A Day in the Life of a Kaiāwhina Hauora – Te Korowai

Essential to our service, our Kaiāwhina expertly juggle a multitude of tasks, while always, the heart of their mahi is, “Caring for our whānau in a way that is meaningful to them.” – Rhianna (Kaiāwhina Hauora Team Lead)

Their holistic whānau-centred approach to care prioritises connection and cultural safety, ensuring clinical spaces feel warm and less intimidating.

In these safe spaces, whānau are more likely to open up and share what is going on for them. “We don’t speak medical jargon, we speak from life experience, from the heart.”

I te ata (morning)

Our team arrive at 7.30am each morning to get the clinics set-up for the day.

A karakia and quick hui to plan the day before launching into consults with whānau, recording observations and collecting general health information to ensure whānau are all up to date before being seen by a clinician. 

Then it’s onto the phone for recalls.

Following-up with whānau who are due or overdue for any checks, screenings, or immunisations.

Making sure they receive the best ongoing care.

I te muri (later)

Kaiāwhina can be anywhere they are needed on any given day, and that’s exactly where you will find them, frequently working outside the clinic walls in the community.

Collecting whānau for their appointments, looking for whānau they can’t contact, or spending several hours holding someone’s hand as they wait in ED.

A favourite aspect of the role for our Kaiāwhina Ariana is home visits. “Especially for the elderly, they feel safe and comfortable in their home.”

One of the many ‘Nannies’ that she has acquired over the years has invited Ariana over for a kai.

It’s a great opportunity to take her observations in an environment where she feels comfortable and can kōrero about how she has been feeling.

While there, Ariana may fold washing, change beds, and ensure that the dishes are done and kitchen tidied before heading back to the clinic, just as you would do for your own Nanny.

II te ahiahi (afternoon)

Afternoons may involve assisting whānau ā-tinana with a virtual doctor consult, carrying out delegated tasks for the clinical team while making whānau feel comfortable.

Or, could be spent working on this month’s in-clinic health promotion display.

These displays really help to spark conversations about our hauora, the signs and symptoms that need to be checked, and the various screening campaigns that are available.

In this ever-changing role, the only certainty is that tomorrow will look different to today.