Connect+ September 2016

A COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH PUBLICATION | SEPTEMBER 2016

ER A TH ANG GE HIT TO TA

KO In this issue

MAAORI, PACIFIC AND ASIAN HEALTH PLANS

PAGE 4

COUNTIES MANUKAU: AT A GLANCE

PAGE 5

DIVERSITY BALL PHOTOS

PAGE 11 & 12

Contents SEPTEMBER 2016 1.

Guest Editor Doone Winnard

2.

Chairs Column Lee Mathias

3.

The power of Kindness - Abi Bond Patient Whaanau Feedback

4.

The 2016/17 Health Plans are now published

5.

Counties Manukau: At a glance

6.

World Breastfeeding Week Alison Farnell

7.

Dwain’s Kitchen Rules Susana Suisuiki

8.

Integrated Care: Patients take centre stage Christine Dennis

9.

New Approach pays off for Radiology Janet Haley

10.

Stories of change Christine Dennis

11.

Diversity Ball photos

12.

Diversity Ball photos

13.

Talent Acquisition Centre Owais Ahmed

14.

Be a part of the CM Health Mental Health services team

15.

Leadership and Defiance Key themes at APAC Forum 2016 - Clare Nelson

16.

Rainbow Volunteers Making a Difference Neshanee Naidoo

17.

Asian Health Updates Kitty Ko

18.

First Asian Health Plan Published

19.

Allied Health Career expo - Janet Haley The Treehouse by the The Hospital - Susana Suisuiki

20. Updates from the Middlemore Foundation David Kemeys 21.

Cervical smear advert

22. Our shared values at Counties Manukau Health 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 Sign up to our eUpdate at eepurl.com/bWGr0z

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Sarah Baddeley | EDITOR: Susana Suisuiki

Guest Editor Doone Winnard CLINICAL DIRECTOR POPULATION HEALTH, PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN

O

ne of the things that attracts many of us to work here at Counties Manukau Health (CM Health) is the community that we all support and serve. Our community is incredibly diverse and has a strong sense of identity. This is evident within our suburbs, neighbourhoods or cultural groups. Our youthful population gives us an energy and strong sense of the possibilities the future brings.

This issue of Connect celebrates the way our diverse workforce comes together to serve our diverse community. Our Healthy Together Strategy recognises that we have high aspirations for the people living in Counties Manukau. It also recognises the need to partner across the District Health Board, primary healthcare and community based NGOs, working together with our colleagues in social services and other sectors to help our communities achieve their aspirations. This is about living our values of ‘Kotahitanga – Together’ and ‘Whakawhanaungatanga’ - Valuing Everyone.

From a population health perspective we invest significant time to understand our population and their often complex health related needs.

This year, CM Health provides health and disability services to an estimated 534,750 people who reside in our area. Our population is growing at a rate of 1- 2 per cent per year; one of the fastest growing DHB populations in New Zealand. This means from 2015/16 to 2025/26 the number of new residents in Counties Manukau is projected to be just over 84,000.

The Counties Manukau district has an ethnically diverse population: 16 percent Maaori, 39 percent NZ European/Other groups, 24 percent Asian, and 21 percent Pacific. Twelve percent of all New Zealand’s Maaori population, 37 percent of New Zealand’s Pacific peoples and 21 percent of New Zealand’s Asian population live in Counties Manukau. Put simply, we are nationally significant in our diversity.

This diversity presents some challenges but it is also a source of great strength. I think it makes the work we do amongst the most meaningful in the country and that makes every day we work together worthwhile.

BY: LEE MATHIAS

Chair’s Column A key theme of our Healthy Together Strategy is the benefit that collaboration and multidisciplinary skills bring to some of the complex health challenges faced by our community.

We express this as ‘Healthy Together’ and we recognise the expertise among our staff and our primary care partners, who we work with everyday.

At a Governance level, we refer to this multidisciplinary approach or multiple perspectives as diversity. I am on a number of Boards and this issue is getting significant traction. There is a real desire to see more diversity at all levels of the organisation including at the executive leadership level and in the pipeline of talent throughout the organisations we represent. This is a very contemporary issue for Auckland as one of the most diverse cities in the world, and for Counties Manukau – the most diverse population in Auckland.

“At Counties Manukau Health we are in a unique position to reflect traditional measures of diversity such as ethnicity, age and gender.”

