IN THIS ISSUE: KNOW YOUR NURSES TESTING TIMES FROM TROPICAL STORMS GREENING THE DHB BY RECYCLING PVC - Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
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A quarterly magazine for Nelson Marlborough Health Staff June 2018
IN THIS ISSUE:
· KNOW YOUR NURSES
· TESTING TIMES FROM TROPICAL STORMS
· GREENING THE DHB BY RECYCLING PVC
1
CE UPDATE
—
It’s that time of year when DHBs Larger-scale quality-improvement
nationwide feel the extra pressure programmes, such as our mental
that winter imposes on health health services improvement
systems – hospitals especially. programme, feature both fast-
We plan for high-demand track improvements and those that
periods at both a macro level (eg will take longer to bear fruit.
our annual plans) and a seasonal The new Models of Care
level – eg this winter we’ve Programme takes this continual
enhanced our influenza vaccination review-and-improve way of
programme to protect more people working to the next level.
from harm and hospitalisation. The programme takes a broad
We plan and adjust where future view. We need to creatively
we can, but the extra pressure think about ways that we can
winter brings inevitably reveals reconfigure how healthcare is
flaws in our healthcare systems delivered locally that makes better
– in our models of care. use of the funding we receive.
The flipside of flaws is It’s about appreciating
that they present opportunity and maintaining the strengths
for improvement. At Nelson of our current systems, while
Marlborough Health we review and leading change to ensure our
improve services continually. Some services are fit for the future.
of the more subtle innovations The clinical working group
can make a huge difference appointed to this programme will
– putting falls-risk stickers on provide clinical leadership to ensure
patient files for example. models of care are aligned to
local health needs. Members were
selected not as representatives of
professional groups, but for their of a new Nelson Hospital. This
It’s about innovative thinking and connections by no means detracts from the
appreciating and with clinical peers and colleagues. importance of the changes made,
See the article on page 13 on a daily basis, that make for a
maintaining the for a photo and names of group better consumer experience.
strengths of our members. It’s early-days for the I offer genuine thanks to those
programme but as it shapes up of you who create positive change,
current systems, while we will keep you informed. not just for our patients but for
leading change to This is an exciting time to work yourselves and each other also.
in healthcare – the models of care
ensure our services programme will lead to large-scale Peter Bramley
are fit for the future. change and inform the design Chief Executive
BOARD TALK
advance care planning, the targeting
of particular populations for bowel
—
screening, and the progress of the
Models of Care Programme.
Well done to everyone who has
Our Consumer Council has been already had their 2018 flu vaccination.
established for a year now and It is not too late, and I strongly
is providing a strong voice as an encourage you to have your flu
advisory group to the Board. shot and to protect yourself, your
The council chair Judith Holmes family and your patients as we head
gives valuable reports to the Board towards the busy winter season.
and we appreciate the careful
consideration and input they give to
the many and varied topics presented Jenny Black
to them. For instance, recently their Chair
input was sought on the promotion of Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
FRONT COVER:
Front cover: As part of a ‘kindness project’ Year 4 and 5 children at Tapawera Area School made cards for children staying in Nelson Hospital to help cheer them up.
2
BRINGING NEW LIFE
TO USED PVC
—
If you have ever wondered
where all the used IV and irrigation
bags, oxygen tubing or face
masks go, you may be surprised
to hear that some end up as safety
surfacing in kids’ playgrounds.
Theatre nurse and self-
confessed greenie Helen Spring
says she was disheartened to see
so many PVC medical products
going into the rubbish.
Around half of the PVC in
Theatre Nurse Helen Spring holds up some of the used PVC products ready for collection for recycling.
hospitals is used in theatre and
ICU, and most of the waste is
uncontaminated and recyclable.
“I did some investigation at Nelson Hospital, Helen set baby steps such as taking home
and found a company called about ensuring the theatre team their food scraps for composting,
Matta Products that recycles PVC put the used PVC products in a bringing their own coffee cup to
into specialised safety tiles for special bin. She is now gradually the cafe, and riding a bike or bus
children’s playgrounds,” she says. approaching other departments that to work at least once a week.”
