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Download AudioThe chief medical officer for Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, says work is going on to deliver alternate health services for communities in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.
Dr Rawiri McKree-Jansen says health teams from MidCentral and Auckland have gone in to supplement and relieve local staff, and both Te Aka Whai Ora and Te Whatu Ora are looking at the systems that need to be in place to ensure people get the care they need, even if the clinic or hospital they would normally be sent to may not be available.
“Right now if you are in one of those flood-affected areas you can get into primary care with no co-payment, you can get your medicines with no prescription charges. I think those are really good moves and whānau who need to access services should get into them now,” he says.
Dr Jansen says he has seen a high level of seasonal allergic conditions over the summer, and he’s expecting a tough flu season.
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