In this issue » Canterbury’s successes highlighted...page 2. » New free health resources available...page 5. » Nurse’s passion for ‘doing things right’...page 7.

» Community flu vaccination clinic in Halswell...page 7. » Immunise your selfie...page 8. » Research Radar..page 13.

cdhb.health.nz 1

Innovation Partnership places spotlight on how smart data puts patients first in Canterbury

The Canterbury Health System has had the spotlight cast on it once again, this time in a report the Innovation Partnership commissioned on data driven innovation in New Zealand.

The report explores how data driven innovation represents a multi-billion dollar opportunity for New Zealand.

Canterbury features as one of the report’s case studies, entitled ‘Unlocking Health: how smart data is putting patients first in Canterbury’.

Data is now helping us improve the quality and safety of care and importantly, to save patients’ time.

Our case study provides two examples of how data is improving patient care. The COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) project has resulted in more people with this chronic disease receiving the right care in their own homes. The use of data raised awareness of the fact that in winter patients with COPD were occupying up to 60 beds in winter. There’s been a massive reduction in COPD admissions – and happier patients receiving care at home.

The Canterbury Health System’s electronic patient information system known as HealthOne provides up to date data from across the system to the point of care (whether it’s in hospital

or primary care). For the patient this means faster, more appropriate care and HealthOne has helped Canterbury achieve one of the lowest rates of acute admissions anywhere in New Zealand. Our rate of acute admissions to hospital is 30% less than the national average.

It’s really exciting to have the Canterbury Health System’s use of data recognised.

We are using data to pick up on trends, monitor the impact of changes to processes, guide decision making and monitor trends over time. Making data visible to all staff is happening now and you can click on the ‘Seeing our System’ icon on the intranet and take a peek at some of the data available. It’s already helping to improve the flow of people through our system.

The value of quality data means we can deliver better services that represent value for money by targeting resources to where they’re needed most.

Canterbury DHB’s case study in the report Data Driven Innovation, published last week.

The full report can be accessed here.

David Meates CEO Canterbury District Health Board

Minister of Finance, Hon Bill English

David Meates.

Monday 11 May 2015CEO UPdatE

cdhb.health.nz 2

Work progressing on planning for new outpatients facilityFollowing approval to proceed with the first stage design of our new outpatient facility, a process to appoint a design team has commenced. Timelines are tight as we prepare to start concept and preliminary design. The staff engagement process used in all CDHB facility developments will continue

to be used in the development of the new outpatient facility. Due to the tight time-frames it’s important that when you have the opportunity to participate in the process this is given due priority. The facility will be located in the Health Precinct, on St Andrew’s triangle, directly opposite Christchurch Hospital.

There will be a focus on establishing key linkages between this facility and the main Christchurch Campus. Further approvals will need to be sought as the project moves through the various design phases.

Canterbury’s successes highlighted at ConferenceMore than one hundred people attended New Zealand’s first Health in All Policies conference on 1 May.

The Conference was organised by Community and Public Health’s Health in all Policies team

Community and Public Health General Manager Evon Currie said that presentations by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, and Flaxmere local government councillor and community worker Henare O’Keefe, were highlights.

Sir Peter Gluckman talked about the difficulties of making decisions that depend on both evidence, which is always incomplete, and values, which are always in dispute. Henare O’Keefe spoke about the importance of allowing communities to come up with their own solutions to their issues.

The day before the Conference, a Reflective Practice Day was held to celebrate ten years of Health in All Policies (HiAP) work in Canterbury. A highlight was the awards ceremony for the best HiAP project. This was judged by three international HiAP practitioners and won by the Christchurch City Council (lead agency) and Community and Public Health for their smokefree social housing policy.

Councillor Andrew Turner said that receiving the CHIAP Excellence Award helps demonstrate the Council’s commitment to providing healthy homes for tenants.

“To date, more than 400 tenants have committed to not smoking inside their units, and Council staff continue to work closely with health providers such as CDHB and Smokefree Canterbury to support tenants who wish to become smoke-free,” says Councillor Turner.

Evon Currie says Canterbury’s position as a world leader was reinforced over the two days.

“This was only the third Health in All Policies conference ever held. Canterbury is rightly seen as a world leader when it comes to recognising the links between policies and their impact on health and wellbeing. It was great hearing so many accolades about what’s happening here,” says Evon.

