Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury Pānui Monday 20 May 2024

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury Pānui

In this issue

Kupu Arataki – Introduction... pg 3-7

Ā mātou tāngata – Our people

› Leading the way in midwifery – Norma Campbell retires after 43 years... pg 8-9

› Local nursing awards mark International Nurses Day... pg 10-11

› One minute with… Neil Hellewell, Nurse Educator, Professional Development Unit (PDU), Christchurch Hospital... pg 12

Whakamihi – Bouquets... pg 13-14

Ā mātou korero – Our stories

› Using music to create “sparks of identity” for clients in Ward BG... pg 15-16

› Celebrate Youth Week with Youth Advisory Council events... pg 17

› Careers Expo showcases health career options for students... pg 18

Pānui – Notices... pg 19-22

Cover photo: Left, Occupational Therapist Katja Segeth, with Clinical Nurse Specialist Amber Loose, is running an innovative music programme that’s having a big impact for clients in Burwood Hospital’s Ward BG.

Kupu Arataki – Introduction

A farewell and a welcome

Last week marked an important transition for Midwifery and Maternity services in Waitaha Canterbury and Te Tai o Poutini West Coast.

We said farewell to Executive Director Maternity and Midwifery Norma Campbell, who has retired after a 43year career in midwifery and health leadership, including the past seven years at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Read about Norma’s career and some of her highlights on page 8 Paula Ryan has stepped into the role of Interim Director Midwifery and Maternity, through until 30 September 2024. Most recently Paula has been Associate Director of Maternity and Māori Health Lead at Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland.

Paula brings with her a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in midwifery, as well as working in the community, hospital, and wider healthcare sector.

Guests at the mihi whakatua/welcome for Paula Ryan, left to right, Principal Advisor Health NZ Joseph Tyro, Kaiwhakahere Waitaha Te Pora Ehau; Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland representatives, Māori Engagement Specialist, Māori Health Thomas Strickland and He Ara Whira Lead, Māori Health, and Equity Partner Quality, Safety and Risk Tarati Blair-Hunt; Executive Director of Nursing Becky Hickmott; Interim Executive Director Midwifery and Maternity Paula Ryan; retiring Executive Director Midwifery and Maternity Norma Campbell; Nurse Coordinator Kylie Clark; Principal Adviser, Hospital and Specialist Services Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) Kylie Parkin; Equity Nurse Coordinator Connagh Farrell; Pou Whirinaki Ruru Harepeka Nako Hona.

Getting prepared for winter

With the chill of winter starting to bite, health authorities are encouraging New Zealanders to prepare early for the colder months, so they stay healthy and well and avoid placing extra pressure on health services during the worst of the cold and flu season.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Chief Clinical Officer Dr Richard Sullivan says the sector is ready to respond to the usual surge in demand that comes in the winter months, but people can help by taking action now, like getting vaccinated, preparing their homes and having a plan if they do become unwell.

There is often an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory infections and other illnesses in winter, and they spread easily as people spend more time indoors.

Dr Sullivan says being prepared can help prevent many of these winter ailments and reduce some of the impact on the health system.

“There are some easy things we can do to ensure we stay well over winter. Check your children’s immunisations are up to date so we can reduce the spread of serious diseases; encourage older or unwell whānau to get a flu vaccination; get your prescriptions early if you have conditions that worsen over winter and ensure you have a plan in case you get sick and need more medical support.

“Winter is something we prepare for every year as a health system. We know it will be busier than usual and if people need us, we are ready to respond as are our colleagues right across the sector.”

Local pharmacists are also gearing up for winter. They are a great first port of call if you start to feel unwell and need some advice. Pharmacists can provide advice on a wide range of ailments, including cold and flu symptoms. Many offer phone and in-person consultations, and some deliver vaccinations including flu and COVID-19. They also work closely with GPs to ensure repeat prescriptions are available.

Prepare - Vaccination against flu is our first line of defence against illness this winter.

