July 2011
pulsethe newsletter of the Taranaki District Health Board
Inside This Issue Christchurch and how we helped Staff reach new heights Chief Nurse visits Taranaki
Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Comments from CEO Tony Foulkes
Thank you to everyone involved in getting to this stage and in advance for the work It’s widely accepted by to come on our ongoing service redesign clinicians and others to make the best use of the facility. involved that we need to change the way we Project Whakapai has moved to the implementation phase as the whole provide services, and organisation started to use the Health-e CEO Tony Foulkes how services relate to Workforce Solutions (HWS) allocations one another caring for tool to record the use of supplementary As we come to the conclusion of the same patients. staffing. our 2010/2011 year there are many achievements to celebrate and many Changing the way that supplementary challenges to continue to work on. Some of those changes may mean staffing is requested has required challenging ourselves about who does significant commitment from all areas I would like the opportunity to comment what, where, and when. This may also be and I wish to thank everyone who has on the challenges we’re facing as a DHB through the greater use of technology to contributed to the implementation of our and community. help clinicians, patients and their carers, improved systems. to have the information they need when The reality is that medicine and health in they most need it, and for it not to be It is great to see our staffing cost being general is changing all the time, not just duplicated in different places. This could contained within budget levels while still locally, but throughout New Zealand and mean more timely, and potentially better providing our services. Our challenge all around the world. In Taranaki, we need care or treatment. is to maintain this and proactively use to keep up with that wherever possible. improved information in the year ahead to We’ve got to be able to have the discussion have the planned staff available and live In health, no matter how much we have, and debate, in a way that people can within our means. we can always find a good use for more be open to genuinely listening to one money – and that’s the same globally. another. If we assume what we’ve got now is the best it can be, then we’ll be doing The DHB’s job though is to work with ourselves and our fellow community A further and final big people to get the best we can for all the members a disservice. thank you to everyone people of Taranaki with the resources who has made a huge we’ve got. That includes for example the From discussions I’ve had with clinicians skilled clinicians, support staff, carers, working in different settings I’ve asked contribution to our facilities, equipment and technology, in if in making changes to how we use our meeting of the six hospitals and the community. resources could people still be cared for national health targets. safely and appropriately. The answer is not These are indicative of In doing that job my biggest fear is the only yes, but potentially better than now. status quo. many improvements With this in mind a proposal for change to for our community – First of all because whilst everyone works improve integration of all services for the well done. to do a very good job, I think we can do people of South Taranaki will be consulted even better with and for Taranaki people; upon in July before being refined after and secondly because we can’t afford the feedback. I encourage everyone to status quo. participate in this process.
It is exciting to see the early preparation This sounds like an work of Project Maunga beginning, with impossible conundrum the start date for construction officially the of doing the same end of August. or more, with better Two time lapse cameras are in place to outcomes, for less cost record the progress of the development – however I believe it is which will eventually be available via our achievable. website.
2 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Contents page 5
2. CEO Comments 13. The year in photos 4. Chief Nurse visits Taranaki 14. Arrivals and Departures 5. Releasing Time to Care 15. The gift of giving 6. Staff reach new heights 16. Disability MAY affect you 7. NASC relocate 17. Hoppy Happy with bus page 6 8. Hub for health 18. Parksmart! 9. World Smokefree Day 10. A day in the life our volunteers 12. New General Manager
page 14
page 9 page 16
EDITORIAL PANEL
The Pulse is the newsletter of the Key Lisa Hofstee Taranaki District Health Board. Honor Lymburn We welcome your ideas and Karlina Nickson contributions please submit them by ; website or intranet link Gillian Gonthier Marianne Pike email to: Tim Connole e email link Karla Fernee [email protected] Bronwen Pepperell x phone number extension e EDITOR
For an interactive colour Gemma Gibson version of the Pulse visit: DESIGNER
www.tdhb.org.nz Nick O’Sullivan
; PUBLISHER and PRINTER
Communications Team Taranaki District Health Board David Street Private Bag 2016 New Plymouth 4342
Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 3 The Clinical Board has had a busy year so far. This is a quick snapshot of what they have been up to. A newly revised system of reports from therefore safer for both staff and patients. Early in the year the Clinical Board Heads of Departments has recently As part of the launch of this new policy, the sponsored an education session delivered been introduced. Heads of Departments Clinical Board invited Dr Cordelia Thomas, by Sandra Boardman, General Manager report on issues such as workload, audit/ Specialist Legal Advisor from the Health Planning, Funding and Population Health, research and staffing issues. This has been and Disability Commissioner to speak to about external changes to health care a useful source of information and will Grand Round on 16 June. This was a well and its effect on TDHB. shortly be made available more widely. received session and Dr Thomas will be a useful contact. An online survey was carried out to gain The Clinical Board has also released an understanding of staff knowledge a policy on Open Communications/ The Clinical Board aims to have a about the Clinical Board. The excellent Disclosure as part of service representative membership of both response from staff has encouraged improvement. The policy covers points internal staff from varied areas as well as the Clinical Board to produce a regular on what to do when an adverse event external members representing outside newsletter which they hope will outline happens to a patient. It is best practice and community interests. A “consumer important issues and inform staff more to communicate with patients and their participant” from the community is about what they do. The Clinical Board family/whanau about what has gone currently being advertised. thanks everyone for their feedback. You wrong and what will happen, including Staff online viewers can find these newsletters on the Clinical ways to prevent such an event in the Click here for more on Board intranet page. future. We hope this will make the ; the Clinical Board organisation more transparent and
