November 30, 2012
Mental health client’s priority for doomed trust
A top of the South Island Māori health trust is trying to ensure its clients will continue to get support when it closes next month.
Te Rapuora ō te Waiharakeke’s is closing after 26 years serving Nelson and Marlborough.
High costs including expensive leases and competition for funding from other providers and the district health board’s internal programmes means it is no longer financially viable.
Chief executive Aroha Metcalf says its services including Māori mental health support and traditional mirimiri massage for chronic pain relief need to continue.
“We’re working closely with the DHB to ensure the transition of services, the message being that while Te Rapuora ō Te Waiharakeke’s Trust is closing, the services will be continuing and we have that assurance from our funders, the district health board and the Ministry of Health,” she says.
Ms Metcalf says its first thoughts are for the 30 staff and 700 clients, particularly those in mental health support.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd