Health clinic gets better site
The Arowhenua Whanau Services (AWS) Timaru clinic has been relocated to Elizabeth St to enable easier access for clients.
An official opening ceremony and blessing of the new premises at 12 Elizabeth St was held yesterday morning.
One of four AWS clinics in South Canterbury, the Timaru service has been based at Community House in Strathallan St for the past two years and is the only Ma¯ori health provider in the region but is also open to nonMa¯ori with clinics in Temuka, Twizel and Waimate.
AWS kaiwhakahaere (manager) Maria Parish said the new site comprised renting four rooms.
‘‘We have more space here, better access and car parking,’’ Parish said.
She said the clinic will be led by nurses on Mondays, and wha¯nau workers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
‘‘The nurses can do physical assessments and there’s the ability for mental health to also be seen.’’
With 22 staff, services offered include wha¯nau ora (Ma¯ori families’ goals and aspirations), mokopuna ora (Ma¯ori families with children under the age of 5), exercise, sexual crisis, transition from state care, mental health and addictions, smokefree support and truancy advisers.
Parish said about 6000 patients were registered and seen each year.
People who need the service can self-refer on the AWS website or be referred by a school, a family member or a health professional.
AWS is funded by the Ministry of Health and the South Canterbury District Health Board.