April 2016

PULSEthe newsletter of the Taranaki District Health Board

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 1 7 8 20

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Contents The Pulse is the newsletter of the Taranaki District Health Board. We Influenza...... 4 welcome your ideas and contributions. Staff Flu Vaccination...... 5 Please submit them by email to: Farewell to Long Standing CEO, Tony Foulkes...... 6 [email protected] Staff Profile - Dr Maihi Brown...... 7 Taranaki DHB Scholarships...... 8 e Keeping Taranaki Kids Safe...... 9 For an interactive colour version of Taranaki DHB Stock Shots...... 9 the Pulse visit: Get Going in 2016...... 10 Knitting for Newborns ...... 11 www.tdhb.org.nz Pets on Parade...... 12 ; Mad Hatter’s Tea Party...... 13 In-House Assessor Qualifications...... 13 EDITORIAL PANEL Staff Farewells...... 14 Lisa Gilbert, Marianne Pike, Sara The Orthotics Department...... 16 Knowles, Charmaine Tarrant and Cressida Gates-Thompson. Children in Therapy Receive Generous Community Donations...... 17 EDITOR Greer Lean Taranaki DHB goes to WOMAD 2016 ...... 18 DESIGNER Melanie Clark Taranaki Students Play a Part In Reducing Maori Health Inequalities...... 19 Interns Get a Dose of Provincial Medicine...... 20 PUBLISHER and PRINTER Communications Team Tasty Lunch Treats...... 21 Taranaki District Health Board David Street, Private Bag 2016 Warm Fuzzies...... 22 New Plymouth 4342 In Brief...... 23

2 Pulse April 2016 Health Targets The Quarter Two Health Target results were released in February and show our October Quarter Two 2015/16 to December 2015 results.

See a full rundown on our website at www.tdhb.org.nz Click here to see the latest Taranaki DHB Health Targets

1) Shorter Stays in Emergency 4) Increased Immunisation: Departments: Target 95% Target 95% First Quarter Achieved 94% First Quarter Achieved 91% Second Quarter Achieved 96% Second Quarter Achieved 91%

2) Improved Access to Elective 5) Better Help for Smokers Surgery: Target 100% to Quit: Target 90% First Quarter Achieved 115% First Quarter Achieved 85% Second Quarter Achieved 113% Second Quarter Achieved 85%

3) Faster Cancer Treatment: 6) More Heart and Diabetes Checks: Target 85% Target 90% First Quarter Achieved 70% First Quarter Achieved 92% Second Quarter Achieved 74% Second Quarter Achieved 92%

Clinical Board Update Clinical Board (Staff)

The Clinical Board has had two meetings so far this year with The Clinical Board has initiated a piece of work that is the following annual reports being presented: being done around allergy management. There have been • Clinical Ethics Advisory Group numerous incidents where doctors are not completing allergy • Infection Prevention & Control Committee status prior to prescribing which bypasses allergy warnings and has the potential to lead to adverse medication events The following departments have also presented annual and patient harm. This is also a focal point for both the reports to the Clinical Board: Ministry of Health and the National Health IT Board. Tracey • Public Health Unit Watson, Clinical Pharmacist, is now sending individual emails • Orthopaedic Surgery to those doctors who are charting medications in MedChart • Mental Health & Addiction Services without first documenting the allergy status. Once allergy status is entered in MedChart, this auto-populates to the The Clinical Board sponsored Professor Ian Civil, Clinical Lead discharge summary to avoid double entry thus optimising of the Major Trauma National Clinical Network, to present at both patient safety and efficiency (not only for prescribers but the Grand Round on Thursday, 24 March 2016. Professor Civil also other staff involved in the medication process). gave an update on new developments that have happened within the Major Trauma National Clinical Network. Any items for submission to the Clinical Board should be sent to the Clinical Board Secretary, Lisa Varga (ext 8982).

[email protected] ext. 8982

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 3 INFLUENZA Don’t get it, don’t give it

Influenza season has officially arrived, which means Taranaki DHB is now offering FREE influenza vaccinations to all employees, contractors and volunteers.

While we have stopped short of requiring masks to be worn by clinical staff who are not immunised, the EMT and Hospital Services Management team see influenza immunisation as a requirement for ALL staff.

Here are a few of our Board members, EMT and Hospital Services team who have rolled up their sleeve to get their flu jab already. We urge you to do the same and get immunised to protect yourself, your colleagues, your family/whānau and our patients.

If you have any questions or queries about influenza vaccination, call or email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] from Taranaki DHB’s Quality & Risk Unit (ext 8824).

Kevin Nielsen - Taranaki DHB Board Pauline Lockett - Chair Taranaki DHB Board

Wendy Langlands Rosemary Clements Steve Berendsen

influenza NO! You cannot get the flu from the myth #1 vaccine, as it does not contain any live viruses. Will the flu However, some people will experience mild side effects jab give me such as muscle aches or headaches for a short time the flu? after immunisation. This is a normal reaction. Glenda Butturini Gloria Crossley Get immunised today 4 Pulse April 2016 STAFF FLU VACCINATION Vaccination is your best form of protection against seasonal influenza, especially if you receive it early in the season. Ward/unit-based clinics are now available and Flu HQ will open on April 11. Check out the schedule below to find a time that suits you:

