September 2010

PULSEthe newsletter of the District Health Board

HOSPITAL BALL JUNIOR DOCTORS LOVE IT HERE

PHYSIO’S ACCIDENT LANDS HER IN HOSPITAL Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga Comments from CEO Tony Foulkes

Rima Rau together with our partners Te been a hallmark of this project over the Whare Punanga Korero, the Ministry of last fi ve years - I am sure that the Taranaki Social Development, the TSB Community Community Oral Health Service will grow Trust and Te Puni Kokiri. beyond all expectations in continuing to deliver a service that touches every Taranaki The DHB already provides a range of family. support to those interested in developing careers in health. This joint initiative adds I was also very pleased in September to CEO Tony Foulkes with John Young. to that and works to realise the potential launch Project Whakapai – meaning, to of our young people. In the process it will make good, revise and improve. It was with great sadness Taranaki farewelled help build a Maori health and disability John Young in September. John joined the workforce able to respond to the needs of After detailed analysis of our data and Taranaki DHB in 2001 as a Board member, and whanau and thereby make a better Taranaki hundreds of discussions and interviews with was appointed as Chairman in 2007. for us all. Thanks to everyone involved staff working across the DHB, we will now particularly clinicians giving their time to be taking a fresh approach and introducing Within the Board he took on many roles visit schools, and staff welcoming students innovative tools to help us ensure we have over the years including Chairman of the to experience life working in the health the right staff when we need them, and we Hospital Advisory Committee, Finance and sector. live within our staff budgets. Audit Committee and Fulford Radiology. It was also a privilege recently to be part of From October we will be rolling out the John gave a lifetime of passion and the offi cial opening by Associate Minister ‘Health-e Workforce Solutions’ software commitment in many different ways Peter Dunne, of our new Community tool, and improving our processes, to to make a positive difference to our Oral Health Service. This includes the help all budget holders in the effective community. This wonderful contribution replacement of 24 small school clinics with management of staff planning, allocation has always been made in his characteristic the establishment of 6 new community and cost management. modest yet very effective manner. clinics, complemented by new mobiles which are on their way, and an enhanced team Working together to ensure this work is In the health sector he will be greatly of staff to service the more than 20,000 successful will be vital to our ability to missed as a leader by everyone, and as a enrolled young people. ensure we can continue to provide services friend to many. for our community and can move towards Recent months have also seen some exciting With the continued support of the our new facility in an affordable way. times. At the end of August Associate community, schools, Te Whare Punanga Minister Tariana Turia joined the DHB in Korero and our clinical staff, and the Thank you for your contribution to our celebrating the launch of Whakatipuranga enthusiasm, optimism and energy that has collective effort!

Board Update

Hospital Advisory Committee - August Community & Public Health Advisory Board Update - September Committee/Disability Support Advisory • Bed occupancy and patient turnover Committees - August • Ian Grant presented a Project Maunga were moderate in July, which was most update, highlighting the huge number • A cross-sector alliance will be established to unusual over the winter months. However, of changes that had occurred due to lead the development of new models of specialist units including ICU and Neonatal good staff feedback on the mock room. care for Project Splice. The alliance will have continued to be busy. • The DHB consolidated fi nancial result is a at least 50% clinician membership from the • The obstetrician and gynaecologist $182k defi cit. DHB, PHOs and NGO providers. consultant who has signed to join us next • A collective nationwide DHB Annual Plan • The new Antenatal Clinic at Base Hospital year visited from America to familiarise confi rmed three main activities for 2010/11 has been accredited as a Breastfeeding himself with the hospital and city. – employment relations, national services Welcome Here site, taking the number of • The developed design plans for Project strategy and contracts, and collaboration accredited venues to 64. Maunga have been reviewed by the user • The Taranaki Community Oral Health • As of June 2010, 75 nurses in inpatient groups and 3D diagrams have been Service and the Rangiatea clinic were areas of the hospital have attended the ABC developed (available on the staff intranet). formally opened on 17 September. Smoking Cessation Training. The training • A steering group will meet to fi nalise the • A staff forum has been established and will continue to be offered to departments. Task Management IT system, which will clinician meetings arranged, along with the • Te Whare Punanga Korero has initiated a be used after hours to minimise paging to establishment of the steering group, to look series of hui to enable Taranaki whanau to junior staff. at improving services in South Taranaki. discuss the Whanau Ora Strategy and this work is continuing.

// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 2 THE PULSE Contents page 5

2. CEO Comments 10. Hospital Ball 4. Clinical Board Coordinator 11. Exciting New Project 5. New Role for Nurse 12. Physio Ends up in Hospital 6. Project to Create 500 Jobs for Maori 13. Offers of Help Flood in page 6 7. Helping to Fund Good Causes 14. Minister Peter Dunne Visits 8. Junior Doctors Want to Stay 15. Doctor Enjoying NZ Adventure 9. Home Away From Home 16. New Online Interactive Pulse

page 8

page 13 page 15

EDITORIAL PANEL The Pulse is the newsletter of Lisa Hofstee the Taranaki District Health Karlina Nickson Board. We welcome your ideas Honor Lymburn and contributions please submit Gillian Gonthier them by email to: Marianne Pike Tim Connole Frances Pentelow [email protected] Bronwen Pepperell

For a interactive colour version of the Pulse visit: EDITOR

www.tdhb.org.nz Krysti Wetton  DESIGNER Nick O’Sullivan

PRINTER

Taranaki DHB

PUBLISHER

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

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

The Clinical Board has continued to approved and is anticipated to staff who attended resuscitation be busy over July and August, with bring a signifi cant change in training sessions in the previous a number of issues discussed. the care of patients with stroke, 12 months. from the time of presentation One of the current hot through to their post hospital Over the next six months, the topics is obesity services. In care. Dr Bhavesh Lallu and Wendy Clinical Board has a full work plan August, Planning and Funding Langlands presented this to the and will be looking at supporting representatives presented Clinical Board. Their team has done an organisational culture survey a discussion paper, entitled a signifi cant amount of work over with the HR to see what we all Comprehensive Approach to the recent months. think of how things are going. Obesity Services in Taranaki and Policies for review include the Not the Role of Bariatric Surgery, to the The Point of Care Testing for Resuscitation Policy and wide Clinical Board. Committee (Denise Rowe, Chair) feedback will be sought on this. and the Resuscitation Committee The Clinical Board strongly (Steve Berendsen, Chair) are both Please check the Clinical Board supports the idea of a working well. The Point of Care pages on the intranet for updates comprehensive service for obesity Testing Committee regularly and contact details. We welcome treatment, of which bariatric audits compliance with testing your ideas for improvements. surgery is a part. The prioritisation requirements and helps with of funding for bariatric surgery is training and the introduction of part of the next step Planning and new tests. Funding will take. Staff online viewers The Resuscitation Committee  Click here to go the tdhb intranet The new Stroke Policy was reported there were about 900 (staff only) Clinical Board Coordinator

Frances McNulty is the “go to” Improvement and Effectiveness person as the TDHB’s Clinical Board Coordinator/Clinical Board Coordinator. Coordinator last year.

Her responsibilities include Before becoming a podiatrist Frances supporting the board in coordination worked in quality management, of issues that arise, maintaining systems improvement and customer the clinical research database, and care in the public and private helping with agendas and meetings. sectors. After her fi rst degree she gained advanced administrative She also collates staff input to experience as a Royal Naval Offi cer. proposed policies and procedures, and coordinates the Clinical Board Frances can be contacted on: Work Plan. x ext. 8645 Frances joined the DHB in 2008 from Frances McNulty the United Kingdom as a podiatrist. [email protected] She took up the role of Quality e

// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 4 THE PULSE Exercise Yarrow

ICU, Theatre and Radiology Services.

The exercise evaluation team members were from Taranaki, BOP, Lakes and Waikato DHBs, as well as St John and the Ministry of Health.

TDHB Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Broker said the exercise fl owed well and demonstrated good working relationships at the incident site and hospital.

