28 January 2013
For Immediate Release
South Auckland Integrated Healthcare Centre Launches In February
South Seas Healthcare Trust (SSHT) will launch its new Integrated Health Centre next month. The Trust was founded in
February 1999 to meet the need for a Pacific Primary Health Care service to serve the Pacific population in Counties
Manukau. This centre is located in the heart of Otara, and the facilities present a Pacific heritage as well as
multicultural environment.
The General Manager for the Trust, Kasalanaita Puniani, says the centre will combine its clinical and community based
services to increase accessibility and better outcomes for their clients, families, and community.
The new centre will be opened by the Associate Minister of Health and first Minister responsible for Whanau Ora, Hon.
Tariana Turia with many of the Local, Government, Pacific leaders and community participating in this celebration.
In 2013 the South Seas Healthcare Trust is the first Pacific provider to achieve GP Cornerstone Accreditation as well as
NZ Quality Health Accreditation. The organisation has grown substantially and prides itself with the uptake of
innovative technologies and leading model of care for the delivery of primary health care services. SSHT has a current
enrolled population of over 4000 in their GP clinic and a reach of 80,000 people with its community services,
predominantly Pacific clients.
The community services provided by the Trust include Pacific Child Health Promotion – Kids in Action Programme, Family
Violence Prevention in partnership with Malaeola community, Social Services, Well Child Services, Otahuhu College
Clinic, Pasifika Ola Lelei Service Gambling Prevention (Public Health) in partnership with Raukura Hauora o Tanui, and
Pasifika Smoke Free Services.
As a member of the Alliance Health PHO, the Trust is delivering Whanau Ora initiatives within the Counties Manukau
region.
As part of the celebrations, South Seas Healthcare will provide a free Community Fun Day event from 9.00am – 12.00pm for
the public as a build up to the official launch formalities at 2.00pm. Activities include, free health checks, health
education programme, BMI Weight monitoring and eye and foot checks.
Both events will take place on Friday 15th February.
ENDS