The Pasifika Medical Association’s (PMA) Medical
Assistance Team (PACMAT) have completed their deployment in
the Hawke’s Bay Region, having supported a large population
of RSE workers in the region with primary care, psychosocial
and mental health support, following the aftermath of
Cyclone Gabrielle.
Since the 21st February
2023, the team visited orchards, RSE accommodation sites,
churches and local community groups to set up clinics
alongside the Hawke’s Bay Pacific Te Whatu Ora team. The
PACMAT team’s ability to speak in different Pacific
languages allowed for medical checks, mental health checks
and psycho-education sessions to be tailored to the
individuals supported, resulting in the following support
being provided:
Hawke’s Bay:
- 1,260
individuals supported, made up of 957 RSE
individuals - 571 individuals supported with a mental
health check - 332 individuals supported with a GP
medical check - 21 psycho-education group sessions
delivered to 763
individuals
Gisborne:
- 206
individuals supported, made up of 179 RSE
individuals - 206 individuals supported with a mental
health check - 80 individuals supported with a GP
medical check - 4 psycho-education group sessions
delivered to 167
individuals
Wairoa:
- 54 forestry and
freezing works individuals supported with mental health and
GP medical checks
The PACMAT primary care team
were also active in standing up clinics to vaccinate RSE
workers.
PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, says the team will
continue to provide support remotely. She reassures that RSE
workers will continue to receive support from local
providers.
“We have established a handover and care
plan with the local team on the ground, but will continue
our support to ensure there is a smooth transition out as
our team wrap up the deployment. Our PACMAT leads will
continue to support the local team and providers and stay
connected via phone for the next week.
“RSE
workers will continue to receive long term support from
providers in the region who we have strong and trusted
relationships with. RSE employers can be reassured that
support will be available for their workers; local health
providers maintain their commitment to assisting those in
need.”
Mrs Sorensen expresses her gratitude to the
team members who were assigned on the mission as well as the
leadership of Tofilau Talalelei Taufale, the Interim
National Pacific Health Commissioning Lead and Pacific Lead
– RSE and Transformation for Te Whatu Ora’s Pacific Health
team.
“Our team were incredibly active in their
support and driven by their heart for serving our people.
They all answered the call to help and we’re grateful they
were able to serve and offer their expertise.
“We’re
especially grateful to Tofilau for his leadership, service
and his trust in our team to carry out the necessary work to
support the RSE workers. This is what it’s all about, coming
together and serving our Pacific communities in need. PACMAT
will continue to respond and provide support where
necessary.”
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