Te Rerenga October 2022

Te Rerenga October 2022

News from the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation

Practice owners Pamela Sheahan, Dr Davitt Sheahan and Dr Jennifer Brodie aim to serve the growing Pāpāmoa community.

Pāpāmoa health hub set to meet growing demands New purpose medical facility lightens the load by servicing increased patient numbers.

A new medical centre due to open its doors

private ambulance bay, and additional

in mid-October will provide much-needed

services funded through the Western Bay

additional healthcare services in the

of Plenty Primary Health Organisation

burgeoning Pāpāmoa area of Tauranga, as

(WBOPPHO), aim to cater for Pāpāmoa

well as address health equity issues in its

residents.

community.

The newly built Whitiora Medical Centre

Located at Harding Reserve, on the corner of The Boulevard and Harding

features seven consulting rooms, six for

Drive, the new centre opened to the

GP services and one nurse treatment and

public on 12 October and is well placed to

clinical room. A further minor surgery area,

service the town centre and surrounding Story continues next page ...

wboppho.org.nz

Cover story continues ... areas says Pamela Sheahan who co-owns

“It’s not just about COVID anymore, it’s

of mind at the new medical centre, with

Whitiora Medical Centre and local practices

about all respiratory illnesses that could

bilingual signage on display and staff being

Pāpāmoa Pines on Domain Road and

have damaging effects on patients and staff

offered the chance to take a sign language

Palm Springs with her husband, Dr Davitt

when not treated properly. The internal

course.

Sheahan, and Dr Jennifer Brodie.

pod allows us to see patients inside but in a

“We have noted access to healthcare has become more difficult over the last

separate and safe space,” Pamela says.

Whitiora Medical Centre will also

“We want to be knowledgeable and inclusive, thinking about community members that we hadn’t necessarily

number of years and developing a new

embrace nationally funded WBOPPHO

considered before. We know this won’t

purpose-built medical centre will hopefully

services, introducing a Health Improvement

happen overnight, but we’re putting the

allow us to alleviate some of the health

Practitioner and Health Coach, aimed at

building blocks in place,” says Glenn.

pressures and access issues that we are

reducing barriers to accessing community-

experiencing locally.

based mental health services.

“These services are free of charge and

“We want to be knowledgeable and inclusive, thinking about community members that we hadn’t necessarily considered before. We know this won’t happen overnight, but we’re putting the building blocks in place.”

Proving a popular addition to the Pāpāmoa community, over 100 patients joined the medical centre’s waitlist in

don’t require referral criteria. Patients can

anticipation. Registration numbers

see a Health Improvement Practitioner

between Whitiora Medical Centre and

within the Whitiora Medical Centre and a

Pāpāmoa Pines were expected to jump

Health Coach in the community, at their

from between 10,000-11,000 to 15,000

homes, at the practice, and anywhere in

upon its opening.

between. These services are also already

Having taken over the Pāpāmoa Pines

running at the Domain Road and Palm

practice in 2006, Pamela and Davitt have

Springs sites.

been part of the Pāpāmoa community

“Whether patients suffer from mental

for 18 years and are overjoyed by the

health issues, feel unmotivated, or want

new development and their ability to give

to lose weight and don’t know where to

back to the community in multiple ways,

start, our Health Improvement Practitioner

including facilitating training for GPs and

and Health Coach can help,” says Glenn

nurses.

Dunkerley, Practice Manager at Whitiora Medical Centre.

Along with these two roles, the medical

“As an existing teaching practice, Whitiora Medical Centre can take on GP trainees, medical students, and student

Glenn Dunkerley, Practice Manager at

centre also has an employed pharmacist

nurses. We’ve been doing this for over 10

Whitiora Medical Centre

who can provide prescriptions, rework

years now and it’s nice to be able to give

scripts, and keep doctors up to date with

back.”

medication information.