DATE TIME PLACE Outside of these Room by Café Monday 11 April 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café times there are Tuesday 12 April 2016 0900 – 1430 FLU HQ Room by Café authorised vaccinators Wednesday 13 April 2016 1200 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café available. Thursday 14 April 2016 1100 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Contact anyone Friday 15 April 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café below to arrange a Monday 18 April 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café time. Tuesday 19 April 2016 0900 – 1500 FLU HQ Room by Café Wednesday 20 April 2016 1100 – 1300 FLU HQ Room by Café Base Hospital Thursday 21st April 2016 0900 – 1400 FLU HQ Room by Café Tuesday 26 April 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Hailey Wells (3A)* Wednesday 27 April 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Nicola Lawn (3A)* Thursday 28 April 2016 0900 – 1400 FLU HQ Room by Café Helen Edwards (4A) Friday 29 April 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Evelyn Kelly (NNU) Monday 2 May 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Bronwyn Chapman Tuesday 3 May 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café (Pharmacy) Wednesday 4 May 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Thursday 5 May 2016 0900 – 1400 FLU HQ Room by Café Claire Barnfather Friday 6 May 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café (Pharmacy) Thursday 26 May 2016 0900 – 1600 FLU HQ Room by Café Jan Wilkes Ward/Unit Based Clinics (District Nurses) Monday 4 April 2016 1130 – 1230 Renal Unit *awaiting results Tuesday 5 April 2016 1130 – 1300 Theatre Tuesday 5 April 2016 1430 – 1500 ICU Hawera Hospital Wednesday 6 April 2016 1430 – 1500 ED Base Brenda Sturgeon Thursday 7 April 2016 1430 – 1500 Maternity Friday 8 April 2016 1430 – 1500 Wards 2A/B Sandra Graamans Monday 18 April 2016 0600 – 0730 ED Base for night staff Monday 18 April 2016 1430 – 1500 TPW Midwife Tuesday 19 April 2016 1430 – 1500 Wards 3A/B vaccinators Wednesday 27 April 2016 1100 – 1130 Surgical OPD Karen Janes Wednesday 27 April 2016 1430 – 1500 Wards 4A/B Helen Zimmerman-Hall Monday 2 May 2016 1430 – 1500 Laboratory Tuesday 3 May 2016 1430 – 1500 Physiotherapy Wednesday 4 May 2016 1430 – 1500 Medical OPD Hawera Monday 4 April 2016 1000 – 1230 Room to be advised influenza NO! You cannot get influenza the flu from the influenza NO! The flu myth #1 vaccine, as it does myth #2 NO! Anyone can myth #3 and common not contain any live catch the flu cold are caused viruses. I’m safe and pass it on by different Will the flu However, some people will experience mild side effects because I’m fit to whanau or The flu is viruses. such as muscle aches or jab give me The flu can leave you bed headaches for a short time and never get friends. just a bad bound for weeks, require after immunisation. This is a the flu? hospitalisation and be normal reaction. sick cold life-threatening. Get immunised today Get immunised today Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Get immunised today 5 Farewell to Long Standing CEO,

Tony Foulkes At the end of February we said farewell to Tony Foulkes, our Chief Executive of Taranaki DHB for the last 12 years. Many people from Taranaki DHB and the wider community attended the luncheon in the Barretts lounge to pay tribute to all of the hard work and commitment Tony has given to Taranaki health.

Pauline Lockett, Taranaki DHB Chair said, “Tony is one of the longest serving DHB CEOs in the country. He has made a major contribution to the growth and development of health services for the Taranaki community as CEO, and has shown great drive and determination in addressing the many challenges along the way.”

Tony initially joined the organisation as Manager for Central & South Taranaki services in 1996 for two years, and returned to Taranaki in 2003 after working as CEO at MidCentral DHB. He was instrumental in securing the support of the Ministry of Health, Government, staff and the community for Project Maunga the major campus redevelopment at Taranaki Base Hospital, and successfully led the project through design, build and opening.

Ms Lockett said, “Tony’s inclusive and supportive leadership style has enabled a number of innovations locally, and the development of a well respected high performing organisation, focused on doing the best for patients. He continues to advocate strongly for further integration of hospital and community based services, and further development of Māori health services to better serve our community.”

“Tony has built a very capable leadership team within the DHB who will continue the hard work together with many others. He has also played a significant role in a range of areas regionally and nationally over the years including leading a number of workforce development groups and being an inaugural member of the National Health IT Board,” she added.

Tony Foulkes said “It has been a great privilege to have worked alongside so many talented and dedicated people here in Taranaki.”

“Clinical staff working in hospitals, PHOs and many community settings should rightly be acknowledged for the amazing work they do. However I’ve always been struck by the huge range of non-clinical and support staff as well “It has been a great as friends, families and carers who all play a vital role in privilege to have working together to help one another in our community. It’s not easy at times, but people matter and people care, worked alongside so so want to play their part - that’s what I’ve loved about working in health and particularly here in Taranaki,” said Mr many talented and Foulkes. dedicated people here After 23 years in senior health management roles, Mr in Taranaki.” Foulkes said “I will always be close to health, however I am keen to extend my skills and work in the area of community development and human rights, including in an international context.” 6 Pulse April 2016 STAFF PROFILE

Dr Maihi Brown

If you see people looking at Dr Maihi work as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) here. I’m also from a small town, so Brown in corridors like they’ve seen him at Taranaki Base Hospital last year. Since working in Taranaki appealed to me. It somewhere before, don’t worry - you’re then Maihi worked in Ward 3A (General has everything you need without the not imagining it. It’s probably because Surgery and Urology) and will soon hustle and bustle of a big city,” said he’s the latest member of Taranaki DHB move to Ward 2A (Older People’s Health Maihi. staff to appear on national television, and Rehabilitation) for quarter two. featuring in a segment on TV One’s Making the most of the outdoors has Seven Sharp. This is not Maihi’s first stint at Taranaki been another draw card for Maihi DHB - he came here as a student for a throughout his time in the region. The segment included footage of Maihi six week placement in early 2015. This “When I first came here I climbed Mount at work in Taranaki and up in Northland experience influenced his decision to Taranaki and stayed in one of the huts along with two other Doctors that Maihi come back here as an RMO. on the way, which was awesome. I also studied and graduated with. like to surf and often head down the “I enjoyed the Taranaki Base Hospital coast to a few of my favourite spots. The Maihi, who grew up in Tokoroa and environment so that definitely region really has it all for me.” Northland, moved to New Plymouth to influenced my decision to come back Having studied at AUT as a Medical Cadet in the New Zealand Army, Maihi will follow up his RMO placement working in an Army medical clinic, which will include opportunities for deployment.

Check out the Seven Sharp segment titled ‘Meet the inspiring ‘three cuzzies’ now thriving as doctors in Northland’, on TVNZ’s One news website.

