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Some of the findings in a Massey University study into the health of Maori in the Nelson Marlborough district are already being addressed through new health services.
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Some of the findings in a Massey University study into the health of Maori in the Nelson Marlborough district are already being addressed through new health services.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board commissioned the longitudinal survey of 150 households made up of 187 Maori adults to form a baseline study that could record changes to health over time. This baseline information was collected for use in Maori Health development in the district as well as for the DHB's Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme.
The study, Maori in Nelson Marlborough: 2009 Best Outcomes for Maori : Te Hoe Nuku Roa included survey questions on: cultural indicators and Te Reo Maori; health, nutrition and physical activity; education, employment, income and housing; and children.
NMDHB, General Manager Primary and Community, Peter Burton said, "The DHB will use the information from this report as an opportunity to improve the health of Maori people in our district.
"Since this survey was initiated 18 months ago the DHB has put in place a vascular risk assessment programme to screen people of the district who have an increased risk of chronic illness and hope that through early intervention the impacts on people's health will be less.
"This vascular assessment is targeted at Maori men over 35 years, European men and Maori women aged 45 and over and European women at 55 years and over."
These assessments, carried out by GPs, are a key tool in the prevention and early detection of disease.
"This survey is a very good starting point to plan services for Maori of the Top of the South. We don’t always have such good information to base our services.
"Hopefully we will see an improvement has been made when this survey is repeated, using these same measures, in three years time."
Mr Burton said it was encouraging news that over 80% of Maori surveyed had contact with their GP in the past year, as evidence showed that health outcomes overall were improved with regular GP contact.
He said the DHB and PHO would now work through the opportunities for improvements that were outlined in the report, this would be done through the Clinical Group that included GPs of the district.
ENDS
The survey and report is on NMDHB website under Community and Public Health Advisory Committee Agendas, October 20, 2009 Appendix
Maori in Nelson Marlborough: 2009 Best Outcomes for Maori : Te Hoe Nuku Roa
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Girls born after 1989, who are not in school, are being offered protection against the virus that causes most Cervical Cancer.
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Girls born after 1989, who are not in school, are being offered protection against the virus that causes most Cervical Cancer.
The three Human Papilloma- virus (HPV) vaccinations given in the upper arm over six months, are free to girls born after 1989. Access to vaccinations for girls who are not attending school is through a family doctor, practice nurse or health clinic.
So far 2350 immunisations have been given to Nelson Marlborough girls who are not in school or have chosen to have their immunisation carried out by their family doctor, practice nurse or health clinic.
During 2010 girls who are in Years 8, 10, 11 and 12 in Nelson Marlborough schools will be eligible to be immunised against the virus that causes most cervical cancer through the school-based vaccination campaign.
From 2011 this immunisation will be on the Immunisation Schedule as a free vaccination for girls in Year 8. In 2009 girls in Years 8, 12 and 13 were immunised.
NMDHB HPV Immunisation Project Manager, Peter Bassett said, "We are making progress however we need to make sure that all those girls born after 1989, who are not in school have the opportunity to be immunised.
"This vaccine gives many benefits from reducing the number of women who have to have treatment and investigations for abnormal smears through to saving lives of those who might have died from cervical cancer."
During the first year of the programme Nelson Marlborough HPV school-based programme worked with girls, their parents and schools to deliver the vaccine across the district. The team looks forward to being in schools early in February for education sessions for the next round.
Even if girls are fully immunised they must still have cervical cancer smear tests from age 20.
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
mailto: katherine.rock@nmdhb.govt.nz
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The impact of Cabinet's approval of a number of proposals put forward by the Ministerial Review Group on Nelson Marlborough District Health Board is not yet clear.
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The impact of Cabinet's approval of a number of proposals put forward by the Ministerial Review Group on Nelson Marlborough District Health Board is not yet clear.
Acting Chief Executive Nigel Trainor said, "This is a high level strategy, and clearly any planning we do must take into account these changes.
"At this stage the impact on NMDHB staff has not been indicated. The Government is establishing a Shared Services Establishment Board looking at consolidation and how these services will be developed.
"We will be participating fully in whatever workstreams develop through these proposals."
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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The District Health Board is set to save $1.5m by reducing their vehicle fleet by 47 vehicles.
The reduction in vehicles was recommended after a utilisation review found some cars allocated to departments were under-utilised. The DHB currently has a fleet of 209 vehicles across Nelson and Marlborough.
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The District Health Board is set to save $1.5m by reducing their vehicle fleet by 47 vehicles.
