 CLINICS offering support with everything from dental fillings to childhood immunisations are empowering wahine to better manage their own health and that of their babies.
The versatile clinics were held for the first time at Turanga Health’s community outreach space, Manawaru, situated on Childers Road in Elgin. While at Manawaru, visiting māmā could have their children vaccinated, catch up on Well Child Tamariki Ora checks, visit a dentist, and access carseats. Babysitters were also on hand. One māmā said she couldn’t have attended her appointment without the wraparound support on offer. “This experience has been amazing. Normally I don’t like going to the dentist because of the cost and because I have found it traumatizing. But after today, it makes me want to look after myself a bit more, and it made me feel more confident.” After five, day-long clinics, 27 babies and children had been vaccinated to keep them safe from serious but preventable childhood illness. Nineteen families went home with a carseat appropriate for their child’s age and size. The dental care service was provided by mobile community dental health group Trinity Koha Dental. Its volunteer team of dentists, dental therapists and dental assistants, came with their state-of-the art dental clinic in a caravan. Over the week, dental staff saw 40 māmā, extracted 49 problem teeth, and repaired cavities with 61 fillings. Another 28 māmā had their teeth scaled and cleaned by an Ocean Dental Centre therapist. Trinity volunteers work in communities across the North Island offering free dental care. The volunteer team relies on local faces in local spaces to put clinic visitors at ease, and that’s where Turanga Health fits in. “Turanga Health’s depth of relationship with whānau has meant we’ve been able to get people in who might otherwise be terrified of the dentist,” says Trinity Koha clinic coordinator Julia Parker. “They trust Turanga Health and because of that, they trust us.” Turanga Health’s Dallas Poi says the clinics targeted young mums where there was a proven need for accessible, well-resourced dental care, and continued support looking after their tamariki. As it has done so often in the past, Turanga Health helped create a solution that better meets whānau need. “The māmā were happy to be there. It was nice to see people leaving with a smile.” The number of childhood immunisations provided over the week was particularly important. “Immunisation saves lives. As well as protecting yourself from dangerous diseases, getting your tamariki immunised is one of the best ways to set them up for a healthy future. We hope to hold more clinics like this in the future.” One grateful māmā said the clinic was wonderful to visit. “When I got here the environment was very calming. A beautiful atmosphere. It feels really good,” said the busy wahine, who brought her four tamariki to the appointment. The wraparound clinic service in Elgin was created in response to whānau need and was Government-funded. Turanga Health and Trinity Koha Dental Clinic extend thanks to the Tairāwhiti Toitu Te Ora Iwi Māori Partnership Board, Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti, Tairawhiti Localities, Trust Tairāwhiti, and Ocean Dental Clinic for their contributions.
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