Connect+ December 2022

TUUHONO HONO

Dave Letele, aka Brown Buttabean - boxer, trainer, advocate for pacific wellbeing, and now Santa’s helper, is well known for his work within the community.

He teamed up with the Middlemore Foundation and together they aimed to make sure that 600 children would get a fresh BBM Food Share Pack, and 6000 disabled and sick children, including our patients at Kidz First, and their siblings, would get a present under the tree this Christmas.

Read more on page 4.

From Vanessa

Kia ora taatou

Welcome to our final edition of Connect+ for 2022 – and what a year it has been for us all (again) with our staff having put in a monumental effort on the back of huge demand.

I thank all our teams for their tireless efforts in ensuring our community receives the best possible care.

One of the most notable changes this year has been the 20 DHBs forming a 'team of teams' consisting of 80,000 dedicated healthcare staff all under one umbrella of Health New Zealand and alongside the Māori Health Authority, all committed to contributing to a more equitable, accessible system that will improve the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

In a day-to-day sense, our roles duties and activities have remained the same as always –focused on supporting the health needs of the people of the Counties Manukau rohe.

In turn, I want to ask you, our community, to support us over summer by keeping as safe as possible. Our Emergency Department will be busy so let’s stay safe out there and please be patient if you end up at our ED - our staff will be doing the very best they can to support you.

Simple things you can do include using sunblock and sunhats to prevent sunburn (don’t forget the tamariki), watching the alcohol intake, and making sure your prescriptions are up to date (especially if you’re going away).

It is also important to be mindful that COVID remains prevalent throughout the country and to do everything you can to lessen the chances of catching it – wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing where possible, and wear face masks in busy places including on public transport.

Other than that, please enjoy the sunshine, the beaches, the barbeques – and for those working through the festive season, thank you for your dedication.

I hope that summer brings you a chance to relax to unwind and put work in the rear-view mirror for a couple of weeks so you can enjoy the things you love – including time spent with friends and whaanau.

Meri Kirihimete me tou hou kia koe me too whaanau.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your friends and family.

Ngaa mihi nui, Vanessa

OUR COVER STORY

A collaboration For Christmas

Dave Letele, aka Brown Buttabean - boxer, trainer, advocate for pacific wellbeing, and now Santa’s helper, is well known for his work within the community.

While running his Brown Butterbean Motivation (BBM) exercise classes, Dave became aware of the need within the community and started an initiative where people could drop food donations at his classes, and his team would distribute them to those who needed it.

This idea grew quickly into a charity running a foodbank, providing food for families, a saving grace over times like COVID lockdowns and Christmas.

Recently, that charity was broken into and food share parcels destined for families over Christmas were stolen. This got Dave thinking about what he could do to help some of the more vulnerable in the community – families with sick children.

He teamed up with Middlemore Foundation and together they aimed to make sure that 600 children would get a fresh BBM Food Share Pack, and 6000 disabled and sick children, including our patients at Kidz First, and their siblings, would get a present under the tree this Christmas.

“I know how hard it has been for families in my community, but even I can’t fathom how hard it is for families looking after children with long-term health conditions,” says Dave.

“Joining the Kidz First team as they visit these children, has been both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking.”

In early November, Dave stopped by Kidz First Hospital to install a special mailbox where our patients can send a letter directly to Santa.

The first letter in the mailbox was from Isabella, a patient in Kidz First, who loves Cluedo and books.

“I will deliver those letters to Santa myself,’ says Dave, who claims to have a direct line to the man in red.

After the fundraising appeal, they hope to have 250 families at their Special Christmas party that will be held on 22 December and is being supported by several wonderful volunteers including Lil Bo Peep's mobile farm, StarJam, Children's Cartoon Character Entertainers, and others.

Hari huritau (happy birthday) to Start Well, which in November this year celebrated five years of doing important mahi with young hapuu maamaa, their tamariki and whaanau.

CELEBRATING 5 Years of Start Well

The Start Well initiative is a prototype established by the South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board working collaboratively with social sector agencies to help South Auckland maamaa under the age of 20, from pregnancy through to when their tamariki turn five.

The team from Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau is led by Megan McCowan and includes three Clinical Nurse Specialists and three Senior Social Workers.

Megan says that the team works in collaboration with government and non-government organisations to achieve positive outcomes for the maamaa and whaanau, removing any barriers that can prevent whaanau from accessing systems and support networks.

“We help support positive health and wellbeing outcomes though aroha (love), whaanaungatanga (connection)and maanakitanga (respect) and journey alongside them to manaaki (support) and assist their confidence through the process.

“In the five-years we have walked alongside whaanau, we have seen incredible changes in their lives.

"They have also taught us about strength, resilience and wisdom, and have shared their insights and view of the world.

“We feel privileged they have allowed us to have a place in their personal and whaanau journeys.”

Work is now underway to embed the Start Well way of working within a kaupapa Maaori or Pacific community provider so that this mahi can continue to be enhanced and enriched by a cultural approach.

Hari huritau Start Well!

THE BEST

Out and about with Asian Health

Kitty Ko, our Asian Health Gain Advisor works within the community forming strong networks and relationships within the Asian community.

Our diverse Counties rohe not only boasts a large and proud Maaori and Pacific population group but also a growing Asian community.

Around 30% of people living in our rohe are of Asian descent, making Asian health a vital ingredient in the health mix.

Kitty Ko, our Asian Health Gain Advisor, works within the community forming strong networks and relationships within the Asian community.

“Religion and family play a large part in Asian culture and when you are immersed in that community it is easier to reach the people you need to - the people who may be getting missed at a mainstream level,” says Kitty.

Programmes run by Asian Health such as the ‘Community VAX Heroes’ are a key ingredient in enabling improved access to health services.

Asian Health works alongside 38 community organisations including Sikh and Cambodian temples, Chinese associations, Indian and Korean positive ageing charitable trusts, and more to reach the Asian community, especially those who have not connected with a traditional approach.

“The important aspect is that we go to them so we can engage with the community where they feel comfortable.

“Often language barriers can mean people stay away from traditional approaches. They may not know about the events or information, or don’t feel comfortable turning up to events when they don’t

speak the same language,” says Kitty.

“Asian is also a collectivist community. Our programmes are delivered in a group environment, allowing peer support among the community members which is incredibly important.”

An online Zoom meeting was recently hosted by Dr Pete Watson (Te Whatu Ora Interim National Medical Director) to thank the community organisations and network for their hard work with immunisation work.

Asian Health also deliver other initiatives such as Be Health Wise Healthy Eating nutrition workshops for Asian seniors in collaboration with NZFuture Community Trust.

A pet project of Kitty’s is the Asian Health and Wellbeing Community Network which has grown to around 555 members a significantly higher mark than the 16 members back in 2010.

“I want to thank everybody and every organization that has joined with us to better the health of Asian people.”

Jadhen's victory walk

Leaving the ward using a walker may not seem a big deal to many, but to Jadhen Nelson’s whaanau and rehab team, it was the best gift he could have given them!

Back in April this year, while dismantling scaffolding, 28-year-old Jahden was electrocuted by power lines, suffering severe burns, and left fighting for his life.

His fight for survival and his courage and bravery has been an inspiration.

In November, after six and a half long months living at Middlemore Hospital, he left us to move to the next stage of his rehabilitation at Auckland Hospital.

The Friday before, Jadhen had taken his first supported ‘solo steps’ and as he finally left the ward, was able to do a victory walk using his walker rather than his wheelchair.

“We’re all so happy,” says his partner Santana who wants to send her appreciation to the National Burns Centre.

email below: kitty.ko@middlemore.co.nz

“Jahden and I could not express properly the thanks and gratitude we have for you all after the six and half months we’ve spent here in Middlemore. You became our family, and this place has ultimately become our home.

