Referring Older People

Consider the following points before referring older people to Primary options:

•   Frail older people with multiple medical problems, who present with   an acute
     condition, unless the diagnosis is very clear, should be   referred for hospital
     assessment to the Home and Older Adults   Service.
•   If referring to Primary Options services, there should be a clear  expectation of 
     recovery within 3 days, with the referring GP visiting   the patient at least daily.
•   If there are already support services in place these patients may need
     assessment for a greater level of care by the Waitemata Home and Older Adults’ 
     Service.

There is a Geriatrician and Registrar on call for patient management advice, 24 hours.  Registrars take the calls first unless you ask for the consultant.

 North Shore: Phone 486 1491
 8:00 am to 4:00 pm: ask for pager 1853
 4:00 pm to 8:00 am: ask for pager 1919

Waitakere: Phone 839 0000

If the patient has NOT had contact with Home and Older Adults’ Service before:

Contact the Referral Screener Telephone 486 8945 ext. 3222 between 8am and 4.30 pm, Monday-Friday.  The referral will then be directed to the correct health professional or locality base for clinical intervention.  The Referrals Screener also can answer general enquiries and will contact the relevant staff member if treatment is required.

If the patient has been assessed or requires a needs assessment service:

Contact the Needs Assessment Service Coordinator (NASC)
 
North Shore: Ph 442 7171 extn 3217             8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, or

Waitakere:     Ph 839 0000 extn 6320/6332  8:15 am to 4:15 pm, Monday-Friday.
  

Further referral information to the Home and Older Adults’ Service is available in:

The Services Directory for Residents of Waitemata District Health Board Catchment.

Waitemata DHB Home and Older Adults Service – How To Get The Best Out Of Home And Older Adults Service 1999.
 

Click to download the Clinical Responsibility Form