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Better health resources needed for Pacific
“The establishment of a new health system and appointment of Māori and Pacific interim chief executives has brought the promise of a more equitable and responsive health system closer to reality,” says Fiso John Fiso, chair of Pacific Health Plus, a primary healthcare provider in eastern Porirua. “It has brought much optimism to Māori and Pacific communities.”
Source article: wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=145490
“The establishment of a new health system and appointment of Māori and Pacific interim chief executives has brought the promise of a more equitable and responsive health system closer to reality,” says Fiso John Fiso, chair of Pacific Health Plus, a primary healthcare provider in eastern Porirua. “It has brought much optimism to Māori and Pacific communities.”
“But time is of the essence as we anxiously wait to see successful execution of the plan ‘to do better’, and delivery of a health system that ‘recognises diversity of needs and ensures equity of outcome’.
“Appointments have been made, which includes a Director of Pacific Health in the third tier of the executive; the new health strategy is signed off, which recognises needs of Pacific are not well met; and now – we urgently need action on the ground.
“Because from where I stand, change is needed at speed to alter the day-to-day realities of the Pacific population in Cannons Creek, Eastern Porirua.
“The Pacific community in Porirua is the largest in New Zealand, outside of South Auckland, and it has had many promises made over the years with very little to show for it. 21% of the population identify as Pacific, 49% live in the highly deprived area of eastern Porirua.
“Not only does this group have the worst health outcomes, they are the only population group to have had statistics worsen, despite promises, appointments, strategies and investment.
“Mortality rates of adults are 74% higher than the average; life expectancy of babies are the lowest of all groups in the Wellington region. Cardiovascular admission rates to emergency are the highest and diabetes is three times as prevalent.
“What COVID confirmed to us was that the Pacific community is the most vulnerable to health outbreaks and continues to be over-represented in hospitalisation deaths.
“The health reforms signal this will change for Pacific communities. But we must ensure these changes are timely, appropriately resourced and delivered by ‘Pacific-for-Pacific’.
“We need to see metrics improve. We need to see the 10 year trend of worsening health for Pacific people in Porirua turn the corner. We need less diabetes and heart disease and higher life expectancy, in line with the trends of other population groups.
“Now is the time, the public has been galvanized – they acknowledge the inequality, see the need for change, and recognise that our Pacific New Zealanders have the same right as all other New Zealanders to lead healthy, full lives.
“So I call on those responsible for making this massive reform a success, bring the change you have promised, and bring it quickly, before more lives are lost,” concludes Mr Fiso.
Pacific Health Plus Kāpiti Health Clinic Opens
Pacific Health Plus expanded its services by opening a second health clinic at 9 Milne Drive, Paraparaumu, with the aim of serving a broader community.
Pacific Health Plus expanded its services by opening a second health clinic at 9 Milne Drive, Paraparaumu, with the aim of serving a broader community. The clinic had a soft launch in December 2021, initially operating as a COVID-19 vaccination centre. In January 2022, it extended its services to become a full-fledged medical practice. Extensive renovations were undertaken, resulting in the clinic now offering four consultation and treatment rooms, as well as a sluice room and a utility room.
Additionally, the site houses other health providers, including Habit Health and South Seas Healthcare. It now also features the Truffle Café.
Pasifika Youth Vax Festival
As part of the Government’s ‘Super Saturday’ vaccination campaign, Pacific Health Plus was involved in the Pasifika Youth Vax Festival, vaccinating over 400 people in our community in an effort to get our region’s vaccination numbers up.
As part of the Government’s ‘Super Saturday’ vaccination campaign, Pacific Health Plus was involved in the Pasifika Youth Vax Festival, vaccinating over 400 people in our community in an effort to get our region’s vaccination numbers up. Thank you to the community and everyone who supported and got involved in this fantastic event. Prime Minister, Jacinda Adern and Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield were also in attendance.
Helping our community get vaccinated
Approaching people on the streets, providing transport: Read Stuff NZ’s article on Pacific Health Plus and its role in helping our community get vaccinated against Covid-19.
Read Stuff NZ’s article on Pacific Health Plus and its role in helping our community get vaccinated against Covid-19.
Hosting the Pasifika Caucus
We were excited to host MP for Mana, Barbara Edmonds, and members of the Pāsifika Health, Wellness and Social Services Caucus Committee at the vaccination clinic in Porirua on 13th August.
Talofa lava | Kia ora | Aloha mai e | Ia orana | Taloha ni Malo ni | Fakaalofa lahi atu | ‘Alii | Ni sa bula vinaka | Kia orana Halo olaketa | Mauri | Warm Pacific greetings | Malo e lelei
We were excited to host MP for Mana, Barbara Edmonds, and members of the Pāsifika Health, Wellness and Social Services Caucus Committee at the vaccination clinic in Porirua on 13th August.
