Another election is over – and change is coming.  For the health sector, indications are that Te Aka Whai Ora will be disestablished with its functions being picked up by a new directorate within the Ministry of Health or Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) as applicable. Further, the much delayed localities, as intended by the outgoing Labour government, will be unlikely to continue. 

We are looking to see more influence and control closer to where services are delivered; a committed programme to train and recruit medical staff, nurses and other health professionals (including making it easier for overseas trained doctors and nurses to work in New Zealand), and to see innovative and creative thinking around how services can be better delivered for everyone. 

We are fortunate in that both of our region’s successful candidates, Barbara Edmonds and Tim Costley, have been clear about their commitment to improved access to health services for Kāpiti and we will look forward to working with them for the next triennium.

Innovation in Kāpiti

We are pleased to see a number of medical centres in Kāpiti adopting new and innovative ideas and ways of doing things.  In several centres, Nurse Practitioners and other nurses specialising in acute care are holding consultations with patients and prescribing treatments and medications where applicable.  These highly trained and capable professionals provide a sound service and also free up valuable GP time for some of the more complex issues. 

In addition, the after-hours telehealth services provide useful and capable help, with immediate advice and information and they are able to refer on to doctors or specialists if necessary.

We were also pleased to see that over the winter period, pharmacists were encouraged to provide advice and support on minor illnesses.  Again, making good use of these skilled professionals provides faster help to people and is often delivered close to their homes.

Hubs, Hospitals and Polyclinics

The Centre is sited on a significant block of almost 4 hectares of land, part of which is leased to Mary Potter Hospice and part to the Wellington Free Ambulance Service.

While KHAG well understands that seeking a hospital for our area at this time is unlikely to be successful, we are intent on pursuing some of the other innovative options that are being built in different places around the world such as polyclinics (combining general practice care and less complex lower level hospital services) and health hubs.

Revised Brochure on Transport to Health Services 

This had become out of date and inaccurate and we have worked with ASK and Kāpiti Carers to revise the brochure.  It has now been republished and we are very pleased with the new information and posters and grateful to ASK, Kāpiti Carers and the Paraparaumu Raumati Community Board for their generous contributions.

Hard copies can be picked up at medical centres, pharmacies, CAB office and from ASK.

Working Groups

KHAG has set up four working groups in Public Health, Mental Health, Access to Services and Children and Young People.  At this stage the groups are working with others with experience and  expertise in these areas to determine what is needed and what can be done to improve services in each of those areas.

Next year will see these groups start to fill out their programmes and work with the Kāpiti Coast District Council and others in the community to see what we can deliver for Kāpiti.

Who Are We?

KHAG members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and make contributions in their unique and special ways.  Current members:

Four KCDC Councillors - Martin Halliday, Kathy Spiers, Sophie Handford and Shelly Warwick - regularly attend our meetings and we are very capably supported by a number of KCDC staff members.