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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