The 2024 flu vaccination is available now and is free for those most likely to get very sick, including those aged 65 and older. You can book for yourself, a family member or a group on bookmyvaccine.health.nz

Protect yourself and your whānau - Cooler weather means more people are likely to get sick with colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, such as whooping cough. Stay home if you’re sick and feel you can’t go to work or school. You can find advice on whether your child is well enough to go to school here.

Ask and act early - if you or someone in your whānau get sick. Hospitals are very busy over winter so unless it’s an emergency please use other services. If you are worried about your health, contact your doctor or healthcare provider. If you can’t access a doctor call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime 24/7 for free, for health advice, treatment and information about what to do next.

Youth Week 2024 - raising awareness of SchoolBased Health Services

Did you know Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora provides free and confidential clinical healthcare services through our School Based Health Service?

This week is Youth Week – a nationwide festival of events to ensure our young people are supported and encouraged to take up challenges.

To coincide with the week, Health NZ is raising awareness of our School Based Health Services (SBHS), which provides free and confidential clinical healthcare services to around 115,000 students in 300 schools across Aotearoa New Zealand.

This includes lower decile (1 to 5) secondary schools, teen parent units, activity centres and alternative education sites.

Underpinned by the Te Ūkaipō framework –incorporating mātauranga Māori and values – SBHS focuses on improving the wellbeing and resilience of our young people to ensure they’re ready to learn and are more likely to achieve at school.

Alongside SBHS, we also provide a range of free and confidential mental health services to support youth wellbeing, including:

› Youth Access and Choice – early intervention and mental health services.

› School Based Wellbeing Services – supporting primary and intermediate children to learn skills such as coping with change or challenges.

› Tertiary Student Wellbeing Services – access to primary mental health and addiction services.

To find out more about SBHS and Te Ūkaipō, visit our website, or email the team at sbhs@tewhatuora. govt.nz

The Waitaha Canterbury Youth Advisory Council is organising two great events for young people as part of Youth Week. Find out more on page 17

Local events for Youth Week

How do you commute to work? Tell us and be in to win!

Christchurch City Council’s City Travel Planning programme has supported thousands of people to try new and different transport options to make commuting to work easier, cheaper and less stressful.

Click on this Workplace Travel Survey link to complete the short survey to help them understand how you currently commute and if they can improve your experience. The survey is open until Friday 24 May.

The programme team will use these results to continue working with representatives from our office on initiatives to make commuting easier and less stressful for you.

As a thank you for your participation, all respondents to this survey will go in the draw to win one of five $150 Riverside Market vouchers.

Redesigning New Zealand’s future palliative care services

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s Palliative Care team (part of Living Well, Commissioning) is redesigning palliative care services and systems to ensure they better meet the palliative and end-of-life care needs of patients, whānau and communities.

We’ve designed a short survey so we can hear from New Zealanders who have used palliative services for adults (aged over 24 years) – either for themselves or a loved one – in the last five years, and people working in the health sector with an interest in palliative care.

All responses will help us to understand what’s important to people as we work to identify core palliative care services and develop nationally consistent models of adult palliative and end-of-life care services.

Have your say. Five minutes is all it takes to tell us what works well, what doesn’t work well and what you think are priorities for change.

The survey includes the services provided by GPs, community services, aged residential care facilities, hospitals, and hospices.

Take the survey here. You’re also encouraged to share the survey link with friends, whānau and colleagues who are interested or would like to share their experiences.

The survey will be open until Friday 31 May 2024. Responses will be read by members of Health NZ’s Palliative Care Working Groups. General themes will be shared more widely, including on our website from July 2024. No personal information will be collected or shared.

To find out more about Palliative Care in Aotearoa New Zealand visit our website

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Last Thursday 16 May marked the 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion for people with different disabilities.

Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities/impairments to independently use or interact with digital applications and content, such as those on the web and mobile platforms.

Many different populations are affected by inaccessibility issues, and it’s important that information – including health information – is presented in accessible ways.

› Visual - People who are blind need alternative text descriptions for meaningful images and use the keyboard and not a mouse to interact with interactive elements.

› Hearing - People who are deaf or hard of hearing will need captioning for video presentations and visual indicators in place of audio cues.