At Counties Manukau Health we are in a unique position to reflect traditional measures of diversity such as ethnicity, age and gender. It is an area we have been focussing on for a number of years, and is demonstrated in our work on Maaori and Pacific workforce development. Celebrating diversity is one of the joys I have in my role – and one I saw on splendid display at the recent Diversity Ball. But there is still more to do.

One of the key benefits of diverse perspectives is that they are centred toward the needs of those they serve. Modern Auckland is much more diverse that it was ten years ago and that is set to grow with our complex population. There is also strong evidence about the link between diverse people, thought and skills and organisational performance in a range of different sectors.

Of course my mother was ahead of her time when she told me, two heads are often better than one. In my experience openness to other people’s perspective about what is working and what is not working is pretty fundamental.

Within Counties Manukau Health much of the success of our challenging areas such as smoking cessation or management of the number of nonacute presentations to the emergency department are just two examples where many heads are better than one. It’s great to see our value of working together as one.

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 2

BY: ABI BOND

The Power Of Kindness Everything seems to happen at the same time...and so I should not have been surprised when I received news that my surgery was scheduled to occur the same week my daughter turned five, who was looking forward to her birthday party and her first day at school!

After considering finding a decent sized stone to hide under for the week I realised I needed a plan...so various people were enlisted to help.

What I did not expect was the incredible generosity of my work colleague, Rebecca Stevenson, who very kindly offered to make my daughter's cake.

Based solely on the information that the cake should be as bright and girly as possible the final masterpiece, made my fairy pirate daughter's day.

Thanks so much Rebecca and as promised I will pay this forward.

PATIENT WHAANAU

k c a b d e e f “I would like to say that the standard and quality of care that I received at Middlemore Hospital was simply outstanding and exemplary. If this is representative of the New Zealand public health care system ... we as the citizens of this fine city and nation are in good hands.”

“I was ver y impressed with the speed that the medical staff was able to access and proper ly diagnose my illness.”

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“The support, compassion and understanding were exceptional in my stay…The nursing staff in particular were all bright stars of medical intelligence and empathy and over the two weeks I stayed there, they were all so friendly and caring… Some nurses I really liked and would pop in just to “chat” and see how I was going. The doctors, nurses and physios I had were all intelligent and caring. I felt not only understood but that they were on “my team”.

They worked well together and I felt informed and very well cared for.”

“Speed and comprehensiveness of care impressed me…while nurses were ver y ver y busy at times, they were always calm , responsive and helpful.”

“The doctor sat and listened intently and asked questions.

[The nurse] had the right balance of listening and asking relevant questions and then explaining what she was going to do etc.”

Our 2016/17 Health Plans Are Now Published Over 13% of New Zealand’s population call Counties Manukau home. With an ever growing population, Counties Manukau has a vibrant community with different world views, strengths, beliefs, health and social needs. Weaving our community together with service providers, Counties Manukau Health (CM Health) upholds the strengths of our communities and helps chart pathways to health that meets the needs of our communities.

Sixty-eight percent of our adult population under 45, and 72% of our under-15s are of Maaori, Pacific or Asian ethnicity. The diversity of our district means that CM Health has the best opportunity to deliver health services in ways that our communities can trust and engage in. A more diverse and proportional workforce and growing cultural capability remains an important commitment for us.

The 2016/17 Annual Plan continues to focus on the government’s priorities of the past few years. What is different, is that we now have linkages to our three population plans – with a Maaori, Pacific and Asian health gain focus.

Maaori Health Plan

Pacific Health Plan

Annual Plan

Asian Health Plan

Asian Health Plan 2016/17

Maaori Health Plan 2016/17

Pacific Health Plan 2016/17

“We have a strong focus on our Pacific children under 5 years and fanau with complex health and psycho-social problems. We need to connect Pacific children into services early and work with our communities on more healthy weights. Our Fanau Ola team of nurses and social workers will grow their work with families as part of the locality multidisciplinary teams.”

Elizabeth Powell, General Manager, Pacific Health Development, CM Health “Maaori health continues to be a priority for CM Health. In 2016/17 we continue to drive our desire to lift the performance of our system in key Maaori community health priorities areas. These include improving cancer screening of our Maaori women, immunisation of Maaori children and Cardiovascular risk assessment of Maaori men.”

