Tuesday 18 November 2014: WellNow, the Summer edition is out now As is so often the case, wellbeing is on my mind this week and I don’t doubt it’ll be on all our minds for some time to come. One of many bright spots though, the Summer edition of WellNow Canterbury is out now. In case you haven’t had your copy yet. Mental wellbeing continues to be a huge issue for us here in Canterbury. Recent information from Child Adolescence and Family services for example shows our children and young people have felt some of the worst of the post earthquake stress. Over the past three years, the number of presentations to child and youth services has increased by 56%, with a 91% increase in admissions to the inpatient unit. Our team is coping remarkably well but their stamina and our resources are understandably stretched. You don’t have to look hard to find a tired and stressed Cantabrian – perhaps no further than the nearest mirror, or the colleague next to you. All of us are at different places on our recovery journey, adults under 40s seem to be the most resilient and on the whole have moved on and are positive about the future. That leaves quite a few of us feeling something else. According to the All Right? campaign’s latest research, over two thirds of us are still grieving for what’s been lost, half of us aren’t regularly sleeping well, and, not surprisingly, two thirds of us are feeling tired. Now more than ever, we need to continue to look after ourselves and each other. Little things like getting together with a friend, enjoying being active or simply getting out in the fresh Canterbury air really matter. They are what makes us feel All Right? Look out for the next part of the All Right? campaign - 'Take a Breather'. It will be all about encouraging all of us to take short breaks away from the daily grind of the recovery to do the things that are good for our wellbeing.
The Releasing Time to Care (RT2C) programme is underway in our Older Person’s Health and Rehabilitation Services (OPH&R) at The Princess Margaret Hospital and Burwood Hospital. You can read a more detailed piece later in this update. Over the next 15-18 months OPH&R staff will be getting ready for their planned moves to new facilities at Burwood Health Campus. The ‘Releasing Time to Care’ programme is a core component of our Workforce Transition Project. This programme is about allowing nursing staff to step back and honestly evaluate how we do things now, and involving them in planning a new way of working that cuts out the wasted time and effort that so easily creeps into our working lives.
Mackenzie Katting (L) undertaking an ‘Activity Follow’s in ward 3A TPMH with module members Penny Hart and Leanne Neiman (R) looking on.
I was intrigued to hear about “Activity Follows” being conducted as part of the first module, where the time nurses actually spend on various activities during a typical day shift is recorded. Interestingly, but unsurprisingly, nurses have to cope with lots of random (unplanned) interactions, or tasks such as fetching and finding things. Streamlining these types of activities gets rid of many unnecessary frustrations, leads to greater consistency of care, and re-
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Continued…. duces the chance of mistakes being made. Less wasted time = safer and better cared-for patients. The programme has been highly successful in other DHBs and is designed to continuously improve patient safety, patient experience, staff satisfaction and efficiency of care. I am looking forward to hearing more about this exciting programme as it unfolds and to hearing your success stories. Our hard-working and committed nurses already do a fantastic job (just read the bouquets) but imagine what we will be capable of with the renewed focus and motivation that comes from being freed up to focus on what really matters, our patients.
An Accessible City Last Thursday the Christchurch City Council approved the first two steps in a major programme of work to transform the roading network in the centre of Christchurch. The first two projects – which will be publicised by the Council under the branding “An Accessible City” – will begin on 21 November (this Friday). One of the two projects focuses on altering traffic flows around Hospital Corner, at the intersection of Riccarton Ave, Hagley Ave and Tuam Street. Eventually, Tuam Street will be made one-way eastbound, and becomes the main eastbound route across the city. St Asaph Street will be made one-way west along its whole length, and Oxford Terrace will be closed to through traffic. Perhaps more significantly for us, the other project means there will be no entry for cars and motorcycles to Hagley Avenue from Moorhouse Avenue / Lincoln Road intersection. You will still be able to head south down Hagley Avenue one-way and turn left into Moorhouse Avenue. Cyclists can use the cycleway in Hagley Park to continue from Lincoln Road to the Hospital. This change is scheduled from 21 November, with northbound city traffic diverted up Montreal Street instead of driving past the hospital. This should make Hospital Corner less busy. Access to the hospital from the south will be via Selwyn Street. There will also be new angled parking on Hagley Ave, near the netball courts. The CDHB made a submission on the plans, so our voices have been heard. Emergency access and public access to the hospital and surrounding facilities will be unaffected (except there is no access from Moorhouse via Hagley Avenue), including access to our Park & Ride service. Of course, the roadworks outside our front door will be a minor challenge, and it will take some time to get used to the new routes, but I hope that you can take this in your stride. More detailed information about the work, including maps and timings, is available at Transport for Christchurch (tfc.govt.nz/an-accessible-city).
Patient safety week a national success – your feedback could make the next one better Message from the Health Quality and Safety Commission: It’s over (Patient Safety Week) and everyone has done such a great job to make it a success, for which the Commission says a huge thank-you. Of course it wasn’t all about just one week’s activity, it was about energising and raising awareness so that we can do a better job of making patient safety a priority the rest of the year too. Later this week the Commission will be posting a news item on the Open website about some of the more intriguing events from the week. Meanwhile, we’d just like your help in assessing how the week went for you – which bits worked, which bits didn’t, what we should keep for next year, what we shouldn’t, etc. It’s quick, it’s painless – please just click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PTMY9R3
Friday 1418 Tuesday March November 2014 2014
Tuesday’s Facilities Fast Facts Burwood Following sewer work, Gate 1 (the old main entrance) was reopened to traffic but it may need to close again soon because a fire ring main needs to be installed. We will let you know ahead of time when this work is due to occur. Two more concrete pours are happening this week. One is planned for Tuesday 18 November and another for Wednesday 19 November. Both start at 4 am. The concrete is going into the areas connecting the ward blocks. As usual, local residents have been informed.
Christchurch The sign-off for Developed Design plans is continuing for the Acute Services Building. Last week, the Clinical Leaders’ Group endorsed sign-offs for ICU, Adult Wards and Radiology. User groups are continuing to meet, with all sign-offs for this design stage expected to be presented to the Clinical Leader’s Group by 21 November. The Park & Ride shuttle buses are being well used. From the beginning of the service on 28 October, up to 11 November, more than 7000 journeys were made by patients and visitors. That’s an average of 466 a day, including weekends. On rainy days up to 850 journeys per day have been made.
Above: At Christchurch campus—most of the site work in the past week has involved the removal of large amounts of soil from the site. Trucks have been queuing up to be filled, as the photos show. After filling, trucks are spray-washed before they leave the site to remove dirt. The spray water is captured, the dirt allowed to settle out, and then the water is re-used.
