New Nelson Centre Brings Prosthetic and Orthotic Care Closer to Home

People in the Nelson region now have improved access to prosthetic and orthotic services following the opening of a new Peke Waihanga centre in Nelson.

Orthotic services, previously provided from Nelson Hospital, have now relocated to a new site at 17 Bishopdale Avenue. The facility brings prosthetic and orthotic services together in a purpose-designed community setting, improving access to specialist care for people across the region.

The development follows Peke Waihanga being awarded the contract by Health New Zealand earlier this year to deliver orthotic services across the entire South Island.

“This is a significant achievement and a testament to the strength of our service, the expertise of our teams, and the confidence funders place in our ability to deliver high-quality, equitable and innovative orthotic care,” said Peke Waihanga Southern Region Manager, Matthias Blattner.

The dedicated Nelson base helps meet growing demand in the region, where around 140 people living with limb loss have previously needed to travel to Wellington or Christchurch for prosthetic care. By providing services closer to home, the centre will reduce travel requirements and improve access to timely, coordinated care for patients and whānau. 

“Establishing the Nelson Centre reflects our commitment to strengthening regional services and ensuring people in Nelson have improved access to prosthetic and orthotic care closer to home,” said Peke Waihanga Chief Executive, Sean Gray.

Peke Waihanga (Nelson centre) is located at 17 Bishopdale Avenue, Bishopdale, Nelson 7011.

The Nelson centre will provide minor repairs and adjustments for artificial limb patients locally, while coordinating prosthetic manufacturing with Christchurch centre and other Peke Waihanga centres. 

The new facility supports closer collaboration between clinicians and stronger connections with primary care, community rehabilitation and hospital services across the region.

“It’s rewarding to see our vision for a coordinated, high-quality orthotic service recognised at a national level,” said Matthias. “This contract enables us to build on our existing strengths, improve access for patients, and deliver consistent care throughout the South Island.”

The centre has undergone extensive renovations to improve accessibility and create a welcoming clinical environment. Improvements include a widened entrance, a new automatic door for wheelchair users, new flooring and interior painting.

The Nelson centre is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver equitable, high-quality prosthetic and orthotic services to communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.