Our Ara Hauora mobile outreach team has been going from strength to strength, helping whānau with their health needs in the comfort of their own home. So much so that every patient who has filled out the survey after their appointment has given the service a 5-star rating!

For our Ara Hauora Nurses, their focus is on creating safe, positive relationships with whānau and going at their pace when addressing health concerns.

Ara Hauora is a family-centred initiative, where our nurses provide services in the whānau home for those who will benefit most through outreach. The goal is to provide the immediate support needed, and then nurture the relationship with the GP for ongoing support.

For many patients there are a range of commitments they are trying to juggle, from having multiple tamariki and working a full-time job, studying, school, or other commitments that prevent them from seeing their family doctor.

Alamani, one of the Ara Hauora nurses says, “Being able to visit whānau and meet them where they feel comfortable, in their whare surrounded by whānau, has been refreshing and rewarding at the same time.

“We have been offered drinks and kai, and more so time to kōrero about other things that are important to them. This impacts the whole whānau and not just the tamariki and parents.”

Check out some of the amazing feedback from patients:

• I’d like to thank you ladies for all the support for me and all the women that saved us without any stress. I appreciate your mahi services provided to us and the community for all women’s wellbeing, thank you.
• Everything, down to communication was perfect! Made me and baby feel so comfortable – she [nurse] is an asset to the company.
• I felt so much more comfortable being in our home, was a bit doubtful about how vaccines were stored, however after seeing the small fridge that had a monitor it made me feel better. Also was informed of the other services that are provided and will definitely be letting other whānau know.
• I loved the service, my nurse was excellent she explained everything to me. I felt so comfortable with her.