Chief Nurse visits Taranaki It was fitting to have the Ministry of Jane focussed her talk on the future of Health Chief Nurse, Jane O’Malley visit nursing and the new roles for nurses. on Tuesday 17 May, with International She emphasised leadership roles to be Day of the Nurse being celebrated only very important, and the new ‘Releasing days before. Time to Care’ programme will highlight this. Jane was invited by our Director of Nursing, Kerry-Ann Adlam to speak Managers will need to utilise their staff about National Nursing issues to the effectively. It will be about, “making University of Auckland Leadership sure there is no unsafe staffing but also Jane O’Malley, Chief Nurse Ministry of Health. Management Students. no waste of staffing” said Jane. Though she believes there is money to be saved She also spoke at an open forum by making the best use of a limited There is under 100 nurse practitioners allowing all nurses including those resource, she makes a point of stating in New Zealand that can diagnose and based around Taranaki to attend, it’s not all about cost cutting. prescribe medication to patients. A and visited staff in Ward 2 and the workforce that Jane says is growing. Emergency Department. “It is not about creating Jane’s role with the Ministry allows her to Associate Director of Nursing, Gail efficiency to create money influence nursing issues at the top. She Geange said, “It’s not often staff and but to preserve time that provides clinical leadership and advice Clinical Nurse Managers get to talk nurses can spend with their across Government and the health and to the Chief Nurse about their day to patients”. disability sector. day work and the achievements and challenges they face in their roles. It was Prior to her current role she was Director a great opportunity to have her here for Health services needs are changing all of Nursing for West Coast DHB for five the day”. the time and she considers nurses to years, Senior Lecturer for the Department be in a good position to adapt to this. of Psychological Medicine at Christchurch Those who attended Jane’s Jane says we need to invest in health at School of Medicine, and in 2007 was the presentation praised the Chief Nurse an earlier stage and increase the use of recipient of NZNO Award of Honour for as an approachable person and great nurses in services traditionally provided Services to Nursing. advocate for nurses. by our GP’s.
4 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // Releasing Time to Care The nurses on the ward are fully involved in identifying areas of improvement, implementing and sustaining changes. “Nurses provide solutions to their own problems, learn to evaluate and ask themselves if they can do it better” says Programme Coordinator Kareen McLeod.
Benefits from the programme include increased time spent with patients, shorter length of stay, reduced complaints and incidents and increased staff morale.
“Staff love it”, says Kareen. “They are very From left: Maryanne Roodbeen, Vicki Hopkinson, Raechel Goodhue, Bridget Dymond motivated as it is something that they and Lily Murray on the WOW day. own and run themselves”.
Taranaki Base Hospitals Ward 3 has It is achieved through 12 self directed The second ward to start the programme Staff online viewers been chosen as the showcase ward for modules based on lean thinking is Ward 4 due to begin on 6 July. Click here for more on the Clinical Board Releasing Time to Care. As the first ward concepts, that empower and support “At the end of June we will be advertising to be introduced to the programme, staff to look at their work processes and staff have been working through the environment and remove anything that for applicants from other wards to run productive ward series since April of does not add value. the Releasing Time to Care Programme in this year. their area”, says Kareen. There are three fundamental modules The aim of the programme is to that are implemented first. These With the facility redevelopment free up time in our nurses day from are Know How We Are Doing, Well underway Kareen says they are working unnecessary duplication of tasks. This Organised Ward, and Patient Status At very closely with Project Maunga to will increase the amount of time they A Glance. After completion of these, ensure the new acute services building is have for direct patient care and improve the ward team decides which process designed with the Releasing Time to Care the safety, reliability and efficiency of modules to work through next. Ward 3 Programme in mind. the care delivered to the patient. has recently finished the first module. Mental Health Services among the best in NZ The report shows that for the last Previous reports only showed our quarter of 2010, our community- performance against the national mean based teams had the very best HoNOS (average) so it was not possible to work (Health of The Nation Outcomes Scales) out exactly where we stood against outcomes collection compliance in the other regions. whole country and our inpatient unit sat at fourth equal. “This recent report benchmarks us against all other DHB’s and definitely The aim of the initiative is to support shows the work of Taranaki DHB recovery by using standard tools to clinicians in a very positive light”, measure changes in the mental health Graham said. status of service users. The HoNOS tools allow progress to be measured over Graham also urges his colleagues to Graham Donlon time. “please keep up the good work as with a bit more of an effort we can be the best Taranaki DHB recently received a report Graham Donlon, Outcomes & Clinical in the country in both the inpatient and from the Ministry of Health and Te Pou Information Project Officer, has known community settings.” showing our Mental Health Services for some time that we were up there are among the best in the whole with the very best DHB’s in terms of “This achievement is the result of a good country in terms of outcomes collection compliance. deal of hard work from all of our clinical compliance. staff, so well done everybody!”
