The Pasifika Medical Association’s (PMA) Medical
Assistance team (PACMAT) have deployed a primary care and
mental health team to Wairoa today, following a scoping
assessment last week in the district. The team will work
closely with local health providers on the ground to provide
medical and psychosocial support for forestry and freezing
works workers.
PMA Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen,
says the deployment is necessary and will reach Pacific
workers in the rural areas of the Hawke’s Bay
region.
“We know that there are a number of Fijian
forestry and freezing works employees who are based in the
Wairoa district and were impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. Our
scoping team were able to assess the immediate needs on the
ground, and based on this assessment, we are deploying a
multi-lingual team to respond and provide essential
support.
We will continue to work collaboratively with
local employers, partners and providers in the
area.”
Skin infections and respiratory issues continue
to be presented to the team, as well as stress and anxiety
following the aftermath of the cyclone. During the scoping
assessment last week, the PACMAT team connected with
employers in Kotemaori and Mōrere, who were interested in
medical checks and mental health sessions for their
employees.
The PACMAT team will deploy to Wairoa until
Friday 10 March
2023.
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