Well Child Tamariki Ora Programme comes to Stewart Island

Awarua Whanau Services registered nurse Cara Morton and Stewart Islander Karin Lewis with son...
Awarua Whanau Services registered nurse Cara Morton and Stewart Islander Karin Lewis with son Blake. Photo: Supplied.
Stewart Island families now have access to the Well Child Tamariki Ora programme thanks to a recently established clinic.

The clinic, run by Awarua Whānau Services on behalf of Southern DHB, started in December 2017 and currently has 14 children on its books ranging in age from three months to three years.

Previously, the Stewart Island nurses did an excellent job of providing health care to pre-schoolers, but this didn’t cover Well Child Tamariki Ora services.

Awarua Whānau Services registered nurse Cara Morton, who runs a clinic every six to eight weeks, is delighted with its success.

“Being able to offer this programme on the Island means we’ve removed barriers in accessing the service which were bigger than most due to living on an island. Steward Island resident and mum, Karin Lewis, says having a Well Child Tamariki Ora clinic on Stewart Island for children and families has been great.

“At times, living on an island can feel isolating for new parents and it has been invaluable to have the opportunity for a full screenings and education services for whanau and their children.

“Parents appreciate the thorough check ups and being able to talk openly with someone who is well educated in child health and development.”

About the Well Child Tamariki Ora programme
The Well Child Tamariki Ora programme is a series of health visits and support that are free to all families for children from around 6 weeks up to 5 years of age.
For more details go to https://tinyurl.com/y9kl8bu8

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