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 5 Staff reach new heights
As part of the local Taranaki Alpine Club, Gail Geange and Cheryl Sole found themselves walking the terrain TDHB Staff Gail Geange and CherylS ole with fellow Taranaki Alpine Club of the third highest mountain in the members and support staff on their trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. world last year. an eye on each other. It helped that we because it was too hard. “And here we Mount Kanchenjunga is nestled in the were all such good friends to support are a bunch of oldies who can do it!” Himalayas and found on the border of one another” said Gail. said Gail. “It’s about mental toughness, Nepal and East India. It was not the first just because you are fit and young time they had visited Nepal but this There were eleven in the group not doesn’t mean you will make it”. was the first time both had ventured to counting the 35 support staff that went Eastern Nepal. with them. “The support staff were In saying that though “We think amazing, we always felt safe” said Gail. anyone can do it, it is just having the An opportunity not to miss, Gail and Their support staff carried everything. enthusiasm and motivation to put one Cheryl talk wonders of not just the “We had day packs but the sherpas and foot in front of the other”. challenging trek itself but the culture porters took tables and chairs, cooking and faces along the way that made equipment, everything even a toilet Kanchenjunga is a very spiritual such an experience unforgettable. seat!” said Cheryl. place. The group often passed many Buddhist prayer flags on their trek and An expedition across land fortunately Gail said their cook was fantastic. “They even came across about 100 Buddhist unspoiled by tourism they saw the real would cook us three meals a day”. monks on a pilgrimage. “They were culture of the countryside. While they were tramping they ate wearing only their long coats and hats mostly vegetarian meals except at one with no other equipment and it was “We had to remember only 200 or so point when a goat (that had walked the snowing” said Gail. people go through some of the parts day with them) was killed for dinner. “It we went through each year, so we was probably the freshest meat we will They had the most amazing views were real foreigners to the locals” said ever eat, killed in the afternoon and on while tramping and the weather was Cheryl. our plate that night!” The Sherpas were perfect for them even though it was very excited about it as meat is only winter time in Nepal. “At one point on eaten rarely over there, everything was the trek it was like being in heaven as “We were a novelty in their used except for the horns. we were so high up, with the clouds village” said Gail. below us and the mountain standing While they ate like kings they still lost tall above us” said Gail. A Sherpa who weight. “It was a good diet” said Cheryl. had never seen the ocean turned to The climb itself was tough but nothing “You never felt guilty about eating them and said, “this is my sea”. Gail and Cheryl couldn’t handle. It was heaps as you had to eat more than the cold and altitude that you had normal for the energy, but we still lost to be aware of. At the highest point weight”. The group were walking five “The Sherpa and Nepali of their climb to Kanchenjunga Base to eight hours a day every day for six people are such a happy Camp, 5300m (twice the height of Mt weeks. bunch of people, every day Taranaki) it got to minus 14 degrees on was a special day for us”. one night. “We walked five passes in two days so you can imagine going up and down, With a third less oxygen at those up and down,” said Cheryl. Gail and Cheryl both came back home heights it was all about going at a slow humbled by the generosity of a people pace for the group. Gail and Cheryl say age is no barrier. that have so little and give so much of While on their trek they crossed a themselves. ‘Bistaari, Bistaari’ was a phrased used a group of young Americans doing the lot, which meant go slow. “We all kept same walk and they had turned back
6 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // TDHB and CYF Working together
Having a CYF Liaison Social Worker in hospitals across New Zealand is a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) national initiative which has been expanded this year to cover every DHB. This is a 0.5 FTE role, covering both Taranaki Base and Hawera Hospitals.
So, what does the CYF Liaison Social Worker in Hospital do?
As the CYF Liaison Social Worker, Rein has a pivotal role for CYF by supporting From left: Nathalie Esaiah-Tiatia, Rein Reinfeld and Marianne Pike. processes for children and young people known to CYF and in hospital Taranaki District Health Board’s The need to integrate care through to get the best possible service. The community and hospital-based staff a co-ordinated approach with focus of the role is strengthening identify and manage family violence community providers is important. A relationships and communication through an intervention framework Child Youth and Family Liaison Social between the District Health Board and funded by the Ministry of Health. In Worker working within the hospital CYF. particular they work with cases on has been appointed to support this partner abuse, child abuse and neglect, connection. Rein is a support to the CYF Case and elder abuse and neglect. Social Worker by providing advice, Rein Reinfeld has been here since guidance and oversight to CYF while Child protection within health February of this year. You can find working closely with the Health Social is guided by our Family Violence him in the Social Workers Unit near Workers, Family Violence Intervention Intervention Programme (FVIP) Policy Family Violence Intervention, District Programme Coordinator and Child and Procedures, as family violence is a Nurses, Older Peoples Health and Protection Coordinator. health issue. Rehabilitation and the Rehabilitation Day Ward. NASC relocate Unit alongside District Nurses, Social Workers and the Rehabilitation Day Ward.
NASC is an assessment and service coordination service that assists in obtaining support services for people over the age of 65 with long term disabilities in the Taranaki region.
The lovely ladies at NASC say they are enjoying being closer to the Older Persons Health Service believing it improves communication between NASC services and specialist services for older people. Some of the lovely ladies from the The Needs Assessment and Service Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service has If you would like to contact NASC: Coordination (NASC) service. recently relocated from Vero House to Phone: (06) 759 7214 within the Base Hospital. Fax: (06) 759 7215
Click here for more You can find them in the Older For calls outside the New Plymouth info on NASC ; Peoples Health and Rehabilitation area phone 0800 823 443.