› Motor - People with motor impairments may need alternative keyboards, eye control or some other adaptive hardware to help them type and navigate on their devices.

› Cognitive - An uncluttered screen, consistent navigation and the use of plain language is useful for people with different learning disabilities/ impairments.

For a demonstration of accessibility issues, and how to begin to address them, check out this Web Accessibility Perspectives video.

Paul Barclay, Waitaha Canterbury Disability Steering Group

Pink Shirt Day – standing up for safe workplaces

Last Friday was Pink Shirt Day – and teams around Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora were wearing pink to show their support for eliminating bullying, to celebrate diversity and promote kindness and inclusiveness. Pictured are some of the team at the Waitaha Canterbury corporate offices during a ‘pink morning tea’.

Ā mātou tāngata – Our people

Leading the way in in midwifery –Norma Campbell retires after 43 years

After more than 43 years in midwifery, including most of the past 30 in health leadership roles, Executive Director Maternity and Midwifery Norma Campbell is retiring.

Following the opening last month of Kurawaka: Waipapa, Christchurch’s new inner-city community birthing unit, Norma says she can leave happy in the knowledge that she’s helped set up the Waitaha Canterbury maternity system to be safer and more sustainable for those having babies in Canterbury and on the West Coast.

“I have really enjoyed working with our communities as we planned the maternity system they want to have, and then working with the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora facilities team to bring those wishes into reality,” Norma says.

“It has been rewarding to have communities feeding back to us about how they want our services to run, and how they want to be welcomed and supported when they use them, and then to see these projects coming together.”

Alongside Kurawaka: Waipapa, other highlights from Norma’s seven years with Health NZ and the previous Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards have included the completion of Oromairaki Community Maternity Unit in Rolleston in 2022, and input into the facilities at Te Rau Kawakawa in Westport and at Te Nīkau, Grey Hospital & Health Centre.

Interim Group Director Operations Waitaha

Canterbury Jo Gibbs, paid tribute to Norma’s role in developing the Canterbury Maternity Strategy which was finalised in 2019.

“The development of this strategy raised the bar for stakeholder engagement in our health services with the formation of the Maternity Whānau Voice group being one of Norma’s proudest achievements along with engagement with tangata whenua for both Oromairaki and Kurawaka: Waipapa,” Jo says.

“Developing the Rural Generalist model for Obstetrics and Gynaecology on the West Coast and chairing its Clinical Board for five years were important contributions, and the Maternity

Norma Campbell, retiring this month as Executive Director Maternity and Midwifery

Assessment Unit and Birth Afterthoughts Clinic were absolute highlights for Norma, both improving people’s experience of our services.”

Norma started as a student nurse at The Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch, then completed her midwifery education at the Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow. She returned to New Zealand in 1983 and worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Hospital for a few years, then at the then Christchurch Polytechnic.

Norma became a Foundation member of the New Zealand College of Midwives and after the Nurses Amendment Act in 1990 provided for midwifery autonomy, Norma together with colleagues formed one of the first midwifery practices in Canterbury. After managing the former Burwood Birthing Unit for five years, Norma joined the New Zealand College of Midwives as Principal Advisor for 17 years.

In 2004 she was the first midwife at Otago Polytech to complete her Masters, and was awarded a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for her contribution to women’s health, especially maternity.

In 2017 she became Director of Midwifery for Canterbury and West Coast for the former Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards, then Executive Director of Midwifery and Maternity for Te Whatu Ora in 2021.

Norma also played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure the safety of those who had babies during the pandemic, when restrictions were placed on visiting.

“She’s worked tirelessly to champion the role and professionalism of midwives, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. More recently she’s been instrumental in introducing the role of kaiāwhina in maternity to support the wider team, and mums and their babies,” Jo says.

Norma says she feels she’s leaving the role with midwifery in Waitaha Canterbury in a good space. “We are seeing improving morale at Christchurch Women’s Hospital, stronger relationships with our lead maternity carers, and a great Transalpine model working well,” Norma says.

“I have been privileged to have had many opportunities in my career before coming to this role. Working internationally and nationally brought challenges but also enormous satisfaction and professional and personal growth.