“The new premise will allow us to do

“Our in-house pharmacist is on hand to

Bringing a sense of familiarity into the new centre, Pamela has designed the

our jobs more efficiently and see patients

help patients over the phone and face-to-

practice to be accommodating, calm, and

in a way that wasn’t possible before. The

face. Patients can chat about medication

inclusive and is looking forward to the

growth rate in Pāpāmoa is huge so this

and get their repeat prescriptions without

positive impacts Whitiora Medical Centre

will really help to serve the community,”

having to book an appointment with a

will have on the community.

explains Pamela.

doctor,” explains Glenn.

The centre has several unique features, such as a built-in internal pod for

Whitiora Medical Centre is additionally working to remove health inequities.

“We have copied the theme from Pāpāmoa Pines throughout, so everyone has familiarity. A calming, soft green is the main colour in the facility, and

respiratory patients – the first of its kind in

“Work is underway to understand

the Bay of Plenty. A pharmacy and café can

more about the needs of communities we

we’re bringing nature inside by featuring

also be found inside, adding to the value of

aren’t currently reaching– what is needed

beautiful murals. We hope the centre

the community hub.

to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

provides the community with the extra

This might include running one clinic

health services they’ve been seeking,

able to take into consideration everything

until 7pm once a month or opening on a

making them feel comfortable and well

we’ve learnt during COVID, creating a more

Saturday morning so that access to a GP is

looked after,” says Pamela.

efficient centre built for purpose,” adds

more convenient. Additional services such

Pamela.

as the Integrated Primary Mental Health

“During the design process, we were

With thorough planning going into

and Addictions Programme, which include

every detail, the Respiratory Pod has its

a Health Improvement Practitioner and a

Whitiora Medical Centre

own entrance to keep patients safe, a

Health Coach, provide more options to our

Harding Reserve, cnr The Boulevard

separate room for consultations, and vinyl

patients,” Glenn adds.

and Harding Drive, Pāpāmoa Beach,

walls for convenient disinfection.

2 | Te Rerenga | October 2022

Inclusivity and comfort have been top

Pāpāmoa 3118

New co-chair shines a fresh light on equity goals New Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health (WBOPPHO) co-chair Dan McIntosh is looking forward to working with iwi and has equity and health outcomes for Māori front and centre of his goals in the role.

As co-chair, he says he will ensure providers’ voices are heard and work with iwi to position the PHO post-COVID. With health reforms on the horizon, Dan says he’s aiming to constantly improve care delivery and outcomes for patients with the opportunity for the PHO to be part of locality relationships.

“This is an approach where health and social services can meet to improve the health of populations in a community,” explains Dan. “As a joint venture between general practice providers and iwi we are well positioned to serve our people. We also have a great resource of hard-working people committed to improving our community’s help and we need to continue to support them.”

With the critical focus for primary care continuing to be equity and improving Māori Health outcomes, Dan hopes to work collaboratively with primary health providers.

WBOPPHO co-chair Dan McIntosh brings new health equity goals to the Board.

“We need to look after our workforce.

Locally population growth continues, and practices work hard to service that

With primary care providing most

to better meet the specific needs of the

growth. More and more care previously

of the healthcare some people will need

community we serve. We need to listen

done in the hospital is being done in the

in their lifetime, Dan says the health

and understand those needs to best meet

community and we also help patients on

sector is on a lifelong journey with their

them.”

hospital waiting lists whose care has been

communities. He’s aiming to be a good

deferred. Our PHO continues to support

advocate for providers and have a strong

Zealand, Dan has been a GP for eight years

these services.”

working relationship with iwi and the board

and is a fellow and elected board member

to improve health in the community they

of the Royal New Zealand College of

serve.

General Practitioners, as well as a Practice

“We need to look after our workforce. Locally population growth continues, and practices work hard to service that growth.”

WBOPPHO co-chair Dan McIntosh

“We are trusted by our patients to meet their health needs and improve health

Having worked in Australia and New

owner.

“As we continue to support our

outcomes. Health means different things to

providers I would like to see a cohesive

different people and primary care must be

organisation with a good governance

accessible and varied to meet everyone’s

structure that improves equity and

needs.

health outcomes for Māori and our wider

“Healthcare needs to be local to best serve the complex needs of the local

community,” he says.

