Making good connections creates good health

Meet Tsarina Dellow, Hurunui District Council’s TLA Community Representative for Waitaha Primary Health.

The Hanmer Springs resident is a Chartered Accountant, with a background in the medical sector too. She previously worked in administration at Hanmer Springs Health Centres and was also a local St John volunteer.

Tsarina acknowledges there are different health challenges and needs for rural and urban people, and different expectations. For example, the waiting time in a rural practice can be longer when an emergency case comes in, as rural clinics act as emergency centres too.

“With the trend of urban and city people moving out to quieter areas like Hanmer Springs, dealing with differences like this comes down to education, and managing people’s expectations.”

With a financial background, Tsarina is a Director at Shore Accounting Solutions in Amberley and is a Trustee of Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust and Compass FM boards.

She believes that in a rural area like Hanmer Springs lies a big importance on community connections and letting people know there is support out there across all health areas.

“We need to work together on issues that come up, whether that be access to health facilities, or helping people with COVID-19 concerns or queries.”

Waitaha Primary Health’s focus ‘Your health, your whānau, our community’ is to provide and support health services in Canterbury’s rural and urban communities, and Tsarina is excited about being a Board member and part of this.

“I care a lot about Primary health care, particularly in North Canterbury’s rural sector.”

As a Board member, Tsarina will be working closely with General Practices and other community based health providers, with the aim of delivering exceptional health outcomes for Canterbury’s people, including those with the greatest need.

“It’s all about connection, because this is what makes communities and allows people to enjoy their best life with good health and wellbeing. It’s about us all getting out and doing our bit.”

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black is thrilled to have Tsarina represent the District on the Waitaha Board, with her many transferable skills that will bring value to the organisation.

“She will be a strong health advocate for the Hurunui District,” said Mayor Black.