Maihi on the ward

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 7 TARANAKI DHB SCHOLARSHIPS

Back: Rosemary Clements (Acting CEO) Joshua Manukonga, Natalia Hunt, Tanaka Utete, Hannah Andrews, Angela Worthington, Emma Ternouth, Micah Hintz, Dr Greg Simmons (Chief Medical Taranaki DHB has... Advisor). Front: Toni Redpath, Natalie Bedwell-Curtis, Alarna Stratton. In late January, Taranaki DHB held an applicant perspective we identify a scholarship presentation event to applicants from rural locations, low 832 recognise the recipients of the 2015 decile secondary schools and those who NURSES, Taranaki DHB Scholarships and present identify as Māori. This ensures we have a MIDWIVES & them with their certificates and cheques. demographic mix representative of the HEALTH CARE 173 Taranaki region. There are two types of ASSISTANTS The event was attended by most awards that are made annually: DOCTORS recipients and their families, as well as Rosemary Clements (Acting CEO), Greg 1. A financial warda of $2,500 for the Simmons (Chief Medical Advisor), service duration of the undergraduate managers and managers that received degree that is subject to the recipient students on placement. completing a minimum of a three week work experience placement, The scholarship programme was normally in their summer break. established to increase the supply of and These offer students an opportunity retain highly trained and skilled health to learn on the job within the health professionals in the Taranaki region by sector and practice the knowledge providing financial support during their they gain through their studies. 295 academic years. Since 2001, Taranaki DHB Building relationships with managers ALLIED HEALTH has supported many students studying and their staff increases their WORKERS in a range of healthcare specialities, with networks and creates mentors for the majority of these students returning them. to Taranaki to commence their career in the health sector. 2. A one-off financial award of $750 115 for that year of study only meaning NON-HEALTH Since 2010, 22 scholarship students have the recipient must re-apply to obtained a position with Taranaki DHB the scholarship programme the SUPPORT after graduating, including four students following year. from 2015. Close to 60 scholarship applications were received in 2015, with Applications for 2016 are now open so 31 of those applicants successful. if anyone you know would like to apply, 309 they can get more information from the MANAGEMENT The focus for the programme has been Scholarships page on the Taranaki DHB ADMIN WORKERS those health professions where there website. are known critical shortages. From

medical students For 2016 we new graduate nurses first year house from Auckland through the NETP officers have recruited: 17 12 13 University

8 Pulse April 2016 KEEPING TARANAKI KIDS SAFE

Taranaki DHB Health Promoter and coalition is the longest serving child Kidsafe Coordinator Eloise Pollard said, safety group in New Zealand and this KEEPING “Dr Butler’s presentation demonstrates is in no small part due to the support, that Kidsafe continues to be a national expertise and leadership that has been leader in addressing child injury issues at provided over the years by the Paediatric TARANAKI a regional level. “ Department. We appreciate that this gives the work of the coalition mana “Dr Butler is a great asset to Kidsafe and credibility and we’re grateful for the Taranaki Trust. We have been fortunate continued commitment of Paediatrics to to have consistent participation from preventing childhood injuries”. KIDS Taranaki DHB Paediatricians who, as experts in child health and those on the Kidsafe Taranaki was set up by the late SAFE ground dealing with the aftermath of Taranaki DHB Paediatrician, Dr Alan Dr Stephen Butler, child injuries, are in an ideal position to Parsons, in the early 1990s. Dr Parsons Taranaki DHB provide guidance and leadership to our was inspirational in leading child safety Paediatrician and group,” Ms Pollard added. efforts in Taranaki until his passing in Kidsafe Taranaki Trust 2010 and also played a significant role in member, recently Kath Forde, Kidsafe Taranaki Trust the establishment of Injury Prevention attended the Injury Chairperson said, “The Kidsafe Taranaki Aotearoa. Prevention Aotearoa national forum in Wellington on behalf of the Trust. Dr Butler was tasked with presenting the Trust’s Child Unintentional Injury Admissions data analysis, along with details of projects currently delivered in Taranaki to address these injuries.

Kidsafe has completed data reports on child injury hospitalisations every three years since 1996 – 98, which has enabled the group to identify local injury priorities, track trends and develop evidence-based local strategies that work towards prevention. TARANAKI DHB STOCK SHOTS A wee while back you may have seen the Communications Team moving throughout Taranaki Base Hospital with a photographer, taking snaps of certain staff and specific areas of the hospital. We were putting together a range of stock shots and once the project is completed, these will be available to staff for things like presentations and reports. Until then, here’s a sneak preview of some of the images…

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 9 GET GOING IN 2016 Keen to get a bit more active this year? Well you’re in luck. Get Going, NPDC’s annual health and wellness challenge, is back!

Join the Get Going active challenge and If you need a bit of help, the Let’s Go The Let’s Go team via email at keep walking, running, biking, skating Team can support you in getting active [email protected]. or scootering on New Plymouth’s shared on your way to work by providing maps, pathways, riding to work, going on cyclist skills training, high viz back pack We’ve also included maps mountain bike missions with the family covers and general encouragement (e.g. of both Taranaki Base and and then log your trips on the through competitions like Get Going). Hawera Hospitals so you know Let’s Go website to be in to win great If you would like any of this support to where you can park your bike prizes to the value of $1000! get yourself active this winter, contact when you bike to work – just look for the little yellow bike icon. Workplaces and individuals are challenged to log all their active kilometres, whether they are for Find the bike racks at Base and Hawera Hospital online: transport or recreation, on the http://www.tdhb.org.nz/patients_visitors/transport_parking.shtml Let’s Go website. As well as winning prizes along the way, the winner of each Patient & Visitor category (over 100’s, under 100’s and TUKAPA STREET ENTRANCE Parking Map under 10 employees) can take out the title of the most active workforce! TUKAPA STREET Barrier Arm (No through access) Company Older Persons Child & Adolescent Car Parking Services Community Centre Medical Outpatients Oncology LYN ST Taranaki DHB has a registered group Operating Theatres Physiotherapy Wards 2a, 2b, ICU 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b which you can contribute to every time Hospice Te Rangimarie Staff Parking Maternity Emergency Mental Health Unit Radiology Labcare