“People enjoyed participating in Yarrows Stadium, the location of a mass casualty scenario. the exercise and there was good participation in the debrief. There Staff members were faced with a mass System, an educational simulation were areas of work identifi ed and we casualty when they took part in an tool. It uses plastic magnetic fi gures on will be working with key people to emergency exercise recently at Base white boards to represent the scene, develop recommendations.” Hospital. casualties, staff and other resources. Mike thanks everyone who participated Exercise Yarrow was an interagency The exercise scenario was the partial or worked behind the scenes during the emergency exercise coordinated by stadium collapse at Yarrow Stadium planning to make the exercise such a the DHB. It focussed on managing during an international rugby match, success. casualties at the incident site, resulting in mass casualities. coordination of transport to hospital, “Exercise Yarrow was very worthwhile casualty management at the Emergency There were 25 participants representing and enjoyable exercise that brought Department and the fl ow on effects to Fire, Police, Ambulance, St John and organisations and services together to other hospital services. Yarrow Stadium. DHB staff included work through issues which all parties representatives from the Emergency would be faced with should a real The exercise used the EMERGO Train Department, Duty Managers, Orderlies, incident occur.” New Role for Nurse

Cameron started his new role at ensuring high standards are met. Base Hospital’s ED in August, after Cameron works one shift a week spending two years as a nurse to identify any issues that need educator. resolving. “I also love the patient contact.”

“I was ready He says ED is popular with people for something who like working in the acute fi eld. He enjoys its variety and diverse different, a new workforce. challenge,” he says. Cameron’s mother is a nurse and he chose to follow the same career The Taranaki-trained nurse enjoys path after leaving school. His fi rst the atmosphere in ED, having job after graduating was mental worked at Hutt Valley’s department health nursing in . Cameron Grant-Fargie for fi ve years before coming back He has rotated through a variety New Emergency Department Clinical here in 2008. of fi elds since then including burns Nurse Manager Cameron Grant-Fargie and plastics. is thrilled to be back at the coal face His job involves managing processes, of patient care. supporting the nursing staff and

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // THE PULSE 5 Minister Tariana Turia Project to Create 500 Jobs for Maori

A project aiming to create 500 TDHB Chief Executive Tony Foulkes employment opportunities for said the partnership would help Maori in the Taranaki health and support the needs of whanau on “WRR is ground disability sector over the next 10 their journey to maximum health breaking, it’s years has been launched. and wellbeing. “Over the next 10 years we aim to grow the Maori challenging but Minister Tariana Turia launched the health workforce, raise the level it is projects like Whakatipuranga Rima Rau (WRR) of qualifi cations Maori hold, and this that change project in August. increase Maori representation in the health professional workforce.” communities and WRR was initiated by the Ministry those involved of Social Development through Taranaki DHB is one of the largest Work and Income and the employers in Taranaki and supports are absolutely Taranaki District Health Board, workforce development across the determined that in conjunction with Te Whare region’s health sector. The DHB has Punanga Korero (TWPK). It has committed $140,000 per annum we will succeed.” additional funding and support over the next three years to the from the TSB Community Trust and project. WRR uses ‘Health as a career’ Te Puni Kokiri. as the major platform to guide, “This partnership addresses health support, mentor, fund and Maori represent 16% of Taranaki’s needs as well as welfare, education facilitate Maori through education population but only about 6% of and the employment needs of our and training and into employment the health workforce. Evidence community. It is a shining example in the local health and disability indicates a strong correlation of how more can be achieved by sector. Incubator, an intensive between the health outcomes of working together,” Mr Foulkes said. student mentoring programme is Maori and the way services are one way of doing this. delivered to them. Gloria Campbell, Regional Commissioner for the Ministry of All those involved believe that WRR According to David Tamatea, Chair Social Development said Work and will make a signifi cant difference of TWPK, more than 60% of the Income had an unrelenting focus on for the Taranaki community and Maori population is under the age work. “There has been considerable that it has national implications of 30. That represents tremendous research on the connection between as a possible solution to the potential for the future of Taranaki employment and wellbeing and we imbalance in the present health and the health and disability know that employment is the best workforce. workforce. welfare policy.”

// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 6 THE PULSE Social Workers Share Ideas

for health social work leaders to meet with regional and national stakeholders.

She says the aims included developing strategic goals and systems to enhance health social work service delivery in every DHB.

“We celebrated the past 10 years that the council has offi cially met, all the progress that has been made in health social work and focussed on the vision for health social workers in the next 10 years.”

