IN recent years Rachel Ferkins has spent her weekends supporting her two teen sons as they competed at high-level kayaking regatta, while devoting her weeks to supporting clients with multiple or chronic illnesses. And, she says, the two are not mutually exclusive.

The recent confirmed case of measles in Gisborne has resulted in a significant increase at 3Rivers in the number of related phone calls and patients requiring vaccination and face-to-face time. This has put additional pressure on an already stretched system.