The Hawke's Bay District Health Board is pleased with progress on plans for a new model of health care for people in the Wairoa district of northern Hawke's Bay, where 63% of people are Maori.
Board members on Wednesday considered a 45 page discussion document on the issue, and a business case for establishing an integrated family health service.
The authors of the document entitled Towards a new model of care for Wairoa say there are several reasons that are driving health care changes so they're more whanau centred.
Youth pregnancy and smoking rates in the district are more than twice the national average, and 80% of the population make do on a low income.
The DHB now plans to consult the community about proposed integrated health services, and will be holding four public meetings over the next fortnight.