Environment Canterbury Chief Executive Bill Bayfield (left) and judge Dr Patrick Harris (right) from the University of Sydney present Christchurch City Council Housing Unit Manager Carolyn Gallagher with the Excellence Award

Dr Anna Stevenson from Community and Public Health with Sir Peter Gluckman.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 3

Monday’s Facilities Fast FactsFor information on our Facilities Development projects at Burwood and Christchurch, look for the It’s All Happening yellow button on the staff intranet or at cdhb.health.nz

Burwood

Thanks to Bryan Spinks, Project Director at Burwood, for this week’s images: the image on the left shows a ground-floor bedroom taking shape, and the image on the right shows progress on the steelwork for the Psychiatric Services for the Elderly (PSE) wing at Burwood.

Christchurch

More messages for cyclists this week at Christchurch: » Please use the new Antigua Street bridge to cross the river – it’s wide, flat and smooth.

» Please don’t lock your bikes to handrails or railings on steps or stairs around the site – this is a hazard for people who need the handrails.

A note on quake repairs: At the Labs building, repair works to Stair 2 are ongoing, which means that the pedestrian corridor between the blue car-park building and the Labs building will be closed over several weekends to allow a crane on site. The weekends are: 16-17 May, 23-24 May, 6-7 June, 13-14 June. Signs will direct people around the building using the public footpath at this time.

Design work: User Groups have continued to review the work in progress plans issued recently. Feedback has been forwarded to the design team.

Planning is underway for two workshops this month to resolve a number of detailed design matters such as reception desk designs, storage of patients’ belongings in bedrooms and the design of the medical services panel for areas other than in patient bedrooms. Attendees will be User Group representatives and operational leaders. The workshops aim to achieve agreement on designs that maintain consistency across the facility whilst still incorporating the key requirements from individual areas.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 4

BouquetsEmergency Department, SARA, Ward 10, Christchurch HospitalThe care I received during my stay was outstanding. From a very busy, hectic ED the staff still made time and were very thorough. The SARA team were very caring and friendly and the theatre team kept me informed as to what was going to happen to me. The staff of Ward 10 have been friendly and professional without exception. It has been very pleasant from start to finish despite the fact I’m going home minus a few internal parts.

Emergency Department, Ward 10 and Urology, Christchurch HospitalI wish I could personally thank all the truly wonderful nurses and doctors, the treatment I received on two occasions over the past month has been incomparable!!! What a great job they all do in here, an amazing team. I was seen promptly and was made as comfortable as possible. Well done to all at Christchurch Hospital and thank you so much, my experience was made easier thanks to you all.

Ward 11, Christchurch HospitalI just want to give a big thank you to all the staff, doctors and nurses at Christchurch Hospital for helping me and being so kind to me during my stay here. Job well done! Thank you.

Park and Ride, Christchurch HospitalPark and ride invaluable. What a god send! Thank you, thank you, thank you. So appreciated.

Emergency Department, Christchurch HospitalWe found the nurse, Rebecca to be great – patient, delightful and proficient. Doctor Amog was marvellous. Thoroughly tested my husband and gave wonderful advice and because of this my husband

was able to be discharged.

Ward 28, Christchurch HospitalThe nurses in ward 28 are lovely, they have made a crappy situation a lot better.

Ward 10, Christchurch HospitalAwsum nurses.

Ward 23, Christchurch HospitalMy wife … was admitted on Sunday 12th April about 9am. She was very ill, but all personnel in hospital were attentive and kind to her, although she was unlikely to recover Doctors sat with us to explain the situation. Nurses spent time with us when … was at her worst, with a high fever, her bedding was changed frequently. I cannot praise highly enough the treatment …. and my daughter and I received, thanks to all.

Daughter of patient: I have worked with the elderly in rest homes and at Nurse Maude for the best part of 30 years, looking after other people’s relatives right up till their time of death. This is the first time I have been on the receiving end and I cannot thank you all enough for the way that you treated my mother, and my father and I. We will never forget all that you have done.

Ward 20, Christchurch HospitalTo all the staff on Ward 20. Thank you so much for your care, it has been outstanding and I have really appreciated everything you all collectively have done to make my extended stay an enjoyable interlude in my life. Words don’t really adequately express the fantastic job you all do.

I would like to make special mention to four nurses that have provided exceptional care and attention to me during my stay, they really are shining stars. I wish the younger ones long and happy careers and for Joy being a great

mentor. To Joy, Courtney, Bridget and Celine, you are fantastic nurses.

There are several other staff who also made my stay comfortable – Di, Wendy, Kirsty, Rose, Emily Jane, Monika and two student nurses – Lisa and Kelly, and Lynley. Thank you all for your caring and sharing.

Ward 18, Christchurch HospitalWe, as family of …. wish to express our thanks and gratitude for your care of our Mum. She is in Ward 18 and will be off to Burwood sometime. Thanks again, it really is appreciated.

