OUTREACH: Lynne takes the Plunket clinic at St Luke's in Castlecliff.
PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS
Plunket may have sold its distinctive, brightly coloured, yellow premises in Cornfoot St, but Castlecliff's Plunket services continue.
Now based at St Luke's Church, on the corner of Cornfoot and Manuka streets, the clinic is run by Lynne.
"Same service, different spot," says Lynne.
"This is a very community-focused church, so we are
a service that can work out of here and add to the feeling of community within the church and the reach out to what's happening in Castlecliff," she says.
"Because I have bookings ahead, I'm here Thursdays and Fridays on and off. I home visit as well."
Lynne says they're aiming at a regular clinic on Fridays.
The clinic is set up with a permanent set of scales and a measuring facility.
She carries mobile versions of the same equipment in her car.
"I can deliver the same service at home, but it's good if mothers can get out and about and come to a clinic. That's the aim. It's about socialisation, getting mother and baby into the fresh air.
If they are home-bound, I have wheels and can travel."
Lynne is a registered nurse and has worked as a public health nurse, worked for a district health board, been employed as the nurse for a company, tutored nursing and has returned to Plunket nursing.
"There is a great need for Plunket, I feel," she says, "We're totally free and totally confidential."
Lynne covers the Castlecliff area and shares Gonville and Springvale with another nurse.
"Mothers are entitled to seven core visits from about four weeks of age until about two and a half. They're entitled to the Plunket service from birth to five, so we can do as many additionals above the seven core visits as required or desired by the family."
Truby King began the Plunket service in Dunedin in 1907.
"He saw a need and it has definitely continued. Even well-resourced mothers need all the support they can get."
Lynne has noticed there isn't the volunteer support there used to be; Plunket would always welcome volunteer help, as Lynne has noticed there is less available.
For information on Plunket days and hours in Castlecliff, or to arrange home visits, call Lynne on 027 275 8689.
