PasifiKare: A Collaborative Effort Supporting Pacific Islander Health
In October 2023, Blacktown Regional Uniting Church (BRUC) welcomed two renal specialists from Blacktown Hospital, Associate Professors Lukas Kairaitis and Katrina Chau to a special mission planning day. Their visit marked the beginning of a thoughtful collaboration aimed at addressing key health challenges facing the Pacific Islander community.
A collaboration between Blacktown Hospital and Blacktown Regional Uniting Church (BRUC)
In October 2023, Blacktown Regional Uniting Church (BRUC) welcomed two renal specialists from Blacktown Hospital, Associate Professors Lukas Kairaitis and Katrina Chau to a special mission planning day. Their visit marked the beginning of a thoughtful collaboration aimed at addressing key health challenges facing the Pacific Islander community.
During their presentation, Associate Professor Lukas and Associate Professor Katrina highlighted research showing significantly higher rates of diabetes and kidney disease among people with Pasifika heritage. Unfortunately, many individuals were not accessing early intervention services. Recognising the important role that spirituality plays in many Pasifika cultures, Doctors, along with Church elders and volunteers explored how the Church could help bridge the gap.
Over the following months, conversations between BRUC and the renal team at Blacktown Hospital led to the development of PasifiKare - a monthly, culturally sensitive renal health Clinic designed specifically with Pasifika communities in mind.
Held at Blacktown Hospital, PasifiKare offers more than clinical support. It provides a welcoming space where patients can receive care in a setting that respects their cultural and spiritual identity. The Clinic takes place in a designated hospital meeting room and combines medical expertise with BRUC’s community support and hospitality.
Led by Associate Professor Lukas and Associate Professor Katrina, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals provide holistic health care. The team includes partnerships with care coordinators, health coaches, and multicultural health staff, who work closely with the BRUC PasifiKare Coordinator - Wendy Cameron (a retired Pharmacist) in bringing patients to the Clinic from the extended Church community. The BRUC Ministry Team led by Rev. Dr. Raymond Joso, together with a core group of volunteers from BRUC, provide a culturally appropriate setting, pastoral support, refreshments and devotions.
Each clinic begins with a short devotion and introductions, fostering a relaxed and inclusive environment. Guest speakers, including dietitians, offer practical advice, recent topics have included the impacts of a high sodium intake and the importance of meal portion sizes. Afterwards, patients meet privately with renal specialists while others continue to connect over morning tea.
Morning tea is prepared and shared jointly by volunteer members of BRUC together with members of the hospital staff. Healthy options are shared. The setting is intentionally warm, featuring decorations and images from the Pacific Islands on a large screen, creating a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.
Patient care volunteers from BRUC are also present, offering quiet support and, when requested, sitting in on consultations to provide comfort and encouragement. Patients with kidney disease who wish to support PasifiKare and share their stories have also attended to provide solidarity and encouragement.
The Clinic concludes with a short blessing, reinforcing a sense of dignity and care for all involved.
Feedback from patients has been encouraging:
- “I feel so much better.”
- “I love coming here.”
- “My kidneys are improving.”
- “I have a better understanding of my health needs”
Looking ahead, the PasifiKare team is considering ways to involve other churches and broaden its reach to support more people in need.
PasifiKare represents a thoughtful and practical response to a complex health issue. It shows how local partnerships between healthcare providers and faith communities can make a meaningful difference in addressing physical health needs, while also acknowledging the importance of spirituality, culture and connection.
John Cameron, Secretary - Blacktown Regional Uniting Church
Learn More
For more information on PasifiKare contact the Blacktown Regional Uniting Church Office on bruc.office@nswact.uca.org.au
For more information on Blacktown Regional Uniting Church visit the website:
Left to right
- Dora Onesemo - A/ Safety, Quality & Consumer Engagement Manager
- John Cameron – BRUC Secretary
- Rev. Dr Raymond Joso - BRUC Ministry Team Leader
- Associate Professor Lukas Kairaitis
- Associate Professor Katrina Chau
- Wendy Cameron - BRUC PasifiKare Coordinator
- Kale Tutaki - BRUC Patient Support Volunteer
- Yvonne Peacock - Health Program Officer – Pacific Communities