Matta Products is part of the use PVC to bring them on board. Helen is happy to hear from
‘PVC Recovery in Hospitals’ initiative The scheme began in October anyone with a recycling idea,
which is supported by Baxter, 2017 and in February 2018 the first or to help any department that
a company that makes medical 200kg box was sent away. Helen is not already recycling.
products. Matta Products collects says this represents a saving to
and transports the PVC for free, but Nelson Marlborough Health of
Helen had to work out how to store $1600 for each box recycled rather
it and get it ready for collection. than sent for disposal at a cost.
“I had to get a space, Recycling PVC also results in
under cover, that a truck could reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) It IS easy being green:
back up to, and which could emissions. For instance, Baxter Just join the team!
fit a cupboard box capable of calculates that recycling a PVC IV bag, The NMH Green Team
holding 200kgs,” Helen says. rather than incinerating it, reduces is calling for new members
Once she had secured a CO2 emissions by 77 per cent. who are excited about
suitable spot in the loading bay Helen doesn’t intend to the prospect of reduced
stop with PVC recycling – she plastic usage, reduced
also has her eye on single-use food wastage and better
products such as disposable transport planning for
Around half of the PVC coffee cups and metal scissors. staff and patients. It's
in hospitals is used in “We humans create a lot of early days yet, so get on
theatre and ICU, and rubbish that ends up in our land and board now and help shape
most of the waste is sits there for hundreds of years,” she the vision. Contact Claire
says. “I ask people to think about McKenzie for more info.
uncontaminated and the amount of rubbish they create
recyclable. every day and try and reverse it with
w have my
“I am privileged to noill be able to “100% comm
life back again and w r Fernandez to the job. Smitment
enjoy retirement…” (D) laughter – ge iles and
and neurological te am Loved it!” (C neral banter.
ardiology) Good on You
wa s a ve ry di ff icu lt time for us and I
“It le to cope without “ We h a ve b e e
wouldn’t have been abillingness to help in your praises ton singing
your attention and w u District Nursing) (Wairau HDU) everyone.”
various ways…” (Waira
3
TESTING TIMES FROM
TROPICAL STORMS
First there was ex-Cyclone
Fehi and just three weeks
police, fire, ambulance and others,
and Pete said our staff responded
“And because
later the region was battered really well, especially the patient this type of
again by Cyclone Gita. travel and outpatient teams.
In the December 2017 issue of “Patients had appointments training builds
Connections we looked at how ready rebooked, and in some instances
we are to cope and recover effectively flights between the Bay and resilience for
in a disaster or unplanned event,
and these summer tropical storms
Nelson were arranged for patients
and medical supplies.”
organisations,
put our preparedness to the test. Several months on from the they were able to
Road access to Golden Bay was cyclones, the damage to homes,
particularly affected by the storms, roads and the surrounding take control.”
and Emergency Management landscape is still visible.
Manager Pete Kara says it was
fortuitous that Golden Bay Health
Centre staff had recently completed
Co-ordinated Incident Management
System (CIMS) training.
“We had an exercise in
November last year with a similar
scenario,” he said. “And because
this type of training builds
resilience for organisations, they
were able to take control.”
Damage to the Takaka Hill
caused increased travel times for
anyone making the trip to Nelson.
It also meant delays in getting
supplies to the Bay. NMH worked
closely with local civil defence
emergency management groups, Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi visited the region to assess the damage from Cyclone Gita and
delivered vital medical supplies to Golden Bay Health Centre.
4
Doug’s advice on
things you need
to consider when
choosing an e-bike:
• decide what sort of drive
you want: back wheel,
front wheel or mid drive
• battery size: the number
of gears on the bike are
a factor for battery size
EXCELLENT • tyres: keep the tyres
pumped up (you go
E-BIKES
a shiny, red, ‘Kinetic Sprint’.
“It was a $3500 investment but I faster and it helps
feel I got value for money,” he says. avoid punctures)
— Doug aims to use his e-bike
three times a week and reckons
• accessories: pannier
When it comes to exercising, he saves about $36 each day
Doug Moffet finds the gym he doesn’t use his vehicle. bags, mirrors,
and golf boring, and reckons “I charge the bike up at night speedometers
he sinks when he swims. for three or four hours, which
He had always been interested costs less than a dollar a day.” • specification: European
in cycling but, living 25km from his Doug says although his or other (European
Braemar Campus workplace, didn’t bike can go up to 30km/h he e-bikes are limited
feel up to a daily 50km commute. still feels like he is exercising,
So to make cycling a viable option especially on the right settings.
to 23 kmph)
Doug decided to invest in an e-bike. “I definitely have more energy
Using his skills as a procurement when I get in to work and it’s • support: after-sales
specialist, Doug did his research a form of exercise I enjoy.” service levels.
and pored over catalogues and Doug is happy to share his
websites analysing different research and knowledge of
e-bike specs before settling on e-bikes to anyone interested.
