Significant rehabilitation resources are required to maximise the potential recovery of the injured person. While such rehabilitative resources currently exist for patients with certain injuries (e.g. spinal injuries) rehabilitation resources
within NZ for some other categories of injury (e.g. minor to moderate head injury) are weak. An integrated system of rehabilitation for all injuries, beginning during the acute care phase, does not exist. Effective linkages need to exist between acute medical care, primary care practitioners, family support, ongoing rehabilitation, and return to community life. In addition, the psychological consequences of injury for patients, and their families must berecognised.