MARCH 2010

LotuMoui SuMMitThe LotuMoui Summit is the third major fono

on Pacific health in the Counties Manukau region. The 2010 summit presented the achievements and milestones of the DHB-Pacific Church partnership.

The first fono in 2004 was the initial step in creating a partnership between the District Health Board and the local Pacific Church Ministers. Feedback from this fono led to the development of a regional operational plan which was launched in 2006 and the LotuMoui Games in 2008.

Ministers and church health committees were invited from the 130 Churches participating in the LotuMoui Programme. Attendees also included a wide cross-section of Pacific leaders interested in improving the health and wellness of their congregations and communities.

The Summit was an opportunity for Pacific community and church leaders to share knowledge and successes of health programmes operating within their congregations.

Counties Manukau District Health Board provided formal evaluations of the wider LotuMoui programme. It also asked for community input to

guide the future direction of Pacific health and the development of the LotuMoui programme beyond 2010.

The Summit endeavoured to find answers to the barriers that prevent Pacific people engaging in health interventions, the options for interventions within the community with the current capacity; and ways in which the health system could support the community achieve positive health outcomes.

According to Manu Sione, GM Pacific CMDHB, the sustainability of the LotuMoui health-church relationship is crucial to improving the community’s general health. He says that “strong linkages, and more engagement and participation between health programmes, church members and Primary Care providers will continue to increase better health outcomes across all Pacific communities in Counties Manukau”.

Discussions on the day covered health issues affecting Pacific men, women, youth and children and those with long term conditions. Specific topics related to engagement with Primary Care and the impact on Pacific communities.

Faith and religious leaders and various Pacific church members from across the South Auckland region formed the group of 400 participants who took part in the LotuMoui Summit, an all day community fono, held at the Telstra Clear stadium in February.

CONNECT | PAGE 2

The Tindall Foundation is committing more than $1.4 million to new training and employment initiatives as a result of work it undertook after last year’s prime ministerial Jobs Summit.

Since February the foundation has been looking for opportunities to improve long-term employment prospects for communities that are most vulnerable to job losses.

A Counties Manukau District Health Board project aimed at growing its workforce within its borders will receive $1 million over two years.

The funds will be shared by community organisations such as schools, scholarship providers, tertiary institutions and the DHB with the aim of putting more than 200 new nurses, midwives and other health practitioners into training.

Health board chief executive Geraint Martin said the programme was urgently needed.

“The staffing issues we face are business-critical, and it is no longer acceptable or possible to fill positions primarily from overseas sources. We simply must invest in people in South Auckland to help create a more effective pipeline to get them to work for us.”

The foundation has also tagged a sum estimated at $400,000 to develop the initial stages of a Pacific peoples’ tertiary provider run along similar lines to Te Wananga o Aotearoa. An educational trust made up of former All Black Michael Jones’ sports academy, the Pasifika Education Centre and Pacific Business Trust will work with the wananga on the initiative.

Tindall Foundation manager Trevor Gray said:

“They’re both transformative ideas, and they’re both cross-sector approaches to job creation where groups are working together.”

Warehouse founder Sir Stephen Tindall said he was impressed by “innovative” ideas which had come out of the Jobs Summit.

“From these projects I’m sure we will find new and effective ways to improve access to employment and get people into jobs, because jobs are at the heart of our quality of life and wellbeing,” he said.

Other projects to receive funding included the Kaikohe Community Trust, which is working on its section of the national cycleway, a Hamilton-based programme supporting long-term unemployed into work and the Mayors’ Task Force for Jobs.

Hi All,

It is with great pleasure that I open this letter with thanks to the Tindall Foundation for its commitment of more than $1.4 million to new training and employment initiatives.

$1 million will be spent on workforce development over the next two years, with $400,000 going towards the initial stages of a Pacific peoples’ tertiary provider run along similar lines to Te Wananga o Aotearoa.We are always looking for ways to be innovative, and sourcing our staff from the Counties Manukau region not only makes sense, it also strengthens our community by developing training and employment opportunities within our borders. It is important to us that we invest in the people of South Auckland and source our staff from that community. It is through strong community links that we can continue to offer a stable and culturally inclusive environment for staff and patients.

There’s been a lot going on since December

and we’ve been working hard to ensure the savings identified at the planning day are included in the District Annual Plan. There have been budget meetings across all divisions with the majority of savings now locked and loaded. Once the District Annual Plan has been signed off by the Minister we’ll be letting you all know what this means to you.

In February the Management Support Group started to focus on communications and putting together an action plan for improvements in specific processes and translating that into actual savings.

We need to make sure we consistently use our problem solving methodology to continue to achieve savings and greater efficiencies. The Quality Improvement Unit will continue to support you to apply this methodology in your work areas.

Unions have been kept informed with meetings that were held in January and February and this will continue throughout 2010.

