Thank you to those who attended our forum and apologies to those who didn’t know about it. There was a glitch and the wrong ad was published in the Raglan Chronicle. Apologies from Raglan Chronicle.
The meeting was held at the Raglan Town Hall on Monday 27 February, 10am – 12pm
A lot of value comes from the people who attend our community health forums as Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand is able to listen and learn about the communities concerns and ideas.
Participants also learn from each other about local health and social services available within their community e.g. activities linked to the community connector role based at Raglan Naturally.
A small group attended this meeting representing community members and organisations who service Raglan. A range of topics were discussed:
Pressures of COVID-19 and summer visitors on Raglan Medical health services. Raglan Medical is also exploring new initiatives to meet community needs. Social isolation (particularly for older people) and after hours care were raised as concerns by forum participants.
The Care in the Community Hub lead by Poihakena Marae in collaboration with Raglan Medical and Raglan Naturally is facilitating medical and social health clinics from two rural marae, Mai Uenuku ki te Whenua in Waingaro and Te Papatapu in Makomako each month from these two locations.
The marae clinics started late last year. Whānau are able to talk to a health professional in a comfortable setting for free with no strict time limit. Kai is provided and it is also a good chance for whānau to connect with each other. There is access to showers and washing machines and transport provided on request. It’s about removing barriers to access health services and bringing health services to a community location.
Upcoming Marae Health Clinic days are:
Mai Uenuku ki te Whenua Marae
Friday 21 April
Friday 19 May
Friday 16 June
Te Papatapu Marae
Friday 5 May
Friday 2 June
Contact Mike Edmonds at admin@whaingaroa.co.nz for more information.
A number of health days/events have occurred in the past year, and more are being planned for the community. We would encourage all Raglan people to attend those when they are promoted. Hapori Hauora events are when Te Whatu Ora links with a range of health services, bringing them to a locally planned event occurring in the community. Whānau are encouraged to come along and have a kōrero with a range of health professionals and catch-up on important health matters. A variety of free health tests are also available.
Concerns were raised regarding availability of after-hours and emergency services for the Raglan community. Participants shared information on local options including PRIME and Hato Hone St John Ambulance services. Remote access for after hours and emergency healthcare were also discussed. Further information related to these services will be shared online and in the Raglan Chronicle.
Localities – participants are keen to better understand whether Whaingaroa greater Raglan area would be able to establish as a district locality or be a part of a bigger locality geographic area. The development of localities across New Zealand is a fundamental part of the reform of Aotearoa’s health system. To find out more on localities visit www.tewhatuora.govt.nz
Community Health Forums are a gathering of local people who share in a conversation about what matters to their community and hear what’s happening from the Te Whatu Ora, other health providers and other local organisations/groups.
He whakarongo tātou – we’re here to listen.
If you would like to know more or come along to the next forum contact Sue Mackwell, Chair, Raglan Community Health Forum for Te Whatu Ora in the Waikato – email: mackwellsue@gmail.com.
