The Ngātea community were able to share their whakaaro about how health services could be improved.

In collaboration with Health Ngātea, the team hosted a community wānanga, which took place at the Ngātea War Memorial Hall on December 2nd, 2023.

The community wānanga served as an opportunity to gain insight into how health services are currently being delivered to the Ngātea community. Ideas were further investigated to determine how to better deliver these services in the future.

Some key feedback included:

Technology

• Technology gaps in the system cause significant wait times for GP services.
• The older population does not have access to technology. Alternate forms of engagement need to be explored.
• Communication and keeping up with changes in NGO's.
• There is a need to increase the number of virtual consultations available.
  
  

Workforce Development

• The complexity of the need is growing.
• Supporting Waikato Medical School.
• There is a need to promote the benefits of working in our rural areas.
• Keep our workforce close to home.
• Demand has increased for St. John’s services
• There are duplications of services. This creates confusion.
• A directory of services would be useful.
  
  

Elderly Care

• Need for more rest homes.
• There is a lack of day programmes available for dementia patients.
• Lack of support workers/kaiāwhina.

Transportation

• Lack of transportation services.