Specialist
Community
Care
Whether you have recently received a diagnosis, are living with a disability, or have had or are having surgery, you can be confident that we have the medical expertise and support services to assist you every step of the way. We understand that this may be a difficult, uncertain and even frightening time in your life and that being able to return to the island after surgery or to remain in your home following on from a diagnosis, amongst your friends and whānau/family, is high on your list. Rest assured, we want that for you too, which is why since 1991 we have been helping people in our community with our wide range of services.
Home is where the heart is
Specialist Community Nursing
Our experienced team of specialist nurses brings high-quality healthcare directly to your home or through our daily clinics at 5 Belgium Street, Ostend.
We work closely with your doctor and other healthcare providers to ensure you receive seamless care after leaving hospital or day surgery, or to manage a long-term condition.
Our expert services include:
Wound care – Professional treatment and monitoring to promote proper healing of simple and complex wounds, ulcers and pressure injuries
IV therapy and Enteral feeding – Safe administration of intravenous medications and support for enteral feeding by our skilled nursing team
Bladder, Bowel, Stoma and catheter care – Comprehensive management and support for continence issues and supplies, services for people with a tracheostomy/gastrostomy.
End-of-life care – Compassionate, specialised nursing care for patients in their final stages of illness, delivered with dignity and compassion (see the Palliative Care section below for more information)
Our highly qualified nurses are committed to providing exceptional care that helps you recover and maintain your health while staying connected to your community, your friends and loved ones.
“It was 2019 when our world was turned upside down, with Cliff’s diagnosis of Corticobasal degeneration – a rare neurological degenerative disease. The Waiheke Health Trust played a pivotal role in the care of Cliff, and we used just about every medical and support service they provide. They are problem solvers and so proactive.”
Referral to our service must be from a medical practitioner, a practice nurse, or other health professional.
Home support
“I truly love the Waiheke Health Trust because despite our complex health conditions they have enabled us to live as a whānau, in our own home, on Waiheke. They care for all of us, they are an essential part of our whānau.”
We believe everyone deserves the chance to stay in the comfort of their own home, and our dedicated team is here to make that possible with personalised care and support.
Our support workers love living on this beautiful island. They are passionate about their mahi/work, bringing consistency, reliability, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in your daily life.
What we offer:
Household assistance – Help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and maintaining your home environment
Shopping and errands – Support with grocery shopping and other essential tasks on the island
Personal care – Respectful assistance with daily personal needs to help you maintain your independence and wellbeing
Who can access these services:
People with disabilities or ongoing health conditions, those with ACC claims requiring home support, islanders needing temporary help after a hospital stay, individuals receiving end-of-life care services
Our experienced team works with people of all ages, always focusing on helping you live comfortably and well supported in your own home. A needs assessment or referral is required to receive funded Home Support Services. We also accept private clients when we have capacity.
Call us on 09 372 8893
Referral to our service is via NASC (Needs Assessment and Coordination Services),
ACC, POAC or self-referral for privately
funded services.
You can request a NASC assessment while you are in hospital to get support in place for when you get home. Ask ward staff or phone the NASC Service on 0800 631 1234. Ward staff may refer via POAC if a NASC assessment cannot be arranged in time.
ACC services can be requested via Geneva Healthcare, who we contract to, by ward staff, your GP or other health professional. You can also contact ACC on 0800 101 996 if you have an accepted claim and tell them that Geneva Healthcare is your preferred provider as the referral will then come to Waiheke Health Trust.
For privately funded services, please contact us directly to discuss your needs and our fees.
Occupational therapy
“In addition to the weekly occupational therapy sessions following on from my stroke, Steph’s installed and organised equipment and gadgets throughout the house to make my daily life more manageable. She always arrived with a huge smile on her face, new exercises and therapy for me to try, encouraging and excited about what I have discovered, and she does it all with her lovely, gentle but enthusiastic, positive personality.”
Our highly skilled and qualified occupational therapists are here to help you live safely and independently in your own home, focusing on what matters most to you in your daily life.
How we can help:
Personal assessments – We evaluate your specific needs and create tailored solutions to help you manage daily activities safely
Rehabilitation, information and advice - to help you return to your essential daily activities, and to assist you and your support team safely manage your changing needs
Equipment and aids – Access to helpful devices and tools that make daily tasks easier and safer
Home access assessment and modifications – Expert advice and arrangements for changes to your home that improve your safety and independence
Short-term equipment loans – Essential equipment available for people returning home from hospital or those with injuries for while they recover
Specialist Medical Driving Assessments in collaboration with DVPA (Driver, Passenger and Vehicle Assessment) services and WaiDrive.
Our OTs will work with you to find practical solutions that help you continue doing the things you want and need to do, all while keeping you safe and comfortable at home.
