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New transport role helps people get to services
New transport role helps people get to services
Getting to health services and hospital appointments will soon be a lot easier for Hauraki and Thames residents, thanks to the combined efforts of community, district, regional and national organisations.
A new role of community transport services coordinator will be funded for a one-year pilot project to improve access to social services such as health-related appointments and shopping for essential items such as food and clothing.
Hauraki/Thames is the first area in New Zealand to trial the district transport coordinator concept.
Newly appointed coordinator Lyn Thompson will match people’s needs to existing transport options, including the volunteer transport groups operating out of many of the districts’ towns.
People in the district can request information by phoning 0800 934 287.
The role is under the auspices of St John, with its wealth of organisational resources and local knowledge. Lyn is based at Thames Hospital.
“It’s a one-stop-shop to find out how you can get to a medical appointment or other essential social services,” said Thames Hospital and Community Services manager Jacquie Mitchell.
The scheme is supported by the Hauraki and Thames Coromandel district councils, Waikato District Health Board, Waikato Regional Council and Community Waikato. NZ Transport Agency was also involved in its development.
Concerns about transport to hospital appointments or visits were raised by the Hauraki AgeWISE group and the Thames Hauraki Community Health Forum two years ago. These were picked up by Community Waikato which worked with a number of organisations to develop the transport coordinator concept as a solution.
Waikato District Health Board is keen to support the pilot.
“Transport issues are a common reason why people miss their appointments at Thames and Waikato hospitals or are stressed trying to get there,” said Jacquie Mitchell. “It’s an issue for the hospitals too. Non-attendance means people may miss getting the advice or treatment they need, and their non-attendance takes up a time slot that someone else could have used.”
Last year alone, there were about 1000 missed appointments at Thames Hospital and about 800 missed appointments by Thames/Hauraki residents at Waikato Hospital.
Mayor John Tregidga has been a strong advocate for the scheme. “Transport in rural areas has been a concern of mine for many years,” Mayor Tregidga said. “The pilot scheme has the potential to address people’s access to essential services. This has been a long time collaborative effort between several organisations.”
Lyn will be developing her network of contacts with the various transport providers. She will be regularly meeting with community groups and members of the public to keep people informed.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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