Dale-Maree Morgan, Natasha To’o, Muhammad Hussain and Bill Harris.
Pixie Stockman walks smiling from a health and wellbeing assessment at Kihikihi’s community hub.
Pixie Stockman, left, consults with Natasha To’o.
She consulted Te Kotahi Oranga Health and Wellness Centre student nurse Natasha To’o during the student-assisted clinic’s first visit to the former Alpha Hotel last Thursday.
The free clinic – which will run each week – is one of the most tangible examples of the vision Bill Harris and his team had when they negotiated to use the disused 150-year-old hotel owned by Auckland businessman and former politician Arthur Anae.
Muhammad Hussain and Bill Harris.
“I felt I had a real personal touch and was not being shooed out of the door like I would be at the GPs,” said the 57-year-old Kihikihi woman who works in Te Awamutu.
“They are very understanding.”
Stockman will ask for her prescribed medication reviewed following her consultation.
“Pixie just came in for a free check-up, and we were able to measure her vital signs,” said Te Pukenga student To’o.
“I love it. I so see myself working in the community. This is more me.”
For University of Waikato nursing student Muhammad Hussain, the visit was all about learning in the field. “All together, it’s quite good,” he said.
Dale-Maree Morgan, Natasha To’o, Muhammad Hussain and Bill Harris at the Te Kotahi Oranga health and wellness drop in.
Waipā Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan was among the dozen visitors who consulted the team.
“It went very well,” she said. “I am very grateful for them coming out to us.”
Rural communities like Kihikihi often found it difficult to access even basic healthcare, she said.
Te Kotahi Oranga manager Jacqui Coates-Harris – a registered nurse mentor – said the health and wellness centre offered free pre-diabetes care and management among its services alongside a falls assessment and prevention programme. Coates-Harris was joined by registered nurse mentor Melissa Castillo in providing clinical oversight on site.
Harris, Ngāti Apakura Runanga Trust kaumātua, said it was satisfying to see the community hub being used to help the community.
“GP costs are going up, people are not going to come,” he said. “If we can make a difference, that’s the purpose.”
Dale-Maree Morgan and Natasha To’o.
