Field Officers

Recognising the needs of people throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty community, the Disabilities Resource Centre Trust co-ordinates a number of Field Officers. These Field Officers provide specialist services to people with specific disabilities or injuries.

Brain Injury Liaison Officer

Key role of the Brain Injury Liaison Officer is to provide information and support to people who have had brain injuries. They will visit the family/whanau and employers to talk through the after-effects of a brain injury on the person involved. The Officer can also assist the person with the brain injury to investigate other appropriate professional help and services that may be required through ACC and other health providers. Mostly, the Officer becomes involved with the person with the brain injury after they have completed an initial rehabilitation programme. (Hamilton is the nearest brain injury rehabilitation provider for the Eastern Bay of Plenty). Once home, the person with the brain injury may require assistance to integrate back into the community and this is where the Liaison Officer can offer valuable assistance.

People can contact the Brain Injury Liaison Officer directly through the Disabilities Resource Centre Trust as a ‘self referral’, or through their General Practitioner (GP), the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) or via social workers at the Whakatane Hospital.

Post-Polio Field Officer

The Post-Polio Field Officer also makes home visits to meet with the person and their family and/or caregivers. The Field Officer will assist people with ways to manage the physical and emotional challenges that are now happening due to earlier exposure to polio.
There is a Post-Polio Support Group that meets once a month.  


Respiratory Field Officer for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)


This Field Officer provides support and advice to people with chronic asthma and respiratory problems. They will stay in touch with clients and families and conduct regular visits.  A COPD Support Group meets once a month.
 

Stroke Field Officer


The Stroke Field Officer provides support and advice to people who have experienced a stroke. They will monitor clients’ progress and discuss the on-going effects of a stroke and likely rehabilitation process with family. The Stroke Field Officer is in the area every fortnight.  There is also a local Stroke Club that meets once a month.