Newtown Union Health Service celebrates 20 years'

Newtown Union Health Service celebrates 20 years' service

Past and present patients, staff and board members of the Newtown Union Health service are celebrating the service's 20th birthday later this month.

The service was established 20 years ago in response to the union movement's desire to find a better way of ensuring those most in need received the very highest level of primary health care available.

"We began with a small committed team of trade unionists and health professionals in a house in Hall Street," says GP Dr. Kathy James

The service now has its own purpose built facility behind its original site and provides care for around 6000 people from over 40 different nationalities.

"From the beginning we recognised that simply treating people wasn't enough – there was the need to value the importance of culture and communities while striving for wider change that would improve the health of those on low income. This "whole health promotion" includes advocating for adequate income and housing and sufficient support from relevant social person,"

Many of the "new initiatives" in the Primary Healthcare Strategy" have been in place within NUHS since its earliest days says Dr. James.

The service's board has representation from its client base, its staff, the local community and the trade union movement." Manager Chris Clarke says.

"We deliver affordable, quality healthcare, with the local community and the people we serve providing the leadership."

In keeping with the service's philosophy of making its service as accessible as possible the celebrations will be held over a variety of locations between Wednesday, June 20 and Saturday, June 23.

The celebrations begin on Wednesday, June 20 with a morning tea at the Strathmore Community Base. A similar function will be held at the Newtown Park Flats on Friday June 22nd. An evening function is to be held later in the day for past and current staff and board members.

On Saturday June 23rd the Governor General of New Zealand Anand Satayand and local MP and Cabinet Minister Annette King will attend a community celebration at South Wellington Intermediate School between 11am and 3.30pm. This event is open to the public to attend.

For more details about the service's history, a member of the service's staff, Dr Kathy James has edited a book 'Newtown Union Health Service 20 Years On'. It is planned to have copies available from Saturday 23rd June.

ENDS

© Scoop Media