New outreach clinics to help Pasifika

New outreach clinics to help Pasifika

25 July 2014

New outreach clinics have been set up by the Central PHO to provide easy access to health services for Pasifika people in the MDHB region.

With a Pasifika population of around 8000 people in the MDHB area, the need for more targeted services was recognised by the Pasifika Health Service which set out to provide an easy access health service.

As a result of these efforts, two nurse-led clinics have been set up, one at the community centre at Bill Brown Park, Havelock Ave, Palmerston North that runs from 10am-4pm on a Tuesday; the other is at the Horowhenua Health Centre, Liverpool Street, Levin and runs 10am-4pm on a Friday.

These clinics are free for Pasifika patients and provide nursing assessments, health checks, health education and physical activity education. The clinics support and provide linkages to other health service providers in the region such as Children’s Eczema Service and specialist nursing services as with Long Term Conditions. The service is also available to provide on-going support to Pasifika families to access GPs and hospital care.

Folole Fai, who provides help with long-term conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, and heart health, is encouraging Pasifika to visit the service, even if it is just for a normal check-up.

She said: “A very important part of health is getting regular check-ups to ensure that symptoms of ill health are identified early and managed, or to keep track of any existing health issues and conditions. Such checks only take a few minutes and finding illnesses early can save a lot more trouble in the long run.”

Alisi Vudiniabola, who works with maternal and child health, wants Pasifika women and mothers to attend the clinic if they have any health worries either about themselves or their children.

She said: “This service helps mothers and children to access services such as finding a midwife, a GP (Dr), or accessing a Well Child Provider service in the MidCentral region. In addition to the health services available, the team also provides support for social concerns and can assist in navigating appropriate social services, to help Pasifika families improve their status of health and social wellbeing. The clinic is a health information awareness centre where Pasifika families can come to for any health service information they may need.”

People can simply attend the times at either Bill Brown Park or Horowhenua Health Centre with no appointment necessary. For further information or to discuss anything please contact either Folole Fai or Alisi Vudiniabola at Health on Main phone (06) 354 9107 or Horowhenua Health Centre (06) 367 6433.

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