5
Know your nurses
Whatever happens in the world, the
world will always need nurses.
• A specialty clinical nurse has
TAKING SKILLS TO in-depth, specialist knowledge
THE NEXT LEVEL
and skills that focus on a
specific clinical condition.
On International Nurses Day
(12 May) we celebrated and Nursing is a profession with clear • A PRIME (Primary Response
acknowledged the expertise career progression and a qualified in Medical Emergencies) nurse
and commitment of all nurses. nurse can work in a variety of roles. is highly trained to support the
ambulance service with a rapid
These days nurses are highly- • A healthcare assistant completes response and a higher level of
skilled professionals, but a one-year Certificate for Health medical skills than may otherwise
until the late 1880s there Care Assistants which provides be available in a rural community.
was no formal training for the skills and knowledge to
nurses in New Zealand. provide patient care. • A clinical nurse specialist
Nurses became registered is a designated role with a
in the early 1900s, and
• An enrolled nurse completes an multidisciplinary team involving
nursing training took place in
hospitals up until the 1970s. 18-month Diploma in Enrolled applied clinical practice, education
Nursing programme which and consultancy within a
covers the theory and clinical particular clinical area. It requires
In this region the shift to nursing practice required to the advanced knowledge of a
Nelson Polytechnic (now apply for registration as an postgraduate qualification.
Nelson Marlborough Institute enrolled nurse with the Nursing
of Technology) was made
Council of New Zealand. • A nurse practitioner must be
in 1974, with the aim to
prepare nurses for the registered with the Nursing
challenges of caring for • A registered nurse completes Council of New Zealand, have a
people into the 21st century. a three-year Bachelor of Nursing minimum of four years’ experience
Degree, passes an assessment of in a specific area of practice,
Nursing Council competencies and have completed a clinically-
for registered nurses and an focused approved Masters
examination for registered nurses. programme, or equivalent.
currently working as a clinical nurse pathways in nursing, particularly
CLINICAL NURSE specialist in emergency nursing. in advanced clinical practice.”
SPECIALIST: A CAREER IN “I have always liked working She believes the future potential
in acute care areas,” she says. of nursing is great and people need
ACUTE CARE NURSING “People have different skill to be ready for those opportunities.
Jo King’s nursing career has been sets and this area suits me.”
one of constant progression. She As Jo’s career progressed she
has accumulated over 30 years of juggled work, raising children,
intensive care and coronary care and completing postgraduate
nursing experience since she began studies, including a Master
her training in Palmerston North. of Nursing (clinical).
From the moment she “It was busy but stimulating
graduated Jo took up intensive and rewarding – it also adds a
care nursing, and has worked in lot to your nursing practice.”
New Zealand, Australia and the Her advice to new nursing grads? In June 2017 Sue Addison and Jo King (right)
were appointed to set up a pilot clinical nurse
United Kingdom. She has also “It is never too soon to specialist service in Nelson Hospital’s ED. Both
been a critical care educator and start aiming high,” she says. are clinical experts in emergency nursing and have
charge nurse in this area, and is “There are many options and completed Masters of Nursing (clinical).
6
NURSE PRACTITIONERS: HIGHLY EDUCATED AND
EXPERIENCED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The nurse practitioner role was created in 2001 and is the highest possible clinical
qualification for a nurse. There are now 16 nurse practitioners working in the
Nelson Marlborough region, specialising in areas such as older adults, child and
youth health, sexual health, pain management and primary healthcare.
NURSE PRACTITIONER:
and began working in theatre
at Burwood Hospital.
“I would
A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS
“It couldn’t have been more encourage anyone
different, but I loved it,” she
says, “and I have worked in peri- to go and work in a
— operative nursing ever since.”
rural hospital – it’s
After a role at Christchurch
One of our newest nurse
practitioners is Irene Minchin who
Hospital, Irene relocated to
Greymouth and continued as a
a different sort of
specialises in pain management. theatre nurse. She also started her nursing.”
