Te Kāhui Hauora Pouwhakahaere, Kim Ngawhika, and Board member, Kate Hippolite, were privileged to attend the blessing of the new Community Haemodialysis Unit at Wairau Hospital today.
Whānau spoke of the huge relief this service brings, with one noting, “we were never worried the treatment would kill them, but the long travel over the hill would”.
Kaumātua Luke Katu and Paora Mackie led a moving blessing. Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough Primary Health Organisation CE Beth Tasker and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora‘s Jane Kinsey expressed gratitude to everyone who made the unit possible and acknowledged the power of community collaboration.
Te Kāhui Hauora congratulates Beth and her team; this milestone is a true reflection of whānau voice and the strength of the community working together.
This new unit marks an important step in improving access to care for whānau in Te Tauihu, ensuring treatment is closer to home and grounded in community.