“We have been looking at vaccination centres in Christchurch and in comparison, it is much more clinical. What The Fono has achieved is making the centre more family focused.

It’s given us a different perspective and has shown us how we can set up a Covid-19 vaccination centre that is inviting for our families, rather than making it feel like we are performing a routine medical procedure.”

She says that this family atmosphere has been achieved by hiring Pacific staff who speak their own language and showcasing Pacific art inside the centre.

“We want to replicate The Fono model and provide an environment where people are not feeling anxious but feel comfortable.”

Etu Pasifika is the largest health provider for Pacific families in the Canterbury area and will move into a new purpose-built clinic next week at Tuam Street in the city centre. They will be using their current clinic on Montreal Street as their new Covid-19 vaccination centre. She says that it’s vital for Pacific families to know the importance of the Covid-19 vaccine.

“We will help our families understand how getting vaccinated is important in protecting them against Covid-19.”

The Fono chief operating officer, Sally Dalhousie, says it was a privilege to host Etu Pasifika and strengthen the relationship between the two major Pacific health providers.

“It helps to enhance our working relationship and gives us a purpose to come together,” she says. “Meeting the needs of Pacific families is best done by Pacific workers because we have the language to explain things, we understand the culture and know how our people should be treated.”

#pmafamily

Date: Wednesday 19 May 2021