Expo A Chance To Build Diverse Workforce

13 March 2006

Expo A Chance To Build Diverse Workforce

More Asian health professionals will be needed over the next decade if projected vacancies in the health sector are to be filled by 2015.
Waitemata District Health Board is working closely with training organisations and universities to ensure adequate numbers of young people are being recruited now to meet future demands.

This recruitment drive will be a key part of Just for the Health of it! - the upcoming Health & Lifestyle Expo which will provide career information and feature over 100 health and lifestyle exhibits.

Waitemata DHB’s Asian Health Support Services Manager Sue Lim says there is an increasing need for health professionals of Asian ethnicity to reflect the rapid and diverse growth within the Waitemata district.

“At the moment language and cultural barriers are key issues for Asian people who access healthcare. It influences how patients use health services and how we as health professionals respond.

“For now we’ve found our translation service is the best way to break down those language barriers but we need to plan towards an ethnic workforce that will meet the needs of our increasingly diverse population.”

The Waitemata district covers Rodney, North Shore City and Waitakere City and comprises a population of nearly 500,000 people.

Population data shows that after European, Maori and Pacific, the three largest ethnic groups within Waitemata are Chinese, Korean and Indian. Currently the greatest need is for Korean GPs, according to Ms Lim.

“There are only two Korean GPs in the greater Auckland area. Mental Health is another area where more Asian health professionals are required.”
She says the Expo will be an opportunity to showcase information about careers for Asians in the health sector and to give advice about how to seek training in those fields.

There will also be information on translation services, how to access GPs who provide translation services, Home Help for Older Adults, using the health and hospital systems, Needs Assessment for people 65+ with a disability, Diabetes, Stroke, Women’s Health, Cervical Screening and more.

The Expo will feature fun activities and live music, including top New Zealand bands Katchafire and Sola Rosa, information on exercise and healthy eating, free health checks, cultural performances, prizes and give-aways.

Bilingual interpreters and facilitators who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Burmese, Hindi, Farsi, Arabic, Iranian, and Somali languages will be present to help people with limited English on Sunday from noon to 4pm.

The event is a collaboration between Waitemata DHB and its Primary Health Organisation (general practitioners or family doctors) network.

WHAT: FREE Health & Lifestyle Expo – Just for the Health of It!
WHERE: The Trusts Stadium, 65- 67 Central Park Dr, Henderson, Waitakere City
WHEN: Sunday 19 March 12pm Midday – 6pm, Monday 20 March 9am – 6pm.

If you require further information, please contact Asian Health Support Services Manager, Sue Lim, using the details below.

ENDS

© Scoop Media