Needs Assessment involve?

A Needs Assessment looks at what you can do, your goals and what you have difficulty with eg. mobility, memory, self-cares and safety around your home.

If a Needs Assessment is required, FOCUS will contact you to make an appointment.The assessment can be completed in your home or another place of your choosing.You are welcome to have a support person with you during your assessment.

What happens after the assessment?

FOCUS will assist you to identify solutions to maximise your independence and achieve your goals.

Some of the solutions identified may include funded support for some activities and tasks where informal and natural supports are unavailable.If you have a carer, then the carer’s needs will also be considered.

The aim of support is to optimise your independence and ability to remain living in your own home.

Information that may be helpful

Live Stronger for Longer Prevent falls and fractures. Includes practical tips for maintaining your independence, including a home safety checklist. Published by ACC, June 2017.

Assistance for Palliative Care clients and families

FOCUS referral form

FOCUS complaint process

Health and Disability Code of Rights