The reduction in vehicles was recommended after a utilisation review found some cars allocated to departments
were under-utilised. The DHB currently has a fleet of 209 vehicles across Nelson and Marlborough.
The review included two months of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) tracking of all fleet cars. The information gathered was then mapped to give an indication of where vehicles were at any time of the day and what their usage was.
Nelson Marlborough DHB General Manager Finance and Commercial, Nigel Trainor said, "This review was initiated to give us information on vehicle usage to allow decisions to be made on vehicle allocation.
"At the same time as the review we introduced a very efficient electronic vehicle booking system that allows staff to book a pool car and have certainty that vehicles are available."
He said from October 19 some departments that had dedicated cars in the past may have a reduced number of cars dedicated to their service, however staff would be able to access NMDHB pool vehicles through the booking system.
Departments with reduced numbers of dedicated cars included District Nursing, Public Health, Support Works and Mental Health.
The $1.5m savings identified would come from both capital and operational costs associated with the vehicles for disposal.
"The DHB is very aware that in these tight economic times we have to make sure the health dollar is spent wisely, and having under-utilised vehicles sitting in carparks is not a good use of resources," said Mr Trainor.
Currently 26 vehicles are available for all staff use in Nelson and Marlborough, (18 in Nelson, eight in Marlborough). With the redistribution of vehicles there will be 45 vehicles available for all staff use (28 in Nelson, 17 in Marlborough).
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health BoardBoard Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Over 60% of Nelson Hospital’s hot water and steam for sterilising equipment will be generated by the new Land Fill Gas (LFG) Boiler after the smaller boiler was replaced during September.
The new boiler has a 2.5MW capacity and will produce up to 65% of the thermal energy requirements of the hospital. The previous 1.5MW capacity boiler produced 48% of the hospital's energy demand.
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The boiler runs on gas from the York Valley landfill and is operated in partnership with the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, Energy for Industry (EFI) the landfill gas treatment system and boiler owner and Nelson City Council the York Valley landfill owner.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, General Manager Finance and Commercial, Nigel Trainor said, "We can expect a reduction in operating maintenance costs for the coal fired boilers if the new LFG boiler is operated to its maximum capacity. To achieve this it will be necessary to have the coal fired boiler plant shut down when not required."
Coal consumption will be further reduced by approximately 630 tonnes/year and the hospital's carbon footprint will also be reduced by a further 1,300 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Mr Trainor said there would also be savings in electricity as the coal boilers would be in standby mode.
Additional savings were expected in makeup water, boiler chemicals, and reduced hours required for ashing out and boiler water testing.
Mr Trainor said with the introduction of the larger LFG fired boiler, it was possible to save up to $157,000 per annum in operational costs.
Nelson City Council, Senior Executive Technical Services, Alec Louverdis said, "There was a positive partnership between the three parties," and he was delighted in the additional potential savings in annual operating costs for the hospital.
"It is good to see a positive use for the York Valley landfill gas," he said.
Energy for Industry’s Industrial Portfolio Manager, Grant Smith, said the project was a great example of the significant benefits, both to bottom lines and the environment that can be achieved by investing in new clean technologies like the landfill gas boiler.
"Collaboration allows large energy users, like the hospital, to harness unusual fuels such as the landfill gas provided by the council. EFI offers the technology and plant needed to turn that fuel into delivered energy."
ENDS
The new LFG boiler is manoeuvred into the boiler room at Nelson Hospital.
For more information, or for larger file of photo below, please contact:
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Nelson Marlborough District Health Board increased elective surgery by 9% for 2008/09 with 6,396 patients treated.
This meant 570 more patients had surgery than compared with the previous year.
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Nelson Marlborough District Health Board increased elective surgery by 9% for 2008/09 with 6,396 patients treated.
This meant 570 more patients had surgery than compared with the previous year.
NMDHB Chief Operating Officer, Keith Rusholme said, "During this time the DHB had significant acute or urgent demand for surgery and medical procedures. The challenge was to keep the green light status for elective or planned services.
"This large increase in planned surgery is due to the elective services team, clinical teams, and especially the senior clinicians who rose to the challenge."
He said the teams were pleased to be acknowledged for this work.
"We are very proud to have been able to achieve the acute patient interventions as well as the planned elective surgery as contracted," said Mr Rusholme.
Residents of Nelson Marlborough who had elective surgery in other DHBs were included in the NMDHB statistics in the Elective Surgery Summary released yesterday. This occurs when people of Nelson Marlborough are referred to other DHBs for surgery that is not available in NMDHB. The DHB of domicile pays for these surgeries through the Interdistrict Flow washup process.
