“The world has changed. We need a better environment for staff, a bit more comfortable and efficient.” Taihape Community Board deputy chairwman Michelle Fannin said the health centre team was “amazing. and know our community well.” She said the centre was renowned for its affordability, with doctor visits being just $18.50. It was also known for patients being able to just “rock on up. and they ll support you”.
George Heagney/Stuff
The present Taihape health centre is no longer fit for purpose. Beth Carter, co-ordinator for Older and Bolder, a service providing social and other programmes for locals aged over 50, was looking forward to what services might move in to the space from where the medical centre was moving.
Whānau aged over 16 who live with them will also be offered the vaccine.
Mary Bennett, chair of Whanganui District Health Board s iwi relationship group Hauora ā Iwi.
Photo: LDR / Moana Ellis
The vaccinations are being rolled out from this week - earlier than guidelines set by the government s national vaccination programme - because Māori and Pasifika aged 50+ are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus.
The chair of Whanganui DHB s iwi relationship group Hauora ā Iwi, Mary Bennett, said iwi health advocates and providers had worked diligently with the District Health Board and Regional Health Network to secure vaccinations for the most vulnerable at the same time as non-Māori over the age of 65.
Photo: 123RF
Whanganui Regional Health Network said it was dealing with a projected shortage of GPs in Whanganui.
In the latest portrait of the GP workforce by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, 50 percent of the local GPs who responded said they would retire within five years.
The survey showed only 4 percent of GPs are Māori - a statistic the College of GPs described as unacceptable .
Chairperson of the College s Māori GP group, Dr Rachel Mackie, said the lack of Māori doctors arose from long-standing disadvantage and inequity issues.
The health system was rife with disadvantage for indigenous people, Mackie said.