LORNA ST you log a journey. Just sign up at Surgical Outpatients www.letsgo.org.nz and join the TDHB DAVID STREET group by going to Challenges > Manage MATERNITY ENTRANCE

Group Challenges > Join a group. MAIN ENTRANCE

2015 Patients / Visitor Parking Bike Stands Where can I park? Patients / Visitor Parking (2 hour limit) Patients and visitors can park in the light blue car parks, the white car Patients / Visitor Parking (1/2 hour limit) parks and for short term visits in the orange and yellow car parks. 5 Minute Park / Drop Off Zone People requiring mobility parks can park in the dark blue parking. The All Day Parking red area is reserved for emergency department patient parking only. Mobility Car Parks Emergency Department Patient Parking Only

HOT TIP! You can download the free ‘Lets Go Efinity’ app to your phone and automatically track your journeys with GPS. You can also see how fast you are travelling, how many calories you have burnt, how much carbon and money you have saved and log your trips directly to your account on the Let’s Go website.

10 Pulse April 2016 Moerangi Tamati, Mark Luff, Olivia Sharpe, Amanda Antoine, Carol Wells, Kirsty Loveday

Knitting for Newborns

Late last year we were visited by a 13 year old Highlands Intermediate student called Olivia Sharpe. Olivia had recently completed a project where she hand- knitted beanies for babies in the Maternity Ward and Neonatal Unit.

Olivia started the knitting project as part of her school Services and Duties badge and has so far donated 65 of her colourful hats. We met with Olivia and her school principal, Mark Luff, when she presented the beanies to Carol Wells (midwife) and other maternity staff.

One lucky newborn happened to be present when Olivia gifted the hats so was the first baby to receive the handmade treasure. Despite having now received her Services and Duties badge, Olivia says she will continue to knit the beanies.

What makes the donation even more special is that Olivia was once a patient here at Taranaki Base Hospital, and when we say once, we mean 13 years ago… when Olivia was delivered… by Carol Wells!

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 11 Pets on Parade

Pet therapy may not be part of Taranaki DHB’s treatment processes; however we do get the odd animal visitor. In fact the wards at Taranaki Base Hospital have had a few canine visitors very recently.

We were lucky enough to catch up with Abby the Maltese, and Essex the black She would sleep with Gabby on the Labrador on their very welcome visits to hospital bed and would visit other kids the TSB Children and Young People Ward when she was there to cheer them up.” (2B) and Ward 2A. Abby is the beloved pet of Gabby Devine, a former patient Sharon Luque (Ward 2B Play Specialist) in Ward 2B, who sadly passed away last is the lucky owner of Essex, a very calm, year from Ewings Sarcoma (a rare type of friendly dog who is an old hand at bone cancer). visiting 2B. (Pictured below left). Gabby’s grandparents, Harvey and “Essex has being coming to the Ward Tess Bowling pop up every now and since she was just a wee puppy so she then with Abby to visit the kids on is very experienced at cheering up the the ward, and on this occasion were children. She always seems to know also doing a Random Act of Kindness the right thing to do with each child. (RAK) delivering some boredom buster Whether it’s a little pat or a full-body packs from Gabby’s Starlit Hope. http:// cuddle, she’s always happy to oblige,” starlithope.org.nz/ said Sharon. Boredom Buster Packs Sarah Devine, (Gabby’s mum) said “When a family member, young or old, “Taking Abby to visit the kids at the is in hospital it can be really stressful Children’s Ward is very special for us as for both the patient and their family; Abby used to visit Gabby when she was having pets like Abby and Essex visit is a getting palliative chemo on the ward. welcome distraction from that stress for all involved. It also really helps to relax the kids if they are feeling scared or not wanting to take part in their treatment,” added Sharon.

In fact, the benefits of having animals visit for both children and adults are huge, with a wide range of significant benefits to patients’ health, including reduced pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in people with a range of health problems. Animals can also be taught to reinforce rehabilitative behaviours in patients, such as throwing a ball or walking. Pet therapy is also being used in nonmedical settings, such as universities and community programs, Abby the Maltese to help people deal with anxiety and Essex the black Labrador stress.

12 Pulse April 2016 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Mad Hatter’s tea party characters, from left, The March Hare - Flynn Barrett, The Mad Hatter - Kevin Nielsen, Alice - Kate Geange and the cook- Karin Nielsen called in to see patient Julia Peters, 15, from Midhurst, while they were at the children’s ward at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Article and image from the Taranaki Daily News Conductive Education Taranaki Trust consists of four parents who have children with special needs and who regularly take Flynn Barrett relished his role as the March Hare when he them to Conductive Education in Hamilton, trust member visited the children’s ward at Taranaki Base Hospital. The Pip Kay said. ‘”We are raising money and awareness so we can 12-year-old took part in a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on February open a centre in New Plymouth. We know there is adequate 14 to raise money for the Conductive Education Taranaki Trust, demand in Taranaki. It’s hugely draining taking the children up which helps children with special needs. to Hamilton.”

Prior to the event, Flynn joined other characters from the All of their children have spent a lot of time in the children’s tea party, including the Mad Hatter himself, on a visit to the ward, so they thought they would go and visit, she said. “It’s hospital to cheer up its younger patients. But several of the not the most exciting place and anything that brightens their characters made famous in Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice in day and makes them happy can help. If they are happy they Wonderland were unable to make the visit, including the recover quicker.” Cheshire Cat who had to go to school instead. Conductive Education is a highly specialised approach to Flynn said he knew of the March Hare through watching a special education, she said. “It approaches physical disabilities film version of the Alice story and said the character was very from an educational, rather than a medical or paramedical similar to the Mad Hatter - although obviously somewhat perspective. People who have motor disorders such as different as the hare is an animal and the Hatter is human. “He cerebral palsy, chromosome disorders have a problem with is very mad, like insane,” Flynn said. “He says a lot of things that learning, which requires education as opposed to a medical are really obviously wrong.” condition, which requires treatment.”

