NOVA Dec cvr.fh9 - Auckland District Health Board
Transcription
NOVA Dec cvr.fh9 - Auckland District Health Board
December/January 2009/2010 Merry Christmas Inside this issue Celebration Week Te Whetu Tawera goes Smokefree New developments for ACH and GCC Comment from the chief executive RECOGNISING ADHB STAFF Rebecca Nicholls Festive cheer and celebrations for a year well done It’s hard to believe that Christmas is nearly here already – another year has gone so quickly. As we head towards the festive season there is much for the organisation to be proud of and last month’s Celebration Week was an opportunity to recognise the wonderful work of our ADHB team. I never fail to be amazed at the level of commitment that staff and volunteers give to our organisation in so many different ways. I am proud to work in an organisation with so many talented, caring individuals who really do go the extra mile. Thank you for the contribution that each of you make to our organisation, it makes a big difference to the lives of our patients and their families. Photos of some of the Celebration Week events are featured on pages 6 and 7. Reflecting back over the year, 2009 has certainly not been without challenges. We were barely into the second quarter of the year when we were the first DHB to be affected by Influenza A H1N1. Our staff immediately responded with effectiveness and professionalism and over the ensuing months worked hard to keep our community healthy. This year has also been challenging in an economic sense. In saying that though, we also celebrated the success earlier this year of living within our means for the second year running. This is a huge achievement and one that you will all have contributed towards. Over the past few months you will likely have heard about the creation of a new national health board, established as a result of the Meeting the Challenge Report conducted by the Ministerial Review Group (MRG). As part of a 21 DHB coordinated response ADHB reviewed and provided feedback on the recommendations contained in the report. There was strong support among the 21 DHBs that the overall direction of the report attended to issues we wanted to see addressed to improve the performance of the health sector and ADHB believes the report’s recommendations offer sharper attention to national issues that will help deliver health gains for DHB populations. Over the next year we will see changes within the health sector and at DHB level designed to enhance our continued focus on quality, performance improvement and standards. Greater collaboration with our regional colleagues, particularly around regional planning, as well as a focus on reducing performance variation and the streamlining of shared back-office functions will take place. As we move through the practicalities of these changes it will be a priority of ours to ensure that you all know and understand how this will affect the DHB and our patient population. With the Christmas and New Year break coming up I hope that you all get the chance to spend time with loved ones and the opportunity to rest and recharge. For all those working throughout the holiday season I would sincerely like to thank you for the care that you are providing during this time. This just leaves me to wish you and your families a safe and merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2010. ISSN 1178-5373 (print) ISSN 1178-5381 (online) Died in service Rebecca Nicholls, a staff nurse with the cardiovascular intensive care unit, had only been with us a short time when she unexpectedly passed away on 5 October 2009. Rebecca was regarded by staff and patients as a kind and compassionate nurse who was never without a smile on her face. She was a great friend and role model who was always willing to help out and share her knowledge with others. Rebecca was extremely dedicated to patient care and aspired to further her university studies and unit progressive competencies. She was fulfilling her dreams in coming to New Zealand to work and her family were extremely proud of her. Rebecca will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, adventurous soul and cheerful demeanour. The CVICU has truly lost one of its gems. Mary Sharp Retired after 27 years of service Mary Sharp, a senior staff nurse within the neurosurgical ward, retired on 16 October after 27 years of service. Mary has been a highly respected member of staff and is referred to by colleagues as a positive, dedicated and caring individual with a great passion for work within the often challenging neurological sector. Over the years Mary’s nurturing and non-judgemental nature has meant she has been a wonderful role model and mentor to junior staff members. We wish her the very best and thank her for all her hard work and commitment over the years, she will be greatly missed by all. Rajpal Gooneratne Retired after 34 years of service Rajpal Gooneratne, a specialist Anaesthetist at Starship, has retired after 34 years of service at the