“Working within the breadth and depth of the team here at Te Tai o Poutini West Coast and Waitaha Canterbury has made this a very special place to me.

“I will miss the people and the funny, intelligent debate that happens as we try to run a health system as best we can, along with the camaraderie and connecting with midwifery colleagues whenever I need a fix of reality. I’ll remember the pride that comes from knowing there is a team working alongside you delivering astonishing care and you are supporting them to do that.”

As for what’s next, Norma says she’s looking forward to “better sleep at night hopefully, a discovery of hobbies and, best of all, time with whānau!”

Norma Campbell speaking at the opening of Kurawaka: Waiapapa – one of the highlights of her time with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Local nursing awards mark International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is celebrated each year on 12 May, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

The day is an opportunity to celebrate nurses as the biggest workforce in health with the power to have the biggest influence.

Over the years trust funds have been established for nursing by people in Waitaha Canterbury who have bequeathed or set up funds for nurses' use.

This year a trust fund was used to sponsor the cakes that went to every area that has nurses, from the thousands in the tertiary hospitals to that one rural nurse in the deep south of the West Coast.

We also asked nurses in Waitaha Canterbury to nominate colleagues for several nursing awards. Award recipients were:

› Clinical Excellence in Nursing Practice – Registered Nurse (RN)/Nurse Educator Ashburton and Rural Karly Smith; Clinical Nurse Specialist Continence Burwood Di Poole; RN Emergency Department Christchurch Hospital Alexi Petersen; Clinical Nurse Specialist Women’s and Children’s Tara Newitt; Community Mental Health Nurse Specialist Mental Health Services Shelley Nelson

› Nursing Leadership – Charge Nurse Manager Te Whare Manaaki Elyse Falconer

› Supporting Education in Practice – Nurse Practitioner Christchurch Women’s Hospital Jill Lamb

› Emerging Nurse Leader – Community Mental Health Nurse Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Service Laura Hay

› Innovation in Nursing Practice – RN Christchurch Hospital Stephen Cotterell; RN Intensive Care Unit Karina O’Rourke

› Services to Nursing – Clinical Nurse Specialist Christchurch Hospital Stacey Simpson; Care Capacity Demand Acting Nursing Director Carol Ann Todd

Over 70 staff nominated their nursing colleagues, including enrolled, registered, senior nurses and nurse practitioners across Waitaha Canterbury, covering Ashburton and Rural, Burwood, Christchurch Medical/Surgical, Women’s and Children and Specialist Mental Health Services.

The calibre of the nominees made it very difficult to acknowledge just one nurse.

Nursing award recipients, back, left to right, Elyse Falconer, Steve Cotterell, Carol Ann Todd, Laura Hay, Jill Lamb, Stacey Simpson. Front, left to right, Alexi Petersen, Di Poole, Karina O’Rourke, Karly Smith, Tara Newitt

Each nomination showed that nursing, our community and whānau are in good caring, compassionate, respectful, culturally sensitive, safe and diverse hands.

It’s appropriate to remember this whaktaukī/ proverb, which to me celebrates nurses individually and collectively as we care for our people in their often quite vulnerable states across the life cycle.

Nau te raurau With your input

Naku te raurau And my input

Ka ki te kete The basket will be full Kia Kaha

Congratulations to all our award recipients.

By Nurse Co-ordinator Projects, Nursing Workforce Development Team Cathy King

From left, Clinical Manager Tara Fraser-Milne, Community Mental Health Nurse Shelley Nelson (with her award), Nurse Consultant Marie Wijnveld, and Service Manager Megan McQuarrie

One minute with… Neil Hellewell, Nurse Educator, Professional Development Unit (PDU), Christchurch Hospital

What does your job involve?

Part of my job is as a general Educator within the PDU. We focus on the education that is common to all nursing and healthcare assistant staff, such as orientation, basic resuscitation and helping on the different study days that are run by the PDU. The other portion of my role is the design and development of mainly clinical online courses, and helping bring a clinical lens to content developed by the wider teams in People and Communications.

What pathway got you to this job?

