Kaylene Anne Johns
I suffer from a range of health problems and require knee and hip surgery.
Walking around for me is tricky and I rely on a walker or walking stick. When I was at the doctor a while ago they told me about the Tōku Oranga team and explained that a health and wellbeing navigator would get in touch with me.
The navigator has been so helpful and enabled me to live a better life.
I was once a swimming teacher and swimming had always been my passion. When my legs starting causing me grief I stopped swimming because I lost my confidence.
The navigator has given me the confience to get back in the pool by being there with me and it has been incredibly good exercise and always makes me feel better.
She visits me at home, has helped prepare my vegetable garden, which has been a huge help because I was struggling to do this myself. She has supported me to receive payments I didn’t realise I was entitled to, and will often come to doctor appointments with me as a support. This always makes me feel comfortable.
The support means a lot to me because my confidence is back up and it feels wonderful to know I have someone looking out for me.
Tōku Oranga: Health & Wellbeing Navigators
The Tōku Oranga Team are health and wellbeing navigators who work with enrolled patients from He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre and Bluff Medical Centre.
Toku Oranga kaimahi empower individuals to self-manage and set goals to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. This is a free and patient-led service.
For more information, or to book an appointment, phone us on 0800 925 242 or call into:
He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre, 92 Spey Street, Level 1, Invercargill
Bluff Medical Centre, 2 Tone Street, Bluff, 03 212 7337
He waka eke noa
We are all in this together
