Embedding allied health into the emergency department (ED) was considered the best option by a 2011 Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) strategic planning group exploring innovative ways to bridge the gap between primary care and the ED and thus enhance the service. A six month pilot project implemented in 2012 aimed to provide a more timely multidisciplinary approach to patient care, facilitate safe discharge and linkages into the primary care sector, reduce multiple presentations and keep within ED designated time frames. Physiotherapy and social work practitioners worked as part of an inter-disciplinary team to comprehensively assess clients' specific needs. The establishment of primary physiotherapy contact, where appropriate patients were identified directly from initial presentation, solely assessed and treated by the physiotherapist improved patient flow for lower triage presentations and made full use of staffing resources. Data collection over the first 22 weeks showed the allied health practitioners in ED had 749 new patient contacts, including 120 primary physiotherapy contacts. ED patients found the service extremely helpful. Survey responses from key stakeholders and ED staff highlighted the benefit of allied health interventions in improving safety of ED discharges, and the value of comprehensive client centred patient care. The Executive Leadership Team of the NMDHB unanimously endorsed the continuation of the allied health service in the emergency department from December 2012.