Connect + Tuuhono Hono September 2020

TUUHONO HONO

A COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH PUBLICATION | HEPETEMA SEPTEMBER 2020

CM Health Kaumaatua and Kuia, Te Teira Rawiri and Hilda Thompson

KIA ORA KOUTOU COVID-19 response I can’t say a big enough thank you to everyone for their response to the recent COVID-19 developments and the move in alert level across Auckland. Our community rose to the challenge with more than 100,000 tests undertaken across the region in just 12 days after the move to alert level 3 on 12 August.

For comparison, it took us 99 days to get to the first 100,000 and then 69 days to get to the second, so this was an awesome achievement – widespread testing is really important for us to fully understand and respond to an outbreak, so thank you! One of the other things we have been really pleased with during the recent response is the testing’s reach into all of our communities. Around 24% of tests undertaken have been in the Pacific community, 15% in the Maaori community, and 17% in the Asian community. The testing numbers are still increasing at pace and at the time of writing (end of August), we are up to 147,525. Remember that asymptomatic testing is available to all staff members and is an important part of our on-going surveillance – information on how to access the testing is available on Paanui.

Visitor policy We have had screening in place at our entrances since March to make sure we are keeping our staff and patients safe. This has also allowed us to have visibility of the numbers and location of visitors at our sites for the first time through real time reporting.

During July we had around 80,000 presentations to our sites, just under 10,000 of whom were patients, and around 70,000 visitors. Many thanks to our screeners working at our entrances and to our visitors for their understanding of the need for these restrictions.

Winter 2020 After a less busy period during the first lockdown, in July we saw a return to expected winter levels of occupancy at Middlemore Hospital, being over 90% full most days across our inpatient wards. We did a lot of work on our Winter Plan this year to ensure that we are able to effectively manage the increase in activity in the hospital over winter: •

Ward 17, initially a temporary ward, become permanent adding 26 beds to inpatient medicine capacity; We have put in place additional geriatrician SMO time at our emergency department to enable quicker assessment of frail older people; and We have been using a real time reporting system (called Qlik) to monitor capacity allowing us to divert staff to the busiest areas where they are needed most.

• •

CONTENTS 3

We’ve also seen an excellent uptake for the flu vaccination this year - Counties has vaccinated 6388 staff (82%) and 869 students and contractors. I hope this trend will continue over the coming winter seasons.

New ways of working Our Locality Community Health Services has made some significant changes to the way services are to be provided in the future. Over the coming months, we will begin to see the benefits of the change for our patients, whaanau, staff, and the wider organisation. These changes will see: • • • •

Supported discharge - enabling our patients to return home from hospital with help sooner; Hospital admission avoidance – providing patients with access to urgent help when they need it within their homes and/or communities; Rehabilitation – providing patients with the care they need to get well and recover at home; and Reablement – supporting our patients to regain and maintain function so they can live independently at home.

This is very good news, and I want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment that’s gone into introducing this new way of working. I also want to thank Penelope Magud, GM Locality Services and her wonderful team. I look forward to hearing much more about how this is progressing as time goes on.

MMR campaign funding Overshadowed by COVID, the measles immunisation programme has been hampered around the world; and we must not forget that this is a severe, life-threatening illness. Despite this, it’s heartening to learn that we have had no measles cases in New Zealand since late January. We want to keep it this way. Last month, we were delighted to receive the news that the government is investing up to $40 million for a year-long measlescatch-up campaign and up to $23 million to fund and develop the National Immunisation Solution fully. This is fantastic news. The Hon Julie Ann Genter made the announcement.

Long service awards At the end of July we celebrated our Long Service Awards for the Emergency Department and Middlemore Central where we acknowledged 83 staff members who were celebrating 10 years or more at CM Health – 15 celebrating more than 20 years. It always fills me with such pride when I see how long people stay here. You can see a photo of the awards on page 11.

Now spring is just around the corner and I for one am really looking forward to some warmer weather and sunshine! Whilst we must continue to take all relevant precautions and stay safe, I hope you are all able to enjoy the change in seasons.

