From Vanessa Kia ora taatou

Winter is upon us and with it comes an increase in a wide range of respiratory conditions including COVID-19, flu, measles and whooping cough/pertussis.

Here at Counties Manukau, we are have geared up for winter and all our services have made preparations to ensure that we are well-placed to provide the best possible care to those who need it.

In order to help, it is important that you know where to go if you do get sick – whether that be your GP, local urgent care clinics or even ED - but please remember that ED is there for conditions that threaten life or limb.

If you’re not sure, you can always call Healthline on 0800 611 116. This free service, available 24/7, is staffed by an experienced team including nurses, paramedics, health advisors and other health workers. If in doubt, please give this great service a call.

And please make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations – this can have a hugely positive impact on you and your family’s wellbeing.

Ministerial announcement

In some really positive news for our District, Climate Change Minister, James Shaw visited Middlemore to announce all remaining coal boilers will be removed from hospitals by the end of 2025.

Minister Shaw told us: “The burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – is the primary cause of climate change, while polluting the air, and harming health – so ensuring our places of learning and our hospitals kick this habit is the obvious choice.”

It is great to be given the opportunity to make our District more sustainable and do our part for the environment.

Acknowledgements

Finally, I want to make mention of some rather special days on our calendar - Administrative Professionals’ Day, International Midwives Day and International Nurses Day.

What an awesome bunch of people we work with, and I want to acknowledge the vital part these kaimahi play in making our organisation what it is.

Kia pai too raa!

Dr Vanessa Thornton

Interim Lead Hospital and Specialist Services

When the temperature drops, we all run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, so it’s important to take extra precautions at this time of year.

We have spoken to some of our health leaders to find out what we need to do to keep well in the colder months and where you and your whaanau can go to get support and advice.

Kate Dowson, General Manager for Primary Care, says that people often think there's going to be a long wait to see their GP so they don't call them.

“While some GPs are really busy for non-urgent appointments, they will see people if it's urgent, so please ring them, and they’ll do everything they can to fit you in.

“If they can’t see you, they’ll tell you where to go, so it’s worth calling.”

You can also call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 anytime 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They can give you trusted health advice, treatment, and information about what to do next. You can also choose to speak with a Maaori clinician if you’re calling between 8am - 6pm.

Dr Campbell Brebner, Chief Medical Advisor for Primary Care, says “our health system is under the pump at the moment because of the legacy of COVID and the backlog of preventative work that needs to be done as well.”

So, what can we do to try to keep well?

“Eating well, getting exercise and getting enough sleep are actually really important to support your immune system and fight off infections.” (See our stay well tips on the next page).