HIP & Health Coach

This new model of primary mental health is also known as
Te Tumu Waiora, which is te reo for ‘To head towards wellness’

This model of care, accessed through General Practice, provides rapid, targeted brief intervention to people who are experiencing mental distress or who need behavioural advice and support. Care is provided by two new roles in the primary care workforce: The Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) and the Health Coach.

The Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

HIPs are qualified and experienced mental health professionals who have completed specialist training in the Te Tumu Waiora primary mental health model. The HIP is part of the general practice team and sees people of all ages and at all stages of their lives and with any type of issue related to behaviour change or mental wellbeing.

The HIP’s day is scheduled so they can often see people immediately when they are in the practice and offer some form of support. Consultations are typically short – less than 30 minutes and are focused on evidence-based brief interventions.

The Health Coach

The Health Coach may be a registered or unregistered health practitioner who can help patients with self-management support and with achieving their goals for improved mental wellbeing or lifestyle or behaviour change.

The Health Coach offers continuity of care as well as emotional support and guidance. Coaches are part of the general practice team but also help people to navigate other services and to get access to any social and cultural support they may need, such as through Awhi Ora.

Awhi Ora - Walk Alongside Support

Awhi Ora is a key part of the Te Tumu Waiora model where NGO support workers and peers walk alongside people in distress supporting them in increasing their wellbeing in their local community. It is a flexible and person-centred wellbeing support service.

These supports may be a navigation of social services, advocacy, peer support, coaching, support to develop plans, budgeting, housing support and more.

Peninsula Medical is partnered with Walsh Trust
www.walsh.org.nz/support-service/