Ward 27, Christchurch HospitalOur family want to thank all the nurses, aides, doctors and other staff for the compassionate and loving care you provided to our father in his final illness. You did something extra-ordinary for him and us that goes beyond the professional – you showed and shared your own humanity and went the extra mile, over and over again. We apologise that we can’t recall all your names but you know who you are.

We know that caring for someone who is dying is not easy, particularly on a busy ward, but you made his final days comfortable and peaceful and helped us in our own grief. We also know that it can be a bit intimidating when you find out that your patient’s relatives are health professionals. You had nothing to worry about! The standard of care that you provided for our Dad exceeded our expectations.

You treated Dad with respect, dignity and gentleness. Whether it was greeting him before you turned him, carefully washing him, or positioning him to ensure his comfort, all was done with the utmost care. You treated us with such kindness and compassion too....

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 5

Canterbury’s NOF pathway making gains for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERaS)A new initiative in the Canterbury Health System looks set to save more than 1500 hospital bed days* this year.The Canterbury Health System’s mantra is for patients to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time and by the right person and this is why it’s created the Fast Track Neck of Femur Pathway (NOF) for patients who need acute hip surgery. This also coincides with the Government’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) initiative.

Orthopaedic surgeon Kris Dalzell says the NOF pathway initiative has been a concerted effort across the system and across disciplines and has resulted in patients spending less time in hospital.

“Since the implementation of the NOF Pathway in November last year to March this year the overall patient length of stay (LOS) has reduced from 23.5 days to 20.5 days for the 160 patients that presented during this time – a saving of 480 hospital bed days and a projected annual saving of 1564 bed days,” Mr Dalzell says.

“The goal is to ensure the patient is ‘flowing’ through our system without delay and is cared for in the appropriate setting by the right staff.

“It supports the key principles of ERAS which are to ensure the patient is in the best possible condition for surgery, they have the best possible management during and after their operation and they experience the best rehabilitation,

enabling early recovery and discharge from hospital.”

Mr Dalzell says the fast track pathway will lead to improved outcomes for patients and accelerated recovery after surgery allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.

“It focuses on reducing time from Emergency Department presentation to ward admission, then to surgery, then to a rehab facility.

“The secret to us achieving this has essentially meant getting our systems, communication and agreed clinical criteria coordinated. It also required strong multidisciplinary buy-in, from a wide range of services, including emergency, theatres, surgery, rehabilitation and primary care.

“It’s been about making sure we are doing the right thing for the patients and providing access to the care they need sooner by working more efficiently.”

Mr Dalzell says staff are also noticing the benefits of the pathway.

“Staff satisfaction is greater… they really feel they are doing right by the patients.”

Scott Pearson, Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department Clinical Director, says his team is already seeing some gains.

“But the key to continuing that momentum is ensuring there’s ongoing effort from everyone and excellent clinical leadership.”

Gains to date: » Average time in ED- 3.6 hrs → 2.8 hrs

» Average wait for theatre- 38 hrs → 33 hrs

» Average wait for rehab- 164 hrs→ 114 hrs

» LOS Christchurch Hospital - 6.8 days→ 4.9 days

» Time to Rehab ORU*- 144 hrs → 97 hrs

» TPMH- 187 hrs→ 110 hrs

» LOS Rehab ORU 14 days→ 11.4 days

» TPMH* - 18.5 days→ 20.1 days

» Overall LOS all patients- 23.5 days→ 20.5 days

*Key: » A bed day is: a day during which the patient stays overnight in the hospital

» LOS: Length of Stay

» ORU: Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit

» TPMH: The Princess Margaret Hospital

New free health resources availableThe Community Health Information Centre (CHIC) provides free health resources for Canterbury, South Canterbury and the West Coast.

Their resources are constantly being updated. Click here to view some of our latest resources, including the latest flu posters.

To view the complete list go to www.cph.co.nz/resources or request a stock list. Orders can be made by mail, fax, phone, email, or online.

For more information contact Resource Coordinator Sue Burgess on 03 364 7844 or email sue.burgess@cdhb.health.nz

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 6

Friday 15 May 2015, 12.15 to 1.15pm - with lunch from 11.45am

Venue: Rolleston Lecture Theatre

Speaker one: Dr Jane Nugent, Women’s Health Lecturer

From Death We Learn

Using Australasian Health and Disability Commission (HDC) and Coronial reports involving ‘medication errors’ causing adverse drug reactions, this presentation will identify and critically analyse the contribution of basic bioscience and pharmacological knowledge deficits in each of the sentinel events.