Riki Nia Nia, General Manager, Maaori Health, CM Health “This is our first published Asian Health Plan. The actions in this plan focus on the estimated 127,000 Asian people living in our district. We looked at emerging health disparities and integrating key Asian Mental Health actions. Our focus is on oral health improvement for under 5s, cervical cancer screening, diabetes management and building cultural capability” Marianne Scott, Master Planner, Strategic Development, CM Health

All three reports are available to view on the CM Health website countiesmanukau.health.nz COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 4

Counties Manukau: At a glance

Over the next five years the population of people living in Counties Manukau is growing at 1-2% each years and changing, both youthful and ageing. Our population is ethnically diverse and at CM Health we are committed to growing our workforce so that we can provide the best services possible for our community.

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BY: ALISON FARNELL

World Breastfeeding Week World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated throughout Counties Manukau Health in early August. The main reception areas of Maternity Assessment and Birthing Ward, Primary Birthing Units, Kidz First Medical, Neo Natal Care and the entrance to Galbraith Building were decorated with displays to increase awareness of the World Breastfeeding Week.

This year’s theme: “Breastfeeding: a sustainable development”, refers to ecology, economy and equity.

Breastfeeding has less waste compared to formula feeding, reducing the waste that pollutes the sea and affects marine life. It is also a natural low cost way of feeding babies and children as it is affordable and does not put pressure on household budgets. Breastfeeding overall gives every child a fair and best start in life.

On each day during the week, the first born breastfeeding baby from each maternity ward received a gift of knitted cardigans, a book and a certificate.

At the end of the week The Big Latch was held at different venues around the CM Health zones. Community breastfeeding support groups who work in partnership with CM Health provided on-going support for women and Whaanau, making an extra effort to celebrate the event

Te Rito Ora With the Big Latch On event being carried out for the first time throughout CM Health there was a humble turnout at the Redhill Community Centre. Despite the small numbers of participants the centre set up a ‘Breastfeeding Centre rooms’ with sponsored spot prizes and gifts up for grabs.

Best For Baby (Turuki Healthcare) The Big Latch drew in many young mothers in getting their babies to the breast at the required time. There were prizes for answering breastfeeding questions and each mum went home with a bag of goodies and a certificate for attending.

The energy level was on a high as many babies at different months or ages filled Turuki centre. The event went so well that a mother support group was created.

La Leche League This year La Leche League in Pukekohe had a great turnout of whaanau for their Big Latch event in the Pukekohe Town Hall. The La Leche group in Howick hosted their Big Latch at Howick’s All Saints Church. La Leche League hosts the Big Latch On every year and it is an event that is well anticipated and enjoyed.

We encourage you to take some time to think about the long term positive effect that a breastfeeding mother can have on sustainable development. By recognising that breastfeeding is a key factor to sustainable development, we will value our wellbeing from the start of life.

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 6

BY: SUSANA SUISUIKI

Dwain’s Kitchen RULES

The clock was ticking, from left to right. There were thuds of knives slicing and pots banging but despite the buzz and excitement in the arena, Dwain Tokoara kept his cool and worked quietly making sure his plates were oozing perfection.

A humble Fijian bloke who spends his days preparing meals for patients in Middlemore Hospital, Dwain never thought he would be in a national cooking competition.

"This was my first time in a cooking competition. I didn't go to any culinary school or have any sort of formal training. In fact, I started as a kitchen hand and from there developed an interest in cooking. Everything has been self-taught" Dwain’s manager Karen Reneycke saw his potential and knew he would be a great contender for the NZ Chefs Association National Salon competition, where he would be judged alongside nine other chefs in the Senior Lifestyle Category.

"I knew we were in for something special as Dwain said he never thought that he would do anything like this in his life but yet he did it!" Karen says "We were so happy with all the support and encouragement from our company Compass Group Medirest and Counties Manukau Health."

Most of the competitors, were aged care chefs who came from around New Zealand to showcase their dish in a live MasterChef-style event. The ingredients used were prescribed by the organisers and the chefs whipped up something unique using only those ingredients.

In the Senior Lifestyle Category, chefs presented dishes that were both palatable and tasty for elderly patients. Food had to be kept at a certain temperature and the portions were served in a soft minced format.

After 75 minutes of effort and care in their dishes it was time for the judging. After careful consideration and evaluation, Dwain came in third place taking the bronze medal. Dwain definitely sees it as a great achievement and it marks how far he's come, from starting out as a kitchen hand.