IN-HOUSE ASSESSOR QUALIFICATIONS This qualification enables Karl and Peter to assess employees against the required unit standards and award these two qualifications in-house. Assessment takes place in the workplace and includes naturally occurring evidence of skills and abilities. The benefit for our people is easy and well supported access to training and development within the workplace.

This model of development and assessment will also be utilised for a pilot programme of the Level 3 Health Assistance Qualification, which commenced at Taranaki DHB in March 2016.

Congratulations to Peter Bigham (Supervisor - Cleaning Congratulations also to Sherry Pakau, Wendy Booker and Services) and Karl Barron (Orderly) for achieving Registered Tracey Ratahi for completing the Level 3 cleaning and Assessor status for the Careerforce Qualifications in Cleaning caretaking qualification. Many thanks to Careerforce for all and Orderly Services. their support in getting our in-house assessment model implemented.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 13 STAFF FAREWELLS JEAN RICHARDSON Taranaki Base Hospital’s Acting Clinical Nurse Manager (Ward 4A) Jean Richardson retired in December 2015 after more than 40 years at Taranaki DHB. Here is her story, spanning the decades of her nursing career.

My career in health care began in By the early 90’s the changes in November 1973 when I began my first maternity were also great, with the role as an aide at Barrett Street Hospital development of the Independent and began Community Nurse training Midwife role and the withdrawal of in early 1974 following encouragement GPs from maternity services. Taranaki from Miss “Bertie” Bertrand, the Matron Hospital Board introduced a bridging at Barrett Street. course for their fairly large enrolled nurse work force, to become registered The course was 18 months and the last nurses. This involved two years at six consisted of work experience - I was polytech on a part time basis, graduating placed as a student in the maternity with a Diploma of Nursing. This was run ward. After I gained enrolment I was concurrently with the first Bachelor of offered an endorsement programme Nursing course. for six months, which was run by the midwives in maternity and involved The Nurse Manager of maternity at working in both the labour and that time was Delwyn Hunter, who was postnatal wards. a strong advocate for enrolled nurses resulting in a move to the medical ward, making use of all training. Delwyn felt where I remained until my retirement. For the following 20 years I worked our roles would become obsolete, predominantly in the labour ward, especially with the proposal that the Like most who leave the DHB, it is always helping to staff the Caesar Theatre, Caesar Theatre be removed from the the people, colleagues, allied health assisting at many deliveries, and Maternity area and caesareans be staff and patients that I will miss most - occasionally catching a few babies performed in the Base Hospital theatre. it is like an ever evolving family. I have myself! I still get approached by women always received positive support from I have attended in maternity, who Needless to say I enrolled in the bridging Taranaki DHB, who have always been sometimes seem surprised that I do not course at Taranaki Polytechnic (now excellent employers, and in particular remember them, however it is always a WITT), with the knowledge that I could my colleagues in Ward 4 and Nurse pleasure to talk to them. continue to work part time in Maternity Manager Janet Gibson. They have been a and the prospect of a Registered Nurse great team to work with. In the 1980’s radical changes were position on completion. occurring; hospital training for nurses My philosophy is that everyone is ceased and polytechnic training was By this stage I’d had a taste of general entitled to care from a nurse who has introduced. The enrolled nurse course nursing, and was reluctant to go on maintained her education and is up also finished, which meant the workforce to another course, which had earlier to date. In the early days I would go decreased significantly due to the lack been my intention. Further changes in home and read up on conditions I had of student nurses. There was also a drive the system again influenced my career, encountered and how they should be for nursing to become more holistic and managed. This is often difficult to do less task driven. (there is a life outside of nursing), but in my experience the most satisfied nurses are those who remain current and continue to study throughout their nursing careers.

My advice to new nurses is to take a few minutes out of every day to study up on something you are unfamiliar with. Take every opportunity you are offered to be involved in new situations; ask questions and don’t be timid.

I worried about how I would fill my days after retirement, but to be honest so far I’ve been far too busy to start any of the Barrett Street Hospital time occupying projects I had in mind!”

14 Pulse April 2016 Bursary (which paid her patients and treatment is very fees) she was placed at QE self-directed with the patient II Hospital in Rotorua. After being more responsible for several years she married and their own self-management moved to Te Kuiti where she through exercise etc. Val started her family. It was in still bears the marks of her Te Kuiti where Val got a call employment at Hawera asking if she would consider Hospital – these are in the working at Te Kuiti Hospital. shape of canine teeth in her When she replied that could bottom! A dog bit her on be difficult with a young child the bottom on a community she was told ‘that’s fine- bring visit! Thankfully Hawera ED her along with you’! department patched her up and she continued to work VAL ELLIOTT When Val started working at another day – who can say DIANE GANE Hawera Hospital it had a large they have given more than On 18 December, Val Elliott On 16 December, Diane Gane outpatient department and a chunk of their bottom for (Physiotherapist - Hawera) also had her last day with treatments largely consisted their employer! retired after 39 years at the Nutrition and Dietetics of electrotherapy treatments, Hawera Hospital. Val has department. Diane first for example microwave and A very large gathering of always brought a sense of joined Taranaki DHB in 1978 shortwave. Val reports that staff met in December to fun to the department and as the Advisory Dietitian, patients in those days came wish Val a happy retirement. her clinical skills and wisdom taking over from Gillian to be ’fixed’ without taking a Val continues on the (gained over a 53 year career) Gonthier. This was after lot of responsibility for their Physiotherapy casual staff list will be missed. leaving Middlemore Hospital own self-management. and may make appearances where she began her Dietetic at Hawera Hospital in the Val graduated in 1965 from career as a new graduate. She These days she notices there future. Otago Physiotherapy School remained in this role until is a lot more education of and as she had a Health 1982 when she left to get married and have her son.