Joined by Whitby Collegiate students, Porirua Union Community Health Service and the wider vaccination team, the afternoon involved a tour of Pacific Health Plus and the COVID-19 vaccination clinic that is operating in Freedom Church in Porirua. The gathering celebrates and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our Pasefika communities through the collaboration of Pacific Health Plus, government representatives, local health organisations and volunteers.
Thank you to everyone who was involved and shared this afternoon with us.
Progressive Homes generosity appreciated by PHP
To coincide with the opening of Progressive Homes’ new showhome at 16 Rotorua Grove, Aotea, Andrew Leslie and his team at Progressive Homes have made a generous donation of $5000 to Pacific Health Plus (PHP).
To coincide with the opening of Progressive Homes’ new showhome at 16 Rotorua Grove, Aotea, Andrew Leslie and his team at Progressive Homes have made a generous donation of $5000 to Pacific Health Plus (PHP).
The contribution will go towards furniture and medical equipment for the clinic.
Andrew Leslie, Managing Director of Progressive Homes, is thrilled to contribute to PHP and sees the clinic as an important asset for the wider Porirua community. “They do a wonderful job keeping the Porirua Pacific community healthy and it’s important we support them in doing this,” Mr Leslie says.
Chairman of Pacific Health Plus John Fiso has close historic and family ties to the Porirua area and is thankful for Progressive Homes’ donation, and the work they’re doing to build housing locally.
“This is all part of what’s required to build healthier and more resilient communities for the future,” Mr Fiso says.
“Two of the biggest challenges facing Pacific communities are health and housing. This donation will help PHP, as the only Pacific owned and governed medical practice in the Wellington region, ensure we have the resources to continue delivering quality healthcare to those who need it most.”
“It’s heartening to see the generosity of other local businesses contributing to the wellbeing of our community.”
From Left: Natasha McDowell (Senior Registered Nurse), Dr Esela Natano (General Practitioner), Lee Pearce (Director of Health), Andrew Leslie (Managing Director, Progressive Homes)
Welcoming our Covid-19 Vaccination Centre to the community
The Pacific Health Plus (PHP) team is proud to continue its effort in meeting needs and changing lives by delivering a COVID-19 vaccine service for our community at Freedom Church Porirua with the help of Porirua Union Community Health Service (PUCHS).
Pacific Health Plus Covid Vaccine Clinic at Freedom Church Porirua
Talofa lava | Kia ora | Aloha mai e | Ia orana | Taloha ni Malo ni | Fakaalofa lahi atu | ‘Alii | Ni sa bula vinaka | Kia orana Halo olaketa | Mauri | Warm Pacific greetings | Malo e lelei
The Pacific Health Plus (PHP) team is proud to continue its effort in meeting needs and changing lives by delivering a COVID-19 vaccine service for our community at Freedom Church Porirua with the help of Porirua Union Community Health Service (PUCHS). A very warm Pacific welcome greeted guests at the Community Covid Vaccine Centre opening and blessing this morning. Thank you to Barbara Edmonds MP and Pacific Director Tagaloa Junior Ulu at Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) for joining us in celebrating these collaborative efforts, to Pastor Teremoana Tauira for the warm welcomes and blessings, and to Molly Fiso Advisory Board Member Pacific Health Plus on behalf of Fiso John Fiso, Chair of Pacific Health Plus. Faʻafetai
As the only Pacific owned and governed medical practice in the Wellington region, it is important that initiatives like the Covid Vaccine Clinic are responsive to Pacific needs and are driven by Pasefika to reflect meaningful engagement for Pasefika in being integral to solutions and not just end users of healthcare.
What you need to know about Breast and Bowel Screening
Important information to know about breast screening and bowel screening, and what impact COVID-19 has on these services. See the information below, sourced from Time to Screen.
Important information to know about breast screening and bowel screening, and what impact COVID-19 has on these services. See the information below, sourced from Time to Screen.
Let us know if you’ve had a COVID-19 or Flu vaccination before your appointment.
HAVING A MAMMOGRAM
INFORMATION SOURCE: timetoscreen.nz/breast-screening/having-a-mammogram
Eligible women aged between 45 and 69 can get a free mammogram (a kind of breast check) every 2 years. This is part of a programme run by BreastScreen Aotearoa.
If you:
are aged 45 to 69
have no symptoms of breast cancer
have not had a mammogram from another provider within the last 12 months
are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
are eligible for public health services in New Zealand (check on the Ministry of Health website)
then you can get a free mammogram every 2 years – sign up now.
You can choose whether or not to join BreastScreen Aotearoa and have regular mammograms. To help you decide, here is some information on the benefits and harms.
If you have had breast cancer before, you can sign up 5 years after your breast cancer was diagnosed. Before that time, your doctor or specialist will make sure you have regular check ups.
