CE update News and views about our health from
SEPTEMBER 2019 Waikato DHB Chief Executive Dr Kevin Snee
I am in my second month in the organisation at the time of writing and I came to some conclusions last month about what the problems are that we have to deal with. I continue to be impressed by the quality of a great many of our staff and clearly there are real strengths to build upon, but I continue to be very concerned about many of our systems and processes and I see evidence of significant cultural problems. This month I have spent a lot of time sitting down with managers working through their budgets and reinforcing the importance of financial prudence and accountability. We have to ensure financial control in order to deliver the best value for the investment that is made. There are some very early signs that we may be starting to see greater control, but it is too early to say for sure. I recently announced that Leena Singh has been appointed as chief operating officer and this has been widely welcomed.
She has an excellent reputation, a good understanding of the issues in Waikato DHB and comes originally from Hamilton. She will commence work in early January. I’d like to apologise to the rural localities for not getting out to visit you yet. I can assure you that you will not be forgotten and that a key part of our strategy is how we improve our services in your area. I am arranging for a series of visits so I can have a good understanding your issues and I can support you to resolve them.
Embracing Māori culture
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori / Māori language week heralded a month of activity in the organisation. Staff are being encouraged to engage with te reo Māori and recognise the importance of understanding Māori culture as a means of not only enriching their lives but being able to provide a better service for their patients. Te Puna Oranga have a range of activities to take part in over the next month. Go to the te reo Māori intranet page in the ‘Staff community’ section on the intranet to see what is on and also have a look at some of the videos of staff saying their pepeha. Have a go at writing your own pepeha. One of my objectives is to make the speaking of te reo Māori more available in this organisation. I have a target to get at least 500 people enrolled in learning te reo Māori. I had the privilege of attending the annual Koroneihana at Tūrangawaewae Marae, and then subsequently meeting Kiingi Tūheitia. He is clearly keen to explore opportunities working with the DHB to improve the health of local Māori – there may be opportunities also to raise the profile of Māori culture in the organisation working with him. I attended the local staff orientation process which will change from October. I am keen to see this process develop and improve, with more of a focus on culture and values to inspire new starters rather than on information giving. I have asked that we use powhiri and whakawhanaungatanga as a key element within this process. It would be ideal if we could use a local marae to conduct the orientation.
Healthy people. Excellent care
Staff practising waiata and writing their pepeha