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 7 Fletchers prepare for construction Project Maunga is progressing well 2003 and has since worked on Fletcher now with site preparation work projects in a range of roles including having started in late June. Official Quantity Surveying, Planning, Building construction begins in August. Services and Project Management.
Initial work involves erecting Chris’s experience with major a perimeter fence around the commercial projects is wide ranging, construction zone and then the most notably overseeing $70m in movement of buildings onto this site combined building services at the to form the Fletchers site office and Wellington Hospital project completed facilities. in 2008.
Fletcher Construction brings a plethora Chris is highly driven and passionate of hospital building experience to about running a safe work place where Project Maunga, with recent successful the site team look out for one another; hospital projects including Wellington and deliver on time to the highest Regional, Tauranga, Nelson, Waikato attainable standard. Hospital ED as well as the currently underway Whakatane and Hutt Chris and fiancé Sheryl are looking Hospital projects. forward to their move to New Fletcher Construction Project Manager - Chris Plymouth with their two sons Leroy Goldsbury The Fletcher site team for Project and Marly during the next school Maunga features a blend of Fletcher holidays and are especially excited people from Taranaki and Wellington, about getting involved in the New led by Project Manager Chris Plymouth community. ; Click here to view Project Maunga’s Goldsbury. latest news “We are excited to experience Chris completed a Bachelor of Building WOMAD, visit Puke Ariki, the Govett- Science (BBSc) from Victoria University Brewster and of course the hydroslides School of Architecture Wellington in at the Aquatic Centre!” said Chris. Stratfords new hub for health It’s six months on since the extension The new building holds three GPs, to the Stratford Health Centre was a Physiotherapy Clinic, Central completed, pleasing locals with a one Taranaki Audiology, and is home stop shop for health services. base for two independent midwives in the Stratford area. The building is Now fully operational the Health also being used by visiting private Centre combines Primary and specialists and has a minor surgery Secondary care to provide better and room. more accessible health care to Central Taranaki. The centre has a full range of DHB services including Mental Health, Andrew Brock, who is helping District and Public Health Nursing, develop the management structure Fulford Radiology, visiting Paediatrics for the Health Centre on behalf of and Orthopaedics, and a new Oral the Stratford Health Trust, Midlands Health Clinic. Claire Edwards, Dental Assistant at Stratford PHO and the DHB, says the new Health Centre shows off one of two new facility is a hub for health. “It is a great An additional consultation room can dental rooms in the Oral Health Clinic in opportunity for better coordination also be accessed for DHB services. Stratford. between health services” says This can be booked through Sharon Andrew. Roodbeen at the Stratford Health says Dental Assistant Claire Edwards. Centre. “There has been a lot more foot traffic “It makes a huge Staff are pleased with the new set up now that all services are here” says difference” says Andrew. and say everything is working very Receptionist Sharon Roodbeen. “Feedback from the well. community has been very The Centre will have its official opening positive”. “It is great having it all in one place”, later this year in August.
8 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // This year World Smokefree Day was celebrated on Fletchers prepare for construction World Smokefree Day Tuesday 31st May with the theme Me Mutu – Kia Kaha “Give Quitting a Go” You Can Do It.
Taranaki Smokefree Coalition members were involved with activities on the day and Taranaki DHB employees and local businesses were encouraged to wear green in support of the key message “Give Quitting a Go”.
A public event was held by the Smokefree Coalition Group in the Huatoki Plaza and featured a variety of displays informing people of why they should quit and how to get help.
Health Promoter Jill Nicholls said, “We had 13 people sign up with the Quit coach and 75 people filled out our survey about smoke free environments in New Plymouth”.
Liane Lovegrove, Smoking Cessation Coordinator had Jacqui Needham (left) from Ward 5 was the winner of Liane a visual display in the Base Hospital cafeteria about the Lovegrove’s (right) quiz about the ABC approach to smoking ABC approach and the benefits of quitting smoking. cessation.
Smokefree flags and quit coaches were at the Click here to view Project Maunga’s latest news entrances to both Hawera and Base Hospital enforcing the message of quitting.
On the same day Taranaki DHB’s new Smokefree/Auahi Kore Workplace and Environment policy was launched. Taranaki DHB employees can view this policy on the staff intranet.
Want to Quit? Smoking is a serious addiction, over half of all people who smoke cannot quit without help. Fortunately there are a number of ways to get help and advice to Left to Right: Janine Lineham, Cliff Rona (both from Piki Te Ora give quitting a go. Nursing Limited - Aukati Kai Paipa Smoking Cessation service), Kathryn Shaw, Colleen Tuuta (Taranaki DHB Board Member) and You can contact your local GP, Midwife or the below Karmin Erueti-Thatcher (Smokefree/Auahi Kore Co-ordinator) services. celebrate World Smokefree Day. The Quit Line – offers free telephone support, resources and low cost nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. Phone 0800 778 778 or www.quit.org.nz
Aukati Kai Paipa is a kanohi ki te kanohi service that is delivered locally within most communities. The free 12 month programme offers whanau the opportunity to address their smoking addiction through a range of services. To find out more about the service visit www. aukatikaipaipa.co.nz or contact Piki Te Ora nursing Services or Ruanui health Centre.
Piki Te Ora Nursing Services - Phone (06) 759 7305 People gather at Huatoki Plaza to check out the World Smokefree (North Taranaki) Day Displays. Ruanui Health Centre - Phone (06) 278 1310
; Click here to view the TDHB Smoking Cessation (South Taranaki) Brochure - Supporting you on your journey.
