Field Officers
Recognising the needs of people throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty community, the Disabilities Resource Centre Trust co-ordinates a number of Liaison Officers. These Liaison 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 Liaison Officer
The Post-Polio Field Officer makes home visits to meet with the client and their family and/or caregivers. The Liaison Officer will assist people with ways to manage the physical and emotional challenges that are now happening due to earlier exposure to polio. A Post-Polio Support Group meets in Whakatane and surrounds once a month.
ME/CFS Liaison Officer
The ME/CFS support service offers monthly support group meetings, regular client contact and home visits to offer support, information and education on Myalgic Encephalopathy and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
COPD Liaison 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. COPD Support Groups meets once a month in Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau.