Vol 2, no 74, 11 November 2009

Health Minister selects Turanganui PHO plan over others

By Hayley Redpath

Turanganui Primary Health Organisation has been given the chance to help design a local health system that delivers better care, sooner, and in a more convenient way.

“And that’s got to be good for patients,” says Turanganui Primary Health Organisation Chief Executive Keriana Brooking.

“We want to make sure patients are receiving the right information, in the right place at the right time, in a format they understand.”

Keriana’s comments follow a decision announced by the Health Minister Tony Ryall to shortlist a local plan suggesting ways patients can receive better care, sooner, and in a more convenient way.

Turanganui PHO was involved in a proposal to the Minister from ‘Midlands’, a group made up of four District Health Board areas: Tairawhiti, Lakes, Waikato and Taranaki.

The model is based around ensuring that effective 'Duty of Care' is present for all health services and focuses on seven key areas: children and young people; health screening; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; mental health; older people; and people disengaged from health.

Turanganui PHO Board Chair David Scott said while the Midlands proposal was submitted by a group, flexibility had allowed each Primary Health Organisation to add its own innovative ‘flavour’.

“We are delighted we’ve achieved inclusion as one of only nine primary health care provider groups shortlisted for the first stage.”

Ms Brooking said now that the proposal had passed the Government’s first hurdle, there was a lot of work to do to prepare a business case by February 15, 2010.

“There is always so much to do for our patients and with the model we proposed, there shouldn’t be anyone that falls through the cracks.”

“We have been given the chance to create an environment where the patient is at the centre of everything we do.”

Tairawhiti District Health Board Chief Executive Jim Green said the “DHB was looking forward to being involved in the development of the business case to ensure services are adapted to best serve Tairawhiti people”.

“It will mean services will be co-ordinated across a much larger population and that will bring with it great benefits.”

Ms Brooking will outline the values and principles of Turanganui PHO's successful Expression of Interest at Tairawhit District Health's CPHAC/DSAC Meeting and Open Forum, Tuesday 17 November, 12.30pm, Morris Adair Building Board Room.

Lights. Camera. Action!

By Hayley Redpath

A film crew is following Turanganui PHO Chief Executive Keriana Brooking today as she plays her part in a promotional DVD for the Sir Peter Blake Trust.

Keriana was a 2008 winner of a Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award and didn’t hesitate when asked to star in the promotional film.

But that was a month ago, and now the director and camera man have arrived, she is feeling a little camera shy.

“I guess it’s about being part of the alumni and the commitment to displaying leadership, but I haven’t done a lot of this and I am feeling nervous!”

The year Keriana won her award cyclist Sarah Ulmer and writer, director, and funny man Oscar Kightley also picked up titles. The other three recipients were Rebecca Caughey, Julie Helson and Michael Sabin.

The Sir Peter Blake Trust was established to showcase Sir Peter Blake’s visionary leadership and to inspire these qualities in all New Zealanders.

On site filming started this morning at Turanga Health then the crew followed Keriana as she met with Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon, attended meetings, and spent time with her family.

She was also interviewed for an hour on her development as a leader and her leadership style.

The film is being made as part of a strategy to grow the number of nominations for the 2010 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award. It will be released throughout appropriate electronic networks and on YouTube.

Yaks on tracks and a peak proposal during GP’s Bhutan Trek

By Helen Peterson

(Hover over pictures with mouse for captions)

Walking one of the world’s hardest treks was everything Mangapapa Medical Centre GP Ken McFarlane expected … and more. He rates Bhutan’s famous Snowman Trip as one of the highlights of his trekking career and is glad he can cross it from his “must do” journey list.

Joined by guides and a group of 10 other keen trekkers Ken walked for 23 days across terrain that included 11 mountain passes, some of which rose to between 4,500 and 5,300 metres.

It’s no surprise he lost five kilograms in weight!

Bhutan, which encompasses the eastern end of the Himalayas, is a landlocked country bordered by the Republic of India and Tibet. It has a population of 634,982 and in 2006 it became a constitutional monarchy.
Karakachu La (5120m) is the third highest pass on the trek, says Ken. "With much less oxygen than at sea level, my oxygen saturation was around 90 (low enough to cause alarm if I was a patient in Gisborne), so climbing to the pass was slow and steady, but rewarded by stunning scenery at the top."
“The Snowman Trip includes high passes and due to terrible weather conditions it is not uncommon for the last three passes can be closed,” said Ken, who was thrilled to have been able to complete it.