Some reminders: Please remember that there is no public parking at the rear of Christchurch Women’s Hospital. Access to the rear of the site is for ambulances only (behind Christchurch Women’s Hospital) and for deliveries and couriers only (behind Riverside, via the Rolleston Ave bridge). Cyclists please slow down at the intersection with the Rolleston Avenue bridge. This area can be very congested at times with construction traffic, including large construction machinery and delivery trucks. Please also take it slowly riding through the hospital grounds. Also please note that pedestrian access to the hospital across the Rolleston Ave bridge is now on the left-hand side of the bridge only. This is to ensure that pedestrians are separated safely from construction traffic.
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Bouquets Radiology, Christchurch Hospital I would like to acknowledge a nurse and I think her name is Emily... She had a Welsh accent if that helps. Thank you Emily for your care and for going the extra mile to ensure my safety when having my CT scan. You, and I am sure your colleagues (after observing them with other patients) are a real asset to Christchurch Hospital. Thanks a bunch. Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital Kia ora. My son, Te Rautawhiri Mamaru-O'Regan was taken by ambulance to Accident and Emergency at Christchurch Hospital on Friday mid-morning after being knocked out by a collision at his school. I was contacted by the school and was waiting for the ambulance to arrive in A&E. My first compliment is for the lady at reception (sorry I did not get her name) who processed me. She was incredibly helpful and empathetic as I waited for my son to arrive. Her manner was completely client centred and I appreciated it at the time. The next compliment is for the Dr, who I remember only as named 'Ben', who assessed my son. The emergency nurse was also very supportive, but the doctor stuck out for me, as being the first medical professional in my son's lifetime who has ever pronounced his name correctly without support. Whilst this may seem a rather empty compliment - this actually meant the world to me. My children have been raised with Māori as their first language and both my children have had significant medical care in their 10 and 11 years. The reason this is so important to me, is that my son, earlier this year had told his new sports team mates and coach to call him 'T', so that he didn't have to deal with the mispronunciation, even of his shortened name 'Te Rau'. Dr. Ben, by doing something as simple as pronouncing his name correctly, immediately connected with my boy who afterwards referred to him as 'the nice and cool doctor'. He needed that little ray of light at a time he is very self-conscious of his own cultural identity - so I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Ben, for what he might think is a little gesture - but for me is so much more. I would be very appreciative if this message could be passed on to him. Please support all staff to continue to develop their pronunciation of Māori it really helps. Rangiora Convalescence I wish to thank sincerely all staff at Rangiora Hospital for the care, understanding, and willingness they gave to me during my stay at their facility. The abundance of care has allowed me to heal at a great rate. I am sure that it would not have happened had I been discharged from public to home after such a major operation. Thank you once again. Words can't express my gratitude. You are an 'A' team and your premises extremely clean. Christchurch Hospital Ward 22 A very positive experience from the moment we walked into the hospital. Consistently high standard of professionalism. A special thank you to all the lovely nurses for taking such great care of my toddler. The toy bag, cups of tea made by the St John Volunteer, carefully chosen toys borrowed from the play therapist and tasty snacks to tempt my little boy were very much appreciated. Dr Alan Faulkner, Consultant Psychiatrist, Specialist Mental Health Service One of my self-help books says that “feeling gratitude and not giving it is like wrapping a present and not sending it”. So I wanted to express my gratitude to you so very much for helping me on my journey back to wellness. I am very grateful and thankful for your supportive and caring nature. I am in awe of your capabilities and how you manage to stay cool, calm and collected in your chosen profession. If there was one person I would like to have over for dinner and listen to how you cope with your job on a daily basis, it would be you. I can’t imagine what your working day must be like….You do appear to have a gift. I quite often felt apprehensive before our sessions...But I always felt so much better after seeing you and more hopeful about the future and didn’t feel so alone or isolated…. Thank you Dr Faulkner for giving me hope.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Enrolled nurse graduate loving the challenge This month within Christchurch and Burwood Hospitals, Diploma of Enrolled Nursing students are on their Acute Care placements. “It is very exciting to be able to support these nurses to gain clinical experiences as they are part of our future nursing workforce,” says Michelle Casey, Nurse Educator, Dedicated Education Unit (DEU). Kelsey James recently graduated as an enrolled nurse from the Christchurch Institute of Polytechnic (CPIT) Diploma of Enrolled Nursing (DEN) programme. She has found employment at Pukeko Blue, a community organisation that looks after those with mental health needs. This year Pukeko Blue employed four DEN graduate enrolled nurses. Kelsey previously worked at Nurse Maude in a community support role for approximately six years before deciding to enter into the 18 month DEN course. After looking into both the Bachelor of Nursing and the Diploma of Enrolled Nursing programmes offered at CPIT, Kelsey decided the DEN programme seemed more inviting for her. Kelsey was keen to increase her skills and she heard the programme was a very supportive environment for learning. “For anyone considering the DEN programme it is a great course. It opens up more opportunities, it is a jam packed 18 months of learning, I learnt a lot, in a good way,” says Kelsey. During her studies Kelsey continued with part time work at Nurse Maude, which supplemented her student allowance. When talking about her role at Pukeko Blue Kelsey says, “I love my scope of practice and support is always there. If I am not sure about something I have a registered nurse to ring and discuss the situation with.” Kelsey loves the challenge of mental health and likes that every day is different. In the future Kelsey hopes there will be more job opportunities for enrolled nurses, as she is keen to expand her skills and gain experience in a variety of other areas.