Since she graduated in 1997, Master of Nursing qualification.
nursing has taken Irene from rural “I would encourage anyone
Canterbury to outback Australia, to go and work in a rural
from big city hospitals to a small hospital – it’s a different sort of
team on the West Coast. nursing,” she says. “You have
Irene did the new graduate mental to be independent and resilient,
health programme while working in but I was well looked after.”
Christchurch’s Sunnyside Hospital. When she came to Nelson
After a couple of years she moved to Hospital thirteen years ago, now the people we see are sicker,
a remote area in central Queensland Irene says it was a different there are more tourists around, and
and continued in mental health. place compared to today. our patients are older,” she says.
When she returned to New “It was more relaxed, with a In 2017 Irene began training
Zealand Irene changed tack sleepy, country hospital feel, but to become a nurse practitioner,
with funding through Health
Workforce New Zealand. She
also did a prescribing practicum
paper through Massey University.
This culminated in an invitation
to do a ‘viva voce’ or oral exam at
the Nurses Council in January 2018.
“I spent every hour I had, when
I wasn’t looking after patients,
preparing to face the examiners,”
Irene said. “They don’t just ask
you about the stuff you know, like
your speciality, it is much wider.”
She says it was pretty stressful but
not impossible. “Their goal is to know
that you are a safe pair of hands.”
Irene’s prescribing practice
was approved and she is now
a nurse practitioner in pain
management at Nelson Hospital.
Her advice to new
graduate nurses?
“Start studying now as it doesn’t
get any easier as you get older. Take
every opportunity available and
keep going, one paper at a time.”
7
STORY BRIEFS — Dr D.W (Peter) Low (left) shows off the coronary care unit equipment in 1971. RIP: Dr Peter Low Low, David Low and Stephen Low. a position he held right through (29.10.1924 – 25.04.2018) Dr Low went to medical school to his retirement in 1989. Dr Peter Low was a son of in Dunedin, largely during the While at Nelson Hospital, Dr D C Low, a surgeon, GP and World War II years. He trained Low encouraged many hospital former medical superintendent as a surgeon in the 1950s, and community activities including of Nelson Hospital. in the 1960s specialised in organising hospital concerts and Since 1921 there has continually orthopaedics. He was the first corralling hospital staff into fun- been a ‘Dr Low’ on staff in Nelson surgeon in Nelson to perform runs and other charity events. Hospital – that’s 97 years. There has a hip replacement. In 1966 he Peter passed away peacefully been Doctors D C Low, D.W. (Peter) became medical superintendent – on 25 April, in his 94th year. In April Richard Bohmer gave a Grand Round presentation titled, ‘Transforming Care’. Dr Bohmer works independently with hospitals and health authorities around the HEALTH STANDS PROMOTE APRIL FALLS world helping them establish clinical leadership and management models To help promote the notion that ‘falls are everyone’s business’, and and to improve their performance. to raise awareness of falls-related injury prevention, the allied health His visit was in support of the team organised display stands at Wairau and Nelson hospitals. Both Models of Care Programme. stands generated a lot of conversation and educational opportunity. 8
THE KINDNESS PROJECT
when midwives became the
GRANDCHILDREN AND GOLF lead maternity carers, led to a
BECKON FOR KEVIN more efficient use of his time.
“We used to go to every normal
Dr Kevin Hill arrived in Nelson delivery of women under our care,
in February 1982 to take up a role plus patients of GPs who did not
as obstetrician and gynaecologist practice obstetrics, and our own
working alongside doctors John private patients, and were called in
Ives and Brian Neill. However, the by GPs for the problem or high-risk
weekend before he started, Dr deliveries whether we were on-call
Ives unexpectedly departed. or not. Now it is strictly on-call and
“It was a very busy start,” Kevin only for the higher-risk deliveries.”
says. “Brian and I worked together Kevin says he will miss the
for ten years and then when he ‘clinical stuff’ but will definitely
retired, Dave Leadbetter joined not miss being on-call. He says
and we had a long partnership it’s been a happy team that
both in our private practice and our he’s enjoyed being part of.
work together at the hospital.” His retirement plans include
Kevin made the decision building a new house (with no
to specialise in obstetrics and lawn), joining a cycling club,
gynaecology while still only in his 4th spending more time with his Year 4 and 5 children at Tapawera
year at medical school. He says at the grandchildren and playing Area School made beautiful
time it was a very male-dominated more bridge and golf. cards to cheer up children being
profession, but is now a popular “I have played on 285 golf cared for at Nelson Hospital.
choice among female doctors. He courses around the country Their teacher Gemma says it
says the field appealed to him as a and I have 90 more to go.” was part of a ‘kindness project’,
“very enjoyable speciality with bits Dr Kevin Hill is presenting based on the idea that kindness
of surgery and medicine thrown in”. his valedictory address, ‘What spreads. The cards, when
Kevin says the changes in birth a ride’ at Grand Round on seen in person, are lovely and
management made in the 1990s Tuesday, 12 June 12.30pm. inspire lots of warm fuzzies.
