January 07, 2013
Hauora team-up improves Waikato health services
Waikato District Health Board staff are crediting a closer relationship with Raukura Hauora ō Tainui for delivering better health services to Māori at lower costs.
Occupational therapist Andrew Parkin says hauora members help DHB staff meet with clients who are reluctant, shy or difficult to contact.
They are able to address specific barriers to whānau accessing services, help to explain people’s roles and the treatments on offer.
Andrew says that means forming a relationship with the patient, and addressing the whole person.
“No show” numbers have been slashed, and there is less misunderstanding about things like housing modifications and adaptive equipment.
Physiotherapist Shelley McConnel says while previously many referrals didn’t show up because they weren't comfortable getting treatment they didn’t understand from someone they didn’t know, she now gets hauora workers to arrange visits and make the initial introductions.
Raukura Hauora ō Tainui health care worker Max Noda says a trust has built up between the organisations through regular formal meetings, where policies can be explained as well as strategies for dealing with individual patients.
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