Current health reforms and the locality kaupapa and planning process were shared to gauge insights into what the community would like reflected in Te Aroha. There were a total of fifteen attendees.

Key insights gathered include:

Accessibility

• Waikato Hospital needs improved wheelchair accessibility
• Te Aroha Health Shuttle successfully transfers patients to and from daily appointments.
• Daily transport options must be explored to deliver care for whānau living in rural areas.
• The need for more integrated models of care

Experience

• There is a need for a warm, inviting space while waiting for the health shuttle to pick up patients from Waikato Hospital. Currently, the transit lounge is cold and uninviting.
• A health specialist who is open to understanding different backgrounds would make life easier for whānau.
  

Whanau Voice

• “Put themselves in our shoes upon the first meeting and take another perspective other than a doctor's. This will help the doctors provide better information.”
• “Thames Hospital is a hidden treasure; I feel well taken care of when I visit.”