Vaccine rates are among the highest in the country

Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare’s Tamariki Ora vaccine rates are among the highest in the country.

The health service is exceeding both the national and Taranaki average by more than 20 per cent.

Immunisations are a critical tool in protecting children from serious, preventable diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis), which has worryingly already hospitalised a number of babies so far this year.

The health centre now has 900 pēpi (under the age of five) on their books.

Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare Tamariki Ora nurse Joanne Larsen said expanding the Tamariki Ora model to include immunisation, basic prescription services and support from a breastfeeding specialist was key to its success.

“Our trio of registered nurses, supported by our kaiawhina, use a holistic approach that offers parents complete support throughout those precious years to maximize their child’s developmental potential, and health.

“Our whānau particularly value the continuity of care, tailored to their needs and circumstances.”

Each of the eight visits give whānau the opportunity to discuss parenting challenges, concerns they may have, and assess developmental milestones including nutrition, breastfeeding, sleep, safety, behaviour, growth, hearing and vision.

“It is designed to help these pēpi get the best possible start.”

On average, their three-member team sees about 40 pēpi a week.

“We predominantly immunise those registered with Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare, but we also support the Outreach Immunisation Service which refers other pēpi overdue for their immunisation.

“The success is a testament to our amazing team.”

Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare general manager Graham Young said while the significant number of South Taranaki families seeing the value in their service was heartwarming, it was a clear signal government funding needed to follow the gold-standard.

“To ensure the sustainability of this valuable services and to meet growing demand across our rohe, Ngāti Ruanui is now seeking Government funding that fully covers operational costs.

“This service is part of our continued commitment to providing comprehensive care to the whole community, and a sustainable level of capital funding is essential for adequate support.

“While we are proud of the support we provide, the current funding model limits our ability to fully meet the increasing demand.”