Download About ARPHS` refugee health screening programme Refugees have

AUCKLAND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REFUGEE HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAMME
The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) provides the Refugee
Health Screening programme for refugees and asylum seekers at the
Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.
AUCKLAND REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Our commitment to helping refugees
Many refugees come from environments with limited health care and may not have had access to health services for a long time.
When refugees arrive in New Zealand ARPHS will diagnose, treat and educate on health issues to give refugees the best possible
start in New Zealand.
Supporting refugee communication and culture
To respect cultural sensitivities ARPHS will match the gender of the doctor, refugee and interpreter where possible.
To enhance communication the health programme is carried out in the refugee’s first language with the use of an interpreter.
About ARPHS’ refugee health screening programme
Refugees have greater health needs than the general population. The ARPHS refugee health screening programme runs for six
weeks and is split into five phases to ensure refugee health is managed in the best way possible.

Phase 1 Comprehensive Health Examination:
ARPHS doctors and nurses carry out a detailed medical history followed by a physical examination and various
diagnostic tests to determine the health status of each refugee.

Phase 2 Illness Prevention:
Immunisations are updated to offer protection against disease and minimise the spread of infection.

Phase 3 Treatment:
The ARPHS health team provides treatment by explaining health issues, prescribing medicine and facilitating referrals
to specialists for urgent medical conditions. Emergency dental care is also provided.

Phase 4 Health Education:
The ARPHS health team provides basic health education on nutrition, hygiene and chronic disease management.
Refugees are also given advice on how the health care system works in New Zealand.

Phase 5 Data Collection and Transfer:
ARPHS staff create a comprehensive record of medical information for each refugee and they continue to monitor
and assess their health during the six week period. At the conclusion of the programme health records are transferred
to the local doctor when they move into a resettlement community. A summarised version of the medical record is
also given to each refugee for personal reference.
For media enquiries phone Kate Stace at Auckland Regional Public Health Service 021 243 2421