Canterbury Medical Grand Round Friday 21 November 2014, 12.15-1.15pm (lunch from 11.50am) Venue: Rolleston Lecture Theatre Speaker 1: Prof Tomas Kron, Principal Research Physicist, Peter McCallum Hospital Melbourne Title: Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR): New Opportunities for Cancer Patients Speaker 2: Dr Jeremy Booth, Director, Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Royal North Hospital Title; The changing world of radiotherapy: Stereotactic Prostate Radiotherapy now a reality! Chair: Mr Richard Dove, Dept. Medical Physics & Bioengineering Convenor: Ruth Spearing, ruth.spearing@cdhb.health.nz Video Conference set up in: • Burwood Meeting Room • Meeting Room, Level 1, TPMH • Wakanui Room, Ashburton • Telemedicine Room, Admin. Building 6 – Hillmorton
Tuesday 18 November 2014
WellNow, Summer 2014 It’s not officially summer quite yet, but it’ll feel like Christmas has come early when you receive your copy of WellNow. Okay, perhaps that’s overstating it a little but it is a great read all the same. It’s also an important way of communicating directly with Canterbury people to chart our successes as a health system, and allow our people to tell their health stories. The front cover features nutritionist Janne Pasco in a veggie garden that has popped up in the city at the end of High Street, one of many in Canterbury that is making use of post earthquake spaces while the rebuild takes shape, along with the food forest movement that is fast taking root. Inside there is an update on the redevelopment, including tips for the public on how to make their trip to hospital go as smoothly as possible. Some of our technical innovations are also featured, such as the rebranded HealthOne (formerly eSCRV) and eMeds and there’s great wee story about how our Medical Physics and Bioengineering wizards helped surgeons fix the Tin Man’s creator with a titanium plate of his own. There are one or two stories that may be familiar, such as the one about Caitlin’s return to NICU after 22 years, this time as a graduate nurse on the NetP programme and Sue Johnston and Christine White’s stories about how care closer to home is working better for them. These last two are important in conveying our goal of supporting people to stay well in the community and in helping guide the public thinking away from the hospital as anything other than the place of last resort. Speaking of which, check out the cool artwork and even cooler messaging on the back cover. “Get Well Sooner” is aimed at getting people to make better choices about how and where they access urgent care. There are two related stories inside, together with helpful information we hope people will want to keep. Deliveries of WellNow began last Friday and by the end of this week, all mailboxes in Canterbury should have received their copy. People will also be able to read it online on the News Publications page of our website. Please send an email to communications@cdhb.health.nz if you DON’T receive a copy so that we can feedback to the distribution company. Also give us your feedback and send your suggestions for future stories to mick.odonnell@cdhb.health.nz
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Releasing Time to Care at TPMH and Burwood The Releasing Time to Care (RT2C) programme is underway in our Older Person’s Health and Rehabilitation Services (OPH&R) at The Princess Margaret Hospital and Burwood Hospital. Over the next 15-18 months OPH&R staff will be getting ready for their eventual moves into the new facilities at Burwood Health Campus. The ‘Releasing Time to Care’ is a core component of our Workforce Transition Project. Susan Wood, Director of Quality and Patient Safety says this programme is a fantastic opportunity to collectively look closely at our existing ways of working so we can do things better and also standardise the way we work for the benefit of all. “We need to adopt, as much as possible, future models in a staged way now, so we are not dealing with it all at once in 2016,” says Susan.
Above: Jane McMahon (R) undertaking an ‘Activity Follow’ with David Lindsay, ward K2, TPMH.
Mary Gordon, Executive Director of Nursing says, the first module, ‘Knowing How We are Doing’ involves ‘Activity Follows’ where nurses are followed to measure the time spent on the various activities they carry out in a typical day shift. “Activity Follows data will be very valuable. It is not about scrutinising the nurse being followed. It is about seeing what is really happening; how much time is with patients versus wasted in looking for equipment etc,” says Mary. Several staff who have undertaken Activity Follows have commented on the value of stepping back and really observing and recording what is involved in a nurse’s day. In an Activity Follows in ward 2A, a nurse was observed being interrupted 58 times in the first three and a half hours of her shift.
Above: Module one ‘Knowing How We are Doing’ Workshop participants.
“Some interruptions are necessary and patient related but it was interesting to observe the amount of unnecessary interruptions and all the fetching and finding we do in a shift. We are looking forward to using this information to find ways to increase the time we spend with our patients,” says Alison Morris, Registered Nurse 2A. This first module also involves the creation of ward visions and ‘Knowing How We are Doing’ display boards on each ward where Patient Safety, Patient Experience, Staff Satisfaction and Efficiency data will be openly displayed. The programme has been highly successful in other DHBs and is designed to continuously improve in these areas. Basically it’s all about delivering safer more reliable care. Patients who receive safer, more reliable care get better sooner. For more information contact the RT2C Project manager Roxanne McKerras: Roxaane.Mckerras@cdhb.health.nz or visit the intranet site: http://cdhbintranet/corporate/releasingtimeseries/ SitePages/About-Releasing-time-to-care.aspx
Tuesday 18 November 2014
New Blood Centre for Christchurch
Last Monday (10 November) the Minister of Health, Dr Jonathan Coleman opened the new $26 million 3500m2 state of the art Christchurch Blood Centre in Lester Lane, Addington. The new centre incorporates new technologies and has 19 donor beds, almost twice as many as the old centre in Riccarton Road. It will process all blood collected in the South Island and provide diagnostic testing and support services to the health sector, as well as skin and bone banking services. The facility features nine refrigerated rooms ranging from 4o to -40oC, rainwater harvesting tanks, a supersized lift shaft, diesel backup generator and a ‘dumb waiter’ for moving samples and supplies around more easily. All of this is housed in a building classified as L3, which means it significantly exceeds the strength required by the current Building Code. An 89kg piece of pounamu gifted by Kato Waewae Runanga takes pride of place in the lobby and together with a stunning NZBS Tohu designed by Frances TeAmo, completes a cultural link with building owners and developers Ngai Tahu and confirms New Zealand Blood Service’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Frances is a Medical Laboratory Technician and member of the NZBS Māori Staff Advisory Group. At the opening Dr Coleman said that the New Zealand Blood Service has been a vital part of the health sector since its establishment in 1998. “With around 42,000 Kiwis needing blood or blood products every year, the New Zealand Blood Service does a fantastic job of ensuring these products are available when and where they are needed.” “The success of the NZBS depends on generous donors from across the country,” says Dr Coleman. Yet just four percent of potential donors actually give blood and the NZBS is struggling to keep up with demand for blood and blood products. Our health system, with all our expertise and innovation technology, cannot function properly without donated blood. It isn't every day you can do something to save someone's life - but that's exactly what you do every time you donate blood. Blood is a priceless gift - a lifesaver. A single donation can save the lives of up to three people. Please give generously.
A stunning NZBS Tohu designed by Frances TeAmo (pictured), completes a cultural link with building owners and developers Ngai Tahu.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
No more needle stick injuries thanks to MPBE The Problem During routine sinus surgery a senior trainee in otolaryngology sustained a needlestick injury to their dominant hand. The site became infected and required two surgical washouts, intravenous antibiotics and a period of rehabilitation before full recovery. Needlestick injuries are common among otolaryngology trainees, with more than 70% of trainees in the USA reporting such injuries. Reusable dental syringes are regularly used in otolaryngology, dental surgery and facial plastics. The needle casing is screwed onto the steel syringe and allows the use of several vials of local anaesthetic using the same needle. To remove the needle it must be unscrewed from the syringe so that it can be disposed of before the syringe is sterilised. Ideally, this is performed using another instrument but often achieved by recapping the needle and removing it by hand. Alice Guidera, Denise Whitta and Scott Stevenson from the Department of Otolaryngology approached Medical Physics and Bioengineering to assess automatic devices to remove surgical blades, but all of these were expensive and did not fit well with their work flow. The Solution Working closely with the ENT team MPBE designed a new device to prevent this type of needlestick injury. This device is a simple disc of acetal plastic with a hexagonal hole made in the centre. The needle casing fits snugly into the hole and holds the casing in place while the needle is in use, and allows the needle to be safely and firmly screwed on and off the syringe. "A needlestick injury leading to a tendon sheath infection can be a disaster for a surgeon. The trainee mentioned in the first paragraph still has restricted movement of his right index finger. Filling in the incident report made me realise we did not have a way of reducing the risk of this happening again, so it was great we could create a solution 'in house'. There was a lot of interest in this innovation at the recent NZ Society meeting," says Scott Stevenson. The simplicity and low cost of this device allows it to be easily reproduced and used anywhere in the hospital or clinics. And yet it is highly effective, with no further instances of needlestick injury since the device was introduced.
