Monday 2 February 2015: New regional Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre I was absolutely thrilled to attend the opening of the new temporary Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre (CHOC) last Friday. The unit was officially David Meates opened by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr Jonathan Coleman, who was ably assisted by 11-year-old Jock Davies, a former CHOC patient. Jock and his mum came up from Tapanui for the day. I think Jock may well have a future in public speaking as his speech stole the show! We were also treated to a lip-sync performance of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ performed by some of the staff, contractors and younger patients. The team from Campbell Live filmed and edited a video clip of the performance which was shown at the opening – thanks team, it made hearts melt. I will let you know when it’s available on our website. What a fantastic facility – we got there in the end when it looked like the whole thing may never happen.
Former patient 11-year-old Jock Davies helped guest of honour, Minister of Health Hon. Dr Jonathan Coleman cut the ribbon to officially open the unit .
It’s been a remarkable journey and I am absolutely proud of the determination and commitment staff have given to see this project through to completion despite some pretty challenging times. We had a few false starts – we came close to getting started before the quake…the contract had been let… then those plans had to be shelved along with the previous ones. However, as part of an ongoing series of complex shifts to temporary locations, physio kindly agreed to relocate to allow this unit to occupy the space and the transformation started to take shape. There were times when we had to call a halt to the work, to allow clinicians on the floor above to carry out assessments on children. It was so noisy, they couldn’t hear a heartbeat with a stethoscope! So thanks to everyone who endured the noise, vibrations and disruptions. I think you’ll agree – it was worth it. This unit is now fit-for-purpose and will enable us to provide care that is up to modern, and frankly, expected standards. I would like to acknowledge the significant input of CHOC staff, the Family Advisory Committee for their input into the layout and design. I would also like to thank the team from Ronald McDonald House who have totally fitted out the family kitchen and will keep it stocked with frozen meals for families. From left, Former patient Jock Davies, Minister of Health Hon. Dr Jonathan Coleman, CHOC Clinical Director and Paediatric I know it will become a real hub for CHOC families. Oncologist Dr Amanda Lyver and CHOC Charge Nurse Manager Chrissy Bond. Continues on the following page...
Continued…. I would also like to acknowledge Sony, who have donated a number of TVs and games for the unit. And to all the contractors and subbies who have worked on this project – nice work! This is, however, a temporary home for CHOC – there’s a queue of people already putting up their hand to move in in 2018 when CHOC will take residence in the new Acute Services Building. I hope staff, patients and families enjoy their new interim surroundings. You’ve all worked hard to make this a reality. It was great to see so many families, staff, local MPs and clinical staff from around the country come together to celebrate the opening of this regional facility. David Meates
Monday’s Facilities Fast Facts Burwood At the Design Lab, a full-scale mock-up of Burwood’s ward pods is being constructed. It’s being used to test design and layout proposals – for example, refining the placement of shelves and making sure of good infection control. The photo on the left shows staff being shown one of the two-bed ward pods.
Christchurch The ‘Detailed Design’ phase of planning has begun for the Acute Services building. The design team has begun meeting again with user groups this week to resolve issues from the end of the last design phase. As well as finalising the layout plans and room data sheets with the design team, user groups will have other matters to work through in this phase of design, such as, working with the Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment (FF&E) team on the equipment and furniture needed for the new building. user groups are also beginning to identify which new processes will have a workforce planning implication. Work is continuing on the secure bicycle parking area at the front of the hospital site, next to the green water tanks. The new cycle parking is expected to be ready in early February. The installation of the large in-ground diesel and sewage tanks at the rear of Christchurch Women’s Hospital is going well. Work will begin shortly to build a new temporary “clean” delivery dock near the Oncology department. The main entrance at Christchurch Women’s Hospital is temporarily closed to vehicle traffic because the glass canopy needs repair. Pedestrian access is still possible via the right hand front doors. Emergency admissions are being directed around to the rear entrance to the hospital.