Speaker two; Christina Chan, Cardiologist

Chair: Martin Searle

Video Conference set up in:

» Burwood Meeting Room » Meeting Room, Level 1 TPMH » Wakanui Room, Ashburton » Administration Building, Hillmorton

All staff and students welcome

Next Grand Round is on 22 May 2015.

Convenor: Dr RL Spearing Email: ruth.spearing@cdhb.health.nz

Canterbury Grand Round

Key speaker at conference to share humanitarian insightsSir John Holmes is visiting New Zealand for the first time when he comes as a key-note speaker for the People in Disasters Conference in February next year.

Sir John has had an impressive and influential career with a wide range of diplomatic roles in many world capitals, and as Private Secretary (Overseas Affairs) and diplomatic adviser for two British Prime Ministers.

Of particular interest to the delegates of the People in Disasters Conference is his role, from 2001 to 2007, as United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. He has written a frank and incredibly insightful book called ‘The Politics of Humanity - The Reality of Relief Aid,’ about this work. In this he describes the complexities and challenges of providing international aid to people troubled by natural and man-made disasters in difficult geographical, political and cultural contexts. He will share some of these insights with us.

He tells us:

‘Governments and humanitarians do not have to clash, but too often do. Unless mutual understanding can increase, the risks to humanitarians is bound to

go on growing, and the possibilities of helping people where their needs are greatest will shrink further… The politics of humanity need to be understood, and shared.’

Sir John’s stories, with national and international perspectives, will offer contrast and context for many of the other presenters at the conference who will tell local, (and at times, personal), stories and present research from Canterbury and a number of other disaster contexts.

The conference is being hosted by the Canterbury District Health Board and the RHISE Group (Researching the Health Implications of Seismic Events) and is being held at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Christchurch, 24-26 February, 2016.

Early bird registrations close 26 June. Check out the official website and online brochure.

Sir John Holmes

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 7

Community flu vaccination Clinic held in HalswellWhat do you get if you put one doctor, seven nurses, 400 locals and a fridge full of flu vaccination together in a health centre? If it happens all in one morning you get mass protection against this year’s influenza virus.

Dr Sarah Marr, part of the general practice team at Halswellhealth (a general practice integrated into Longhurst Health in Southwest Christchurch) says the three hour clinic held recently went a long way to protecting people in her community against the flu.

“It was organised chaos here but great to see so many people coming in. We’re holding another super Saturday clinic for the flu vaccination on Saturday 23 May and have numerous smaller clinics throughout the week,” says Sarah.

No chances taken with this family’s healthAllison Swann doesn’t take any chances with her family’s health and getting the flu vaccination each year is a “given”.

Both Allison and her husband Aaron had their flu vaccinations at work and the couple took their two year old son, Jamie to Halswellhealth for his vaccination.

“Getting the flu vaccination for myself and my family is vital for me as I’m Immuno-compromised. I have liver and bowel disease and must take every opportunity to protect myself. I’m also very aware that Jamie’s immune system is still developing and don’t want him to catch anything as dreadful as the flu,” says Allison.

Aaron is a painter/ decorator, Allison works in a Pharmacy and Jamie has music lessons, swimming lessons, plays at the park a lot and attends kindy two mornings per week. This means the whole family has a huge amount of interaction with other people, increasing their risk of catching the flu.

“Even my parents get the flu vaccination – not just for their own well-being but also to help protect me,” says Allison.

Two year old Jamie joins his parents in getting this year’s flu vaccination

Three generations protected from fluPeter Dawson hails from Tamworth in the United Kingdom and has been in New Zealand for 12 years. He’s been having an annual flu vaccination since turning 65 years of age and at 78 he doesn’t plan to stop now.

Jane Hansen with father Peter Dawson and her daughter Lilly.

“I don’t want to finish up in hospital. This year my daughter and grand-daughter have come along with me to get vaccinated. My son in law would have been here too but is not well at the moment. He’ll come in and get his vaccination as soon as he is feeling better,” says Peter.

It’s a tight family unit, Peter lives with his daughter, Jane, her husband Greg and their daughter, Lilly. They all get vaccinated. Lilly is a typically busy eight year old who doesn’t want to miss out on her swimming, skating, netball and touch. Greg has a leaky heart valve so it’s really important for him to get vaccinated and Jane does it to protect them all.

Peter also doesn’t want to miss out on his rugby viewing. The Crusader’s supporter travelled to South Africa 12 years ago to support his team and is still passionate about watching them.

Longhurst Health – an integrated health centre in Halswell.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 8

Asadi Naseem from Woolston Community Dental Clinic

Canterbury dHB staff immunising their selfies

Liz Henderson from Woolston Community Dental Clinic.

Canterbury DHB staff have been out in their droves immunising their selfies against influenza. Check out the clinic times here.

