Referrals give care facility a lifeline

STAYING OPEN: Noel Hamilton House, Greytown. PHOTO/FILE

Wairarapa's only care facility for people suffering from neurological diseases is staying open thanks to two new referrals, says NZCare Disability.

The Noel Hamilton House was set to close due to a drop in resident numbers but it has now been confirmed that it will be staying open.

NZCare Disability general manager Vicki Stewart said they had received two referrals, which meant Noel Hamilton House could continue to provide its services.

She said they had also been approached by families requesting additional respite for their family members.

"We very much appreciated the overwhelming community support, particularly from the individuals and families who are past or present recipients of the service at Noel Hamilton House.

"We welcomed working with the Ministry of Health and Focus who collectively assisted us in our endeavours to keep the service open."

Ms Stewart said future sustainability was always an issue for providers of disability services.

"We hope that this situation will not reoccur." She said Noel Hamilton House was an integral part of the Greytown community and a quality option for people with disabilities and their families.

NZCare Disability was "committed to providing support and services to people with disabilities in the Wairarapa community".

"We need the support of our funders, MOH and Focus, to ensure that people requiring this type of service are aware of its existence and are given the opportunity to choose Noel Hamilton House, if it meets their needs.

"We see our role as one of partnership with our funders and the community to promote the service and provide flexible support that meet people's needs in an ongoing way."