EPC enhances patient care with new physiotherapy services
Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) is excited to welcome its first physiotherapist, James McAllister-Iro, to the Etu Pasifika organisation. McAllister-Iro, who has Cook Islands heritage with parents from Rarotonga and Aitutaki, brings extensive knowledge and expertise to EPC. He graduated from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 1997 and has been a registered physiotherapist for 27 years.

  

Adding a physiotherapist to the EPC team is a significant contribution to our integrated model of care, which takes a holistic approach to patient health. McAllister-Iro is humbled to be taking on the role. 

  

"It is humbling to be the first physiotherapist at EPC, and hopefully I am just the first of more to come. Physiotherapy fits perfectly within the EPC integrated model of care. 

  

“Many patients have multifaceted needs, and physical health is a critical component of their overall well-being. As a physiotherapist, I am excited to provide valuable services here.” 

  

Before joining EPC, McAllister-Iro predominantly worked in the USA for over 22 years. He worked in different settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community rehabilitation, nursing homes, and private clinics. When he relocated back home in 2018, he worked in clinical and community rehabilitation for a private company. 

  

McAllister-Iro's journey to EPC was inspired by a community client. 

  

"I had a Samoan client in Christchurch who had no family support and felt socially isolated. EPC provided valuable assistance to him, which got me thinking about working for them. My mother always encouraged me to give back to our Pacific communities." 

  

McAllister-Iro is committed to providing sustainable care for EPC patients and aims to pave the way for the workforce to expand into other specialist and niche health services. 

  

"I want to see people take control of their health and reduce the number of repeat physio visits. My vision is for EPC to grow its therapy services to include more physiotherapists and other specialised services. I also hope to see an increase in the number of Pasifika allied health professionals in Christchurch." 

  

We are excited about the services our new physiotherapist will provide to our patients and their families. 

  

If you are enrolled with us and believe you could benefit from physiotherapy, please discuss this at your next appointment with one of our General Practitioners (GP) or nursing staff. 

Bookings

To access your Indici Account, please click below or contact us today to book an appointment.