Initially I started by stepping into resource roles, such as CPR instructor, preceptor, IV assessor and then my educator at the time suggested a few postgraduate courses that might be helpful, which has led to further studies in education. My first educator role was a secondment in General Medicine, then as a NetP (Nursing new graduate) Educator and from there to my current role within the PDU. I was lucky to have a supportive Charge Nurse, Alison Gallant, who was proactive in providing support so that I could upskill. What advice would you give someone keen to enter your field?

Take any opportunity that you can to step up. Let your own educator and manager know that you are interested in developing knowledge and skills around education. Ask another educator if they could mentor and support you as you build your confidence and skills.

Who inspires you and why?

Kate Rawlings from what was the South Island Alliance. Part of her role was bringing together, and engaging with clinical staff across the South Island, breaking down the barriers that were part of the former District Health Board structures and also constantly advocating for the big picture thinking. Health is great for creating barriers, such as the “It’s not my job/not my area” philosophy – Kate was even better at breaking those barriers down.

What do Waitaha Canterbury’s values (Care and respect for others, Integrity in all we do and Responsibility for outcomes) mean to you in your role?

The role of an educator is around trying to support success, and a great outcome for staff, and the subsequent care that is provided to patients. Rather than just being a deliverer of information, developing staff into a critically thinking, patientcentred workforce results in better care and people feeling better about their contribution to holistic wellbeing.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would you be and why?

Any of the amazing high country lakes, with my dog, mountain bike and campervan.

Who would you want to play you if there was a movie made about your life, and why?

Totally has to be Ryan Reynolds. The characters he plays are at times irreverent, with a very dry sense of humour and he is not

afraid to make fun of himself. He is also generous and supportive of different worldwide causes.

What are some of the ways you and your whānau show their aroha/love for our planet?’

I’m lucky to live not too far from work, so I have always cycled in –even during snow. I’ll always have a coffee keep cup around, so I don’t need takeaway cups, there are more recycle bins at home than rubbish and managed to get solar panels and double thickness insulation added to the house with its post-earthquake rebuild.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

Running and cycling – I’m in a team for next year’s Coast to Coast. Dog walks/hikes. Church on Sundays when not away in the camper. Since my 20s I have been involved with a range of Queer/Rainbow advocacy initiatives. Reading trashy sci-fi or fantasy novels on the kindle (no more space on the bookshelves!).

If you would like to take part in this column or would like to nominate someone please contact Naomi.Gilling@cdhb.health.nz

Nurse Educator Neil Hellewell out on his bike at Lake Taylor with his dog Juno, a Chinese crested powder puff

Whakamihi – Bouquets

Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital

I just wanted to compliment the incredible nurse in the cardiac ward (ward 12), I think her name was Gem or Gen. My partner is a tough grumpy man, but he was visibly shaken and scared having his heart attack and she was amazing. Her sense of humour and ability to put his mind at ease with her calm manner had us more relaxed, and we were both in stitches as she commented on his magnificent veins! I cannot thank her enough. She let me stay there all night, although I ducked out for clothes and never got to tell her how much I appreciated her candour, humour and all-round awesomeness.

Nick Douglas, Infectious Diseases, Christchurch Hospital

I want to acknowledge the advanced skill and empathy displayed by Dr Douglas when conveying palliative news to my parents. The accuracy of his information, the language choices he made, and the clarity of how decisions were drawn were all superbly delivered. As a family we felt clear about options and outcomes, and he was very honest about how Dad’s healthcare journey had led to this moment. Please pass on our compliments to Nick and herald his wonderful person-centred healthcare skills widely. He is an excellent example of health education and communication. With thanks.

Vascular surgery, Christchurch Hospital

I would like to say thank you to all the staff concerned when I had a vascular procedure (stent) - the service was exceptional, so pleasant and helpful. I was quickly put at ease and kept fully informed, so to everyone in the team, a very big thank you.

Ward A3, Christchurch Hospital

I’d like to thank the staff that I’ve had during my stay here. I arrived with heartburn and after having bloods taken, found out I had pancreatitis and needed my gallbladder removed. The team caring for me has been wonderful, especially my surgeon and the nurses are amazing, with special thanks to the team who saw me most frequently. A big thank you.