Above: High risk method. Recapping the needle for removal (unscrewing) of the dental syringe needle.
New method. The device is impenetrable by the needle and protects the users fingers from inadvertent needlestick injury
Get your entry in to the MPBE $10,000 Health Innovation Challenge If you have a clinical challenge and think you may know of a solution but lack the technical expertise or funding to make it a reality, then we can help. The MPBE $10,000 Health Innovation Challenge, offered in association with Via Innovations, is open to everyone in the Canterbury Health System who has an idea about improving patient care. The winner/s will receive $10,000 worth of development time, materials and marketing to help make their idea a reality. ‘Runner-up’ projects may also be considered for development. The challenge is open now until the end of November – enter online. More information about the team including departmental contact details, for potential innovators who want to find out more about MPBE’s capabilities can be found at www.cdhb.health.nz/mpbe. You can contact them on ext. 80852; (03) 364 0852 or by email at mpbe@cdhb.health.nz
Tuesday 18 November 2014
If you PICS it, apparently it does get better! “Innovation lies in the simple stuff” – Prof Lord Ara Darzi. This couldn’t be more true than in the case of the South Island Patient Information Care System, currently under development. It does a theoretically simple thing in replacing a number of existing systems (no less than eight), and the result too is a simpler system. The complexity lies in bringing it all together and making it work. The South Island Patient Information Care System (SI PICS) will replace or consolidate existing systems that facilitate operational management and administration, including: Registration, Referrals, Waitlist Booking and Scheduling, ACC, ED, Discharge, Reporting and Business Intelligence, Mental Health and Regional Services. CDHB executive sponsor, Stella Ward says that it’s better to focus on what the SI PICS programme will deliver, rather than how it does it. “This is another significant stride toward a more streamlined patient journey, through health services that will lead to improved patient safety and better quality health services. The technical wizardry behind it is in safe hands, with our own ISG working closely with our strategic partners, Orion Health and with other South Island DHBs. This team has a number of successes under its belt.“ The region's five DHBs work collaboratively through the South Island Alliance to develop more innovative, efficient and sustainable health services. By combining resources to jointly solve problems, we are better positioned to respond to changing demands and to use technology as a key tool in helping us meet them. The South Island Patient Information Care System is being developed as the regional solution for patient management and administration across all South Island District Health Boards. It will make its debut here in Canterbury and is scheduled for roll out, with CDHB Phase 1 beginning in September 2015, followed by Nelson Marlborough DHB hospitals the following year. Local interest has been strong, with all PICS demos to date being filled to capacity. The next one at The Princess Margaret Hospital on 19 November is no exception, all available places are taken. If you have missed out so far though, don’t worry, the PICS team aims to provide many more opportunities to get up with the play before the test phase starts in April. Next month we’ll introduce some of the CDHB team, and explain everyone’s role in the development and implementation of the project. Here’s an inspirational thought to leave you with. “PICS isn’t about what we do now, it’s about what we want to do in the future”- Dr Nigel Millar.
SI PICS website
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Internship gives greater insight into women’s health Obstetric Registrar, Kati Taghavi, has recently returned from a Research Internship in Geneva with a wider perspective on women’s health. Kati, who has a keen interest in international women's health issues and bioethics, was awarded the three month World Health Organisation (WHO) internship after a series of applications and interviews. She is completing her training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Christchurch Women's Hospital and is involved in research and teaching with the University of Otago Medical School. Kati, who was born in Iran and emigrated to New Zealand with her family when she was five years old, says her background has definitely been an influence on her career interests. The research internship was something she had wanted to do since she was a trainee intern. She has always been interested in the way that health care is approached in different countries and concerned with issues of resource allocation and equity.
Dr Kati Taghavi speaking at a United Nations event run by an organisation that empowers young women who have been victims of violence.
While in Geneva she was involved in several research projects on women’s health and maternal health care and travelled to Bangkok to speak at the “Regional meeting on the health of women: policy, gender and delivery of service issues”. Another project looked at the quality of maternal care in low and middle income countries. “It really gave me an insight into the world of international healthcare and its interplay with politics, culture and sadly economics – which is often more influential than it probably should be!” More effort needs to be put into collaboration between countries to improve health on a global scale, she says. It was inspiring to be surrounded by “people coming from all different backgrounds and a huge breadth of experiences, all brought together by their shared idealism. I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit in on brainstorming sessions for tackling some of the current issues in health care around the world, including the management of Ebola”. It was an invaluable experience and she is excited to be able to come back to Christchurch and share some of her experiences. Left: The United Nations building, which is close to the World Health Organisation.
Retirement of long serving nurse Janet Cherry, who colleagues remember as someone with extensive knowledge, has retired after a 29 year career in nursing. Janet trained as a Registered Community Nurse in Timaru in the early 70s and registered in 1974. She left community nursing in 1978 to get married and moved to Twizel. She had seven years away from nursing to raise her son and daughter. In 1985 Janet returned to Christchurch to work in Ward 3, women’s orthopaedics. She was offered a job in theatre which she accepted and has worked there since. Janet worked rostered shifts as part of an after hour’s team where she was treasured for her vast knowledge and genuine kindness for her colleagues. She will be missed by the department and her colleagues. Above: Janet Cherry
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Chapel a peaceful oasis and “living place” For 85 years the Christchurch Nurses Memorial Chapel has been treasured as a place of quiet reflection and a popular venue for weddings, christenings, ANZAC services, and even poetry readings. The brick chapel was built as a memorial to honour three Christchurch Hospital nurses, Nona Hildyard, Margaret Rogers and Lorna Rattray, who died when the troopship Marquette was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Aegean Sea on 23 October 1915 during World War One. Ten New Zealand nurses died, the majority from the South Island, when the Marquette was struck. It was the biggest loss of nurses’ lives in one day in New Zealand military history and caused much shock and resentment because nurses should not have been on board the troop ship. Hospital staff were “absolutely shattered” at the loss of their colleagues and were determined to build the chapel in their memory, says Charge Nurse Manager, Sharon Minchington. It took 12 years for the chapel to be completed and the first service was held there on Christmas Day, 1927. Designed by J.G Collins, who also created the Sign of the Takahe and Nazareth House Chapel, it is an excellent example of Arts and Crafts Movement churches, with a timber interior featuring oregon panelling, a blackwood and oak parquet floor and stained glass windows by leading English artist Veronica Whall (1887-1967).
