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Tikanga Maori guidelines released today
The Tikanga Maori guidelines for health care workers were launched today, Wednesday August 12, 2009. The guidelines were written by the Maori Health Development Group after consultation with staff and input from many interested parties.
The handy, pocket-sized booklet aims to assist all staff to incorporate tikanga into their work processes and clinical care. Improving the health status of Maori and reducing health care inequality is a key priority for Capital & Coast DHB and these practical guidelines aim to help all staff to provide culturally responsive health and disability services to Maori.
“Health care delivery should not be the same for everyone but tailored to ensure outcomes are the same for everyone,” said Cheryl Goodyer, manager of Whanau Care Services. “We will measure our success by better clinical results and improvements in health services to Maori.”
C&C DHB CEO Ken Whelan said it was an excellent document that would be well read across the organisation. “So many people are afraid of making a mistake when dealing with Maori but there is a huge amount of good will from staff who want to learn. We are trying to develop a partnership and this practical booklet of guidelines will go a long way in the journey of understanding.”
Chief Medical Officer Geoff Robinson said the guide was a snapshot of goals and processes for all staff to consider during service delivery. “This is an excellent practical booklet that will lead to change and is a positive step forward in developing our cultural competence.
“It’s important to show the inclusion of whanau and Whanau Care Services while also taking time to address the complex issues of organ donation and death and I do hope through its implementation that some of the disparities we have encountered will be broken down,” said Geoff.
Chair of the Maori Partnership Board Susan Miguel said that while we have often talked about mainstream responsibility when treating Maori “this tikanga is a practical response and a positive step forward.”