86 // Well done!
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Health Hero: Ruth Noel
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uth accepted the role of hand hygiene coordinator for Waitemata DHB in October 2011, in addition to her pre-existing responsibility in the Quality Department. Despite her role being part-time, Ruth has worked tirelessly in raising the standards of the hand hygiene programme at Waitemata DHB. She has worked determinedly, focussing
HEALTH HEROES
Health Hero: Dr Nathan Atkinson
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r Nathan Atkinson is the gastroenterology registrar at North Shore Hospital. I met Nathan when I was an observer at the hospital three years ago. He had to look after me, a trainee intern, fourth year, and a house officer. We had him stretched in all directions, but he listened to each of us patiently. He stayed behind till midnight to sort out our patients and returned the next day at 8am. Recently, I was on night shift and my buddy
on specific aspects including: • promoting awareness among staff and patients • provided innovative ideas regarding education and culture change • restructuring Waitemata DHB audit tools and implementing a schedule in line with national and international standards • planning and implementing a quality improvement project in ED/ADU • organising stakeholder meetings, WHO hand hygiene activities, and taking a lead role in a very successful hand hygiene seminar.
Her efforts have been praised by many, including Hand Hygiene New Zealand group members. Waitemata DHB hand hygiene compliance has improved significantly since March this year and clearly reflects her dedication, commitment, and effective role modelling. Ruth recently left her role for personal reasons, but we felt she should be recognised. Nominated by Hasan Bhally, Jo Grounsell, Jutta Van Den Boom, David Lang, and Peng Voon.
called in sick. Nathan came in to do the night shift with me, after finishing his regular day at 7pm, and then completed his day duty the next day. He said he had previously done a night shift on his own and did not want any other registrar to go through the same pain. Two weeks later, I was finishing a shift at 8pm but we were one registrar down, so Nathan came in two hours early for his night shift to release me home on time. Nathan is currently the gastroenterology registrar, and he is always approachable and helpful when juniors call him for advice. Nathan shows compassion for each patient as if they are a good old friend. I have seen a staff member, who had Nathan as her doctor while she was in hospital, rush out of the department when she saw
him walking by to thank him. There are so many ways of fulfilling a job description but Nathan does it by putting his students, colleagues, and patients before himself. Nominated by Dr Annika Lam, general medical registrar.