Clinic WOF a big hit with patients
Raungaiti Marae Health Clinic last week launched an incentive- based initiative aimed at motivating more people to take advantage of the facility.
Patients can now complete their own health ‘‘Warrant of Fitness’’ checks by completing a series of standard health tests.
Once they have had all the required checks, they are eligible to receive a reward such as a supermarket voucher.
Registered nurse Mandy Reynolds said they hoped the WOF would encourage people to be proactive with their own health.
‘‘People are responsible for completing the checklist themselves,’’ she said.
‘‘Ideally, eventually everyone will come down – there is one for kids as well.’’
The WOF has a focus on cardiovascular disease and tests include diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
Personal cardiac history and family history is also taken into account to assess a person’s percentage risk of heart attack and stroke in the next five years. Other items on the checklist include the flu vaccination (if eligible), smoking advice and treatment, cervical smears and mammograms for women, and medication checks.
The clinic is set up with a self-use blood pressure machine and blood tests are done with a finger prick – no needles are used.
Hauraki Public Health Organisation diabetes and cardiovascular risk assessment project manager Michelle Rohleder hoped the scheme would see better health for the whole Raungaiti community.
‘‘It’s not only investing in yourself but the children coming after you,’’ she said.
‘‘If you change some of your habits, and it doesn’t have to be big changes, it can make a huge difference for your tamariki.’’
Ms Rohleder said the turnout on the pilot day of the WOF was positive and they hoped to see it continue. ‘‘It’s been fantastic.’’ The health clinic is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and is free for members of the Raungaiti community.