ADHB. Rajpal began at the ADHB in 1974 as a registrar and spent time working as a consultant in the hospital before moving to Starship. During his time at the ADHB Rajpal has also served as Deputy Head of the Anaesthetist Department. Rajpal was a valued member of the Starship team and was known for his friendly and approachable manner. He was a pragmatic and practical anaesthetist with great expertise in his field. We would like to thank Rajpal for his contribution during his time at the ADHB and wish him all the best for the future. Wilma Scott Retired after 32 years of service Staff nurse Wilma Scott, from Ward 72 Respiratory Services, has retired after 32 years of loyal service to the ADHB. Wilma was extremely knowledgeable in her field of professional practice and was always willing to share her experience with others. She was amazing with the new nurses and always ensured there was a supportive and positive environment for the night staff. Wilma will be sorely missed by the staff and long term patients of Ward 72. We all wish Wilma the best in her recovery from illness and send her our love and support. Innovative support at Starship The northern region Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit (CFU) is celebrating the introduction of a project aimed at helping young people manage their distress and agitation through use of sensory techniques. The research project, which is a collaborative venture with the Auckland University of Technology (School of Occupational Science and Therapy) and Te Pou ( The National Centre for Mental Health Research, Information and Workplace Development), was launched with a blessing as well as musical performances on 28 October. Colette Adrian, Nurse Educator, said the project Staff member Reuben Bailey (on the left) and Dean Crozier (on the right) try out the new facility. involves the opening of a regulate or manage their agitation or distress, offering them a dedicated sensory room within the CFU’s High Dependency sense of safety while helping them to engage with other Unit which will be a test site for youth inpatient mental health treatments such as counselling, cognitive or medical therapies,” in New Zealand. says Michael. “The purpose of the sensory room is to teach young people “It is intended that inpatients who leave our care will take with who are inpatients how to calm themselves when they feel them a set of tools and skills for managing distress which are agitated and avoid expressing themselves through aggressive easily applied in everyday life,” he says. behaviour,” explains Colette. Researcher, Michael Wilson from Te Pou, who along with Dr. Kirsten van Kessel of the CFU is leading the research, says part of the intervention involved a controlled study to research the impact a sensory approach to behaviour management had on reducing rates of practices such as restraint or seclusion. A key objective for the service is to minimise the use of these practices. “The sensory room has a range of tools which help patients to The sensory room includes coloured dimmed lighting, a massage chair, a rocking chair, music, images and aromas known to induce a calm state. Weighted blankets are also used to provide a grounding experience for a distressed person. The outcomes of the research project will be published to ensure learning is shared, and in the interim ADHB welcomes the improvements to the environment and increased therapeutic opportunities the sensory room provides. Mobile phones bring clinical monitoring home Auckland District Health Board is launching New Zealand’s first trial of remote patient monitoring (RPM) using mobile phones to monitor and manage chronic illness in the home. Working with trial partners, Telecom and Alcatel-Lucent, the three-month trial focuses on 20 heart disease patients. Trial participants are provided with easy-to-use equipment to take measurements, such as blood pressure, that are automatically transmitted via mobile phone to a secure online database monitored by the ADHB cardiac team. Daily readings mean quicker medical intervention when necessary and also allow for more productive use of face-to-face appointments. Dr Denis Jury, Auckland District Health Board Chief Planning and Funding Officer, says the innovative monitoring system could improve health outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life, while reducing costs and increasing clinical efficiencies for health providers. “The technology is emerging as a cost and time effective tool worldwide to help keep people with long term conditions well and out of hospital.” “The system allows patients to provide health data using devices they’re already familiar with - mobile phones. The arrangement is secure which is extremely important and it also allows us to provide reminders, alerts and online reports to help patients and their healthcare professionals better understand and manage their conditions,” says Denis. Patient feedback to date indicates patients enjoy being able to spend more time