A Maori health provider in Rotorua wants to set up a training programme for Maori doctors - now it's been awarded one of the country's top standards in general practice health care.
Korowai Aroha Health centre has been listed as a Cornerstone accredited firm by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners after 18-months of monitoring systems and staff development.
It recognises organisations that meet high standards in all areas including in GP service delivery and facility maintenance.
Korowai Aroha chief executive Hariata Vercoe says in order to establish a Maori GP programme it required the Cornerstone standard.
She says the training venture's important partly because having more Maori doctors would help Maori patients feel comfortable because they're being seen by a GP, who can identify with them and may understand them.
About 6000 people, most of them Maori, are enrolled at Korowai Aroha.