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Staff Forums are a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening at CM Health and to ask any questions you may have. All staff are encouraged to attend. We have several Staff Forums happening across all CM Health localities this year, so keep an eye out on Paanui for a Forum near you.

TUuHONO HONO

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Cherryl Arnold EDITOR: Nikki Allan Connect+ is produced by Counties Manukau Health. If you have something to share or would like Connect+ delivered straight to your inbox please contact communications@middlemore.co.nz

A MESSAGE FROM PETE WATSON, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER There’s no denying these past months have been challenging, our thoughts and condolences go out to our cousins over the ditch and those overseas for whom the COVID-19 virus continues to rage.

After reporting no cases of COVID for more than 100 days, it was disappointing (but not unexpected) that Auckland went back into lockdown under Alert Level 3, and that is still the case as I write my update.

Prior to this, our efforts had been to focus on getting back to a new sort of normality. I’m proud to report that considerable progress was made in catching up on the backlog of elective (planned) surgeries and outpatient clinics. In just one month, around 230 operations and 1800 outpatient appointments occurred over four Saturdays and evenings.

This was only possible due to the huge amount of goodwill from so many staff. I want to thank our surgeons, consultants, radiologists, anaesthetists, anaesthetist technicians, resident medical officers, nurses and nurse managers, and admissions staff, bookers, cleaners, and security staff.

Eight theatres were in action each Saturday, and clinics took place in all surgical services and many medical services. This was remarkable. I cannot thank our staff enough for their commitment and hard work.

Working with our regional partners As you know, New Zealand currently has strict border controls in place to restrict and manage the number of travellers coming into the country, to minimise the risk of COVID-19 coming into the community. We are working extremely hard with the Ministry of Health, Border agencies, NZ Defence, and MBIE, who have implemented these controls at the airport to screen patients; and also in managed isolations and quarantine facilities (MIQs). These are coordinated by regional Isolation/Quarantine Coordination Cells (RIQ(CC)).

Eighteen hotels are being used at MIQ facilities within Auckland. The health element was transitioned to DHBs throughout August, with CMH taking the lead on this.

We must remain vigilant.

This is a reminder for both staff and our community. We must remain vigilant and respect the rules around social distancing if we are going to contain community spread, both now and in the future. The message remains the same.

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, cough or sneeze into your elbow, stay at home if you’re sick, and know where you’ve been and who you have come into contact with. If you have symptoms, get tested.

Wear a mask And in closing, I cannot encourage you enough to follow the Government’s guidelines concerning mask wearing if you cannot social distance. This means in all public areas and applies to everyone, including those coming onto hospital premises and patients, where it is not possible to social distance. And don’t forget, wearing a mask is now mandatory on public transport.

GOOD DAY AND WELCOME TO COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH Former Air New Zealand flight attendant Julie Bishop has embraced her new role at Counties Manukau Health.

Julie, who is now a COVID-19 visitor screening coordinator at Middlemore Hospital, says despite the obvious differences in altitude there are many similarities between her current and former role.

“Every day is different. You also don’t know what people are coming in with – perhaps a family member who is terminally ill. It is the same on a flight; you don’t know whether a person is travelling to a funeral or a holiday destination,” she says. “We are all trained in customer service, and, where necessary, de-escalation.”

Julie is one of 30 people who work as screeners at CM Health sites, including Manukau Health Park.

Visitor screeners at the entrances ask visitors and outpatients a series of COVID-related questions. They are employed under a corporate welfare policy designed to support people who were made redundant or put on leave because of COVID-19, according to Middlemore Central Service Manager Kirstine Kent. “Screeners have come from a number of organisations in addition to Air New Zealand, including the Flight Centre and other airline/tourism industry partners,” Ms Kent says.

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 3

MEET THE TEAM DELIVERING CULTURAL SERVICES FOR MAAORI Culturally responsive healthcare is at the heart of the work our kaumaatua and kaimanaaki services provide at Counties Manukau Health (CM Health/Counties). They are a familiar and reassuring cultural face for patients, whaanau and staff.