9
CELEBRATIONS FOR ALLIED HEALTH
There’s been a lot to celebrate among allied health staff so far this
year. If you are wondering what ‘allied health’ is, it’s specialties outside
of nursing and medicine – physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech
and language therapy, psychology and social work for example.
What is the
Calderdale
Framework?
Developed in the
UK, the Calderdale
Framework is a
workforce development
tool or process that can
Congratulations to our latest be applied to promote
Calderdale facilitators efficiencies, and
The Nelson Marlborough Occupational therapists unlock the potential
Alliance Falls Prevention Samantha Ehrlich, Nicky Clarke of the allied health
Steering Group recently thanked and Lisa McIntyre have become workforce and improve
Mark Preston-Thomas for his credentialed Calderdale Framework patient care delivery.
contribution to the group. Mark (CF) facilitators. Lisa and Nicky are The South Island
played an important role in the using the framework to roll out a Directors of Allied
development of community new service model to our Needs Health support the
and in-home strength and Assessment and Service Coordination implementation
balance classes and the overall Services and stakeholders. of the Calderdale
success of the steering group Samantha has supported a number Framework as a means
in Nelson and Marlborough. of CF projects, and has been of developing a more
From Left: Hilary Exton, key to supporting, training and flexible and competent
Joyce Forsyth, Mark Preston- extending the programme to our allied health workforce
Thomas, Barney Rennie, allied health assistant workforce. for the South Island
Kim Fergusson, Glenis Bell, Director of Allied Health Hilary health system – in
and Simone Newsham. Exton is also a fully-credentialed primary care, secondary
CF practitioner and is helping to care and community
lead the implementation of CF and health care.
support the growing number of
facilitators working in clinical roles.
Leadership award recognises
commitment to children and families
Occupational therapist Emma
Williams has received a Health
Quality & Safety Commission
‘Open for Leadership’ award
for numerous projects she has
initiated, led and coordinated in
her role as a case manager, lead
crisis worker and, more recently,
clinical coordinator with Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Commission Deputy Chief
Executive Karen Orsborn says the
award recognises her “exemplary
Job well done, Cath. leadership, work ethic and
Speech language therapist commitment to children and families”.
and team leader Cath Lawson Emma says winning the award
has completed a significant came out of the blue as she had no
piece of work on surgical idea she’d been nominated: “I’m just
voice restoration – a national doing my job, which I feel passionate
document related to speech about. That is reward in itself, so
language therapist competencies to get that level of recognition
for post-laryngectomy. is quite humbling. I’m trying to
enjoy it as much as possible.”
10WHAT THEIR
CLIENTS SAY
—
“I can’t thank
Motueka Maternity
enough for setting
me up, feeling
positive and
refreshed, and
ready to head
home.” (SM)
“What really
MIDWIFERY:
get the level of care they need.
Since she trained fifteen years makes it stand out
AN ABSOLUTE
ago Rachael has worked across the
entire midwifery scope, including are the midwives…
roles as lead maternity carer
when struggling
PRIVILEGE (LMC) and staff midwife, and in
a variety of settings from a large with breastfeeding
— urban hospital to a small rural
community. She is now charge their patience and
Late last year Nelson Marlborough nurse manager at the unit.
Health took over providing In that time she has seen an encouragement
labour and post-natal inpatient
services at the former Nelson Bays
increase in the complexity of cases
midwives deal with. She encourages
really helped me
Maternity Unit, also known as women to register with a midwife push through
Te Whare Whanau, in Motueka. as soon as they can in pregnancy
The changeover gave midwife – ideally before 12 weeks. with it.”
