A centre for child wellness has opened at Tauranga Hospital.
The Te Waka Aorangi Child Wellness Centre, a 'one-stop-shop' model of care, was officially opened by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey on 8 November 2024. This innovative approach brings together specialists in one space to assess and treat children with neurodevelopmental, behavioural, and mental health concerns.
The centre is designed to cater to children who may behave differently from their peers and aims to provide early intervention and timely support. Minister Doocey says this model of care will improve access to mental health services for children and their families in the Bay of Plenty region. The Government's commitment to improving mental health outcomes has led to the establishment of five mental health targets, including fit-for-purpose infrastructure and a well-supported workforce.
The centre is a significant milestone in the Government's efforts to enhance child mental health care, with Minister Doocey stating that it will play an important role in providing responsive and integrated care.