Monday 1 December 2014: The festive season is upon us Compliments of the season Last week, it was great to hear one of the leading world experts on Public sector innovation make the following statement at an international conference: “It seems like where ever I travel - from Rio to Sydney - many people in health know the Canterbury story. I’ve worked with numerous wonderful public sector innovation programmes around the world, and I still regard the Canterbury transformation as one of the most inspiring, innovative and incredibly effective programmes that I have seen” David Albury, Board Director Innovation Unit (UK) It is always lovely to hear people from outside New Zealand describing some of the characteristics about the Canterbury Health System that we so often don’t see ourselves. This type of feedback reflects on the so many amazing things that have and are continuing to occur within Canterbury on the back of so many talented and committed health professionals and support staff throughout the Canterbury Health System. It has once again been a very challenging year, and once again you have all made such a difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.
Welcome to Summer Summer can be a very busy and social time in Canterbury. Whether you’re going away or staying close to home, it’s a great time for catching up with friends and family and getting outside and enjoying the long balmy evenings. Unfortunately summer is also characterised by much more drinking and its sometimes ugly consequences. Our Emergency Department see the impacts of this first hand, but the impact of alcohol harm can be felt right across our health system. It is estimated that alcohol related disorders cost Canterbury District Health Board between $60-$70 million dollars a year. In a move designed to reduce alcohol-related harm, starting from today, the alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 years and over will be lowered. Under the changes the breath alcohol limits for adult drivers 20 years and over will reduce from 400 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath, to 250mcg. The blood alcohol limits will reduce from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, to 50mg. The limit for under 20 year-old drivers remains zero. There are a number of factors that affect your ability to tolerate alcohol, including your sex, weight, age, whether you have eaten and being tired. The Police have been clear on their messaging that any alcohol can affect your ability to drive, and the only way to ensure you can drive safely is not to drink at all. If you do decide to drink make a plan for staying safe, get a ride with someone who will not be drinking, appoint a designated driver, get a taxi, stay overnight, or arrange for someone to come and get you. If you are hosting a party or get together make sure there’s plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available and lots of good food. During Dry July I got to taste some very refreshing mocktails all of which are alcohol-free check out Herbal Colada punch, Ginger and Cranberry Mojita, July De-tonic, and Green Peaches. You may have seen the ‘Not Beersies’ advertising campaign which promotes water as a healthy alternative to alcohol. 100% icy fresh H2O goes down very well on a hot day!
Christmas arrives early for Christchurch Hospital’s Child Health division I am also delighted to announce that this year’s Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal has raised $103,908.12 for us. The appeal has been running for eight years and the cheque was handed over last Friday. There’s a great story and photos about the appeal on page 8. Have a safe and healthy summer. David Meates