David Meates receiving his flu vaccination. Remember to upload you selfie photo onto the CDHB Facebook page or send to communications@cdhb.health.nz

Marlena Symon from Woolston Community Dental Clinic

Trevor Brockie, CPIT Nursing Student.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 9

This year’s theme was ‘Midwives: for a better tomorrow’, which focused on working towards a world where every woman has access to, and can benefit from, a midwife’s care.

In New Zealand the day was an opportunity to celebrate this country’s internationally esteemed maternity service and acknowledge those who have contributed to its provision, says Chief Executive of the New Zealand College of Midwives, Karen Guilliland.

2015 marks 25 years since the passing of the Nurses Amendment Act in 1990 when autonomous midwifery practice was reinstated and midwifery was separated from nursing as a distinct profession.

“As a result of these changes, New Zealand women have a system which enables most of them to access a midwife who they know for the whole of their maternity experience,” she says.

To mark the day Christchurch Women’s Hospital and the primary birthing units gave out purple balloons and gift packs to women kindly supplied by the Regional New Zealand College of Midwives.

“This year marks the target year for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce maternal and baby mortality; however, not all countries have enough midwives to provide the level of maternity care that enables improved outcomes,” Karen says.

The New Zealand College of Midwives has collated short video clips of women sharing why their midwives are special and of midwives sharing what they love about their role.

The College’s 10 regional committees are fundraising for midwives and women caught in the Vanuatu and Nepal natural disasters. The regions and contacts in those regions can be found here.

Celebrating midwives

New Chair for Health of Older People WorkstreamThe Canterbury Clinical Network has honoured the contribution of Dr Jenny Keightley as Chair and Clinical Lead for the Health of Older People Workstream. As Chair since its inception in 2009, Jenny has provided leadership for service transformation to enable older adults to stay well and independent at home and in their community. On behalf of the Alliance Leadership Team, Sir John Hansen recognised Dr Keightley’s long service and commitment. Jenny plans to stay on as a member of the Workstream.

The Workstream welcomes Pharmacist Ginny Brailsford to the Chair and Clinical Lead role. Ginny is a very active member of the Canterbury Clinical Network, including on the Urgent Care Service Level Alliance, Pharmacy Service Level Alliance, Standing Order Development Group, Integrated Diabetes Service Operations Group and Primary Care Liaison Team. She is also a community pharmacy adviser for HealthPathways and HealthInfo, associate (non-owner) member on the Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group Board, postgrad tutor for the University of Otago, School of Pharmacy and volunteer for Medical Aid Abroad. Right: Jenny Keightley and Ginny Brailsford

Midwives around the world celebrated International Day of the Midwife on Tuesday 5 May.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 10

Canterbury senior mental health nurse’s passion for ‘doing things right’A passion for ‘doing things right’ is behind a Canterbury senior mental health nurse leading her peers in improving their compliance in the use of a tool designed to monitor clients wellbeing.The Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) was developed in the United Kingdom to measure health and social functioning of people experiencing mental illness.

It is a standard measure of mental health outcomes used across mental health and addiction services. HoNOS collects information about a person’s mental health and social functioning using 12 items (scales). Each item measures one of the following categories: behaviour, impairment, delusions/hallucinations, depression and social problems. A score of 0–4 is assigned to each item according to the severity of symptoms (0 indicating no problem and 4 indicating a severe problem)It was adopted in New Zealand in the mid-2000s but compliance levels here have been inconsistent, which means any data collected is often not robust enough to be effective.

Kate Gower, Canterbury DHB Community Mental Health West Team Nurse, became familiar with HoNOS while living and working in the UK in the 1990s and saw the benefits of it so became a trainer.

“It’s a really valuable tool for developing a client’s treatment planning, crisis and service planning, and it also helps us as well as the Ministry of Health see exactly how we’re doing,” Kate says.

“Mental health is an extremely complex speciality and very difficult to measure but HoNOS, when used consistently, provides some really useful data.”

But not everyone has always been diligent in ensuring they complete the reports, she says. Kate believes the barriers to HoNOS compliance have mostly been because of clinicians not understanding how it works and not being in the habit of using it.

“Clinicians are busy people and I think in the past many may have viewed it as just more paper work, without seeing any obvious benefits,” Kate says.

“A lot of it comes down to training and making sure they understand why it’s important. Having those feedback loops in place so they can see where things are tracking. Also sometimes it’s just showing them a few of the tricks and tips to filling in a HoNOS report. Once they get it, they realise it’s actually really easy and only takes a few minutes.”

In Rising to the Challenge: The Mental Health and Addiction service Development Plan 2012-2017, the Ministry of Health directs a greater focus on outcome measurement and key performance indicators to help develop and outcomes culture in mental health and addiction services.