at home and less time in hospital waiting rooms. “There are also benefits for the ADHB team. With our aging population and increasing numbers of patients with chronic illnesses, we are looking for ways to consolidate practitioners’ time,” says Denis. If the trial is successful ADHB hopes to extend the programme to patients with other chronic illnesses like diabetes. TWT goes Smokefree Celebrations, a barbeque and music marked Te Whetu Tawera’s move to become Smokefree. The event, on 2 November, was attended by Te Whetu Tawera staff, service users and ADHB CE Garry Smith. “I’m thrilled to be attending this event today. It’s great to see Te Whetu Tawera making this decision. ADHB supports any programme that makes our workplaces healthier for service users and staff alike,’ says Garry. The decision to go Smokefree took six months of extensive planning. Over this time the Smokefree steering group has developed tools to guide the service delivery and ensure the transition goes smoothly. “The steering group has shown huge commitment to this process. The way the work has been planned and staged means the change has occurred in a consistent and organised way,” says Kaaren Beverley, former ADHB smokefree MH coordinator and Smokefree lead. “Programmes have needed to be revised to ensure that service users could occupy their time differently when not smoking.” The work has been extensive with resources being developed for service users, families and staff. Training has also been provided for staff to ensure that they were confident in delivery of nicotine replacement therapy for service users. Key staff have also been trained in smoking cessation to ensure they could assist those service users who decided to stop smoking whilst in the inpatient unit. Members of Te Whetu Tawera smokefree steering group. Back row from left: Simon Stebbings, Anne Frew, Emily Owen, Danae Bratty, Lorraine Lagor, Clintin Patterson, Kevin Pengelly. Front row from left: Glenys Biggs, Kaaren Beverley, Leigh Murray, Gaynor Salie. Not in the photo: John Bingham, Corina Young, Jason Haitana, Allan Franks, Al Wadsworth, Jeanna Saldhana. As well as work within Te Whetu Tawera, meetings and training were held with Community Mental Health Services to ensure that community teams could provide quit advice and support for service users who wanted assistance with their smoking. Since the going Smokefree Te Whetu Tawera staff have commented their working environment is much cleaner and healthier. Staff have also noticed that service users are interacting more and there has been an increase in participation in the groups which are part of the recovery programme. An added bonus is some service users and staff have taken this opportunity to stop smoking. The future will mean big bold change Creating deep, sustainable change is not just about creating an excellent strategy or about redesigning delivery systems and processes. It is also about changing the mindsets which underlie behaviours and outcomes. McKinsey and Co (2009). 2009 has been the year of the recession and the Ministry of Health has been clear that funding for the health sector will reflect this tight fiscal environment. Decreased funding, increasing demand, and resource constraint is a fact. The need for big bold change is another. Clinicians leading this change and being part of the hard decisions needs to be a reality. More than 80% of our ability to save costs depends on clinical decision making Brent James, Institute for Healthcare Delivery Research, Intermountain Healthcare. As professional leaders in the ADHB, we have spent a lot of time trying to work out how to retain service quality while being challenged to be more efficient and effective. There are a few ways to respond to the task. There is the ‘salami slicing’ or ‘trimming a bit off at a time’ approach; the ‘slash and burn’ approach or the ‘tighter control’ approach. These may help (or not) the bottom line in the short term, but more radical and larger scale system change and redesign is needed. Large scale change is the process of moving a large collection of individuals, groups, and organisations toward a vision of a fundamentally new future state, by means of distributed leadership, massive and active engagement of stakeholders, and mutually reinforcing changes in multiple systems and processes leading to deep changes in attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Academy for Large Scale Change, NHS Institute of Innovation and Improvement (2009). So what do we need to do? We prepare clinical staff to deliver clinical care, but we don’t invest in supporting clinicians to lead change and quality improvement. This needs to change. Some work is starting in the form of a partnership programme between the Ministry Director of Nursing, of Health and the NHS Institute for Innovation Taima Campbell and Improvement to roll out programmes for clinicians and health leaders. This doesn’t mean importing NHS methods and tactics, but it does mean having an approach