Cultural support for the DHB has been around for a long time and kaumaatua Hilda Thompson (Aunty Taui), has been a significant part of that support for 38 years. “I was asked to come on board in 1998 by then GM for Maaori Health Brian Emery, and over the years while the titles may have changed, the work hasn’t.”

Her experiences working at Kingseat Hospital and later with Raniera and Vera Kirkwood in the field of mental health, allowed her to navigate the nuances of the health sector. She understands only too well why she’s needed. “Our role is to close that circle. We are the cultural and spiritual link for our people and we also protect our staff; getting well is more than medicines.”

Her passion is echoed by her colleagues who together provide cultural nourishment to Counties.

Miki Apiti has been with Counties for eight years working out of the Western Campus offices. A two tour Vietnam Vet, he was a TVNZ producer and reporter for award winning show Waka Huia.

“I ended up in hospital when one of my heart valves exploded. I was visited - not a visitation - by kaumaatua who asked if I needed anything, they talked to my whaanau and the doctors, and I thought that might be something I could do.”

Knowledge, confidence, empathy and a sense of humour are central to the talents needed from our kaumaatua and kaimanaaki services. Kaumaatua Te Teira Rawiri is a former lecturer at Manukau Institute of Technology; his warm and inviting manner belies a steely resolve when it comes to cultural education.

“Our cultural knowledge supports the relationships within our hospital. For me the concepts of identity and health are one in the same when it comes to Maaori.”

Identity and health collide when it comes to mental health literacy. The individual for Maaori includes whaanau; the environmental includes community and also spiritual and cultural dimensions. This is the space that kaumaatua Ruby Martin works in.

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Energetic and forthright, Whaea Ruby is there for whaanau, many of whom have little or no mental health literacy.

“They do not understand mental health issues and are fearful for their whaanau member. I’m there to assist our staff and be that cultural bridge.”

Turongo Paki and Joanna Katipa are the liaison between patients, whaanau and clinicians ensuring that everyone is heard and understood.

Two weeks into her new role, Joanna Katipa was brought on to provide cultural support for patients and their whaanau. The department could then release the Advanced Care Planner of over15 years’ experience with CMH, Maria Waretini. Maria is working with Tumu Tikanga, Mahaki Albert, to support whaanau over the COVID period, particularly when they experience the loss of a whaanau member while in ICU/HDU. Covid-19 changed everything; with Mahaki and Maria often working after-hours and weekends.

Also working in this space is Turongo Paki, a former Corrections programme manager. “This past month I’ve worked in ICU. Liaising, listening and helping whaanau and clinical staff to hear each other; sometimes its language, simple words for complex processes.” Rounding up the team is project manager, Muru Maipi who assists at pōwhiri and mihi whakatau. His style and energy is reflected in projects such as the very successful celebrations for Matariki. Like his colleagues he has a passion for Te Ao Maaori and sees his work as ensuring the worlds meet rather than collide.

Tumu Tikanga, Mahaki Albert sees the role of tikanga in CM Health as more than karakia and waiata.

“The inclusion of kaumaatua in a hospital setting is based on tikanga Maaori. They have contributed to healthcare for decades, providing social and advocacy services, working with everyone for the best possible outcome.”

The team that serve CM Health is small in number but well-formed, with a very specific set of skills.

Guided by culture they are an essential part of the health system, serving to remind us that there is more than one way to wellbeing.

GLOSSARY - Kaitiaki – Guardian or trustee Karakia – Prayer Kaumaatua – Elderly person of status Kawa – Protocols Manawhenua – Having jurisdiction over an area, land or territory Roopu – Group/team Tikanga – Correct procedures and customs Tumu Tikanga – Chief Cultural Advisor Waiata – To sing/song Waikato Tainui Iwi – The tribe whose territory includes South Auckland and Waikato Whaanau – Family Whaea – Aunt/Aunty Photo: Sustenance and strength through ceremony.

