When planning was underway on new premises to house Ilam Medical Centre, Pegasus Health Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Manager Ester Vallero issued a challenge to the building managers: embrace accessibility to its fullest.
Ilam Medical Centre is a new integrated medical facility on Memorial Avenue, and it is clear it was built with the community and staff in mind.
Their commitment to accessibility is highlighted in their signage. Signs in key patient areas, such as the reception and bathrooms, are in both English and te reo Māori. In addition, bathrooms are not gendered in a deliberate acknowledgement of gender diversity in the community.
“It only took a second of thought to be inclusive. It is so easy to choose non-gender discriminatory language, you just have to have the intention,” Ilam Medical Centre Client Representative, Helena Parsons, said.
In April, representatives from local hapū, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, officially opened the building with an acknowledgement of the facility as a place of healing. Natural wood, large windows and versatile rooms create a sense of peace within the facility.
“It is a building that is kind to staff and patients, that nurtures and creates an environment that enables health professionals to do their best work,” Helena said