It wasn’t too long before Diane was back on the scene (1986), this time at Hawera Hospital. It was here that Diane spent the next 25 years working part-time – with outpatients and the inpatient ward. She was instrumental in the pilot service of the new trayline design in the hospital kitchen in 1988, before it was implemented at Base Hospital the following year. In the most recent years Diane was the Outpatient Dietitian LORRAINE TAYLOR Health Service through many at Taranaki Base Hospital, positive changes – from the having taken over from After 30 years of service Dr Assessment, Treatment and Pauline Donovan in 2008. Lorraine Taylor, Taranaki DHB Rehabilitation (AT&R) Unit Geriatrician, hung up her she established in 1988 to We wish Diane all the best stethoscope for retirement the Enhanced Intermediate in her retirement, enjoying on March 31. Originally from Care service started in 2012 – the extra time with her Scotland, Lorraine came to and in promoting integrated grandchildren, walking and New Plymouth with a young community services for more time for travel! family to take on the role of older people well before Regional Geriatrician. Out of integration became the buzz this role Lorraine developed word it is now. a passion and commitment to services for the Elderly Over the years Lorraine and for her role in the has been an example and multidisciplinary team. an inspiration to a huge number of clinicians from all She has been instrumental disciplines. She will be greatly in leading the Older Peoples missed.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 15 Suzi Hurley; Lisa Hamilton and A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... Blair Gardiner The Orthotics Department The Orthotics Department has four staff involves making Plaster of Paris casts Please feel free to visit the Orthotics members and shares their department of feet (from negative impression Department if you have never been space with Wheelchair services. boards), then posting these to correct there before – there’s generally lots of Orthotics is located on level 2 just past positional issues. She then constructs fun and laughter going on! the Chapel - therefore the area has been the innersoles and fits and modifies as tagged as the Soul/Sole centre of the necessary to patients. Hospital! All team members including Lisa are Staff members are: involved in seeing ‘walk in clients’. These • Suzi Hurley – Technician are typically patients from either the • Caroline Briggs – Technician orthopaedic or vascular clinics. On a • Lisa Hamilton – Admin/Assistant busy day six to eight orthopaedic or • Blair Gardiner – Contracted Orthotist vascular patients are fitted with various (working Wed/Thur/Fri) splints. This all occurs in between scheduled clinic patients. The day starts with Lisa checking the fax machine for ward referrals received out Child & Adolescent Community Centre of department hours. Typically a ROM therapists run monthly clinics in the (range of movement) knee brace or Orthotics Department with Blair, to Caroline posting corrections to foot moulds moon boot may be needed on Ward 3B assess and fit patients with appropriate or in ED. These are dispatched with the splints, footwear or garments. Dynamic orderlies. movement orthoses garments are a new development used for some of these Suzi works mainly on footwear children. They mimic the pull of muscles modifications e.g. shoe raises or and therefore assist in movement and adaptation of footwear. She has stability. Measuring for these garments close links with the Ulcer Clinic and is very precise and measurements are can usually figure out ways to adapt sent to the UK for construction of the footwear to relieve pressure off a wound. garment. She is also renowned for figuring out splinting solutions for tricky situations. Every three months Blair travels to She will draft out a pattern and construct Hawera Hospital to see clients there. a customised splint for patients until Any fabrication or adjustment work she finds a solution that works. Today’s is brought back to Base Hospital to problem is adapting an abdominal complete. So there we have it – a busy binder for a patient with an open little team who all pitch in to provide a incisional wound. largely seamless service (i.e. we manage to problem solve when big issues come Caroline works mainly on the fabrication up when Blair is not working!) of custom made innersoles. This Suzi with her adapted abdominal binder

16 Pulse April 2016 Countach Neill, 7, cuddles his new friend he’s called Paddington Children in Therapy with, back from left, Paula and Tayla Mortimore from the Calendar Club, and Taranaki District Health Board Child Receive Generous Adolescent Community Centre pediatrician Dr John Sanders and Community Donations clinic co-ordinator Sue Tipler.

Children receiving treatment at Taranaki to their purchase in exchange for a teddy sensory disabilities, coordination DHB’s Child & Adolescent Community bear, which they could either keep or problems and low birthweight (in Centres (CACC) have a reason to smile, donate to children receiving treatment newborn babies). thanks to the donation of more than 70 at CACC. teddy bears from customers of Calendar “Referrals to these services come from Club in Centre City. Sue Tipler, Taranaki DHB CACC Clinic GPs, Plunket nurses, Paediatricians, Coordinator said, “The bears received so Special Education Services, schools and 65 of the donated teddy bears were far have been given out to children at ACC. Children are assessed and treated delivered to CACC prior to Christmas, both New Plymouth and Hawera clinics at home, school or at the centre itself with the remaining nine bears to be and have been very well received. The and appropriate specialist equipment is delivered in the next fortnight. kids’ eyes lit up and the teddies received arranged for them,” said Mrs Tipler. Irene Jarkiewicz , licensee/operator immediate hugs with huge smiles all “We thought we would end up with 20 of Calendar Club said, “We know how round. Thank you to everyone who to 30 teddy bears, so we were pleasantly tough it can be for those kids and their made the kind donations.” surprised when more and more people families so we jumped at the chance to began to donate. To have 74 bears do something positive for them, while CACCs are run in both North and South donated by our customers to children increasing awareness of the services Taranaki, with patients ranging from at CACC indicates the high level of provided and hard work that goes on at newborn to 18 years of age. A multi- generosity and support there is in the CACC,” said Ms Jarkiewicz. disciplinary team provides a coordinated Taranaki community,” said Ms Jarkiewicz. therapy service for all children and In the weeks leading up to Christmas, adolescents with extra needs, such customers at Calendar Club were given as developmental delays, physical the option of adding an extra five dollars disabilities, intellectual disabilities,

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 17 TARANAKI DHB GOES TO WOMAD 2016 TARANAKI DHB GOES TO ...

