Family violence aid secured

A grant from the Hawke's Bay Medical Research Foundation has secured the immediate future of a family violence intervention programme at the Hastings Health Centre.
The foundation was integral to the programme when it was launched in 2008. Programme co-ordinator Helen Francis said it would not be able to continue this year without the latest funding.
The programme aimed to bridge the gap between victims of domestic violence and support agencies. It helped identify patients who were victims of abuse and provided resources to get the right help and support.
The programme generated interest when it was presented at the National Paediatric Society conference in Hamilton last year and Mrs Francis hoped the Ministry of Health would eventually be in a position to roll out the programme around the country.
The programme was one of five medical research initiatives to benefit from the Hawke's Bay Medical Research Foundation in this year's funding round.
The foundation distributed $50,000 among research initiatives selected for health significance and scientific merit.
President of the foundation Andrew Wares said local relevance was also a factor in selection and as a result, funding would have positive spin-off effects on the health of the community.
One grants will facilitate research into drug treatment of diabetic patients of Maori and Pacific Island heritage. Mr Wares said rates of diabetes among Maori and Pacific Islanders in Hawke's Bay were "appalling high".
Grants were also awarded to the Hawke's Bay Soldiers' Memorial Hospital to complete a database of head and neck surgical services. And a second grant was awarded to conduct a second pilot study in emergency anaphylaxis as part of research trial in Western Australia.
A consultant psychiatrist from Hawke's Bay Hospital was also granted funds to "explore the cross-section of psychiatry, public health and society". Part of the research would survey mental health patients about the efficacy of community detention.