Child development services — Otago and Southland Ratoka Whakapuāwai Tamaiti Murihiku

Child development services are available 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Contact Child development services by:

• phone 03 218 1949 extension 48866 — main hospital line
• freephone 0800 524 524 extension 48866 — leave message if there is no answer
• email childdevelopmentsth@southerndhb.govt.nz

Street address

Southland Hospital
Gate 3 Kew Road
Invercargill

Postal address

Child Development Service / Ratoka Whakapuāwai Tamaiti
PO Box 828
Invercargill 9840
New Zealand

Child development services Southland Hospital map

We see tamariki from birth up to 16 years old, with a focus on those under 5 years old. Some of the conditions we work with include:

• autism spectrum disorder
• cerebral palsy
• developmental delay
• down's syndrome
• global developmental delay
• neuromuscular disorders and syndromes with developmental delays.

When we first meet with you, we will talk about your whānau and what challenges your tamaiti is having. This helps us understand you and the goals you have for your tamaiti so that we can work together to decide on the best way to work towards those goals. This might mean you help to deliver therapy alongside us, which gives your tamaiti the best possible start to meeting those goals.

Depending on the needs of your tamaiti, they may be seen by one or more of the team members. We also work with other professionals such as paediatricians, orthopaedics and the Ministry of Education.

Our services offer:

• developmental assessment including a written report.
• specialised programmes with specific goal-directed activities to improve identified areas of difficulty, such as gross and fine motor skills, play skills and self-care
• therapy sessions
• regular reviews to assist ongoing goal setting that are appropriate for your tamaiti
• hydrotherapy sessions in our heated pool
• language engagement for under 3-year-olds
• feeding and swallowing clinic
• home equipment assessment, such as modified bathing or car seats
• wheelchair and seating assessments
• assessment for housing modifications
• social work support
• linking you to appropriate community services
• advocacy and interpreters as required.

Raising a tamaiti with developmental differences has its own unique challenges. We are here to be your partner and to support you and your taimaiti on your journey. Whenever possible we work alongside you:

• at your home
• in community settings such as early childhood centres and pre-schools
• at the hospital-based clinic.

Our values

• Whanaungatanga — building relationships through cultural respect, connections and working in partnership with tamariki and their whānau to provide truly person-centred care.
• Skilled professionals working in a fun and caring way.
• Manaakitanga — learning from, supporting and empowering our whānau.
• Promoting participation.
• Advocating for tamariki and their whānau.

Child development service referrals

A referral from your main healthcare provider is the best way to access our service. We also accept referrals from:

• other healthcare professionals involved in the care of your tamaiti
• education services
• community agencies
• the child and whānau (by email).

The referral must be in writing and have the consent and knowledge of the parent or caregiver of the tamaiti. Include as much information as possible about the developmental concerns and input required. It is helpful if a report or any additional information is provided.

Newborn screening programme referrals

Pēpi are referred by the neonatal team before leaving the unit they were born at. Pēpi who meet this criteria will be assessed at set times from birth up to 24 months of age. Developmental support is offered if the assessment shows it is needed.

Funding

We are funded by Ministry of Disabled People | Whaikaha to provide services according to specific entry criteria, so we accept all referrals that meet these criteria.

We are not funded for:

• concerns or needs which are school based — refer to the Ministry of Education
• concerns or needs that are related to an acute medical or surgical need
• ACC Accident Compensation Corporation claims — refer to ACC
• carrying out programmes recommended by private services and therapists 
• dyslexia
• mental health services covering areas such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• ADD (attention deficit disorder).

Discharge information

A tamaiti will be discharged from our services for one or more of the following reasons:

• their needs and goals have been met
• whānau are putting strategies into place and there on no further goals or interventions identified
• the tamaiti is no longer benefiting from therapy
• the tamaiti or whānau do not attend appointments
• the whānau want to take a break from therapy interventions.