to improvement and sticking with it. ADHB has started some improvement projects including the recently launched Productive Ward or Releasing Time to Care programme; the Cardiac Surgery Project; the Acute Flow Project and Project CONCORD. All these projects are using lean improvement methods and approaches and include experienced practitioners to coach the teams. These projects will result in improvement, but if we are to have a fighting chance we will need radical culture change. Cultural change is not a rational or technical process; it is an emotional journey that fosters understanding, commitment and action. It is about changing attitudes, beliefs and behaviours, making time to walk in other people’s shoes and having courage to shift our organisation forward. This will take time, energy, access to tools and resources and investment in relationships. All of us have compelling stories to tell; we just need to spend time listening and talking to each other to find ways to make change that works. Resources to get started: www.institute.nhs.uk/alert Nova Awards Winners were: With more than 10,000 staff at ADHB, being singled out as a “shining star” among your peers is recognition deserving of special attention and fuss. Each year ADHB calls for staff to nominate their outstanding colleagues for a Nova Award. These organisationwide awards acknowledge those within our team who live the ADHB values of integrity, respect, innovation and effectiveness everyday. They are a recognition of staff who go above and beyond what is expected. The awards have been running since 2005 and in that time less that 100 people have received this special honour. The second awards ceremony for 2009 was held annually during Celebration Week, and was hosted by CE Garry Smith together with members of the Board and senior leadership team. “This is always a tremendous event for me,” says Garry. “I feel very inspired by the winners and really enjoy the opportunity to thank them for the significant difference they make within the ADHB. I hope it provides encouragement for other staff to stand up and make a difference.” This time three members of staff were selected from nominations to receive the prestigious award and they were joined by family members and colleagues at the ceremony followed by afternoon tea. “One thing that makes these awards very special is the fact that the nominations come from their peers,” says Garry. “In our increasingly busy world, the fact that their colleagues have taken the time to recognise these wonderful endeavours, write them down and then submit a nomination makes this especially meaningful. I encourage others within the organisation to think if there is someone they would like to nominate.” Managers of each of the award winners spoke to the gathering of the difference the staff members have made to their teams and departments. There was noisy support from the crowd and, in the case of one winner, her team sang a waiata. “We had great support from colleagues and whanau and it was especially meaningful to have four of our Board members present – I think this shows the esteem these awards are held in. The ceremony was a heartfelt and emotional event and I’m already looking forward to our next one,” says Garry. Lillian Lakeman from Rehab Plus Lillian was nominated for living the values of respect, integrity and effectiveness. She works as the receptionist at Rehab Plus, and has been there and previously the Sutherland Unit for more than 20 years. Lillian is described by her workmates as “extremely hard working, caring, and unfailingly courteous”. Her willingness and flexibility to assist when needed, her attention to detail and understanding of systems and processes, her proactive approach, her dedication to the service and service users, and her support for both colleagues and patients alike was also noted by her colleagues. Rachel Auty of Ward 78 Rachel Auty, a nurse on ward 78 was nominated for the value of innovation. Rachel decided to tackle the common issue of identifying staff on the ward. Visitors to the ward – staff and families – often found it difficult to know which nurse was which and so Rachel came up with the simple but elegant solution of head and shoulders photos of the ward staff on the whiteboard. This clever idea has created efficiencies for orderlies, medical staff, allied health staff and families as they quickly identify the person they need to talk to about patient care. Terrina Ihaia of Adult Emergency Department Terrina Ihaia, Equipment, Facility, Product Coordinator in ED was nominated for demonstrating effectiveness and innovation. Terrina has worked to maximise effectiveness in AED. Her many innovations have helped to improve patient care, assisted her department to live within its budget and made learning a breeze. Her attention to detail, ability to develop processes, can-do attitude and enthusiasm has, for example resulted in a well run, efficient stockroom which has avoided overstocking and overspending. She also created a quiet resource room away from busy clinical computers so that nurses have a separate space for eMoodle learning, and made learning fun with educative competitions. 