Hon Tariana Turia

Associate Minister of Health

8 June 2012 Speech

Inside and Out Improving primary health care for current and former inmates and their whnau

Nordmeyer Theatre, University of Otago Wellington

I want to acknowledge Te Rp Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pmare, and Regional Public Health for your initiative in holding this hui today and in particular to mihi to Bridget Robson, as Associate Dean, Mori and Director for your commitment to the kaupapa of primary health care and Peter Gush, Regional Public Health.

I want to also acknowledge the vision behind today, which I understand was inspired by the work of two people: the prisoner reintegration project led by Sione Feki, and the work on continuity of care pioneered by Dr Paula King, a public health registrar. Tn krua.

I also want to mihi to a long time advocate, Kim Workman, for his commitment to this issue.

The unique set of challenges that emerge from the interface between the Corrections system and the healthcare system have challenged many of us for many years and it is a sign of progress that today marks a new milestone in this regard.

As I look around this room at old friends, respected colleagues, people who have pushed the boundaries in so many ways, it seems a remarkable coming together; this is the day that Justice meets Health and Health meets Justice.

More:

Turia: Improving primary health care for inmates