Community members in the Kawerau District who may experience barriers getting to their health appointments locally or at hospitals in Tauranga, Whakatāne and Rotorua can now access the St John Kawerau Health Shuttle service supported by local volunteer drivers.
Launched today at the St John Kawerau ambulance station, with two health shuttle vehicles dedicated to helping the community, the service is available for anyone who needs transport to and from health-related appointments in the local area and hospitals in the region. While a donation or koha is appreciated, it is free for those who are unable to pay.
St John Deputy Chief Executive – Community Health Services, Sarah Manley, says St John worked side by side with the community to assess the need and bring the service to the people of Kawerau District.
“This service was established by the community for the community of Kawerau. We heard from local and regional health providers who have helped us to understand the issues in terms of transport for patients and whānau to maintain and manage their health needs. Together, we determined that a priority for the service will be a supportive, stress-free, and straight forward transport option to hospitals in the region as well to local health providers.
“Being able to get to medical appointments supports patients and whānau in proactively managing their health and for the health system to provide continuity of care. This is part of our work to improve access to services and to generate more equitable health outcomes in our communities,” says Ms Manley.
The St John Kawerau Health Shuttle service was established with grant funding from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Kawerau Training and Education Trust and a gift from the whānau of the late Tracey Neilsen who was a dedicated St John member. Kawerau District Council supports the initiative to benefit community health and wellbeing.
“The two health shuttles will be of tremendous value to the Kawerau District, making life easier for those who find it difficult to get to their medical appointments,” says Kawerau Mayor, Malcolm Campbell.
“The shuttles will assist people of all ages to access doctors and medical specialists in Kawerau and the wider Bay region. Council would also like to thank and acknowledge the volunteer health shuttle drivers who have offered their time and effort to help the community in this much needed initiative,” says Mayor Campbell.
The St John Kawerau Area Committee has also supported the establishment of the service, the first of its kind to launch with two health shuttle vehicles. To date, nine volunteers have come forward to train as volunteer drivers. Kawerau is the 54th location for the St John Health Shuttle service, which was first launched in 1991 in Hamilton and Feilding.
The St John Kawerau Health Shuttle is a pick-up and return service from home to medical or health related appointments. Bookings can be made by calling 0800 824 325 at least 24 hours ahead of the scheduled appointment.
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