Above: Portrait of Nona Hildyard who drowned in the Marquette disaster by Richard Wallmark (1917). Nona was from Lyttleton and the portrait was funded by the people of Lyttleton. She was 28 when she died.
The chapel is the only war memorial in New Zealand dedicated solely to the memory of women. The names of two nurses who died in the influenza epidemic of 1918 have been added to its plaques, as well as those of other distinguished nurses and medical staff. It is closed at present due to earthquake damage. “But our darling little chapel will be open again one day and we would like to ensure the sense of nursing pride it embodies is passed on to the younger generation of nurses,” says Project Specialist, Service Transition, Nanette Ainge. Though designed as a memorial, the chapel has always been a “very living place” and a peaceful oasis, says Sharon, who along with Nanette, recalls being a junior nurse wheeling patients into the chapel for Sunday church services. Continues on the following page...
Above: Christchurch Nurses Memorial Chapel Tuesday 18 November 2014
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“Even now while it is closed, I like to take time out of my busy day to sit for a while in its gardens. Sometimes I see distressed relatives of patients there gathering strength to go back to what they have to face in hospital,” she says. The chapel will next year be part of events to mark the centenary of the Marquette disaster with white crosses and poppies placed in its gardens. If you would like more information or are interested in being a Friend of the Christchurch Nurses Memorial Chapel, go to www.cnmc.org.nz Left: The interior of the chapel.
IDCT recognised after more than 20 years’ service After more than 20 years, Canterbury DHB Specialist Mental Health Services Intellectual Disability Community Team has been disestablished. The change follows a procurement process by the Ministry of Health, which has resulted in the service now being delivered under a community provider. Toni Gutschlag, General Manager Mental Health says she wishes to recognise the contribution the staff of IDCT have made to Specialist Mental Health Services and to the Canterbury community. This team has provided services to individuals with an intellectual disability and significant challenging behaviour, their families and support system for twenty five years. “Over the past eight months the service has transitioned to a community provider that will now provide behaviour support services in Canterbury and nationally. “Fortunately, for consumers under the care of IDCT, some staff will also transition to the new service provider. Some staff have moved on to other opportunities and some staff have been retained by the IDPH Service. “I wish to offer my sincere thanks to the staff of IDCT and their leaders, Chris Daffue, Consultant Psychologist, and Ngaire Matthews, Clinical Manager for their professionalism during this difficult time,” Toni says, The IDCT was initially known as the Community Support Team (CST). It was started to respond to changes at Templeton Hospital where fewer patients were admitted for long term hospital care, children were no longer admitted and the focus shifted to community based support services and respite care. Ministry of Health focus changed to Behaviour Support and the team moved from a drop in centre model for the ID population. The CST expanded as Templeton was closing as part of the deinstitutionalisation process in the late 1990s. Toni says the emphasis has always been on working with clients and their support staff in their home and work environments. “The IDCT has changed as community needs have changed. From the beginning it adopted a multidisciplinary team approach. Education was provided for community providers and at its peak there were 15 education modules offered,” Toni says. “At that time the focus was largely on supporting the new providers and a rapid response after hours service.” The main client focus was adults up until 2004. From that time there was an increase in child and adolescent referrals which continued to increase to make up 60 percent of all referrals at the time of the service closure.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Latest GAP graduates The latest graduates of Gerontology Accleration Programme (GAP) celebrated together last week. This programme focuses on enhancing the career development for registered nurses working with Older People across the health care continuum by providing a different range of professional opportunities. Participants access a variety of clinical settings to gain an in-depth inter-service understanding, while expanding their networks. GAP is an intensive career opportunity designed to accelerate professional development while acquiring necessary knowledge and skills for progression towards advanced gerontology nursing roles. The programme has three components: 1. Clinical experience through the rotations in two pre-selected clinical areas, 2. Generic programme expectations with mentor support, and 3. Postgraduate education in gerontology nursing.
From left to right: Gene Ruiz from Bishop Selwyn LifeCare, Ruth Cahutay from Parklands Hospital; Wedzerai Matsheza from Ward 1a at TPMH, and Vivienne Stewart from Ward 3a at TPMH. Absent - Kathryn Stewart from Ward 24 at Christchurch Hospital.
User Account Management option on its way So you’ve had a great holiday and now you’re back at your desk. Time to log on…now what is your user account password? Three frustrating attempts later and you’re locked out! If you’ve experienced something like this you won’t be alone. Often this happens when you just don’t have time to wait, or when ISG are busiest. It’s frustrating too for staff on the service desk, they can have more than 1000 requests for password resets per month. A simple enough task for them but it takes them away from providing more technical help and they often have to deal with irate users. Ta da! Now a solution is on its way! From 2 December staff will be able to reset their own passwords and get back into the computer if they’ve been locked out, without having to contact the service desk. This new self service option will let you sort this out yourself through a series of simple instructions. You’ll need to do a little background work to make it happen but this will be a once only exercise after which you’ll be able to do it alone. More information will follow in next week’s update.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Show your support for White Ribbon Day Over the next couple of weeks many people around New Zealand will be wearing a white ribbon to show they do not tolerate or condone violence. November 25 is the United Nations International Day for the elimination of violence against women. White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for the community to show leadership and commitment to promoting safe, healthy relationships within families. The campaign also encourages the community to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour that are abusive. Family violence is a “health issue” and its identification and management is part of the role of all health practitioners. Women and children who are exposed to violence and abuse are much more likely to access a broad spectrum of health services than their peers who have not been exposed to environments where family violence is experienced. This year CDHB is marking White Ribbon Day by providing staff with white ribbons to wear on 25 November and displaying posters, banners and information within the hospital environment. A march has been organised by a number of government and community agencies. It will start at 9:45am outside the Central Police Station on St Asaph St and participants will walk down St Asaph St across into Hagley Park and up towards Christchurch Hospital and Chistchurch Women’s Hospital and then back to Hagley Netball Courts. Radio Host, Gary McCormack, will be officiating the event and introducing a number of speakers at the netball courts. A morning tea will be provided. We encourage health staff who are able to participate, to come along and take part in this march and support this community initiative.