“We have so much respect, love, and compassion for every one of you who’ve contributed to the care and wellbeing of Jahden and it is because of you he is still here with me and our children today. We thank you so much!

“Although we’re so happy Jahden has reached this stage of his recovery, we’re sad to leave you all behind. It’s not goodbye but see you soon.”

We wish you all the best in your continued recovery and thank your sharing your story with us Jahden, Santana and family.

If you are interested in being part of the Asian Health and Wellbeing Community Network or want to find out more about what they do,

Sore throats, Sore hearts

Improving health care for Rheumatic Fever patients

Counties Manukau has the highest rate of Rheumatic Fever of any district in New Zealand, and most patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) are under 20 years of age and require longterm treatment with an injection of penicillin every month for many years.

Ongoing treatment is vital to help protect against further heart damage, however there is concern that patients in the Counties Manukau rohe are not getting all the treatments they need when they are due.

To improve health care for patients, Ko Awatea, based at Counties Manukau, used a co-design approach to gather experiences and ideas from patients, whaanau, and staff, to identify ways in which care could be improved for patients with rheumatic fever.

This work informed the design of a pilot for a new model of care where patients aged 12-24 years are supported by the same nursing team (district nurse and youth health nurse) every month. The nurses not only provide their patients’ penicillin injections, but also take time to talk about Rheumatic Fever. They also offer holistic wrap-around youth-centred care to better meet any additional health needs patients may have.

Education support for patients and whaanau is also being improved through a co-designed resource developed with clinicians, communication specialists, a Consumer Advisory Group, and young people.

In addition, a live electronic platform is under development to aid health professionals working

with Rheumatic Fever patients. It will provide better visibility of patient care in one place and will help ensure patients have their penicillin regularly.

It is hoped this more appropriate model of care for patients living with Rheumatic Fever, and their whaanau, will help to prevent serious complications and lead to better health for people in the Counties Manukau rohe.

About Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic Fever usually starts with a sore throat that’s known as ‘strep throat’ – an infection caused by bacteria. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, it can cause rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic Fever is an autoimmune disease. It happens when a child’s immune system makes a mistake and attacks other parts of a child’s body, as well as the strep throat germs.

The inflammation from even one Rheumatic Fever attack could develop into Rheumatic Heart Disease, where there is scarring of the heart valves. This is serious.

Sore throats need to be checked

Because Rheumatic Fever can start with a sore throat, it’s important that children's sore throats get checked straight away.

If a child has strep throat, they’ll be given antibiotics to clear up the infection and reduce the risk that it will develop into rheumatic fever. If given antibiotics, it’s very important they finish the whole 10-day course.

Christmas with the Cops!

Here are some of our local Ootaahuhu (Ōtāhuhu) Crime Prevention Team's top tips to keep your whaanau, valuables and property safe over the holiday silly season.

● Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. If you’re out doing the Christmas shopping, don’t leave your new presents in the car in plain sight of thieves while you’re away shopping.

● When you’re shopping online, make sure the site is safe and reputable. Don’t share passwords across sites. If your details are stolen from one site, they could be used to log in to another. Be aware of scams and requests for details about bank accounts and passwords. They may try to persuade you to provide this to ‘verify’ your account. If it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t.

● If you’re heading away, let your neighbours know so they can keep an eye on your house. Ask them to put your bins out and empty the mailbox so it appears that you are home. Make sure you lock the house properly and don’t leave car keys in obvious

places. You don’t want a burglar using your vehicle as their getaway car.

● Before you head away keep your trees and bushes trimmed. Don’t leave a place for burglars to hide.

● If you’re heading away in the car, there’s no rush to get to your destination. It’s a holiday, so stay relaxed. The roads will be busy so plan for delays, stay off your phone and stick to the speed limit. There will be a reduced speed tolerance across the holiday period.

