Public Health – Volume 11 No. 2 December 2007 ISSN 1174-3522 (Print) Perspectives ISSN 1178-2552 (Online)
Presenting the Ministry of Health’s public health focus Mangere Healthy Kai takes out major prize at 2007 Health Innovation Awards
In 2003, Mangere’s food Jenny says a working group retailers began doing made up of representatives their bit to help fight New from each of these Zealand’s growing obesity organisations has been epidemic, and have just responsible for the successful implementation of Mangere been nationally recognised Healthy Kai. for their efforts. ‘Since the win, we’ve been The Mangere Healthy Kai asked what the secret is to the programme, lead by Auckland success of Healthy Kai. One Regional Public Health Service, of the successes has been won the Supreme Award at last the great relationship the month’s 2007 New Zealand Health Innovation Awards 2007, Supreme Award winners working group has had with Health Innovation Awards. Mangere retailers and the Mangere Town Centre Management. Given that over 90 percent of the The Health Innovation Awards are a longstanding retailers in Mangere Town Centre are of Chinese initiative between the Ministry of Health and ACC, descent, it was really important that we were able celebrating innovative thinking in the health sector. to communicate with them effectively.
Mangere Healthy Kai promotes ready-to-eat ‘That’s where Kai Hong Tan from the Auckland healthy choices in Auckland’s Mangere town Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has proved centre to help combat obesity, Type 2 Diabetes invaluable. Kai Hong is a registered nutritionist and cardiovascular disease. At the beginning in the Health Outcome Team at the ARPHS, who of the programme, 11 eligible food retailers in speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese. With Mangere town centre joined in and there are now these two skills combined, she’s been able to 14 in total. build a supportive working relationship with Mangere retailers.’ Jenny Rattray, a community dietitian at Mangere Community Health Trust says the programme Jenny says the Healthy Kai programme is now is supported by a number of organisations operating in Otara, Glen Eden and Glen Innes and and includes Auckland District Health Board, it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop there. Mangere Community Health Trust, National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Bader Drive ‘Since our win, we’ve been inundated with Healthcare, Te Kupenga O Hoturoa, Procare people contacting us asking how they can get Network Manukau, Manukau City Council and hold of the programme to develop it in their Otara Health Incorporated. own communities. We know there’s a huge Continued on back page
www.moh.govt.nz Contents Editorial New drinking-water legislation passed Paula Hawley-Evans by Parliament...... 3 Senior Advisor HIA Support Unit Public Health Bill gets to House...... 4 Health Impact Assessment Tanning on sunbeds a – an idea whose time has come . . . risky business...... 4 This was the title of a Public Health Advisory Committee publication in February that documents the development of Health Impact Assessment Overseas acclaim for drinking (HIA) in New Zealand. water booklets and DVDs ...... 5 HIA has come a long way fast in New Zealand, and is certainly an idea Smoking to no longer get whose time has come. in your eyes? ...... 6 Since 1998, the Public Health Advisory Committee has led HIA’s Like Minds, Like Mine introduction by supporting agencies in its use, reviewing HIAs at central Programme enters its second and local government levels, providing training and producing tools such decade...... 7 as the HIA policy guidance tool.
Innovation and smart-thinking Based on this strong foundation, the Government approved an HIA hallmarks of HEHA regional Support Unit in the Ministry of Health’s Office of the Director of Public projects...... 8 Health. It was set up in August 2007.
Latest suicide statistics The Unit is well placed to help ensure HIA is embedded across agencies to released...... 9 improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. Its role is to: New website for young people dealing with • raise awareness about health impact assessment and the tools depression gives available to undertake health impact assessment at policy or project ‘The Lowdown’...... 10 level • support the development and effective use of the health impact Focus on – Dr Pat Tuohy...... 12 assessment approach in New Zealand through building partnerships with key statutory, voluntary, community and private organisations How healthy is New Zealand?...... 13 • provide technical advice, guidance and support to those who are starting or undertaking a health impact assessment John Dempsey...... 14 • build up an evidence base of information, tips, case studies, and good practice in New Zealand and overseas Party pill Bill in the House..... 14 • contribute to the provision of new research that will inform and improve Akirata: Achieving judgements about the potential impacts of policies, programmes and Excellence in the Pacific projects on health Health Sector...... 15 • create capacity by providing awareness-raising presentations and Get screened and training sessions on the use of HIA, its value and benefits within and live forever?...... 15 across organisations as well as facilitating rapid appraisals. The Unit is in the first phase of its development; establishing its work programme, raising awareness of its existence and identifying opportunities for HIA across sectors.