Emergency Department (ED), Christchurch Hospital

We’d like to say a huge thank you for your kindness, care and great professional help. We were there at a time where it wasn’t too busy, all options were viewed, more than we expected. Thanks again to you all and Nurse Kristen, you are a star – keep those socks pulled up, they look cool!

Radiology, Christchurch Hospital

Staff are all so lovely – patient, empathetic and very professional.

Christchurch Hospital

Awesome job to all doctors and nurses. Many thanks!

Eye Outpatients

Thank you so much for your loving care of my husband for his eye injections. So loving, kind and patient.

Ward 5, Christchurch Hospital

Everyone is very helpful and friendly. They all care and listen which gets you through these very hard times. Many thanks.

Ward 16, Christchurch Hospital

To the doctors and nurses of Ward 16, on behalf of our whānau I would like to express our deep appreciation for your efforts and support. The kindness and empathy shown brought us great comfort and was a real credit to the hospital. I wish you, your family and all the staff the very best.

Patient Assessment Services and Commercial Services, Christchurch Hospital

I spent time at the Patient Assessment Services ward of Christchurch Hospital getting a heart issue checked out. I got directions to the ward from a helpful lady in a small office just inside the main old entrance on the right-hand side. Two ladies in there – very pleasant. When I got to the correct building I was directed to the ward by a very pleasant lady in a wee island in the hall. I arrived at the assessment ward and all was good – very friendly and efficient staff without exception. I was pleasantly surprised to get lunch which I found tasty and fresh. I had multiple checks and tests to do so was still in the ward at dinner time. Wow, what a lovely roast dinner it was – so good! Congratulations to all the staff who make this happen. A real highlight.

ED, Christchurch Hospital

I visited the ED department with my adult son who had been injured the night before. My son finds busy spaces with lots of people challenging. We were seen by an amazing young Irish doctor – her name may have been Laura? I just wanted to pass on my feedback from this experience. She immediately recognised that my son was struggling and was finding the situation challenging. She went out of her way to make him comfortable and dealt with the presenting injury quickly and thoroughly. She recognised the reality of his situation and gave practical advice in how to treat it in the coming days. She definitely made a difficult situation better and her attitude and manner prevented the situation from escalating and resulting in him walking out without treatment which could have easily happened had he not had the right response to his needs.

Eve, Food Services, Ward 11, Christchurch Hospital

I was so lucky to have this wonderful woman catering so cheerfully, she lit up our room every serving with her great sense of humour. Amazing person – I would love this note to get back to her so she knows her work does not go unnoticed and thank all the other staff for their care.

Birthing Suite, Christchurch Women’s Hospital

To the Birthing Suite team of midwives and obstetricians, I want to sincerely thank you for your supportive holistic care of my partner and I during the difficult time of giving birth to my daughter, who was born asleep. We appreciate your guidance during such a stressful time, and things such as making castings, organising professional photography and funeral services have helped through the whole process.

Haematology Day Ward, Christchurch Hospital

I attended an appointment in the Haematology Day Ward to undergo a bone marrow biopsy and a platelet infusion. This procedure was undertaken by a doctor who I only know as Min. I would like to record that Min performed the whole procedure in an extremely professional and competent manner keeping me fully informed on what was to take place throughout the entire process. This enabled me to stay relaxed and confident that I was in extremely capable hands. I commend Min on her abilities and professional attitude throughout the procedure. In addition to this I also found the nurse attending named Sophie to be very competent, friendly and empathetic.

Bryan, Food Services, Ward B5, Christchurch Hospital

Catering Assistant Bryan is doing an amazing job. He is sensitive to timing, making sure his tray placement is quiet if I’m sleeping or I’m met with a smile when I’m awake – this skill takes time to learn but he has it in spades! His kind, caring and supportive nature meant that my allergy was not a nuisance but a reason for a quick chat to make sure I was happy with the alternate options. Thank you for a job very well done!