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Bouquets Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – Christchurch Women’s Hospital I just wanted to send an email to say an enormous and heartfelt 'thank you' for the exceptional care and support myself, my husband and our beautiful girl received from all the staff in NICU recently. Our daughter was admitted to the unit on the 20th December when there were complications at the end of my labour and we were able to take her home on the 1st January which was the best ever start to our New Year. Although no parent ever expects that their child will end up in NICU, the difficult and emotional time was made so much easier by the professional and caring nature of everyone who we came into contact with. The staff not only gave our daughter the very best loving care but also looked after myself and my husband offering a listening ear, being acutely aware of our worries and how best to support us and often chatting and sharing a joke to lighten the mood and lift our spirits. We will always remember how the staff helped us to care for our girl when she was poorly, giving her first bath and helping us to have skin to skin and feed as soon as possible, things that were so important to us. We often heard staff say to us “it’s our job” but we were impressed by the way in which your staff worked with such a caring nature. We were in NICU for Christmas and New Year and received some lovely presents which we believed had been donated from other parents along with a photo and card which staff had arranged, we will treasure these mementos. We are thrilled to have our daughter home with us and she is doing well, feeding great, steadily gaining weight and she is a happy and alert little girl. We look forward to doing the very best we can for her and continuing the excellent care she has received whilst in NICU. ….in particular we would like to thank the following nurses who looked after our daughter, along with all doctors, consultants and hospital aides. Apologies we didn't catch everybody's name Helen ( Scottish lady), Susan, Bronwyn, Ali, Gina, Mary, Annette, Melinda, Kim With gratitude and best wishes
Emergency Department, Cath Lab, Coronary Care Unit – Christchurch Hospital I just wanted to inform you of the great service this DHB has provided for my 80 year old mother….my mother suffered a heart attack on a Sunday afternoon. The early recognition of this and speedy service from the ED staff meant she was in the Cath Lab very quickly. How wonderful that she received this specialised care at her age….The care over the six nights in the Coronary Care Unit was wonderful….Gladly she is now at home with dear old dad! So it’s just to say thanks to the whole team that cared for her.
Canterbury Health Laboratories Microbiology cluster I would just like to express our appreciation at the service we received from your laboratory yesterday. We were notified of a preschool child who had symptoms clinically indicating either Rubella or Measles infection at 9am yesterday morning. I was given appropriate advice from Kate (Microbiology Registrar) regarding sample types etc and appreciate her prompt response in replying to my questions. Once we had taken the swab sample, it was dropped off at your laboratory at around 1pm and both the measles and rubella results were phoned through to us at 5.30pm. (Thankfully the results were negative). Thanks to this prompt response we were able to take the follow up actions necessary. We appreciate the professionalism and approachability of your staff!
Eye Outpatients—Christchurch Hospital Excellent care. [The staff were] patient, understanding and very willing to explain everything very clearly. Thank you to all the staff.
Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital Thought I was dying, had an unpleasant side-effect from prescribed meds. Very painful as was vomit / diarrhoea non-stop. Had a very good experience of caring helpful professionals, and left feeling 100 percent better, thanks team. Monday 2 February 2015
Ward clerks commended Ward Clerks are being applauded for the excellent job they are doing entering the expected discharge date (EDD) in Christchurch Hospital’s patient management system. This is the date if all is progressing well the team expects the patient to be discharged. It sets expectations for the patient, family and team and allows everyone to plan around the hospital discharge. By managing the EDD in the system, ward clerks are assisting in good management of bed capacity and directly contributing to CDHB’s 5 + 1 key priorities that are designed to enhance the patient experience and improve performance. For further info on the 5 priorities click here Over the last two months ward clerks have begun updating EDD in HOMER (Christchurch Hospital’s patient management system) on a daily basis. This information is taken from the whiteboard that is used by clinical staff to indicate patient status and progress. Ward Clerk, Deborah Samson, says doing the EDDs daily is a team effort. It could be quite time consuming but the ward clerks are happy to do it as it helps the hospital. Ward 16/SARA, Charge Nurse Manager, Diane Brown, says: “it helps us to monitor individual patient’s progress towards their expected discharge date whilst allowing the whole team to plan for discharge, ensuring we get patients home safely and with no delays.” Christchurch Hospital General Manager, Pauline Clark and Operations Manager, Keith Wright, say because of the excellent work of the ward clerks, the EDD information has become much more useful in helping manage our hospital beds on a daily basis. “This shows the valuable contribution made by the non-clinical members of the overall health team delivering care,” Pauline says. The EDD dashboard provides one tool to support: Clinical teams to ensure that an expected date of discharge is developed for all patients. In parallel with this clinical teams are working to ensure that patients know what is wrong with them, when they can expect to be heading home, what needs to be achieved before they do and what is happening next. This is all a part of successful planning for discharge and valuing the patients’ time as an investment in their healing process. Operational management of the hospital. As this information becomes more dependable we are starting to use it to determine whether services are likely to need to overflow from their home wards, and if so which wards will hold sufficient pockets of capacity. Ward Clerk, Deborah Samson, left, and Ward 16 Charge Nurse Manager, Diane Brown.