For more details visit the Unit’s website www.moh.govt.nz/hiasupportunit or contact Paula Hawley-Evans, Senior Advisor HIA Support Unit on (04) 816 2837.
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 News New drinking-water legislation passed by Parliament
It may surprise many Suppliers will be legally bound to: New Zealanders • take all practical steps to comply with the that drinking-water drinking water standards standards in this • put in place public health risk management country have been plans for the water supply if it serves more than – until now – purely 500 people voluntary. • be included on the register of community Things will change when drinking-water suppliers. the Health (Drinking The public health legislation review (PHLR) team Water) Amendment Act developed and led the passage of the legislation, 2007 starts to come into with invaluable support from the Ministry’s force from July next year, Andrew Forsyth, complete with a Movember moustache for men’s health. environmental health team. says Andrew Forsyth, Team Leader, Environmental Health provided critical support for Public Health Legislation Review team. the Bill, including helping to get ESR to line up the latest scientific evidence, and conduct a case study ‘The Act is a big step forward for public health in Clutha. and introduces a risk management approach to drinking-water supplies. With legislation now in place, Public Health Units have the tools to lock in the considerable progress “The new law, enacted on 17 October 2007, made in getting most New Zealanders’ water gives legal standing to the maximum acceptable complying with the standards. values of contaminants set out in drinking-water standards,’ says Andrew. ‘We can now make much needed progress in bringing the outstanding supplies – serving over Until now, drinking-water quality has mostly been half a million kiwis – into compliance,’ managed by testing compliance with drinking- says Andrew. water standards. The new approach emphasises identifying and managing risks throughout the The Act is available at www.legislation.govt.nz. water supply system. For more information please contact Andrew Forsyth on (04) 816 4429.
Pacific Health Leadership Development Programme 2008 The Ministry of Health’s Pacific Health Leadership Development Programme is intended to develop the leadership capability of people working within the health sector. Applications are invited from people working in leadership roles or aspiring to leadership roles in the health sector and with a commitment to improved health outcomes for Pacific people. For information or an application form email [email protected] or visit www.moh.govt.nz/pacific Applications close on 18 February 2008.
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Public Health Bill gets to House The Public Health Bill is the second piece but modernises and updates approaches and of public health legislation discussed in terminology to reflect life in the 21st century. Parliament in as many months. A new feature of the Bill is that it provides for Following closely on the heels of the Health an ‘all-risks’ approach; or an approach allowing (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007, the the management of all significant and emergent Public Health Bill passed its first reading in the threats to public health. With changes to House in December and has now been referred to international travel since the Health Act 1957 Select Committee. was enacted 50 years ago, and new threats such as SARS, the Bill will allow the management of all The Bill is designed to improve, promote and risks at New Zealand’s borders. protect public health. Deborah Woodley, manager of the Public Health The Public Health Bill will update New Zealand’s Bill project, says the Bill has been through an fragmented and outdated legislation for public extensive development process, and many health, and become the primary public health people have been involved in some way over the statute. It will replace the Health Act 1956 and years. the Tuberculosis Act 1948. ‘I’m really pleased we now have such a Public health legislation has traditionally focused comprehensive piece of draft legislation.’ on controlling infectious disease and ensuring a safe environment, for example, by preventing Deborah hopes the public and key stakeholders overcrowding in houses and providing for will take the opportunity to make a submission sewerage systems. The Bill continues this focus, on the Bill at the Select Committee stage.
