Specialty - Neurology

Overview

Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with the nervous system, specifically the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. Neurologists perform neurological examinations of the nerves of the head and neck, muscle strength and movement, balance, ambulation and reflexes and sensation memory speech language and other cognitive abilities.

Patient Expectations

If your problem is not acute, your GP/Referrer will request an appointment in the outpatient clinic if they are concerned about your condition and feel that you require a specialist opinion. One of our Specialists will review the referral letter and assign a priority based on the information provided.

Very urgent cases are usually seen within a few weeks, but other cases may have to wait a longer time. However each month we receive more referrals than can be actually seen. Information regarding the waiting times can be obtained by selecting the link under “Waiting Times” below.

The specialist may organise an investigation/tests rather than arranging a clinic appointment so that further information can be obtained about your condition. This may result in either an appointment or a letter to your GP/Referrer with recommendations regarding your condition.

Further information can be obtained about the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand at www.neurological.org.nz or other Neurological organisations www.neurological.org.nz/html/links.php

Consultants

Dr Andrew Chancellor

Referral / First Specialist Assessment

A threshold for FSA referral acceptance has been set to assist with MOH waiting time compliance.

• The National Access Criteria for First Assessment (ACA) are available to view:
  Neurology ACA

Waiting Times

• Bay of Plenty Waiting times for First Specialist Assessment are available to view:
  Neurology FSA Waiting Times
  Please refer to our local Bay of Plenty Waiting times and not those that that may be quoted on the ACA tools.

Contact Details

Postal: Referral Receipt Centre, BOPDHB, Private Bag 12024, Tauranga 3142

Fax: 07 578 9571

Phone: 0800 333 477