The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has completed its deployment in the Hawke's Bay Region, having supported a large population of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the region with primary care, psychosocial and mental health support, following the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Since the 21st February 2023, the team visited orchards, RSE accommodation sites, churches and local community groups to set up clinics alongside the Hawke's Bay Pacific Te Whatu Ora team. The PACMAT team's ability to speak in different Pacific languages allowed for medical checks, mental health checks and psycho-education sessions to be tailored to the individuals supported, resulting in the following support being provided:

Wairoa:

-  54 forestry and freezing works individuals supported with mental health and GP medical checks

Hawke's Bay:

• - 1,260 individuals supported, made up of 957 RSE individuals
• - 571 individuals supported with a mental health check
• - 332 individuals supported with a GP medical check
• - 21 psycho-education group sessions delivered to 763 individuals

Gisbourne:

• - 206 individuals supported, made up of 179 RSE individuals
• - 206 individuals supported with a mental health check
• - 80 individuals supported with a GP medical check
• - 4 psycho-education group sessions delivered to 167 individuals

The PACMAT primary care team was also active in standing up clinics to vaccinate RSE workers.

PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, says the team will continue to provide support remotely. She says that RSE workers will continue to receive support from local providers:

"We have established a handover and care plan with the local team on the ground, but will continue our support to ensure there is a smooth transition out as our team wraps up the deployment. Our PACMAT leads will continue to support the local team and providers and stay connected via phone for the next week. 

"RSE workers will continue to receive long-term support from providers in the region who we have strong and trusted relationships. RSE employers can be reassured that support will be available for their workers; local health providers maintain their commitment to assisting those in need."

Mrs Sorensen expressed her gratitude to the team members who were assigned on the mission as well as the leadership of Tofilau Talalelei Taufale, the Interim National Pacific Health Commissioning Lead and Pacific Lead – RSE and Transformation for Te Whatu Ora's Pacific Health team.

"Our team were incredibly active in their support and driven by their heart for serving our people. They all answered the call to help and we're grateful they were able to serve and offer their expertise.

"This is what it's all about, coming together and serving our Pacific communities in need. PACMAT will continue to respond and provide support where necessary."