Take a Selfie and spread the word Help spread the word on Social Media! All you need to do is take a selfie with a sign that can be downloaded from the webpage canterburyfvc.co.nz/get-involved/white-ribbon-2014/ and share them with the hashtag #EndViolence4Canterbury. This is our chance to engage young people with White Ribbon Day! Please get on board and encourage members of staff and supporters to join in. Follow the campaign from the Police Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristchurchPolice?ref=br_tf Left: David Meates. Tuesday 18 November 2014
Improving Infection Protection and Control (IPC) integration is a key focus for the health system The Canterbury and West Coast Health Systems are working actively towards achieving greater integration between the hospital and community based Infection Prevention and Control Services (IPC). As part of this programme a new governance structure has been set up to oversee and identify what is already happening and where improvements can be achieved. Dr Ian Town, a respiratory physician by training and former Dean of the Christchurch School of Medicine, has been appointed chairman of the Canterbury West Coast Health System Infection Prevention and Control Board. Ian says the new Board will help link activities between existing IPC committees and a new community committee, which has recently been convened. Dr Town will also be chairing the new Community Committee for the time being. The IPC Community Committee is an advisory committee, set up to provide recommendations on policy and strategic issues to community providers throughout the Canterbury region. Membership includes microbiologists, representatives from PHOs and aged residential care, along with nursing and community specialists. Dr Ramon Pink, Medical Officer of Health, also sits on this committee. “A need was recognised after the earthquakes for better coordination across hospital and community Infection Prevention and Control (IPC),” Dr Town says. “The new structures will help improve connections and the two way flow of relevant information between health care agencies in the community primary care and hospital sectors,” Dr Town says. Dr Town’s objectives are also about coordination in (IPC) provision between the Canterbury and West Coast health systems. “An immediate focus for the governance group has been the infection protection and control issues around Ebola entering New Zealand,” he says. “The Committee has reviewed information coming from the Ministry of Health and the office of the Medical Officer of Health and is keeping abreast of developments on a regular basis.” In 2015, a number of work streams will get underway including a stocktake and review of alignments between various IPC policies and education programmes on policies and procedures within primary care and a contribution to a system wide initiative on antibiotic stewardship. This work has been triggered by the recognition that antibiotic use in New Zealand, including Christchurch, is high by international standards. “An integrated approach is planned involving general practitioners, the emergency department and Christchurch Hospital, focusing on skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections and respiratory infections in the first instance,” says Dr Town.
Have you recently been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes? Volunteers are needed for a study investigating the relationship between gut bacteria and glucose tolerance. The research findings will help to develop future dietary interventions to change the gut flora of people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes to a healthier profile. We are seeking individuals who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes within the last three months. Participation in the study will involve recording what you eat for four days and attending a single appointment of approximately one hour during which we will do simple measurements, take samples and provide you with dietary advice at your request. You are also invited to take part in another study looking at new biomarkers for diabetes during the same visit if you wish. If you have any questions about the study or if you would like to participate in the study please contact: Renée Wilson, renee.wilson@cdhb.health.nz ext 81586.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Antibiotic Awareness Week – Get smart with antimicrobials From 17 – 23 November, CDHB will be participating in Antibiotic Awareness Week 2014. This week is observed around the world and provides an opportunity to learn more about the problem of antibiotic resistance and to think about ways to optimise prescribing and use of antibiotics in order to address this significant global problem. Antibiotic resistance represents one of the greatest threats to human health today. Inappropriate and over use of antibiotics are major drivers of antibiotic resistance. As antibiotic resistance is increasing, the development of new antibiotics is declining. Fewer new antibiotics have been developed in recent years meaning many of the medical advances that rely on antibiotics to control infection (such as organ transplantation, surgery and neonatal care) may be under threat. Clinicians should consider the following actions to improve prescribing and use: 1. Evidence-based guidelines (eg. The Pink Book). 2. Microbiology-guided therapy where possible. 3. Narrowest spectrum agent. 4. Monotherapy for most indications. 5. Dosage and route appropriate. 6. Minimise duration of therapy. Key messages from the Health Quality & Safety Commission The Health Quality & Safety Commission is partnering with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care for Antibiotic Awareness Week, during which they and other countries will highlight the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and the need for responsible use of antibiotics. The initiative includes similar weeks in the United States and Canada, as well as European Antibiotic Awareness Day today (Tuesday 18 November). The key messages of the week are: antimicrobial resistance results in a microorganism (for example, bacterium, fungus, virus or parasite) not responding to an antimicrobial drug used to treat an infection overuse and misuse of antibiotics is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance the World Health Organization (WHO) considers antimicrobial resistance a problem so serious ‘it threatens the achievements of modern medicine’ a WHO global report on antimicrobial resistance earlier this year warned: ‘A post-antibiotic era – in which common infections and minor injuries can kill – is a very real possibility for the 21st century.’ the WHO report showed New Zealand has a comparatively low rate of antimicrobial resistance, but our high use of antibiotics and the potential transmission of resistant microorganisms from one country to another give no cause for complacency Antibiotic Awareness Week is emphasising the importance of: doctors prescribing antibiotics only when necessary patients taking antibiotics as directed patients completing their full prescription even if they feel better patients never sharing antibiotics with other people or using leftover prescriptions good hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant infections, both in the community and in hospitals. on European Antibiotic Awareness Day, Tuesday 18 November, there will be live Twitter chats during which experts will answer questions about antimicrobial resistance. Follow @HQSCNZ, @EAAD_eu and @NPSMedicinewise and use the hashtag #AntibioticDay. There are excellent audio-visual and other antibiotic awareness resources to be found here: http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/eaad/Pages/Home.aspx http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-associated-infection/antimicrobialstewardship/antibiotic-awareness-week/ http://www.who.int/drugresistance/documents/surveillancereport/en/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pan2t1BUlvY&feature=youtu.be&list=PL4329CA1F2C954FCE
Tuesday 18 November 2014
2014 International Guideline on Prevention and Treatment for Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline The New Zealand Wound Care Society and their Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance partners: the Australian Wound Management Association, Hong Kong Enterostomal Therapy Nurses Association and the Wound Healing Society of Singapore, join with the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) to announce the launch of the 2014 International Guideline on Prevention and Treatment for Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline. The term pressure injury and pressure ulcer are synonymous in this publication, which is the culmination of two years of work that builds upon a review of the 2009 NPUAP and EPUAP guideline. The most rigorous methodological standards for evidence-based pressure injury guideline development have resulted in over 200 new recommendations. There were 112 international pressure injury experts involved in the guideline research and development and stakeholder feedback was sought from over 1000 individuals or groups. This second edition of The Guideline brings cutting-edge research evidence to the bedside for the benefit of individuals at-risk for or with pressure injuries. New sections in the guideline address the specific needs of special populations including older adult patients/residents, obese patients, critically ill patients, paediatric patients, and peri operative patients. The guideline also addresses contemporary issues such as biofilms, use of prophylactic dressings, microclimate control, medical-device related pressure ulcers, heel pressure ulcers and use of low friction fabrics. The NPUAP/EPUAP International Pressure Ulcer Classification and illustrative photography is included. There are also four chapters to assist in implementation of the guideline in the organisation. The guideline is relevant to all clinicians, consumers, administrators, educators, researchers, policy makers and industry involved in health care and specifically in the prevention and management of pressure injuries. The guideline can be purchased online via http://www.nzwcs.org.nz/publications http://www.internationalguideline.com A Quick Reference Guide can be downloaded free. Instructions for ordering the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) hard copy or the Quick Reference Guideline (QRG): If you access the NPUAP shop online via NZWCS website, AWMA’s or the international guideline website it is clear that there is a discounted PPPIA price of $50AUD. Tick the box on the page where you submit your credit card details.
