Crawford Medical Centre Maori Health Plan.

Crawford Medical Centre is actively working with Maori in our Crawford community to offer a Maori health plan, in conjunction with Counties Manukau DHB.

“The plan is a step in the process of changing the paradigm of Maori Health in the Counties Manukau area from illness to informed wellness. To achieve this, we must be positive”

Relevant issues include removing barriers to promote early access and ongoing use of services, improved care pathways, health literacy, research and evaluation, improved access to health and disability information, improved knowledge management and ethnicity data collection.

We recognise:

There is a spiritual element that connects human wellness to the environment in Maori culture and human development is interconnected with a protected environment.(ARPHS 2005)

Health and wellbeing is connected to a secure cultural identity including such issues as Te reo, Tikanga, Marae, Whaanaungatanga, Wairua, Mana Ake, Haa Koro Ma A Kui Ma, Whatumanawa,Aroha. (Pere.1988.1991)

The long term goal is to:

Improve access to primary care by increasing the age-standardised rate of GP consultations for Maori compared to non-Maori enrolled populations.

Increase the proportion of Maori patients enrolled on a CCM programme (C+ and Diabetes get checked), and whom complete the total number of visits.

Implement health and disability impact assessments (in partnership with the Counties Manukau DHB)

Four aspects to Maori Health:

Te taha wairua           - spiritual

Te taha hinengaro     - mental

Te taha tinana            - physical

Te taha whananau     - family

These elements offer an holistic approach to treating Maori in our Crawford community, a commitment which we have agreed to implement.

Patients are re-called for all important aspects of healthcare.

Children are recalled for all immunisations.

Women are recalled for cervical smears and mammograms.

Men are recalled for annual or two yearly full health checks.

A smoking cessation programme is offered with a trained practitioner.

A Dietitian and Nutritionist are available to advise on diet.

Practice nurses are trained to help in management of diabetes and asthma.

All clinical staff are trained and active in promoting the modules of Chronic Care management, Care+, and Diabetes Get Checked in partnership with Counties Manukau DHB.

A Flu vaccination programme is implemented annually.

Free Health seminars are offered on many topics.

All Crawford staff are committed to treating persons with dignity and respect.