DISABILITY IN THE WORKPLACE IS MORE COMMON THAN WE THINK. Disabled people are three times less likely to be in work compared to nondisabled people. The biggest barrier faced by people with disabilities is people’s attitudes, stereotypes, and assumptions. Although one in four people in New Zealand have some form of disability/impairment; most disabled people don’t need anything different to perform their jobs. For people who do require work modifications, the cost is usually minimal (LEAD Toolkit, Ministry of Social Development).

Also, research has found that accommodations for disabled people are financially cost-beneficial as a whole for an organisation. Technology has removed many barriers faced by our disabled community, enabling more people to reach their full potential.

It is clear that when disabled people are given the right support with little to no barriers, many highly capable people (with disabilities/impairments) can meaningfully contribute to our workforce and make a difference to our communities (Employment New Zealand).

Here at CM Health, we are proud of the work we have been doing to promote our commitment to employing more people with disabilities. We were awarded the Accessibility Tick last December, which means that we are an organisation committed to reducing barriers for the disabled community.

Since receiving our Accessibility Tick, we have created an Employment Disability Support Services (EDSS) for our job seekers, employees and managers. EDSS provides on-going support and advice and the purpose of this service is to: •

Reduce barriers for job seekers who have a disability/impairment.

•

Provide a safe place for employees to have confidential discussions relating to their disability.

•

Provide employees and managers with accurate up-to-date information, resources and advice e.g. legislation, policy, practical ideas etc.

•

Provide opportunities of support and wellbeing for employees with disabilities.

•

Provide general advice and support to ensure the work environment is more accessible and a positive experience.

We are making great progress and positive results so far include: A clear action plan in response to the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2020 The Accessibility Tick shows we are a committed organisation working towards being more disability confident.

Our focus and priority is to employ more disabled people.

We have reviewed and updated our in house e-learning for managers, to ensure our recruitment processes are inclusive.

Our recruitment team has changed the way our jobs are advertised. Our accessibility tick says ‘we are an organisation that supports disability.’

Providing helpful resources for our workforce on how to be more accessible – ‘provide reasonable accommodations’

“Our commitment to achieving health equity starts with shining light on those who need a voice. Our disability strategy focuses on disabled people; they are our patients, whaanau, community and our staff – all carefully considered in our action plan.

Together we will improve the accessibility needs for everyone who has a disability.”

Sanjoy Nand, Chief Allied Health, Scientific & Technical Professions.

If you are interested in being a part of our disability and accessibility action plan, contact us at Employment Disability Support Services edss@middlemore.co.nz COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 5

EMPLOYEE SURVEY UPDATE The Staff Survey provides an insight into what it’s like to work in CM Health and what matters most to our people.

There is a wealth of research on employee engagement and the benefits of having an engaged workforce are also evident in healthcare, showing links to reduced patient mortality and a better patient experience.

The response rate was great and the results show that we have much to celebrate.

You told us what makes CM Health a great place to work: • Our work makes a difference to other people • The values and behaviours expected of us are clear • Our colleagues are friendly and welcoming • Our teams work well together to provide a great service You also told us what needs to improve for Counties: • How people are managed and supported, e.g., fairly and with respect • Have enough staffing and resources • Focussing on health and wellbeing Team-based Action Planning is now in progress. The process involves sourcing ideas and suggestions from employees on how to improve working in the team.

Thank you for your support of the Staff Survey. We look forward to sharing and implementing your ideas to help make CM Health a better place to work.

NO SUCH THING AS A NORMAL DAY The vital part our Hospital Aides play in our neonatal service – could this be you?

If you are a mum with a premature baby born as young as 23 weeks, the last thing on your mind will be thinking about whether everything is there and ready to go - and nor should it be. Behind the scenes our wonderful hospital aides, through their love of what they do and their professionalism, make sure incubators, breathing equipment, and everything else that gives your little one the best chance in life, are ready. While they are taking care of things, our wonderful clinical teams are able to work on getting your little ones through.

So what happens when a new baby comes into the unit?

