Better connections between GPs and other health services are expected to improve access to support whānau across Taranaki following a Tui Ora Community Services Expo last week.
The GP Community Services Expo, which was held in partnership with Pinnacle, brought together primary care teams, hospital clinicians, allied health providers and community organisations for engaging conversations with Tui Ora teams about the services available to whānau.
The event highlighted how Tui Ora clinical and non-clinical services complement what is available for patients in primary care to help improve overall health and wellbeing.
People can access Tui Ora services directly themselves by phone or email, or through referrals from doctors, other clinicians, community organisations or agencies.
“Our holistic approach to wellbeing means we look beyond any immediate health issue,” says Tui Ora Chief Services Officer Ngaio Marama.
“We work alongside the person and their whānau to help them improve their wellbeing, navigate whatever challenges they may be facing, and support them to have the confidence to do this on their own in the future.”
Ngaio says Tui Ora teams are often able to provide practical, goal-based support that complements the care a GP provides.
“For example, someone may visit their doctor because they’re struggling with stress or feeling overwhelmed. Alongside their GP’s care plan, they could also be referred to one of our Health Coaches, who can work with them to build confidence, set goals and develop practical skills to improve their wellbeing.”
The Expo also gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about referral pathways and the growing number of Tui Ora services now available through the primary care referral platform BPAC.
“We know primary care teams do as much as they can for their patients, and time pressures can make that difficult,” says Ngaio.
“Having our services available through BPAC makes it much easier for clinicians to connect whānau with other health services that can make a real difference.”
Attendees welcomed the opportunity to meet directly with service teams and learn more about the services available.
One attendee described the Expo as “a really great way to learn about the services in a short period of time”, while post-event feedback showed attendees were more likely to refer patients to Tui Ora services in the future.
“We’re really pleased with how well the Expo was received,” says Ngaio.
“By bringing primary care and Tui Ora services together, we are enabling more joined-up, trusted care that supports whānau to be well and connected with services shaped around what matters most to them.”