8 Oct 2014

Whanau Ora does well on screening

7:11 am on 8 October 2014

The Nurses' Organisation says an improvement in breast screening statistics by Whanau Ora providers shows health messages are reaching at-risk Maori.

Whanau Ora doctors' practices have performed as well as other GP practices on breast screening for high-needs Maori and Pacific women for the first time.

A Ministry of Health report said there was more to do, but it was a positive result, given 60 percent of Whanau Ora patients are Maori and Pasifika, who often have high needs.

The Nurses' Organisation's head of Maori, Kerri Nuku, said it was a wonderful result for the vulnerable.

She said an improving trend in Whanau Ora services showed the programme was meeting the needs of the community.

Ms Nuku said the organisation expected GPs in Whanau Ora collectives to be performing as well as other practices, if not out-performing them.

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