Rachael Kingsbury an opportunity to “Generally we are picking up
take up a charge nurse manager role more issues in pregnancy now and
that she loves, based in a community dealing with more challenges, such “We have learned
she feels proud to be part of. as obesity, family violence and older
“I love Motueka, it is the most mums,” she says. “Midwives have so much over the
amazing, giving community,” she to be very skilled and know their
says. “Thanks to a great group of community and how to refer cases.” two days here and
local knitters we are able to give
a knitted item to every family that
Rachael believes midwives are
also in a privileged position.
we will recommend
comes in to the unit, and through “We are around at a life- this unit to anyone
the generosity of the Moutere Kai changing time – the exact moment
Collective we can donate a nutritious when a couple become a family, and that is having a
meal to families when they leave.”
Now called the Motueka
witnessing that is one of the most
rewarding things you can do.”
baby.” (L & B)
Maternity Unit, the unit offers a Originally from Canterbury,
quiet, homely environment where Rachael spent several years
midwives work alongside women in the North Island. Now her “Such an amazing
and their families to ensure they children are grown up she and
her partner have bought their little maternity unit
“Thanks to a great group ‘dream property’ and moved to
the Aorere Valley in Golden Bay.
and an asset to the
of local knitters we are “We love the lifestyle, the community. One
able to give a knitted item proximity to the Kahurangi
to every family that comes National Park, the quietness happy patient and
in to the unit...”
and the lack of cell and internet
reception,” she says.
family.” (EB)
11From left back: Clare Crosswell, Paula Clode, Chris McGill, Deb Gihon, Tracy Adams, Jenny Ineson,
Trudy Pearson, Helen Gilhooly, Hailey McCauley
REFERRAL CENTRE “They were
Once it was decided to establish
a referral centre to cover both
constantly
HUMMING ALONG
Nelson and Wairau, it didn’t take
long before Rachael had a team of
nine, and a standardised method interrupted by
— of processing referrals, in place
across all the services on board.
phone calls and
If you ever feel overwhelmed “Lots of planning went into urgent tasks when
by the number of emails in your setting the centre up, for instance
inbox, then spare a thought making sure we have business rules they were trying to
for the referral centre team.
They receive around 4500
in place for each service, as well
as around the use of the shared
load referrals”
email referrals a month. mailbox so emails get picked up.”
From November 2017 all referrals Rachael says the referral
across the district, from GPs and centre is ‘paper lite’ with around that all referrals are appropriately
other external referrers, started half of the referrals received triaged and acknowledged
going through to the referral electronically and any fax or paper within 15 calendar days.’”
centre based at Wairau Hospital. referrals captured electronically. ESPIs are performance measures
Centre team leader Rachael Lane Referral centre staff are that provide information on how
says the centre was established split between two rooms with well DHBs are managing key steps
to standardise processes and free one room loading and sending in the elective patient’s journey.
up time to allow administration referrals for triage, and the Rachael says the work requires
staff to concentrate on clinic other updating the triage and staff who are process-oriented
and theatre bookings. sending out the appropriate and pay attention to detail.
“They were constantly interrupted acknowledgement letter. “The referral centre staff are an
by phone calls and urgent tasks when “The establishment of the amazing bunch. They did an awful
they were trying to load referrals,” referral centre has meant we are lot, in a short space of time, to get
she says, “so I looked at how to able to meet our Elective Services the centre up and running and I
reduce the pressure on them.” Patient Flow Indicator, or ESPI, am extremely proud of them.”
12PROGRAMME PUTS
PROFESSIONALS
TOGETHER
—
The AT&R ward at Nelson Hospital
hosted their first inter-professional
student placement recently.
The Inter-Professional Education
(IPE) Initiative is funded by the
University of Otago as a research
project and puts final year students
from different professions together to
work with especially selected patients.
In Nelson Hospital, physiotherapy,
medical, occupational therapy
and nursing students spent
three days working together
with patients in AT&R.
Professor Don Wilson, from
the University of Otago’s School
of Medicine, says by working
collaboratively the students gain a
better understanding of the roles
of different health professions. He
says that this can change how the
students perceive themselves and
others and sets the foundations for
the professions to work together.
An IPE pilot programme in 2017
was a positive experience for students
Models of Care Programme clinical working group members, from left rear: Neil Whittaker, Anna says Alice Scranney, clinical educator
Charles-Jones, Rachel Thomas, Hilary Exton, Megan Peters, Cathy O’Malley
Middle row: Rachel Inder, Stephen Bridgman, Peter McIlroy, Bridget Jolly, Alex Browne
for 4th year physiotherapy students.
