Late last year, Te Kākano nurse-led clinics began at Te Rūnaka o Awarua where the health kaupapa is driven by the local community.

The clinics come under the umbrella of Awarua Whānau Services and are delivered in our community by Nadine Goldsmith of Ngāi Tahu descent who affiliates to Moeraki and Arowhenua.

Nadine is married to Paddy Daintith from the Bradshaw whānau. She has 16 years’ experience as a registered nurse and has previously worked in paediatrics in Australia. On her return to New Zealand in 2005, Nadine was a nursing tutor at Southern Institute of Technology.

Since 2008, Nadine has been involved with community nursing through Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust, Southland District Health Board and more recently with Awarua Whānau Services.

The Te Kākano Nurse-led Clinics are not run in competition with the local Medical Centre but are an enhancement of services available to the local community. This is a free and confidential service. Te Kākano nurses are happy to see you for any health problems, advice, education or support. They will work with other health providers, for example your GP or local hospital, to enable the best care for you. Whereas the medical centre can be an extremely busy environment the clinics allow the nurse to get a detailed background on a person’s ailments and at times may offer a different perspective or referrals as the need arises. Please note that patients’ referral or results are always referred back to their own doctors.

The services Nadine provides includes tamariki ora checks, which covers physical health and well-being, or perhaps a child has social and behavioural problems, such as anxiety or aggression. Screening could determine the root of the problem, such as a separation issue with the solution being a referral to family therapy or paediatric care.

She is able to help rangatahi and young adults with the more topical health issues of this age group, such as birth control which includes education, options available and referrals to Family Planning. Nadine is able to undertake the testing required for both females and males and any positive results are referred to the patients local GP for treatment. Skin issues such as acne and eczema; Nadine can educate patients and advise them regarding the use of creams or prescribed medications and she will refer a patient to a dietician if required.

If depression or self-harm is an issue for tamariki, rangatahi or adults Nadine is also able to screen patients and make referrals as necessary to the patients GP or to a relevant counselling service. This also includes those who have drug and alcohol issues.

Te Kākano clinics also have access to a podiatrist, so if you have ingrown toenails, corns, or calluses they can all be treated. If flat feet are a problem, the podiatrist can arrange inner soles for you. If you need this service you should contact Nadine and she can organise to have a podiatrist come to her next clinic in Bluff; or if it is urgent she could arrange for you to see the podiatrist at their own clinic.

Nadine has a team of clinicians available to her from WellSouth who specialise in diabetes, heart, breathing and respiratory problems and weight loss. A pharmacist is also part of this team, so if you are unsure about the medication you are taking, they can go through the medication information and instructions with you.

Clinics are monthly and have been set for the remainder of the year. No appointment is necessary, however if you wish to see one of the specialist clinicians available to Nadine you may wish to contact her at Awarua Whānau Services on 03 218 6668.

Nadine Goldsmith.

Nadine Goldsmith.