Using music to create “sparks of identity” for clients in Ward BG

Interventions employing music as part of occupational therapy on Ward BG at Burwood Hospital are helping people living with dementia to reconnect with their identity, sparking moments of enjoyment.

Ward BG is an assessment, treatment and rehabilitation ward with an organic psychiatric focus. Providing comprehensive assessment of the mental and physical health of older people, while aiming to optimise patients’ level of functioning, offering specialist treatment, care, support and education, is at the centre of the service.

The team on Ward BG works with consumers experiencing progressive dementia and acute delirium, as well as depression, anxiety, paranoia and general behavioural problems associated with altered cognition.

Occupational therapist Katja Segeth, who has been running music-based activities on the Older Persons Mental Health Ward for the past five years, says music is an amazing tool for helping people maintain aspects of their identity and their social roles.

“We use music in many different ways and in diverse therapeutic settings to achieve outcomes for our clients. For example, as part of meaningful occupations, where creative work is combined with music in various ways, like mindful colouring-in or painting.

“We also run sessions using the Ronnie Gardiner Method, which is a multi-sensory exercise that we can do in one-on-one or group settings, which is about synchronising different areas of the brain using music that the client can choose.

“With music we find that people reminisce, share stories and can engage more easily. It’s one of the most important things that reconnects us all with so many of the positive and defining moments in our lives.”

Katja recalls the story of a client who had not spoken for several weeks when he came to the ward. “We were out in the courtyard, and we had set up a little circle of people. We had the guitar out and sang a few songs.

"There was one gentleman who was a guitar player, so I handed him the guitar – he played the song ‘Ten Guitars’ and we all started singing along.

“The gentleman who had been non-verbal for several weeks started to sing the lyrics, and he asked his wife, who had visited, to dance. This familiar song not only stimulated his communication, through this music, he was back into his role as a husband and a partner for his wife, which as she shared later, hadn’t happened for a long time.

“It’s quite moving when you see that. We are chasing these moments of enjoyment and sparks of identity and try to refuel that for people with our therapeutic programme.”

Katja says the interventions are very flexible and activities are closely tailored to each client’s individual needs, with a mix of one-on-one and group activities.

Occupational Therapist Katja Segeth

“It really depends on the time of the day, and on the presentation of the person at that moment. It’s a very individual and person-centred process of defining goals for our clients. Predominantly we strive to maintain and optimise people’s various abilities and skills – it’s different for each person.

“Group sessions involving music are also a big part of facilitating for opportunities to socialise. We are all made for communication and socialising. Many of our consumers get lonely as friends and partners die, and they can’t engage in community as easily. We try to counteract that using music.”

Another tool the team on Ward BG uses is the red box or ‘Simple Music Player’ – a music player specifically designed for people living with dementia.

“We have 10 of these. Each one is set up with music that the individual likes – we upload their favourite music and it’s very easy for them to use and can really make a difference," Katja says.

"They were purchased through funding from the Burwood Hospital Volunteers – so it’s a real team outcome that benefits the people on the ward.

“We are trying to reconnect people and nurture their sense of identity, trying to make their particular journey less daunting, and trying to preserve as much identity and sense of agency as we can.”

The Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM) was developed by American jazz drummer Ronnie Gardiner. It is an innovative, multi-sensory exercise method for the brain, in which rhythm, music, verbalisation and movement are used to stimulate both cognitive and motor skills.

RGM has been used successfully to help people living with neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia and MS as well as with healthy ageing populations. Read more about RGM here.

Celebrate Youth Week with Youth Advisory Council events

This week (20 - 26 May) is Youth Week – a nationwide festival of events to help ensure Aotearoa New Zealand is a country where young people are vibrant and optimistic, and are supported and encouraged to take up challenges.

The theme of this year’s event is: Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiaho – We may not have it all together but together we have it all.

The Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has two great events planned to celebrate Youth Week. You’re welcome to join the YAC team during this week of giving back to our community and improving wellbeing.