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 9 A day in the life of our volunteers Christchurch and how we helped.
When the February earthquake struck, District Health Boards around New Zealand “The willingness of were quick to respond. The Health sector was praised at stepping up to the job and staff is what really supporting its colleagues in Christchurch and according to Emergency Management helped make it work” Coordinator Mike Broker, Taranaki responded extremely well. - Mike Broker.
Heather Ayles and “I mostly administered medicine to “I would never bring up the Elaine Demaine – patients at home so did a lot of house earthquake when talking to someone Community Mental visits. As well as transporting people but if they wanted to talk about it Health Nurses to appointments, taking water to then I would listen”. house visits, taking phone calls and Heather and Elaine went down six picking up scripts, I just did what I “You wouldn’t know weeks after the earthquake. Heather could to help”. anything was wrong when was based at Hillmorton Hospital talking to some people, where she worked with the South “Everything took longer than it the resilience of staff and Sector Community Health Team for should” said Heather. patients down there was two weeks. amazing”. Visiting people in their homes they Elaine worked with the East Sector had to navigate their way around “Driving around all the time we got to Community Health Intensive Care closed roads or through roads where see a lot of the damage” said Heather. Team in Burwood Hospital for two you could only drive very slowly. weeks. Delayed time put more pressure on The weather didn’t help with constant the staff and there were more home rain wreaking more havoc. “We were Both teams had been displaced from visits than normal because people told don’t drive in the puddles on the their original buildings due to damage simply couldn’t get to places. “I got roads because you just don’t know from the quake. Working in very very good at using a Map!” said how deep it might be”. temporary conditions, Heather and Heather. Elaine did their best to fill the gaps Heather and Elaine have kept in where needed. Elaine worked with intensive care contact with the colleagues they patients, doing follow ups for those worked with down there. “It is nice to Heather said she was never doing just leaving the hospital and going back know we helped them out”. the one job but took on multiple jobs into the community. “Unlike Heather so the team could get things done. I was seeing the same patients on a daily basis” said Elaine.
Matt Parkinson – Health spread of disease. Protection Officer Working with other Health Protection “I was working with friends that Officers from around New Zealand, had lost their own homes and were “Tired” is the first word that comes to Matt was in charge of the Army coming to work happy because they mind for Matt when asked how he felt Environmental Team. could have a proper shower” said Matt. in Christchurch. Co-ordinating the sampling “I was grateful to get the opportunity Deployed three days after the of drinking water, liaising with to work with these people and only earthquake Matt was down there for a Christchurch City Council about hope my efforts assisted in some way”. week and every day he saw the impact areas where there was no water, and it had on the community. reinforcing public messages about boiling water first, were some of the “It is amazing how people tasks Matt was responsible for. Dr. Erwin Eloff – Medical can still smile and think Officer of others while their own “Any moment of any day my set of lives come crashing down work could change drastically” said A week after the quake hit Dr. Eloff around them”. Matt. Matt also helped with Welfare was flown to Christchurch after a assessment checks ensuring centres request for Medical Registrars to assist were adequately set up to avoid the with the increased patient load was
10 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // heard from Christchurch DHB. Gloria Crossley – they were able to listen to others Based at the Burwood Hospital in the Manager Pathology stories and not reply with their own Orthopaedic, Spinal and Head Injury Services quake related problems. “We were Rehab Unit, Dr. ELoff was down there for a middle ground for staff and the one week. A week after the quake hit Gloria businesses.” was asked to provide assistance “The main problems were looking after in Canterbury Health Labs (CHL), “We were thanked constantly, as well high needs patients and moving them the CDHB laboratory. Due to the as asked why we were mad enough to from inpatient wards to community assistance required Gloria decided come down!” said Gloria. care” said Dr Eloff. to take her daughter with her, Clair Crossley a Medical Laboratory Gloria said it was challenging and Dr Eloff said the ongoing care was Scientist at Base Hospital. living with the aftershocks was hard very demanding and that was where for everyone as it meant a lack of Christchurch needed help. Staff needed With the two private labs damaged sleep. a rest from it all. the only lab available to use was CHL. Gloria and Clair worked there for “Usually you can hear the aftershocks Dr Eloff stayed with colleagues in a fortnight teaching staff from the coming, but sometimes they don’t Christchurch and saw first hand the private labs to use CHL IT systems give you any warning. It happened stress the constant aftershocks made on so they could work together from one day while working and everyone those living there. the one location. It involved a lot of just let out shocked shouts”. problem solving around the huge “In a perverse sort of way workflow increase and in challenging I found the aftershocks a and cramped conditions. ‘novelty’ but then it wasn’t “We will always my home being damaged Gloria said they referred to themselves and my life turned upside as “outsiders” because they weren’t be part of down”. there when it happened. Christchurch” - “The people of Christchurch certainly Being there as someone who didn’t need our praise and respect as well experience the big shake meant that Gloria Crossley. as our support for the months that lie ahead”.
