New Healthcare Partnership To Officially Launch In Ōamaru
by South Seas Healthcare Trust - SSHT · SCOOPThe new South Seas Healthcare Ōamaru clinic will open this Saturday 26 September, with a community event marking the launch of a new partnership focused on strengthening access to healthcare for Waitaki.
The community is invited to attend the official opening event from 2.30pm at 32 Ribble Street, Ōamaru. Visitors will be able to tour the facility, meet the team and learn more about services available under the renewed clinic.
Dignitaries attending the opening will include chairperson of South Seas Healthcare Trust, Hon. Aupito William Sio and chairperson of OPIT, Maiele Paia, Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale and Cr Dan Lewis.
The clinic will operate through a partnership between the Ōamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) and South Seas Healthcare Trust. OPIT has served the Waitaki community for many years through health promotion, education, youth development and community outreach, while South Seas Healthcare Trust brings more than 25 years of primary healthcare experience, clinical governance, and operational expertise through its South Auckland clinic.
The organisations have worked together for a number of years, with that relationship now formalised through shared ownership and management of the clinic.
Ōamaru Pacific Island Trust chief executive Mata'aga Hana Fanene-Taiti says the partnership represents a new approach to healthcare delivery in Waitaki.
“OPIT has worked with South Seas Healthcare Trust for many years, and this partnership is a natural next step. It formalises a relationship built on improving health outcomes in Waitaki.
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“Together, we are aiming to strengthen access to healthcare, implement better opportunities for prevention and early intervention, and support improved health outcomes for Pacific people, local families and communities across Waitaki.”
Fanene-Taiti says the clinic reflects the significant contribution Pacific communities make to Waitaki.
“Approximately 2,000 Pacific Islanders now call Ōamaru home, representing around 20 per cent of the town's population. Through OPIT, we support families as they settle into the district, helping connect them with services, networks and opportunities that make the transition to life in Ōamaru easier. Access to quality healthcare is an important part of that support.”
South Seas Healthcare Trust chief executive Silao Vaisola-Sefo says the partnership demonstrates how established health providers can work alongside provincial communities to strengthen local healthcare delivery.
"This partnership combines the capability and infrastructure of an experienced primary healthcare provider with locally led community knowledge and relationships. It allows healthcare services to remain responsive to local needs while benefiting from strong clinical systems, governance and support.
“It is an example of how metropolitan and regional organisations can work together to support sustainable healthcare services that are clinically robust and connected to the communities they serve.”
South Seas Healthcare Ōamaru will provide a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services, including GP and nurse consultations, health checks and screening, long-term condition management, immunisations and vaccinations, cervical and bowel screening, diabetes care, wound care, ACC consultations, blood tests, health coaching, cardiovascular health checks, and referrals to mental health and smoking cessation services.
Community members interested in enrolling or learning more about the clinic are encouraged to attend the opening or contact the clinic directly.
The South Seas Healthcare Ōamaru opening event will be held from 2:30pm Saturday 26th September at 32 Ribble Street, Ōamaru.
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