Frequently Asked Questions
About the NZALB
What is The New Zealand Artificial Limb Board?
NZALB is a ‘Crown entity’. We are a government organization working nationally in the health sector. Most of our funding comes from the Ministry of Health and ACC.
What services does NZALB provide?
We provide a support service for people who need one or more artificial limbs, by reason of amputation or otherwise. We fit, make, and maintain the limbs and help with training in using them.
Our clients often require ongoing services for wear and tear and to accommodate changes in both fit and their activity levels. Our aim is to help our clients to achieve their maximum quality of living, independence, and participation in the life of their community.
New Amputees
When should I contact NZALB?
When you need us. For many clients, this is at the time of amputation surgery.
Usually your specialist, physiotherapist or GP sends a referral to your nearest Limb Centre. You can also contact us yourself.
Staff will then ring or write to you to set up an appointment.
How much does it cost?
The service is usually free to New Zealanders and legal residents. Some people from overseas, like permanent residents, will also get free services – ask us for more information.
Can I contact NZALB before an amputation?
Yes, some people prefer to come and talk to us before they have surgery. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
What happens when I come to see NZALB?
Initially you will be seen in a clinic by our team, who will assess your artificial limb (prosthesis) needs with you and answer any questions. The team usually comprises:
- One or more clinical prosthetists (qualified designers and fitters of artificial limbs).
- A physiotherapist.
- An orthopaedic surgeon specialising in limb fitting.
In discussion with you, the team will decide on a rehabilitation plan, and any outside rehabilitation assistance that you may need. Family/whanau are welcome to participate.
The clinical prosthetist and technicians at the Limb Centre will then design and manufacture an artificial limb. We will contact you about coming back to the Limb Centre for a fitting.
Once you have your artificial limb, you can ring the Limb Centre any time with regard to adjustments, repairs and replacements, or any questions about care of your artificial limb.
What happens if I need training to use my artificial limb?
Your clinical prosthetist and physiotherapist will also be able to assist you with an exercise programme and gait (walking) training.
Can I get help with my travel costs?
If you have travel costs, you may be entitled to financial assistance. For more information, use the links below.
ACC clients
Visit the ACC website at www.ACC.co.nz, and see Travel to treatment and rehabilitation.
If you are not an ACC client, you may still qualify for help from Work and Income NZ.
Visit the WINZ website at www.msd.govt.nz, and see Civilian Amputee Assistance.
As a War Veteran, can I get help with my travel costs?
War veterans’ costs for visiting the Artificial Limb Centre are paid for by War Pension Services, a service of the Ministry of Social Development.
War Pension Services processes government payments to New Zealand war veterans.
War Disablement Pensions are one of the most common payments and are compensatory awards for people who have a disability attributable to their service during a war or declared emergency. Other Service personnel who were on routine service prior to 1 April 1974 may be eligible.
Veterans receiving War Disablement Pensions are sent a treatment card specifying their accepted disability. If you receive a War Disablement Pension and your accepted disability is an amputated limb you can get help with traveling costs for visiting the New Zealand Artificial Limb Centre. If your appointment time or the distance you have to travel means you are away at meal time or you have to stay away overnight, claims can be made for meals and accommodation.
If you cannot travel alone for health reasons, War Pension Services can pay the meal and accommodation costs for an attendant. You have to provide a medical certificate from your doctor.
To make a claim you can write to War Pension Services, requesting payment of your costs. You should mention the distance from your home to the Artificial Limb Centre and enclose the appointment slip with the letter, and any receipts for meals and accommodation. If your accepted disability is not an amputated limb you may still be eligible for having costs covered.
War Pension Services pays $0.52 per kilometre traveled.
The meal allowances are:
- Breakfast/Lunch $12.50 maximum
- Dinner $30.00 maximum.
If you require any costs to be covered or you have any questions, even about getting a War Disablement Pension, you can contact
War Pension Services
P O Box 9448, Hamilton
Free Phone 0800 553 003
Free Fax 0508 402 402
E-mail warvets@msd.govt.nz