Pulsethe Newsletter of the Taranaki District Health Board

December 2010

PULSEthe newsletter of the Taranaki District Health Board

Inside ThisThis IssueIssue Desert Runner Conquers Sahara Outstanding Immunisation Rates Medication Reconciliation Project

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Comments from CEO Tony Foulkes

facilitated by Dr Murray Horn, Chairman of As we await fi nal sign off from the National the National Health Board. The challenges Health Board, we plan to go to tender for the New Zealand health sector faces in the a main builder in March/April, and progress years ahead were encapsulated by Murray, to start building in July/August. I’m sure as ‘we need to fi nd ways of providing a lot we’re going to have a facility and service more services with a little more money’. I’m our community can be proud of. looking forward to working with new Chair Mary Bourke, all Board members and many Meanwhile, the Minister has a keen CEO Tony Foulkes others on these challenges. focus on DHB’s performance against the Government’s six health targets, which are This Pulse includes a wealth of examples The past year has seen a lot of changes now publicly reported regularly. Whilst only of celebrating the achievements and nationally and locally within services, and a snapshot of the wider range of important contributions of many people to the for PHOs and local service providers. The activity that goes on, they do provide an Taranaki health sector, past and present, pace of change is likely to continue and indication to our community on how we combined with the opportunity to welcome accelerate in the year ahead, including are going compared to the targets we set. a number of key new members to the team. greater regional collaboration between The sound progress is very pleasing with DHBs, and we will have to all work to ensure improvements made in all areas, and work These combined with the stories on a any changes are for the better here in underway for further improvements in the sample of the initiatives going on to Taranaki. months ahead. improve the service and experience for patients and visitors are an indication of It is really exciting to see the detailed design Thank you to everyone who has played the great work that continues by so many stage of Project Maunga completed, after a part in the Taranaki health service over people in a challenging environment. a tremendous contribution by user groups the last year, and very best wishes for the and staff in affected areas working together holiday season and 2010 to you and your Following the recent elections and with the design team. The life size mock up families. A special acknowledgement and Ministerial appointments our new Board of a ward bedroom and operating theatre thanks to those working to provide services members met for the fi rst time in December. have both enabled important refi nements and support to the community during this On their fi rst day the Board and executive to the design before we start building for time. team had an introductory workshop real next year.

Board Members

• Mary Bourke (chair) is a trustee of the Bishop’s Action Foundation • Brian Jeffares has been on the Hospital Advisory Committee for and the TSB Community Trust. She chairs the Western Institute of three years and is the former mayor of Stratford. Technology in Taranaki Council, and has recently accepted a role on the Interim Governance Board for a New Families Centre. • Allison Rumball was a New Plymouth district councillor and is now looking forward to being involved in health. • Peter Catt (deputy) Peter has been a GP with the Family Health Centre in New Plymouth for more than 20 years. • Ella Burrows is Chair of the South Taranaki Medical Trust. She has had wide involvement in education, social service, • Alex Ballantyne is deputy mayor of South Taranaki. He is a trustee community law committees and boards. of the TSB Community Trust, chairman/advocate for Central and South Taranaki Advocacy Service and Parish Worker St • Kura Denness is a director of many organisations and is chair of Joseph’s Eltham. He is also a member of the Peak Health Taranaki Tui Ora Limited and Hauora Taranaki PHO Ltd. Local Management Group. • Colleen Tuuta is the chair of the TSB Community Trust, a • Karen Eagles has taken a leadership role with Royal New Zealand director of the TSB Bank and a member of the Public Advisory Plunket Society as a councillor. Committee for the Legal Services Agency.

• Flora Gilkison has a Doctorate in Management and a strong senior • Pauline Lockett is a chartered accountant and a New Plymouth management background. She is currently the principal of the district councillor. Paciﬁ c International Hotel Management School in Bell Block.

2 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Contents

page 5

2. CEO Comments 13. Project Splice Moving Along 4. Clinical Board Update 14. Joy Farley on the Move 5. Knowledge Missed 15. City Pulls Together 6. New Chapter for Librarian 16. Medicine Reconciliation Project 7. Judge Helps Youth 17. Life Changing Diagnosis page 6 8. Social Workers Visit Taranaki 18. A True Gentleman 9. White Ribbon Day 10. Desert Runner Conquers Sahara 12. Junior Docs Fun Day

page 10 page 14 page 17

Key EDITORIAL PANEL The Pulse is the newsletter of Lisa Hofstee the Taranaki District Health Karlina Nickson Board. We welcome your ideas Honor Lymburn website or intranet link and contributions please submit  Gillian Gonthier Marianne Pike them by email to: Tim Connole email link e Frances Pentelow [email protected] Bronwen Pepperell x phone number extension e EDITOR

For an interactive colour Krysti Wetton version of the Pulse visit: Farewell Our Pulse editor Krysti Wetton is leaving DESIGNER at the end of this week. We wish her luck www.tdhb.org.nz in her future Its been great working with Nick O’Sullivan you from the Pulse and Communications  team. PUBLISHER and PRINTER

Communications Team Taranaki District Health Board David Street Private Bag 2016 New Plymouth 4342

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 3 Clinical Board Update

The Clinical Board addressed a wide guide and mentor to the board and his viewing. For details contact Frances variety of topics over the last three wisdom and experience will be missed. McNulty on ext 8645. months. Here is a snapshot. Recently the Clinical Board suggested The Clinical Board encourages clinical As the Clinical Board has just passed the adoption of ‘Allow Natural research at TDHB as it provides good its fi rst anniversary, a stock take Death’ (AND) instead of ‘Not For staff development and is a draw to was undertaken of how the board Resuscitation’ (NFR) to TDHB’s attract staff to work here. A database is functioning. All members were Resuscitation Committee. The board is of all research that is going on is canvassed for their opinions on what interested to receive comments from maintained for the Clinical Board works well and not so well. Several staff around the proposed alteration. and it has recently ratifi ed the TDHB ideas came out of this, including Please feedback to Frances McNulty, Clinical Research Policy. This provides sponsoring an award for Clinical Clinical Board Coordinator, at guidelines for staff wishing to carry Excellence. Watch for further news of [email protected]. out research at the hospital and can be this in 2011. found in the Clinical Practices Manual. The Clinical Board has approved a new The Clinical Board also said a fond Informed Consent Policy to ensure the The Clinical Board’s work plan is farewell to Associate Professor current laws are adhered to. This is a pretty packed and each member has John Buchanan of the University complex area and an important one nominated themselves to work on of Auckland, as he goes into a well to get right. Education sessions were specifi c topics so 2011 looks like being deserved retirement. John was sponsored by the Clinical Board when another busy year. requested by the CEO to undertake Iris Reuvecamp, a Senior Associate with a review of the Clinical Board and its lawyers Buddle Findlay, came to talk Staff online viewers function and his report resulted in to various groups at the hospital. This  Click here for more on the new board. He has worked as a was video-taped and is available for the Clinical Board

Outstanding Immunisation Rates

Taranaki DHB has been congratulated on its outstanding performance on the immunisation health target.

The DHBs who achieved the 2010 national health target for immunisation (85% of all two year olds by 2010) received an outstanding achievement certiﬁ cate signed by Minister of Health Tony Ryall.

New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young presented the certiﬁ cate to Taranaki DHB. He said immunisation worked to ensure that many serious diseases that Tony Foulkes, Jonathan Young, Nurse Rochelle Hall and Immunisation Support could seriously harm children may Worker Sonya Popovich, who is holding fully immunised baby Tawhitorangi be avoided. “It is one of the most Clement. effective means of protecting people against such diseases. Congratulations news for our children so a big thanks and Ruanui Health Services. to our health professionals who have to all involved.” worked hard to bring protection to Mr Ryall said the number of Kiwi our children.” He said the result and immunisation children fully immunised by their programmes were mainly down to second birthday had risen from 73% Taranaki DHB Chief Executive Tony the hard work of GPs and practice in 2007 to 87% in 2010. “It is pleasing Foulkes was delighted with the nurses, along with providers of to see such progress in this prevention recognition for Taranaki. “It’s good outreach services such as Piki Te Ora programme.”

4 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Knowledge will be Missed

He has been instrumental in improving safety and quality of patient care in Taranaki, and established senior doctor credentialing at the DHB.

Dr Buchanan often stopped to talk to staff, gaining valuable insight into the workings of the hospital. “I’ve met a lot of people in the corridor,” he says.

He says he will continue to watch clinical initiatives develop at the DHB. “Taranaki has a proud history of being at the forefront of things.”

From left: Tony Foulkes, John Buchanan with wife Noelene, and John Doran. Chief Medical Advisor John Doran says Dr Buchanan has led by example, John Buchanan won’t be seen walking positions were Responsible Person encouraging and challenging the DHB the hospital corridors with his suitcase for the Protected Quality Assurance to be the best it can. “We thank him anymore, but he’ll still have a keen Activity and advisor to the Clinical for the inspiration and knowledge he interest the DHB’s activities. Board. has so generously given us over the years. Dr Buchanan, who has been visiting Dr Buchanan, who has a background Taranaki in various roles for about 15 in haematology and pathology, is Chief Executive Tony Foulkes says Dr years, will no longer be providing his one of Auckland’s most eminent and Buchanan has always had a focus on services to the DHB. innovative physicians. He helped patient care. “He challenged us to look establish bone marrow transplants in at the smallest detail to the biggest Based in Auckland, his most recent New Zealand. systems to help us with patients.” Midwife Returns to DHB

she will be involved with leadership, In 1997, Belinda came to New Zealand education and change management. to take up a midwife position with She also helps out in the maternity Taranaki DHB. “We loved it and never wards when they are busy. went back.”

Belinda has come to the DHB from She soon ventured out into the working in the community as a self community, working as a lead employed midwife. She sees her new maternity carer. She helped set up role as a great opportunity and new Partners in Pregnancy, becoming the challenge. general manager.

She trained as a nurse in London and She has continued to up skill, went on to study midwifery in 1982. completing a Masters Degree “It’s an unpredictable career - you in midwifery and is a lactation never know what’s going to come consultant. through the door and I quite like Belinda Chapman surprises.” There are 53 lead maternity carers Belinda Chapman enjoys the and DHB employed midwives in unpredictable nature of midwifery She says New Zealand midwifery Taranaki. and that aspect won’t change in her has a good reputation in England, new role with the DHB. especially with the lead maternity Belinda has taken over from Amanda carer partnership concept and the Hinks, who has moved to Auckland. As the new Clinical Midwife Specialist focus on women and family/whanau.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 5 Frances Pentelow New Chapter for Librarian

For 30 years Frances Pentelow has computer. “Everyone’s email was Huckerby, Siwsan Naughton and helped staff sift through the myriads visible to all, and at times was very Jenny Murray,” Frances says. of books and articles at the hospital enlightening.” library to fi nd the information they The Library Advisory Committee need. was formed in 1990 and has been “One doctor a great support in the policy and As she prepares to retire, she looks carried out an planning of library services. In 1993, back over her time with the DHB. the Taranaki Hospitals Library Trust online romance was formed to raise additional “While it may seem that 30 years and often money for books, journals and in the same position is a bit much, databases. it has been a challenging and forgot to pick exciting journey keeping up with up his printed Frances has been fortunate to be the changes,” she says. “I have never well supported to attend library tired of the satisfaction of sourcing messages,” conferences and health librarians’ information for staff and of more Frances recalls. meetings. Particular highlights recent years teaching people how were overseas conferences in Perth, to carry out their own literature Melbourne and London. searches.” As the library expanded it began to run out of space. In 2007, the library The formation of the Library Frances started working part-time was upgraded. “It took many years Community Outreach Service in for the DHB in 1981, when the of persuasion before this happened 2006 was another milestone, when medical library was located where and when we moved into the electronic resources were made the case managers’ offi ce and lab refurbished library it was a dream available to health professionals in meeting room now are. She went come true for me.” the community. fulltime in 1985, not long after the medical and nursing libraries merged The library has reported to a range Frances thanks everyone who when nursing training moved to of services over the years including has supported her over the years WITT. Hospital Services, Allied Health, the including Purchasing, Finance, IT, Finance Department, Information Orderlies, Cleaners and Max who When she completed her Library Services, and Quality and Risk. It has cheerfully changes light bulbs, and Certifi cate in 1988 it allowed the been under Human Resources since Tom who turns his hand to any of DHB to join the Library Interloan 2003. the needs in the library. Scheme and make requests direct to other libraries for books. “At last count I had reported to 17 different managers, including Lucky In 1991, the library offi ce got its fi rst Abeynaike, Richard Doehring, Liz

6 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Dental Cadet Begins Job

“It’s very satisfying to have it ﬁ nally in place. Having Te Waikapoata on board is an extra bonus that’s sure to have lots of positive spin- offs.” Te Waikapoata Tamati

Dental cadet Te Waikapoata Tamati over the next 10 years. The project is Te Waikapoata will get hands-on is learning all about working funded by the TSB Community Trust, experience in a variety of dental in dental health and already Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Social health roles and settings, and considering the different careers Development and Taranaki DHB. will also get the opportunity to options available. undertake further study related to Te Waikapoata says the cadetship the position. Te Waikapoata is Taranaki DHB’s gives her an opportunity to see what ﬁ rst Maori dental cadet as part jobs are available in the dental ﬁ eld. The cadetship was set up due to of the Maori health and disability “I’m enjoying learning about it all a shortage of dental therapists in workforce project Whakatipuranga and looking forward to seeing the Taranaki and the need to grow Rima Rau (WRR). patients.” dental services that are more responsive to Maori. An important WRR is a collaborative project which DHB Maori Health Adviser Ngawai part of the training will take place aims to create 500 employment Henare says establishing the cadetship at the new dental clinic at Rangiatea opportunities for Maori within the has involved planning by many in New Plymouth. Taranaki health and disability sector people. Judge Helps Youth

Taranaki Youth Court Judge Rob Dr Samir Heble said Judge Murﬁ tt Murﬁ tt has left a lasting impression was a compassionate judge who on the region, with his commitment understood the issues facing mental in helping young people make health clients who appeared before better choices. him.

