Pacific Rehab Foundation Welcomes You
Make a Difference Today
Pacific Rehab Foundation at a Glance
A Bit of Background
The idea for this all began with a story in the local Fijian paper - read whilst on holiday in Fiji. The article described a 13 year old boy who was housebound because his wheelchair had broken.
The thought that a 13 year old could not attend school or even mobilise around his local community because of a rusted wheelchair is unimaginable here to us in New Zealand. We knew this was not an isolated incident and were keen to see how we could help those in need of equipment within the pacific.
Sitting behind the resorts and picture postcard villages is the real Fiji. A nation impoverished, where the minimum wage, even if there is work is $2.68 per hour. As with developing nations the world over poverty is very real, and is the fact of life throughout the country. Amputations from diabetes number 3 a day, making it the highest rate in the world.
The poorest of the poor are those with disabilities, whether from diseases like Diabetes, accidents, or simply growing old, and those who are chair or bed bound are the most impoverished of all.
Increasing mobility is paramount for being an active family member, part of their community, seeking work, and the their own health both physical and mental.
In these conditions a Pressure Injury [ also known as bed sores, decubitus ulcers, pressure sores] is a death sentence. The need for knowledge, preventative product and training and continuing care is the only way to save pain and lives.
Making A Difference
Pacific Rehab Foundation has partnered with the Spinal Injury Association of Fiji, Disabled Persons Assembly, Ministry of Women's affairs, and the Fiji school of medicine and others to create learning pathways and the provision of equipment to fight this horrific problem.
It is not enough to dump second hand equipment and think the job is done. Whilst this is better than nothing it does not empower locals to solve their own problems or show them what best practice looks like. It takes both equipment and ongoing education right down to regional and indeed even village level
We are providing on the ground training to ensure equipment is used to get the best outcomes, and leveraging international suppliers of equipment to supply products that work at greatly reduced costs to answer the needs.
From as little as $365 for a Mosaic cushion to $8,500 for a high performance wheelchair and seating system there is a package to fit most organisations size. Each will help a person in pain and discomfit from simply being able to sit up to once again taking a full part in their communities life.
Hands on Training
Pacific Rehab Foundation provides training for local agencies, caregivers and medical professionals. Our team has over 50+years of combined experience in training, presenting and product centrered based problem solving. Our specialist training areas include, Pressure Care, Custom Seating, Wheelchair Prescription, Spasticy and Tone. We also train end user on Environmental Impact Reporting - holistic overview for product prescription , planning and follow up care.
Product Provision
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. It is not enough to provide second hand equipment and hope for the best.
Help us Change Lives
Here at Pacific Rehab Foundation, we see the value in everyone. We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and to support, and empower those for whom properly fitted products will make a huge difference not only in their own lives but also in their community, work place and in everyday life. Learn more about our people we are working with and how you can help to change their life.
Our People
Andy O’Sullivan – Trustee
Over 40+ years’ experience in Rehabilitation Industry. Importer and distributor of complex medical and rehabilitation equipment to both the NZ and Australian markets.
Internationally recognized rehab trainer with particular expertise in both Pressure Injury and Wheelchair/Seating set up and configuration.
Holder of multiple government (Enable Funding, ACC, and AccessAble) and DHB contracts for supply of product and hire solutions as DME Ltd. [now Permobil NZ]
Responsible for: Product procurement, Manufacturer Relationship Management, Creation of Training programs, Product Trainer, Financial control
Mandy Hebben – Trustee
Over 25 years’ experience in Rehabilitation Industry both in NZ and Australia. Sales Team Manager and marketing expertise. Internationally recognised trainer with particular expertise in Brain Injury product solutions for spasticity/ tone, complex seating and pressure care.
Responsible for: Marketing, Grants, Relationship Management, Creation of Training programs, Product Trainer