If you do have breast symptoms you’re worried about, see your doctor – don’t wait for your next mammogram appointment!
Preparing for your mammogram
Go to Preparing for your mammogram for advice on what to expect – including if you need change your appointment, what happens at your appointment, and tips to make things easier.
After your mammogram
If anything needs checking after your mammogram, we’ll invite you to come back for further assessment. This is also free. You can find out more at After your mammogram.
For most women, no cancer will be found, and we’ll invite you to come for another mammogram in 2 years.
If cancer is found then you will be offered treatment through your public hospital. Treatment is free. Find out more at Treatment.
Not eligible?
There are other publicly funded options available if you are not eligible for the free 2-yearly mammograms. Ask your doctor next time you see them.
COVID-19 and Breast Screening
Let us know if you’ve had a COVID-19 or Flu vaccination before your appointment.
BreastScreen Aotearoa services are continuing to operate, although your appointment could be slightly different as staff will be taking additional precautions, including keeping their distance as much as possible.
If you are sick or have been in contact with a COVID-19 case: It is important that you stay home and don’t attend your appointment. Please do give us a call and let us know that you can’t make it and we can re-book you in for another time. If you do have cold or flu symptoms, then you should also call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
BOWEL SCREENING
INFORMATION SOURCE: timetoscreen.nz/bowel-screening
The National Bowel Screening Programme is free for people aged 60 to 74 years. It aims to save lives by finding bowel cancer at an early stage when it can often be successfully treated.
How does the Covid-19 Vaccine Work?
As the world experiences the roll out COVID-19 vaccine, the World Health Organisation delve into how vaccines actually work. What are the different types of vaccine? How do they trigger and train the immune system, and what is the role of herd immunity?
As the world experiences the roll out COVID-19 vaccine, the World Health Organisation delve into how vaccines actually work. What are the different types of vaccine? How do they trigger and train the immune system, and what is the role of herd immunity?
Watch the following videos below to find out how the vaccine actually works.
Dr Emma Espiner and Dr Api Talemaitoga answer your COVID-19 vaccine questions.Dr Emma Espiner and Dr Api Talemaitoga answer your COVID-19 vaccine questions. For more information, visit www.covid19.govt.nz/vaccines
Posted by Unite against COVID-19 on Monday, May 10, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Information Evening
Pacific Health Plus in conjunction with Ministry of Pacific Peoples and Ministry of Health hosted a community fono last night for the Porirua region. The COVID-19 Vaccination Information Evening brought together the community to inform and prepare for the roll outs of vaccinations to our wider community.
Bringing together our community to inform and prepare for the COVID-19 vaccination rollout
Pacific Health Plus in conjunction with Ministry of Pacific Peoples and Ministry of Health hosted a community fono last night for the Porirua region. The COVID-19 Vaccination Information Evening brought together the community to inform and prepare for the roll outs of vaccinations to our wider community.
It was fantastic to see a full house at this event with Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga, Dr Debbie Ryan, Mana MP Barbara Edmonds, Ministries of Health and Pacific Peoples, and our very own Pacific Health Plus Chairman Fiso John Fiso and the PHP team.
Thank you to Pacific Leaders Group representatives Siaosi Anamani for welcoming the community and MCing the evening, and Zechariah Reuelu for the closing encouragements. Thank you also to Pastor Teremoana Tauira for the opening and closing prayer, and to the students from Whitby Collegiate for being great helpers.
Chairman of PHP, Fiso John Fiso, opened the evening by stating the purpose of the fono and introduced speakers MP for Mana Barbara Edmonds, Dr Api, Dr Ryan, DHB representative Tagaloa Junior Ulu, and MOH and MPP teams.
Chairman of Pacific Health Plus, Fiso John Fiso
Key messages from the evening were:
The Pfizer vaccine is FREE and available to everyone aged 16 and over. It will help to protect New Zealand from COVID-19.
For the vaccine to be effective you must receive 2 DOSES.
There will be a specific location in Porirua where all COVID-19 vaccines will be administered. Decisions on this location will be made in coming weeks.
The vaccine is estimated to be available to the community from May/June.
When asked “is the vaccine safe?” Dr Api broke it down to 3 key points:
Clinical trials with over 40,000 people
Millions of doses already given overseas
NZ Med Safe approved
A Q&A session provided our Porirua Pacific community with an opportunity to ask Dr Api, Dr Ryan and Ministry of Health representatives hard-hitting questions like, “what happens if you can’t get to the vaccination location?”, “is it safe if you take other medications for health conditions like diabetes?”, “will the vaccine protect you from other COVID-19 strains?”, and “why can’t the vaccination roll out be any faster?”.
Answers to these questions and more information can be found on the following websites. More information will be advertised as the campaign rolls out to our wider community.
