Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance

11/08/2025

This funding directly empowers us to provide tangible tools and support that will protect our most vulnerable. Knowing that we can offer an additional 50 safe sleep spaces, alongside the critical smokefree support from Hāpainga, means healthier starts and greater peace of mind for families in the Eastern Bay. It's a fantastic example of collaborative effort making a real difference in our community.

Hapainga Stop Smoking Service provide support to whānau who want to quit smoking. To receive support, whānau can self-refer via Facebook or by calling 0800 427 246 to be connected with stop smoking practitioner.

We've had a boost in the number of Pēpi Pods and wahakura available at Whakatane Hospital’s Ko Matariki Maternity Unit for newborn pēpi at greater risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).

Ngā mihi to Hāpainga Stop Smoking Service and the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance for providing funding for 30 additional Pēpi Pods and 20 wahakura for whānau in the Eastern Bay.

The Pēpi Pods and wahakura provide a safe, protected bed space for pēpi to sleep in.

Smoking, combined with bed sharing, increases the risk of SUDI by 32%, so having a smokefree environment along with providing pēpi with their own safe sleeping space and following best safe sleeping practices heavily reduces the risk of SUDI.

Around 250 Pēpi Pods and wahakura are provided to whānau in the Bay of Plenty each year as part of the hospital’s safe sleep programme, which ensures whānau at greater risk of SUDI have access to safe sleep spaces and provides education to staff and community providers on SUDI prevention.

If you need a safe sleep space for your baby, please contact your Well Child provider for further information.

29/07/2025

Nurses, healthcare assistants and some midwives at public hospitals and health services are planning to strike for 24 hours, from 9am on Wednesday 30 July to 9am on Thursday 31 July.

Patient safety is a priority:

✅ Anyone in hospital will get the care and support they need.
✅ Our hospitals and emergency departments will stay open.
✅ Maternity services for women in labour, inpatient and birth services will continue.
✅ Visiting hours will stay the same.
✅ To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed, and appointments will need to be rescheduled.
✅ If you have an appointment on the day of the strike, come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly.
✅ Any appointments that are deferred will be rescheduled for the next available time.
✅ Anyone needing it will receive emergency care.

To find out more, visit: tewhatuora.govt.nz/industrial-action

27/07/2025

🦠 Hepatitis is the world’s deadliest virus, after COVID-19.
🦠 There are over 2 million new cases of hepatitis every year.
🦠 More than 300 million people are living with hepatitis.
🦠 Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer.

In New Zealand approximately 94,000 people are estimated to be living with HBV, with 50% of these yet to be diagnosed. Hepatitis B is the predominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), primary liver cancer, in New Zealand. An estimated 300 people die annually due to hepatitis B and C.

If you would like support for yourself or your whānau, The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand operate a free nationwide helpline on 0800 33 20 10 or email at hepteam@hfnz.nz for all enquiries.

24/07/2025

If you or someone in your whānau get sick it’s worth remembering that hospitals are very busy over winter, so unless it’s an emergency there are other health service options available.

If you are worried about your health and wellbeing, or are concerned about someone, contact your doctor or healthcare provider, or pharmacy.

If you can’t access a doctor or don’t have one, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime 24/7 for free, for advice.

24/07/2025

Nurses, healthcare assistants and some midwives at public hospitals and health services are planning to strike for 24 hours, from 9am on Wednesday 30 July to 9am on Thursday 31 July.

Patient safety will be our priority:

✅ Anyone in hospital will get the care and support they need.
✅ Our hospitals and emergency departments will stay open.
✅ Maternity services for women in labour, inpatient and birth services will continue.
✅ Visiting hours will stay the same.
✅ To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed, and appointments will need to be rescheduled.
✅ If you have an appointment on the day of the strike, come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly.
✅ Any appointments that are deferred will be rescheduled for the next available time.
✅ Anyone needing it will receive emergency care.

We value the hard work and dedication of our staff. To find out more, visit: tewhatuora.govt.nz/industrial-action

24/07/2025

20/07/2025

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Date: Saturday 16th August 2025
Time: 10am until 12noon (Brunch provided)
Where: Knox Church, Whakatane

Bill Baber – Cochlear Implant Surgeon- will be presenting this seminar.
What cochlear implants are and how they work? Who qualifies and the referral process? First-hand stories from cochlear implant users. Support available before and after surgery.

There will also be local volunteers with cochlear implants to answer any questions, Terry from Reid Technology, and Angeline, Hearing Therapist from Your Way|Kia Roha.

REGISTER: www.pindrop.org.nz/events
EMAIL: hellohearing@pindrop.org.nz

18/07/2025

💥 Whakatāne After Hours: Your Say, Our Future! 💥

This is NOT just another consultation! We're searching for one passionate community member to help steer the future of Whakatāne's essential after-hours services.

Have you used Te Awe Tieke After Hours on Stewart Street? Your unique experience is exactly what we need to make the right decisions for our community for the future!

Imagine having a direct impact on the hauora of Whakatāne whānau. This is your chance to ensure our services truly meet the needs of our people.

We'll provide all the intel you need, guide you through the process, and offer a koha for your invaluable contribution.

Ready to step up and make a difference? Reply now and let's shape a healthier future together!

Email info@ebpha.org.nz to register your interest and we will be in touch with more details.

16/07/2025

19/06/2025

Need to see a GP or Nurse tomorrow, or at the weekend?

We are lucky enough to have two after-hours GP clinics in the bay -
Te Awe Tieke Hauora - After Hours Clinic - Weekends and Public Holidays 10am - 4pm - at the Whakatāne Hospital Outpatients
Opotiki Medical Hub - 5pm - 10pm Weekdays and 8am - 10pm Weekends and Public Holidays - King Street.

In an emergency go straight to the ER.

And our Duty Pharmacy this weekend is: Phoenix Pharmacy at 11 Pyne Street

10/06/2025

Every year around 30,000 people have their lives improved by blood, plasma, and platelet donors, and over 5,000 donations are needed per week to meet demand.

With only 4% of the eligible population currently donating, this isn’t enough to keep pace with on-going patient needs.
That’s why we're encouraging people to become a local hero this June and use their superpower to donate blood and plasma in support of National Blood Donor Week.

Donate Blood in Whakatāne in June
📍 Whakatāne RSA 21 Richardson Street
🕜 Tuesday 17th June 1:00pm-6:00pm
🕜 Wednesday 18th June 8:00am-2:00pm
🕜 Thursday 19th June 7:30am-11:30am
📲 Book now: https://www.nzblood.co.nz/booking/

05/06/2025

Every year around 30,000 people have their lives improved by blood, plasma, and platelet donors, and over 5,000 donations are needed per week to meet demand.

With only 4% of the eligible population currently donating, this isn’t enough to keep pace with on-going patient needs.
That’s why we're encouraging people to become a local hero this June and use their superpower to donate blood and plasma in support of National Blood Donor Week.

Donate Blood in Whakatāne in June

📍 Whakatāne RSA 21 Richardson Street
🕜 Tuesday 17th June 1:00pm-6:00pm
🕜 Wednesday 18th June 8:00am-2:00pm
🕜 Thursday 19th June 7:30am-11:30am

📲 Book now: https://www.nzblood.co.nz/booking/