Located at the Ethos Centre, Te Ara Hou, 100 Morrinsville Road, Hamilton
Some of New Zealand's most experienced paediatric osteopaths have come together to create a centre for treating children for free. This means the best possible care available to those who cannot afford to access it.
Osteopathic children's centres are very special places. The whole approach to treatment is different with all the children and families in one room, each child having a team of osteopaths looking after them. The atmosphere is more relaxed and children thrive. This allows families to get as much support as they need and the children to have a less clinical, more enjoyable experience.
There are very few such centres globally so we are fortunate to be able to provide one here in New Zealand.
We have been offered a centre at Te Ara Hou, Hillcrest, Hamilton. This is providing an excellent base with plenty of parking, lots of room and great opportunity to provide support.
We want to be able to offer childrenthe best possibletreatment while also enabling support for their families.
This centre has been very well received and we have been seeing up to 50 children every session.
We greatly appreciate any donations and support we are offered.
The osteopaths are all volunteers, as are the helpers on the day. All money raised will go into providing the best treatment, equipment and experience possible for the children.
Every child deserves better health.
What is the osteopathic children’s clinic?
The children’s clinic is a special place where 20 to 30 of the most experienced paediatric osteopaths in New Zealand gather once a month to treat children who would benefit from treatment but cannot access it.
These clinics are unique places where everything is centred around the child and their family unit, where the best care is accessible, where support is readily available and where we can help build a healthier society.
How does it work?
The whole approach to treatment is different with all the children and families in one large room, each child having a team of osteopaths looking after them. The atmosphere is more relaxed and children thrive. There is a pile of toys and books available as well as supporting volunteers allowing families to get as much support as they need and the children to have a less clinical, more enjoyable experience.
A relevant case history is taken from the family or guardian, a clinical assessment will be undertaken and a treatment plan will be discussed. When the child or family is ready the osteopaths will proceed with a very gentle treatment. Paediatric nurses, GP’s, paediatricians, family councillors/psychologists and other health providers have expressed an interest in providing accessory support and health checkups for the children and their families. They will not be all there every month and this is a secondary service to the core osteopathic care, however it does provide an excellent and unique all round health care service. Which children benefit from osteopathic treatment?
There are a lot of children who would benefit from osteopath. We treat anyone from 0-18 years old.
We have been working with neonates (premature babies), children who have had problems/abuse during pregnancy or since, and children with injuries, disabilities or medical conditions.
The osteopathic approach is to make sure the body is in the best condition to deal with whatever is causing the problem.
We are being referred patients from general practices, True Colours Charitable Trust, Rainbow Place, NICU, community nurses, midwives, community groups and specialists.
Where and when are they being held?
They are on the second Saturday of every month at The Ethos Centre, Te Ara Hou, 100 Morrinsville Road, Hamilton
As you come into the driveway follow signs for the Ethos Cafe, come into the building and we are in a beautiful room next door.
Flags will guide your way.
How much does a treatment cost?
Treatments are free and this centre is aimed specifically at families who could not afford osteopathic treatment. We know we can help kids feel, behave and be better so when life is tough this might offer some relief.
How do we book patients in?
All bookings are done online at www.ocf.org.nz/booking-an-appointment
Please impress upon our patients or clients that have a time that we really need them to turn up. there is a high demand from patients and some very keen osteopaths!