Health
Introduction
People in the District face barriers to access health and social services due to distance, staff shortages, and lack of accountability. They need to be assertive to get help, and sometimes they still miss out. Primary care is hard to get, but there are some alternatives. Skin, respiratory, and mental issues are common. Some services have improved since 2020.
Key themes
- Distance, staff shortages, and lack of accountability hinder health and social services in the District.
- People need to be assertive to get help, and sometimes they still miss out.
- Primary care is hard to get, but there are some alternatives.
- Skin, respiratory, and mental issues are common.
- Some services have improved since 2020.
In this section
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Kakahi
The Kakahi community viewed health problems, such as rheumatic fever and diabetes as commonplace, thought to be due to the likes of uninsulated and overcrowded housing and poor diet.
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National Park
Mental illness is perceived as a significant and prevalent health issue, one that is not always visible and mainly affecting woman.
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Ohakune
Quality of housing and overcrowding are seen to be a significant determinant of health for the residents of Ohakune despite new housing standards.
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Ohura
The community has identified that the most prevalent health conditions are those associated with an aging community.
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Owhango
Access to health services is perceived by Owhango residents as a burden, as such the help of others is frequently required.
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Raetihi
Respiratory illness, infectious disease and drug and alcohol addiction are the most concerning health issues for the participants.
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Taumarunui
There is a large population of elderly people in Taumarunui and therefore the most prevalent health issues in the area included chronic conditions affecting the aging population.
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Waiouru
Waiouru was not considered to have many people living in the community with high health needs and has few retirees.
