21 Feb 2023

Pacific health team heads to Hawkes Bay

From Nine To Noon, 9:40 am on 21 February 2023

A multi-lingual team of Pasifika medics is heading to Hawke's Bay this week.

 After carrying out an initial needs assessment in Napier, Hastings and Gisborne over the weekend, the Pasifika Medical Association has decided to deploy a Medical Assistance team. 

PMA Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen says the medics are specialists in primary care, psycho-social and mental health support - an essential service as the region continues to deal with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. 

She says mental health is emerging as a key concern in the region. 

More than 400 workers from the Pacific were evacuated to the The Samoan Assembly of God church in Napier after being displaced by floodwaters that swept through North Island towns during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Photo: RNZ/ Anusha Bradley