“Focussing on governance is important

population. PHOs are a mechanism in

to create a strong organisation and to

which to do this. As the health system

support providers. Being adaptable to assist

evolves, we are constantly improving

the board in navigating reforms is critical.”

October 2022 | Te Rerenga | 3

Expo: Collabs celebrated Emerging from the significant demands of the winter peak, the WBOPPHO is looking for opportunities to reunite the network to further assist in maintaining and establishing important relationships.

One such opportunity was executed on Wednesday 21 September, through facilitating and hosting a Service Forum Expo.

Inviting 14 local services from around the Bay to gather and connect with medical practices the Service Expo provided healthcare workers with a unique opportunity to reconnect, create new collegial relationships, learn, grow, and develop post-COVID. “After identifying a need for services to become more connected to practices around the Bay, we wanted to bring the wider community together by facilitating conversations between practice staff and the people delivering local health and wellbeing services,” says Emma Skellern, Network Services Liaison at WBOPPHO. “General practices are so busy so we wanted to provide an opportunity to learn and come together, making it easier for them to connect with the amazing local services they can offer patients.”

As the second ever in-person expo, and the first post-COVID, the aim was to shake things up, do something a little different and create a social, fun, and interactive evening.

“The service landscape changes quite quickly and some of the services are new to the Bay of Plenty, so this was a great chance for us to showcase the services and help local health and wellbeing workers connect,” adds Emma.

With food, drinks, spot prizes, draws and more, over 100 practice staff attended the event, displaying the close relationships between healthcare services across the Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty practice staff bond with local service providers.

4 | Te Rerenga | October 2022

GPs rally together through winter months Winter illness and staff absences, coupled with the impacts from COVID-19 and the management of broader health needs, has seen general practices collaborating, partnering, and buddying up to help service increased patient numbers.

juggled things around and utilised lessons that the COVID surge showed them, using an amalgamation of tools to help get them through the colder months.

“Staff have just got on with things. They have dealt with it as best they could, using a suite of tools such as deferrals, rebooking, shifting appointments, telehealth, and virtual screening. Triage has been important and some things they have been able to resolve over the phone.

“The COVID response and telehealth

General practices have called on their

been exposed to with the reopening of our

has meant that the surge has been dealt

established relationships across the

borders.

with better than it could have or would

network, even mobilising a buddy system

“It’s what the Ministry of Health

have been a few years ago. Over the phone

in some cases to help meet increased

forecasted. As we haven’t had the seasonal

services are truly embedded in what

demand from patient populations, especially

flu coming through from travellers we have

practices do now and are more accepted

when challenged through unplanned staff

been protected, but with borders opening,

from patients,” Donna explains.

shortages due to illness.

we were more susceptible to falling ill,”

“Every practice has felt the pressure and they have been able to keep their doors open and see critical patients by supporting

Practices have additionally

adds Emma Skellern, Network Service

implemented advanced infection control

Liaison at WBOPPHO.

processes.

Impacting staff absences across

“We have seen practices implement

each other wherever possible through this

the board, winter illnesses haven’t only

different infection control processes

season,” says Nick Page, Network Services

resulted in increased patient numbers, but

depending on what works for them. It has

Liaison at the Western Bay of Plenty

also decreased staff numbers.

helped them keep patients safe from all

Primary Health Organisation (WBOPPHO).

Despite being two years on from

“Winter illnesses have had a significant impact on the primary care workforce.

respiratory illnesses in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Nick adds.

Even though the colder months are

the start of the pandemic and during its

Despite the amazing work they do, doctors

peak this winter season saw high patient

and nurses aren’t superhuman,” explains

now behind us, the flu is still prevalent and

numbers with COVID-19 still circulating in

Nick.

ensuring patients are up to date with their

the community, on top of the flu, colds, and other illnesses that New Zealanders have

Donna Hardie, Network Services Liaison at the WBOPPHO, says that practices have

jab remains important as we move out of winter.

Farewell Jan Farquhar We’re saying a bittersweet farewell to Te Puke Medical Centre Practice Manager Jan Farquhar, who will be retiring on 20 October 2022.

With mixed emotions, Jan says her 34 year career has been an amazing

challenge and that’s what drives me.

