Health
It has been great to see the recent focus and effort going into Meningitis locally. This is a highly contagious and deadly disease that can strike at any moment.
It was encouraging to read local stories of people taking the disease seriously. The message has been not to take any chances and get help as soon as symptoms appear.
I want to acknowledge the Gallagher family of Levin, who after their tragic loss have established a support group for families affected by meningitis in Horowhenua. Through helping each other we increase our chances of responding to these challenging situations in the future.
Vaccinations are now available on a widespread level. Anyone who has any concerns should contact the free Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
It was also great to see that Kapiti has been chosen as the first location for a new nationwide initiative supporting health consumers with reduced mobility.
Life Pharmacy Coastlands was selected to be the first outlet available which is great news for our region.
The Government has announced that in Budget 2014 we will invest an extra $20 million over the next four years to combat New Zealand’s high rate of rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic is a serious, but preventable, and we are committed to stamping it out completely. Free drop-in sore-throat clinics will be expanded for young people.
A large part is raising awareness of the disease among professionals and our community. As a result, more cases of rheumatic fever are being identified and treated.
There is also more investment being made to assist those affected by hearing-loss.
Budget 2014 is providing an extra $6.3 million over four years for a bilateral cochlear implants programme for children. Children with profound hearing loss will now receive two funded cochlear implants.
I am looking forward to a positive Budget next Thursday.
From my diary:
Cabinet is on Monday.
The House is sitting this week.
*Friday I’m in the electorate.
I want to acknowledge the Gallagher family of Levin, who after their tragic loss have established a support group for families affected by meningitis in Horowhenua. Through helping each other we increase our chances of responding to these challenging situations in the future.
Vaccinations are now available on a widespread level. Anyone who has any concerns should contact the free Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
It was also great to see that Kapiti has been chosen as the first location for a new nationwide initiative supporting health consumers with reduced mobility.
Life Pharmacy Coastlands was selected to be the first outlet available which is great news for our region.
The Government has announced that in Budget 2014 we will invest an extra $20 million over the next four years to combat New Zealand’s high rate of rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic is a serious, but preventable, and we are committed to stamping it out completely. Free drop-in sore-throat clinics will be expanded for young people.
A large part is raising awareness of the disease among professionals and our community. As a result, more cases of rheumatic fever are being identified and treated.
There is also more investment being made to assist those affected by hearing-loss.
Budget 2014 is providing an extra $6.3 million over four years for a bilateral cochlear implants programme for children. Children with profound hearing loss will now receive two funded cochlear implants.
I am looking forward to a positive Budget next Thursday.
From my diary:
Cabinet is on Monday.
The House is sitting this week.
*Friday I’m in the electorate.