But the hub itself will be ground-breaking for two reasons.
Not only is it the first community care hub to be built within the Southern district, but it is also the first hub in the country to integrate Ministry of Social Development (MSD) services with primary health services.
Andrew Lesperance, Executive Director Planning Funding & Population, says Te Whatu Ora Southern is delighted to partner with Te Kāika and the Ministry of Social Development to improve health outcomes for the South Dunedin community.
“Te Kāika is already doing an excellent job of providing wrap-around healthcare and social services support for over 5000 Māori, Pasifika and low-income registered whānau Otago-wide,” Andrew says.
“The team was invaluable during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and it’s exciting to think what we’ll be able to achieve when we’re working side-by-side in the new facility. Better health outcomes are achieved when care is accessible from within the community, and that’s why this initiative is so important.”
It is anticipated that Te Whatu Ora will deliver mental health outpatient services at the Wellbeing Hub, along with other services that will support wellbeing.
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