Helen Lander - Neonatal vans, housing the many volunteers. Helen said even though some staff Nurse Staying in a camper van, “nicknamed had been through a lot personally Tinkerbell” said Helen, was an they still fronted to work which was When the earthquake struck the first experience. “Wet wipes came in handy amazing mental strength. “One girl thing on Helen’s mind was the babies. “I for the many porta loo trips”. had to walk an hour to work every day jumped on the internet to see what was as the roads were all closed but she happening with the babies and when I Down there only a couple of days still came” said Helen. got asked if I wanted to go down it was after the quake hit meant everything a definite Yes!” was still very upsetting. “It was early “I think for some people, coming to days and outcomes of the earthquake work was a refuge from what they Helen worked with the Neonatal Unit were still so unknown which made it were dealing with at home” said in Christchurch Women’s Hospital and hard for everyone” said Helen. Helen. stayed with colleague Evelyn Kelly in what Helen called a “Camper Van Mostly doing night shifts Helen “I think they were grateful for the Village”. covered for staff badly affected by the morale support, taking the weight off quake. “Staff that were unable to leave them”. Situated in Hagley Park across the road their children at night time and who from the hospital they were very close were displaced from their own homes “We were able to give the to the CBD and affected areas. While and had other things to worry about” staff a quake break”. there the park became a sea of camper said Helen.
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 11 General Manager a familiar face
The selection process for the position of Business Administration in 2006, General Manager Hospital & Specialist Rosemary has held a number of senior Services for the Taranaki District Health management roles within hospital Board has been completed with a familiar services for the past eight years, and face winning the role. most recently has been Acting General Manager since December 2010. Taranaki DHB CEO Tony Foulkes says, “The standard of applicants from across Rosemary brings a wealth of knowledge New Zealand and overseas was very of Taranaki’s health services and high, and after a thorough process I am community, and has strong relationships delighted to announce the appointment that will be beneficial to her new role. of Rosemary Clements to the role”. “I am confident that Rosemary together Rosemary has been dedicated to hospital with our great team of clinicians and services and serving the people of support staff will be able to successfully Taranaki most of her working life, having manage the balance needed, of sound begun her nursing career as an enrolled financial management with maintaining nurse in the late 1970’s in New Plymouth and improving clinical quality in our Rosemary Clements, GM Hospital and and then moving up to Auckland. services” said Tony Foulkes. Specialist Services
Rosemary’s nursing and leadership skills “You can’t do this role by yourself. I’m have benefited many services since then. really only as good as the people behind me and they are this organisations Having completed her Masters of strength” said Rosemary.
South Taranaki Alive with opportunities for better health care
Taranaki District Health Board has been location for patients, while making good use This is your chance to have a say in the working on a project looking at all health of technology and equipment. way health care will be delivered in your services in South Taranaki. During the community in the future. Taranaki DHB most recent phase of the project the DHB How to have your feedback on employees are encouraged to give feedback has been working with people who work the Draft South Taranaki Health through the above channels. in health and with the community and Proposal... is now in the stage of presenting a draft To contact someone about the South proposal. Taranaki Project you can talk to Project You can obtain a copy of the proposal from Manager Jackie Broughton at Jackie. the Project Team, your local library, or the The South Taranaki Project takes a whole [email protected] or (06) 278 7109 Taranaki DHB website. system view of health care services ext 8527 or Rebekah Barr at rebekah.barr@ provided to the people of South Taranaki. tdhb.org.nz. You can get involved by attending any one It includes pregnancy rates, pharmacy of the eight public meetings being held needs, hospital care, GP services, rest For everything else you need to know about throughout July. There will be submission home availability and workforce. the project you can visit the Taranaki DHB forms available at these meetings, on the website, www.tdhb.org.nz. Taranaki DHB website, and at your local Working with clinical staff and health library, or you can give feedback in a variety organisations delivering services in of ways South Taranaki, they have come up with a proposal for changing how services Submission forms should be returned by Click here for the more information could be delivered in the future. The goal Thursday 4th August 2011. ; on the South Taranaki Project. is to have sustainable health services that are delivered by skilled staff, in the best
12 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // The year in photos so far...
Golf Day Golf Day Golf Day
Nursing Quiz Night Shave for cancer Nursing Quiz Night
Midwives walk for women Mindfulness Session around the world June 2011 Joan Millward receives a long service certificate
Click here for the more information on the South Taranaki Project. Click here for the photo gallery ; on the Intranet
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 13 Arrivals and Departures
Senior House Officer Sarah Karalus has joined the Taranaki DHB team as a Senior House Officer in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Originally coming to Taranaki from working at Wellington Hospital, Sarah followed her husband Sotiata Leilua, who is an Orthopaedics Registrar here with TDHB. Sarah comes back to work after being on maternity leave with their first son Reuben.
Sarah says, “My interests at the moment are limited to things you can do with a 9 month old!” Sarah Karalus - Senior House Officer Consultant Anaesthetist Richard Knight comes to Taranaki on a two year contract with TDHB as a consultant anaesthetist.
Richard comes to New Zealand from working at the Royal Air Force Hospital in Cyprus where he worked for 27 months after working for some years in the UK National Health Service.
“I have two children and five grandchildren in NZ, in Auckland and Wellington, so TDHB is about mid way between the two families”, said Richard.
Richard Knight - Consultant Outside of work Richards enjoys keeping fit and reading 19th century English literature.
“Clinkiest” electrician hangs up his keys
For a quarter of a century Max Martin has dedicated his time ensuring Base Hospital has no faults.
Max retired on Friday 24 June after spending just over 25 years with us as a full time Electrician in the Engineering Services Department.
