Koira4Rukahukahu: Lungs4Life
Posted on: 13/09/21
The Northland District Health Board are happy to announce that the Koira4Rukahukahu: Lungs4Life programme was launched in partnership with Health Fund PLUS, Bronchiectasis Foundation of New Zealand (TeTuapapa Mate Rukahukaku o Aotearoa) and Northland Community Foundation on July 5th. Koira4Rukahukahu: Lungs4Life is being rolled out across all four Auckland and Northland DHBs and paves the way for an innovative new model of care for the early identification and intervention of children under two years of age at risk of chronic respiratory conditions.
The programme is designed to prevent Bronchiectasis (chronic scarring and infection of the lungs) and other preventable health conditions. It aims to reduce inequity in health outcomes for tamariki across Te Tai Tokerau and Auckland. Māori and Pasifika tamariki are disproportionately affected by Bronchiectasis and are diagnosed later with more severe diseases than other groups. Tamariki that participate in the intensive programme will be involved until they are at least five years of age.
The programme prioritises nurse-led, relationship-based and patient-centre care with flexibility in delivery. Health care specialists will utilise a hub-and-spoke network of health professionals and Koira4Rukahukahu: Lungs4Life champions working alongside whānau and other key stakeholders, including Healthy Homes providers.
Paediatrician Dr Ailsa Tuck and the Child Health Lungs4life team wish to thank Health Fund PLUS for their partnership on this project. Health Fund PLUS has generously donated the $15,000 worth of equipment needed to initiate the programme through their donor programme.
We would also like to acknowledge the essential support of the Bronchiectasis Foundation which contributed to the success of this project.
This equipment includes stethoscopes and will support our nursing team in clinical assessment and management of children, help with data collection, and help our tamariki on the journey to getting and staying well.
If you would like to donate to the Lungs4Life programme go to our donation webpage and choose Health Fund PLUS – and mention Lungs4Life in the comments.
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