We accept referrals directly from people who need our services, their whānau, health professionals, and other support providers. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
We provide ACC social rehab and assessment services via Geneva
Specialist Medical Driving Assessment referrals can be completed using this link: https://dpva.co.nz/contact/
Meals on Wheels
Did you know the Waiheke Health Trust coordinates the Meals on Wheels service on Waiheke Island?
Yes! We're here to support our community by bringing freshly prepared, nutritious meals directly to your door, so you can focus on your health and recovery without worrying about meal preparation. There is a part payment required for this service. Please refer to our fees page.
Nutritious midday meals prepared fresh every weekday by the dedicated team at the RSA
Home delivery – Friendly Red Cross volunteers bring your meal directly to your door with a warm smile
Flexible support – Available for short-term needs (like recovery from surgery or an accident) or ongoing assistance
Nutritional peace of mind – Ensuring you maintain proper nutrition when preparing meals becomes difficult due to age, illness, or disability
Simply ask your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider to refer you to this service based on your individual needs.
We accept referrals directly from people who need our services, their whānau, health professionals, and other support providers. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
Diet, kai/food and nutrition
Struggling with meals? You're not alone
– and help is available.
Eating well shouldn't be stressful or confusing. Our dietitian is here to make mealtimes easier for you. Whether you're dealing with health issues that affect what you can eat, or you just want to feel more confident with nutritious meals, we're here to help.
The best part? This service is completely free if you qualify, and it's right here on Waiheke.
We can help you with:
Stomach and digestion problems
Managing diabetes through food
Lowering high cholesterol
Learning how to eat well for your health
Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight
Overcoming eating difficulties
Eating well as you get older
Just ask your doctor or nurse if they can refer you to our dietitian. They'll know if this service is right for you.
We accept referrals directly from people who need our services, their whānau, health professionals, and other support providers. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
Podiatry and nail care
Keeping You Comfortable and Mobile
Your feet carry you through island life every day – they deserve some extra care! We understand that foot health becomes more important as we age or when managing health conditions, and we're here to help you stay comfortable and confident with two different options.
Our monthly podiatry clinic is designed for islanders with a chronic health condition or who have a disability and whose health could deteriorate due to a foot condition. A referral from your provider is required to see the podiatrist.
And let’s face it, sometimes the simple things become harder to manage on your own as you mature or your illness, condition or disability worsens and that's perfectly normal.
Our monthly toe nail cutting service is designed for our kaumatua/older community members, or due to an illness, condition or a disability you find it challenging to care for your toenails independently. We offer gentle, professional toenail care from a trained health care assistant. This isn't just about foot care – it's about maintaining your independence, comfort, and confidence and a helping hand with routine care. We're here to support you with kindness and respect, with no referral needed for toenail cutting.
Because everyone deserves to feel steady on their feet.
We accept referrals directly from primary podiatry services, general practice, secondary diabetes services,
Māori / Pacific peoples’ health care workers, community health nurses or other services. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
Social worker
Life's challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. Our experienced social worker is here to provide compassionate support and practical help when you're dealing with additional health, disability, or social difficulties including; relationships, family situations or feeling disconnected to your community.
How can we help?
Our approach is that we believe in working with you, not for you. Our social worker takes time to understand your unique situation and builds on what you're already doing well, supporting you to create positive changes at your own pace.
Personal support and counseling – Professional guidance that recognises your strengths and helps you make positive choices for your future
Service coordination and hospital discharge planning – Help navigate and organise multiple healthcare and support services so you get the care you need
Access to resources and benefits – Assistance understanding and applying for financial support, community resources, and other services available to you
Transport assistance – Assessments for subsidised taxi fares through the Total Mobility Scheme to help you get around the island
You have strengths and capabilities – we're here to help you recognise and use them while providing the additional support you need.
Call us on 09 372 8893
Speech language therapy
Our visiting speech language therapist provides specialised support for community members whose communication or swallowing has been affected by disability or health conditions. Our experienced therapist works with you to help maintain your independence and quality of life by offering:
Communication support – Professional help with speech, language, and communication challenges
Swallowing assistance – Expert care for difficulties with eating and drinking safely
Monthly visits – Regular, personalised sessions tailored to your specific needs
This service is available for people who have a health condition or disability who may have word finding difficulties, have problems making themselves understood, or have experienced voice changes. We also see people who have challenges swallowing, who may cough or choke while eating, or have food texture avoidance. Our therapist is also able to work with people who have issues with saliva control and/or who have recurrent chest infections that may be associated with aspirating liquids.
