Membership Board Report

MEMBERSHIP BOARD

REPORT

My first report, written this time last year, started with the sentence, ‘It’s been a difficult year in general practice.’ Little did I know! But, looking back on last year’s report brings to light a recurring theme – unexpected adversity followed by a remarkable response from our general practice teams, with excellent support from Pegasus Health.

As in all times of difficulty, there have been a few bumps along the way. The lessons that we have had to swiftly learn and the processes that we now have in place, (I hope) have made for a stronger unity among our Canterbury / Pegasus community. Amid reports of health professionals contracting COVID-19, my colleagues are telling me that they feel as if they have never before put themselves at greater personal risk for the benefit of their patients.

Thanks to the support and advice from the various parts of the Canterbury health system, to the support from Pegasus Health and the collegiality of colleagues (not to mention the PPE!) I hope that we all feel more supported in our efforts to keep the community safe and well. I would like to make a special mention of my clinical colleagues who looked after rest home patients who became infected with COVID-19. The first-class clinical care provided and the empathy with which it was dispensed, despite the complexities and adversity of wearing PPE or consulting remotely, reminds us of what (and who) we are here for. I think Cantabrians would feel incredibly humbled by the massive contribution from our greater health community, whether that contribution to patient care is from the coalface, from Pegasus House or from another part of the Canterbury health system.

The stoicism and innovation that has served us so well throughout the earthquakes and through a pandemic will be needed as much as ever, as we adapt to the challenges that the coming year will present. Irrespective of whether these challenges come from the downstream effects of COVID-19, the current difficulties at the CDHB, the Health and Disability Services Review or an unforeseen event, I am grateful to be part of the Pegasus family at such times.

Simon Wynn Thomas

GP and Chair of Pegasus Membership Board

Photo: Simon Wynn Thomas