It’s all about team work. Everything needs to be in place when a little one is admitted. This includes having on hand specific incubators that have been scrupulously cleaned and ready to go, along with a CPAP machine and resuscitation bag that’s been thoroughly checked to make sure everything is working as it should be. This is where baby’s new home will be for the foreseeable future.

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74%

Our engagement score is strong!

of staff agreed they would recommend CM Health as a place to work Thanks for your feedback!

Your voice ma�ers.

72%

of staff agreed that they would recommend CM Health as a place to receive care

60%

of our staff responded to the survey

78%

94%

agreed that if they no�ce an error or an issue they feel safe to speak up about it

agreed that their work makes a difference to people

90%

Kind

Manaakitanga

Excellent

ZĂŶŐĂƟƌĂƚĂŶŐĂ

Valuing everyone Together Whakawhanaungatanga

Kotahitanga

of staff said that the values and behaviours expected of them are clear.

And

63%

agreed that overall, we live our values.

20%

59%

said they are happy with their work-life balance

said they have personally experienced bullying or harassment at work in the past 6 months

said that their health and wellbeing has suffered because of their work

29%

At a glance – a summary of what you told us in the 2019/2020 Staff Survey.

This sounds like a highly skilled job - what training is necessary?

Nurse Manager Karen Boyle and the rest of the team say it starts with a very good orientation day and then lots of in-house training. Almost everyone has taken part in the Step Up programme, which is highly recommended. But they all agreed that the most valuable training is buddying up. When a new member joins the team they buddy up with someone who walks them through every shift until they are confident and have proven they know the ropes.

It’s clear when talking to them that the team know and embrace the importance of being highly skilled and on top of their game in everything they do. “All our patients deserve the best and one thing’s for sure, the team is there to make sure the best is what they get.

“During COVID-19 we had a few issues relating to speciality stock as our babies are so tiny - if we ran low we couldn’t simply go to ICU to see if we could borrow something; but through their tenacity and determination, our aides made sure we didn’t fail our babies. I’m so proud of them all,” says Karen.

If anyone reading our hospital aides story thinks they have what it takes to join this amazing, friendly team and help care for these precious little bundles, then Karen would love to hear from you. Karen.boyle@middlemore.co.nz

CMDHB ORDERLY TO MIDWIFE

AWHIORA NIA NIA WINMILL

Returning to New Zealand from Australia in 2016, Awhiora Nia Nia Winmill started work as a cleaner at Middlemore Hospital before becoming an orderly. Today she is pursuing her passion and is still with CM Health working as a midwife.

CM HEALTH CELEBRATED ADMIN DAY THROUGHOUT AUGUST This year COVID interrupted celebrations for the annual ‘Administrative Professionals Day’ usually held in April, so we decided to celebrate throughout the whole of August instead.

In 2017 Awhiora started her midwifery degree and continued to work as an orderly to support herself while studying.

Awhiora reflects on how her role served her well during her study. “I gained many useful skills working as an orderly, especially in understanding how the hospital operates. My team leaders were supportive, especially when I needed time off to study or complete assessments,” says Awhiroa.

CM Health has many great people working in administrative roles, from ward clerks to clinical coders, telephonists, schedulers, coordinators, and more. Everyone plays a valuable part in the care of our patients.

‘Valuing Everyone’ is one of our values and we are passionate about living our values and putting them into action each day.

Returning to New Zealand was a natural move for Awhiroa.

Although she received direct entry Health Science at Griffith University, she wanted to study in New Zealand, her home.

“I am now a midwife in the Counties Manukau DHB where I can utilise my passion to ensure women and their whaanau are well educated so that they are empowered to have autonomy over their pregnancy.

“I’m a firm believer of if you believe in something and you work hard to get it, then nothing is impossible.”

She is thankful to all those who have helped her on her journey to becoming a midwife.

Breast feeding week World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated from 1 -7 August. The theme was sustainability - investing in the planet’s health as well as human health.

Breastfeeding reduces the impacts of climate change.

During the week, we ran a competition for the public with a prize of a wahakura (safe sleep bed), knitted shawl, clothes, a toy and a book. Te Rito Ora presented a webinar for staff and Lactation Support Services gave gift packs to breastfeeding mothers at Middlemore Maternity Wards. Ward 21 also celebrated with a morning tea.

This year’s Big Latch On celebration changed to a virtual event, led by Women’s Health Action from their Facebook page and was supported all around the country. Breastfeeding requires support from family, friends and communities all year round, so let’s keep working together to increase breastfeeding support for the sake of our whaanau and our whenua!

Bev Pownall, Lactation Support Services COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 7

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH The month of September features a variety of awareness campaigns dedicated to mental health including World Suicide Prevention Day and Mental Health Awareness Week.

In recognition of these campaigns, we reflect on mental health services for our staff and the community.

Staff wellbeing at the forefront of operations The CM Health Wellbeing Initiatives are designed to help look after the wellbeing of our staff through a range of resources, offers, and services. Importantly, the initiatives embrace many of the determinants of health including physical health, mental health, wellbeing, exercise, nutrition, work/life balance, spirituality, and connectedness.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week this September, Beverley McClelland from Organisational Development /Human Resources talks about the wellbeing initiatives and supporting staff through a crisis such

as COVID. “We have a range of resources including Wellbeing and Addiction 101 webinars and workshops, team wellbeing check-in sessions, a wellbeing guide, and the Employee Assistance Programme (EAPworks). During COVID we added additional resources to support staff. The wellbeing of our staff is very important and of course, we had many essential workers who needed support over this time,” says Beverley.

Staff who are involved with caring for others can be more vulnerable to emotional stress, and a lot of research has been done around issues such as Compassion Fatigue among healthcare, emergency, and community service workers.

A staff member who has used the team wellbeing check-in sessions testified “I found the sessions good as there were things that came up that I had not realised affected me, not just at work but in my personal life. It was good to off load some of those feelings.”

Two CM Health mental health facilities have recently undergone changes designed to create positive effects for service users and the community.

TIAHO MAI Tiaho Mai is the name given to the Acute Adult Mental Health Unit based at Middlemore Hospital. A rebuild project has seen the old Tiaho Mai building demolished to make way for a new state of the art facility. Planned in two stages, with the first stage opening in 2018, phase two is due to open this month.

In Te Reo Maaori, Tiaho Mai means “the light that comes from the moon and the stars - shine here.” It alludes to the light in the darkness that can guide and sustain you. That name is reflected in the premises. The facility is open, full of light, and safe. Its design is to provide a feeling of welcome, comfort and space for patients, whaanau and staff.

Perhaps its most striking feature is Ngaa Whetu Marama, where service users are welcomed to start their journey through Tiaho Mai.

AWHINATIA HEALTH CENTRE Awhinatia is home to the Mental Health (Maaori hub), Community Health, and Public Health teams based in Papakura.

This year the centre underwent a redesign to deliver holistic care as well as an amalgamation of health services, so it now provides an integrated, equity-focused, and culturally appropriate service for our diverse community.

To help patients and whaanau feel comfortable, relaxed, and connected to the natural environment, Awhinatia has a water feature, community garden, and landscaped areas. The Turapa/Tukutuku water feature with the Te Ara Poutama colours and pattern also represents a place of healing and comfort, which welcomes patients and whaanau and is safe and supportive for staff.

The landscaping and community garden was designed by Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) students and follows the pattern from the water feature in the paving which leads people into the new Mai (welcome) Room.

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I JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE A CHANCE ON ME! CM Health cares passionately about our people and helps staff with no (or few) qualifications to sign up for our Step Up programme. Meet Jasmeen, just one example of how Step Up is helping to change her life.

“I am desperately seeking a permanent role here at Counties, preferably as a ward clerk . Being given another chance with the IMT team is taking me a few steps closer to my dream job, which is to be a ward clerk. I love talking to people and cheering them up. I want to be a good role model and infuse the belief that hard work and determination pays off.