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
Media Release By Hon Tony Ryall - Minister of Health
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30 September 2009
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Media Statement
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More elective surgery for Nelson Marlborough patients
The Nelson Marlborough District Health Board has performed elective surgery on a record number of people in the 2008/09 year*, with 6,396 patients treated.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says, "That is an increase of more than 570 patients on the previous year."
"This Government has made elective surgery a priority, and on the whole DHBs have responded very well. But the Government expects further improvements in the next year."
Nationally, in the 2008/09 year we have seen an increase in elective surgery eight times the average annual increase of the previous government. And the largest increase came in the six months from January to June 09 under National."
"We are starting to make up ground that has been lost over the last 8 years," Mr Ryall said.
"This result in part shows what can be achieved with a consistent and clear focus by the Government,” concluded Tony Ryall.
There are a number of pressures on future elective surgery delivery including the impact of swine flu.
Media contact: Jackie Maher 04 817 9788
* since 2000/1
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Gastro-intestinal illness at Alexandra Hospital has stopped the facility from accepting any new referrals, and patients' friends and families are asked not to visit.
Thirteen patients and seven staff at the psycho-geriatric facility in Richmond, Nelson have been affected by the suspected Noro-virus bug since it was discovered at the weekend.
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Gastro-intestinal illness at Alexandra Hospital has stopped the facility from accepting any new referrals, and patients' friends and families are asked not to visit.
Thirteen patients and seven staff at the psycho-geriatric facility in Richmond, Nelson have been affected by the suspected Noro-virus bug since it was discovered at the weekend.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, Acting District Manger Rural Hospitals, James Bowyer said, "We have put in place infection control measures that include, constant cleaning, personal protective equipment for staff, and restricting visitors and new referrals.
"These measures will be in place until the facility hasbeen free of illness for 48 hours and comprehensive cleaning has taken place.
"Urgent referrals may go eitherto the Assessment Treatment and Rehabilitation Ward of Nelson Hospital or to the Mental Health Unit, this depends on the clinical need of the patient."
Rest homes have been informed that Alexandra Hospital is closed to referrals and no one will be discharged from the facility until it is cleared of illness.
The hospital has 31 patients that predominantly have dementia related illness.
"We ask that people in the community who have been in contact with this type of illness do not visit any care facility or hospital for at least 48 hours after their last symptoms."
Symptoms of Noro virus included rapid onset of illness, usually within one to two days of exposure, with
diarrhoea, violent vomiting and stomach cramps. Some people will also have a mild fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and nausea.
People with gastro-intestinal illness should keep their fluid intake up as there was a risk of dehydration, and they should take pain relief as required.
The illness generally lasted a couple of days and did not usually cause any complications however medical intervention may be necessary in severe cases which are more likely in people are immune compromised or very young or elderly.
"If people are concerned about their symptoms they should contact their doctor or health care practitioner but should advise the receptionist of symptoms before entering a waiting room," said Mr Bowyer.
People with diahorrea and vomiting symptoms should avoid social gatherings and stay away from work or school until they were clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours.
Cleaning and hand washing were the best infection control measures. Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and dry for 20 seconds before touching food and after using the toilet.
Aerosoled contaminants could settle on door handles and benches, taps and hard surfaces. It was recommended that a solution of bleach be used to clean these surfaces using the manufacturer's directions for use.
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Nelson Marlborough Hospitals' Charitable Trust (NMHCT) has donated $10,000 to the Picton Emergency Operations Centre.
The funds were from the Bungate Estate Trust where funding is specified to support volunteer services in Picton. The benefactor of the trust was a retired gasworks manager.
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Nelson Marlborough Hospitals' Charitable Trust (NMHCT) has donated $10,000 to the Picton Emergency Operations Centre.
The funds were from the Bungate Estate Trust where funding is specified to support volunteer services in Picton. The benefactor of the trust was a retired gasworks manager.
The original bequest was to support Picton Hospital however when the hospital became a trust the funding was specified to support volunteer services in Picton. The District Health Board oversees the hospitals' charitable trust and includes bequests from Golden Bay to Picton.
NMHCT chair, Mike Cummins said, "The funding was ideal to support Picton Emergency Operations Centre Trust which will house St John, and the Marlborough Volunteer Coastguard.
When built, the new emergency operations centre will be located within the Picton Marina zone and will be the centre for coordinated incident management in large scale emergencies or disasters.