Tanning on sunbeds a risky business Most operators of commercial sunbeds sunburn and in the longer term premature aging and solaria continue to show little of the skin and an increased risk of developing awareness of their clients’ health and skin cancer. safety needs, says National Radiation A recent International Agency for Research on Laboratory Group Manager Jim Turnbull. Cancer (IARC) review found a significant and consistent increase in the risk of melanoma in The cosmetic tanning industry helped develop a people who first used sunbeds in their teens or voluntary standard for the operation of solaria, 20s. The review says artificial tanning offers little but surveys by the Consumers Institute and or no protection against skin damage from solar others have found most operators do not comply ultra-violet rays. with key guidelines. IARC recommended minors be prohibited ‘This is very disappointing as the standard’s from using solaria, and young adults strongly requirements are not onerous. Assessing a discouraged. client’s skin type, warning would-be tanners of possible risks, providing eye protection ‘The Australasian College of Dermatologists and allowing a minimum of 48 hours between and the Cancer Society of New Zealand go even sessions are some of the simple steps included further and do not support cosmetic tanning in in the standard,’ says Jim. solaria under any circumstances,’ says Jim. The risks from sunbeds are the same as those from the sun. In the short term they can cause
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Overseas acclaim for drinking water booklets and DVDs
The World Health Organization (WHO) is translating the Ministry’s training booklets and DVDs about safe drinking- water supplies into Russian.
The DVD and booklets, produced by the Ministry’s drinking-water team, were acclaimed at a recent Edinburgh meeting of the worldwide network working to ensure small communities have safe drinking-water supplies.
Jim Graham, leader of the Ministry’s Drinking Water Assistance Programme, recently attended the fourth meeting of the Small Community Supply Management Network.
‘The network meetings are a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and information with practitioners and experts from around the world about the best ways to achieve safe drinking-water.’
The WHO is translating two DVDs and five booklets into Russian for use in Eastern Europe The 100-year-old water pump that doesn’t use electricity and is and Russia. There is also interest in translating still working as well as it did the day it was installed. them into Spanish for use in South America, says Jim. development of a cost–benefit tool for small drinking water supplies, a new water quality test Promoting drinking-water safety plans, a WHO which is incubated at room temperature and initiative to introduce a quality assurance and does not require a laboratory and drinking-water risk management approach to drinking-water quality data management systems for use in supply management worldwide, is the focus of developing countries. much of the network’s work. The four-day meeting included a field trip to ‘New Zealand is well ahead of the rest of the some small Scottish drinking-water supplies. world on this. Personal highlights for Jim were seeing an ‘Last month’s passing into law of the Health 100-year-old water pump that doesn’t use (Drinking Water) Amendment Act, which requires electricity (and is still working as well as it did water suppliers to prepare water safety plans the day it was installed), looking into a recently (called Public Health Risk Management Plans in discovered 20-metre medieval well that was New Zealand) was applauded by the meeting’s hand dug and stone lined, and being intrigued attendees.’ by beautifully crafted arched brick underground water reservoirs that are of unknown origin but The meeting provides opportunities for the still in use, and are suspected to be hundreds of Ministry’s drinking-water team to collaborate years old. on some exciting projects, including the
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Smoking to no longer get in your eyes? A review of tobacco display in New Zealand being undertaken by the Ministry of Health will consider options for further limiting or banning retail tobacco displays.
In June this year, Associate Minister of Health Damien O’Connor announced that the Ministry of Health would consult the public on the future of tobacco display in New Zealand.
The last changes to tobacco display requirements were introduced in the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003, says Chief Advisor, Public Health and tobacco target champion Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
‘Among other things, the Act placed more restrictions on how tobacco products could be • avoiding undermining health messages displayed in retail settings. These changes were thoroughly canvassed at the time, but almost five • addressing the issue of tobacco displays as years have passed since then,’ says Ashley. advertising.
The Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 has The Ministry’s consultation document outlines provisions to control the promotion and a range of options, including greater education advertising of tobacco. These limit the size and enforcement, further restrictions and a and placement of retail tobacco displays in complete ban. places such as dairies, supermarkets and service stations. Consultation is expected to be under way in December. The Ministry will be seeking Reasons to reconsider and potentially strengthen submissions from any interested parties, so the Act’s display provisions include: watch the Ministry website for details. • protecting children and young people For more information please contact • providing an environment that supports Courtenay Mackie (04) 816 448 or smokers who are trying to quit [email protected]
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Like Minds, Like Mine programme enters its second decade
New Zealand’s internationally renowned training, work with the media, and advocacy through human rights training have built on the Like Minds, Like Mine programme, key message of social inclusion. funded by the Ministry of Health, celebrated 10 years in November. ‘New Zealand is a society built on a “fair-go” philosophy and we have all moved forward Well-known faces from the television campaign, in our attitudes to mental illness but we can, including fashion designer Denise L’Estrange and need, to do more. We know people who Corbet and musician Mike Chunn, joined experience mental illness still have to overcome Associate Minister of Health Steve Chadwick at discrimination in their everyday lives – an event at Te Papa in Wellington. from applying for a new job to renting a house,’ he says. The celebration also marked the launch of the The new plan continues to combine community new national plan to take the programme into its level activities with a national media campaign second decade. to move towards a New Zealand that values and includes all people with experience of Like Minds, Like Mine programme leader Darryl mental illness. Bishop says there have been many achievements in reducing the stigma and discrimination The Like Minds, Like Mine programme was associated with mental illness but more still recently recognised during the launch of new needs doing. anti-stigma campaigns in England and Canada, both of which acknowledged the international ‘We are 10 years into a conversation with the leadership role of Like Minds over the last New Zealand public about mental illness that decade. has encouraged people to better understand and value people who experience mental illness. For more information please see www.likeminds.org.nz ‘It is important to remember, though, that Like Minds is much more than a TV campaign. Community-led initiatives using education and
Left: Like Minds, Like Mine programme leader Darryl Bishop. Centre: Mahinarangi Tocker. Right: Associate Minister Steve Chadwick with celebs and others from ads over the years (including Mike Chunn, Mahinarangi Tocker, Denise L'Estrange Corbet and Sonia Gray).
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Innovation and smart-thinking hallmarks of HEHA regional projects Across New Zealand there group] funding the are a vast number of garden kit sets to all ECEs in the initiatives under way to help region. achieve the three goals of the Healthy Eating Healthy ‘We had the then Action (HEHA) strategy: Minister of Health improving nutrition, Pete Hodgson come down in increasing physical activity August to plant the and reducing obesity. first seedlings at Many are driven by District Health Runanga School,’ Boards (DHBs), in partnership Planting the first seedlings at Runanga School. says Kim. with other community organisations and This school plans to use the vegetables in meals providers. they prepare at the school’s Runanga Rascals All 21 DHBs now have permanent HEHA project Cafe. managers, working to deliver the Government’s ‘Hokitika School is allowing parents to help HEHA strategy. themselves to the veges in their garden once In some places, gardening projects have begun they’ve grown and another school is looking at to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, whether they can grow and sell their vegetables,’ encourage community participation and improve she says. health. One of these gardening projects is Kim says it has now become a community happening on the West Coast. intervention and it’s amazing how one small idea It was watching the ‘Sunday’ current affairs has grown into something the whole community programme on television that gave West Coast is behind. DHB HEHA Project Manager Kim Sinclair and ‘We’ve held community education workshops colleague Helen the idea for Tucking In – a West for parents, children and community members Coast grow your own initiative between West throughout the West Coast. We’ve been Coast DHB and Sport West Coast. supported by West Coast Regional Council staff, who have given advice on composting, and Tai The item on the Sunday programme featured a Poutini Polytechnic, who provided a horticulturist New Zealand Gardener magazine editor, who dug up her whole backyard to become sustainable by from their department to plant seedlings for the growing her own vegetables. Kim Sinclair thought children to take home.’ she could recreate this idea throughout schools Tucking In has become such a hit that Mitre 10 and early childhood education (ECE) services on is now supplying the garden kit sets at cost so the West Coast. members of the community can purchase them.
Tucking In has been supported by local ‘Small steps lead to big changes and we hope businesses and community groups and has been Tucking In will develop further and continue to so successful that all 34 schools on the West have huge benefits for the health and wellbeing Coast now have raised garden boxes and have of our West Coast population.’ begun planting their own veges. For more information about HEHA ‘Mitre 10 in Greymouth donated the 2m x 2m initiatives go to raised garden kit sets to all the schools, which www.moh.govt.nz/healthyeatinghealthyaction. then led to Active West Coast [a community
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Latest suicide statistics released
The newly released Suicide Facts One hundred Ma¯ori died by suicide in 2005, publication shows 14 more people died compared with 109 in 2004. However, three-year by suicide in 2005 than in 2004. averages of Ma¯ori suicide has increased since 2001–2003, compared with a decreasing trend However, three-year moving averages – a more for non-Ma¯ori. reliable measure of what is happening over time – show suicide rates have been stable over Despite this, Ma¯ori rates in 2003–2005 are still recent years. 13.9 percent lower than the peak in 1996–1998 as the graph below shows. Between 2003–2005 an average of 13.2 people in every 100,000 died by suicide compared with For copies of this document or more information 13.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 2002–2004. about suicide prevention see www.moh.govt.nz/suicideprevention, There were 502 deaths by suicide in 2005, says or contact Suicide Prevention Information Maria Cotter, Non Communicable Diseases Policy New Zealand (SPINZ – www.spinz.org.nz). team leader.
