Salvation Army Medical Centre Opens in Auckland
The Salvation Army celebrated the opening of its first medical centre in New Zealand on Monday 18 September in Royal Oak, Auckland. ‘Hauora Service—Health Care for All’ aims to provide a comprehensive primary care service focused on achieving health equity for all people, particularly those who live with and experience mental health and addiction challenges. The medical centre is open to the public and anyone looking for quality, holistic healthcare at an affordable price.
The ceremony was opened with a karakia (prayer) by National Operations Manager Lt-Colonel Jenny Carey, followed by a mihi whakatau by Pipiwharouroa Campbell, pou ahurea (national Maori lead) for Salvation Army Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services (ASARS). A warm welcome was then given by National Director Lt-Colonel Rod Carey to those in attendance.
Lt-Colonel Rod Carey acknowledged the need within the community for a wraparound service that offered a holistic approach to healthcare. ‘We recognise that many individuals face challenges in accessing professional healthcare,’ said Rod. ‘We provide a service that specifically meets the needs of tāngata whai ora (clients), ensuring that nobody is left behind.’ He said the main priority of the new medical centre is a person’s overall wellbeing.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was the Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan (Labour), MP for Maungakiekie, who shared that the local community welcomes this new health centre, and expressed words of appreciation to The Salvation Army for this initiative which will make a real difference in the lives of Kiwi struggling with health and wellbeing.
Territorial leaders for The Salvation Army, Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, led a prayer of dedication before cutting the ribbon to officially open the centre.
The name ‘Hauora’ was chosen to reflect the holistic approach to healthcare that incorporates the overall health of an individual. ‘By embracing the concept of hauora in our general practice, we can provide Christian compassion and care coupled with a comprehensive patient-centred approach that goes beyond treating just the physical, to include social, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing,’ said Rod.
ASARS currently provides healthcare services to tāngata whai ora, through a combination of employed nurses and outsourced services, including general practitioners. Two years ago, a working group was established to develop a greater understanding of the current state of the primary healthcare market and the needs of tāngata whai ora, and to explore domestic and global case studies. This has shaped the strategic aspiration for our fit-for-purpose health service.
Hauora Service Practice Manager, Bhoomesh Shreedam, introduced the team of qualified and experienced doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses, who he said, ‘share our vision and are looking forward to serving the community’.
‘We are committed to the Hauora Service being both financially and operationally sustainable so that we can deliver this ongoing positive impact in providing healthcare,’ said Rod. ‘Hauora Services is enrolling new patients who are looking for a health service that offers compassionate, affordable and inclusive healthcare for you and your whānau (family).’
The dedication ceremony was closed with a karakia of blessing by Pipiwharauroa Campbell followed by a tour of the medical centre and light refreshments.