Movie - The Greatest Showman

Come along to a free movie screening of The Greatest Showman at Alice Cinema & Film Specialists

Who: Anyone aged 15 - 24

When: Wednesday 22 May, 3.30pm (movie starts 3.45pm)

Where: Alice Cinemas, 209 Tuam Street, Christchurch

How much: Free, thanks to support from Ara Taiohi - Peak Body for Youth Development

Plus: Free drink and snack plus goodie bags

RSVP: Limited tickets available so secure yours here. Keep up with details at the event Facebook page

Skate with a Mate

Come along with a mate to our Roller Skate Disco with fun music, lights, and glow sticks. Everything you need is provided including skates.

Who: Anyone aged 15 - 24

When: Sunday 26 May, 5.45-7.30pm

Where: Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre, 3 Sisson Drive, Papanui, Christchurch. Find us in Sports Hall 2.

How much: Free, thanks to support from Sport Canterbury

Plus: Snacks and drinks will be provided. A goodie bag will also be given to all attendees.

Theme: The dress-up theme is "What you wanted to be when you grew up" – with spot prizes available for best dressed.

RSVP: Limited tickets available so secure yours here. Keep up with details at the event Facebook page

If you have any questions about these events or other YAC activities, please get in touch with the team at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Youth Advisory Council via email at cdhbyouth@gmail.com

Careers Expo showcases health career options for students

Around 5000 young people had the opportunity this month to discover, learn, and find information on career options and opportunities in the health sector.

Every year the New Zealand Careers Expo travels throughout the country and brings together a broad range of employers, industry, government departments, and training providers for thousands of young people and their teachers to explore.

This year Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury attended the event held at Wolfbrook Arena on 9 and 10 May. The team from Waitaha had a core crew made up of Nursing, Allied Health Scientific and Technical (AHS&T) professional leads, supported by recruitment team members and Health NZ Workforce Planning and the Development Southern Project delivery lead who provided the VDI interactive displays.

Approximately 5000 akonga/students went through the expo over the two days. Throughout this time many clinical professionals attended and engaged with the akonga, using a range of different activities to promote their chosen career pathways.

The interactive activities are vitally important to draw young people in to observe, ask questions and interact with the props and activities. Most importantly it begins conversations around the young person’s interests, inspirations and goals and the subjects they are taking at school and where these subjects can lead them in a health career.

Clinical Leader Social Work Emily Cassels trying out the interactive VDI activity

Dental Therapist Lilly Hatipov with toothbrushes at the ready

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Clinical Debrief Workshop

(Online learning and three face-to-face sessions)

Interdisciplinary

Clinical debriefing draws together groups of staff who are united by a shared experience of a traumatic clinical event for a structured discussion delivered by a trained debriefer.

You are invited to be part of this staff wellness ini�a�ve to support our colleagues through difficult �mes. This three-session workshop will give you the skills and the confidence to ini�ate hot debriefs following clinical events and for your skills to be assessed to join the cold debrief facilitator group.

You will be supported by experienced debrief facilitators to build your confidence and skills through the training and beyond and is open to all disciplines.

Clinical Debrief Workshop

June 7th, 1230-1700 Manawa room 108

June 17th, 1230-1700 Manawa room 311

June 26th, 1230-1700 Manawa room 302

If this sounds like something you are interested in, speak with your manager, and send me an email with your expression of interest to Chris�ne.beasley@cdhb.health.nz

The flu vaccine is FREE for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora kaimahi, contractors, students and volunteers.

To view clinic times and locations, visit Prism. Get your FREE flu vaccine

We’re fighting flu together

Help inform future publicly funded palliative care services for adults (aged over 24 years) in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Take our short, confidential, and anonymous survey if you:

• have used palliative care services for adults, or

• work in health care.

The survey includes the services provided by GPs, community services, aged residential care facilities, hospitals, and hospices.

Scan the QR code to take the survey or visit https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/pallativecaresurvey

The survey closes on Friday 31 May 2024

Responses will be seen by members of the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Palliative Care Working Groups. General themes will be shared more widely, Including on our website from July 2024. No personal information will be collected.

We provide free and confidential health care services to around 115,000 students in 300 secondary schools across Aotearoa New Zealand through our School Based Health Services.

Scan the QR code to find out more or visit tewhatuora.govt.nz/SBHS