Judge Murfi tt has worked closely The Judge was the driving force with TDHB Mental Health and behind the production of a Addictions Services during his time documentary fi lm on the dangers of in Taranaki. cannabis. Dr Heble also contributed his knowledge and appeared on the He attended forums where mental DVD. health staff and law professionals discussed the complexities of The fi lm, called Hiding Behind the mental health clients going through Green Screen, was produced by the legal system. Waves psychologist Paora Joseph. Dr Samir Heble farewells Judge The educational resource will be Rob Murfi tt, who has moved to Mental Health and Addictions used in schools, courts and by Christchurch. Services Executive Clinical Director health professionals.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 7 Social Workers Visit Taranaki

Here are comments from our overseas guests

“I went up to the snowy mountain then came down to go ﬁ shing, all with the blue sky of Taranaki. Thanks to all host families and other people I have met in this beautiful city.” From left: Kibar, Jarmila, Susanne, Charlotte. Kibar (Turkey)

Four social workers from overseas TDHB Social Worker Sarah “Taranaki has all that you need in were treated to the sights of DeSouza said the success of life, plus the extra that makes it Taranaki while sharing their the programme was due to the worthwhile. Thank you for your great expertise and knowledge with local collaboration among the CIF team hospitality.” social service professionals. in Taranaki with the Aotearoa/ Charlotte (Sweden) New Zealand Association of The visitors, from Germany, Social Workers, the social work Sweden, Czech Republic and Turkey community, social services were here on a social and cultural agencies, and support from DHB “It was the best exchange programme. colleagues. decision to come here and see The programme was organised “It was a great way to come together by the Council of International and share the expertise, knowledge the beautiful Fellowship (CIF) Aotearoa/New and skills we have in Taranaki with landscape and the Zealand Branch, which is one social workers from around the world of many countries afﬁ liated to and learn from them.” friendliest people the international organisation. and learn a lot The council aims to foster peace The participants visited agencies about social work and tolerance between different including Tu Tama Wahine, Mahia cultures. Mai, Child Youth & Family, CCS, in New Zealand.” Barnados, Waves and Settlement Susanne (Germany) New Zealand Branch Vice President Support. DHB services included Peter Hickey said the programme CAMHS, Social Work Services, the in Taranaki this year was a big Alcohol & Drug Service, and the “Warm, lovely and special people success. He said social workers and Domestic Violence Coordinator. in New Plymouth. I climbed on Mt host families went out of their way Taranaki and made snow angels.” to ensure the visitors received the Health professionals interested in Jarmila (Czech Republic) best of hospitality and were able the programme can contact Sarah to capture the uniqueness of life in De Souza, Tiba Hutchinson, Rachel Taranaki. Hickson or Peter Hickey at the DHB.

8 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga White Ribbon Day

We had a black out here at Taranaki DHB with staff wearing Family Violence It’s Not OK! t-shirts and white ribbons to show support of White Ribbon Day.

Information was provided to staff on the history of White Ribbon Day and how men developed and lead this day, that is now an international event.

DHB staff enjoyed wearing the t-shirts while working with some saying it was a cool and fun way to promote a serious message. “It was just awesome to be involved,” one said. “Our team wore the t-shirts with pride,” said another.

Staff online viewers  Click here to view the white Staff get behind White Ribbon Day by wearing It’s Not OK t-shirts. ribbon day photo gallery

Outstanding Customer Service

to honour fellow staff members come through with ﬂ ying colours.” for their outstanding customer “He is always willing to help out service skills, and have proved to when he can. The absolute best thing be a popular and effective way to about his service is that he is always acknowledge staff members who go wearing a big smile and is positive the extra mile. in his approach to his work and his colleagues. We know that when Here are just a few of the we deal with him it is going to be a comments staff made about positive experience and this makes their colleagues such a difference to our working day.”

“The ultimate receptionist. “Absolutely dedicated and totally She is vivacious, zany, lovable and professional in her role. She is very loyal. She is always smiling, cheerful welcoming and extremely generous Sarel Claassens was among the award and charming to her clients and with her time and energies towards recipients. workmates. I have never seen her get new people to the department. She upset or let patients bother her. She is shows huge commitment to her role Congratulations to all the recipients unﬂ appable. Her work is outstanding, and is very popular with both staff of an Outstanding Customer Service she is quick and efﬁ cient.” and patients. As a recent settler in Award. New Zealand she has gone out of her “He always has a cheerful attitude way in helping my family and I settle In all, 58 nominations were to all he meets while delivering the in New Plymouth.” received for staff across a range of notes in his wheelchair. He never departments. complains, always has a kind word for Maggie and Cherry, from Customer all. He has had a lot to contend with Services, thank everybody who The awards were an opportunity adjusting to a new way of life and has nominated fellow staff for awards.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 9 Desert Runner Conquers Sahara

TDHB Paramedic Megan Stewart completed one of the toughest endurance races in the world in October. But it’s not about crossing the finish line that’s important. For her it’s the journey.