Front: Nicky Cooper, Linda Ryan, Suzanne Beuker (chairperson), James Chisnall “It allowed discussion between
Absent: Tammy Pegg, Mike Ball, Susan Seifried, Tina Murphy, Ditre Tamatea and Meg Robertson disciplines that wouldn’t normally
happen in student placements,”
she says. “They all heard what was
discussed, so no time was wasted
INTRODUCING THE MODELS OF CARE repeating information, and they
CLINICAL WORKING GROUP
made a treatment plan together
so they got a better understanding
— of professional boundaries and
if a referral was appropriate.”
Most healthcare professionals way healthcare is provided while
understand ‘models of care’ to be building on the positive changes
the ways we organise and deliver and projects already underway.
health services to our communities. The clinical working group
The Nelson Marlborough Health appointed in March 2018 will ensure
(NMH) Models of Care Programme models of care align to NMH needs
will focus on future models of care and enable the transformation
needed to meet the needs of our of the total health system.
community, especially Maori and Group members were selected
vulnerable populations, and to meet for being innovative thinkers, with
increased demand for services in a broad health system view, who
general. We also need health services connect well with their clinical
that are safe, high-quality, and that peers and colleagues. They are
take advantage of new technology. not representatives of a particular
Programme participants will profession, care setting or
consider how the various parts of our organisation – but these aspects
health system should work together were considered when
to improve the health outcomes they were selected. Hazel Davidsen (physio), Rose Spence (trainee
intern), Jennifer Hall (patient), Effie Milne
for people in our regions. This There will be opportunities (registered nurse) and Edward Leach (occupational
will involve designing and testing for NMH Staff to get involved in therapist) worked together on their inter-
improvements and changes to the this programme as it develops. professional student placement.
13NZ’S WORST-EVER
NATURAL DISASTER
DUE TO THE FLU
—
In 1918, an influenza pandemic
of unparalleled ferocity swept
the globe, killing tens of millions
in just a few months. It involved
the H1N1 influenza virus and
infected 500 million people
around the world resulted in the
deaths of 50 to 100 million.
In New Zealand at the height of
the epidemic during the months of
October and November, between
a third and a half of the country’s
population – and in some districts
nearly everyone – was infected. the country’s total population was an unexplained predilection for young
In most towns and cities, services only just over one million. The war men. Most people died from bacterial
were either scaled back or cut had killed 16,500 New Zealanders pneumonia; there were no antibiotics.
altogether because there were too in four years. As soldiers arrived No event has killed so many
few fit people to run them. Theatres, home, many found that they had New Zealanders in such a short
hotels, schools and banks closed. just lost a sister or brother, their time. It remains the country’s
Coastal shipping stopped. Food and mother or father, their wife or a worst natural disaster.
coal shortages were common. Maori child, to this invisible enemy. This article was prepared by Anne
were particularly hard hit: in some Death was most likely to visit Jaques, Clinical Nurse Specialist -
areas so many died that the few who those aged between 20 and 45 – not Infection Prevention and Control
were left had to move elsewhere. vulnerable children or the frail and MidCentral District Health Board, and
In just eight weeks, influenza elderly. In New Zealand, unlike other was reprinted with permission from
deaths totaled 8600 – at a time when parts of the world, the virus showed MidCentral News (Issue 165, April 2018).
14“It’s not enough to say that ‘I will “It appears there are some particularly virulent
take time off if I get sick’. We need strains of flu this year, and in my working
to protect our patients by getting environment I am surrounded by vulnerable
vaccinated.” Barb Gibson, clinical nurse people, so I need to be responsible.” Lynne
specialist (infection prevention) Bary, charge nurse manager, Ward 9
“The flu epidemic in the Northern “I am aware now this year that a
Hemisphere this year is so concerning that healthy adult can have the virus and be
I think we should all vaccinate, and this asymptomatic. This really brings it home
year is the first year that I am going to pay to me about my vulnerable patients and I
to vaccinate my children.” Tammy Pegg, would certainly feel awful if I gave them the
cardiologist flu.” Jo Cattell, RN Ward 10HAVE YOU MET
Getting vaccinated is the
most effective way to avoid
getting and giving the flu.
YOUR WARD
Our patients and visitors are
counting on you. So are your
workmates. Free flu vaccinations
are available on wards and by
VACCINATOR YET?
appointment for NMH staff. Contact
your nearest ward vaccinator or
our infection prevention team.
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