Just be yourself, have confidence, and God willing nothing is impossible,” Jasmeen concluded.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, Jasmeen joined the Counties cleaning the incident service ten years ago; she says she loves management her job and has never looked back, and team (IMT) much of that is thanks to Step Up which needed admin support, has given her the confidence she needs and I immediately to work towards stepping into her dream recommended Jasmeen for admin role. it. I knew that she would be perfect as she is a fast learner How Step Up is helping and very capable. Feedback “Step Up is one of the greatest things to from her (then) manager was happen to me, and I encourage anyone who Jasmeen’s first speaking event in front amazing. I am very proud that needs to build up their confidence to go for it. of CEO Margie Apa and Chair Vui Mark Jasmeen has used this opportunity It’s such a great tool as it changes your mindset Gosche – November 2019 and has grown.”

Alen Prokopis, to be more positive. If it hadn’t been for this, I Operations Manager Cleaning. would not have achieved and become what I am today. I have changed so much,” says Jasmeen.

Alen, Jasmeen’s manager, echoes this and says, “Jasmine’s communication skills significantly improved as a result of Step Up, which was easy to see in the speech she wrote and presented when our CEO and Chairman visited us last year for the launch of the wellbeing programme.”

Since then, Jasmeen has filled in as a Team Administrator for non-clinical support and, working again at Alert Level 3, Jasmeen is delighted to be back with John Cartwright and the team at Middlemore Central.

Jasmeen was quite a saviour to the COVID-19 Incident Management Team during the peak of the activity. She was beavering away in the background on reception, directing people where they needed to go, but also being that really helpful pair of hands to get jobs done; which was quite often when we were in the thick of it. It was great working with Jasmeen and I’m hoping we see another 10plus years of her within CMH - John Cartwright, Incident Controller (Incident Management Team).

AUCKLAND DENTAL FACILITY The University of Otago Auckland Dental Facility, based in Manukau SuperClinic offers low-cost dental services to the South Auckland community while providing students with learning opportunities in a diverse community.

Services are carried out by final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students on placements at the facility. Students are supervised by tutors who are dental practitioners and specialists who consult with the students throughout the examination and procedure. To help meet future demand, the number of students will increase in next year’s intake with more coming on board in the following year.

If you want to make a query about appointments or the waitlist at the Auckland Dental Facility, you can contact them on 0800 866 840 (0800TOOTH0) or email dental.auckland@otago.ac.nz COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 9

BREAKTHROUGH RESULTS BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS When we think of facilities and engineering roles in healthcare, the valuable part they play may not be immediately obvious. Yet where would we be without the procurement, maintenance, and repair of healthcare facilities and lifesaving equipment, the development of negative pressure wards and isolation rooms for pandemic quarantine; or the day to day work done to ensure the smooth operation of a hospital?

The role that Facilities, Engineering, Asset Management (FEAM) play in healthcare is highlighted in their two-year focused plan, which is designed with the objective of achieving better healthcare facilities for South Auckland.

“Kia pai ake ngaa Whare Hauora mo te tuawhenua ki te tonga”.

Six months into the plan, and even with COVID interrupting much of the business as usual, the team is on track to deliver some impressive results.

Some examples include the upgrade of the maintenance management system, implementation of the Better Practices Project Management principles, development of DHB asset management plan, regional collaboration and methodology improvement with other DHB’s, and improved stakeholder engagement.

“We created a standardised project file structure which allows us to locate relevant project files quicker and have all the information at our fingertips.”

Daud Suryantyo, Project Manager

OUT AND ABOUT AT MANUKAU SUPERCLINIC Fabulous feedback for First Floor “I have had a really great experience at this clinic. Even with the fact that I had been through a tough surgery, everyone in this ward made me feel safe and comfortable.”

“I am writing to thank the doctors and nurses for looking after me so well. Nothing was too much and I felt respected and in control of the process.”

“Stakeholders will see more efficient use of capital funding, better healthcare facilities, and easier delivery of clinical services. Patients will experience easier access to healthcare, shorter waiting lists, and a more pleasant healthcare environment.”

