Board of Directors

From Left to Right : Janine Kaipo, Gwen Tepania-Palmer, Ken Orr, Dr Andrew Miller (Chairman), Dr Ron Abraham (resigning Chairman), Liz Nelson, Shirleyanne Brown, Dr Paula Mathieson

 
 
 
MANAIA HEALTH PHO CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2011
by Doctor Ron Abraham

It is my pleasure to present my report for the year ending 30 June 2011

Another year passes and heathcare presents more challenges and reminds us of the old ones.  Manaia PHO has established itself as a leader in the provision of quality health services and strongly affirms that good primary care is the core of all health care. It is where we can make a difference.

I would acknowledge the partnership and support of Manaia’s two shareholders -Terenga Paraoa and Whangarei Healthcare. It is essential that a continuing joint vision remains to provide the best outcomes  for the health of our community. I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Northland DHB. The formation of the Te Tai Tokerau Alliance Leadership Team emphasises the common goals that we have to achieve the best in health care. I believe that it is very important that patient and family centered primary care is recognised as the core of good community heath.

Manaia PHO has well established health care programmes providing many great services to our community. Our SIA projects  have fully utilised every funding opportunity and provide services to our more needy population.  The community mental health projects are continually over-subscribed demonstrating the huge need for mental health support. Diabetic and dietitian services are also in huge demand. There is so much that can be achieved in primary care and we are keen to continue to be a leader.

Manaia has made great gains in the services for our children who will always be a central focus for us. We have made great improvements with immunisation rates and the B4 schools check and been very successful. There are always challenges and we can always do better.  We have been given the task by the Minister of Health to provide better, sooner, more convenient healthcare and we are investigating new models of care to achieve this ideals.

I would like to acknowledge the staff and primary care professionals who helped with the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake. In difficult times it shows that a community can be quite large and widespread.

This year had an important rationalisation of the PHOs in Northland and with this restructuring Manaia welcomes Kaipara Care into its family. There has always been a great relationship with Kaipara and this is a seamless continuation of that goodwill.

Manaia PHO has had a good year achieving its goals to make a difference and support the provision of the best primary care for its community. The future will continue to provide challenges and we are well placed to be the leader and innovator for the provision of community based patient focused healthcare.

I would like to acknowledge every health worker in the community both paid and unpaid as they are the ones who make a difference. I would also like to thank and acknowledge the Community Advisory Group and the Clinical Advisory Committee who provide essential advice and support for the board. Finally I would like to thank my board and our CEO Chris Farrelly for making it all happen. We will continue to make a difference.

(Dr) Ron Abraham

Chairperson