‘While this is still too many, the latest statistics Ma¯ori and non-Ma¯ori suicide death rates, have decreased by 19 percent since a peak in three-year moving averages, 1996–2005 1996–1998 of 16.3 per 100,000.’ Age-standardised rate (per 100,000) 35 Ma¯ori males Ma¯ori females Non-Ma¯ori males The publication, by Public Health Intelligence, 30 Non-Ma¯ori females also shows both suicide and intentional self- 25 harm hospitalisation rates continue to increase among people experiencing socioeconomic 20 deprivation. 15
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Rates are higher for Ma¯ori than for non-Ma¯ori, 5 and for men than women. However, women 0 continue to have higher intentional self-harm 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 hospitalisation rates than men. Midpoint year of moving average Source: New Zealand Health Information Service ‘This latest information shows some groups of Note: Rates are per 100,000 population, age-standardised to the WHO people remain more likely to die by suicide than World Standard population over 4 years old. others and reinforces the need for us to continue to focus on reducing inequalities,’ says Maria.
Ministry of Health publications Unless otherwise specified, you can obtain copies of all Ministry of Health publications from: Ministry of Health C/o Wickliffe Limited PO Box 932, DUNEDIN Tel: (04) 496 2277 (Wellington) Fax: (03) 479 0979 (Dunedin) Email: [email protected]
Ministry of Health publications are also available on our website: www.moh.govt.nz
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Feature
New website for young people dealing with depression gives ‘The Lowdown’ The Ministry of Health has launched The Lowdown website www.thelowdown.co.nz as part of the National Depression Initiative (NDI).
The website is an interactive online space created to help young New Zealanders understand and recover from depression, says Senior Analyst Candace Bagnall.
‘Depression is a leading preventable cause of death and disease, but it is not well recognised and people often don’t get the help they need.’
About one in seven young New Zealanders (aged 16–24 years) will experience serious depression over the next 12 months. as their friends, family, the Internet, magazines and school counsellors. ‘Young people have higher rates of depression than the general population, with suicide the The Lowdown is user-friendly for young people. second most common cause of death for young The site was developed and designed in people,’ says Candace. consultation with youth, and includes online support services that are complementary to the The NDI was launched in October last year. It helpline. They provide a ‘screening’ process that includes the television commercials featuring assesses the young person’s risk and assists John Kirwan talking about his personal them in accessing appropriate professional help experience of depression, and encouraging if necessary. people to seek help. Since then, over 25,000 calls have been made to the Depression Helpline The Lowdown also promotes the use of self- on 0800 111 757. help strategies such as exercise, which can be helpful for dealing with mild and moderate Research shows that even though 78 percent depression. Through encouraging early treatment of young people recalled the ads, they are of depression the NDI aims to reduce the impact less likely to respond to these commercials by depression has on the lives of young New seeking help than adults. Young people tend not Zealanders, now and throughout their adult lives. to visit GPs and are less likely to use helplines, preferring to get support from other sources such For more information please contact Candace Bagnall on (09) 580 9038.