International Stop Pressure Injury day International Stop Pressure Injury day is Thursday 20 November 2014. The New Zealand Wound Care Society encourages all to participate in this day to raise the profile of Pressure Injuries in your areas of work. There are resources available on the NZWCS website for download: nzwcs.org.nz/about-us/pressure-ulcer-advisorygroup/54-stop-pressure-injury-day-2013
Tuesday 18 November 2014
The New Zealand Wound Care Society (NZWCS) would also like to invite you to attend their 7th Annual National Conference entitled "Wound Care – A Matter of Balance" This conference will be held in Blenheim, New Zealand, from 21 to 23 May, 2015 at the Marlborough Convention Centre. Our world renowned keynote speakers Associate Professor Bill McGuiness and Jan Rice will share their experience and research in the field of wound care. We are also very pleased to announce our invited speakers from Aotearoa: Dr Richard Everts, Dr Mark Foley, Dr David Young and Dr Glen Colquhoun. Together with other health care professionals this will provide a challenging and vital update for wound management and obtaining the right balance for your patients. We look forward to seeing you all at the conference. Further details are available soon from a link on www.nzwcs.org.nz For further information contact: administrator@nzwcs.org.nz
Workshop: Good Clinical Practice Update A Good Clinical Practice (GCP) workshop will be held on Thursday 27 November 2014 at the Rolleston Lecture Theatre, University of Otago, Christchurch. The target audience is research nurses and research co-ordinators working in the Canterbury and West Coast regions. Sponsor: Via Innovations, CDHB Schedule: 13.00-13.10 -
Kate Gibb, Nursing Director, CDHB Welcome on behalf of the CDHB and West Coast Directors of Nursing
13.10-13.15 -
Dr Helen Lunt, Clinical Director, Via Innovations, CDHB Outline of workshop programme and introduction to speakers
13.15-14.30 -
Tony Mann, Research Associates Ltd History and principles of ICH GCP, informed consent, adverse events, CRF
14.30- 14.50
Afternoon tea, networking
14.50-15.15 -
Rebecca Coombes, Manager, UOC and CDHB research office Commercial aspects of clinical research - View from NZ Acres and the research office
15.15-16.00 -
Tony Mann Commercial aspects of clinical research, waivers, fraud and misconduct
16.00-16.25 -
Nic Aagard, Senior Advisor, Ethics Committee Your HDEC application: How to avoid common pitfalls
16.25-16.30 -
Dr Helen Lunt Wrap up
Registration: The workshop is free to attendees but pre-workshop registration is requested both for catering and also to allow individualised certificates of workshop completion to be available at the end of the afternoon. For registration and further details contact: Charlotte.Robson@cdhb.health.nz
Tuesday 18 November 2014
One minute with…Sharen Small, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Child and Family Safety Service What does your job involve? Families who have a parent in prison, or have been released within the past 12 months, or are on home detention are invited to have free comprehensive psychosocial and physical health assessments. The role includes working with social, health and educational services to ensure that the families are supported to achieve the outcomes in the Health Plan for each child. It requires thinking outside the square, being community minded and having a practical approach to advocate on behalf of the family. We call this process an Infant2Teen Health Assessment. Why did you choose to work in this field? I have always enjoyed working with families within the community setting and have maintained a specialty role in child protection for many years. The timing of increasing from part-time to full-time work also worked well for my family. What do you like about it? I really get a buzz out of being involved in the significant changes for the children and their families. I enjoy working with agencies, including many departments within the CDHB, who understand that the child’s needs are a priority. What are the challenging bits? Oh there are many of these; virtually all stem from psychosocial and health issues such as family violence, crowded living conditions, chronic illness, postponed appointments, the list goes on. It can get quite tough at times, I try to maintain self-care with varying degrees of success. Who do you most admire in a professional capacity at work and why? My mentor is Karen Hoare, a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Child and Youth Nursing Postgraduate Department at University of Auckland. She is a Nurse Practitioner who is amazingly inspirational in sharing her health knowledge and nursing stories from all over the world. The last book I read was… The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons. I’m a history enthusiast and my preferred time frames of books are from 300AD to around the 16-17th Century. So this recent read was a modern bit of history compared to what I usually focus on. If I could be anywhere in the world right now it would be… In Rarotonga with the quiet pace of life with the sun, sand and beach along with a regular supply of Mocktails and a good book. My ultimate Sunday would involve… Waking up naturally (instead of the alarm!), followed by a breakfast cook-up with family and friends. Then go with the flow with whatever we end up choosing to do on the spur of the moment. One food I really dislike is… I eat almost anything, but I wouldn’t be fussed with tripe. My favourite music is… Anything from the ‘70s and 80s’ and some modern music. If you would like to take part in this column or would like to nominate someone please contact Naomi.Gilling@cdhb.health.nz. Above: Sharen Small
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Christchurch takes part in World COPD Day – Wednesday, November 19 2014 Christchurch will be taking part in World COPD Day later this month to raise awareness of the condition responsible for thousands of the country’s hospital admissions every year. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes breathlessness, coughing and wheezing. It kills millions of people worldwide. The Community Respiratory Service is a team of health professionals at the Canterbury Clinical Network working towards better, sooner, more convenient management for people with respiratory problems. Community Respiratory Services Nurse, Louise Weatherall said COPD often goes undiagnosed. “A COPD sufferer can lose up to half of their lung function by the time they are diagnosed,” Mrs Weatherall said. “With research suggesting that up to 11 per cent of the New Zealand population may be living with undiagnosed COPD, this is not good for the health of our country.” Mrs Weatherall said increased public awareness is essential to control symptoms. “COPD occurs when breathing passages in the lungs are obstructed and lung tissue is damaged. It is predominantly caused by cigarette smoking. “While there is no cure, you are not alone and there are things you can do to improve your quality of life. “There are other people with COPD who can show you how to lead an active and full life despite having the condition. “For example, many COPD sufferers enjoy coming together for our Community Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes as it is a chance to get active with other sufferers in a safe environment.” COPD sufferers, family, whanau and friends are all welcome to a free expo on World COPD Day:
Join other COPD sufferers in the walking train through Hagley Park Meet other people living with COPD Hear from speakers about living with COPD and increasing quality of life Have your questions answered by health professionals Hear about activities in your area to help you live with COPD
A free expo will be held from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the Horticultural Hall, Riccarton Avenue. The expo will include a walking train through Hagley Park to demonstrate the importance of peer support and exercise when living with COPD, beginning at 12.00 midday outside Canterbury Museum at the Botanic Gardens.