When asked if he would compete again next year, Dwain's face lights up and replies, "Yeah definitely. I really want to come away with the win. I know it's possible because I have such a great support crew who are my family and work. I'm really glad Karen and the team at work believed in me that much to do something that's opened many more opportunities."

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MAIN Fresh herb encrusted baked Hoki on a bed of fennel with toasted almonds served with a coconut pasta sauce DESSERT Tangy lemon and mango mousse with a coconut and vanilla bean panacotta topped with fresh banana, toasted coconut and strawberry coulis

BY: CHRISTINE DENNIS

Integrated Care Patients Take Centre Stage At Community Central Putting patients centre stage is at the very heart of the first phase of a new, centralised, multi-skilled, referral management and triage service.

Registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, dietitians, physiotherapists and speech language therapists are all on the team.

The team also has a new triage tool developed

by CM Health clinical leads that improves the identification of a patient’s priority need and the best first responder.

Former nurse and Service Development Manager, Community Central Pamela Hill says with everyone sitting side-by-side there’s been a satisfying shift to skill sharing.

“Cross pollination among the disciplines has happened naturally as part of the process, demonstrating the very real benefits of using an inter-disciplinary team.

“As a result, all patients get a fullinterdisciplinary evaluation that addresses the reason for the referral plus other issues that could have been overlooked,” said Pam. Part of ‘Community Central’, the team will make patient referrals a lot easier and more efficient. Instead of making multiple referrals, the wards and Primary Care Teams will outline the patient’s situation and make just one referral. It is then up to the inter-disciplinary centralised triage team to precisely identify the patient’s needs.

Community occupational therapist, Rob Molyneux says he’s enjoying working in the team and having the opportunity to learn from other professions.

“What happens is that each profession brings their own strengths to the process with nurses adding a more medical focus versus an allied therapist’s more functional view.

“In addition to all the extra skills, team members also bring a lot of local knowledge to the decision-making, reducing the amount of time needed for information gathering”.

Community Central is a service designed to ensure ‘seamless access’ through CM Health to community health services for all patient and service users. This new technology enabled service will ensure a more visible and transparent patient journey for everyone – especially patients.

Case Study

Complex case calls for extra Care When confronted with a referral for a man with a foot wound needing dressing, the nurse on the team quickly realised that this was not a straightforward case. It was established that the client was homeless as a result of which, his diabetes and heart issues were not being well managed. Tests confirmed his diabetes was out of control. So instead of simply organising for the man’s wound to be dressed, the team arranged for a social worker to assist the patient, transport to and from appointments for the patient, heart drugs and diabetes management, and another nurse to work alongside the district nurse specifically on psychosocial issues. In this instance, the man’s complex circumstances demanded ‘wrap around care’.

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 8

BY: JANET HALEY

New approach pays off for

Radiology The Radiology Department at Middlemore Hospital has come up with a new approach to meet its Ministry obligations in CT and MRI scanning and it seems to be working. CT waiting lists have reduced from over 800 people in January 2015 to 475 in September 2016 and MRI waiting lists have taken a similar tumble from 450 to just over 300 people over the same time period. This is all the more impressive as both CT and MRI have experienced significant growth in demand over the same period. Very few elective referrals to the Radiology service are now waiting longer than 6 weeks and further improvements are planned.

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As health professionals we do a great job of dealing with the here and now.

However how many opportunities do we get to be proactive – for example predicting what may be coming through our doors in the next 3-5 years, looking at the constraints and matching demand to capacity and activity?

With this in mind Radiology with the help of the Strategic Portfolio Management Office created a new approach to planning. This focussed on understanding the various elements of the scanning process in the patient journey and understanding what would happen if we kept on doing the same things in the same ways. It provided a vehicle to see what would happen if we tried different scenarios and to choose the best option.

“By breaking down each stage of the process and asking ourselves why things were not working, we could see where the constraints were and where gains could be made,” says Paul Hewitt,

Service Manager Radiology & Cardiology.

“And some of these gains were quite simple. For example by tracking the process from the very beginning we learned that we weren’t booking patients effectively. After drilling down further, we worked with the administration team to raise awareness of how important their job was to ensure patients received access to timely care. In fact if we didn’t get that right the whole process would flounder. This was quite empowering as staff could see the value in what they were doing. As a result our patients are now receiving more timely CT and MRI scans.