It took Megan just 18 months pleased with ourselves if we manage Megan accompanied Lisa, running from running her fi rst kilometre to a 5km run without stopping. She on average 42km a day. “Coming completing a gruelling 250km race pushes the boundaries, and she had into Taranaki was the best,” Megan across the Sahara Desert, in Egypt. good reasons. said. “I’ll never forget running past Urenui School with all the kids lined In that short time she went from Friend and world class ultra up cheering and doing the haka.” feeling unfi t, unmotivated and marathon runner Lisa Tamati asked overweight to conquering one of her to be her chief crew person The rules meant there were no the hottest, driest places on earth. in the 217km race through Death support crews for Megan or Lisa Valley, in California. when they took part in the Sahara The fi rst kilometre she ran back race. It was a test of self motivation in February last year left her The job involved motivating Lisa and determination. “buggered”. But she didn’t give up. when she felt like giving up, monitoring her pace and carrying Megan carried a 12kg backpack Her exercise regime soon turned out health checks. with the food and water she needed into 100km charity walks, then a each day, plus survival gear. 50km run in Taupo. Three days prior Megan prepared for months she put a garden fork through her beforehand, fi tting her training The 250km run was held over six foot. Not that it was going to stop around her full-time job as a TDHB stages, fi nishing at Pyramids. her entering. paramedic and family commitments. Reality hit the fi rst day - 48 degree It’s this unrelenting drive and She found it hard going, but was heat, 40 knot winds and soft sand fortitude that carried her through soon addicted to the challenge and that feet sunk into. Megan quickly the Sahara event, which is part of wanted to give it a go herself. “It adapted to the changing terrain but the Racing the Planet’s Four Deserts became a bit of an obsession.” paid the price with blisters nearly to Series. the bone, blood seeping from her First there was a charity run the shoes. Unlike Megan, most of us are length on New Zealand. Again

10 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga As the days wore on it was the She stopped to help one of landscape that focused her mind. them as he struggled to the next “Going back to She stopped to admire fossils checkpoint. He later had to pull out believed to be whales with legs of the event. the basics of that died 40 million years ago, life helps you admired a meteor in the sky and It spurred Megan on to ﬁ nish for scaled sand dunes 120m high. him, and the others who wouldn’t realise what’s get to the ﬁ nish line. important. It was

“You’re in the The last and longest 95km leg life changing most beautiful was the toughest, and Megan - I know I’m collapsed in her tent when she place that’s so completed it. capable of peaceful. The anything now.” scenery is just The next day was a short distance to the Pyramids where competitors amazing - I could finally stop and rest, Megan has advice for others wanting felt like I was knowing they had just finished to reach their goals. “If you give up one of the hardest feats possible. when something gets tough you’re on the moon never going to grow as a person. Be sometimes.” “It was very surreal and didn’t sink strong, suck it up.” in straight away that I’d done it,” Megan says. She challenges others to chase their Megan proudly wore the New dreams. “You can do anything if you Zealand ﬂ ag around her arm as she The race took her 66 hours to believe in yourself.” ran alongside competitors from 35 complete. The experience has left a nations. lasting impression on her. Click here for info on  the Sahara Desert Race

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 11 Dealing with Persistent Pain

and Pain Educator Lara Blundell.

Six programmes have now been run since PUEA started in July 2008 and the seventh is just coming to an end.

Participants attend as a group and the course lasts for 10 weeks, with follow after completion.

Evaluation shows the course is effective in improving quality of life, as well as reducing pain. The results were presented to The Australian Members of the PUEA team with some of the PUEA programme participants. and New Zealand Pain Society Annual Scientiﬁ c Meeting at The Gold Coast Persistent pain can have widespread longstanding, persistent pain. earlier this year and feedback was effects on individuals, affecting not positive. only the physical things they can do, Taranaki DHB’s Persistent Pain Service but also their relationships, sleep and Pain Management Programme (PUEA) Plans are in place to also run a shorter work. offers a different way of handling programme for people who are less pain. Managing pain and learning to disabled and distressed by their pain. The cumulative effects often result live with it can reduce distress and in depression and anxiety. Medicines, improve function. PUEA means ‘to rise up’ and the although sometimes easing the pain, initials stand for Pain, Understanding, can result in mental clouding and This is done through a cognitive Exercise and Adapt. other unwanted side effects. All these behavioural approach of an experiences can worsen symptoms. interdisciplinary team comprising Pain Specialists/Anaesthetists Dr Lorna Fox PUEA Brochure PDF Single discipline treatment rarely and Dr Nic Boheimer, Physiotherapist leads to substantial changes Kate Shelver, Clinical Psychologist  Click here for info on in wellbeing for people with Kate Treves, and PUEA Coordinator Persistent Pain Service Junior Docs Fun Day

