Hospital staff given guidelines for dealing with Maori patients

Just what is appropriate when dealing with a Maori patient, has been set out in a set of guidelines designed to improve Masterton Hospital staff understanding to Maori cultural rites, needs and customs.
Maori Health Coordinator, Mihi Namana says behaviour and practices that are not consistent with Maori beliefs, concepts and values distress Maori and the result is a lack of confidence and participation in health services.
"We are encouraging staff to be aware of cultural practices and the needs of patients by making these guidelines visible and part of everyday hospital life".
The Tikanga Recommended Best Practice Guidelines is primarily focused on Maori as it reflects Maori values and concepts, but Mrs Namana says the policy can also be made available to people regardless of ethnicity, because they reflect best practice standard of care.
She said the guidelines ensure the spiritual, psychological and physical well being of Maori patients and their whanau (family and extended family group).
The documents discuss the use of prayer; support of whanau; Maori specific subjects; the whanau/family room; and the removal, retention, return or disposal of body parts. There is a section on organ and tissue donation, supporting patients who are dying, and the treatment of the deceased.
There is also a discussion of protocols around the handling of food and body parts, taonga/valuables, bedpans/urinals, and the use of linen.
Mrs Namana said it will especially be valuable to clinical staff from other countries.
The Guidelines resource book and associated flip chart were presented to staff by Board management at a special ceremony in the Wairarapa District Health Boardroom.
The guidelines have been adapted from the Auckland District Health Board's Tikanga best practice policy and the author, Naida McGlavish was a guest at the Wairarapa launch.