Joining forces to empower Pacific families

Joining forces to empower Pacific families

Local health providers have banded together to boost the health and wellbeing of thousands of Pacific people across greater Wellington.

Capital & Coast DHB, Compass Health PHO and the Central Pacific Collective have created the Tauhi Alliance – a collaboration to improve the care of Pacific patients across hospital and community health services.

“Pacific people are less likely to use health services, and more likely to experience ill health. We are committed to turning that around,” said Capital & Coast DHB chief executive Debbie Chin.

“Providing better healthcare and outcomes for the region’s 18,000 Pacific patients can’t be done in isolation – it requires a combined effort to ensure care is consistent and joined up across providers.”

The key to the alliance’s success will be the combination of members’ collective expertise, local knowledge, data and community links.

“We all have a role to play in improving the health of our Pacific communities, and enabling families to be healthy and independent,” said Central Pacific Collective chair Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira.

“This Alliance will enable us to have a broader and more complete picture of people’s health needs and treatments – preventing people from falling through the cracks between providers and ensuring patients can be followed up, properly cared for, and educated about their health needs.”

Efforts will initially be focussed on the health of Pacific children and young people, and women’s health – in particular, increasing cervical and breast screening rates.

“This is an exciting development in our efforts to lift the health status of Pacific peoples,” said Compass Health chair and Whitby GP Dr Larry Jordan.

“Together, we can better identify where to focus our efforts and draw on one another’s’ strengths to deliver high quality and consistent care – ultimately empowering our Pacific peoples and families’ to be as healthy as they can, and live longer and more independent lives.”

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