Pictured are Sophie Hodgins and They are: Bridget Mooney having fun at the New Plymouth Yacht Club with the George Giddings other ﬁ rst year house surgeons Alice Minhinnick who have started at the DHB. Kiyomi Kitagawa The Medical Management Team Emily Oughton organised the evening of activities Nicholas Brougham and socialising to welcome the 11 Bridget Mooney young doctors who will be with us Hannah Crowley for the next year. Sophie Hodgins Amanda Taylor Many have spent time here on studentships or electives and have Sophie Tapper local connections. Luke O’Connor

12 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Project SPLICE Moving Along

Channa Perry is the new Portfolio Manager for Older People and Cancer Services in the Planning and Funding team.

You may know Channa from her previous role as the Safe Community Programme Manager, operating from the Public Health Unit.

She is now responsible for contracts relating to aged residential care, home-based support services and palliative care. Channa is also the Project Manager overseeing Project SPLICE.

Project SPLICE was initiated by the DHB in 2009 to address the projected health needs of the older population and people who have chronic, long term conditions living in the community. The project aims Channa Perry to build on the strengths of general practice and existing community- based services to improve coordination and integration Project SPLICE was initiated by the DHB between services. in 2009 to address the projected health

The fi rst part of the project needs of the older population and those involved a review of current services with chronic, long term conditions. and developing a proposed service structure. this service would fi t with wider aligning Project SPLICE with other This was followed by consultation developments across the region, in developments in the health sector, seeking feedback on the particular within primary care. particularly the Business Cases best way to implement the of the Midlands Regional Health recommendations. A total of 29 It was decided two groups Network Trust and the National submissions were received and the would be formed to support the Maori PHO Coalition. fi ndings will be used to develop implementation process. the implementation plan. Thanks Regular updates will be provided to everyone who provided such One will be a clinical group focusing on Project SPLICE. If you have any comprehensive feedback on the on the service model. It will include questions or would like to share proposal. clinical representation from allied your views please contact Channa health, district nursing, practice on: The project is now at the based nursing, GPs, Maori health, implementation stage, and an NASC, specialist educators, specialist initial steering group meeting was services for older people and home- x ext. 8566 held on 24 November. There were based support services. Additional two main themes of discussion clinical input may be called upon e [email protected] - fi rstly around developing an where needed. integrated model of service delivery, and secondly about how The other group will focus on

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 13 Cooking for Health

circle of life. Participants had practical cooking lessons that produced healthy food choices. To burn off the healthy food, traditional Maori games where introduced to the group.

The games included Poi Toa, which focuses on throwing techniques to improve reactions and to keep the wrists supple and strong. Another was Ki o Rahi, played with a small round ball and combining aspects of rugby, touch, netball, basketball and Australian rules football.

The participants learnt some handy Particpants on a healthy eating course get to test their cooking skills. tips. “I am keen on the bartering of fruit and vegetables and I think it Participants on a healthy eating Action Fund). could be extended to home produced course organised by the DHB got cooking and preserves as well,” said to test their culinary skills during The training gave participants one. practical cooking sessions. resources and knowledge to take back to their communities. “We very much enjoyed the three There were 23 community members days we all spent together. It was one and DHB staff at the Te Hotu Manawa Topics included reading food labels, of those occasions where you don’t Maori training over three days in budgeting, nutrition, physical activity, want to leave,” said another. November. and weight management. There were also supermarket tours. This course was a pre-entry to the The nutrition and physical activity Level 4 Certiﬁ cate to be held in 2011. course, held at Whakaahurangi How food has changed over the years Marae, was delivered by Te Hotu was also discussed, along with how Manawa Maori and funded by Oranga the earth, wind, ﬁ re and water play a  Click here for info on Kai Oranga Pumau (Community part in the survival of earth and the Te Hotu Manawa General Manager on the Move

Joy Farley, General Manager will be Acting General Manager Hospital & Specialist Services, is Hospital & Specialist Services. leaving the DHB after many years. The health sector will continue to Joy has been a key fi gure in benefi t from Joy’s experience and Taranaki health services, after skills. In the New Year she will be commencing work as a staff nurse working for the Ministry of Health more 20 years ago, and moving - National Health Board Business to hold various leadership and Unit. management positions Taranaki wide, and notably in her current Joy has made a signifi cant General Manager role since 2002. contribution to Taranaki over many years and we all wish her the best Joy will be leaving at Christmas for the future. time, and Rosemary Clements

Joy Farley

14 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga City Pulls Together

Health Care Assistant Barbara Ritchie was called up to go to Christchurch just hours after she volunteered to help Canterbury DHB.

