14 | T T Kim Newth Community health premises getting a boost Reception framing on the Broadway project. Frames up (below). Newtown Union Health Service (NUHS) is a not-for-profit community healthcare provider with three local clinics – Newtown, Broadway (Miramar) and Massey (Mount Cook) - providing a wide range of health services for some of Wellington’s most vulnerable people, including new migrants, low-income families and students. The long-established community based service was first set up in May 1987 and remains dedicated to providing community-owned, affordable, accessible and appropriate not-forprofit and community based primary health care. Local health services provided by NUHS include general medical care, well health checks, nutritional advice, family planning and sexual health services, social worker support, minor surgery, asthma and diabetes care, and mental health support, along with health education and promotion on a range of issues. “Our focus has always been people on low incomes and beneficiaries who have difficulties accessing the traditional model of primary care,” explains Fiona Osten, NUHS CEO and Board Secretary. “The need in the community we serve is huge. In the New Zealand population, as people age, they develop long term conditions, however with the communities we care for we see those long-term conditions start at a younger age. At the same time, it’s getting harder for people to find affordable, warm safe housing and the cost of living is high. We provide services at very low cost to make health care as accessible as possible.” Some 20 years ago, NUHS worked to develop the Pacific Health Service Wellington and latterly based in Strathmore. This laid the groundwork for the NUHS clinic there, today operating as 412 Broadway. The Broadway building – a converted old house – was purchased by NUHS several years ago. As a not-for-profit, NUHS uses any surplus back into supporting service delivery. Valuable funds are now being used for a much-needed extension and upgrade of their Broadway clinic. The old building is being made more functional, efficient and comfortable, thanks to new roofing, double glazing, a new heating and cooling system, improved wiring and security. As well, there are plans for rooftop solar. “At the same time, we’re extending out the back to provide extra clinical space with another waiting room and a staff work area. Having that extension will also enable us to have an isolation area if we suspect someone has something infectious like influenza.” The improvements are in the hands of one of Wellington’s most experienced builders, Newtown Union Service HEALTH CARE www.elliottelectrical.co.nz 027 565 8389 duncan@elliottelectrical.co.nz Your Local Wellington Registered Electricians Heatpumps & Central Heating | Testing & Tagging End to end Electrical work | Maintenance, Servicing & Repairs EV Charger Installations | CCTV & Security Systems | TV / Data Proudly Supporting Newtown Union Service Brian Ludlow and his team at Ludlow Builders, who have done various jobs for NUHS over the years. Local trades, such as Elliott Electrical, are also part of the team on this worthy project. Fiona says staff, neighbours and patients have been very tolerant while the work has been going on this year. With careful scheduling, Broadway has remained open throughout to date. With some 1500 patients accessing their community services, it simply has not been an option to shut the clinic during construction. “We’re trying to make it work as best we can. Everything is now enclosed with windows going in and wiring going to plan. We’re starting to think about placement of equipment, beds and hand basins, and looking towards the end of October or early November to get everything finished.”
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