The strategy is to ensure good compliance with HoNOS before introducing other measures. The overall compliance target for this year is 80 percent or higher.

Kate says the demand for Canterbury mental health services has changed significantly post quakes and this is why it’s vital to have data to accurately capture the factors influencing this.

“Canterbury has different needs to anywhere else in the country. So it’s really important we have a clear measure of everything going on here. HoNOS helps to show what is happening in the various regions and also helps to identify areas of need and what’s causing those concerns.”

This year Kate has made a conscious effort to help her colleagues improve their compliance level.

“I send out reminder emails to everyone when the reports are due, offer extra training and have also started a ‘HoNOS board’ so the teams can see where things are at and how we’re tracking.”

Already the compliance rate for the West Team has improved from 60 percent compliance to full compliance. The next stage is to get other community teams on board.

Tony Lockington says Kate’s leadership is one of the key reasons behind the improvement.

“She’s got a real passion for it. It’s been driven by her – she’s got a real initiative and motivation. Her interest has helped motivate the team,” Tony says. Below: Kate Gower.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 11

International Nurses’ day tomorrowTomorrow, 12 May is Florence Nightingale’s birthday and International Nurses’ Day. This year is especially significant given it is also the first centenary of New Zealand’s participation in the First World War.New Zealand nurses responded to the call to act and now, 100 years later, we are still celebrating the contribution that they and other nurses throughout the generations, continue to have on our health system.

Nurses are the single largest profession in the health workforce and are well positioned to drive efficiency and effectiveness improvements while providing quality care and attaining optimal patient and population outcomes. The theme for this year’s celebrations is: ‘Nurses: A Force for change: Care Effective, Cost Effective’.

Within Canterbury, we are excited to hear of the different innovations that have been changing the way we provide healthcare for patients. We have recently compiled some videos collected from the past three years, which highlight some of the latest developments initiated by nurses within the region. You can check these out here.

There are also several events taking place around the Canterbury region that we encourage you to be part of:

Ashburton Ashburton is celebrating International Nurses’ Day by highlighting the history of Miss Watt, a Matron of Ashburton Hospital (1924-1940) and the role she played in the First World War. Additionally they will be sharing a delicious cake with nursing staff.

Hillmorton HospitalThe Specialist Mental Health Service is hosting an International Nurses’ Day Forum on 13 May at the Show Gate, Riccarton Park Function Centre. The forum will be attended by nurses from the wider Canterbury SMHS, NGO (Non-Government Organisations) and the West Coast. The day will follow the theme of: Nurses: A Force for Change Care Effective - Cost Effective - Improving Health and Wellbeing.

The forum is to celebrate our mental health nurses and the work that they do and to provide stimulating and interesting presentations to support and inspire nurses in their work. Content includes nursing innovation and best practice as well as this year a strong emphasis on improving our consumer’s physical

wellbeing. Key speaker on the day is Jane O’Malley, Chief Nurse, Ministry of Health.

West Coast DHBNurses are presenting their Masters findings as part of International Nurses’ Day. Karyn Bousfield, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, is doing a tribute to nurses who have served in the past as part of ANZAC commemorations and also acknowledging those who are still serving in the armed services. They will end the celebrations with an afternoon tea.

The Canterbury and West Coast regions very much value the contribution and commitment nurses bring to our patients, clients and whānau within our health system. We urge all staff to take time to watch the ‘Force for Change’ videos and celebrate the nursing profession.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 12

One minute with… dr Vivienne Bickley, Scientific Officer, Canterbury Health Laboratories

If you would like to take part in this column or would like to nominate someone please contact Naomi.Gilling@cdhb.health.nz.

What does your job involve? My core role involves establishing/developing new molecular diagnostic tests in molecular pathology and cytogenetics. I also work as part of the ‘Microarray Team’ as the Technical Lead, and within this role I also perform routine diagnostic testing and reporting. The ‘microarray’ is a whole genome test utilising comparative genomic hybridisation to detect gains and losses of genetic material (copy number changes) throughout the genome, which are associated with known syndromes/diseases.

The cool thing about it, is that we can look at 180,000 different genomic targets on a glass slide the size of a thumbprint. This test is performed for post-natal patients with a range of referral indications including: developmental delay; intellectual disability; autism; and congenital anomalies/dysmorphism. We are currently extending our Microarray service to include the testing of other sample types using this technology.

Why did you choose to work in this field? I have always been interested in genetics and discovering the underlying cause of disease. I feel strongly about providing patients with an answer and delivering the best possible service. I’m also very interested in personalised medicine and I look forward to working in this arena in the future.

