Physiotherapy

The physiotherapy team includes both hospital and community based therapists. Physiotherapists assess, diagnose, treat, report and advise on how patients can maximise physical function and independence.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists help people get back movement and function, particularly when affected by injuries, aging, disabilities and disease.

This is done through assessment, diagnosis, planning,  and treatment in a variety of settings, along with education and advice about healthy lifestyle and  how to limit injury.

At Te Whatu Ora, our physiotherapists work with patients and their whānau to set treatment goals. Patients are encouraged to take part in planning treatment and being active throughout the process. 

The inpatient, outpatient clinic and community physiotherapy teams work Monday to Friday between 8am and 4.30pm with a limited weekend service available.

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy will be beneficial for you, talk to your GP.

After your referral has been sent to the department, it will be prioritised by a senior physiotherapist of the appropriate speciality.

The department  will be in contact with you once we can offer an appointment. This will be be by phone or letter.

Be aware that there will be a wait time of some weeks between the triage and when the therapist contacts you, if the referral is classed as  non-urgent. Thank you for your patience.


Pool times

There is a hydrotherapy pool in the clinic that can be used by patients receiving active physiotherapy treatment.  The pool is heated and there is  both step and hoist access.

Pool class for pregnant mothers is 11.30am on Tuesdays.

There are also paying pool times when the Physiotherapy Assistant supervises the area but users need to have an exercise programme set up beforehand by a physiotherapist.

Consideration can be given to formal group hire, for example Arthritis New Zealand.

You can contact the physiotherapy team leader to discuss, phone 878 8109 extension 2532


Gym classes

The gym is free to patients on active physiotherapy treatment

Gym also has paying group times when a physiotherapy assistant supervises the gym for safety but users need to have an exercise programme.


Getting here: Where is the outpatient physiotherapy department?

The physiotherapy outpatient department is in the Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital site in Hastings. If you need assistance finding us, please don't hesitate to call us on 06 8788 109 extension 2527 or 2717.

  1. Enter through Gate 9 on McLeod Street (not via hospital main entrance, Omahu Road).
  2. Make a left turn after you pass the Diabetes/Endocrine Clinic (white villa).
  3. The physiotherapy building is at the back of the carpark. It is marked with a purple sign outside the main doors.

The physiotherapy outpatient department moved in late 2021. We are no longer off Orchard Road (Gate 6). Entry to the new building is now through Gate 9 on McLeod Street.

The physiotherapy outpatient department cannot be reached from the hospital main entrance (off Omahu Road). You can walk to the physiotherapy building by following the dotted line on the map above.