"While there is limited funding left in the Bungate Estate there are other health-related trusts that are administered by the hospitals' charitable trust and we will consider all applications and try to match them to a trust."
NMHCT welcomes donations and bequests from individuals, groups and businesses to assist the provision of services. Such donations can help the organisation to provide enhanced services, equipment and environments over and above the core level that is funded by the government.
Donations and bequests are managed through the Nelson Marlborough Hospitals’ Charitable Trust. They can be given specific or general purposes. All individual donations over $5 are tax deductible. Donations made by companies may be tax deductible.
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Media are invited to attend the cheque presentation on Friday 25 September, at 12 noon at the proposed site for the new building located on memorial park within the Picton Marina zone (at the back of the old disused tennis courts - go through the marina gates and follow the road).
Please let me know if you plan to attend
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Nelson Bays Primary Health, BeWell Nutrition project was the overall winner of the inaugural Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) Health Quality and Innovation Awards (HQ&IA)...
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Media Release + Entrant Information
Nelson Bays Primary Health, BeWell Nutrition project was the overall winner of the inaugural Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) Health Quality and Innovation Awards (HQ&IA).
This was one of the awards presented today (22/09) in a ceremony at the District Health Board, Seminar Centre in Nelson. Over 80 people attended the ceremony for the local health innovation awards that all health providers funded by NMDHB were eligible to enter.
The category award winners from the 24 entries received were:
Collaborating for Healthcare Improvement
Nelson Bays Primary Health, BeWell Nutrition Service
Highly commended: NMDHB, Improving the Quality and Safety of Prescribing across the district.
Clinical Care Improvement
Nelson Hospital Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Service
Highly commended: Child Adolescent Mental Health Service
Research & Innovation
Health Action Trust, Nelson
The local judging panel, with representatives from the DHB, primary health care organisations, and relevant external experts, evaluated the entries and graded them on whether the health related activities encouraged innovation, increased patient safety or promoted excellence in quality.
NMDHB Board Chair Suzanne Win said, "I congratulate the award winners for their outstanding entries.
"These awards highlight the range of projects and innovations that individuals and organisations are undertaking in the district. It is hoped that these awards, to be held every two years, will be the catalyst for even more innovation and quality improvement in health."
Each category winner received $2000 each, with the overall winner receiving an additional $3000. The prize money was for the service, agency or organisation from which the project originated and could be used in professional development, education or service enhancement.
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Local health innovators will gather in Nelson tomorrow (22/09) for the inaugural Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) Health Quality and Innovation Awards (HQ&IA).
Entries for the local health innovation awards closed on May 29 and were open to all health providers funded by NMDHB.
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Local health innovators will gather in Nelson tomorrow (22/09) for the inaugural Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) Health Quality and Innovation Awards (HQ&IA).
Entries for the local health innovation awards closed on May 29 and were open to all health providers funded by NMDHB.
The judging panel evaluated the entries and graded them on whether the health related activities encouraged innovation, increased patient safety or promoted excellence in quality.
NMDHB General Manager for Organisational Development, Denise Hutchins said, "A broad range of projects and initiatives were submitted and most have been active long enough to be able to show evidence of improvement or innovation."
The 24 entries have come predominantly from community health providers and are spread throughout the three categories for entries: Clinical Care Improvement; Collaborating For Health Improvement; and Research And Innovation.
The overall winner would be presented with $3000 at an awards ceremony to be held on September 22. The three category winners would receive $2000 each. The prize money was for the service, agency or organisation from which the project originated and could be used in professional development, education or service enhancement.
Ms Hutchins said the local evaluation panel was made up of representatives from the DHB, primary health care organisations, and relevant external experts.
ENDS
The ceremony is on Tuesday 22 September at the Seminar Centre, Braemar Campus, (off Waimea Rd) from 4pm to 5.30pm.
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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After three months of fervent activity Nelson Marlborough District Health Board's pandemic response is being reassessed.
Nelson Marlborough people are advised to call the national Healthline 0800611 116 for influenza advice as cases of pandemic influenza A H1N1 decrease. Calls to the local freephone line 0800 FLU INFO will still be answered by Procare.
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After three months of fervent activity Nelson Marlborough District Health Board's pandemic response is being reassessed.
Nelson Marlborough people are advised to call the national Healthline 0800611 116 for influenza advice as cases of pandemic influenza A H1N1 decrease. Calls to the local freephone line 0800 FLU INFO will still be answered by Procare.
