Health services pulse

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 415, 3 December 1991, Page 13

Health services pulse

by

DENIS

DWYER,

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, MANAWATU-WAN-GANUIAREA HEALTH BOARD Kerry Hines, co-ordi-nator of the Board's community health (watch) committees, reports that most committees have been busy over recent months writing submissions on issues such as the Board's 'Meals on Wheels' and 'Home Help' draft polii cies, the Ambulance Re- , view, and the draft phil losophy and policy on i Child Abuse. Committees in the Horowhenua area have also been active making submissions as part of the Review of Horowhenua Health Services, and Tararua committees took part in the review of services in their area earlier in the year. Now many of the committees are planning to make submissions on the proposed changes to the health system. They are avidly awaiting further information from government on issues such as how core health

services might be defined and what the crite■ria for community trusts will be. In the meantime a number of CH(W)Cs have been arranging public meetings (often in conjunction with their local councils) to help pass on information on what is currently known about the new health system, and to help get community reactions to the proposals. Kerry Hines reports that, amidst all of this, some committees have still found time to be involved in promoting health in their communities. For example, Foxton CHC approached an Auckland company for assistance in supplying combs to help combat a high incidence of head lice at a local school (constant combing helps to eradicate the lice). The company gave them 160 combs free of charge and offered to provide combs at cost to other schools experiencing this problem. Norsewood CHC arranged a babysitting course during the school

holidays, which was attended by 15 local girls, and Pahiatua and Woodville CHCs both participated in the open day at Pahiatua Hospital, providing sponsorship for some of the cholesterol tests there. Rongotea CHC held a 'Warrant of Fitness' Day in July which went extremely well. They offered cholesterol, hearing, vision, and smokeliser tests, a fitness check, blood pressure tests and height and weight checks. Approximately 110 people attended. The committee

are looking at a number of follow-ups including another WoF Day later in the year and a Cholesterol Information Day. Other CH(W)C activities have included participation in the evaluation of GP training by a representative of the Southern Rangitikei CHWC, an expression of concern by Taihape CHWC at the Council's decision not to supply carpeting in pensioner flats, and participation in a Health Lifestyles Expo by the Wanganui CHWC.