This approach to planning is now being used in Gastroenterology, Cardiology and Theatres.

For more information contact Paul Hewitt via email: Paul.Hewitt@middlemore.co.nz

CHRISTINE DENNIS

STORIES OF CHANGE

Technology enhances teamwork in

EMERGENCY

When a routine patient visit to flush a ‘picc line’ turned into an emergency, it was working together with new technology and rapid response that saved the day.

With her Tablet at hand, District Nurse Helen Lees was visiting her patient in remote Kaiaua when her client who was being treated for cancer - B Cell Lymphoma, began displaying heart attack symptoms including chest pain. A blood pressure reading quickly confirmed the initial diagnosis and Helen called an ambulance for assistance.

Helen says that once the ambulance arrived she stayed to assist, thinking that once the patient was safely in the first responder’s care, she could leave.

“What happened was that I was asked to stay because I had a lot of the patient’s medical history on my Tablet including the patient’s hospital discharge summary.

“Having all this information at my fingertips including the patient’s recent blood test results was a huge help to the ambulance crew and later the paramedics,” said Helen.

With access to the medical records revealing that the patient had had several heart incidents in hospital and her condition worsening, the ambulance crew called in the rescue helicopter. Once it landed, Helen was again asked to brief the medical team.

“Our new Tablets really proved their worth during this emergency and helped to save my client’s life at that time,” she said.

In the near future, all CM Health Community Health Workers will receive Tablets and routinely undergo training on accessing critical patient information and privacy requirements.

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 10

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Photos: Nigel King, White Door Event Photography

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 12

Talent Acquisition Cent WILLIAM Hello - I’m William, the Talent Acquisition Consultant for the Nursing & Midwifery portfolio.

Previously I was with the Research, Evaluation & Audit team for Mental Health Services in 2013. I have returned to CM Health after working as a Business Manager for a graduate talent consultancy firm. I’ve been in NZ for far too long to be considered from anywhere else. I enjoy DIY projects and am a weekend grease monkey.

ANDY

I am originally from and have been livin Zealand since Janu joined Counties lat and feel like I have I recruit to Allied H and community se

HANA Kia ora, A proud South Aucklander of Maori and Moriori descent I joined CM Health in July 2015 with a background in logistics and operational management, I’ve recruited across a wide range of disciplines and organisations but never an organisation as diverse as ours. I enjoy playing and watching netball and league and in all other spare time can be found paddling on the beautiful Waitemata.

OWAIS

NICK

Hey - I’m Owais. I proudly call NZ my home. I have been recruiting for Digital Media, Sales and Marketing, Insurance and Telecommunication.

At CM Health I am responsible for social media, branding and strategic sourcing. I love outdoors, family & friends is my lifeline.

Hi. My name is Nick Graham, the Talent Acquisition Manager at Counties Manukau Health. I have spent the past 17 years overseas working and living in London, Dubai and Saudi Arabia working all throughout the Middle East Region. I was born in Gisborne and lived in Christchurch prior to travelling overseas. I enjoy trying to keep fit, going to the gym and boxing. I also love the outdoors, fishing and skiing.

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RADHIKA

ZOE

Hello, I have been with Counties Manukau Health since early this year and work in the Allied & SMO portfolio hiring Doctors across the Counties region. Apart from work I like to be involved in outdoor activities like hiking and running.

Hello, I originally c in England, the lan cheddar cheese. I for the last 5 years that was originally duration! I am the Executive Managem

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BY: OWAIS AHMED

Meet our friendly Talent Acquisition Team. We have a combined recruitment experience of 73 years and are passionate about working in an organisation that celebrates diversity.

m South Africa ng in New uary 2016. I te February 2016 been here all my life.

Health vacancies within hospital ettings.

TANGI Malo e lelei, I’m NZ born living in South Auckland and I come from the beautiful and friendly Island of Tonga. I enjoy playing sport, spending time with family and friends and eating not cooking. I have been working for Counties for 6 years now and enjoy working to serve the community I live in.

SABRINA Namaste, I originally come from India and have been living in this beautiful country I now call home for the past 15 years. I absolutely love cooking for friends and family. I have been with Counties Manukau Health since 2006. My role currently involves a lot of recruitment related project work and I also look after the Technical portfolio.

come from Somerset nd of apple cider and have been based in NZ s after an extended trip meant to be three weeks in Business Partner for Non-Clinical and ment roles.

