Health services pulse

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 389, 4 June 1991, Page 12

Health services pulse

BY

DENIS

DWYER,

MWAHB. The New Zealand Disabilities Resource Centre in Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North, is providing services on a nationwide basis for people with disabilities. The centre is run under the auspices of the Manawatu- Wanganui area Health board, but it is semi-autonomous because it reports to a policy board which has representatives both of the area health board and other organisations. The Manager of the Centre is Paul Curry. Paul sees his responsibility as co-co-ordinat-ing activities. "I must make sure the resources are there to do the work and that products are delivered on time," he says. TheJSfew Zealand Disabilities Re-

source centre is concerned more with research and development than with manufacture. It is a place of initiatives, information,' evaluation and advice. In brief, the role of the Centre is to be a national resource of information and innovation concerning the equipment, lifestyle, mobility and other needs of people with disabilities. There are 27 staff who are selected for projects on a small team basis, with their particular expertise being used. There are many links to and from the centrewith people with disabilities, medical and other health professionals, engineers, architects, voluntary and statutory agencies, support persons, and to people working in the field of

services to people with disabilities. The NZDRC is currently establishing mechanisms to identify client needs concerning services and products. This includes establishing appropriate feedback mechanisms from local service providers, information systems and those who prescribe or assess the equipment needs of people with disabilities. The staff are highly motivated to produce a quality service, and have the expertise to meet the clients' needs superbly well. From 4-6 June there will be New Zealand Disabilities Expo held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North. There has been great interest expressed in this throughout the region. It will be well worth a visit by everyone.