Monday 1 September 2014 Almost four years since the first quake – where’s the time gone? It’s incredible to think we’re almost four years on from when our peaceful part of the world was first shaken up and life as we know it turned upside down, only to be shaken up, and turned upside down several thousand times more. Little did we realise back then just what we were in for after that rude awakening in the early hours of September 4, 2010. Reflecting on those initial weeks and months, so much has changed in a relatively short time. Many of you have moved house at least two or three times in that period. Any many have ‘moved house’ at work as well – many more than once, and plenty of you have moved two or three times. It’s disruptive and stressful. It seems such a blur to many of us but the quake hangover lingers. For some it’s been an ongoing nightmare. I’ve said this many times before, but really it’s simply remarkable how our health system has stood up and flourished. It’s a testament to the strength and character of everyone who works in our health system. Despite the struggles we’ve endured at work and at home over the past four years, there are some positives to rise out of this adversity. Our relationships are closer – with colleagues, with neighbours, within our health system. Work that was underway before the quakes has been accelerated and our journey of transformation has attracted national and international interest. As a system we are more closely integrated than ever before. Collaboration and alliancing are the way we work, and we have implemented dozens of innovative ideas with plenty more in the pipeline. We have NZ’s biggest health facilities redevelopment project underway. We’re still delivering and exceeding most of our health targets and improving on others, and we’re providing more care closer to people’s homes. You can’t help but think ‘what a ride it’s been’ – however, it’s not over yet. The next few years will have their own set of challenges as we manage ongoing earthquake repairs, introduce new ways of working, move into our new facilities and bed-in new systems. Throughout this period of constant change it’s important we continue to look after ourselves and others. I’m proud of the wide range of support services and activities available to our staff, and I encourage you to make the most of the opportunities available. Our patients and people we provide care for in the community rely on us to do our jobs well, we need to be ready and able to do our best every day. People remain at the centre of everything we do. It’s vital that you take responsibility for your well-being. Make the time to do things that make you happy. Our health system is going from strength to strength - well done to those of you who have stuck it out these past four years. And welcome and thank-you to those of you who have joined us since the quakes. We are privileged to live in a special part of the world – let’s keep making it even better for the people of Canterbury!
Happy Random Act of Kindness Day! Today is Random Act of Kindness Day – surprise a friend or colleague – if you need some inspiration, check out the story on page eight.
Continues on the following page...