Jonathan Graham, Senior Project Manager “FEAM delivers a multitude of services to CM Health ranging from Engineering to Capital Projects, and this is only possible if we work as a cohesive team with a common goal. I have complete faith in this process and we are all very dedicated to making good, permanent changes - not only for the benefit of FEAM but for CM Health and our patients.”

Taryn Kirby, Project Improvement Manager, (FEAM) “A high standard of service delivery and asset management is key to achieving success and the desired outcome for South Auckland. Improving processes and increasing visibility around projects and maintenance, as well as implementing sound asset management principles form part of this. I am incredibly proud of the work the team is doing and what they’ve achieved so far.”

Anton Venter, GM Facilities, Engineering and Asset Management.

When asked why she thinks her floor receives such regular good feedback Joanne explains, “It is very humbling for our team. We are very multi-cultural, representing the world and all generations, so in essence, we reflect our community. We pride ourselves on learning from each other and also from our patients and their whanaau. We care; for ourselves, each other, our community, and our environment. This enables us to provide effective care for our patients and their whaanau.

“The strength of a team is each member. The strength of each member is the team.”

“The nurses and cleaners plus the tea lady are the most wonderful and most helpful staff I have ever dealt with.

Thank you so very, very much. I fully enjoyed my stay.”

“My mother and I would like to thank all the staff, nurses, doctors etc. for wonderful support and care.”

Each month, the First Floor at Manukau SuperClinic (MSC) is mentioned in the feedback cards filled out by patients and their whaanau. Joanne Friend is the ward manager at MSC. She is also a Counties Manukau Health Local Hero Award winner from the inaugural awards in April 2020.

10 | CONNECT + TUUHONO HONO HEPETEMA SEPTEMBER 2020

Great work FIRST FLOOR!

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Staff Showcase

Photos: 1, Coffee with a cop. 2, Barry Bracefield retirement celebration after 41 years. 3, 4 & 5, Matariki at Middlemore Emergency Care. 6, Long service awards for ED & Middlemore central. 7 & 8, Pacific language weeks. 9, Matariki celebrations.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

OUT AND ABOUT AT CM HEALTH

Leulua’iali’i Arieta Fa’apesolo Mu’aulama, born and raised in Samoa, is the regional nurse case manager for the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) facilitated by the Regional Pacific team in Counties. They help provide citizens from the Pacific islands with access to clinical services which for many citizens is lifechanging and even lifesaving.

Staff at the CAMHS Te Puawaitanga, Springs Rd East Tamaki site put on a moving ceremony when one of their own won a CM Health Local Hero Award.

“I’m Samoan, born and raised in the village of Levi Saleimoa. Life was so beautiful and simple there. My parents, Le Tofa Lefau Fa’apesolo and Saiao Lefau worked hard to provide, care, and protect our family. They ensured I had an education. Finishing college was a privilege and an achievement for our family. I left Samoa at the age of 19 and now live in Auckland with my husband and two sons. They’ve been remarkable in supporting my goals” says Arieta.

“Working within the Regional space is a privilege and a humbling experience, especially being a part of the most difficult and uncertain times in a person’s journeys. It is so important that we honour the trust that has been bestowed upon us.”

On 29 July, CEO Margie Apa visited Te Puawaitanga, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health service to present the award to Dr. Lauren Morris, a Consultant Psychiatrist with the team.

Lauren joined the Te Puawaitanga team in November 2019, coming over from the USA with her partner, for a one-year contract at CM Health. She very quickly embraced the Kiwi culture and established herself as a leader and strong role model within the team. Dr. Tanya Wright, Clinical Head for Te Puawaitanga adds that “Lauren is compassionate and caring, and is a warrior for social justice as well as being a great clinician and colleague.”

The celebrations were attended by staff from across the Springs Road site and included a waiata and kapa haka, followed by speeches from Margie, managers and Lauren’s colleagues. A special note goes to Lauren, who fully participated in the kapa haka group with her colleagues and delivered a great performance.

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 11

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