Her duty manager suggested she put her name forward after the request was sent to all staff. That night, she was on a plane heading to Christchurch. “I didn’t have time to think about it.”

She arrived at night, not seeing the damage from the major earthquake until the next morning. “It was really incredible after seeing it on TV.” The Christchurch earthquakes caused damage and destruction.

Barbara was sent to Nurse Maude, a support from their families and Sheree East sent a letter of thanks to care agency that supports clients who neighbours. But the earthquakes were Barbara. need help in their homes. really scary for them. They were just exhausted.” Sheree said Barbara’s assistance The former enrolled nurse knew helped reduce pressure on the of the stress residents were under Barbara stayed for six nights and staff members who had to deal from talking to friends and family in found the experience rewarding. “I with damaged homes from the Christchurch. She chatted to clients, felt I did something to help so staff earthquake. “What has made a huge getting an understanding of what they could have time at home. It was neat difference is the support and very were going through. seeing the whole city pulling together. practical assistance you so freely and generously offered when we needed “Most were okay because they had Nurse Maude Director of Nursing it most,” Sheree wrote. Meeting Stafﬁ ng Needs

all departments are expected to use the system by early next year. “It’s important our nurses let us know when they’re available to work extra shifts. The key is keeping the information up-to-date.”

Recruitment is underway for the nursing and health care assistant pools to increase their permanent staff Allocations Unit staff members Shellene Remihana, Sheree Dear and Donna Harridge. numbers which will provide cover for other workers, she says. There’s been plenty of work going staffi ng resources. into Project Whakapai, with three “It’s still early days but through staff members in the Allocations The software has been introduced to effective planning we’ll see the Unit working closely with the duty help with workforce planning and recruitment of more staff which will managers and team leaders to fi ll allocating staff to cover sick leave, reduce overall personnel costs.” staffi ng gaps. vacancies and specialing. Staff can contact the Allocations Unit The unit works with managers, and Project Whakapai’s Laura Austin says on 027 440 2835 between 6am-8pm together using the new HWS software the tool is mainly being used for casual week days, and between 9am-2.30pm tool they can make the most of and part-time nursing staff. However, on weekends.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 15 Deﬁ brillation Project Could Save Lives

10 automatic external defi brillators in residents received training. September with money gained from Taranaki patients who were involved Parihaka Paa attracts many people to in cardiac drug trials. its hui throughout the year, including the Parihaka International Peace The automatic defi brillators give Festival. electrical currents to victims of cardiac arrest and are designed to be operated “Having the defi brillator housed by anyone in the community. When at the marae has been gratefully used in conjunction with CPR they received by the Parihaka people,” says have the potential to save lives. spokesperson Nedina Hohaia, who is also a TDHB health promoter. Dr Ternouth and Resuscitation Coordinator Nicky Lumb are in the “In an emergency situation, of process of placing the machines in which there have been many over areas which have large numbers of the years, it can take 30-45 minutes Nedina Hohaia, of Parihaka, practises CPR on a model. people or are geographically isolated. for an ambulance to reach Parihaka Paa. Having the defi brillator onsite So far New Plymouth Boys’ High School will greatly increase the chances of A project to donate defi brillators to and Parihaka Marae have received one. survival for potential cardiac arrest highly populated or isolated parts of victims,” Nedina says. Taranaki has seen the machines go In October, Nicky and ED Nurse into a school and marae. Educator Kareen McLeod delivered The defi brillator will also be available the defi brillator to Parihaka Marae, to the wider community which is Cardiologist Dr Ian Ternouth bought and ran CPR training. All the predominantly farming. Medication Reconciliation Project

for them to remember. taking prior to admission to ensure assessments and treatment can be The DHB’s Medicines Reconciliation thorough and accurate.” Project is set to reduce medication errors, improve efﬁ ciencies and The DHB is involving everyone provide safer transcribing. with the introduction of green bags for patient’s medication. This Part of the project is the includes GPs, rest homes, hospital introduction of green bags for departments and pharmacies. people to store their medicines in whilst in hospital. The bright green Mrs Plant says the project focuses bags are for high medication users on how medication information and are a helpful reminder to bring is handled from admission to medications to hospital. discharge. It involves a new electronic reconciliation process to TDHB Chief Pharmacist Elizabeth better track patients’ medication TDHB Clinical Pharmacist Tess Plant says it is vital people bring changes during their hospital stay. James shows patient Jessie Munro their medications with them - the new green bags for storing whether it be to the Emergency This is a national pilot undertaken medication. Department or the wards - and be in conjunction with the Safe willing to discuss what they are Medication Management Patients coming into hospital taking with the doctors. Programme and the National Health should bring all their current IT Board. medications with them - and the “The doctors need to accurately Taranaki DHB is making it easier know what medications people are

16 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Life Changing Diagnosis

A multidisciplinary approach and psychosocial support are helping Taranaki families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Four-year-old Paul Hinz, affectionately known as the little cowboy, and his family are among those being supported by staff using the psychosocial model of care. Paul has cancer treatment in Taranaki and at Starship.

