Mana Wāhine pop-up clinic

With more than 350 wāhine Māori in Te Tauihu either due or overdue for their cervical smear check, Te Piki Oranga, with the support of many other organisations, recently planned a one-day event in Whakatū called ‘Mana Wāhine’. The aim was to provide a safe and comfortable space for wāhine to get their cervical screening and ensure any other health concerns were also met.

This ‘by wāhine, for wāhine’ event successfully supported 40 wāhine to get their smear check on the day, and 11 booked for another time, 80 per cent of whom were Māori.

Conversations about other health concerns also led to multiple referrals to Breast Screening, Endoscopy, Healthy Homes, B4 School checks for their tamariki, navigation support for Oranga Tamariki, Quit Smoking, and many other services.

Dr. Ricki-lea Aitchison, a Māori GP from Māpua Health, also attended to answer any health questions.

Transportation was provided, as some travelled from Te Hora Pa, Motueka, and Brightwater to attend this event. The uptake and feedback from those who attended has been nothing but positive and planning is underway for the next Mana Wāhine event in November.

Special thanks to Nelson Bays PHO, Public Health, Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu, Cancer Society, Sealords, and Te Whatu Ora for their contributions made to making this event a success.