January 2024

A Poutini Waiora and Te Nīkau Health Centre joint pilot programme which started in winter 2023 is about to check how the experience has been for whānau involved, and to capture learnings.

The Whānau Ora Approach to Long Term Conditions is a wrap-around holistic model based on kaiatawhai supporting people with long term conditions and their whānau members through their health journey.  Kaiatawhai are a small team of kaimahi (staff) who work in a Whānau Ora approach using the Te Whare Tapa Whā Model.  At Poutini Waiora the staff carrying out this role are called Kaiawhina. 

The programme offers people registered with Te Nīkau Health Centre the option of a free primary care assessment by a GP and/or other health professional at either Te Nīkau or Poutini Waiora. The Kaiatawhai set up the appointment time, tautoko and awhi (offer support and care) to accompany the whānau member and can organise transport or any other assistance whānau need.

While building this trusting relationship with whānau, Kaiatawhai follow up after the whānau appointment and continue to tautoko and awhi whānau in their health journey.

Takiwā Poutini is now working with the pilot managers and Te Whatu Ora to capture learnings from the pilot so the model could be picked up by other primary practices on the West Coast.