In celebration of the new HPV primary screening rollout, Pito Hauora hosted an event including free screening services, kai, coffee, and facepainting for tamariki.

This took place at the Pito Hauora screening hub based in Thames, found within the Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki compound. 

Services provided by Pito Hauora included immunisations, diabetes, vision tests, and bowel, breast, and cervical screening. Whānau were provided the opportunity to engage with these services and providers, along with our Te Tara o Te Whai team. 

The National Cervical Screening Programme rolled out the new HPV primary screening tool on September 12th, 2023. This new tool allows wāhine to self-swab, ensuring a more private, less invasive screening. To access this free HPV primary screening tool, you can check out the eligibility criteria here.

Throughout the day, Te Tara o Te Whai Kaimanaaki were able to engage with whānau and ask them about their thoughts on health.

When asked what health services whānau would like to see improved, some of the main themes were:

Availability/Accessibility

• Availability of all services.
• Cheaper or free services.
• Longer GP appointments.
• Quicker access to services/support.
• Better time management would mean fewer wait times.
• Dental for adults.

More Support Workers

• Someone to listen to me effectively and doctors who can explain things more easily.
• Mental health crisis team.

Māori/Holistic Models of Care

• Holistic approach.
• Seen through a Māori lens.
• Cultural diversity.