Our New Wai Health Clinic Is Taking Enrolments Now
Te Whānau o Waipareira added another pivotal layer to its waka today with the blessing of the new Wai Health Clinic in West Auckland.
Chief Executive John Tamihere had a déjà vu feeling while addressing board members, Rōpū Kaumātua and kaimahi on site for the opening.
“In 1992 when we kicked off our first clinic at the former Henderson Police Station, a young nurse had just graduated and that young nurse was Ngaire Harris – of course now our Clinical Governance Director. This clinic is a slow burn to sustain the expected influx of whānau with a new model that includes digital health to ensure we lift access to primary health care and lower the cost to it. But we will never ever do anything in regard to degrading the quality that our people rightly deserve, because forgive them, I don’t think they realise the high level of care they deserve either”.
The clinic kaimahi are young and passionate about providing high quality health care to whānau which Ngaire Harris is welcoming.
“Kimi and I have done our day on struggle street so we are handing it over to the young ones under the guidance of Dr Zarah. They are our new generation so we’re giving them the steering wheel and they are driving us into the future”.
Dr Zarah Allport is excited for the new clinic after being introduced to Waipareira through her mother who used to work in Wai Rangahau and her stepfather who currently works at Whānau Tahi.
“I’ve had the privilege of being part of this project since last year and to see it come together, to see everyone here today makes me honoured and proud. The clinic’s vision is born out of our community in the need and want that we see and hear through the data that comes through from those on the frontline. It’s about access, culture and community and those values along with Te Kauhau Ora are the essence of our mahi. Traditional health is often based around disease and deficit and we really want to flip that to be about wellness and hauora in general. The goal is that whānau choose where they go with their wellness and we are the wind and the stars along the way”.
Wai Health on Catherine Street is taking enrolments now and will be fully operational by the end of April, 2024. Call 0800-924-942 now for more details.