What do you like about it? Nothing stays the same for very long, the molecular field is evolving so quickly. We are constantly learning new techniques and new disease mechanisms. Many of the results we obtain through the whole genome microarray test haven’t been seen many times before (or at all) so we have the ability to make new discoveries and also provide the clinicians and the patients with better information than they’ve had in the past.

What are the challenging bits? Querying the ‘unknown’ findings and determining if they have any relevant clinical significance. Constant trouble-shooting.

Who do you admire in a professional capacity at work and why? I admire many of the staff in the Molecular Pathology Laboratory and have done so since I started here as a PhD student. The laboratory is filled with highly knowledgeable people with brilliant expertise that often go un-noticed.

I also have high admiration for our Microarray Team members and various scientists and medical doctors in Christchurch, Dunedin and throughout Australia whom I have worked with on past dysfibrinogenaemia and dyslipidaemia projects including: Professor Stephen Brennan; Professor Russell Scott; Professor Peter George; Dr Chris Florkowski; Dr Richard King; Professor Sally McCormick; Dr David Sullivan; Dr John Burnett and Professor Gerald Watts. We have a rich environment of talent locally and just on our doorstep.

The last book I read was… Late Fragments, Everything I want to tell you about this magnificent life, by Kate Gross, and then previously; Quiet, The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking, by Susan Cain. Most of my reading is of scientific publications!

If I could be anywhere in the world right now it would be… Anywhere in the world, with all my family and friends around me and a nice glass of wine. Secondly - Taylors Mistake beach or anywhere in France.

My ultimate Sunday would involve… Sleeping in, going out for a fabulous brunch with my family and going to the beach to catch some waves (if in summer).

One food I really dislike is… Lamb.

My favourite music is… Lana del Rey, I’m not much of a music person.

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 13

transforming orthopaedic surgery at Christchurch’s medical technology centre

Replacing a patient’s bone or cartilage with material grown from their own cells is the future of orthopaedic surgery. This is the exciting field of regenerative medicine, and at its forefront is the Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group.The 20-strong group of Christchurch-based orthopaedic surgeons, bioengineers and cell biologists is producing arguably some of the biggest breakthroughs in this rapidly developing field. They are part of the University of Otago, Christchurch’s Centre for Bioengineering, and the city’s medical technology hub. A key part of the group is clinicians such as orthopaedic surgeon Professor Gary Hooper.

CReaTE leader Dr Tim Woodfield says the aim is to transform the

way orthopaedic surgery is done internationally within 10 to 15 years.

The group is expert in combining 3D printing and biology. They are now applying this expertise to help private companies develop the next generation of 3D printed titanium. Dr Woodfield says the next step is to 3D print porous implants and layer them with the patient’s own cells or smarter biomaterials for better integration and more functional tissue.

Another area of work is 3D printing degradable ‘scaffolds’ onto which cells, or small tissue units, can be printed or assembled, replacing bone and cartilage. Combining a patient’s own cells with biodegradable scaffolds offers significant advantages over current surgical interventions used to repair or regenerate damaged tissues following trauma or disease. Below: Dr Tim Woodfield

CEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 14

Enjoyable ‘taste’ of NZ Sign LanguageNew Zealand Sign Language Week was celebrated last week with a free ‘taster’ sign language class aimed at health professionals.

Those who attended the one hour class at Christchurch Hospital enjoyed learning something of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

NZSL is the natural language of Deaf New Zealanders and is used daily by more than 24,000 New Zealanders. It became an official language in 2006.

NZSL is a combination of hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements.

It has its own structure and grammar that is different from English. It is not simply signed representations of spoken words.

Each May, Deaf Aotearoa organises NZSL Week. The week is a platform for the Deaf community to stand proud as Deaf people and promote their language and culture.

Deaf Aotearoa works closely with government agencies, other not-for-profit organisations and the corporate sector to increase awareness of Deaf people’s lives, promote NZSL and strengthen the rights of Deaf people. Deaf Aotearoa Tutor, Kat Hickson.

Pilates classes availablePilates is one of three on-site physical activity classes run by Canterbury DHB for staff members – the others are yoga and Zumba.

Pilates improves flexibility, develops muscle control and endurance, and puts an emphasis on body alignment, breathing and balance. It is suited to all individuals and helps build a strong core while strengthening and lengthening key muscle groups.

Noeline Boet, one of our fantastic instructors has been practicing pilates for 17 years and was introduced to it through her work as a physiotherapist.

“Adding pilates into treatment regimes and practicing it myself has yielded great results especially in relieving lower

back pain and reducing stress,” she says.

