September 27, 2012
Whanganui hospital drops staff therapy project
Wanganui Hospital has dropped a natural therapy programme for staff after objections from the hospital's medical staff association.
The programme, instigated by Maori health director Gilbert Taurua and emergency physician Chris Cresswell, offered therapeutic services including massage, reiki, colour therapy, traditional Maori healing and prayer with the hospital chaplain.
It aimed to improve staff health and well-being.
Hospital chief executive Julie Patterson says the programme was dropped one month into a three month trial because some senior hospital staff were concerned publicity would create confusion and anxiety among the community.
The pilot had been attacked by former mayor Michael Laws and by district health board member Clive Solomon, a surgeon, who called it "bone-throwing".
Mr Taurua says feedback from the 75 staff members who used the natural therapy services was entirely positive.
Te Reo
Kua whakakorea e te Hohipera o Wanganui, tetahi hotaka whakarauora taangata ma te karakia me nga rongoa Maori, he maharahara no te hohipera nei kei rangirua, kei kaarangirangi hoki nga whakaaro o te hapori ki te tino kaupapa o taua hotaka.
Na te kaiwhakahaere hauora Maori o te hohipera, na Gilbert Taurua raua ko Takuta Chris Cresswell te hotaka nei i whakatuu, engari, kua tino taataahia e nga taangata penei i te kahika o mua o Whanganui, e Michael Laws me Clive Solomon, he mangai no runga i te Uepu Hauora-a-rohe o Whanganui.
Hei taa te tahuhu rangapu o te hohipera, a Julie Patterson, i tona tikanga kia whakamatautauria te hotaka nei mo te toru marama, engari, kotahi marama i muri i tana whakarewatanga, ka whakakorea. Hei taa Taurua, ko te nuinga o nga taangata i uru ki te hotaka nei, i rata ki ona ahuatanga.