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Meet our new Safe Manual Handling Facilitators Safe Manual Handling Facilitators, Jenny Conroy and Sonya van Eekelen have started at the Canterbury DHB. They are both very excited to be part of the Canterbury Health System. Since graduating with a physiotherapy degree, Jenny has worked across hospital, private practice, and educational settings as a practitioner, teacher and in leadership roles. Jenny has a particular interest in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries and in the management of persistent pain. She would like to see a consistent approach to safe handling across the Canterbury health system where the wellbeing of staff is a priority. Sonya has had a career in nursing and business. Since 2012 she has been teaching in Northern Queensland, at NSW Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE), working with the indigenous community teaching health qualifications to year 11 and 12 students wanting a pathway into the medical/nursing field. Sonya is a Cantabrian and is enjoying being home and excited about the prospects of being involved with the Canterbury team. She is keen to embrace the challenge of the role to help make a difference to the lives of individuals who work in health and our patients in the wider community. Both Jenny and Sonya look forward to meeting you all over the next few months.
Right: Sonya (left) and Jenny (right).
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Occupational Therapist receives award A Canterbury DHB Occupational Therapist (OT) has been recognised for exemplary practice with a national award. Occupational Therapy New Zealand (OTNZ) has chosen Dementia Educator, Psychiatric Services, Maria Scott-Multani, to receive its 2014 Achievement Award. The award is open to full OTNZ members, in recognition of contributions to the development or profile of the profession, the provision of occupation-centred therapy, or innovation in the delivery of occupational therapy. The emphasis is on being occupation-centred and using current occupational therapy theory and/or knowledge derived from research to support actions, innovation or practice. OTNZ Executive Director, Peter Anderson, says the judging panel was very impressed with the way OT and occupational practice has been and continues to be recognised and profiled within the Walking in Another’s Shoes programme. “We congratulate the applicant on her very important contribution to healthcare in New Zealand, and to the wellbeing of those with dementia. Furthermore, we congratulate Maria on holding to the occupational focus of her approach to dementia care,” Peter says. The judges acknowledged that people completing the training programme value it. “It provides a vehicle for occupation and occupational therapy to be recognised in the field and to benefit the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia.” Maria says it is a great honour to be recognised in this way by her profession. The Walking in Another’s Shoes programme aims to support the wellbeing and quality of life of people living with dementia and the amazing individuals who care for them. “To have this work valued and celebrated is very exciting.” The ongoing success of the Walking in Another’s Shoes programme is due to the hard work and commitment of many. “I feel very grateful to work within an incredibly supportive team of like-minded individuals who have all contributed to the achievements that this award acknowledges,” Maria says. Service Manager Janice Lavelle, says Maria is an amazing dynamic woman and a joy to work with and the award is well deserved. Maria receives a certificate for $1,000 and the award will be announced at OTNZ’s 2015 AGM in Rotorua during the Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress. Left: Maria Scott-Multani.
National Hand Hygiene Audit Results July – October 2014 Once health care workers put on gloves, they went on to fail to complete Hand Hygiene at the appropriate 5 moment times, due to continuous glove use. The National audit had 28% MISSED opportunities. CDHB audit had 37.9% MISSED opportunities.
