‘Amazing workforce’ keeping Ngati Porou Hauora services operating

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Ngati Porou Hauora (NPH) clinics and their patients are adjusting successfully to the lockdown environment.

One of the first new measures introduced to help prevent the spread of te mate korona (coronavirus) was to conduct the majority of consultations by phone or video instead of kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face).

The system is working well, says NPH chief executive Rose Kahaki.

NPH clinics and their respective communities have adapted quickly.

“There has been very little foot traffic within our clinics and our hospital, which is helping to reduce the risk of community transmission to our patients, their whanau and our kaimahi.

“Our Hauora kaimahi (workers) have taken on huge workloads and pressure to help us prepare and respond to this unprecedented situation.

“In a very short space of time they have had to constantly learn new protocols and procedures in line with Covid-19 directives from the Ministry of Health.

“Because this virus is so new and the guidance we receive from the ministry and the Government changes on an almost daily basis, we have all had to constantly re-think and re-adjust how we do things and what resources we need.

“However, this issue isn't only isolated to NPH.

“From the smallest primary health organisations to the biggest health boards in the country, we have had to adapt to a constantly evolving environment.

“None of us in this modern era have ever dealt with a global pandemic, but we are quickly adapting and learning what we need to do to our communities.

“We have an amazing workforce of around 46 caregivers, all members of our communities, who have stepped up and taken on the additional protocols for caring for our pakeke (elderly) in their homes.

“They are well aware of the risks of community transmission and are vigilant in undertaking the necessary new procedures such as the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“As essential service workers, their contribution to helping us to continue to provide services to our pakeke under the present conditions is invaluable.”

Ms Kahaki said she acknowledged the support of the community, which was extremely vital in combating te mate korona within the rohe.

“We thank members of the community who have been adhering to the noho ki te kaenga message.

“It really is true.

“Stay home and safe lives.

“As the iwi health services provider, we can only do so much.

“However, if we all work together to follow the guidelines that have been set, we can help protect our most vulnerable from this ngangara mate korona.”