EC health shuttle ready to go

PASSION, energy and community commitment are the forces behind the new St John East Coast health shuttle launched this week at its Tititiki base.

The service and its brand new vehicle, the first St John health shuttle on the East Coast, will provide safe and reliable access to healthcare services for Coast residents.

St John community engagement manager Kathryn Elsmore, speaking at the service’s launch and blessing, said the service was the result of three or four years of hard work from the community after the Tikitiki Health Clinic was destroyed by fire in 2017.

St John national community care manager of health and iwi engagement, Julie Taverner, said St John was proud to bring the service to the Coast.

It was a community service which needed the support of whanau and the community but could not operate without volunteers.

Great gratitude was expressed for East Coast St John advocate Hughie Hughes, a prime instigator of the original locally-provided East Coast shuttle which began in 1992, and who helped bring the St John service to the coast.

Ms Taverner described Mr Hughes, who has been a member or supporter of St John for more than 70 years, as a legend, an icon and a great man.

“We love you for all you have done,”she said.

The new service “would not have happened without you”.

Mr Hughes said St John had always been strong in Tikitiki.

“I want you to keep it strong. I want you to take ownership; don’t let anyone take it from you.

“This community needs it to take people to doctors, nurses, dentistry and optometrists.

“The vehicle is for that.”

Mr Hughes said the service would need fundraising and the support of funders to remain viable.

The time had come for St John to provide a professional service.

St John were experts “who knew what they were doing, who cared” and maintained health and safety standards.

Mr Hughes thanked local residents such as Dianne Michelle who took patients to Ruatoria in her own car after the Tititiki health clinic was destroyed, Jenny and the late John Reedy who replaced him as the chair of St John in the region, and helpers from the original health shuttle such as Terry Miringorangi.

Speakers thanked the numerous funders who have supported the service while Mr Hughes presented a donation from the Ruatoria Op Shop.

“We call ourselves the Friends of St John,” he said.

St John East Coast health shuttle administrator Helga Posavec-Scott told The Herald the service would enhance individual and community wellbeing by providing safe, personal and reliable access to healthcare services.

It would a koha-based service.

It would predominantly offer transport services to the Waiapu community (Te Araroa, Rangitukia, Tikitiki, Ruatoria) with the main destinations being the Ruatoria Community Health Centre, secondly Te Puia Hospital for physiotherapy and X-rays, and lastly Gisborne Hospital, dental services and any other health providers.

The service is available Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays, excluding public holidays.

“Our final goal is establishing a fleet of vehicles that will cover the area from Potaka to Tokomaru Bay, and every place in between.

“We would like to have a scheduled health shuttle to Gisborne Hospital, at least once a week, so people can make their appointments for that day.

“At this stage, we will try to help anyone who calls our 0800 824 325 number.”

Bookings can also be made at eastcoastshuttles@stjohn.org.nz

The shuttle service is also looking for volunteers with driving and non-driving roles available.

Would-be volunteers, who can also ring on 0800 824 325, need to be 18 or older, and able to commit to shifts on a regular roster. They must also be able to attend on-going training and courses funded by St John and to pass a full police check.

As well, volunteers need to hold a full, clean, Class 1 driver’s licence (health shuttle driver role only) and be able to pass a medical clearance (health shuttle role only).

St John's Ruatoria received a grant in Sunrises 2020 funding round which helped with the launch of this vital service for our community on the East Coast.