Healthcare services
Early action helps to support better outcomes for concussion and brain injury. There are several healthcare services that may support people on the recovery journey. Headway can also answer questions and give advice about appropriate services.
On this page
Medical Centre/General Practitioner (GP)
A GP is a doctor who works in a general practice clinic or medical centre. A GP can assess, diagnose, and refer to the right services after a concussion or brain injury.
If not enrolled, contact a local medical centre, visit an A&E clinic or call Healthline (0800 611 116) for guidance.
Unless urgent care is needed, a GP or medical centre should be the first point of contact for health advice and care.
A GP can:
- Listen to symptoms and concerns
- Assess and diagnose a concussion
- Lodge an ACC claim to access funded support
- Refer to specialists and concussion services when appropriate
- Provide prescriptions, medical certificates, and ongoing care
-
First Visit
It’s important to see a GP within 1-2 days, even if symptoms seem mild.
Remember: “if in doubt, check it out.”
Follow-up Visit:
Return to the GP if there are concerns about symptoms or the recovery process at any point. They can make a referral to a concussion service or other specialists.
It’s recommended to visit the GP 7–10 days after the initial assessment to monitor recovery.
If symptoms persist beyond 7–10 days, or are significantly affecting daily life, the GP may refer to a FREE concussion service.
Red Flag Symptoms – seek urgent medical care:
- Loss of consciousness for more than 1 minute
- One pupil larger than the other
- Repeated vomiting, seizures, or severe headache
- Slurred speech, weakness, or loss of coordination
- Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
- Worsening confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes
- In children: inconsolable crying, refusal to feed, bulging soft spot (infants), or cannot be woken.
-
Your GP may use the Brain Injury Screening Tool (BIST). This tool, developed in NZ, helps the GP assess and manage suspected concussion or brain injury in people 8 years of age and older.
-
- Write down your symptoms: headaches, dizziness, memory changes, fatigue, mood changes
- Describe the impact: how it affects work, study, and daily life
- Bring questions about your care and recovery
- Consider bringing a support person to help remember details
- Take notes during the visit
- Share any new concerns with your GP
Remember: There’s no single test for concussion. Your description of the incident and symptoms is key to getting the care you need.
Helpful Resources:
Hospital Care
Hospital care may be required if there is more serious brain injury.
Being in hospital can feel overwhelming, but the care team is there to monitor and support recovery. Ask which staff member is assigned as the Key Worker as they will be the main point of contact and help ensure that all necessary information is filtered through.
-
Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team, including:
- Doctor & nurse: oversee medical care and daily needs
- Neurosurgeon & neurologist: manage brain and nervous system care
- Neuropsychologist – assesses the effects of a brain injury on thinking processes (such as memory and reasoning).
- Psychologist – helps you emotionally adjust and cope with the changes you have experienced.
- Occupational Therapist – looks at how you are managing everyday life at home and/work, and they may show you new ways to do things or suggest equipment to help you manage better.
- Physiotherapist – helps maximise physical functioning after brain injury. They can assess and treat your posture, movement, balance, muscle strength and sensation, co-ordination and fitness. They can also give you advice on aids and splints.
- Speech-language therapist: helps with swallowing and communicating.
- Social Worker: helps manage the emotional and social impacts of illness and/or disability. They can play a key role in accessing support and services including community support services, WINZ and ACC.
A Social Worker is often assigned as the Key Worker. They will be responsible for discussing treatment plans and discharge plans.
-
- Get to know the team caring for your loved one—they are there to guide and support you
- Be involved where possible, even in small ways such as helping at mealtimes.
- Share familiar activities to help the patient feel comforted
- Take care of your own wellbeing – rest, eat, and take breaks
- Pass on important personal information about the patient to the team.
- Red-flag note: If you notice any sudden or unexpected changes in the patient’s condition, inform hospital staff immediately
-
Discharge planning ensures a safe and smooth transition; whether going home, moving to a rehabilitation facility, or another care setting. You and your whānau are entitled to a safe discharge.
Prior to leaving hospital, ensure that there is a clear discharge plan and that all questions have been answered. Consider using the Discharge Checklist to help ask the right questions and feel prepared for discharge.
The medical team will consider the following areas as part of the discharge plan:
- Medical progress and readiness
- Ability to manage daily activities
- Availability of support at home
- Necessary equipment
—————————————————————————————————-
Discharge Checklist
Medical & Rehabilitation
- Diagnosis and hospital treatment summary
- Rehabilitation plan and goals
- Allied health assessments
Medications
- Updated medication list with clear instructions
- Prescriptions filled or ready
Cognitive & Emotional Support
- Explanation of changes in thinking, memory, or behaviour
- Referrals for mental health support or counselling
Home & Community Support
- Home safety checks
- Equipment and aids arranged
- Contact with community rehabilitation services
- Support person briefed and trained
Follow-Up & Monitoring
- Appointments with GP, neurologist, and allied health
- Emergency contacts and signs of complications
- Red-flag note: If symptoms worsen or new concerns appear after discharge, contact your GP or seek urgent care immediately
Cultural & Social Support
- Māori/Pacific health provider referrals if needed
- Whānau involvement in planning
Logistics
- Transport arrangements
- Personal belongings
- Discharge documentation
Tips for Whānau:
- Ask questions until you feel confident about care at home
- Keep a record of instructions, medications, and appointments
- Advocate for any additional support your loved one may need
-
When It’s Needed
Sometimes, even after hospital care, more support is needed before returning home. Inpatient rehabilitation provides a safe, supportive environment for ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.
ABI Rehabilitation (North Island, NZ)
- The only ACC-contracted facility for intensive traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation in the North Island
- Offers inpatient and day programmes
- Also provides a small number of beds for stroke rehabilitation
Focus of Rehabilitation
- Relearning basic skills, such as walking, talking, and daily living tasks
- Supporting independence and community reintegration
- Gradual, structured recovery with encouragement and support
Alternative Pathways
If inpatient rehabilitation isn’t appropriate or available, other options may include:
- Going home with family support or in-home care.
- Transfer to a long-term or aged care facility
- A 12-week community rehabilitation programme through Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ
-
Everyone using a health or disability service has the protection of a Code of Rights.
Summary: Key actions
- Seek medical advice if a concussion or brain injury is suspected
- Follow medical advice closely
- Schedule follow-up GP visits as recommended
- Consider referral to specialist concussion services if symptoms persist
- Keep records of symptoms, impact, and advice
- Engage family/whānau in hospital and rehabilitation planning
- Ensure safe discharge with equipment, caregivers, and clear instructions
- Watch for red-flag symptoms at all stages—seek urgent care if they appear