Be a part of the CM Health Mental Health Services team Do you enjoy being part of a workplace that is challenging and highly rewarding. Beat the daily humdrum of work. Being part of Counties Manukau Health gives you the opportunity to make a real difference within New Zealand’s most ethnically diverse population.

Our Mental Health Services is about achieving health equity for our community. We are looking to the future with a clear vision of focusing on transformation and systems integration to better meet the needs of the community we serve. There is no better time than now to join us and be part of this strategic change within our communities. We are currently hiring across the various services within Mental Health for roles such as Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.

If you are looking for your next challenge apply or gain further information then please visit us at www.countieshealthjobs.com or you can speak to Radhika Dodderi at the Talent Acquisition Centre on 092760044 Ext 8779

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 14

BY: CLARE NELSON

Leadership and Defiance Key Themes at APAC Forum 2016 From the podium at Sydney’s ornate State Theatre, Professor Jonathon Gray, director of Ko Awatea welcomed 1500 spirited delegates representing 30 countries at the APAC Forum 2016.

During his opening plenary at the fifth APAC Forum, Professor Gray compared the problems facing healthcare to a onceunclimbed and potentially deadly Mount Everest, and stunned the audience by introducing Peter Hillary, son of the late New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary to continue the climbing analogy.

Professor Gray told delegates global health still hasn’t achieved the ultimate aim of Great Care Everywhere. He said excellent leadership was necessary to achieve this aim, and officially launched World Health Climb; college of Leadership, Innovation, Management and Beliefs.

Former cross-country skier Janine Shepherd gave a deeply moving account of her recovery from a catastrophic injury.

Janine, who was hit by a truck and paralysed during a bicycle ride, went on to walk again and learn to fly, gaining her pilot’s licence and becoming an aerobatics instructor and a mother of three.

She encouraged delegates to be defiant in their attitude and approach to life. “When you are defiant it will allow you defy insurmountable obstacles.” Many delegates were visibly moved and Janine was given a standing ovation.

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Dr Johnathan Lancaster of Myriad Genetics in Utah and Professor Nicholas Christakis form Yale University both wowed delegates with presentations on the power of precision medicine and social networks, respectively. As well as the four keynote speakers, the three-day event featured 18 intensive workshops and 43 concurrent sessions. Summing up APAC Forum 2016 at Insight from APAC at Ko Awatea, Counties Manukau Health CEO Geraint Martin said this was the year the conference grew up.

APAC Forum 2017 will be held in Queensland.

BY: NESHANEE NAIDOO

Rainbow Volunteers

Making a Difference

Middlemore Hospital’s Rainbow Volunteers are a diverse group of people, which include school students, university students, retirees, and job seekers. What they all have in common is their desire to give back to their community and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Many of our volunteers and their whaanau have been on the receiving end of care themselves and know what it's like to be vulnerable, anxious and confused.

Research has shown that patients who are involved in the decision-making process around their own treatment plan and who are encouraged to accept more responsibility for their own health care, have been largely associated with better health outcomes.

There are many contributing factors that impact a patient’s journey. We have patients and whaanau in our community where English is not their first language so they may need additional support to navigate the complex health system. As a result of this, we are piloting the introduction of a Volunteer Hospital Navigator role. The Volunteer Hospital Navigators are bilingual speaking people from our community, who will use their language ability and their training to help ease anxiety and provide non-clinical/ non-medical interpretation/translation and other activities within their scope to support patients and families. The Volunteer Hospital Navigators will work alongside the interpreter Service and hospital staff to provide patients with information and support.

“We have successfully recruited and trained 23 passionate and committed volunteers who reflect our population”, says Neshanee Naidoo, Manager Volunteer Service. “The volunteers have recently completed a nine week training programme, provided by AUT and are equipped to offer additional patient support and advocacy.”

"Hospital can be a scary place, so one of the reasons I wanted to become a hospital navigator was to help and support people,” says Fetu Paulo. “Helping people makes me happy.”

The Volunteer Hospital Navigators will be assigned to services where they will use their bi-language speaking ability to help where appropriate.

For more information on the Rainbow Volunteer programme, please contact Neshanee Naidoo via email: neshanee.naidoo@middlemore.co.nz

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 16

Asian Health Updates

BY: KITTY KO

Health Science students often experience difficulties finding careers in health as health sciences is a non-clinical degree and non-clinical positions are often limited.

