The launch of the Southern Disability Strategy today marks an ongoing commitment by the DHB to removing barriers to healthcare for disabled people and providing equitable health and disability services throughout the Southern district.

The Strategy launch follows a period of consultation with the wider Southern disability community over the last two years, and has been developed in partnership with the Donald Beasley Institute.

“It has been developed based on community feedback and contribution from people with diverse experience of the health and disability sectors both as consumers and providers,” says Southern DHB Executive Director of Quality and Clinical Governance Solutions, Gail Thomson.

“They have told us what is important, we have listened to the community, and the Disability Strategy reflects what the community says. 

“The Strategy clearly sets out the things we want to achieve in order to make a difference over the next five years and beyond.

“It will be a key document to build on the work already achieved to improve the health service experience and health outcomes for people with disabilities and whanau.”

The vision of the Southern DHB Disability Strategy is that within the Southern district all disabled people, tāngata whaikaha, and Deaf people will have an equal opportunity to achieve their best possible health outcomes, enabling their participation in their community.

Paula Waby, Community Health Council member has been involved in the consultation process in creating the Strategy and says she’s excited about its launch. 

“I’m really appreciative that the DHB has consulted widely with the disabled population and I’m looking forward to the rolling out of the action plan and seeing the difference it will make.”

The implementation of the Strategy will be supported and guided by a Disability Working Group which will connect through to the Disability Support Advisory Committee (DSAC), Community Health Council (CHC) and the Iwi Governance Committee (IGC). 

“We’re looking forward to prioritising all the actions across the southern health sector,” Gail says. 

“We now have the opportunity to incorporate these in the planning for the new hospital so going forward our new facilities will be accessible for everyone.”

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