10 Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 About The Lowdown – Celebrities contributing to The Lowdown Musicians: www.thelowdown.co.nz Boh Runga P Money A welcoming community environment, The Lowdown Scribe website features high profile Kiwi role models, Dave Gibson – Elemeno P who youth relate to. The celebrities talk about experiences with depression that they, or friends Brad Carter – Steriogram and family, have had and how they managed this. Gareth Stake & Angelo Munro – The Bleeders The contributions from musicians, sports people, Jason Kerrison – Op Shop and TV and radio celebrities help remove the stigma Julia Deans – Fur Patrol around depression and encourage young people to Tau Manukia – Spacifix get help. Young Sid Young people have been involved in developing The Awa and Junior – Nesian Mystik Lowdown website, which is targeted at youth aged Paul Roper – Mint Chicks 13–24 who are experiencing depression. Joel Little – Goodnight Nurse It provides information allowing users to identify Tim Arnold – Pluto depression in themselves and others, better Francis Kora – Kora understand it and get help for it through a variety of interactive online tools. Sam & Jesse Smith - Streetwise Scarlet Andrew Morrison – False Start The website features several innovative functions to Jon Austin – 48 May help visitors navigate the site and more importantly, help them feel they are not alone. They can choose Victoria Girling-Butcher – Lucid 3 from four online guides to show them around the Ben Read – 8 Foot Sativa environment. They can view video stories from Savage – Dkonz role-models, and their peers, talking about their experiences of depression and offering words of TV and Radio: encouragement and support. Aidee Walker – Outrageous Fortune Actress Antonia Prebble – Outrageous Fortune Actress Another key feature of the site is the online support Nisha Madden – Shortland Street facility where visitors can get expert advice from qualified counsellors. After sending a message Lee Donaghue – Shortland Street by email or text to their chosen counsellor they Kimberley Crossman – Shortland Street will receive a personalised response as quickly as Jaquie Brown – TV Presenter possible, and within 24 hours. Users can choose to Sonia Gray – TV Presenter keep their communication as private or to be shared Jane Yee – C4 Presenter for other people to be to see. Phil Bostwick – C4 Presenter The website also has a forum where visitors can Dayna Vawdrey – Studio 2 Presenter join The Lowdown community and talk to each other Vicky Lin – Studio 2 Presenter about how they are feeling. People can share their experiences and offer support to their peers. To Tamati Coffey – Breakfast Presenter ensure that users are kept safe, the forum will be Bill & Ben – Pulp Sport Presenters monitored by an online moderator. Mike Puru – The Edge DJ It is important for people who are experiencing depression to get help as early as possible, but To’ofiga Fepulea’I – The Laughing Samoans it is also important for them to find a treatment Comedian that works for them. To assist this process a host Ma’a Nonu – Ex All Black of useful information and advice is available, Lisa Li – Miss Chinese New Zealand with factsheets, frequently asked questions, a self assessment questionnaire and details of other Adrian Hailwood – Fashion Designer help services.
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 11 Focus on
Dr Pat Tuohy ‘For the last few years, it has Making a real difference to disparities been a bit like is the main reason Chief Advisor Child a patchwork and Youth Health Dr Pat Tuohy is so quilt because so passionate about immunisation. many changes have had to be ‘Immunisation has such huge potential to reduce made. Now New disparities because it is one of the things that we Zealand Health can provide to every child that make a difference Information Service are getting the patchwork both to individuals and to populations. quilt right, making it look like it’s meant to look.’
‘For me, it has an outcome on its own, which is Pat says it is essential the NIR both works well preventing infectious diseases but it also has and that everyone agrees it works well. ‘If it a lot of secondary outcomes because it links doesn’t work well or it doesn’t have credibility people in to primary care and community child then we’ll never achieve our target because we’ll health services.’ never know whether ‘Immunisation has such huge we have.’ As the Ministry’s target champion for potential to reduce disparities Recently Pat immunisation, Pat because it is one of the things attended a state is responsible for services leadership working with DHBs to that we can provide to every development course take New Zealand’s child that make a difference where leadership immunisation coverage both to individuals and to was described as from about 75 percent being prepared to to 95 percent. populations.’ have the courageous conversations, the ‘If we have a ones no one wants to consciencious objector rate of three or four have because they might take them places they percent that means every other child whose don’t want to go. parents don’t object to immunisation is immunised. ‘That really struck a chord with me because that’s what I do when I travel. I think of ‘It is possible but it’s a pretty big ask, and it will my conversations with the DHBs around mean some fundamental changes to the way we immunisations as courageous conversations, not do things. That being said, what we are asking just for me but for them as well.’ people to do is actually not that difficult; it’s about quality, just making sure the right thing is During his DHB ‘conversations’ about done well every time.’ immunisation, Pat urges health professionals to take a pro-immunisation stance in their The National Immunisation Register’s (NIR) discussions with parents. role in measuring immunisation rates is crucial to achieving the target but Pat believes that ‘Immunisation has got one of the best bodies of although the NIR is well on the way to reaching evidence around how safe and effective it is, and its potential. not just how effective but also how cost effective it is. It has got much more bang for the buck than
12 Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 How healthy is New Zealand?