As General Practices are now seeing similar levels of influenza cases as in previous years the DHB's response is being scaled down. With the decrease in volumes of A H1N1 the equipment gathered for the Community Based Assessment Centres is being stored in readiness for future waves of influenza illness.
Health Controller Mike Cummins said, "All indications are that this pandemic is on a downward trend, but it is common for influenza numbers to rise and fall over several months.
"At this stage, it isn't known whether swine flu will re-emerge in coming weeks or months, particularly during the northern hemisphere winter."
He said the Board thanked staff for their significant work in managing the community and hospital response during the pandemic Influenza A H1N1 response.
He said despite a significant amount of staff sickness and absence, there had been minimum impact on elective services, with very few postponements of appointments and procedures.
Mr Cummins said the Board also appreciated the cooperation of both Nelson and Marlborough Primary Health Organisations in meeting the challenges of managing the disease in the community.
"While there is a definite decrease in the number of people presenting with influenza to GPs and hospitals, we should stay alert to how serious influenza can be."
He said pregnant women, and anyone with an underlying medical condition, including asthma should seek medical advice early if they get influenza.
Typical influenza symptoms are fever, cough and sore throat, headache, aches and pains and tiredness. This pandemic influenza can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Influenza symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms that include runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and sore throat.
Medical advice is available by phoning your GP or midwife, or Healthline 0800 611 116. Always phone first do not go to a GP or hospital without phoning one of the above.
For most people, pandemic influenza will be a mild to moderate illness, and they will recover well at home without needing treatment.
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18 Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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A child in Marlborough has become the first reported case of measles in the district since December 2003.
The child was immunised with the first Measles Mumps and Rubella immunisation on time at 15 months and was not yet due for the second dose at four years.
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A child in Marlborough has become the first reported case of measles in the district since December 2003.
The child was immunised with the first Measles Mumps and Rubella immunisation on time at 15 months and was not yet due for the second dose at four years.
Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Dr Ed Kiddle said, "Up to 10 percent of children are not fully protected by the first dose of MMR but the two doses of MMR give very high protection against measles.
He said measles is extremely infectious and susceptible people can pick up the infection even after an hour in the same room.
"In this case no source of the measles could be identified."
Dr Kiddle reminded parents that measles could be a very serious disease and the confirmation of a case in our region is a strong reminder to make sure that their children were immunised. If parents were not sure if their child's immunisations were up to date they should contact their family doctor or practice nurse.
"It is not surprising that we have started to see cases here given that there have been over 100 cases in Canterbury and several now in Auckland."
He said it was likely that the country was headed to an epidemic of measles and the Ministry of Health is now recommending that the first MMR vaccine be given to children at 12 months of age. The second one to complete the course could be given one month later.
Measles usually starts with a fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), runny nose and small, irregular spots on the lining of the mouth, inside the cheeks, white in colour surrounded by a bright red ring. The red skin rash that people associate with measles usually appears several days after the first symptoms appear and may last for up to a week.
The person is infectious from when they become unwell and for about four days after the appearance of the rash.
If you think your child or someone in your family has measles, phone your doctor first and get their advice. Don’t just arrive with suspect measles to the waiting room.
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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The recently released Hospitalisation for Intentional Self-harm in 2007 (provisional) does not include individual District Health Board data, however previous reports indicate Nelson Marlborough has below national average rates.
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The recently released Hospitalisation for Intentional Self-harm in 2007 (provisional) does not include individual District Health Board data, however previous reports indicate Nelson Marlborough has below national average rates.
The Ministry of Health funded five District Health Boards in July 2008 to pilot a Suicide Prevention Coordinator role over two years. This pilot was to facilitate the implementation of the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006-2016 and the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 at a regional level.
These projects run until June 2010 and include Nelson Marlborough, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Lakes, and Wairarapa DHBs.
Nelson Marlborough Suicide Prevention Coordinator Mr David Hough said, "The district is reasonably well
covered with services and activities that help reduce self-harm ideation and behaviours.
"The most important thing is for people to seek help early by confiding in someone close and telling them how you feel, or speak with your GP."
He said, "To date a Needs Analysis had been undertaken and a draft district Action Plan is nearing completion.
"Some gaps had been identified through this analysis and work, both planned and underway, would improve quality of services and strengthen the linkages and flow between services.
Local activities that support the reduction of intentional self-harm ideation and behaviour include:
~ Local Mental Health Promotion efforts help to support national awareness campaigns such as the National Depression Initiative and the "Like Minds Like Mine" campaign. There is some excellent work being undertaken locally through ‘Maori Like Minds Like Mine’.
