News

Southern Cross Health Trust has made a three-year commitment to fund key nursing positions at the Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch City Missions, supporting vital healthcare for those most in need.

The three roles – a nurse practitioner in Auckland and Wellington and a registered nurse in Christchurch – will provide essential health services for residents and clients who may be experiencing homelessness, extreme financial hardship, or suffer from mental health or addiction issues.

Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai General Manager Health Services Brendan Short said one of the ways the Mission supports people in need is through access to its low-cost Calder Health Centre.

“Southern Cross Health Trust’s commitment to this essential health service for some of Auckland’s most medically vulnerable people is really heartening and appreciated.

"Our nurse practitioner is on the front line every day, treating everything from chronic illnesses to acute mental health issues. This funding means we can continue to provide intensive healthcare services to the complex patient group we serve.”

Nurse Practitioner Lizzy Calder has worked at Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai, for two years.

“Every day is different and I’m always ready to expect the unexpected,” she said. “I am inspired by our whānau and the challenges they face every day. They often have co-morbidities so we can be managing multiple physical and mental health issues, as well as unstable housing and a lack of food.

“All of this needs to be taken into consideration when providing healthcare. It’s all connected and they all need to be addressed collectively.”

Southern Cross Health Trust has provided financial support to the Auckland City Mission’s Calder Health Centre since 2018.

Southern Cross Health Trust General Manager Jacinda Page said the Trust decided to extend its contribution to fund clinical salaries at the Wellington and Christchurch City Missions because of the growing demand for care within the community.

“Through the Trust’s work with the Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai and the Calder Health Centre, we know what a difference integrated health services can make to those New Zealanders most in need.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to timely, quality healthcare, regardless of their circumstances, so we are proud to support the Missions’ nurses who are making a tangible difference in people’s lives every day.”

The Trust has made a three-year commitment to each of the City Missions.