From left, Council chairperson Marianne Pike, of Taranaki DHB, with On 22 September 2010, social Waikato DHB’s Kelly Workman, Nicola Livingston and Cara Thomas. workers will celebrate the 6th National Social Work Day since Taranaki DHB had the privilege of The council provides leadership for the Social Work hosting the 10th Annual DHB Health professional development in DHB Registration Act was passed in Social Work Leaders Council Meeting health social work services. The theme Parliament. in July. for this year’s meeting was Create an Impact – Make a Difference. The meeting, held over two days, was attended by 30 health social work Council Chairperson Marianne Pike leaders from the country’s DHBs. said the meeting was an opportunity

Helping to Fund Good Causes

He recently stood down as Chairman funds and consider applications. Dr of the Taranaki Health Trust, which Matthews was the chairman for 14 has granted thousands of dollars years. over the years towards staff training, hospital amenities and equipment. The funds were combined so they were easier to manage. The former Medical Superintendent and Chief Medical Offi cer started The committee meets monthly working for the organisation in to consider the applications. 1974. He planned to leave in 1992, “We treat each one on its merits 1993 and 1994 but was persuaded to and we seldom turn them down stay each time. completely,” Dr Matthews says.

He left not long after, but found Dr Matthews says he has enjoyed himself spending many hours sorting being involved with the trust and through the many different trust helping allocate money towards Peter Matthews funds, which members of the public good causes. He remains involved had bequested to the DHB for with the DHB as patron of the Dr Peter Matthews has a long specifi c purposes. Historical Society. association with Taranaki DHB and has continued to contribute to the As a result of his hard work, a trust Tony Waghorn takes over as organisation long after he retired. was formed in 1995 to manage the Taranaki Health Trust Chairman.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // THE PULSE 7 Junior Doctors Want to Stay

Of the 12 fi rst year house surgeons in different areas, such as the great this year’s intake are to work employed this year, 10 will be back Emergency Department and Paediatrics, with. working with us in 2011. next year, “It’s a great place to work and the hours are good.” “Almost nothing is too much trouble They have come from throughout New for them and they work extremely Zealand to work in New Plymouth. He says the house surgeons are keen well as a team. They deserve a big pat to stay because they already know the on the back.” The young doctors have obviously systems and staff members. They are enjoyed their time and have been also making the most of Taranaki’s The DHB will take 10 fi rst year house encouraging others to apply for outdoor lifestyle. surgeons next year. Many have spent positions here. time here on scholarships or as students Medical Management Team Leader or electives and have local connections. Among the group is James Wilkins, Karlina Nickson says several staff There were more applicants than the who is looking forward to working members have commented on how DHB was able to provide posts for.

Hamish Wright Neelam Dalman “I chose to work at Taranaki “The things I like about Base Hospital because Taranaki Base Hospital I wanted to work in a include having supportive provincial hospital and gain senior doctors, the many some good, hands on, opportunities to get practical experience in my involved in practical fi rst years after graduation. procedures/surgery, So far, my experience has friendly staff and ample been great. The cases that social events. Although a you deal with are wide and relatively small hospital, varied, and there are plenty you see a huge variety of of opportunities to practice pathology, including very the clinical side of medicine. rare illnesses. It is a great The ward staff are all friendly, supportive and very competent place to work as a fi rst year house surgeon.” which is a great help as a new house surgeon. New Plymouth is a great place to live, with plenty of good surf or swimming beaches, running trails, and a mountain to climb or ski right in James Wilkins our backyard.” “Having worked at Taranaki Base Hospital for the fi rst time this year, it’s Alyssa Kirby easy to see why there are “It’s an ideal size excellent commendations hospital to start out in. from those who’ve worked We get to spend lots of here before. The variety time admitting in ED of people, places, and the or assisting in theatre attitude of all who live and aren’t stuck doing here is unmatched for a paperwork all day. The smaller centre such as this. staff are really friendly The hospital is well staffed and supportive, and the with people who work senior staff are passionate here because they enjoy it. about teaching. Taranaki was a major drawcard - It’s interesting, challenging and the opportunity to get there’s easy access to the involved in practical work including theatre time and beach and mountain, so there’s always plenty to do. The diagnostic procedures is far more rewarding than pushing larger centres are only a short drive if you do want to head paper all day. Taranaki is a highly recommended place to away for a weekend. I really enjoy working here and highly work, where juniors have ample opportunity to learn and recommend it.” enjoy our work.”

// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 8 THE PULSE New RMO Coordinator

It’s RMO Coordinator Rae Dunlop’s job to look after the junior doctors once they start working for the DHB.

She organises their rosters, sick leave and supports the new house surgeons and registrars. There are about 50 in total, from throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Rae started here about three months ago and is on a learning curve herself. She has a background in education and is fi nding health an interesting fi eld to work in. “I love being here, there’s a lot of really good people who work here and they’re all so friendly.” Rae Dunlop Home Away From Home

The hostel was originally a nurses’ sightseeing suggestions. The hosts home, run by matrons who had collect them from the airport or bus strict curfews. Times have certainly depot when they arrive in town. A changed. detour to the supermarket is even made when necessary. The facility, which has 50 bedrooms, has been upgraded and has modern The residents may have a job bathrooms and kitchens. interview at the hospital and need to stay just one night, or want It has a high occupancy rate and temporary accommodation. attracts people from across all health professions. Some even decide to stay for the duration of their employment. Accommodation Manager Graeme “Everyone that comes here likes it,” Graeme and Madonna Watts Watts has managed the hostel, staff Madonna says. “It’s a good way to accommodation units on David get to know other staff, especially The hostel at Base Hospital is Street and a house on Tukapa St for for those who are from overseas.” considered a home away from the past seven years. Wife Madonna home by the many out of town joined him four years ago. While the hostel is a social place, employees who stay there. it’s not party central. It’s important The Watts carry out a wide range the hostel residents keep the noise The lounge has shelves full of of duties, from bookings and down as shift workers could be books, cosy couches and vases of answering queries to cleaning and sleeping during the day, while fl owers giving it a homely feel. maintenance. Two wardens are at others study in their rooms. the hostel after hours, but the Watts But it’s the friendly staff and other are still on call for emergencies. The Watts enjoy meeting the wide residents that really make new range of people from different staff members settle into their new Most of the guests are from cultures and countries. environment. overseas and need directions or Online viewers Hostel Brochure PDF

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // THE PULSE 9 Hospital Ball

TDHB staff and their partners had a fantastic night at the Hospital Ball in September. The venue at the Copthorne Hotel Grand Central was decked out to fi t the theme Forbidden City. Party-goers dressed in their fi nest attire and a band performed to the packed dance fl oor. Special thanks to the organising committee Nicky Gaffney, Ann Marie Stevenson, Rebecca Clive-Smith and Joshua Johnson. Check out the photos on the intranet.  Staff online viewers Click here to view the photo gallery (staff only)

Hospital Centralised Training

Human Resources has centralised The new process also means fl ights the workforce. “We encourage all training budgets across the DHB and accommodation can also be staff to take up the opportunities to improve the management of better coordinated. available for professional courses and costs. development and upskilling.” The new Organisational Learning Previously, each department looked Committee and Professional All training budgets are affected after its own training budget. Now Development Group committees excluding Clinical Training Agency everything goes through a new meet every month to consider and Continued Medical Education process. applications. funding.

One of the changes is a new There have so far been 116 If you would like to discuss the application process for staff wanting applications received since the centralised training please contact to undertake external training - centralised training was introduced a member of the Organisational whether it is hosted by the DHB or on 1 July. Only a small number Learning Committee or Professional held elsewhere. of applications did not meet the Development Group committees. A criteria. list of members is on the intranet. All applications will be evaluated against new criteria to help ensure Human Resources and The information and application consistency, fairness and value for Organisational Development forms are available see: Services/ money. The centralised process will General Manager Gavin Woolley Human Resources/Professional also result in improved collection of says it is important to use the funds Development. data and administration. available to maximise training for Staff online viewers  Click here to go the tdhb intranet (staff only) // Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 10 THE PULSE Exciting New Project to Address Staffi ng Issues

A project that takes a fresh approach to managing staff costs and levels has been launched by the DHB.

Project Whakapai aims to support the organisation in staff planning, improve management of staffi ng costs and introduce system improvements.

Chief Executive Tony Foulkes says that despite signifi cant efforts over the years in both budget setting and day to day management of staffi ng, the DHB still has signifi cant challenges in matching supply and demand. “We can’t carry on like this and so together we must improve the situation.” Health-e Workforce Solutions Team members Annie Rivett, Danny Rathgeber, Murray After an analysis of data and Bardwell and Colin Smeaton. interviews with staff, the DHB is now taking a new approach and introducing innovative tools to ensure it has the right staff, at the right time, while staying within budget. “We can’t carry on like this and so together we must improve the From October, the organisation will be rolling out the situation“ Health-e Workforce Solutions software tool, and improving processes to help budget holders manage staff planning, timely information to help them DHB is looking for. allocation and costs. As part carry out roles and responsibilities A project team has been of this an Allocations Unit has more effectively. In a number of appointed for this exciting been established to support areas there is potential to increase initiative to ensure Project coordination of staff resource permanent staffi ng and reduce Whakapai is a success. More requests. overall costs. information on Project Whakapai and regular updates will be Some existing practices and The Health-e Workforce Solutions available on the intranet, under processes will need to be team, led by Danny Rathgeber, projects. challenged when considering will be assisting with the project. workforce supply and demand. The team members all have If you have any questions the This will require some people clinical backgrounds and worked please email: to do some things in new in various roles implementing the ways, with new tools and more kinds of process improvements the e [email protected]

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // THE PULSE 11 Physio Ends Up in Hospital as Patient

herself back to shore. While most The hospital stay gave Shona an people would panic, she remained insight into how the inpatient alert and calm. “I could have fainted areas worked. “That really was an in the water but I felt quite cool education because I work mainly in headed. It wasn’t till later that I the community and with outpatients. realised how lucky I had been.” I have a new-found respect for how busy the nurses in the wards are.” Kevin pulled her up on to the beach then headed off to get help - a 1km Shona spent six weeks off work, walk away. returning on a part-time basis. Being a patient has increased her empathy Shona waited in the blustery winds to her clients. “Even as a physio, I on the beach. Her leg was broken didn’t realise the length of time it just above the knee, leaving it takes to heal or how limiting it was dangling at a strange angle. on two crutches.”

Shona Lee An ambulance crew and fi re fi ghters She says overall it was an extremely were fi rst on the scene. Access to the positive experience, from the Shona Lee has a new perspective on beach was diffi cult, so a helicopter emergency services arriving on what it’s like to be a patient after the was called to take Shona to Base the beach to the rehabilitation physiotherapist broke her leg kite Hospital. provided by the physiotherapist and surfi ng. occupational therapist. “Everyone As a health worker, Shona couldn’t was brilliant.” The injury happened while she and help notice how the staff performed. her husband Kevin were surfi ng the “They were really professional and It wasn’t just the exceptional care waves off the Oaonui coast, near doing all the right things. I was really Shona appreciated. Staff always ask Opunake. grateful how gently they handled my how she is doing, and an orderly leg.” even brought her fl owers. “There’s The winds were strong and surf big. a sense of family and community Suddenly Shona found herself in the Her leg was put in traction when among the people who work here.” water. A wave came down on top of she arrived in the Emergency her, wrapping her around a rock. Department. She later had surgery to The accident hasn’t put Shona off have a rod inserted, and recuperated kite surfi ng and she’ll be back in the As she came up for breath, she for a week in Ward 4. The surgery water when summer arrives. “I’ll be realised her right leg was broken. meant she didn’t require a plaster going somewhere more mellow and Shona used her kite lines to drag cast. avoiding rocky point breaks.” Medical Students - Billets Wanted

The Medical Management Team Fulford Radiology Radiologist Mark senior medical staff interested in is looking for senior medical staff McCullough took up the opportunity billeting students. Prospective hosts who would like to open their to billet a fourth year medical will need to provide their billet with homes and extend their hospitality student who had a two-week their own bedroom for 1-2 weeks to medical students on placement placement at CareFirst. and may also like to introduce them in Taranaki. to the local sites and scenes. He found the experience worthwhile Medical students currently make and felt there was an opportunity Senior medical staff who would their own arrangements for for an organised initiative for like to host a medical student can accommodation. Some stay at the accommodation support for medical contact Karlina Nickson on: staff hostel, others have family students while they are in Taranaki. or friends they can stay with, but x ext. 8704 many are new to Taranaki and are The Medical Management Team has left to their own devices. undertaken to set up a database for e [email protected]

// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 12 THE PULSE Offers of Help Flood in

Taranaki DHB has received overwhelming support from staff volunteering to help Canterbury DHB following the Christchurch earthquakes.

A total of 67 staff members have put their names forward to go to Christchurch should the need arise.

They include 24 nurses, eight ambulance staff, nine administration staff and four psychologists.

TDHB Emergency Management The Christchurch earthquakes cause damage and destruction. Coordinator Mike Broker says the response shows staff are keen to do what they can for their colleagues see if staff can be freed up as more work in Christchurch and the Princess down south. defi nitive requests are received, Mike Margaret hospitals, and also in some says. residential care facilities such as “We appreciate the offers of support Windsor House. shown by our staff.” Canterbury DHB has already taken up offers of assistance from health CDHB has set up a process to match So far, there was been a request to professionals around New Zealand. the national staff to the service send one of our health care assistants Health workers have arrived from as requirements and are providing an to Christchurch and it is unknown if far away as Auckland and Southern orientation to ensure they are well further help is needed from Taranaki. DHBs. prepared to undertake their rostered duties. Workloads will be considered to The majority have been allocated to

Chaplains Commissioned

Seven trainees were commissioned at a special They join a team of 18 others who service held in the hospital offer chaplaincy ministry at Base chapel recently. Hospital and two at Hawera. One of the new assistants will visit Elizabeth They are Sandie MacDiarmid, R in Stratford. Robert says Taranaki Deborah Morton, Beth Mossop, has one of the strongest volunteer Margaret Nicholls, Marie chaplaincy teams in New Zealand. O’Connor, Pat Schwass and Jean Walsh. “It receives “The service marks the end wonderful of a year’s training, during which people learn about how support from to offer pastoral, emotional One of the latest trainees is the DHB, the and spiritual care to patients, commissioned as a chaplaincy churches and the assistant by national chaplaincy staff and family members in CEO Ron Malpass. the hospital,” TDHB Chaplain community.” Robert Anderson says.

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // THE PULSE 13 New parents and their families have comfy chairs to relax in thanks to kind donations from the community

Above: Meremere-Ohangai Rural Women New Zealand joined with Brendon and Lisa Tippett to donate a lazyboy chair and foot stool to the Neonatal Unit.

Left: The Tikorangi Women’s Institute donated a Lazyboy chair to the Labour Ward for support people who may need to stay over night.

Geraldine Jensen was recently farewelled from Hawera Hospital. She has worked at Hawera Hospital for 28 years, the last fi ve as Clinical Nurse Manager. She is moving to Australia.

Minister Peter Dunne, New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young, TDHB Chief Executive Tony Foulkes and Dental Unit Manager Heather Krutz take a tour of the new Rangiatea dental facility.

Mr Dunne was in New Plymouth to offi cially open the facility and launch the Taranaki Community Oral Health Service. Information about the service and photos of the launch can be found under lastest news on the website: Online viewers click here  www.tdhb.org.nz/news/documents/ media_release_2010_09_17.shtml

// Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 14 THE PULSE Doctor Enjoying New Zealand Adventure

From Texas to Taranaki - it’s a big also a physician, hadn’t been to New change for new TDHB Physician Zealand before. Vinu Abraham. They are adjusting to the lifestyle and He has recently come from Houston have liked what they’ve seen so far. “It’s to work at Taranaki Base Hospital sort of like an adventure,” he says. and is fi nding both the health system and lifestyle completely Dr Abraham is a respiratory and different. internal medicine consultant, and has an interest in sleep medicine. He In Texas, he worked in hospitals treats patients with asthma, COPD, with between 800 and 1200 beds. bronchiectasis and lung cancer, and Base Hospital has just 126. runs bronchoscopy clinics. Vinu Abraham He says the hours of work are He has also seen Taranaki patients with better in New Zealand and people sleep conditions. He says sleep apnoea, are a lot more laid back than back a disorder where people have pauses in home in Texas. breathing while sleeping, is becoming more common around the world given Dr Abraham and his wife, who is the increasing rates of obesity.

2010 Outstanding Customer Service Awards

Due to the amazing response to last Keep an eye out for deeds of great year’s Outstanding Customer Service service. Awards, we will be running it again. All nominees will receive an award, The awards will be presented in with prizes for most nominated staff November. This is an early warning members, and for the most interesting so all can nominate their favourite and original nominations. Customer Service superstar for an award. Join the fun, and see those superstars of service get the recognition they Nomination forms will be available deserve. on the intranet from 15 October, with nominations closing on 15 November.

The Pulse - Taranaki District Health Board Private Bag 2016, New Plymouth 4342

Taranaki Together, A Healthy Community // THE PULSE 15 Are you reading a paper copy of the Pulse?

Hop on to www.tdhb.org.nz and check out the new online interactive colour version.

 website or intranet link e email link x phone number extension

The Pulse - Taranaki District Health Board Private Bag 2016, New Plymouth 4342 // Taranaki Whanui He Rohe Oranga 16 THE PULSE