July 14, 2021
Whanau Awhina Plunket ready for sector reform
The head of Whānau Āwhina Plunket says work the organisation has been doing on its culture and capabilities has prepared it for whatever changes come out of a review of early child health services.
The Government is reviewing services for under-fives because it says the Well Child Tamariki Ora system is outdated and far too many Māori and Pasifika babies and those with special needs don’t get the care they should expect.
Amanda Malu says the promised focus on whānau centred care is great and harks back to the original kaupapa of Plunket.
She says demographics are changing and providers have to change with them.
"We're a mainstream provider and we absolutely support by Māori, for Māori and Pasifika provision, I think there is a huge demand and a place for that sort of provision, but we are also seeing more than half of all Māori babies born so thsoe families who choose our service ae entitled to get really good service from us so doing that work on ourselves is important," Ms Malu says.
She says Whānau Āwhina Plunket is part of a system of more than 60 Well Child and Tamariki Ora providers across the country, and it’s keen to be more collaborative and supportive of other well child organisations.
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