Each day the trekkers had breakfast at 6.45 am and started their daily seven hour walk just before 8am. Each team member carried a day pack while yaks transported the tents, food supplies and other travel equipment. The team would stop for a warm midday lunch then continue walking until 4pm to set up camp for the night.

One memorable feature was when an Australian couple got engaged at one of the last passes. The scenery from this pass (that rose to 5,300 metres), was stunning and Ken said the young man’s proposal to his girlfriend was touching. Love lift us up where we belong! The newly engaged couple enjoy their special moment.

“Before beginning the trek the young man had asked the woman’s father for permission to marry her and had secretly carried the engagement ring for almost the entire trek.”

Ken says on a daily basis the group was amazed at the stunning natural beauty of the landscape, much of which cannot be captured by photographs due to the sheer scale of the wonders.

During the four-week stint in Bhutan Ken was also mesmerized by the Bhutan people who make a conscious effort to place value on happiness. Gross National Happiness is the guiding philosophy rather than Gross National Product.

“The people, who are happy and friendly, work hard to maintain their culture. National dress is greatly valued and it must be worn by all people visiting schools.”

Tobacco, which is prohibited, cannot be imported into the country and there are no plastic bags.”

Trekking has long been one of Ken’s passions. He began tramping at the age Layap women harvesting, wearing traditional dress. The little spiked hat is worn by all women and is a symbol of fertility. The material in the dresses is thick woven wool, which needs to be warm for the long very cold winters. of 14 while living in Dunedin and his love of the great outdoors has been passed onto his two sons.

Although Bhutan has a special place in Ken’s memories there are some other “must do” treks including Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro and others in Peru and Patagonia.

The next quest is a little closer to home. Ken is planning to trek the South Island’s Cascade Saddle in Mount Aspiring National Park.

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Applications are now being accepted for CTA funding for post graduate study for the 2010 academic year. The application form and information relating to this funding can be found at www.taimned.co.nz. (Go to the CTA sidebar link and click on the icons).

There are specific ring fenced CTA funds for Registered Nurses working in the Primary Health sector providing an excellent opportunity for nurses to expand their nursing skills and knowledge. Applications need to be sent to Robyn Dymock c/- Nursing and Quality Services Gisborne Hospital. Applications close on November 13. If you are uncertain it is recommended that an application is made as there will be no further opportunities to apply after the closing date and final decisions can be made early in 2010. More information.

Workshop for Receptionists and Practice Managers: Pinnacle, in conjunction with South Island Practice Management Ltd is offering an excellent workshop Customer Patient Service: Satisfaction Guranteed. Pirates Conference Rooms, 15 Anzac St, Gisborne, Wednesday 2 December, 6-8pm (light refreshments from 5.45pm). Cost for Pinnacle general practice staff is $112.50 per person. Cost for other general practice staff is $130.00 per person. Email robynem@pinnacle.org.nz for a registration form.

Lung Roadshow: Tairawhiti District Health Clinical Forum. Presenters are Andy Simpson (Clinical Director) and Shirlee McLean (Project Manager) from the Central Cancer Network. TDH Corporate Board Room, Wednesday 25 November, 5pm-6pm. RSVP to joyce.o’donnell@tdh.org.nz.

Two Turanga Health Staff in Wahine Toa: Inspiring Maori women to be smokefree in association with Taki Tahi Toa Mano. 10 local Maori wahine are competing in an 8-week auahi kore smokefree challenge. They started on 28 September and it ends 23 November. Please support: Tania Bartlett, Janie Keelan-Hammond, Challise Rutene, Heather Haenga, Charnelle Rutene, Aubrey Gibson, Ringa Brown who is Turanga Health’s Home Based Community Service Manager , Gaylene Taitapanui, Sarah Biddle and Penny Moeke who works with Vanessa Employment Services. Visit the website www.surveymonkey.com/wahinetoa to support and vote for your wahine toa and be in to win a 2GB ipod shuffle.

The PHOnetic is produced on behalf of Turanganui PHO by Redpath Communications Ltd with photographs by Brett Mead Photography.