Max talked about the engineering team as a great team of guys to work with. “Everyone is very good natured and absolutely wonderful and I appreciate that” said Max. “I thoroughly enjoy my job and will miss it”. Max Martin and Dave Bolton
What Max said he won’t miss is being Known as the “clinkiest” electrician Max said, “I have got four grandkids and called out in the middle of the night for because you could always hear his a wife to look after so I won’t be bored”. a job. “I am looking forward to giving all keys as he approached, Max was also this stuff back” said Max talking about his known as being the quickest to answer A farewell afternoon tea was held for pager. a requisition. “He never put something Max in Barretts Lounge on Thursday off for the next day, he would be there as 23 June. He was presented with a long Dave Bolton, Electrical Supervisor worked soon as possible and get the job done” service certificate and some things to very closely with Max, both knowing each said Dave. remind him of his time with TDHB. other since their apprentice days. “We never argued or quarrelled” said Dave.
14 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // Fond farewell to Keith Carey-Smith
his way into the role, smoothing the path for patients and information between primary and secondary care. Making a number of improvements along the way Keith was satisfied with any issue he was able to resolve.
“Quality improvement has always been high in my priority rankings”.
Well supported by his predecessors and colleagues as GP Liaison, Keith appreciates those who work tirelessly to improve the care provided to patients.
From left: Sandra Boardman, Brian Gubb, Keith Carey-Smith, Rosemary Clements and “I have greatly valued the support Sharon Bevins. of local GPs, hospital and PHO management, our specialist colleagues, For almost 50 years Keith Carey-Smith After Medical School Keith came back to and the network of GP Liaisons around has had a connection to the Taranaki work as a GP anaesthetist, obstetrician the region and country,” he said. District Health Board. and medical officer from 1970 until the hospital closed. Something he discovered while “Taranaki is a great place for preparing to leave us in May this year. During that time he helped start the a medic to live and work; first Taranaki alcohol and drug service at let’s make it world-class in It first started in 1962 when he was Stratford Hospital in 1977 and worked as collaboration, collegiality, laboratory assistant for the Stratford the Service Medical Officer until 1994. and clinical patient care”. Hospital Board before its amalgamation with New Plymouth. Thinking back he Starting a general practice from scratch remembers the very little pay of nine (now known as the Avon Medical To our current GP workforce, keep up pounds a week. Centre) is another achievement Keith the great work you are doing, keep can cross off during his time in the learning, talk to specialist colleagues While at Medical School he worked Taranaki health sector. and junior staff. I (hopefully) will be again as a lab assistant as well as ward around for a while to lend a hand here orderly through the holidays and then He took up his most recent role as GP and there!” as part of a student intern programme Liaison in 2003. “The same year Taranaki in 1966. Health changed to Taranaki DHB,” said We wish Keith all the best for the future. Keith. A GP for over 40 years he eased
The gift of giving
Jean Rafferty retired from her position asE xecutive Assistant to Sandra Boardman in June this year. Not wanting a fuss she requested no gifts for herself from her team but a gift to the Children’s Ward instead.
Pictured is Jean Rafferty with Ward 2 nurse Jane Dingle and the box of goodies that have been donated to the Childrens Ward. Jane said the goodies will go towards their treasure chest for the kids.
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 15 Disability MAY affect you The Taranaki DHB Disability Action Group The Taranaki DHB Disability Action teamed up with the Disability Information Group would like to thank everyone who Centre to put on a range of informative supported this year’s event, with special and interactive sessions designed to raise thanks to the Taranaki DHB Trust for staff awareness and understanding of the funding the event. impacts of disability on those who use hospital services. The group is now planning a number of activities that will take place throughout The activities were also held to highlight the year, including disability awareness the range of community and NGO workshops and site visits to local support that is available for patients and disability centres. whanau affected by disability. Congratulations to physiotherapist, Activities included sign language Shona Lee, who was the winner of the taster sessions, information seminars, a Disability MAY Affect You quiz.S hona disability quiz and a visit from District won a $100 voucher for a meal at the Nice Councillor Lance Girling-Butcher and Hotel. his guide dog, Yogi. This even included a “virtual visit” after Hawera staff linked up Lance Girling-Butcher and his dog Yogi lead the way. with Lance and Yogi in New Plymouth using video conference facilities. They didn’t get to pat the dog, but it A disability expo in Barretts Lounge on 3 May did provide an opportunity for them to this year launched a month long programme find out more about how guide dogs of activities to celebrate the annual Disability are trained and to ask Lance plenty of MAY Affect You event. questions!
Mary Bird presents Shona Lee with her voucher for Nice Hotel. Public Health celebrate Youth Week The Public Health Unit Hauora Rangatahi programme members celebrated Youth Week by dressing as their teenage idols for the day. On Friday the unit featured Carie Bradshaw (Rewatu Carr) and J-LO (Hinenui Knock).
Also having a bit of fun and celebrating youth week in the unit was Health Protection Officer for the day ‘Zorro’ (Murray Lowe) and Health Promoter Sir Elton John (Jill Nicholls).
National Youth Week is an annual event which ran this year from Monday 23rd - Sunday 28th of May.
