Pasifika healthcare providers say a home isolation support service for people with COVID-19 is proving successful.
South Seas Healthcare Trust has received Ministry of Social Development funding to run the pilot that provides support to people to deal with COVID-19 while isolating at home.
“We’re pleased with the initial results with patients reporting they and their families feel supported and cared for, which reduces stress and means they can focus their energy on getting better. We believe we can now scale up the service in time for the new COVID-19 Protection Framework this summer,” South Seas Chief Executive Lemalu Silao Vaisola-Sefo says.
South Seas supported the Assembly of God COVID-19 cluster in August and has developed a robust wraparound service to support the needs of Pasifika communities.
“Self-isolation presents challenges and can be a confusing and stressful time. These challenges are compounded for bigger multigenerational families at home.
“Our model is based on our deep understanding of community needs, ability to communicate and engage with multiple languages, and providing a holistic model of care that covers both health and social needs.”
Mr Vaisola-Sefo said the government funding boost announced was welcome news, and it looks forward to expanding its support service to more families in the coming weeks, working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, and a wider network of Pasifika providers in South Auckland.