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Nurse dedicated to eye care retires Claire Ballantyne’s dedication to her job has been outstanding – and that hasn’t stopped now that she is officially retired. The Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Coordinator has been a key member of Canterbury DHB’s Eye Department for more than 25 years and been instrumental in the development and success of the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service. She was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in June 2012. Although Claire officially retired on December 23, 2014, she was back at work three weeks later until her replacement can begin and receive training. However, she doesn’t mind that golf and other retirement pursuits are on hold for a little while. “I wouldn’t walk away from this place without making sure that the person who follows me is comfortable and ready to take over,” she says. Claire started training as a nurse at Christchurch Hospital in the mid 1960s. She worked in operating theatres, in the Burwood spinal unit and as a research nurse in clinical pharmacology with the Christchurch School of Medicine. While taking a break from nursing to look after her children she completed a Batchelor of Arts degree in sociology and went on to pursue interests in ophthalmology and diabetes research. She joined Christchurch Hospital’s Eye Department in late 1990, initially as a research nurse. Ophthalmology Service Manager, Robin Rutter-Baumann, says Claire’s experience is vast and detailed. “She knows so much. She’s our kuia, a sounding board, a confidant, the person who reminds us of the way it used to be (and why) yet supports the way it needs to be in the future,” Robin says. Claire is efficient, constructive and helpful, says Ophthalmology Clinical Director, Allan Simpson, “spreading no-nonsense common sense all over the place”. “Her attitude will be sorely missed and I thank her for her long contribution.” Consultant Ophthalmologist and Medical Retina Specialist, Ainsley Morris, has worked very closely with Claire over many years and says “Claire is an inspiration”. Her passion and dedication to the eye care of people with diabetes is phenomenal, he says. “Without her skills, her huge commitment and not to mention diplomacy and tenacity, the programme would not have been the success it is.” She will be sorely missed for her quiet guidance, calm influence and good sense of humour, Ainsley says. Claire says she loves her work and the difference it makes to people’s lives. Over the years she has worked with a “great bunch of very supportive people” and enjoyed the challenges nursing offers. Claire Ballantyne
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Canterbury health academics among Otago professorial promotions Fifteen leading University of Otago academics are being promoted to full professorships. Announcing the promotions, University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne warmly congratulated the new professors on their well-earned promotions which take effect from 1 February. “The success of these candidates is a reflection of their proven records of excellence not just in terms of their fields of research but also as leaders in teaching and service to the University and community.” To ensure the world class calibre of the candidates’ research contributions, Otago requires candidates to undergo a rigorous selection process that includes advice from international experts. Otago’s new professors are: Lutz Beckert (Medicine, Christchurch), David Bryant (Mathematics and Statistics), Lisette Burrows (Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences), Warwick Duncan (Oral Sciences), Christopher Frampton (Medicine, Christchurch), Richard Gearry (Medicine, Christchurch), Leigh Hale (Physiotherapy), David Hutchinson (Physics), David Larsen (Chemistry), Rhonda Rosengren (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Katherine Scott (Psychological Medicine), Geoffrey Shaw (Anaesthesia), Takashi Shogimen (History and Art History), Elisabeth Slooten (Zoology), and Stuart Young (Theatre Studies Programme, Music). A further 39 University of Otago academics were promoted to Associate Professor level. For a full list and further information.
