He Panui to launch of new computer portals

In an innovative approach to improve access to Ministry of Health disability information equipment and support services, computer portals have been established in partnership with PHO and Iwi health providers across Northland.

Surveys have shown that 96% of the general population are unaware of how to access disability supports, so the portals will improve connection times between those requiring supports and the assessing agency NorthAble that coordinates support packages for individuals and families on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

Apart from enquiring about assessment the portals also have other features that allow the enquirer to browse the NorthAble website for disability information and equipment or to talk via the internet to a Disability Information Consultant based in Whangarei. 

To date there are sites at Whakawhiti Ora Pai in Te Kao and Pukenui, Te Runanga O Te Rarawa Kaitaia, Waipapa, Dargaville Medical Centre and Te Ha O Te Oranga Dargaville and a further four are planned.

In Memory
The portals will be dedicated to the memory of Alan Brooker who served on the NorthAble Board for fifteen years.  Alan also spent a similar number of years on the Whangaroa health board and prior to this worked as CFO at Dargaville hospital where he was Area Coordinator for a time. 

When he died in 2008 Alan bequeathed a part of his estate to NorthAble with his wishes to continue to improve service access for the people of rural Northland.

Stephen McKernan Director General of Health, will return to Dargaville on the 25th June 2010 where he too was Area Coordinator in the 90’s to officially launch the Dargaville Medical Centre and Te Ha o Te Oranga disability link centres.

Noel Matthews
General Manager