Public Health Intelligence (PHI), the health issues, are responsive to change and are epidemiology group in the Ministry reliable and validly monitored,’ he says. of Health, was pleased to see its 16th ‘This series of publications helps to identify monitoring report An Indication of New important health issues, measure the outcomes Zealanders’ Health 2007 released at the of interventions, and raise new questions and end of October. The report provides an issues.’ update and overview of New Zealanders’ health since the last report in 2006. Some notable excerpts from the report include: • Nearly one-quarter of adults aged 15–64 The report – available on www.moh.govt.nz years were current smokers. – is an ongoing monitoring of the New Zealand population and presents a variety of key health • Ma¯ori and Pacific peoples had significantly indicators across the country. higher rates of tobacco smoking than European/Other and Asian peoples. The report highlights some of the salient health issues of New Zealanders, such as cancer, • All cardiovascular disease mortality and cardiovascular disease and diabetes. When trend ischaemic heart disease mortality rates, as analysis is available, we will be able to see a well as cancer registrations and mortality moving picture of our health status. rates, were significantly higher in males than in females. ‘The report features 71 different health and • The prevalence of diabetes (self-reported, health-related indicators that highlight some of doctor-diagnosed) was significantly lower in the key health issues for New Zealanders,’ says European/Other than in other ethnic groups. Dr Barry Borman, Manager of PHI. • Children at school Year 8 in fluoridated areas ‘The indicators were chosen because they had significantly more caries-free teeth and address the New Zealand Health Strategy priority fewer decayed, missing or filled teeth than population health objectives, focus on salient those in non-fluoridated areas.
almost anything else we do. We need to give ‘We live round the bays in Eastborne so I find people information and choice, but we need to plenty of time for getting out swimming, and be positive about it.’ walking over the hills behind the bays. I value my family time, although for a while recently we Pat is a specialist paediatrician with a particular had all four children back home again after the interest in community child health. He came two oldest had gone flatting in Otago, which was to the Ministry 10 years ago, and was formerly a bit of a shock as we’d just moved to a smaller Plunket’s National Paediatrician. house.’
Pat also speaks about child and youth health He and Robyn really enjoy gardening. ‘We’re from personal experience with three sons and getting more self-sufficient and are gradually a daughter ranging from 14 to 25 in age. He digging up our back lawn and turning it into a has been married for 30 years to Robyn, who vegetable garden, although we haven’t quite got is currently completing her Master’s degree in to the stage of buying a goat!’ health psychology.
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 13 John Dempsey 19 September 1946 – 1 September 2007
Public health and health him for his good natured, avuncular protection lost a dedicated manner and his hospitality. advocate and experienced The country as a whole will miss officer in September. John’s experience, knowledge and wisdom. He participated in many Health Protection Officers and other national and regional committees, public health colleagues around bringing his practical approach and the country mourn the loss of John common sense. Dempsey, one of the last old-style health protection officers. John was very knowledgeable on air pollution control, a prime interest John was Principal Health Protection and area of expertise. Well-known Officer of Taranaki District Health for his thorough investigations and Board’s Public Health Unit. For more thoughtful, analytical reports, John also gave than 40 years he worked in Taranaki with the valuable expert assistance to the Ministry during board and its previous incarnations right back to the Paritutu dioxin investigation. the days of the Department of Health. John’s lifetime of effort in health protection in John was well known for his real dedication Taranaki has created a safer environment and to public health, his good nature and his stronger communities that enable people to live even temperament. His colleagues and longer, healthier lives. contemporaries respected John for his humanity and strong sense of fair play, his willingness to Away from the office John was a Rotarian, keen share and help, and for his experienced, sensible fisherman, and vegetable gardener of local and practical approach. renown. He was also passionately fond of the finer qualities of beer. Many officers, from all around New Zealand, remember John as the excellent mentor from Our sincere condolences go to his family – wife whom they learned their profession and gained Jan and children Anna, Matthew and Nick. knowledge and experience. Many will remember
Party pill Bill in the House