Counties Manukau Health (CM Health) and Asian Mental Health Service (AMHS) are committed to health workforce development and offer non-clinical placement for students.

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S

ince its establishment in 2015, a total of nine University of Auckland Bachelor of Health Science students have completed their placement.

The aims of this placement are to expose students to non-clinical work experience to increase students’ knowledge of services provided by CM Health, including their mental health services and Asian community organisations. The placement also aims to improve students understanding of health issues that affect Asian communities.

Students who have completed the placement rated their placement experience as ‘very good’ and have indicated that they have increased knowledge of health services and improved understanding of Asian health issues.

If you’re a health science student and you are interested please contact Kitty Ko (Asian Service Development Coordinator) at Kitty.Ko@ middlemore.co.nz

First Asian Health Plan Published Our diverse Asian community living in Counties Manukau is unique and valuable. By 2025, we estimate that 27 percent of the people living in our district will identify with one or more Asian ethnicities. That is approximately 167,000 people, twice the total population of Palmerston North.

Our Asian communities are not the same.

They have different languages, cultures, religions and health beliefs. In addition to ethnicity, we cannot lose sight that many of them are migrants to New Zealand.

Language and understanding of the New Zealand culture and health system can affect their engagement with and access to health services when they are needed. It is important for Counties Manukau Health to acknowledge this great diversity in order to provide a better experience of health care for patients and their families.

The Asian Health Plan for 2016/17, challenges our staff to look deeper into the health of our Asian communities.

What we have found is that there are growing differences in health, and many opportunities for improvement. The actions outlined in the Asian Health Plan builds on our health developments both in the community and hospital services. This means targeting support for communities where we need to improve health equity by focussing on health issues for specific Asian communities.

“We know that broadly defining people as “Asian” isn’t good enough given Auckland’s diversity”.

Dr Lee Mathias, Counties Manukau District Health Board

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 18

BY: JANET HALEY

Allied Health Career Expo This month over 100 students from seven high schools attended the Allied Health career expo at Middlemore Hospital. It was a great opportunity for these bright and enthusiastic students to find out how cool a career in Allied Health can be. There were hands on demonstrations from nine Allied Health Professional groups.

It wasn’t only the students who learned something new. Staff also enjoyed finding out about their allied health colleagues and the contribution they make to delivering healthcare across Counties Manukau Health.

The theme for Allied Health’s

celebration this year was around diversity, with discussions taking place with tertiary providers about how we can attract a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve. There was a real passion and commitment to come together to support our future generations.

BY: SUSANA SUISUIKI

The Treehouse By The Hospital

If you would like to know more about enrolling your child at The Tree House, give them a call. Open 6.45 am until 6pm and located in the trees by Ko Awatea. The friendly staff are happy to answer any queries. Call Cheryl (administrator) on 09 276 0005 ext 8005 or email Cheryl.Stephens@middlemore.co.nz

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Updates Spinal Squad They are as different as chalk and cheese but they are united by good hearts.

Iron Thunder Motorcycle Club members, with names like Big Ted, Bones and Mama may look intimidating however it’s a great reminder to never judge books by their covers.

Another group who appear strikingly different from Iron Thunder Motorcycle Club, are members of the Faith City Church’s community fitness programme, Temple Ministries. Both groups share a common bond, helping out the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit in Otara.

For Faith City’s Essendon Tuitupou, she believes that no matter what backgrounds they may come from they just want to help out.

“We aren’t athletes, just people of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities trying to take care of our own health” she says Once a year, Iron Thunder roar in and deliver half the proceeds of their Poker Run before raving off in their Harley Davidsons to deliver the other half to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Members have a simple philosophy – they are only ever a fall away from needing the helicopter or the unit.

Meanwhile the fitness graduates have raised money by experiencing – although temporarily – life in a wheelchair, taking on an 18 hour challenge by wheeling themselves around a running track. The wheelchairs were supplied by Invacare.

Temple Ministry trainer Alfred Petelo says the experience makes members more aware of the challenges people bound in wheelchairs face,

BY: DAVID KEMEYS

FROM THE MIDDLEMORE FOUNDATION

“I salute all those who took up the challenge and opted to spend time in a wheelchair. But we all salute those who don’t have the luxury of getting up and driving home like we did.”

Both groups also took the time while at the unit to take on wheelchair athletes at basketball and rugby. The results were not pretty.

