Canterbury DHB CEO Update Monday 22 August 2016

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CE_ Upd_te Monday 22 August 2016

New facilities at Burwood Hospital officially opened by the Prime Minister last week Following a welcoming mihi from our GM of Māori and Pacific Health, Hector Matthews, a waiata from the Māori Health team, and a second waiata from the Rockers of Ages choir, the Prime Minister was introduced to the assembled guests by Canterbury DHB chair Murray Cleverley. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon John Key was then invited to unveil a plaque and cut a cake, assisted by two special guests – Geoff Dacombe, a current patient at Burwood, and Michael Turner, a former patient and volunteer at the hospital. There was a crowd of more than 300 people who had all been involved in some way in the design or build process. It was a complex and demanding project and I would like to acknowledge the huge contributions of everyone involved in the Burwood Hospital redevelopment. It has been a remarkable journey and we can all be thrilled with the results. The 100-strong Rockers of Ages choir filled the entrance foyer with song. At the end of the formalities they finished the event nicely with an uplifting rendition of Lou Reed’s ‘It’s a perfect day, I’m so glad I spent it with you….” Visitors to the hospital and customers in the Burwood café were also able to be part of the celebrations with the toe-tapping tunes, and videos showing the development of the new facilities since 2013. The Prime Minister and a number of guests toured one of the new wards and we met some wonderful patients who are enjoying the new facilities at Burwood. Thanks to everyone involved in the festivities on Friday – it was a great turn out, and provided a great chance to reflect on our collective achievements, and re-connect with some people who were involved earlier on in the process. I particularly enjoyed meeting the two special gentlemen who were invited to cut the Burwood cake: volunteer worker Michael Turner and patient Geoff Dacombe.

Above: Geoff Dacombe and Michael Turner assisted by ward clerk Linda Archbold cut the celebratory cake with Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key.

Geoff has lived in Canterbury all his life. A builder by trade he ended up in Burwood after a fall at home. He’s been in the new wards for about three weeks and is due to head home next week. He’s also spent time at The Princess Margaret Hospital, so can compare wards and I’m reliably informed he much prefers the new wards at Burwood. We talk a lot about family at Burwood Hospital. And one person who epitomises that is Michael Turner. Michael was born with cerebral palsy and first visited Burwood Hospital ›› Article continues on page 2

In this issue »» New Zealand Blood Services’ campaign to recruit blood donors...page 7

»» More enhancements to Health Connect South...page 10

»» University of Otago Research Radar... page 12

»» Exercise tests Kaikoura’s emergency response...page 8

»» Canterbury Grand Round...page 10

»» Year 10 students donate to Christchurch Hospital Activity Room...page 13

»» Growing delicious communities together... page 9

»» New resource for Christchurch Hospital physiotherapists...page 11

»» NZMSA Sports Exchange 2016...page 14

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Canterbury DHB CEO Update Monday 22 August 2016 by Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha / Te Tai o Poutini - Issuu