One class member says pilates at Canterbury DHB with Noeline is a great way to get to know work colleagues “as we laugh and help each other”.

“It has really helped my fitness and decreased the soreness in my neck, back and shoulders. Noeline manages to modify the class to meet all levels of fitness. Anyone can give it a go.”

All pilates instructors who teach at Canterbury DHB sites are qualified and knowledgeable about their field of work. As well as being a physiotherapist Noeline holds qualifications in dance medicine, studio pilates, and ballet bar pilates.

Classes are only $12 a session. Click here for more information on pilates class times or visit the Staff Wellbeing Programme intranet page for information on other Staff Wellbeing initiatives.

Below: Pilates instructor, Noeline Boet.

Quality & Patient Safety PresentationTopic: Patient Portal: sooner, better, more convenient healthcareKatie VerdProduct and Programme Manager, Canterbury District

Involving Patients in Their Own Healthcare “It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried.”

– Carl Rogers

Venue: Oncology Lecture Theatre

Date: 14 May 2015

Time: 1pm to 2pm

An attendance record sheet will be provided.

Please contact Shona.MacMillan@cdhb.health.nz, Quality Manager

In the Know HubThe In the Know Hub located at Eastgate Shopping Centre (next to the foodcourt), is the place to go to get up-to-date information to help you progress your home repair or rebuild process.

At the Hub there are various earthquake recovery agencies and support services under one roof. You can meet with them face-to-face, get information and advice, be connected with an agency or financial and support services, and establish the next steps for you to progress your home repair or rebuild. Click here for more information.

In briefCEO UpdatE

cdhb.health.nz 15

In brief

» The CEO Update is compiled weekly by the Communications Team of CDHB

» Contributions should be emailed to communications@cdhb.health.nz

» Copy deadlines are Thursday morning each week before publication (which is usually on the following Monday)

» CDHB reserves the right to edit articles for spelling, grammar and space restrictions

Relocation of staff from the Princess Margaret Hospital site during 2016We’d like feedback from staff who will be affected by this change of work location.

A consultation document is available on the intranet and we invite you to undertake a survey which needs to be completed by Friday 15 May.

Snap a selfie either before, during or after your flu vaccination.

Post your selfie on CDHB’s facebook page with hashtag #FLUHQ and a line about why you chose to be vaccinated. Remember to link it to your own page.

Or forward to communications@cdhb.health.nz and we’ll post it for you.

The most liked selfie will win a prize each month.More information on the staff intranet. Based on a campaign run by the Liverpool Community Health, NHS Trust.

Have you recently been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes?

Volunteers are needed for a study investigating the relationship between gut bacteria and glucose tolerance. The research findings will help to develop future dietary interventions to change the gut flora of people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes to a healthier profile.

We are seeking individuals who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes within the last three months. Participation in the study will involve recording what you eat for four days and attending a single appointment of approximately one hour during which we will do simple measurements, take samples and provide you with dietary advice at your request. You are also invited to take part in another study looking at new biomarkers for diabetes during the same visit if you wish.

If you have any questions about the study or if you would like to participate in the study please contact: Renée Wilson, renee.wilson@cdhb.health.nz ext 81586.

PHa Conference abstract submission deadline extended!Healthy people, healthy nation: Public health is everybody’s business

Join us in the South, in Otepoti/Dunedin, for the PHA Conference 2015 (6-9 September), where we will consider how to make public health everybody’s business. We want to explore how to embed effective public health approaches across all of New Zealand society.

How can we build a healthier Aotearoa New Zealand together? This includes considering the contributions of all parts of society: government and councils; communities; charities; business and commerce; groups; and individuals.

Nau mai, Tauti mai.

Submit abstracts at http://abstracts.pha.org.nz

More information on the website.

HRC Career development awardsThe application forms and guidelines for the following career development awards (general category) in the 2016 funding round are now available from the HRC website:

» The Sir Charles Hercus Health Research Fellowship » Foxley Fellowship » Clinical Research Training Fellowship » Clinical Practitioner Research Fellowship

If you are interested in applying or would like further information please contact the CDHB Research Office on cdhb.researchoffice@otago.ac.nz or phone 378 6370.

Stage one will operate from the first bus on Monday 18 May.

The new Bus Interchange is fully covered, flooded with natural light, and designed for safety. Its easy layout makes it a good move for Metro customers and for the city’s public transport.

Metro passengers have experienced plenty of change during the rebuilding of the city’s public transport system. Soon, you will also have a brand new bus interchange.

By taking the bus, you are playing an important part in helping Christchurch grow. We’re becoming a modern, vibrant, people-friendly city – so thank you.

More details:

New Bus Interchange

CEO UpdatE