Work to legally classify the main says National Drug Policy Acting Team Leader ingredients in ‘party pills’ under drugs Matthew Andrews. legislation is continuing. ‘Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton accepted this recommendation, so we got to work The National Drug Policy team recently advised on the classification process.’ the Health Select Committee as the Misuse of Drugs (BZP Classification) Amendment Bill Illicit drugs are classified by the risk of harm they was considered. pose to individuals or society. Drugs posing a very high risk of harm are scheduled as ‘Class Last December, the Expert Advisory Committee A’, a high risk of harm are ‘Class B’ and a those on Drugs met and recommended that BZP be posing a moderate risk of harm are scheduled as classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 ‘Class C’. due to evidence about the harm the drug causes,
14 Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 Tidbits and updates
Akirata: Achieving Get screened and live forever? Excellence in the Pacific A forum to explore the opportunities, challenges, benefits Health Sector and harms of screening. The Ministry of Health’s Pacific teams Following the success of the inaugural Screening are hosting Akirata: Achieving Excellence Symposium in 2005, the National Screening Unit is pleased in the Pacific Health Sector – the second to announce the 2008 Screening Symposium. National Pacific Provider Development Fono. To be held 14–15 April 2008 at Te Papa, Wellington, the symposium will explore some of the challenges and Akirata is an opportunity to celebrate opportunities in this constantly evolving area of health. achievements in the Pacific health sector This seminar is a ‘must attend’ for anyone who works in and consider ongoing and new challenges screening or in an area affected by screening, or who has an for Pacific health. interest in the issue. All Pacific providers, DHBs, and members As New Zealand’s only national forum on screening, this of the Pacific health sector are invited is an excellent opportunity to present to peers, listen to to participate. The fono is from 28–29 international speakers and enjoy networking opportunities. February 2008 at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Auckland. Submit an Abstract Presentation abstracts will be accepted until See www.moh.govt.nz/pacifichealthfono 14 December at www.nsu.govt.nz for more information. Abstracts should fall under symposium themes detailed on the website.
Register to Attend Early bird registrations are now being accepted at www.nsu.govt.nz An exciting line-up of expert international and national speakers will provide a stimulating and thought provoking event that shouldn’t be missed.
‘Amending the Misuse of Drugs Act means a six-month amnesty for the use and possession of BZP can be provided for,’ says Matthew.
The National Drug Policy team will Ministry of Health continue to support the Associate Minister during the second and third management and staff reading of the Bill next year. wish you a happy and For more information please contact healthy holiday season, Matthew Andrews (04) 816 3921 or [email protected] and best wishes for 2008.
Public Health Perspectives – December 2007 15 Mangere Healthy Kai takes out major prize at 2007 Health Innovation Awards Continues from front page need to create some sort of Healthy Kai toolkit Mangere Healthy Kai in July this year and we’re or information pack and the working group is hoping it will be completed by the end of 2007, currently investigating this.’ with results available early next year. We think we’ll get some really great results and we’re There are plenty of success stories that prove the looking forward to reviewing the findings.’ Mangere Healthy Kai programme is having a huge impact on the Mangere community. For example, The Waitemata-based Asian Smokefree the local Mangere greengrocer has reported Communities Programme was highly commended a 35 percent increase in the sale of fruit and by judges. vegetables at his shop since the programme was implemented in 2003. Hawke’s Bay DHB’s Friendly Landlord Housing Initiative for people with mental illness won the Mangere Healthy Kai has been successful Excellence in Rehabilitation category. in changing shoppers’ eating habits. More shoppers are purchasing sandwiches and For more information contact Jenny Rattray at filled rolls, and wholegrain bread options are [email protected] or (09) 255 0616. increasingly popular. In contrast, pie sales have not increased. To apply for the 2008 awards go to: www.healthinnovationawards.co.nz Jenny says, ‘The School of Population Health at Auckland University began an evaluation of
Public Health Perspectives mailing list He Korero 27 The December 2007 issue of He Korero 27 If you wish to be added to (or taken off) the introduces new materials supporting mailing list or advise a change of address, BreastScreen Aotearoa and HIV testing please contact: during pregnancy. It also introduces Visaka Fernando the third DVD in the series about small Ministry of Health drinking-water supply safety. This issue describes some recent revisions to PO Box 5013 HealthEd items and notes the 2008 Wellington changes to immunisation resources. Phone: (04) 816 4499 View He Korero 27 online at Email: [email protected] www.healthed.govt.nz.
A synopsis of the most recent issue Contributors appears in News & Events on the home If you would like to contribute an article page and a PDF is housed with the to PHP please contact Visaka Fernando resource listing in the Miscellaneous (04) 816 4499 to discuss content, deadlines category. and process.
16 Public Health Perspectives – December 2007