Project aims to tackle rheumatic fever

Rheumatic Fever cause will be tackled in a new project.

A project aimed at reducing rheumatic fever by addressing household crowding has been established in Western Heights.

The Lakes District Health Board last month entered into a service agreement with the Western Heights Health Centre to establish and deliver the Western Heights Healthy Homes service.

The service opened on Monday and is led by Western Heights Health Centre social worker Lynda Wareing.

She is responsible for managing referrals to the service, as well as working with families to identify and resolve housing overcrowding issues.

Rates of rheumatic fever transmission are known to be higher in those homes where there is not enough space and/or inadequate heating and insulation for families to live comfortably.

Reducing the incidence of rheumatic fever is one of the 10 Better Public Services results the Government is committed to improving.

Under the criteria for the service, referrals will be accepted only for families living in the Western Heights and surrounding areas. Eligible individuals or families must also meet Ministry of Health prescribed health status criteria.

-For more service information please contact the Western Heights Health Centre on (07) 347 0565.