It’s no secret WOMAD is a family-friendly festival and this year well as information on it took that atmosphere a step further by teaming up with the how to ensure your baby Taranaki DHB Maternity Unit to offer a Parent Hub at WOMAD gets the best start in life. 2016. Rosemary Clements, Belinda Chapman, Taranaki DHB Associate Director Midwifery Taranaki DHB Acting said, “The Parent Hub was a great success, with a constant CEO said, “WOMAD is an stream of families visiting the tent throughout the entire iconic international event weekend. It was a relaxed and welcoming space where that brings the Taranaki maternity staff were available to discuss any questions festival community together goers had about their baby or one that might be planned or on every year and we really the way.” appreciate WOMAD’s support of our DHB. Our The Parent Hub included a change table, toys and a lounge staff benefited with the area, with furniture and lamps kindly donated by Hospice chance to win WOMAD Taranaki, where parents came to feed and have a rest with their tickets as prizes for an babies in comfort. internal competition held in February. It was a really Suzanne Porter, Taranaki Arts Festival Trust Chief Executive said, nice way to give back to “WOMAD is a festival that appeals to all ages. It caters for the our staff who work hard to improve the health and wellbeing of young, and the young at heart, and everyone in between. We the people in our community.” have the Kid Zone and the over 65’s seating so why not offer something for parents and parents to be?” Thank you to everybody who supported the first ever Taranaki DHB Parent Hub at WOMAD 2016. We hope to be there again There was also a range of information available including the next year so all the whanau with young babies will have a top five things to do when you discover you are pregnant as dedicated area to rest, feed and relax amongst the excitement that is WOMAD New Zealand.

18 Pulse April 2016 Natasha Stanton, 19, who is doing an internship with the Taranaki DHB’s Health Protection Unit, takes the GPS coordinates of a health warning at East End. TARANAKI STUDENTS PLAY A PART IN REDUCING MAORI HEALTH INEQUALITIES Māori students in Taranaki are gaining health and disability sector and recreational water sites and determining valuable work experience throughout supporting them through employment whether signs were identifiable and easy secondary and tertiary education and pathways into these roles. to understand from the general public’s in turn, contributing to the aim of perspective. decreasing Māori health inequalities With financial support from TSB thanks to the WhyOra employment Community Trust, JR McKenzie Trust and “Māori have a connection to water, pathways programme run through Taranaki DHB, WhyOra is accessible to all particularly as a symbol of health and Whakatipuranga Rima Rau (WRR) at secondary schools throughout Taranaki. wellbeing, so it’s really great to have the Taranaki District Health Board. Once students are involved in the opportunity to influence the way that programme, support in working towards connection is considered within Public Tanya Anaha, WhyOra Operations a role in healthcare and disability Health policies and guidelines,” said Miss Manager said, “Taranaki Māori are services continues throughout tertiary Stanton. disproportionately represented education. in negative health statistics, most specifically death from all cancers, lung Natasha Stanton, a first year student at WhyOra cancer incidence, cardiovascular disease Waikato University and member of Nga WhyOra is an employment pathways programme deaths, suicide, children’s oral health and Rauru iwi, is currently on a five week targeted at Taranaki’s Māori students. It is run respiratory disease deaths.” internship at Taranaki DHB’s Health by WRR, who work with tertiary institutions, Protection Unit which was facilitated by Government agencies, Māori organisations and local high schools to assist Taranaki Māori in accessing a “Research shows people are more the WhyOra programme. career in the health and disability sector. inclined to use and respond better to services where there is cultural “I started in the Why Ora programme Māori are under-represented in the health and disability workforce in almost every area, holding concordance between patients and their as a year 13 student at (Waitara High back both Māori provider development and health care professionals. That is why the School). Since then the staff at WRR have improvements in mainstream delivery to Māori. The vision of WhyOra is for Taranaki to have supported me in applying for courses under-representation of Māori in the Taranaki health a competent, skilled Māori health and and provided a number of opportunities and disability workforce, reflective of this situation, provides the impetus for the WhyOra project. disability workforce equal in proportion to gain invaluable experience in public to its population who can provide health services throughout my studies,” WhyOra is made up of representatives of the Taranaki District Health Board, Te Whare Punanga culturally appropriate services. The goal said Miss Stanton. Korero Trust and the Ministry of Social Development. is to identify and facilitate pathways to WRR’s activities focus on increasing the number of employment for Māori within the health During her internship, Miss Stanton is Māori working in the Taranaki health and disability and disability sector,” said Mrs Anaha. working on an environmental health workforce. project which aims to review the range ‘WhyOra’ is a play on the commonly used term Since its introduction in 2010, Why Ora of warning signs currently used by local “Waiora” meaning soundness or health of body and mind. Thus WhyOra implies “why health” in the has worked with over 300 students from authorities to warn people of the risk to context of health as a rewarding and viable career throughout Taranaki, introducing them water safety. Natasha has been travelling opportunity for the Taranaki Māori population. to the range of roles within Taranaki’s throughout the region visiting popular

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 19 INTERNS GET A DOSE OF PROVINCIAL MEDICINE

A group of 12 trainee intern medical Charles Hunt, Taranaki DHB Human including overseas attachments and school students completing their final Resources Manager said, “The benefits Radiology. year of Medical School are getting on- of these placements also extend into the-job experience in Taranaki, thanks the community, particularly general Taranaki DHB has had a partnership with to a new partnership between the practice and rural medicine, and this will the University of Auckland for Trainee University of Auckland and Taranaki complement their experiences working Intern placements in Paediatrics for over DHB. in a range of other provincial healthcare 30 years, however in the past students settings. These students will be more were only placed within Taranaki DHB Dr John Doran, Taranaki DHB likely to return to provincial DHBs and hospitals for six week periods. Paediatrician and academic coordinator into specialities that are harder to recruit said, “The aim of the new agreement is for.” One of those students, Dr Maihi Brown to introduce students to the concept chose to return to Taranaki after a of living and working in provincial NZ. All 12 students have been placed in placement here during his sixth year This broadens their experience base and various medical teams throughout the of study. “I enjoyed Taranaki Base prepares them for their roles as house DHB and work under supervision of Hospital’s environment so that definitely surgeons at the end of the year. “ consultants and other team members, influenced my decision to come back completing course requirements which here. I’m also from a small town, so But it’s not just the students who will allow them to graduate at the end of working in Taranaki appealed to me. It benefit from the placements here in the year. has everything you need without the Taranaki. The placements provide further hustle and bustle of a big city,” said Dr opportunities for clinical staff to engage Teams include Paediatrics, Adult Brown. in teaching and mentoring of young Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, doctors. This complements the DHB’s Emergency Department, Maternity and It is anticipated that student numbers well-established training programmes General Practice, which the students will increase over the coming years to and highlights opportunities for rotate through each quarter. The a maximum of 16 final year students, in ongoing education for all staff to further students also have the option to be addition to another programme for fifth enhance the level of care provided for placed in other medical disciplines year medical students which is projected our patients. to start in 2018.

