A Pacific-owned and Pacific-led general practice has opened in the Hutt Valley, fulfilling a plan first put forward 27 years ago, RNZ reports. The Epuni Medical Centre, run by Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley, opened on Monday and is only the second such practice in the Wellington region, after one in Porirua.
The organisation's board chair, Reverend Au Liko, led a blessing ceremony and said the idea had begun with three Pasifika nurses and the chief executive, Nanai Muaau. He said access was a major barrier for many Pacific people, particularly those not enrolled with a GP or who struggle to communicate with doctors. Dr Tua Lealaiauloto Taueetia-Su'a, one of the original nurses, said she had seen a need for Pacific people to be cared for by their own community. Health NZ said the centre adds capacity for Pacific-led services in the region.
Source: RNZ