Waikato GPs mahi to improve health inequity recognised with College award

Waikato-based specialist general practitioner Dr Helena Haggie has been awarded a President’s Service Medal at GP23: the Conference for General Practice in Auckland.

Dr Haggie is an experienced Māori general practitioner and an active member of Te Akoranga a Māui, the College’s Māori representative group, which has over 200 members.

Dr Haggie took up a role with the Council of Medical Colleges as a co-opted member to its Executive Committee. Here, she played a significant role as a contributor to the Cultural Safety Framework that was launched earlier this year in partnership with Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa (Te ORA).

This Framework is being implemented across all Australasian and New Zealand medical colleges with the aim to have a significantly positive impact for Māori health in Aotearoa.

College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “Dr Haggie’s desire to improve health equity for Māori led her into governance roles where she can ensure the voices of the GP workforce, and of Māori, are being heard.

“Her part in the development of the Cultural Safety Framework, which I got to see firsthand, will have a significant benefit to the health system and Māori heath across Aotearoa. She is a very deserving recipient of this award.”

Dr Haggie continues to work in her community providing healthcare and advice in school-based clinics in the Waikato region. She is also involved in the mahi to improve Cardiac Care within Waikato hospital. This is also an initiative to address the inequity within our health system.

The President’s Service Medal recognises an outstanding contribution to the College or the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine, and this year there were four recipients.

GP23: the Conference for General Practice is being held 21-23 July, in Auckland.