It has been great to get feedback from staff and we’ve received many suggestions. These have mainly been around waste reduction and efficient use of our resources such as printer

cartridge recycling; paper use; PC power reduction; improved processes around clinical administration and clinical supplies. There have also been a number of suggestions for improvements related to patient care which are consistent with our Quality Improvement Action Plan.

As much of the activity requires changes to “the way we work” – it is you who understand your work area and can identify and lead the changes we need to make. Please continue to share your ideas with your colleagues and seek expert support for implementation. Suggestions are welcomed via the CEO Blog or email haveyoursay@middlemore.

On a sadder note, Stella Ward has resigned but this does not mean that the work we have done so far will be affected. I’m grateful for the work Stella has done and I know that she will follow with interest how we will continue to work together in the ‘Counties way’ to ensure our aspirations and objectives are achieved.

Warm regards,Geraint MartinChief Executive

Health board gets $1m training boost from Tindall FoundationBy Yvonne Tahana , The NZ Herald, January 4, 2010

Trevor Gray, Tindall Foundation Manager

CONNECT | PAGE 3

Nurse-led project exposes silent thief

The hard work of organising the annual Alexandra Park fireworks extravaganza paid off last night, as Brian Stocking, President of The Howick Lions Club proudly presented a cheque to Dr Anmar Abdul-Rahman, Clinical Director of the Counties Manukau DHB Ophthalmology Department. On behalf of the Ophthalmology Department, Dr Anmar Abdul-Rahman expressed appreciation to the Howick Lions group and all contributors to this event for their dedication.

The proceeds will be used to purchase two hand-held microscopes (slitlamps). These will allow a much easier eye examination procedure for patients in wheelchairs, beds and those with

arthritic problems. They will also enhance the service offered when examining children.

Dr Abdul-Rahman commented, “The fireworks event was highly organised and featured other performances; this and the nature of the cause for which the donation was sought attracted a wide section of the community. The Howick Lions have been a long term supporter of the eye health services in the Counties Manukau region. Funds donated in previous years have gone to purchase other valuable equipment in the eye department and I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank them for their support in our community”.

Family fireworks fund microscope

Nearly 30 000 people in the CMDHB area have diabetes with many more at risk. The Middlemore ward nurses put together patient and staff displays in the wards and created week-long activities focussing on raising knowledge and awareness and improving clinical practice and management of diabetes. Themed questions around diabetes were printed on all handover sheets, nurses wore “Diabetes – the silent thief” labels as discussion starters with patients. Education topics were covered by Whitiora nurses and sessions ran throughout the week with a diabetes general knowledge quiz, update of different types of diabetes, presentations by a dietitian and pharmacist, and instruction of the practical usage of insulin pens. The nurse-led project was driven from participation in a Resource Study Day at the Diabetes Whitiora Clinic earlier in the year. In the recent In-hospital Point Prevalence Survey undertaken across medical and surgical wards in Middlemore Hospital earlier this year, one-quarter of all patients in both medical and surgical wards had diabetes indicating that people with diabetes in Counties Manukau are significantly over represented in hospital compared to the general population. Health professionals are likely to see increased numbers of people with diabetes accessing healthcare in the Counties Manukau community as rates of diabetes prevalence continue to rise following the trends across the globe.

From left to right: Roshni (Whitiora Diabetes Nurse Educator who assisted the nurses with the programme and displays), Moeata (Clinical Nurse Educator), Ali (Charge Nurse), Ronika and Sabina (Diabetes Resource Nurses from Ward 8)

Ward 8 & 9 nurses made a lot of noise about diabetes in the general surgical wards at Middlemore Hospital for Diabetes Awareness Week (November 17-23).

The theme of this year’s Diabetes Awareness Week was ‘the silent thief’. This focussed on how the complications of diabetes steal people’s health and even their lives; and raised awareness of the complications and how to combat them through early diagnosis and good management. The serious complications of diabetes include heart disease, kidney failure, loss of limbs, impotence, blindness and depression.

CONNECT | PAGE 4

The Auckland Refugee Centre garden which is now flourishing is testament to collaboration between the NZ Red Cross, Refugees as Survivors, the Lets Beat Diabetes Programme and the Auckland Refugee Centre and has been acknowledged with a ‘Bright Side’ Award from the Race Relations Commission.

Samuelu Sefuiva from the Human Rights Commission honoured the development of a

community garden at the Mangere-based Refugee Centre this month and praised the garden initiative for its impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of the refugees.

The Commission awards the certificates each month to recognise positive contributions to cultural diversity and race relations within Aotearoa.

Problem:Staff were unable to find items of equipment they required to care for patients (especially if they didn’t regularly work on that ward). This can cause delays to patient care due to the time required to look for items; frustration for staff; and interruptions to ward staff when asked where items are located.

Problem Solving Process:A working group consisting of Charge Nurse Managers, RMO’s, PAR Team, and QIU facilitators, collected and reviewed data. It showed that there was no consistency in the storage and setup of clean utility rooms across the MMH site. It was evident that in a few wards it was much easier to find equipment than in others. The main reasons for this were:• items required for particular activities were grouped together, and clearly identifiable;• identification was much quicker in wards that had colour coding

Solution:A system has been developed to help staff quickly identify, via colour coding, where specific types of equipment are stored, and the grouping together of items used for specific activities. The colour coding within the clean utility rooms is as follows:

Initially, the Quality Improvement Facilitators are visiting all wards on the MMH site to ensure all IV items, including phlebotomy/cannulation equipment are grouped together and clearly identifiable with red markings (i.e. red Lamson bins). This has been identified as a priority as these are the items that are most frequently searched for.

Garden receives prominent award for diversity and race relations

Innovation - Clean Utility Rooms

LIGHT BLUE RED YELLOW GREEN

AIRWAY/BREATHING/

OTHER

BODY/BODILY FLUIDSCIRCULATION DRESSING

Who to contact?If you have any questions related to this system, please contact your Quality Improvement Facilitator or Clinical Nurse Director.

The Quality Improvement Facilitators and theareas they cover are: • ARHOP/Mental Health Sally Arrowsmith • Women’s Health & Kidz First Michelle Askew / Ria Byron • Surgical Services & Ambulatory Care Ian Hutchby • Medicine & Acute Services Hayden Tseng • Emergency Care Debbie Hailstone

Counties Manukau District Health Board has launched an infant communication DVD- “Look at You-Aroha Atu Aroha Mai” to educate parents and the local community about infant social interaction and how to recognise and respond sensitively to the emotional and social needs of babies. Current research has shown how critical early social interaction is for a child’s developing brain. The quality of the relationships in the very early months and for the first three years impacts on the development of the brain and lays the foundation for healthy social relationships and emotional health. There is evidence that attending to the early care-giving relationship leads to a better experience for care-givers and better physical and mental health outcomes for infants later in life.

The CMDHB population experiences high levels of the types of adverse events that can impact negatively

on the social and emotional development of infants including, socio-economic deprivation, family violence, parental substance abuse and mental illness and non-accidental injury. The “Look at You Aroha Atu Mai” DVD is one of the initiatives in place aimed at supporting the emotional and social development of infants living in our community.

The key messages portrayed in the DVD are that parents and caregivers can improve the quality of the parent-infant relationship by: • paying close attention to babies (by watching

their expressions, movements and reactions to caregivers’ responses)

• sensitively responding to babies’ cues • responding promptly to their babies’ attempts to

communicate This is the first DVD of this kind that has been

made for a New Zealand audience and aims to reach

families/whanau with young babies. It is also a useful teaching tool for health professionals.

Jo Chiplin, Acting Senior Programme Manager, Mental Health says “There has already been significant interest in the DVD both locally and nationally from across health and social sectors, including Government Ministers.”

“Through the production of this DVD and other infant mental health initiatives we have initiated, CMDHB is recognised as leading the way nationally in the area of infant mental health.”

The intention is to distribute the DVD free to every familiy/whaanau with a newborn baby in Counties and for it to be widely available for health professionals who are working with families with young babies. Approximately 600 DVDs have been given to new mothers in Counties Manukau since the launch in November.

Infant mental health

CONNECT | PAGE 5

Influenza is not just a “bad cold”. Although some of the symptoms may be similar, influenza is much more severe. Influenza may lead to serious complications, particularly in people with an existing medical condition.Between 10% and 20% of the population are infected with influenza each year. Up to 156,000 will consult their GP, and an average of 327 hospitalisations per year are directly attributed to influenza. While the elderly are typically at risk of influenza complications, experiences with H1N1 (swine flu) have shown pregnant women, the morbidly obese, those with co-morbidities, and young children (particularly those of Maori or Pacific Island ethnicity and/or from areas of high social deprivation) are at greater risk.The seasonal influenza vaccine for 2010 will contain the H1N1 strain as well as two other common circulating strains. As the 2010 seasonal influenza immunisation programme will double as a pandemic immunisation influenza programme, for 2010 the Ministry of Heath is planning to:• Encourage greater uptake of subsidised

immunisations by the eligible population, particularly among those aged under 65 with co-morbidities.

• Extend eligibility for subsidised immunisation to pregnant women and people with morbid obesity

• Subsidise influenza immunisations for children 6 months to 4 years who are enrolled in certain eligible practices.

The Ministry has indicated that it wishes DHBs to work with Primary Care on innovative ways to achieve these objectives.For 2010, CMDHB has decided to run a campaign to vaccinate eligible patients commencing on the 22nd of March and running through to the end of June.A vaccination booth will be set up at the Superclinic where staff can direct patients.On the wards the vaccine will be prescribed and given like any other medication, or in some areas by an authorised independent vaccinator.

Further details and training will be available soon.

What can I do to help?• Be an advocate for the vaccine. Studies have

shown that vaccine recommendation by a Health Professional increases the rate of acceptance three fold. Your recommendation to your patients about immunisation could help reduce hospitalisations and death.

• Be a role model: take the opportunity to have the vaccine yourself. Health Professionals who get vaccinated themselves, are more likely to recommend it to their patients.

• Portray the vaccine in a positive light. Patients will pick up on any reservations you have about the vaccine. Studies have shown that the beliefs and attitudes of staff mirror patient concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccine

• Debunk myths; there are many misconceptions about flu vaccines that need to be overcome;

• “ The vaccine will give me the flu” The vaccine doesn’t cause influenza. “ The vaccine is not safe for me

because I have a medical condition” The vaccine is still safe in patients with

co-morbidities (and more necessary given the increased rate of influenza complications in this group)

“ I am not at risk from flu. It’s more trouble than its worth”

One study showed that once vaccinated, 98% thought it was a wise thing to do.

“ Ask yourself whether there is any reason why this patient should not be vaccinated?”

In the absence of contraindications ALL patients should be offered the vaccine who are; • 6mths to 4yrs of age • 65yrs and over • 5 to 64 with a chronic medical condition

(including morbid obesity and pregnancy for 2010)

2010 patient flu vaccination campaign

You will be well aware that 2009 saw the worldwide transmission of a novel influenza virus strain; H1N1, or “swine flu”. In New Zealand, many individuals were infected with this virus in 2009, but a second wave is expected this year.

CONNECT | PAGE 6

Pukekohe accounting firm Campbell Tyson Cooper White pulled out all the stops this year to give newborns from the Franklin area a head start.

Local business helps local hospital

When staff advocate Diane Mclaughlin suggested earlier in the year, that the firm identify and support a local charity, she had no idea of the relationship that would bloom.

Campbell Tyson Cooper White selected the South Auckland Health Foundation as their charity based on the fact that one of their much esteemed and respected partners, Terry Harris, also a board member at the Foundation, had passed away earlier in the year.

Once contact was established, the South Auckland Health Foundation identified a phototherapy blanket that was on the ‘wish list’ of the local Pukekohe Maternity Hospital .

A phototherapy blanket uses fibre optic light to assist with the treatment of jaundice in newborns.

Campbell Tyson Cooper White has spent the year fundraising and was thrilled to be able to confirm they had reached the $7500 goal to purchase the blanket.

Charge midwife, Lynn Austerberry was on hand

to thank the CTCW team and accept the blanket. “We trialled the blanket earlier in the year and were very pleased with how much more settled the babies were. Having the blanket at the Pukekohe site enables jaundiced babies to be treated locally and reduces the need for mother and baby to be transferred to Middlemore Hospital”.

Glen Beal, Director of Campbell Tyson Cooper White attended the presentation,

“I am so proud of our team”, he said ‘there is not one person in the office that has not contributed to the fundraising efforts”.

Fundraising Co-ordinator, Diane McLaughlin commented, “The year hasn’t all been about raising money – we feel we have a much more integral relationship with the Foundation. We have been involved in volunteer work, we forward all our used magazines to the hospital, some of our staff are knitting for the Wool Programme – we really feel part of the family”.

The Campbell Tyson Cooper White team with Diane holding the mannequin baby in the phototherapy wrap.

“We trialled the blanket earlier in the year andwere very pleased with how much more

settled the babies were”.

2009 was a very busy year for Counties Manukau District Health board Maternity Services. At Middlemore Hospital we d elivered 7000 babies and at our community birthing units, we delivered 1500 babies.

Thank you to all of our wonderful dedicated

midwifery and maternity staff! Due to ongoing growth within Counties

Manukau District Health Board, we need more midwives to help Deliver our Community.

Some facts for those of you who are unfamiliar with the CMDHB, we are one of the most diverse health care providers in Australasia. Within our Maternity Services, we believe in ensuring the best possible outcomes for women on their journey through conception, childbirth with family-centred care.

We offer primary, secondary and tertiary services, within a variety of hospital and community based facilities which means as a midwife you get a variety of challenging work. Middlemore Hospital is a teaching hospital, so we offer professional and personal development that is second to none, flexible hours and so much more.

At Counties our midwives enjoy a LED model of care, which means all our midwives work autonomously enjoying a full scope of practice. So, if you are looking to enhance your career and professional development as a midwife, CMDHB is the place to be.

If you are a midwife who has been out of practice for a long time and you’re not sure how it all works to return to practice, don’t worry because at CMDHB we’ve got that covered too. We offer advice, assistance and provide support for return to practice midwives. If you are interested in becoming a midwife, we are able to point you in the right direction.

Every year, in conjunction with South Auckland Health Foundation, CMDHB offers scholarships for midwifery study.

For more information or ifyou have any

queries about a career as amidwife at CMDHB, visit us on

www.deliveringfutures.co.nz

Counties Manukau District Health board…Help Deliver our Community.

MIDWIFERYAT CMDHB

CONNECT | PAGE 7

United Water giving backto our communityUnited Water’s Craig Mills hands a $2000 cheque toRobynne Hubbard of the Papakura Maternity Hospital.

In the spirit of giving over the Christmas period, the Customer Services Team at United Water once again decided to hold a Food Hamper draw to raise money for the Papakura Maternity Hospital.

Donations of any amount were accepted in exchange for a ticket to enter the draw. Staff at United Water were also encouraged to donate, although they were not entitled to the prize.

Congratulations to our lucky winner Jan Hawkins of Papakura.

We are proud to announce that we raised $ 2000 for the Papakura Maternity Hospital. Residents and businesses of Papakura, Drury and Takanini donated $810, with United Water making up the shortfall to reach the target of $ 2000.

The donations will be used to buy an Apnoea mattress for premature babies.

We would like to thank all our customers for contributing to this worthy cause. And a special thank you to Country Floral of the Roselands Shopping Centre for decorating the hamper free of charge, One Red Chilli for their food vouchers. Barfoot & Thompson, Century 21, Hauraki Plumbing, Real Estate Rentals and South Auckland Plumbing for their generous cash donations.

Due to the success of this initiative, United Water will draw another hamper in December 2010, with the proceeds going to another worthwhile cause.

From left to rightCraig Mills - United Water, Myra Basham - midwifeRobynne Hubbard (receiving cheque) - Charge Midwife manager, Lissa Yates - midwifeElaine Coppins - midwife, Debra Fenton - Service manager, Vanessa Morris - Administration Clerk

Middlemore has a proud history in treating cleft. Since William Manchester arrived in 1947, successive leaders have shaped the service that is available today. The improvements continue with the addition of Sandy Cavell, a clinical psychologist to the team and the addition of two new Plastic Surgeons, Stanley Loo and Zak Moaveni. Today’s team is a multidisciplinary team of plastic surgeons, SLTs, Orthodontists, Specialist nurses and Maxillofacial surgeons. The team also works closely with community allied health workers to provide the ongoing care and support that many growing children born with cleft require. There are four tertiary providers of cleft care in New Zealand.

Face it - together we can make a difference

The psychosocial aspects of being born with a facial difference are recognized as an ongoing challenge for some individuals. Support in this area takes time and the team work closely with Cleft New Zealand Inc, a charitable trust whose purpose is to support and empower individuals on their cleft journey.

The Middlemore specialist Cleft Unit will attend the launch of Cleft New Zealand’s new-look brand and website which provides important and relevant information to all those interested in the condition of cleft. For families there is advice on coping with emotions; suggestions on how to tell

their family and friends and what to expect. For young people growing up there is a community where they can share their feelings and experiences and celebrate their achievements. For professionals there is a place to share important developments in cleft care, both for families and other professionals.

“Supporting the medical professionals who provide the care for our children is as important to us as supporting the child and their family. Together we can make a difference,” says Susan Frear of Cleft New Zealand. “This site will offer another medium where medical professionals can

get important messages out to patients and the wider allied health and education professionals who provide local services complementing the work that the specialist Cleft Units offer.”

To learn more you can visit www.cleft.org.nz or call 0800 425 338The Cleft Coordinator for the Middlemore team is Megan Sanders who can be reached on x 8922.

The Middlemore Cleft team also has information on the healthpoint website and new referral process guidelines are soon to be published on Southnet system. For more information contact: Susan Frear on 0800 4CLEFT or 021 1147 186

website: wwwcleft.org.nz E-mail: susan@cleft.org.nz

CONNECT | PAGE 8

A ‘Rights of a child, when receiving health care’ poster has been developed with key messages for children and their whanau.These laminated colour posters are ideal for doctor’s rooms, Plunket rooms, playcentres etc.At only $10- each +$5- P&P (or $7- P&P for Australia) these

illustrated posters are great value.Proceeds from sales will go to Kidz First Children’s Hospital.For further queries or orders please ring the South Auckland Health Foundation 09-2708808 or info@sahf.org.nz.

Woodturners ‘turn’ up againThis year members Dick Veitch and John Smart

both helped distribute the gifts of beautiful turned wooden bowls and vases, throughout the aged care wards – where they received a very warm reception.

Another box will be taken to patients in the Franklin area and a box of handcrafted wooden toys are destined for Kidz First Children’s Hospital.

Operations Manager, Pamela Baines said the patients had been looking forward to the visit all day.

“It can be a very long day in hospital, particularly at this time of year, so visitors – especially ones bearing gifts – are very welcome”.

Accompanying Dick and John was craftswoman Rachel Lunnon, who has spent the year knitting woollen toys for younger patients.

“It is just something I can do in the evenings, that I know will bring a lot of pleasure to a child”, said Rachel.

Members of the 2010 Vodafone Warriors team visited Kidz First Children’s Hospital in February, delivering gifts to the patients including ZhuZhu pets - the latest interactive toy craze to hit the planet.

The visit by the Vodafone Warriors was to celebrate the launch of the 2010 season and to promote a free Community Carnival.

Vodafone Warriors One Community Manager, Petrece Kesha said, “The boys are always happy to spend time at Kidz First Children’s Hospital

– many of our players are from the Counties Manukau area and have family members that have spent time in this hospital. It was great that they were available to distribute these toys to the kids and bring some joy and excitement to their stay”.

ZhuZhu (say zoo zoo) toys are interactive hamsters that can drive cars, go surfing, skateboard and make up to 40 different noises.

Toy importing company Planet Fun, has been a supporter of Kidz First Children’s Hospital for many years. They regularly supply toys to the hospital to entertain the inpatients as well as donating hundreds of toys each Christmas to be distributed to children

under the care of Kidz First community services. Chief executive of Planet Fun, Jeremy Kirk-Smith was excited that some of

the first ZhuZhu pets in the country could be delivered to Kidz First Children’s Hospital together with a lot of well known cuddly Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh.

“We’re always delighted to send toys to Kidz First Children’s Hospital – even though the children are unwell they seem to have the biggest smiles in town when they receive them – that’s what toys are about”.

HAMSTERS IN HOSPITAL!

For the third year running the South Auckland Woodturners Guild have arrived at Middlemore Hospital laden with presents created by the guild members for the patients.

Rights of a child

CONNECT | PAGE 9

golfing for good

For more information or to register interest please ring Kelvin Ricketts on 09-5762984

The Rotary Club of Pakuranga is combining two of the things they do best – having fun and raising money – and they invite you to join them.

Pakuranga Rotary is hosting a fundraising golf day on Thursday March 25th to raise money to purchase much needed equipment for the benefit of men’s health in the Counties Manukau area.

Pakuranga Rotary Club President, Chris Ward, says they chose this cause because Counties Manukau is the fastest growing area in New Zealand and this together with our aging population is putting extra demands on equipment.

“Education and publicity have increased the awareness of prostate problems in New Zealand,

which in turn has increased the numbers of men having prostate check ups”.

The Golf Day is to be held at the Aviation Country Club, kicking off with a BBQ lunch at 11am and finishing with a dinner and prize giving at the club. Entries are only $80.00pp or $320.00 for a team of four.

BOTANY BUNNINGSIS SIZZLINGCounties Manukau kids are set to benefit from a recent donation to Kidz First Children’s Hospital.

The staff and management at Bunnings Warehouse, Botany have been holding fortnightly sausage sizzles to raise funds to assist with purchasing hearing equipment for the Vision Hearing Community Team.

The Bunnings Community Involvement Committee drove the sizzles which resulted in a $2500.00 donation. Kidz First inpatient, Tommy Brady of Mangere, accepted the cheque on behalf of the Hospital.

Peter Younger, Manager of Bunnings Botany said, “Last year some of the team from the Bunnings Botany Community Involvement committee were invited by Rachel Sheehan to visit Kidz First. It was after this visit that the team was inspired to help raise funds for much needed equipment.

The team at Bunnings Botany got right in behind the fundraising drive with a Thursday lunchtime BBQ, which gave our customers and team members the opportunity to contribute to a great cause.” The Bunnings team in the Kidz First playroom.

CONNECT | PAGE 10

Progressing And Transforming HealTHThe PATh To The FuTure oF heAlTh InFormATIon

REGIONAL INFORMATION STRATEGY 2010 - 2020

INTRODUCING PATHProgressing and Transforming Health (PATH) setsout the direction for health information in thenorthern region to 2020.Health information systems need to change tosupport new models of healthcare. Anyimprovement in healthcare can only occur withbetter information and universal sharing of thatinformation between hospitals, GPs, pharmacists,laboratories, physiotherapists and other healthproviders, and patients themselves. Access toinformation is key to people looking afterthemselves, to more timely and effective medicaltreatment and better planning for healthresources.This document is a summary of the comprehensive PATH strategy which describes what this new health information system will look like, and what we need to do to put it in place. It has been developed with the involvement of primary, community and secondary care and has been formally accepted by the region’s four District Health Boards.

THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENTFor many years, we have been aware of thepressures the health system is under, andpredicting the need for change. The pressures arebecoming greater with escalating demand forservices.In the years ahead, DHBs and their communitypartners will face greater demand from a growingand ageing population with higher expectationsabout what can be done. This means increasedvolumes of work and complexity, while at thesame time there will be constrained resources anddifficulties filling clinical positions.It will not be possible to continue to work in thesame way as in the past. We require new modelsof care to successfully meet the health needs ofour populations.Information technology is often seen as acompeting demand for funding, along withhospital and community services. Yet all healthpersonnel would have a story about carecompromised by a lack of up-to-date and timelydata. Dependable IT systems providing accurate,complete and instantly accessible informationensure patients receive the best treatment.We now know that for healthcare to workproperly, patients need to be at the centre ofservices, and this is the case for healthinformation. Individual health data belongs to anindividual patient, so they should have access to

use it, edit it and decide who sees it.People’s information has been locked up inseparate primary, community and secondaryhealth systems. Change requires clinicians,managers and information services personnel towork in partnership to integrate current systemsso they can share the necessary patient detailswhen needed – medical history including tests,treatments, pharmaceuticals, as well as carercontacts and family circumstances.Getting everyone to use the same core set of datais a fundamental change from previousinformation strategies and aims to give clinicianscertainty that they have complete and up to dateinformation about their patients.

WHY WE NEED PATHThe strategy of the last ten years has been toexchange information between the many systemsof primary, community and secondary care. Thisresulted in health information being segmentedinto chronic care, children’s health, disability andmental health for instance, and separate systemsdeveloped around these, creating further divisions. 3 Millions of dollars and years have been spent on integrating an increasing variety and complexity of provider systems for each of these segments.While there has been some success, this approach does not support the new models such as shared care and multidisciplinary teams, whereinformation is needed from across the sector. It isnot sustainable.People now use web based technology to managetheir personal information. They can keep securetheir banking data and move their money around.Every transaction is recorded, even down to thelast cent, and it can be viewed by both theindividual and staff immediately. We should beable to provide this level of access to personalhealth information.An individual can book holiday flights andaccommodation on-line, and in the same way, they should be able to book in a time for medicaltreatment or tests. Currently it requires a numberof letters and phone calls if the scheduled time isnot suitable, as well as the time of practice orhospital booking clerks.

HOW PATH WILL SUPPORT NEW MODELS OF CAREHealth professionalsAt present, information is stored (or lost), asemails, faxes, scans and letters in filing cabinetsand on different computer networks. Criticalclinical information about a patient is notaccessible by those who need it especially in

emergencies. GPs do not have access to specialistor hospital information about their patients andvice versa.In the future patients will benefit from a morecontinuous flow of information between their GP,community care giver and specialist. Healthproviders will have instant, 24 hour access to upto-date patient history in the form of a secureelectronic health record (EHR) and be able tocontribute to it. This shared record is becomingessential, as people will increasingly see a range of providers, through new multi-disciplinary teamsand Integrated Family Health Centres.Health professionals will also be able to conferthrough the web, making consultations moreeffective and less time consuming for all, includingthe patient.Doctors will know more about the cost oftreatments and alternatives, so they can be betterinformed about the resource implications of theirdecisions.The publicPeople can take better care of themselves if theyunderstand their medical problems and healthindicators, such as weight or blood pressure, and if they can share this and other information withnew providers if they visit or move. Individuals willbe able to view laboratory results, update theirinformation such as care plan goals, and makeappointments or consult electronically with theirGP.With all interventions listed and available, we caneliminate the waste and inconvenience ofduplicating tests and other (often painful)procedures. Allergies and drug reactions as well asmedication regimes need to be known by allinvolved in a patient’s care.Individuals can decide to keep family membersinformed so they can help with care. For instance,a GP could make available health information foran older relative to a carer if it was agreed.Health organisations in the northern region willdefine the core set of information about a personrequired by health professionals and automate itscollection for this new single electronic healthrecord.The electronic health record will be made availablethrough the implementation of a regional HealthManagement Information System. This willinterface to a range of specialist systems such aslaboratory, radiology, pharmacy; to nationalsystems such as the National Health Index (NHI)and to community providers.

CONNECT | PAGE 11

Health providers, planners and fundersTo plan health services, providers, planners andfunders need an overview of population healthstatus, trends and determinants of ill health andwellness. A common core set of data is key toanalysing trend information. PATH will establishguidelines for the access, aggregation andreporting of population information so it can besystematically collected and interpreted accordingto a particular provider, iwi, patient group, funder,region or location.The current staffing shortages are expected toworsen over the next ten years, so managers willneed to know how many health professionals torecruit and train and where to deploy them aroundthe region.Currently organisations use a variety of processesand systems, data collection is fragmented, andconsistent analysis is difficult. Under PATH, therewill be standardised business processes, datadefinitions, coding and reporting, such as a singlechart of accounts and product catalogue, allsupported by a regional or national system.Today people using a health service or working in ahealth service often find it difficult to get access tobasic information such as contact details, where togo for help or how to complete a particular task.Delivering new models of care requires muchbetter tools to manage ‘knowledge’ and give easy

access to the right information at the right time.A single northern region DHB IT serviceorganisation will be established to support thenew regional systems. Services and systems willbe offered to primary, community, and secondaryhealth providers.

WHAT INVESTMENT IS NEEDEDImplementing systems in the northern region tosupport new models of care is estimated torequire an investment of between $75M and$150M over a five year period.In the coming years we will face significantfinancial constraints so this spend will need to bejustified and prioritised within the existing healthbudget by showing clearly how it will improveservices and reduce or hold costs.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXTPATH will be implemented in stages over the nextten years with the immediate priority being to setup the Regional Information Governance Group(RIGG) with representation from across theregion’s health organisations. The RIGG will:-• Review and confirm existing ProgrammeSteering Groups.• Establish three new Programme Steering

Groups for person centred health information,population health information and businessinformation.• Develop implementation plans and identify‘cornerstone’ projects to get underway.• Engage with clinicians, patients, managers andstaff on priorities and supporting principles toguide the implementation.• Establish the northern region IT serviceorganisation to deliver and support theregional systems.

FURTHER INFORMATIONFor further information about PATH, refer to the online version of the full regional

information strategy andsummary documents available from each

DHB’s website at:-http://www.adhb.govt.nzhttp://www.cmdhb.org.nz

http://www.northlanddhb.org.nzhttp://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz.

CONNECT | PAGE 12

We are especially interested in contributions from our community partners.If you have a story you would like to contribute to Connect please email the editor at: lauren.young@middlemore.co.nz

WAITANGICELEBRATING OUR PARTNERSHIP

The Maaori Responsiveness Programme launched their promotional day on 5th February 2010; the theme ‘Waitangi celebrating our partnership. There were two significant events celebrated on this day. The first, our revised and reformatted Tikanga Best Practice Policy Manual went live. Previously, the manual had over 75 pages. It now has 33 pages and is more user-friendly with easy to follow guidelines for implementing Tikanga into practice. These Manuals are distributed to the participants attending Tikanga Best Practice training. It can also be found via the following link http://southnet/MaaoriHealth/Training/TBPPolicy.htm Tikanga In Practice training utilise this Manual as a key resource in their delivery, and our Nurse Educator and Promotions Facilitator are also promoting key drivers from this Manual. The Manual provides a bench mark of engagement with CMDHB staff in: • The role of ritual of first encounter • Cross cultural communication • Understanding the unique roles that individuals

play in the care of Whaanau • The role of informed decision making

processes

The second point of reference was ‘the true spirit of partnership’ in celebrating the milestones of Services transforming towards caring for others. The introductory whakatauaki is a strategic choice because it establishes the importance of whaanau within the organisation and links to ‘the true spirit of partnership.’

“Kia whai kaha, whai mana painga, ki ngaa kawenga oranga iwi ki tua o rangi

Whaanau inspired, enabled, resourced and in control of their own health”

(CMDHB Whaanau Ora Plan 2006-2011, p10)

We had spot prizes and giveaways, offering 3 major prizes for the day:

• Lunch for 2 with Geraint Martin (CEO, CMDHB) and Bernard Te Paa (GM, Te Kaahui Ora)

• 2 prizes for photoshoots with Ahua Photography valued at $150.00 each

Prize winners have been drawn and notified. The event was a success and a wonderful time was had by all. We look forward to celebrating with you again in the future!

Over eighty men and women from across Counties Manukau arrived at the Mana Tane Hui, Papakura Marae on Wednesday evening to celebrate men’s health, but also to be given a ticking off.

Men and their whaanau gathered, some to learn about the importance of early diagnoses and interventions for issues such as Prostate Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes and others to celebrate and share their successful journeys.

The concept of a men’s health Warrant of Fitness was promoted at the hui, encouraging those who gathered to have regular annual health checks and not take their wellbeing for granted. The women were nudging the men to get the message and reworded the Warrant of Fitness (WoF) acronym to “Where are our fathers?” The call asked why often avoidable diseases were not taken seriously by Maaori men and that their wives and children often missed the involvement of husbands and fathers in family life because of illness.

Common behaviours around health such as denying any problem or finding excuses like lack of time to go to the doctors were labelled as ‘selfish’ and men were challenged to take up the Mana Tane commitment – to stand up and lead by example.

Hui organisers, Charlotte Peka and Hine Joyce from Papakura Marae and Richard Cooper from Counties Manukau District Health Board were delighted with numbers and the enthusiasm of those who attended.

“It was an awesome night, “says Hine Joyce. “A great thing has been started with the men’s groups. Let’s keep the momentum going!”

E Tu Mana Tane, Kia Whakaritea - Rise up men, get checked!

Counties Manukau District Health Board is running two free home insulation programmes. Snug Homes has been operating for a year and has already installed insulation into over 800 homes in Counties Manukau. Due to the high need identified in our community we are introducing a new home insulation programme - Warm Up Counties Manukau.

With winter looming closer, SNUG HOMES and WARM UP are great ways to help families combat the serious

health consequences of not having a home that is properly insulated against the cold and damp.

If you have patients that meet the criteria, we will provide free home insulation as well as a comprehensive, in-home, health assessment by a Registered Nurse. (Please note the access criteria is the same for both programmes).Access Criteria:

Applicants must reside in a private home (owner occupied or private rental) built prior to 1st January 2000 (i.e. NOT Housing New Zealand)

We are targeting households that have children (under 14 years of age) or seniors (aged over 65) with housing related health conditions such as respiratory disease (we recommend that a letter of support is obtained from a health professional to assist with the application). The home owner or tenant must have a

Community Services Card.For more information and an application form: For Warm Up: Phone 09 262 9583 or

email warmup@CMDHB.org.nz

Two Free Home Insulation Programmes available to low income families in Counties Manukau