Specialty - Neurology

Overview

Your GP will refer you to see a neurologist if they think you have a problem that involves the nervous system and that needs specialist help in diagnosing or treating that condition. Your GP will request an appointment in the outpatient clinic. Neurology is a regional service with all referrals being graded at Tauranga Hospital by a Neurologist before appointing to clinics at either Tauranga or Whakatane Hospital. The Department reviews the referral letters to determine who should be seen first, based on the information provided by the GP. Very urgent cases are usually seen within a couple of weeks, but other cases may have to wait a much longer period. Routine cases are often returned to the GP.

Before coming to clinic you may be asked to undergo some tests or these tests will be arranged after your appointment with the neurologist.

The specialist will discuss with you the possible diagnosis and what further tests or treatments are recommended. They will correspond with your GP about your diagnosis, results of tests and a treatment plan. You may have ongoing follow-up in our clinic or be discharged back to the care of your GP.

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
• 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.

Notes

Contact Details

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

Fax: 07 578 1247

Phone: 0800 333 477