Sustainable primary health care access at the flax roots and accessible to community is at the heart of a new working partnership between the Bluff Community Medical Centre (BCMC) and Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu (Ngā Kete).
Ngā Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha says very low cost access (VLCA) primary health service provision is challenging in these changeable health care settings.
“Working together for continuity of service provision in Bluff and the expansion of the services on offer are the collaborative objectives. This is an exciting time as both agencies consider where their respective strengths can add value.”
Nga Kete’s management and strategy skills will be at the fore, as the Bluff Community Medical Centre staff strive to maintain the high quality service care, experienced to date. Working together for improved health outcomes, where people live, work and play is what drives both agencies.
BCMC Chair Robyn Horwell emphasized that the partnership is about “future-proofing” healthcare services in Bluff. This initiative ensures the community will continue to receive the excellent care they always have. It’s a positive step forward and a win-win for all parties involved.
She explained that choosing to partner with Ngā Kete was a natural decision, citing their existing relationship and shared commitment to the VLCA services. “It just made sense. It felt right.”
Ngā Kete are pleased Robyn accepted and was recently appointed to the Ngā Kete Board of Trustees, so to honour a strong representative voice for the patients of Bluff.
Ngā Kete Board Chair Greg Fordyce said the venture is “all about our commitment to the Bluff Community and supporting them to continue delivering their excellent services.”
“As well, for Ngā Kete, it’s an honour to have been approached by the Bluff Community Medical Centre, to be tasked to lead the team forward with their service delivery, and to support them. It gives me a sense of pride that our trust is respected out in the community.”
Nga Kete has been operational for 24 years in the Southland area, is Cornerstone accredited and has been extending a VLCA General Practice, with close to five thousand patients, since 2015.
Tracey Wright-Tawha said, “We share great synergies with the Bluff Community Medical Centre, and are values aligned.”
The Leadership teams will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition, with patients informed of any changes.
“We are looking forward to this new venture relationship that will come into effect 2nd December 2024.”