The theme this year was ‘STEP UP, Be heard, Take responsibility, Be YOUth’ - The Public Health Unit staff Rewatu Carr, Murray Lowe, Jill Nicholls and Hinenui Knock theme is not just about young people celebrate Youth Week as their teenage idols. having a voice its about giving young people the space and opportunity to voice Click here for info on their opinions. ; Youth Week 2011
16 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // Hoppy happy with new bus
Those frequent flyers from Hawera to New Plymouth and back may have noticed a much nicer shuttle bus taking them on their journey.
The brand new vehicle has been in use since January this year and continues to provide a great service to those throughout Taranaki needing transport to and from Base Hospital and Hawera Hospital.
Shuttle bus driver Dennis Hopkins aka Hoppy says he loves it!
“I don’t think I have ever had this much job satisfaction before”, said Hoppy. TDHB Shuttle Bus driver Dennis Hopkins aka Hoppy shows off the new bus.
leave someone behind because they about rearranging appointments to The new bus is not only good looking are late. suit. but has more seats and “is much more comfortable” said Hoppy. “People just need to remember to be Seats on the bus are for passengers that little bit earlier before the bus has who have medical appointments, are A reminder to all staff when wanting to to leave” says Hoppy. wishing to visit family in hospital or use this service or booking passengers staff attending meetings or training. to please make sure they are ready 10 The booking office endeavours to minutes before the scheduled time. fit outpatient appointment times in The bus service is free but a donation/ with the bus timetable but as this isn’t koha is accepted and can be left with The bus has a tight timetable to run to always possible we encourage staff Hoppy or receptions at Base and and the last thing Hoppy wants to do is and patients to ring and chat to us Hawera. Health Targets - How we did last quarter The quarter three 2010/11 Health Taranaki residents received higher 5. Better Help for Smokers to Quit: Target results showed performance than planned levels of elective surgery Target 90%, Achieved 61% improvement across all of the health – 105% for the quarter – with 3,199 A significant improvement has been people receiving elective surgery across made from the last quarter and this has target areas in Taranaki. all providers. This is a very pleasing continued with the last few months result but we will continue to be vigilant looking closer to the 90% target. The Thank you to all staff involved in in our efforts to maintain our target. month of June results show that we helping reach these targets. Keep up currently sit at 91.76%! the good work! 3. Shorter Waits for Cancer Treatment: Target 100%, Achieved 100% 6. Better Diabetes and Cardiovascular: 1. Shorter Stays in ED: We will continue our collaborative Achieved 94% Target 95%, Achieved 96% relationship with MidCentral DHB to Taranaki DHB tops the country in this We reached above target for the maintain the 100% cancer waiting time target and the DHB continues to support number of patients seen in ED and target. the PHOs in ensuring there are services admitted or transferred from the ED in place to meet this target. within six hours. This has been an 4. Increased Immunisation: enormous effort by the Emergency Target 90%, Achieved 90% department and the whole hospital The DHB is working closely with the Click here for more info approach. PHOs in Taranaki to educate and inform ; on our health targets the community on the benefits and 2. Improved Access to Elective Surgery: importance of immunisation. Target 100%, Achieved 105%
// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community pulse // 17 PARK
SAre youMART parked in the right place at Taranaki Base Hospital?
The facilities redevelopment has given that there are no spaces available for some spaces certain colours to the Taranaki District Health Board the patients”. differentiate who should and shouldn’t opportunity to review and improve car park there. parking at Base Hospital. “We care about our patients, and encourage staff and visitors to park Over the next month you will notice A new car parking policy has been further away so patients have closer some parks painted Red for Emergency agreed to by Executive Management access to hospital entrances”. Department parking, Light Blue for and will be up and running shortly. Patients/Visitors, Orange for short term Thank you to everyone who submitted Please remember there are areas on parking (2 hours or less), Purple for feedback while in the policy making our grounds that are a “no go zone” specific TDHB staff/vehicle parking and process. for parking, including parking on the Dark Blue for mobility parking. White grass. parks are for Patients/Visitors/Staff. Business Manager of Hospital Services, Steve Chapman says, “Complaints are To make it easier for patients, visitors You will also see a few new signs at regularly received from the public, as and staff to locate the appropriate the entrances to the hospital grounds. well as from staff who are concerned parking spaces we will be painting Please make use of these. Rest Homes praised for D-Fence against falls
Six Taranaki rest homes received homes and GPs have been well aware vitamin D supplementation. certificates of excellence from ACC of the research and have been ensuring this month in recognition of their for quite some time that most residents The six to be recognised were Rhapsody commitment to providing vitamin D to receive the supplement. Rest Home and Hospital, Maida Vale Rest residents as a way to reduce falls. Home and Hospital, Telford Rest Home, Injury Prevention Consultant, Mission Rest Home, Opunake Cottage Rest The evidence for the benefits of vitamin Kath Forde, said ACC wanted to Home and Tainui Village Rest Home. D supplementation was highlighted by acknowledge their good work by Professor Ngaire Kerse in a talk to rest presenting certificates to those with home staff earlier this year. Some rest 75% or more residents receiving
Recently the Regulation and Environment Team of the Public Health Unit was part of a Radiation Exercise day with the National Radiation Laboratory.
Pictured is Matthew Parkinson, Health Protection Officer, testing out the Electronic Personal Dose Meter on a participating Fireman. This device measures the level of radiation.
The Pulse - Taranaki District Health Board Private Bag 2016, New Plymouth 4342 18 // pulse Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga