Connect+ March 2023

TUUHONO HONO

In this issue

OUR COVER STORY

Work to develop the new buildings and facilities for the $316m Manukau Health Park redevelopment started in February.

“This is an exciting milestone in the life of this project and it signifies a major step towards catering for future growth and offering our communities improved and more equitable access to healthcare,” said Dana Ralph-Smith, Director of Ambulatory and Community Care.

EDITOR: Nikki Allan

DESIGNED by Sarah Cordtz

Connect+ is produced by Te Whatu OraCounties Manukau. If you have something to share or would like Connect+ delivered straight to your inbox please contact communications@middlemore.co.nz

From Vanessa

Kia ora taatou

New Zealand has recently endured perhaps its worst weather disaster in living memory.

Cyclone Gabrielle ripped through many of our communities claiming lives, destroying homes and changing the physical landscape of our country.

For those of us in Auckland, the chaos of Gabrielle compounded damage from earlier floods in January.

Our health system coped well. Damage to facilities was minimal and our people worked extraordinarily hard to keep normal services running, including staff at Te Puia Springs Hospital who continued providing care with limited generator power.

Our thoughts and aroha go out to those impacted and my thanks go to those Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau staff who have volunteered to assist with the mahi in these cyclone-hit regions.

Your contribution is greatly valued.

We live in a great country and the wairua that's emerged from the chaos of recent events is a timely reminder – amongst the destruction and sorrow – of the kindness and generosity of everyday kiwis.

I’m sure much more will be needed of us all in the coming months and we at Te Whatu Ora will be ready and willing to help as required.

Major milestone reached in Manukau Health Park redevelopment

Built Environs has been announced as the lead contractor for the $316m Manukau Health Park redevelopment.

“This is an exciting milestone in the life of this project and it signifies a major step towards catering for future growth and offering our communities improved and more equitable access to healthcare,” said Dana Ralph-Smith, Director of Ambulatory and Community Care.

Work to develop the new buildings and facilities started in February. This follows the recent completion of infrastructure work that involved earthworks, building temporary roads and car parks, storm water treatment and preparation of utility services.

Built Environs will work closely with the GROW Manukau team to ensure that the impact on staff, patients and visitors is minimised.

“Ensuring continuity of services and managing disruption is a central part of the construction plan. Our teams will be working to ensure that people are advised about disruption and plans are in place to minimise the impact on staff, patients and visitors,” said Dana.

The new facilities will include an expanded renal dialysis service, four new operating theatres, a new radiology hub and an integrated breast care service. The site will also be future-proofed for further expansion.

“It is crucial that South Aucklanders can access the

care they need from health services and high quality facilities that support better health and wellbeing,” said Dana.

Over the last two years, there were more than 926,000 outpatient care appointments in Counties Manukau and nearly 65 per cent of these people were seen at Manukau Health Park. This number is forecast to grow by more than 20 per cent over the next 10 years.

The increase in capacity will enable almost 150,000 additional outpatient appointments each year when fully utilised, and more than 3,600 additional surgeries per year to be performed on site from 2024. The completed development will also enable up to 450 new full time employees across a variety of health services, improving capacity, accessibility and quality of community care.

Health equity and sustainability have been at the forefront of the planning for this project. This has included critical work with Mana Whenua to ensure the local environment is protected and the physical appearance of new building are designed in a way that represents the rich and deep history of the land.

"Te Whare hou ki te hanga, he rereke mo te katoa; The redesign is to make a difference for all," says Mana Whenua i Tamaki Makaurau.

More information about this project and the broader GROW Manukau initiatives can be found at www.countiesmanukau.health.nz/about-us/tupugrow-manukau/

What is the right care for you?

Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau is on a campaign to help clients of health services understand the right health care options available to them.

Many people don’t know where to turn when they are worried about their own or a loved one’s health but there are options to help you when you are worried or nervous.

Chief Medical Advisor for Primary and Integrated Care, Campbell Brebner says it’s vital that people know about the range of options that exist for their health care.

“There are a range of options if you’re unwell, or think you need help,” says Campbell, “and many are free or low cost. Its really important people don’t delay – if they get treatment early it can help avoid things getting serious.

“For a start, there’s some really useful online selfhelp options. One that I’d recommend is Health Navigator. Its free and is run by health professionals so its reliable. It can help whether you have a problem like the flu, or a long-term condition like asthma or diabetes.”

Your local pharmacist

Pharmacists are registered health professionals who can provide free advice on a whole range of conditions such as eye infections, rashes and minor injuries.

Many also offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines as well as being able to provide emergency contraception. They can assist if you’ve run out of your prescribed medication and you can’t get to the doctor immediately. They can dispense up to three days’ supply of your meds to keep you going and they will direct you on to other healthcare providers if need be.

Call Healthline for FREE advice

Healthline is a free telephone advice line available 24 hours. It’s free whether you call from a landline or mobile and they are specialists in assessing and advising over the phone.

Call them if you’re feeling unwell but you’re not sure if you need to see a doctor, if you want some advice about a family member or a friend who’s sick, or if you want advice on finding services near you.

Don’t call them if it’s a life or limb-threatening medical emergency – in that case call 111.

Check online

Health Navigator is a free online service, run by health professionals, which helps to provide a reliable initial diagnosis for your condition.

Healthpoint is another online service. This website has details of GP clinics, midwives, pharmacists and other health professionals in your local area. It also has information on hospitals and outpatient clinics.

See your GP

If the other options aren’t right and you do need to see a GP, it’s usually best to see your regular one who knows you best. And it may not be as pricey as you think.

Samantha Gregory, Programme Manager for Primary Care, says you can always check with your GP whether they offer discounted consultation fees, sometimes known as Very Low Cost Access.

“Some offer fees such as $13 for rangitahi aged 1417, and $19.50 for 18 and over. And it’s free for kids under 16 at almost all GP clinics in South Auckland.

“If you can’t get to your GP, it’s worth checking if they offer one of the online consultation options. These services can do a lot for you including sending a prescription to your pharmacy and ordering blood tests.”

And for some, you don’t need to be enrolled with a GP, they’re available for anyone.

Campbell Brebner offers extra advice on Right Care.

● Only call an ambulance in cases of a life or limbthreatening emergency.

● Don’t always assume your GP isn’t available after hours. Many are open in the evenings and on weekends. Healthpoint has opening hours of clinics and what their fees are.

● Going to an Urgent Care Clinic may not be as expensive as you think. Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) subsidises care after-hours for many people. You can check fees on Healthpoint.

“Having said all that,” says Campbell, “if your problem is serious and you need emergency care, the Emergency Department is the right place for you.”

"Sione absolutely practices our values. He is able to eloquently explain patients’ perspectives to clinicians, and he demonstrates how working together with our team, doctors, and of course the patient can provide best outcomes for developing future care plans. Sione works with integrity and his role in helping provide equity in our health system is of great importance."

Our Local Heroes

Local Heroes is an initiative by Counties Manukau, designed to recognise and reward staff members who others feel have gone above and beyond in their service to other staff members, our patients, and their whaanau. Here are just a few of our recent local heroes. Ka pai! Great work.

"Alex is a selfless and considerate member of the Security team. He goes above and beyond to keep patients and staff safe and has been known to put his own safety at risk to protect others, as demonstrated during a recent heroic act where he saved a patient’s life. He’s a great example of a true local hero here at Counties Manukau."

"Satendra always goes above and beyond his duties to help the team. For example, he has provided in-house computer training to all cleaners and as a result the majority of our cleaning staff have access to their work email addresses and feel proud to use computers at work for their emails and payslips."

"Doug has established weekly Te Reo class in his lunch times available for all Ko Awatea staff to attend. In his own time he has created lessons for the sessions and supports all attending staff to feel safe and participate with his encouragement, humour and kind words."

"Tania is a behind-the-scenes services hero. Nothing is too much trouble, and she goes above and beyond to help staff. She is kind, approachable, flexible and always on hand to offer support and assistance when required. While Tania’s main role is supporting the upper management team, she never turns anyone away who asks for her help and she is valued by all of the frontline staff she works with."

Do you know someone who should be our next Local Hero? Nominate here: countiesmanukau.health.nz/contact-us/counties-manukau-local-hero

Alex Security Officer

Sione Tongan Interpreter

Tania Executive Assistant

Satendra Team Leader

Doug Improvement Advisor

ROSIE'S JOURNEY Healthcare Assistant Trainee

Rosie Marsters has worked at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau for over five years, initially as a shuttle driver and a cleaner. She’s recently completed a Level 3 qualification while working fulltime as a Trainee Healthcare Assistant (HCA), after joining the Earn as you Learn programme in March 2022.

“It’s been great for my self-esteem” says Rosie. “I’ve really been enjoying the learning opportunity, as well as helping our patients and providing the professional service that they need.”

Trainee HCAs work in a team, assisting nurses to meet the health needs of patients. Students get hands on experience, while actively participating in education and clinical learning activities and assessments to gain a Level 3 Health Assistance qualification, over twelve months.

“I’m loving working with patients, being able to put a smile on their faces makes the job worthwhile for me,” says Rosie.

“Once I graduate, I want to continue with my career as a Healthcare Assistant. I’m also considering moving into nursing, where I can help even more people.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, visit the link below to apply for the programme: careers.countiesmanukau.health.nz/working-here/ earn-as-you-learn/

“I highly recommend the Earn as you Learn programme to others, particularly our young people. It will give them a chance to work in a healthcare organisation, get a qualification, and give back to our community.”

Speaking up for the spinal cord injury community

In a split second, Lee’s life changed as he hit the pool floor and broke his neck. He has been in a wheelchair ever since.

He also is a member of the Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau Consumer Council - a group of people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences who meet once a month to ensure the policies, changes and services at Counties Manukau are equitable for all.

“I was drawn to the Consumer Council role because it allowed me to bring the needs of my people to the forefront of decision-making.

“My peers and family were the catalysts to helping me grow.

“I also had help from the awesome team at the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU). They helped me learn how to live with the new body that I had after my spinal cord injury.”

Lee, 29, who grew up in South Auckland, now works as peer support at the Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau ASRU and uses his own lived experience to help and support others.

“I work with a range of people from all over the North Island and regardless of age, education, or profession, we all need help after a traumatic injury.”

Lee continues his work at both the ASRU and as part of the Consumer Council and continues to ensure the voices of the Spinal Cord Injury community are not just heard but acted on and represented in health services.

“Being in this space has allowed me to influence change. If I don’t… who will?

“It’s been a huge privilege and honour to be part of the Consumer Council,” says Lee.

At the tender age of 13, like many youngsters, Lee didn’t think too much about diving into a family member’s pool, other than that he wanted to cool down on a hot day.

“I felt that I had nothing for me in the future and because I thought that it really impacted my self-esteem. Hopelessness kept me from wanting to participate in anything.

Leading the way for Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility

Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in a special way - with the launch of our first ever Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility Awards.

Sanjoy Nand, Chief of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical Professions said the the Awards and ceremony itself are important for recognising the tireless efforts of our staff in making the district a safe and accessible place for everyone.

“It signifies our ongoing commitment to promoting an inclusive community.”

Enid Wardle, Social Worker, won the Award for Patient and Whaanau Impact.

Enid said that she appreciated the recognition given to her by the Awards Panel.

“I have been working for people with disabilities for most of working life, since I was 21 years of age.

“I value this Award because making a difference for the patient and their family is why I do my job and it gives me joy to see the children and young people I work with reach their goals.”

The winner of the Purposeful Leadership Award, Jackie Chadwick, has been dedicated to setting up the Counties Accessibility Network (CAN do) which is a collaborative team who work together to champion and address the needs of those with disability in the workplace.

“I feel extremely honoured and overwhelmed to receive the Purposeful Leadership Award for 2022.

“For me it has always been about working to the best of my ability in meaningful employment where I can enable those whom I work alongside, to feel empowered, valued, respected and heard.”

Laryia Ioane Leaupepe, Registered Nurse, won the Award for Collaborative Team Effort.

Congratulations and thank you to our winners for their contributions to improving the experiences of our patients, community members and staff with disabilities.

Enid Wardle

Jackie Chadwick

(Pictured, Laryia receiving award with Sanjoy.)

Birthing in a 'home away from home'

Whaanau, your local birthing facility and your midwife can provide advice which can help you make the right decision for you.

Today we look at our Primary Birthing Units and why women choose to birth close to home.

“We have three primary birthing units in Counties Manukau that are funded by Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand. They’re in Pukekohe, Papakura and Botany Downs,” says Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau Maternity Service Development Manager, Amanda Hinks.

“Anyone who has a pregnancy without medical complexity can birth at a primary birthing unit.”

“You don't even need to have your own midwife with you. The units are staffed by midwives so, if your midwife is not on call, or not available to look after you while you’re in labour for any reason, you can still go to the unit, be assessed and supported, and birth at the unit closest to you.

There are many benefits to birthing in a primary birthing unit.

“The units provide a comfortable and calm environment to establish labour and offer a holistic approach with more one-to-one support through

those early stages. Partners can stay, and there is free parking. All three birthing units have birthing pools, which are not available at Middlemore Hospital,” says Amanda.

“Each unit has their own cook too, which is really appreciated by the women who birth here. Most importantly, the birthing unit setting is a lot more relaxed than a traditional hospital as it does not have to manage the numbers of people a large hospital like Middlemore would.

“Some pregnant people will need to go through to Middlemore Hospital, as there may be a medical reason that's affected their pregnancy, and Middlemore will absolutely provide them with that layer of support.

“However, if a woman has a pregnancy without medical complications, and chooses to, then birthing in one of our units is like being in a home away from home.”

Deciding where to give birth is a decision which can be made before you become pregnant, when you are finding a midwife, or at any time during pregnancy.

After previously working for Counties Manukau in 2018 as the Mental Health First Aid Programme Coordinator, she was happy to return in 2021 to the feeling of ‘being part of a big whaanau.’

“I was so excited to start this role. I have always had an interest in health and wellbeing but just haven’t been in a position to pursue a career in medicine.

“I have managed to satisfy my passion for health and wellbeing through my roles here and also my research.”

Ann-Marie held a Research Project Manager/ Data Manager role at the University of Auckland, researching the health of older people living in retirement villages within specific areas. The project currently has nine research papers published.

She also studied Psychology with her postgraduate study focused on the mental and physical health status and outcomes for Maaori.

She received a Te Rau Puawai scholarship, with Massey University, and graduates in May this year with a Post Graduate Diploma in Art Psychology.

“I’m from Whakatane originally, and I whakapapa back to Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngāti Awa, so improving mental health outcomes for Maaori is something that is important for me, especially for involving whaanau in tangata whaiora care, care planning and support.

Lived experience drives passion

Meet Ann-Marie Higgins, our Quality Improvement Coordinator, Safety and Equity for Mental Health and Addiction Service.

“I have four adult children and four mokopuna so making the world better for them is part of it too.

“Suicide prevention is my main area of interest. I have a lot of lived experience being in support roles with almost all mental health and addiction scenarios, so I understand what a lot of whaanau are going through. This has driven my desire to help people and now I feel that I really am able to make more of a difference in this role.”

Ann-Marie has previously worked in a variety of roles including Carter Holt Harvey, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, and Auckland District Health Board, but says her dreams of coming back to mental health and addiction were realised when she started in her current role.

“I enjoy working in an organisation that demonstrates its commitment to improving outcomes for all their patients, particularly Maaori, and lives its values whakawhanaungatanga (valuing everyone), kotahitanga (together), manaakitanga (kind), rangitiratanga (excellent).

Ann-Marie with her grand daughter (5)

This Manawa App could save your life! New suicide Safety Plan in your pocket

Dr Mike Ang is a Consultant Psychiatrist who worked for many years leading an Adult Mental Health service as Clinical Director.

After a three-month sabbatical and attending conferences around the world, he came back eager to help reduce suicides in New Zealand and now works here, at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau as a Suicide Prevention Clinical Lead.

During his time in the job, in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, NV interactive and the Vodafone/Counties Manukau Innovation Fund, Mike developed a suicide safety plan mobile phone app that helps to keep people safe – ‘Manawa, My own survival plan.

“We found that when people are in crisis, they often don’t have the paper version of their suicide safety plan with them. What they do have, is their mobile phone,” says Mike.

