New name and integration for GP service

29 August 2013

New name and integration for GP service

A GP service with a direct link to Taranaki’s biggest kaupapa Māori health and social services organisation is re-launched on Monday September 2.

Tui Ora Family Health is the new name of the practice formerly known as Te Aroha Medcare. It also brings under its umbrella patients who were formerly registered with Te Atiawa Medical Centre in New Plymouth.

Tui Ora Family Health in Maratahu Street will be strengthened because of its strong links to the wider organisation of Tui Ora Limited, says chief executive Hayden Wano.

For patients the benefits include improved access to a whole range of services aimed at strengthening health and well being.

These are extensive, catering to different age groups and populations throughout Taranaki. Tui Ora provides primary health services – everything from smoking cessation to outreach immunisations – as well as delivering mental health and addiction services.

In addition it runs Taranaki Youth Service and works alongside health providers such as Midland Regional Network, Tu Tama Wahine and Te Hauora Pou Heretaunga, a specialist organisation for the elderly.

Mr Wano says staff within Tui Ora Family Health will aim to provide wrap-around or holistic services exemplified by the Whānau Ora model of care.

“Our aim is to improve the health of all people in our region, to create greater unification of services and remove some of the barriers that some of our most vulnerable people face.”

Many factors feed into a person’s health and wellbeing: Everything from cold, draughty homes to mental health issues.

Often nurses and doctors are the first port of call for many patients, which is why it’s so important those staff can provide links to a host of integrated services, says Mr Wano.

Tui Ora Family Health has been recruiting more staff as it takes over the patient caseload of Te Atiawa Medical Centre, which closed in June.

Patients have gradually been enrolling with the practice but it’s keen to promote its services to those who may not yet have paid a visit, says Mr Wano.

Tui Ora Family Health is an accredited practice offering low cost services with fees capped for adults and children. Anyone can enroll with the practice.

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