RMO After Hours Cover: Discovery Project The Older Persons Health and Rehabilitation services (OPH&R) at Princess Margaret and Burwood Hospital are combining on one campus at the Burwood Hospital site in early 2016. As part of the Facilities Development Project, a work programme is commencing in January 2015 to determine resident medical officer (RMO) requirements for the new Burwood campus after-hours. The work programme will take approximately three months to complete. The RMO After-Hours Cover Work Programme is sponsored by Dan Coward, General Manager Older Persons, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. Governance will be provided under the Facilities Development Project, Workforce Transition Governance group. A steering group will manage the work programme and members include a senior medical officer, Operations Manager, Clinical Director of Inpatient Services OPH&R, the Human Resources Advisor of the Workforce Transition Project, Resident Doctors Support Team, the Director of Quality and Patient Safety and a representative from the Resident Doctors Association. It is anticipated that RMO after hours needs across the new campus will not simply replicate after- hours services of the two sites now. Important considerations in determining after- hours RMO needs will include ensuring workloads are safe and manageable and that they support RMO pre-vocational training. Regular updates about the RMO After-Hours Cover Work Programme will be provided through staff forums, Workforce transition Union Steering Group, and group emails to RMOs. For further information contact Christine Howard-Brown, Project Leader: 021 439 775, chris.hb@paradise.net.nz
National Hand Hygiene Audit Results July – October 2014 Inappropriate use of non sterile gloves has been identified as one cause of MISSED hand hygiene opportunities and rates highly as one of the barriers to excellent hand hygiene practice.
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One minute with… Wayne Reid, Refugee and Migrant Health Manager What does your job involve? Working with and advocating for those from refugee and migrant backgrounds. More than 16 per cent of the wider Christchurch population (including Pasifika) comes from a non-English speaking background. We have around 170 different cultures with more than 80 languages being spoken. For the health system, this creates enormous communication and cultural challenges. Thus cultural education presentations to health professionals and community education in health. Why did you choose to work in this field? I didn’t really. It chose me. I am fortunate in having travelled and lived in a number of countries. This has taught me a great deal about cultural competency. In 2007, when Carolyn Gullery was CEO for Partnership Health Canterbury, she asked if I would like to ascertain the health needs of those from refugee backgrounds. CDHB health funding was available, but the issues were unknown. The more I learned from the communities and organisations working in this field, the more I understood that many health issues were not being met; that health access remained very low. What do you like about it? The vast, colourful array of humanity; people who have come to Christchurch either by choice or as part of the international refugee resettlement programme, arrive for a new life. They take all the opportunities that New Zealand offers - especially in the area of education for their children. Each community wants to be able to repay this country for these opportunities by gaining work. I also get to eat some wonderful food! What are the challenging bits? Sigh…funding. Through CDHB’s refugee health funding, we are able to make a real difference to people’s lives. This covers all aspects of health from interpreters to enhance communication, basic health needs, oral health, etc. Mental health is one of our most stressing issues. No word exists in Asian languages and many languages of refugees for mental health. The concept of well-being is not understood. Thus much of what we do is based around community education through organisations such as Christchurch Resettlement Services, the Canterbury Refugee Council and the Christchurch Migrants Centre to increase understand that mental health is an illness which can be treated. Funding is needed to increase our education programmes in such areas as type-2 diabetes is a major issue. Health access is low in this cohort as people do not understand the New Zealand health system. Research shows that health generally deteriorates during the acculturation process. Who do you most admire in a professional capacity at work and why? Around 35 NGOs, trusts and other organisations work in the area of refugee and migrant resettlement. Their combined passion is what drives me. The last book I read was… Being a voracious reader, I normally have two books on the go at the same time. I have just finished reading ‘The Blood of Heroes’ by James Donovan (American 19th Century history) and Stephen King’s ‘11.22.63’ – an extraordinary ‘what-if’ novel. If I could be anywhere in the world right now it would be… Bimini – paradise in the bottom right-hand corner of the Bermuda Triangle. My ultimate Sunday would involve… Staring out over the ocean with a decent coffee. One food I really dislike is… Tripe. We had this every Sunday dinner when I was young until I finally convinced my mother that I really did not like it. My favourite music is… Music per se. I have very eclectic musical likings. However the Greek composer Vangelis remains one of my favourites. If you would like to take part in this column or would like to nominate someone please contact Naomi.Gilling@cdhb.health.nz. Monday 2 February 2015