We accept referrals directly from people who need our services, their whānau, health professionals, and other support providers. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
Physiotherapy
Through our trusted partnership with Waiheke Physio, we provide funded physiotherapy services to help you recover and regain your strength and mobility. A referral from your doctor or healthcare provider, particularly if you're receiving disability or older adult health services, or have recently returned home from hospital is required and then you have access to quality, funded physiotherapy care right here on the island, helping you maintain your independence and improve your quality of life. Including:
Post-surgery recovery – Specialised rehabilitation to help you heal and return to your daily activities
Medical condition and disability support – Expert care for mobility and movement challenges related to health conditions or disabilities
Professional treatment – Access to experienced physiotherapists who understand your specific needs
We are able to visit people who have a long-term disability, age related, or health condition, or who need a review in their home environment following hospital admission.
We accept referrals directly from people who need our services, their whānau, health professionals, and other support providers. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
Palliative Care Services
“What stands out for me was how the Waiheke Health Trust staff, especially district nurses Catriona Foster and Ellen Sumpter, gave me the confidence to care for Frances at home. They listened to what Frances and I wanted, taught me how to handle most situations, and were always there whenever we encountered any difficulty.”
We understand that facing a life-limiting illness can be an overwhelming time for you and your loved ones. We are here to help and support you at this difficult time. Our palliative care team is highly qualified and has immense experience between them.
We have a strong relationship with Hospice NZ. In fact, it is our community nurses that are responsible for all of the palliative care nursing on Waiheke Island - that’s how amazing they are and they are here to provide you and your whānau/family with compassionate, professional support tailored just for you.
Our services include:
Managing your comfort and support levels – We help control symptoms, pain management and offer emotional wellbeing support, so you can focus on living every moment
Expert nursing care – Professional palliative care delivered by highly experienced and specifically trained nurses in pain management, ensuring dignity and compassion for you and your whānau/family
Home-based care: Did you know that more people die supported in their homes on Waiheke than any other place in Aotearoa, per head of population? This speaks volumes about the quality of care we offer and our commitment to supporting people in where they want to die. Outside of medical support we can assist with additional support in the home such as cleaning, selfcare and food shopping. Talk to us about your concerns so we can work out an approach that is best for you
Coordinated care – We stay in close contact and communicate with all your healthcare providers, to make sure everyone is mahi tahi/working together for your care
How to access our services: Your family doctor or hospital team can refer you to our specialist palliative care services but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 09 372 8893.
We accept referrals directly from people who need our services, their whānau, health professionals, and other support providers. Fill in a referral form or call to discuss your needs.
Equipment purchase and hire
We have partnered with ILS (Independent Living Services) and Seal Sure to provide cost effective equipment and aids for sale here on the island. Visit us at 5 Belgium Street to see our range:
Kitchen aids such as openers, turners and large grip utensils
Bathroom aids including grab rails, non-slip matting, long handled sponges and foot care
Daily living aids such as long handled reachers, magnifiers, dressing aids and bed protectors
Mobility aids such as walking sticks and crutch replacement stoppers
We also sell Seal Sure Waterproof products which protect wounds, dressings and casts while showering. Our range includes:
Children’s leg and arm protectors
Adult short, long and wide full leg, full arm and half leg and arm protectors
We hire out basic wheelchairs to assist people to get to appointments or to get around while they are visiting the island. We also hire out basic equipment to people who are visiting the island. Our range includes
Basic wheelchairs - Self-propelled, attendant propelled and lightweight
Disability equipment - Shower and toilet aids, bedside commodes and raised chairs
Call us on 09 372 8893
Community clinics
“We are so lucky at the retirement village because Erica Wright and Ani Crespo from the Waiheke Health Trust’s Ostend Medical Centre come here. I honestly don’t mind driving up to them in Ostend, it’s no bother but they come here, with their smiling faces – now that’s service! I love them – Erica is what I call “first-class”
We love getting out and amongst our community because this is often where the magic happens and real differences are seen. Providing accessible, quality healthcare close to home can be the difference in accessing care as soon as possible, ensuring prevention is top of mind.
That's why our much loved nurse practitioner, Erica Wright runs monthly community clinics specifically for residents at Waiheke Retirement Village and also for Waiheke Island Supported Housing Trust. It’s some of the work she is most proud of in her thirty odd years dedicated to improving people’s health.
Our community clinics offer:
Comprehensive health consultations – Thorough health assessments and check-ups in a familiar, comfortable setting
Immunisations – Up-to-date vaccinations to keep you healthy and protected
Medication management – Expert review and guidance on your medications to ensure they're working effectively
Specialist referrals – Coordination with other healthcare providers when you need specialised care
Chronic condition care – Ongoing support and management for long-term health conditions
By bringing primary care directly into your community, we make it easier for you to maintain your health and wellbeing without the stress of traveling to appointments. You deserve healthcare that comes to you, so if you are part of a community group that might need support in this area, let’s kōrero/talk.
Call us on 09 372 5005