Based on the Mental Health Foundation’s booklet called ‘Having Suicidal Thought and finding your way back’, Mike and his team have essentially digitised it to make the safety plan and resource more available and accessible to people.

The app includes the functionality to create a personalised safety plan which includes their specific support people and individualised reasons to live.

“It helps you identify when something is not going well and works with you to create strategies you can use to help you cope.”

Another important feature is the ability for the app to provide users quick access to New Zealand helplines like 1737 or Lifeline.

A new feature includes the ability to record a brief video message to yourself when you’re well, as an inspiration and reminder of the good things in your life.

“Anyone who may have had suicidal thoughts in the past, made a suicide attempt, has a family history of suicide or is caring for someone with suicidal behaviour, could benefit from completing a safety plan, and these are best done collaboratively with a support person or health professional before you are in crisis.

“This plan can be kept on the app so you can easily access it on your phone when you need it,” says Mike.

You can check out the Manawa App for yourself by searching Manawa My Safety Plan on the Apple or Google App Stores.

Keeping active at Counties Manukau

Aotearoa Bike Challenge

The Counties Manukau team also entered in the Aotearoa Bike Challenge this February, a fun and free challenge open to everyone, encouraging people to get outdoors on their bikes. Points were allocated for kilometres ridden anywhere, anytime in February, regardless of whether people normally ride every day or hadn't been on a bike years.

Active Transport

Instead of driving to work, many staff choose to use active modes of transport. These can include walking, cycling, or even using e-bikes and e-scooters. People who live a long way from work may choose a combination of transport methods, such as walking to a train station then catching public transport to work.

Round the Bays

Staff from Counties Manukau competed in Round the Bays on Sunday, 5 March starting on Quay St, through the bays and finishing in St Heliers. Over 29,000 participants take part each year and it’s a fun way to get some exercise and socialise at the same time.

Top 10 reasons to stay active

You’ll be in better overall health.

You’ll have more energy.

You’ll have better posture and balance.

You’ll have stronger muscles and bones.

It’s fun.

It raises your self-esteem.

It helps you manage your weight.

It improves your fitness.

It can improve your sleep.

You’ll feel more relaxed, and less stressed!

Staying active is one of the best ways you can look after your health. Many staff at Counties Manukau keep fit and healthy through a wide range of fun activities.

Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau staff at this year's Round the Bays

The HOP squad: Supporting care in the golden years

Many times the decision about what is best is made quickly after a fall at home or medical issue and it can be a tough decision for both the elderly person and their whaanau.

To find better outcomes for our patients and whaanau, Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau formed a specialised group of clinicians called the HOP (Health of Older People) Squad.

“Many of our older people desire their continuing independence. I have seen how a fear of losing independence has impacted the mental and spiritual health of our patients. So our first concern as a team is to facilitate the support needed so our patients can live the life they desire.” says Liam Oades, social worker and part of the HOP Squad.

Socail Worker, Sharlene Bingham, Service Manager Adult Rehabilitation Health of Older People (ARHOP) explains the HOP Squad project began with our community Geriatric teams looking at discharge statistics and listening to patients tell their stories.

“They recognised a need and worked to develop a service around early discharge planning to meet the individual needs of the patients we serve with compassion, safety and flexibility,” she says.

The HOP Squad currently work across five General Medicine wards and sees patients by referrals. They hope the service will be extended in more wards and areas.

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Julie Yap says they have had good feedback from patients and whaanau about the service and how it helps a higher number of patients, who otherwise would have gone into aged residential care, to return home.

“What we have seen with HOP Squad especially in Maaori and Pacific patients, is that they are being introduced to services they didn’t know about before such as community geriatric services, complex nurse management, reablement, etc.

“This community follow up and support provides reassurance to the patient and whaanau, making it possible for them to stay home longer if that is their desire,” says Julie.

If you have an elderly whaanau member, things like health issues can change suddenly and it is a good idea to discuss care options or preferences, earlier rather than later.

If you are in hospital, your care team can help you with information and support, or ask about the HOP Squad.

‘When we reach those precious golden years – some of us may want the comforts of a rest home and some may want to stay in the comforts of our own home.

HOP squad team