by Iride McCloy

A very successful meeting was had on Monday and the feedback was tremendous. Considering the short time-frame that WHAG had to present to Adrian Gregory the needs of the Waikanae residents, it was very rewarding that so many people attended.

The theme of the meeting was “Urgent and After Hours Care”.   The audience  were very vocal in particular when it came to “reducing the burden of travel for avoidable hospital care for the people of Waikanae!”

Some of the main points that were highlighted were the remaining gaps for Mental Health and Addictions, and care for people with disabilities.

Details of Kapiti Coast users of Urgent and After Hours services as presented to us by Adrian:-

Of the total Kāpiti population, estimated as 52,000 at present, 27% are over 65; the 45-64 age group represents 28%.

17 Kāpiti residents attend the Emergency Department each day = circa 6,200 per year and 47% are over 65.

Transportation used:- ambulance 55%, other forms 44%.

Admission / non-admission:- 55 / 44%

10.00 am to 11.00 pm is the busiest period with Monday the busiest day.

GP consultation:- circa 25,000 present themselves initially to GPs per annum, 40% in normal hours, 60% after hours

Impact of Home Health Care – The reduction of 30% as a result of GP triage “(“the process of quickly examining sick or injured people, for example after an accident, so that those who are in the most serious condition can be treated first”), and Health Care Home was provided by the DHB and suggests that GP triage significantly reduces visits to A&M or the Emergency Department.

This is just the beginning for Waikanae residents to have a voice in regard to Health Care Needs and the WHAG will have their next meeting for the public to attend on:

Tuesday, 19 March 7 pm at the Waikanae Support Hub.

Contact 04 2938890 or Sandra Forsyth on 021 024 765 95