6 Christmas is a time for giving As you rush around putting up the Christmas tree, doing last minute shopping and baking delicious goodies for your family, spare a thought for those who may be less fortunate. This year, as in past years, we’re supporting the Auckland City Mission who need our help to make Christmas brighter for families in need. Whether you donate a tin of peaches and other non-perishable goods or a small gift for children or teenagers, anything is greatly appreciated. The mission gives out thousands of food parcels each year, last year it totalled $1.8 million! They also ‘played Santa’ and distributed 25,000 gifts. Each year the mission also puts on a Christmas lunch, so families who don’t typically get to enjoy a Christmas roast can come together for a day of celebration. This year, the lunch is to be held at Vector Arena with 2,000 people expected to attend the festivities. Before lunch is served, our very own hospital staff will be performing, which includes singing, dancing and even break dancing! Well known New Zealand singer, Annie Crummer will also be performing. Joe McDermott, the Technical Head of Anatomical Pathology, has organised the day’s entertainment for the past four years. “I am delighted to help out once again at the Christmas lunch for the City Mission. Staff really get into the Christmas spirit by both donating goods or performing. Their kindness is truly astounding,” says Joe. So please if you are able to donate to this worthy cause, even if it is just a small contribution, every little bit helps. Gifts and non-perishable items can be donated from 9-18th December via ACH Reception (level 5) or GCC Information Booth, Building 4 (ground floor). Thank you for your generosity. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Meri Kirihimete me te harihari o te tau hou kia koutou katoa Good news on ACH carpark The development of a new 407-space, six-storey carpark is moving closer to reality. Subject to the Ministry of Health’s approval, the Auckland City Hospital Carpark is to be located on the vacant site left by the old Wallace block next to the Domain. Resource consent for the project has been granted by the Auckland City Council, and has passed through various groups including the Grafton Residents Association, a council urban design panel and parks department. The carpark, as part of a multi-million dollar investment in new facilities for the ACH, has been designed to improve access for the public. Currently, patients, families and disabled people have to navigate complex corridors and routes to reach the main hospital. Pedestrian access to the hospital will be significantly improved by the proposed development. If approved by the Ministry, construction is expected to start around the middle of next year. Greenlane Surgical Centre Update The first phase of the Greenlane Surgical Centre (GSC) development project totalling $9.7 million was given the green light at last month’s Board meeting. This phase consists of: developing two new theatres on level two of building four on the Greenlane site expanding current theatre 7 creating an additional theatre shell to be fitted out in phase 2 relocating and expanding the current sterile supply service from level 2 to the basement level of building 4 developing the overnight bed capacity Design plans are being prepared for building consent submission to Auckland City Council. This project is part of meeting ADHB’s objectives to increase elective rates for the ADHB population. The Greenlane Surgical Centre is being designed as a high throughput elective service that focuses on the patient from the point of GP referral to Page 8 diagnostics and clinics, through the pre, peri and post-operative phases and back to primary care. The development will take theatre capacity from five to seven theatres in phase one and to nine theatres in phase two. There will be a significant shift of elective discharges from ACH and Starship to the GSC. This will enable good throughput of patients at the GSC while at the same time assisting the flow of patients through ACH and Starship for the acute and more complex electives. Work is currently under way with a number of services looking at existing patient flows from primary care to clinics and through the theatre and post operative phases. This will identify steps that add value to patients and opportunities for improving the patient experience while at the same time highlighting barriers that need to be addressed. ADHB is working towards an April 2010 opening date for the new theatres. Staff will be advised about the timetable surrounding the construction process once finalised. f o cus Tamaki Ward NOVA magazine speaks to Betty Wilkins, charge midwife about life on Tamaki Ward. Back Left to Right - Lorraine Rodda, Susila Morgan, Joan Edwards, Sarai