If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Organise your ride home before you head out.

Sustainable Summer

This summer you could consider making some small sustainable changes, to help make a real difference to our planet and your health. The warmer weather makes it a great time to be outside, getting stronger and healthier, while looking after our lovely planet.

Why not make it your New Year's resolution to take small steps towards sustainable choices?

Check out some simple sustainability tips below:

Travel:

Instead of driving, why not walk or cycle to your local park, beach, swimming pool, friend's place, or dairy? Small changes like this are a great way to get you body moving and improve your health.

Exploring Auckland on a train or a bus can be fun too, and while public is transport is half price until January 2023, it’s a very inexpensive way to travel. Choose a destination that you can team up with a bush walk or waterfront walk and enjoy the change of scenery.

The heat makes us thirsty – so choose water over other drinks and take your recyclable drink bottle with you. Buy (or gift) aluminium, glass, or steel reusable drink bottles rather than buying drinks packaged in single-use plastic.

Pack your own snacks and fruit to go and you’ll reduce waste and save yourself some money too. Don’t forget to fill your water bottle before you leave.

Summer parties and BBQs:

Use reusable plates and cutlery.

Don’t buy new decorations each year – reuse the ones you have. Try creating your own decorations from cardboard or other sustainable materials.

Paint pinecones for a lovely centrepiece for the table. Get the kids to help paint them.

Christmas Gifts:

Consider sustainable gifts this Christmas - zerowaste items can include keep cups, food storage bags, beeswax wraps, mesh produce bags, and metal straws.

Got too much new stuff over Christmas? Why not donate items in good condition to charity stores, vets or animal shelters.

Grow your own:

If you have holidays and some spare time, why not try starting your own vege garden? Peas, beans, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries and capsicum are just some of the delicious things you can grow that will make for a fresh and delicious summer harvest.

While composting can be done year-round, it’s often easier in the summer as the sun helps give it a boost, and you can maintain your compost pile along with the garden.

How about getting involved with tree planting, weeding or pest control programmes, a great way to get outdoors, stretch your legs and do something important for your community and the environment

Choosing sunscreen?

A large amount of sunscreen ends up in the ocean and is not good for the world’s ocean reefs. Choose Non-nano and mineral sunscreens.

Use rub-on lotions – lotions rather than sprays are less likely to be washed into the ocean.

Holiday Cheer WITHOUT THE BEER!

Over the festive period it can be overwhelming to consider celebrating without alcohol, especially if your friends and family will be drinking. However, there are many ways to enjoy the season alcohol-free and plenty of nonalcoholic drink alternatives to enjoy at festive occasions or gatherings.

If you add garnishes you can make the drink feel just as special as a traditional cocktail.

It’s not just the hangover you will be avoiding either. Alcoholic drinks can add a significant number of calories to our diets.

For example

:

- A 440ml can of RTD whiskey and cola has approximately 1,307 kilojoules.

- A 53g Mars bar has 1,020 kilojoules.

- If you're having four RTD whiskey and colas on a night out, you're adding around 4,000 kilojoules to your diet. That’s like eating four Mars bars!

Here’s a great refreshing summer drink you can enjoy instead of an alcoholic beverage. Great for summer BBQs.

‘Otai’ Watermelon Drink

Ingredients

- 5-6 cups cold seedless watermelon, cubed - 1 cup cold crushed pineapple

- 1 can (13.5 ounces approx.) cold coconut milk

- 1 cup cold coconut water

- 2 tablespoons lime juice

Put the diced watermelon into a large bowl and gently mash without breaking it up completely.

Add in the rest of the ingredients and mash a little more, stir well. Chill 30 minutes then serve over ice.

If you prefer you can put all ingredients into a blender and pulse until blended but still chunkyyou don’t want a thin puree.

Tips

Chill everything well the night before you make the drink.

You can use lighter coconut milk if desired instead of the full fat, it will have a lighter taste to it.

