Raglan’s new marae-based health clinic opens its doors to the community for the first time next Monday, beginning with a three-day week at which both a doctor and a nurse will be available for consultation.
It is dedicated to the memory of long-serving Raglan GP Tom Ellison who dreamt of a “satellite” clinic to the Te Kohao Health Whanau Ora Centre in Hamilton East, says marae spokesperson Tui Kaa.
A plaque was unveiled and a pounamu touchstone, named Te Whakapaa a Tame or The Touch of Tom, was gifted by the Ellison family at the marae’s second whanau ora open day last month and will be placed at the entrance to the clinic.
Local artist Heleina Garisau also gifted a piece of her artwork titled Ki te Tihi, signifying the clinic’s holistic approach to health.
As well as consultations, a range of free weekly specialist services will now be on offer — from diabetic and cardiac or stroke rehabilitation to social workers, parenting and breast feeding support — all on a rotating basis.
Edith Symes
