The Wanganui District Council unanimously resolved yesterday to finance the return travel of Wanganui-based health professionals currently in Samoa to assist the tsunami aid effort.
A team of four Samoan-speaking medics – two doctors and two nurses – led by Wanganui surgeon PJ Faumui , travelled to Samoa by commercial flight on Sunday evening.
Samoan-speaking health professionals are in short supply and Mayor Michael Laws told council "that they will be worth their weight in gold. It was the one specific request of the medical superintendent over there."
"PJ will be providing council with up-to-date information on the situation over there and the needs of the community. Obviously, that inside information will greatly assist us in working out how best to channel our assistance."
Cr Ray Stevens is co-ordinating the council's Samoan tsunami appeal and the Samoan community are working closely with Cr Stevens and his team.