Spinal Unit’s Inpatient Team Leader Katrina Spence says it takes courage to volunteer to be in a wheelchair, “Raising money by putting yourself into someone else’s position so you gain a better understanding of their lives is quite something.”

Invacare’s Chris Hanley is full of praise for the fundraisers, “It’s great they want to help. They understand we are just ordinary people who happen to be in chairs.”

Middlemore Foundation spokesman David Kemeys says he has nothing but admiration for both groups.

“I have known these big scary looking bikers for a few years and they have hearts of gold and I took part in the wheelchair challenge for an hour and was shattered.

But if you wanted an example of the diversity and richness in our community, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better one than these two groups stepping up to help.”

Our Heroes Howick and Eastern Buses rolled in to take a number of rheumatic fever ambassadors from three schools in South Auckland to an event in Glen Innes.

Mick Willis from Countdown is Jammies in June Superhero. He collects an astonishing number of cuddly PJs roping in loads of suppliers, carriers and the likes to the cause.

Days for Girls a non-profit organisation operating in many countries, produce feminine hygiene kits for women in vulnerable and hardship situations. We were grateful to receive 150 packs.

The Comfort Kidz group enlists the help from prisoners and senior members to put together a pikau bag, packed with toiletries, towels, clothes, books and other items to give to the children at the Multi-Agency Centre.

Long-time supporter Life Church visited the hospital delivering cartons of singlets for our little ones Ziera Shoes makes an annual donation, and its support over the years have now passed through the $30,000 mark.

Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal is on again, with the Middlemore Foundation applying for $160,000 for a suite of equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The appeal, which sees Countdown staff across the country – and customers too – involved in a myriad of fundraising activities, is celebrating its 10th year.

During that time Middlemore has benefited of nearly $1.7 million, shared across many areas of the hospital dealing with the health of our children.

Countdown is one of the Foundation’s most generous supporters.

Community Relations Officer, Sarita Divis expressed that Countdown goes above and beyond in their appeal, “The support we get is absolutely outstanding, beyond great,” she says.

On top of a decade of support through the appeal, Countdown also frequently supplies food, clothing, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary care products and a host of other things.

When Countdown heard how busy the hospital was, they sent a load of treats to dispense to the hard-working teams in Emergency, as a little thank you and recognition of their dedication.

Thank you Countdown for always going the extra mile, we value your support!

COUNTIES MANUKAU HEALTH | 20

We’re good at looking after others.

Now let’s look after ourselves.

Ask your doctor or nurse about a cervical smear now.

You may be eligible to have a free smear. Call 0800 729 729

Our shared values pledge Valuing everyone | Whakawhanaungatanga Make everyone feel welcome and valued

BEHAVIOURS PEOPLE WANT TO SEE Friendly, polite, develops relationships and trust Smiles, welcoming, approachable, introduces self Values others and is sensitive to cultural needs

BEHAVIOURS WE DON’T WANT TO SEE Rude, angry, grumpy, gossips and is unfriendly Condescending and disrespectful to others Culturally insensitive, dismissive of cultural needs

Kind | Manaakitanga

Care for other people’s wellbeing BEHAVIOURS PEOPLE WANT TO SEE Caring, compassionate, gentle and loving Supports physical, cultural and emotional needs Shows empathy and takes time to reassure you

BEHAVIOURS WE DON’T WANT TO SEE Rushes and does not take the time to support you Unavailable and leaves you feeling alone / isolated Disregards your cultural and emotional well being

Together | Kotahitanga

Include everyone as part of the team BEHAVIOURS PEOPLE WANT TO SEE Communicates clearly – uses terms you understand Listens to people, asks and welcomes questions Work as a team, involves and encourages others

BEHAVIOURS WE DON’T WANT TO SEE Unclear communication (jargon, one language only) Does not listen to you or take on board your views Works in isolation, ignores others’ ideas or input

Excellent | Rangatiratanga Safe, professional, always improving

BEHAVIOURS PEOPLE WANT TO SEE Inspires confidence in others through safe practice Professional, reliable, timely, efficient and thorough Always looking to improve practice and results

BEHAVIOURS WE DON’T WANT TO SEE Makes mistakes or doesn’t follow safe practice Wastes time, late, works inefficiently Negative about change, education, improvements

If you would like more information, email: human.resources@middlemore.co.nz | Produced by the Communications Team