“Our team always finds time to chill out

privilege. Helping drive and guide a

at morning tea to lighten the load. It’s part

dedicated, professional team to deliver

of our culture and helps keep us sane.”

high quality health care, Jan has made

Looking to the road ahead, Jan has

numerous achievements, saying that

her sights set on relaxing. “I’m looking

surviving COVID-19 was ‘next level.’

forward to taking time out and kicking back.

“To adjust protocols almost daily has

Spending time in my garden and doing

been draining and tiring for all. You kind

whatever takes my fancy. That sounds

of think – has this really happened?

awesome right? I reckon I deserve that.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming to work.

No day is the same – there’s always a

“I feel very lucky to have such happy memories and special friendships.”

Much loved Practice Manager Jan Farquhar bids her colleagues farewell as she looks forward to retirement.

October 2022 | Te Rerenga | 5

Championing te reo Māori with supported learning This year, the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOPPHO) celebrated Te Wiki o te reo Māori knowing that the previous 12 months has been a time of embracing te reo Māori and the various cultural stories within the team.

Actively bringing te reo Māori into their

When we seek to understand and celebrate

and stories from throughout Aotearoa,”

everyday lives, the WBOPPHO has

diversity, we can learn to respond in

explains Kiri. “Te reo Māori isn’t just about

embedded Māori language into normal

culturally intelligent and relational ways.”

words, it’s about bringing people together.

workplace culture, with a dedicated

“Displaying our passion, commitment,

This year marked 35 years since te

Kaiako (tutor) who works with staff one-

reo Māori became an official language

and love for the language, we facilitate

on-one to provide tailored support and

of Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as 50

cultural haerenga, have a regular morning

encouragement.

years since the Māori Language Petition

karakia, He Pounamu (te reo Māori

kickstarted an incredible movement across

sessions), sing waiata, and use everyday

Aotearoa.

phrases such as ‘kia ora’ or `kia pai tō rā’.

“Every Wednesday as a team we have a Karakia/Waiata huddle which acts as an opportunity for a team member to share

“Helping our employees add to their

“We’re proud to play an active role in

their cultural tale,” says WBOPPHO director

keeping te reo Māori alive by providing

kete of knowledge by learning te reo

of Māori Health and Wellbeing, Kiri Peita.

tools for our workforce to learn in a safe,

Māori also helps them gain a deeper

welcoming, and supportive space,” adds Kiri.

understanding and connection to te ao

“It could be about their upbringing, values, beliefs, whānau traditions, language, whatever is important to them.

“Language forms part of our identity

Māori and Aotearoa.”

and tells tales of families, ancestors,

Shared partnerships and values pave the way District, regional and national huis are providing opportunities to share thoughts and ideas to inform locality development and explore our role in shaping the future of primary health, writes WBOPPHO Chief Executive, Lindsey Webber.

Over recent months EBPHA, NMO, WBOPPHO and former

Reflecting on a recently held locality workforce workshop,

BOPDHB leaders have been considering the current landscape,

leaders found common ground, agreeing on kawenata (principles

pressures, reform challenges and opportunities for the health

and values to underpin our work together) and actions, including

sector in the Bay of Plenty, with an encouraging shared view of

the development of a BOP health landscape map and joining

the importance of:

forces in recruitment/onboarding activities.

• Maintaining and growing connectedness.

• Taking the opportunity to leverage resources for the wider benefit to providers across the BOP system.

• The current level of urgency to address needs that cannot wait for detailed outworking from the centre.

As such, the commitment made to collaborate across

The PHO board has also been making good progress in the discussions to ensure strategic commitment to mana motuhake is reflected in the 2022/23 work plan, our strategic health plan Te Toi Ahurangi, and the establishment of the Tino Rangatiratanga Iwi Commissioning Agency.

What has been made clear through these discussions is

some key work streams including workforce development,

that we have a dedicated and passionate board committed to

data analysis, and communications to ensure a BOP localised

doing the right thing and ensuring the PHO retains its unique

approach, is a commitment worth celebrating.

partnership make up.

