Te Kāhui Hauora joined iwi representatives, Te Whatu Ora kaimahi and others to mark an important milestone for Nelson Hospital, with the blessing of the site for the new Inpatient Unit.
The blessing was led by Matua Shane Graham, who shared the name gifted by iwi for the new building, Tūmanako.
Te Kāhui Hauora was represented by Clinical Lead Maria Briggs, who acknowledged the significance of the new facility for whānau across Te Tauihu.
“This will be a place where many of our whānau come at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. As an IMPB, our role is to make sure whānau voice is heard and helps shape the services and care they receive. So we were pleased to stand alongside iwi and others this morning as this next stage begins.”
The blessing marks more than the beginning of a new building. For Te Kāhui Hauora, it is also an opportunity to keep advocating for a health system where the needs, experiences and aspirations of whānau Māori are reflected in how care is designed and delivered.
We look forward to seeing Tūmanako take shape and, ultimately, serve whānau and communities across Te Tauihu.