Any fruits that mash/chop well do great with this drink. You can use mango, papaya, melons, berries.

Makes two litres, 8-10 servings (approx. 105 calories per drink).

Source: www.pineappleandcoconut.com

Z Energy

Good in the Hood gives back

Our Kidz First Hospital has just been the grateful recipient of a donation from Z Energy.

The ‘Good in the Hood’ initiative asked customers at each site to select their favourite charity and the “Kidz First Healing Garden upgrade” was the successful choice.

All up, over $6500 was raised for the upgrade of the Healing Garden. The amount raised was further increased by an additional donation from Z Energy.

A delegation including Ana Smith, Team leader of the Play Specialist Service at Kidz First, Margi Mellsop of the Middlemore Foundation, and the patient family used as the in-house “face” of the campaign, Shalom Aoelua and her parents Moe and Jerry, attended the presentation ceremony.

Ana Smith told the presentation event: “I feel really honoured to be here representing Kidz First and being the recipient of such an amazing donation.

“As COVID restrictions were relaxed, one of the only places that families could gather together was in the Healing Garden. It was here that siblings could reconnect, and families could share a meal together.

“We recognised then that the garden was in desperate need of a makeover and we now have the funds to do this. A big thank you to Melanie and Wayne Kennerley and Z Energy South Auckland for making the donation possible.”

Moe Aoelua, mother of Shalom, and a Nurse Lead at Middlemore, said the whaanau were with Shalom at Middlemore for more than a month at a time of COVID restrictions.

“We spent most of day in the room due to the restrictions and as a precaution, so our daughter didn’t catch any further viral infections.

“The Healing Garden became the space to escape, to try to gather ourselves, and a place to try to have some form of normal family interactions.

“This was very therapeutic for us, and this place needs some help to bring it back to life, we are glad to be a part of making the upgrade happen.”

Margi Mellsop of the Middlemore Foundation expressed sincere thanks to those staff who helped the initiative by voting at the Z Energy stations.

TE KAAHUI ORA picks up top award

There’s been high excitement at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau Te Kaahui Ora Maaori Health unit this month, with the team picking up the Supreme Prize in the annual Allied Health Awards.

The Team of the Year Award, Te Tohu Kairangi, recognises and celebrates individuals and teams who have done extraordinary mahi to provide care for our patients and communities - this year there were 100 nominations for 10 different categories.

Te Kaahui Ora is a provider of services to Maaori who present or are admitted to a hospital or specialist service in the Counties Manukau district and works to ensure their cultural, social, and clinical needs are met in order to support the best possible outcome.

In 2021, Te Kaahui Ora was asked to develop and expand its existing team to increase capability and capacity to respond to the needs of Maaori in Counties Manukau, during the COVID pandemic.

The expectation was that the team would be able to respond to a surge at a moment’s notice and provide a suite of services targeted toward meeting the needs of Maaori during this time. Te Kaahui Ora Service Manager Delanie Nepia says that there was no time for a structured orientation.

“The new staff quickly realised it was hit the ground running type scenario! Some had never worked in health before and I am incredibly proud of this team and all they have achieved during a challenging time.

“Our social workers, kaimanaaki [hope], and admin staff pushed themselves outside their comfort zone and upskilled to provide COVID vaccinations and swabbing.

“They learnt to site lead testing stations, coordinate inpatient vaccinations, and run a drive-in staff swabbing station outside their office.”

In addition, recognising the need to work differently, the team adapted their model of care to transition patients from secondary care to the community.

“We worked to address immediate and short-term needs, including access to medications and food, health literacy, social supports, co-ordination between services, support to appointments, and most importantly manaakitanga [kind], whakawhanaungatanga [valuing everyone], and kotahitanga [together].

“Working closely with other services to share resources, knowledge, experience and decision making has been essential.”

Congratulations to our Te Kaahui Ora team.