Wilson, Tofa Samau, Sally Taamo, Jean Liu, Paula Ryan, Uma Singh, Paddy Bilkey, Amit Kumari, Tilly Porter. Seated - Left to Right - Christine Manning, Betty Wilkings, Ruby Eti. Describe Tamaki Ward? Tamaki Ward specialises in caring for women and babies who are vulnerable and need extra antenatal or postnatal support. We treat women who are pregnant, in early labour, those who have had their babies, women who are re-admitted and babies that require care six weeks after delivery. The team of 50 staff comprises midwife specialists, midwives, registered nurses, registered obstetric nurses, enrolled nurses, health care assistants and ward clerks. It is a 39 bed ward split into three pods. Many of the staff members have been involved in maternity for over 30 years. We work alongside a number of groups including Maori advisors, independent midwives, Birthcare, lactation consultants, private obstetricians, diabetic services, physiotherapists, dietitians and social workers to name just a few! What is a typical day on the ward? We admit day and night, receiving women and babies with any antenatal and postnatal conditions requiring input from the team. Our patients can come from the delivery suite, the women’s assessment unit, the neonatal unit, the community, Birthcare or from other hospitals. We have patients who require acute and elective caesarean sections, as well as women who are readmitted for paediatric care, wound care, breast infection or mastitis care or breastfeeding support. What makes the ward special? I am always amazed by how fantastic my members of staff are and how caring and patient they are, no matter what the circumstances. It is wonderful to see that the team is always there for each other and there is a true sense of camaraderie to ensure that the patients receive the best care possible. It is also wonderful to be part of such a special time. Watching new mothers learn how to care for their new babies and helping these mothers by teaching them life skills and mother craft is a really lovely part of the job. Why do you work on this ward? I love to make a difference for women who need help at a challenging time. It is fantastic to see a woman blossom and gain self-esteem after successfully giving birth, and then learn how to care for and breastfeed her new baby, leaving Tamaki Ward a confident new mother. It is so rewarding and a privilege to be part of that. What are the challenges on the ward? There are many challenges that vary in their complexity. These range from teaching a patient how to successfully breastfeed her new baby to managing problems that occur when a patient is in a difficult relationship. Are there any new developments on the ward? We have two new wonderful midwife specialists who have recently joined us. We are also hoping to develop and refurbish Pod D (adjacent to Tamaki Ward) into a midwife-led delivery suite for women who are having an intervention-free delivery. Why would you recommend working on this ward to a colleague? Tamaki is a happy place where you work alongside amazing staff that support and care for each other. Tamaki Ward is both a challenging and interesting place to work, with each day offering a new experience. The ward also provides a great place to learn the full spectrum of maternity care as well as many other study opportunities. We have a strong learning emphasis and staff members are encouraged to further develop their skills and knowledge base. Page 9 N O VA H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E D I R E C T O RY December Events Volunteering World AIDS Day 1 December December 5th is International Volunteer Day. There are many benefits for the community in volunteering, as well as for the individuals devoting their time and effort. Here are some compelling reasons to get involved in volunteering: International Day of Persons with Disabilities 3 December Developing new skills and interests – such as planning and organising, supervising, goal setting, team building, working with children or the elderly. You might learn a new handicraft or find a hidden talent. International Volunteer Day 5 December Forging new friendships and networks – it can be as casual as having someone to spend leisure time with, making life-long friends, or result in more formal social networking. Volunteering can be of benefit if you are job searching or changing careers, giving you additional skills and references to include on your CV. Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose This is the story of flowers, told through two of our most beloved blooms - the orchid and the rose. Auckland Museum explores their magical attractions in a two-part wonderland of storytelling and sensory experience. From 3 December 2009 Auckland Museum Sense of self worth and accomplishment - it is gratifying to be part of a team devoted to assisting others. There are bound to be ‘feel good’ factors when you go out of your way to make a positive difference to your community or the wider environment. Starting a tradition – people are more likely to do good deeds if they have a role model to follow. Your decision to help others sends a positive message to your spouse, children, friends and co-workers about participating in volunteer activities. Let your dedication and initiative inspire others to join in a worthwhile effort. Savour the Flavour - without salt Since the very earliest days of humankind the addition of salt to food has been popular but now we know the downside of its use, the sodium in salt increases our risk of cardiovascular disease. By gradually reducing the amount of salty foods that we eat our palates will adjust and food will take on new subtler flavours. This takes about three weeks. Instead of salt add flavour with herbs, spices, curry powder and aromatic ingredients such as lemon and orange rind and juice, mustard powder, wine and balsamic vinegar. Use onion and garlic in cooking. Aunty Jo's Kids Day Out A fun day for the kids - free barbecue and give aways 5 December 2009 Memorial Park, Mt Roskill Film Archives present... The Film Archive presents a screening of a compilation of historical and humorous archival footage that reminds us how New Zealanders have engaged with food over the past 60 years. 20 December 2009 12 noon & 3pm Auckland Art Gallery, Art Lounge, Cnr Wellesley and Lorne Streets, City Page 10 Condiments and sauces are often a key source of salt in our diets. Below are two recipes that will add zing without adding lots of salt. Basil, Balsamic Vinegar and Pine Nut Dressing 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive 1 handful chopped fresh basil 1 handful of pine nuts toasted and chopped Put ingredients in a jar, close the lid tightly and shake Herbed Vinegar Bring 500 ml of white wine vinegar to the boil. Pour vinegar over 4 handfuls of fresh herbs such as thyme and/or rosemary placed in a jar. Seal and leave to infuse for 2 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally. To store, strain the vinegar into a clean jar or bottle and seal with a lid. You CANN do it! Cannulation skills for all registered nurses A new online learning package that will help all registered nurses working within adult services to perform cannulation and phlebotomy is now available via MOODLE, ADHB’s online training programme. “The online training course is a great opportunity for registered nurses to improve the timeliness of care to their patients”, says nurse director, Margaret Dotchin. “Usually they would have to wait for a doctor or a clinical nurse advisor to cannulate the patient, but by taking the online course it means that they can perform the cannulation themselves and help to reduce delays for patients.” by building their skills levels through courses such as this. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who was thinking about taking it,” adds Courtney. From now on all new graduate nurses will undertake cannulation training at the end of their Nursing Entry To Practice (NETP) course. This will provide an important section of the nursing workforce with a valuable skill right from the beginning of their working careers. The training process Enrol in the online course through MOODLE Complete learning and assessment Practice on a training aid Ask a tutor to assess your skill Then upload your audit form and you will receive your certificate Courtney Evans, a staff nurse on ward 62,has recently completed the course and is now able to perform cannulation procedures on her patients. “I decided to take the course as it was always difficult to track down a doctor whenever one of my patients needed an IV and I really felt that it would be better for the patients and my colleagues if I could perform a cannulation,” says Courtney. If you are interested in taking the MOODLE cannulation course speak to your charge nurse manager or nurse educator, who will coordinate it for you. “I was surprised at how quickly I completed the course. It only takes a few hours over a couple of days from start to finish and it is already saving me time as I can perform a cannulation as soon as it is needed. The clinical nurse advisors and some nurse educators have been running afternoon training sessions for staff and are happy to provide extra support if you need it. “I also feel that nurses can gain a greater level of independence Waiheke Island Just 35 minutes from Auckland by ferry, situated in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke possesses a subtropical climate and a beautiful 100km coastline. Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. There is a great range of activities on the island including sightseeing, swimming, mountain biking, sea kayaking, vineyard tours and much more. A must see of Waiheke Island is Stony Batter, a historic WWII defence complex that is accessible by walking through countryside, with striking views of the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula. Stony Batter is open to visitors to walk through the network of underground tunnels and chambers that link to gun emplacements. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. With so much to do and easy access (ferries run regularly from downtown Auckland) Waiheke Island is the perfect weekend getaway over the festive season. The prize for this month will be one night’s accommodation at any Scenic Circle Hotel. Scenic Hotel Group is New Zealand’s largest independently owned and operated hotel group, offering true Kiwi hospitality at 17 hotels throughout the country. Heartland Hotels and Scenic Hotels, offer distinct levels of value, comfort, quality and luxury. While offering consistent quality and standards, each hotel presents its own style and personality, and reflects its unique location. What date did Te Whetu Tawera go Smokefree? To enter, simply answer this month’s question and send your entry to [email protected], subject line ‘monthly competition’, or mail to the Communications department, Level 1, Building 10, Greenlane Clinical Centre. Entries must be received by 31 December 2009. One entry per person. The Grand Prize competition for 2009 has closed. The winning phrase was Orbit Online. The winner will be drawn at the Christmas Event on 9 December at ACH. The winner will be contacted if they are not present at the event. Thank you to all who entered and many thanks to Air New Zealand for their generous prize. Page 11 Inaugural Haemophilia Interdisciplinary Meeting An ADHB-led initiative to raise the quality and effec tiveness of haemophilia physiotherapy management in Auckland and throughout New Zealand has seen a host of events planned for 2010. Last month an inaugural Haemophilia Interdisciplinary Meeting was held in Auckland, bringing together physiotherapists, social and community outreach workers, haematologists, occupational therapists and representatives from patient advocacy groups such as the Haemophilia Foundation of New Zealand. It included lectures on musculoskeletal/ orthopaedic management, women’s health issues in bleeding disorders, the Hepatitis C virus in the haemophilia population and presentations from the Haemophilia Foundation. The meeting was so successful that future meetings have been planned throughout New Zealand next year. Glen Innes Healthy Kai From left: Ofa Soakimi, Keziah Tito-Hopa, Christine Wakefield, Tevita Uilou, Lika Pahulu and Chris Cook. Local children from Tamaki Primary School took part in a Glen Innes Healthy Kai (GIHK) event to promote the healthy, tasty food choices now available in the town’s centre. ADHB’s Community Liaison Dietitian, Chris Cook (far right) worked with the children and GIHK chair Christine Wakefield (third from left) to create a delicious leek risotto. The community-led initiative has been running for three years and now has 10 retailers signed up. GIHK receives funding from the ADHB. Photo courtesy of East & Bay Courier, Sarah Moyes Breastfeeding programme achieves milestone An ADHB funded course designed to allow mothers to teach and support other mothers with regards to breastfeeding has achieved a milestone, with the first two Somali participants in New Zealand training with La Leche League NZ (LLLNZ). Other graduates of the recent course include people of Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island and Chinese descent. All participants are now qualified peer counsellors who identify, train and support breastfeeding mothers from within their own communities. The programme has a number of benefits. As well as providing peer support to mothers, the community support means medical professionals have more time to deal with other, more complex parenting issues. Healthcare embraces new technology ADHB is working with health information supplier Healthpoint to use new technology to bring vital information to the public. Five touch screen information kiosks have been commissioned to be placed at various locations in the ADHB area. Three kiosks are already up and running in Grey Lynn, Three Kings and Glen Innes. One is planned for Onehunga and the location of the final kiosk is yet to be decided. The information can be provided in ten languages and the intention is the kiosks will help those who might not otherwise get easy access to healthcare information. “It’s about engaging with the community to help them make informed choices about their health and our healthcare system. Overall, it’s about knowledge and empowerment,” says Kate Rhind, Managing Director of Healthpoint . As an Auckland-only project, the kiosks have been designed to target a population with high healthcare needs. Back row: Robyn Watkins,Lucy Liu, Anne Devereux (PCPA trainer), Tui Makoare, Alice Misa, Lilly Leuluai, Dahaba Hagi, Janine Pinkham (PCPA Trainer), Teeikura Marsters. Front row: Barbara Fletcher, Rachel Nelson, Sharleen Houghton, Karen Nathan, Pele Afemui, Ifrah Sahal, Ulufafo Samau. The kiosks provide thorough and specific information on primary care, maternity care and midwives, as well referring users to both public and private hospitals and specialists.