Could you have COPD?
Do you cough several times most days? Cough up mucus most days? Get out of breath more easily than people your age? If you answered yes to any of these questions talk to a health professional to arrange a breathing test.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Staff Wellbeing Programme: Gratitude Challenge Gratitude Challenge – new Tracksuit-inc Challenge New 10 day Gratitude Challenge – registrations open 3 November. Challenge starts 17 November. Click here for more information visit the Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page Residential Advisory Service (RAS) – free legal advice for Insurance / EQC issues Free 30 minute appointments available at: Christchurch Campus – Thursday 27 November Click here for more information or visit the Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page – Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, Mindfulness… Check out this page for information on yoga, Zumba, Pilates, mindfulness, walking groups, Earthquake Support Coordinators, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP - free counselling for staff), and more…see the Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page for more information Free Counselling available for all staff – EAP Services For more information click here or visit the Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page
Andy Hearn Staff Wellbeing Coordinator Canterbury and West Coast DHB Phone: 03 337 7394 | Ext: 66394 | Mobile: 027 218 4924 andy.hearn@cdhb.health.nz
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Free Legal Advice – Staff Wellbeing Programme Are you stuck or confused about your insurance / EQC matters? The Residential Advisory Service (RAS) provides free independent and impartial assistance to help home owners navigate through their rebuild, repair or resettlement issues. The service is focussed on progressing issues between home owners, insurance companies and the Earthquake Commission. RAS is holding two morning clinics for CDHB staff members where you have the opportunity to meet with one of our Independent Advisors, who are all qualified lawyers. You will be able to briefly discuss your situation, hear how the service may be able to assist you and ask questions about your rebuild or repair process, but you will need to make an appointment. RAS clinic will be held at: Christchurch Campus from 9.00am to 12.00pm on Thursday 27 November 2014 Note: Appointment rooms will be confirmed nearer the time. To make an appointment please email Glenys Thornhill glenys.thornhill@cera.govt.nz who will telephone you back to arrange a suitable time. Appointments will be in 30 minute slots starting on and half past the hour. When emailing please ensure you include your daytime contact number. If you can’t attend either of the above clinics but would like to know if RAS can help you please call RAS on (03) 379 7027 or 0800 777 299 or check out the RAS website: https://advisory.org.nz Andy Hearn Staff Wellbeing Coordinator Canterbury and West Coast DHB Phone: 03 337 7394 | Ext: 66394 | Mobile: 027 218 4924 andy.hearn@cdhb.health.nz For more information about other Staff Wellbeing Programme initiatives visit the Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page
Kia Mataara! He pūtea tautoko i te akonga Māori Scholarships available for Māori students studying postgraduate courses at the University of Otago, Wellington in 2015 Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Te Whanga-Nui-a-Tara The University of Otago Wellington is offering a limited number of scholarships to Māori students studying taught postgraduate courses from the Wellington campus only during 2015. The scholarships will fund half the fee for a postgraduate paper. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so apply early. The University of Otago Wellington has postgraduate courses in public health, rehabilitation, primary health care, medical technology, child health, family and systemic therapies, radiation therapy, and more. Visit this webpage for more details http://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/study/postgraduate/programmes/index.html
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Things move fast in recruitment. That’s why we’re on: LATEST OPPORTUNITIES
Registered Nurse Day Surgery/DOSA Transit Nurse
Regional Tester Document Coordinator Administrator – Resident Doctors’ Support Team Secretariat Support
See all vacancies at: https:/cdhb.careercentre.net.nz
We’d love you to join us and share, like, or retweet our posts. Want to know more about roles available at the Canterbury District Health Board?
Visit https://cdhb.careercentre.net.nz
Opportunity for health providers - Hauora Village Te Matatini - National Kapa Haka Festival 2015 will be held in North Hagley Park in Christchurch from 4 to 8 March 2015. The Hauora Village will be situated in the Te Matatini market place at the festival. The aim of the Hauora Village is to provide information and services that support Māori whānau to achieve active, positive and healthy lifestyles. Download the information sheet and registration form to have a stall at the Hauora Village. Sponsorship of the Hauora area has been confirmed through the Health Promotion Agency www.hpa.org.nz and Te Piringa www.tepiringa.co.nz so Hauora / health and wellbeing providers can offer their services without cost being a barrier. There will no longer be a cost to run a Hauora stall at Te Matatini, but due to the limited number of spaces available the selection process will be determined by the quality of the application. Further information and forms can be located on the Waitaha Cultural Council website www.waitahacc.co.nz. Applications close Friday 21 November 2014 and need to be sent to debbie.baugh@cdhb.health.nz For all other general enquiries about the Hauora Village please contact Gail McLauchlan
gail.mclauchlan@cdhb.health.nz or Aaron Hapuku aaron.hapuku@cdhb.health.nz Tuesday 18 November 2014
In brief… New postgraduate qualification in Health Promotion from University of Otago, Christchurch For more information go to http://www.otago.ac.nz/study-public-health/qualifications/dph/
Hepatitis C Seminar “Access through Partnership” Date: Tuesday 9 December 2014, 9am - 4pm Venue: The Fern Room, The Atrium, Christchurch Netball Centre, 455 Hagley Ave Please RSVP by December 5 to jenny.hepc@rwc.org.nz
Canterbury Collaborative Simulation Interest Group Meeting Date: 24 November 2014 Time: 2.00pm – 5.00 pm Venue: Bevan Lecture Theatre, 7th Floor University of Otago School of Medicine. Christchurch Hospital. Registration fee: No charge Programme: When it all goes wrong! Sharing the bad and the good in simulation. For more information select the image. To register please contact: Professional Development Unit.
Read the latest SCIRT news here
Tuesday 18 November 2014