20 Pulse April 2016 TASTY LUNCH TREATS

Hummus (pictured)

Ingredients 1 can 400g chick peas, drained 1-2 cloves garlic, minced 2 T lemon juice ½ tsp ground cumin Light and Tasty Easy Mini Quiches 3 T smooth peanut butter ¼ tsp salt Weetbix Muffins Ingredients 1 T olive oil 12 slices wholegrain bread (optional) ¼ tsp paprika Ingredients 1 diced onion Vegetable sticks for dipping i.e. 1 ½ cups wholemeal flour ½ cup grated edam cheese cucumber, celery, carrots, capsicum 4 Weet-Bix, crushed 1 cup milk ½ cup Light ‘n’ Tasty cereal 4 eggs Cooking Instructions ½ cup sultanas 1 tsp dry mustard 1. In a food processor combine first ½ cup milk Salt and pepper five ingredients and blend to a ½ cup natural apple juice smooth consistency. Add water or 150g tub low-fat yoghurt NB: You can add extra vegies as desired extra lemon juice to get the desired 1 egg e.g. corn, mushroom, capsicum, cooked consistency/flavour. 1 ripe banana, mashed pumpkin, spinach 2. Serve in a bowl and sprinkle paprika 2 tsp cinnamon and a drizzle of olive oil as desired. 1 tsp mixed spice Cooking Instructions 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1. Preheat oven to190oC 2. Spray muffin tray with cooking spray Cooking Instructions or lightly grease. TIP! 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 3. Trim bread slices into circles. Place You can pimp your hummus by 2. Mix the flour, crushed Weet-Bix, circles in bottom of muffin tray. adding cooked vegetables to the Light ‘n’ Tasty, sultanas, spices and 4. In a medium bowl, combine milk, blender, like pumpkin or beetroot. baking powder together in a bowl. eggs, mustard and pepper. Plus it makes it nice and colourful 3. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, 5. Distribute the onion, vegies (if which is always a bonus! apple juice, mashed banana, beaten used) and shredded cheese evenly egg and yoghurt. between the muffin tins. 4. Combine the wet and dry 6. Divide egg mixture between the ingredients together until they are muffin tins. just mixed and no more. Place in 7. Bake in preheated oven for 20 greased muffin tins and bake for minutes, or until a toothpick approximately 15 minutes. inserted into the centre of a quiche comes out clean. Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 21 Warm Fuzzies

“Any of the nurses, doctors, or other people working in this hospital have been very kind to me, cheerful, keeping me carefully aware of the situation and making them sure the pain was always bearable. Very professional staff who helped me a lot to feel better. Thank you!” Warm fuzzies from our patients “My husband had a quad bike accident and THANK YOU was flown to Taranaki Base Hospital. We just “From my unexpected admission via the wanted to comment on what a wonderful ED for surgery and overnight in ward 3A team you have. Everyone who took care of plus visits from home care by the district him was kind, caring and took the time to nurse team, I received amazing care explain what was happening. Please pass on and attention from start to finish. I have our sincere thanks.” nothing but praise to all who cared for me. sincere thanks Well done and thank you.” “One of the stand out features of the features of the care we received was the team effort by well done all in the ward, to create a team that works “I want to say how thankful I am for the like this is difficult to do and the way you excellent care I received recently at Taranaki all worked together is very commendable. I base hospital. The doctors, nurses, and could name individuals for their special care support staff in both ED and the surgical but I don’t want to detract from the excellent ward were so friendly and supportive. The team environment prevailing on the ward. clinical and personal care I received was very Once again our sincere thanks for all your good. Thank you so much.” compassion, genuine care, professionalism, advice and support, it makes all the difference, we are glad we live in Taranaki. (Maternity)”

“I just wanted to thank both the Emergency Department and ICU department staff for their care and understanding of my dad when he was bought in critically ill last week. The compassion, professionalism and ‘nothings a problem’ attitude of all the staff in both departments made our journey with dad’s sickness a little bit more bearable.”

22 Pulse April 2016 IN BRIEF... Fiji Friday Staff at Fulford Radiology held a ‘Fiji Friday’ mufti day as a fundraiser for a school in Fiji which was decimated by cyclone Winston. This fundraiser had extra meaning for the team as the village in which the school is situated is the home village of one of the Fulford staff members. The team raised $350. Well done Fulford!

Creating Momentum in Health Care Tracy Nowicki, a clinical nurse consultant from Brisbane presented a Creating Momentum seminar, at Taranaki Base Hospital earlier this month. The Seminar had very powerful messages regarding how to stage pressure injuries and bariatric care.

Tracy is passionate about improving patient safety through Quality Effective Support Teams, which she has been instrumental in setting up in Queensland. Essential Health Services kindly sponsored the seminar and provided lunch. Further information can be found at: www.qel2.com.au

Taranaki DHB Organisational Update Rosemary Clements and Gill Campbell recently presented the Organisational Update at both Hawera and Taranaki Base Hospital. This update discussed the reasons behind the recently implemented savings initiatives, challenges and achievements, followed by the ‘Strategic Case for Change’ presentation which was presented to the Ministry of Health earlier this month. Long Service Recognition Management acknowledges that it can In February, Jane Hedberg (Domestic Services) marked 28 years be difficult for some staff to attend these as a Taranaki DHB employee. Jane has been an important and meetings so if any departments would like valued part of the cleaning services at Taranaki DHB, having the update presented at team meetings or worked in all parts of the hospital over her years of service. discussed at shift hand over, please contact Congratulations and thank you Jane for all of your hard work [email protected]. and lovely smiles over all of these years.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community / Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 23 Protect yourself and your patients against

Get immunised now!

24 Pulse April 2016