Gisborne Hospital Report - Health and Disability Commissioner

Gisborne Hospital 1999 – 2000
Introduction and Environment
4. RELATIONS WITH MAORI
4.1 My investigation team attended a number of hui in Gisborne and the
surrounding areas. It was apparent from the hui and the associated interviews
that relationships between THL and Maori could be significantly improved.
4.2 The THL 2000-2001 Business Plan records that “the district has the highest
proportion of people who identify with Maori ethnicity (45%) whilst the
representation of other ethnic groups is below the national average”.
4.3 Tairawhiti Healthcare has a Maori Health Manager (with 27 years
leadership/management experience) who is a member of the Senior
Management Group and reports directly to the Chief Executive. He explained
that “the function of this position is to monitor, advise and advocate on all
Maori related issues at all levels within THL, and to consult with staff,
management and iwi on Maori health and policy issues”. The Maori Health
Manager facilitates the development of appropriate and culturally sensitive
organisational and departmental policies and assists with support and advice
for staff at all levels. The role involves an element of auditing, to ensure that
staff – particularly new arrivals – are aware of Maori issues, and training of
staff in all matters related to Maori culture and perceptions.
4.4 The Business Plan includes goals aimed at meeting the needs of Maori in
various services. They include the intention to undertake a cultural audit of
each service in the medical and surgical services, and determining what
holistic and person centered strategies mean for Maori in the Public Health
Unit. The Business Plan records the close working relationship with the two
major Maori providers, Ngati Porou and Turanga Health.
4.5 The new Clinical Director of Surgery stated that it is very important for THL
to have something in place for new people coming in regarding cultural
awareness and the Treaty of Waitangi. “It is a Maori area and it is very
important to understand the tapus about death and the Coroner and various
rituals.”
4.6 Recently employed overseas trained doctors reiterated the comment that THL
needs to ensure that newcomers are familiar with the needs of Maori in the
health care setting.
4.7 At the hui attended by my investigation team, a range of issues pertaining to
Maori health and the role of THL were raised. They included:
“Cultural issues
• The effect on Maori of there being no pathologist at Gisborne
• Issues around cultural appropriateness of treatment
• Racism
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