Connecting with all communities is key to ensuring Pegasus Health’s purpose that all people living in Canterbury lead healthy lives. Recently, Edith Yi, Administrator for the General Practice and Community Service team, delivered a presentation to key members of Canterbury’s Chinese community. Edith was invited by Ardour Charitable Trust to provide attendees with a better understanding of the New Zealand Health System.
Edith delivered the presentation in Mandarin and tailored it to cover issues specific to the Chinese Community.
“In China, when we have a health problem, we go to the hospital. There is no GP service like we have here. My main message was to make sure they develop a relationship with their GP,” she says.
Edith covered topics including:
- An overview of the New Zealand Health System
- Healthline
- How to select and maintain a relationship with a GP
- What Pegasus Services are available and how to access them
- How to look after your physical, mental and social wellbeing.
She also ran a Q&A session that was well received. Attendee, Peter, shared his feedback and thanks after the event.
“She answered all kinds of questions on the spot and gave effective suggestions. It also led everyone to share their experiences and feelings with each other. I sincerely appreciate Edith for her professionalism and patience,” says Peter.
Edith is passionate about sharing the services Pegasus Health offer, particularly in the mental health and wellbeing spaces.
“In Chinese culture, we do not talk about mental health. There is a focus on physical health. I brought them both together so I could create an open environment and make sure they felt safe and able to talk about their concerns,” Edith says.
Working with both the Population Health and Suicide Prevention & Postvention teams, Edith hopes to be able to continue delivering information, support and safe spaces to the Christchurch Chinese and Asian communities.
“Most importantly, your presentation has certainly encouraged people to have a healthy living life, including physical, mental and social wellbeing and balance. Stop, timeout, exercise, reflect and appreciate what is around you, be open minded, living daily life with a positive attitude and status.”
– Wendy Higgins, Ardour Charitable Trust