these opportunities! IT Application Trainer Are you looking for a training position with plenty of variety and exposure to the largest, highest visibility project in South Island history? The Patient Information Care System (PICS) project will ensure our patients receive the best care by integrating patient information across all five South Island District Health Boards, making a better journey for everyone. Change isn’t easy, so we want to fully support the health workforce through the transition to the new system. With this goal in mind, we are looking for a qualified and experienced training professionals to join our dedicated and innovative team. In this varied role, you will be supporting the project with the administration and delivery of training across Canterbury District Health Board office and hospital sites. You will also be supporting the project team with the development and testing of new resources for face-to-face training delivery and eLearning. There may be an opportunity to extend the contract and work and travel more widely as the project rolls out to other South Island DHBs. The ideal candidate will have: at least 5 years of experience with IT application training experience in a training capacity within a healthcare environment a strong customer focus and dedication to providing quality outcomes excellent communication and time management skills a sound knowledge of the MS Office suite a high level of flexibility and adaptability This is a significant project and promises good prospects for those who are interested in supporting the long term goals of the healthcare sector. With the help and support of the PICS project team we can ensure that you will become a highly valued member of our team. We are currently accepting applications from existing staff only so please visit the CDHB Careers site via the intranet to apply, or for enquiries contact Heather Ewing on 80599, email heather.ewing@cdhb.health.nz
Quality Facilitator We have an exciting year ahead and as a Quality Facilitator your job will be to implement the strategic quality improvement and patient safety objectives within the Medical and Surgical Service at Christchurch Hospital. Working as part of our supportive Quality team, you will help drive a culture of innovation and continuous quality improvement and support risk management processes. You will promote a customer focused service as well as assist with patient safety campaigns and improvement projects. To find out more contact Stacey Flintoff, Recruitment Specialist on (03) 378 6676 or email: stacey.flintoff@cdhb.health.nz
Board Secretariat Support Officer Based at The Princess Margaret Hospital, you will assist in the proof reading, formatting, collating, printing and distribution of Board and Committee agendas, website updates and other administrative duties as required. We’re ideally looking for someone who has a strong administrative background, ideally in a governance support role. You will need a strong eye for detail, sound writing, editing, and proofreading skills and excellent computer skills, especially in Microsoft Word. To find out more contact Stacey Flintoff, Recruitment Specialist on (03) 378 6676 or email: stacey.flintoff@cdhb.health.nz
Want to know more about other roles available at the Canterbury District Health Board?
Visit https://cdhb.careercentre.net.nz Monday 2 February 2015
In brief
Registrations open for seminar Clinical Nurse Consultant, Tracy Nowicki is visiting New Zealand from Prince Charles Hospital, Queensland, Australia, next month to present seminars on bariatric care, with a strong focus on patient safety. She covers the areas of bariatric care, pressure injuries reduction and also has an added passion for reducing falls injuries. The Christchurch seminar is at Christchurch Hospital’s Oncology Lecture Theatre on 20 February. Seats are limited, so please register as soon as possible. Registrations can be made by: Emailing: rental@activehealthcareessential.com By phone 0800 331 332 Faxing 0800 111 311 or Online at www.activehealthcareessential.com
Read the latest SCIRT news here International Medical Simulation Symposium 28 April 2015, Christchurch Interested in simulation? You are invited to attend a one day Medical Simulation Symposium being held at the Rolleston Lecture Theatre, University of Otago, Christchurch on Tuesday 28 April 2015. Information regarding programme, speakers and online registration can be found at www.otago.ac.nz/mss-2015.
Click on the poster for more details.
Cost for the day is $57.50 (incl. GST) and includes catering.
Arthritis New Zealand 2015 Research Grants’ funding round is now open Closing date – 31 March 2015. Arthritis New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to enable a better quality of life for people affected by arthritis. Arthritis New Zealand works in the areas of education, public awareness, direct support, lobbying and funding research. Arthritis New Zealand supports arthritis related research in New Zealand and annually invites applications for quantitative and qualitative research studies in the field of arthritis. Arthritis New Zealand has a limited pool of funding to contribute to research projects and thus Arthritis New Zealand is likely to be the sole funder only for small research projects or pilots for larger projects. However all applications will be considered on their merits. Arthritis New Zealand now invites applications from people or organisations involved in arthritis related research for grants from the following funds for the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. The application form is available at www.arthritis.org.nz or for further information contact: Navjeet.kaur@arthritis.org.nz
Monday 2 February 2015
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