Review of services for people living with HIV in New Zealand

B. BODY POSITIVE INC.Inquiry1. Is there a clear statement of purpose for theservice and, if so, how was that determined:What type of service is it?Who is it designed to serve primarily?How was this determined?How long has it been in operation?Have the aims of the service alteredduring its history – and why?Is there a mission statement?2. Are the aims and activities of the serviceconsonant with applicable MoH policies:Review alongside existing MoHstatements about services for PLHADoes the service fill known gaps in publichealth service provision?3. How is the service regulated internally:Is there a Board or similar oversightmechanism?Composition and how they areappointedInvolvement of PLHAFrequency and regularity of meetingsReported (and unreported) meetingoutcomes4. Is the service structurally equipped to meetthe expressed needs of people who are HIVpositive:Are there sufficient trained andexperienced staff?What do they do – what services areoffered?How have they been trained / what aretheir qualifications?Is it conveniently located for serviceusers and available at appropriatetimes?Is the service culturally appropriate andaccessible?How is this determined?5. By what criteria are needs of people withHIV prioritised?How are these needs determined?How frequently are the needs reviewed?How is this done?ResponseOur vision statement:“All HIV+ people living fully productive lives free from stigma anddiscrimination” Prepared by Board and endorsed by “members.”Body Positive offers a range of services all designed to assist PLWHA.All services are authorised by the Trust Board. BP Has been inoperation since the late eighties (informally) and was incorporated in1992. The aims and service have changed over times to respond to thechanging impact AIDS has had on our community from funeral,bereavement to today’s planning for the future.Our mission statement is “Peer support and advocacy for HIV+ people.All of the services we supply potentially reflect a failing on where MOHservices are not delivered or not available (funded) or not able to reach.Our services are “peer” reviewed as well as consulted with relevantprofessionals in either “Sexual Health” or “Infectious Diseases” or otherrelevant professionals.The Membership of the organisation (all HIV+) elects the Trust Boardannually. The Board employs the CEO. The Board develops policy.The CEO employs the staff and delivers programmes to meet policy.All programmes are evaluated and statistically reported to the Board.The Board meets on a bi‐monthly basis.YesNoPlease see the separate range of services available.Where external professional input is required we will seek consultancyarrangements and negotiate contracts.All services in Auckland are located to best position for our community.The Board seeks representation for Maori and currently two Boardmembers are Maori.Usually the need is identified by members and relayed to themanagement. A survey can be sent out and / or a paper prepared forthe Board.REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR PLHA 63