Spinal services in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne

Kia ora!   We’re a tight knit team with decades of experience between us in working with people with spinal cord impairments. Alongside the professional and personalised care we provide, we also like to get into the range of community activities on offer. 

Community

Disability sports, community connections and more!

Snap Fitness Gym

At Fitness Revolution gym,  attendance is sponsored by Access.   Parafed Waikato Sports Officer, David, who supports individualised exercise programmes at Fitness Revolution is pictured here with Regional Manager Jo and Clinical Manager Deb.

 Snap Fitness Hamilton North, 6/697 Wairere Drive, Hamilton
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 1.30-2.30pm

Sponsors of National Lowpoint Wheelchair Rugby

Access Clinical Manager, Deb trying wheelchair on for size at the National Lowpoint Wheelchair Rugby Championship in Te Awamutu.  Access sponsors this annual event and there is always great debate among the team as to who will play in the sponsorship game, held during the lunch break on finals day.

Partnership with Eden Park

Sally , Sue and Belinda pictured at the Access Sensory Room at Eden Park, Auckland.  Access partners with Eden Park, New Zealand’s National Stadium, with both organisations committed to creating spaces where everyone truly belongs and live events accessible to all. 

Parafed Waikato

Based in Cambridge, Parafed Waikato is another partner of Access with dozens of sporting and recreation opportunities for disabled people. 

Welcome to our Regional Team

The regional team is led by Regional Manager Jo Southwick, pictured centre in the photo with some of the team in Hamilton.

Jo is a Registered Nurse who has spent over 20 years working with spinal injury clients in the community, bringing both clinical expertise and a compassionate approach to care. Outside of her professional role, Jo enjoys an active life with her eight grandchildren.

Debbie Obern is our Regional Clinical Manager. Also a Registered Nurse,  Deb has worked in the community supporting clients with spinal injuries since 2009.  She is a proud mother of two sons, one of whom lives with a spinal injury—an experience that deepens her empathy and connection with the clients she serves.

Sharyn Burr is our Regional Operations Lead and thrives on making sure people get the care they need  when they need it. With four children aged 5 to 14, Sharyn is one of the most organised people we know –  always on time, always prepared and ready to tackle the next challenge. A few years ago, Sharyn had a life-changing stroke that left her unable to see, walk, or talk. Showing remarkable determination, and inspired by the people she worked with and supported; she made a full recovery.

These are the people who are responsible for your care delivery and manage the support workers, nurses, care co-ordinators and complex care navigators for the region.