In 2004, research into the psychosocial support as part of the Paediatric A psychosocial model of care The Paediatric Oncology Multidisciplinary Oncology Service at the DHB was supports our little cowboy Team meets every fortnight. initiated by the late Dr Alan Parsons. Paul Hinz and his family to manage his cancer treatment. The research included surveying families of children and young people who were diagnosed with Recommendations highlighted A Paediatric Oncology cancer and received treatment. the need for a multidisciplinary Multidisciplinary Team was approach and effective psychosocial established and meets every The questionnaire focussed on support in the treatment of fortnight. Patient and family needs the impact that the diagnosis childhood cancer. are discussed and appropriate and treatment had on their referrals made to relevant health quality of life, psychosocial needs A model of care embracing these services. and the support they received. principles was implemented. Successes Shared at Conference

The conference, themed Back to the outcomes for the child and family. Future, was held at Base Hospital over two days in November. It Paediatrician and conference convenor focused on the importance of early Raimond Jacquemard presented the intervention and treatment. pathway developed for assessing and managing children with ADHD. Taranaki paediatrics showcased initiatives to participants, who come Social Worker Marianne Pike’s from all over New Zealand. presentation focused on research and fi ndings on the impact that cancer The initiatives gave tribute to the diagnosis and treatment has on late Dr Alan Parsons. His vision families’ quality of life, psychosocial and advocating for best practice needs and the support they receive. contributed to establishing the paediatric service models in Taranaki. The conference also included international speakers. Paediatricians gathered in New One of the projects highlighted Plymouth for their annual meeting. was the DHB’s Paediatric High The Paediatric Society of New Zealand Needs Service Coordinator. High dedicated the conference to the Paediatricians and other health Needs Service Coordinator Anne memory of two of New Zealand’s professionals descended on Taranaki for Llewellyn says the role enables fi nest paediatricians - recently the Paediatric Society of New Zealand’s more productive use of skilled deceased Dr Robin Fancourt and Dr annual scientifi c meeting. paediatrician time and productive Alan Parsons.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community PULSE // 17 A True Gentleman

He will be remembered for his word was his bond and a handshake willingness to help people, his sealed any deal, he was truly an all kindness and sense of humour. round good bloke,” Gloria said.

LabCare Manager Gloria Crossley She said he proved dyslexia was no said lab staff will miss John’s barrier to gaining registration and professionalism, compassion and having a successful career. fatherly advice. “John was always the peacemaker.” Through his mortuary duties he worked with several pathologists and He was always helping repair things, pathology registrars. arriving in the mornings armed John Healy with drills, nails, saws - whatever he Taranaki MedLab Pathologist Dr thought was needed, sledgehammers David Innes said John was a great Our highly regarded Mortuary even. “He was the laboratory Mr Fix man. “He had such generosity Assistant John Healy sadly passed It and this extended to staff outside of spirit. He was encouraging, away in November. of the laboratory as well.” compassionate, generous and kind.”

John worked at Base Hospital for John was a visionary - he started “He did so much for others, and more than 24 years as part of the working with the police and schools always without any expectation team in Histology, during which in educating young people by talking for the favour to be returned. He time he gained his registration as about some of the things he had touched the hearts of so many a Qualiﬁ ed Medical Laboratory seen and dealt with. people. This place will never be the Technician through the Medical same again without my friend and Laboratory Science Board. “You always knew with John that his colleague John.”

A midwives and mates team, called M & Ms, took part in the Round the Mountain Relay in November.

The team of 12 and ﬁ nished the event in 16 hours and 15 minutes, coming 20th out of 42 teams. The midwives were Karen Rutter, Ali Jennings, Julie Mellor and Rosemary Darby.

Click here for info on  Round the Mountain Relay

A talented group of staff members celebrated Scottish Week (17-25 September) by demonstrating their dancing skills to staff and patients in Ward 1.

The dancers were Nurse Manager Ward 1 Sue Williamson, Speech Language Therapist Caroline Blume, Dietitian Suzie Konijn, Transfer Nurse Mary Coronel, Dietitian Gillian Gonthier and Scottish Country Dance Club member Deidre Brockhill.

The Pulse - Taranaki District Health Board Private Bag 2016, New Plymouth 4342 18 // PULSE Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga