We had a visit from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, along with Tamati Coffey and Kiri Allan, to hear about the work we have been doing across the community. We welcomed them formally and then had a series of huddles to allow a quality cross-section of our services. This was a great opportunity for all of us to reflect on the outcomes of our mahi and what we have achieved together over the last few months.
First up was the Board of Trustee to bump elbows. They were able to discuss how the delivery of twenty integrated services is forging new pathways to toi ora – optimum health and wellbeing for our community. They talked about how government can continue to transform the health and wellbeing sector by removing barriers to services, being proactive and responsive to the needs of its people – something that Māori Health organisations have been seeking for a long time. They stressed the value of mobility in getting the testing mobile unit out to the hinterland of Mataatua. Our vision has been to take healthcare to the community – this had been a six-year-long plan which was accelerated by COVID-19.
Our actions were underpinned by the Poutokomanawa Framework which have been given to her. The Board offered their heartfelt appreciation to the Prime Minister and raised how the Poutokomanawa framework could assist in transforming an integrated framework to health, medical, social and employment across Aotearoa.
Next our Medical team had a Korero, to share their mahi.
Med Central:
– Our holistic approach to care takes us into places like kohangas and Norse Skog to provide care, removing rurality as a barrier for patients.
– While most clinics reduced numbers over COVID-19, many who hadn’t seen a GP in years saw GP’s at our mobile clinics.
– Our free prescription vouchers hugely increased prescription fulfillment over three months.
Mobile Clinic:
We created a truly holistic approach to healthcare by having the three core concepts covered;
1) The right staff with the right skills and relationships
2) Relationships – bridging the gap between big healthcare and govt services and local iwi, working in partnership.
3) A truly Whānau Ora approach. Holistic wraparound services meant better outcomes and high turnout even in remote areas.
We asked them to keep up with the demand from rural communities to continue supporting services they need. Mobile rural care can give truly holistic services – from mental health, prevention and screening of common problems, social and employment support.
Our survey:
We presented our biggest ever survey and the powerful findings for whānau in Mataatua, like our larger households, significant financial struggles and high unemployment from lockdown.
Our Integration and Whānau ora team introduced their integration system and how we’re making access to services easier to navigate.
We talked about the high demand on our 0800 line and how these referrals identified the needs of our whānau.
All integration/whānau ora teams who were at the end of the 0800 line taking referrals around the clock.
Hardship and kai packs were provided to whānau every week, volunteers and staff who made themselves available to deliver kai especially to the most vulnerable and kaumātua. We integrated other supports and services for our whānau, especially whānau ora.
After that, our homebased team shared the difference we are making to whānau, and how our PPE practices and tangi packs kept whanau safe across the different alert levels.
Our communication with and support to support workers, the guidelines and training videos at each level, and the PPE supplies provided to our support workers resulted in families kept safe and support workers feeling confident and equipped to do a great job.
Our Rangatahi Hub explained how they operate, the success of the wraparound service, the driving academy and employment success.
Lastly, some of our rangatahi told their story and hadsome quality time having a korero with the PM about how their lives have been impacted by the mahi at the hub.