6 | Te Rerenga | October 2022

Inaugural Network Equity Champions rōpū On Wednesday 7 September, general practice staff from Tauranga gathered for the inaugural Network Equity Champions Rōpū to discuss health equity challenges and how to best overcome related issues.

Staff from various practices volunteered to form the ongoing discussion group, sharing experienced successes, challenges,

open discussion.

With the goal of helping general practice staff overcome

tools, and programmes when it comes to health equity and serving

health equity barriers, the PHO team encouraged and facilitated

marginalised communities.

participant-led discussions and feedback, drawing on lived

The group was led by members of the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation, including Director of Māori Health and Well-being Kiri Peita, Equity Programme Lead Michaela Kamo,

experiences to gauge their wants and needs on their health equity journeys.

The ongoing rōpū will help the PHO assist practices in

and Iwi Network Services Lead Waimaria Awa, as well as the

implementing the tools they need to reduce health barriers and

Network Services Team including Nick Page, Laura Penny, Donna

serve marginalised community members.

Hardie, and Emma Skellern, who facilitated and encouraged the

Ropu members put their heads together to highlight health equity challenges and goals.

October 2022 | Te Rerenga | 7

Local clinical director and educator awarded A Local GP who was inspired by the caring way her own GP treated her family as a 12-year-old, has received an accolade for her lifelong commitment to inspiring and educating others in the field.

Dr Fiona Whitworth has recently received

fortunate to be recognised by supportive

a community service medal from the

colleagues, there are many local GPs who

Royal New Zealand College of General

go unrecognised.”

Practitioners.

“I wanted to work within the healthcare

The award, given to college members contribution to general practice or rural

looked after my family,” explains Fiona.

hospital medicine through work within their

getting to know my patients, sharing their highs and lows, and understanding health

community, came as a surprise to the local GP. “It was a surprise and honour to have

on a scientific level whilst applying the

been nominated by my colleagues for the

art of communication and promoting an

work I have done in our locality over the

equitable patient centred level of care.

last 10 years,” Fiona says.

“I really enjoy cathartic interactions with

Dr Luke Bradford as interim Regional Lead

who have made an outstanding

sector since I was 12 and I saw how our GP “My favourite thing about being a GP is

IN BRIEF

Throughout her career, Fiona has

my patients – there is a lot of humour and

achieved numerous milestones in

laughter that emanates from my room.

education and leadership, using her

“Having a group of like-minded

postgraduate certificate in medical

colleagues who support and challenge my

education to work with GPs who had failed

outlooks is invaluable. While I have been

their exams, and help establish the Bay of

In the change to Health New Zealand, work is being done regionally around clinical service planning, clinical governance, and the roll out of new commissioning and systems.

Plenty day release program which trains GPs. “I did this for almost five years and since

With the need to establish a clear, clinical voice to represent primary care,

then I have become a fellowship assessor

Dr Luke Bradford has been appointed

for the college. As part of our faculty, I also

to sit on the interim executive team as

ran an educational taster day for local GPs,”

Regional Lead for Primary Care.

Fiona says.

Taking on a clinical leadership role

“My interim appointment is a huge honour,” says Luke.

within every practice she has worked for,

“I’m enjoying bringing together

Fiona motivates high clinical standards to

various aspects of community care to

achieve optimal patient outcomes.

shine a light on the interface between

“I am currently the Clinical Director at

primary and secondary in terms of

Chadwick Healthcare and Chair of the local

clinical governance and improvements

RNZCGP faculty where I work with a great

that can be made.

team to support over 800 members. We

“I’m also enjoying looking for

organise educational symposiums as well

initiatives that can be rolled out to

as support members through initiatives.

support general practice and pharmacy

“Two years ago, I helped the faculty

in terms of staffing, acute demand

establish our mentorship program Ka

services, and devolution of services

Hono, which supports GPs throughout their

from secondary.”

career.”

While achieving great bounds professionally, in her personal life Fiona Local GP Fiona Whitworth thanks fellow

enjoys spending time with her two

employees after scooping national award.

daughters, as well as her ‘ever tolerant’ husband Dan.

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