~ Lifeline Nelson and Lifeline Marlborough provide telephone support as well as face to face counselling [Nelson]
~ Primary Mental Health Initiatives available through your GP as facilitated by the Nelson Bays and Marlborough PHO’s
~ Emergency Services, particularly Police, Ambulance, and Emergency Department staff,
~ Mental Health Service teams,
~ School Counsellors provide an excellent service that is supported with the introduction of the ‘Travellers’ programme in some local secondary schools.
~ Child, Youth, and Family are well served with the ‘Towards Well-being Project’ providing risk screening and management for young people engaged with their service.
~ Other community groups and projects that have an impact on helping reduce self-harm include Connections, Te Rito Family Violence Network, Life Matters, to name a few.
There are ongoing efforts to build on these and introduce new initiatives. The Suicide Prevention Coordination Pilot is seeking to improve the quality and coordination of many of these activities across Nelson Marlborough.
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It’s Okay To Ask For Help
NMDHB Mental Health Crisis Services:
Marlborough 520 9999,
Nelson 546 1800,
Freephone from Takaka and Murchison 0800 TELL DHB
Motueka 528 1160 select 9 from menu
Youthline 0800 37 66 33, txt 027 4 YOUTHS, or cellphone call free 0800 211 211;
Lifeline 0800 423 743 (also provide free face to face counselling);
A GP can provide confidential support and referrals.
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Continued access to high quality standard of health and disability services is the focus of Nelson Marlborough District Health Board's (NMDHB) 2009/10 District Annual Plan (DAP).
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Continued access to high quality standard of health and disability services is the focus of Nelson Marlborough District Health Board's (NMDHB) 2009/10 District Annual Plan (DAP).
NMDHB Chief Executive John Peters said, "The DAP reflects Government targets and expectations in areas such as elective surgery, wait times in Emergency Departments and cancer treatments. This will see a strong focus on our Hospital Services over the coming year.
"With the outlook for minimal economic growth and limited funding increases we also require an intense focus on value for money and this is also reflected in the DAP."
Through the Rutherford Initiative the DHB was looking at existing activities and programmes to ensure best value for limited resources. The report from this initiative is expected in November 2009, implementation will follow that. Recommendations will also be included in the 2010/11 DAP.
Mr Peters said the DHB would continue the initiative to shift some services to Primary Care; with the intention that this will result in better, sooner, more convenient and fairer access for the people of Nelson Marlborough within the revenue provided by the Crown.
NMDHB is also working with five other DHBs on a South Island Health Services Plan which is looking at where vulnerable services could be made more viable through working collaboratively across the South Island.
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The Government’s Commitments
NMDHB is giving priority to delivery of the Government’s commitments. Some of these commitments have been agreed through national collective processes (1, 2) while others (3-10) have been addressed throughout this DAP.
1. Boost funding for medicines by $180 million nationally over three years to expand the availability of subsidised community pharmaceuticals and cancer treatments
2. Improve quality of supervision and nursing in rest homes and completion of the national review of Aged Residential Care services
3. Devolution of services to primary care
4. Investment in dedicated respite care beds
5. Funding to ensure mothers have the choice to stay in birthing facilities longer to establish breast feeding and confidence to return home.
6. Improve service and reduce waiting times
7. Increase elective volumes year on year
8. Improve emergency department waiting times to no more than six hours
9. Improve cancer treatment waiting times
10. Improve workforce retention
11. Improve clinical staff retention
12. Foster clinical leadership
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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Pregnant women more at risk from influenza
The Medical Officer of Health today reinforced that pregnant women have a higher risk of influenza complications
than other people.
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Pregnant women more at risk from influenza
The Medical Officer of Health today reinforced that pregnant women have a higher risk of influenza complications than other people.
Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Dr Ed Kiddle said, "Pregnant women, at all stages of pregnancy and up until a few days after they give birth, are at a higher risk of complications and more severe disease arising from A H1N1 Swine Flu."
He said pregnant women should be alert to early symptoms of influenza and should contact their midwife or doctor to discuss management of the illness and the early use of antivirals.
Pregnant women should only take antiviral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza, after consulting their doctor, who will assess their need for this medication on an individual basis. Antiviral medication Tamiflu or Relenza are most effective if taken as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.
"Basic infection control measures are important, such as washing and drying hands regularly, staying away from people who are sick and using good cough and sneeze etiquette. These all help to limit the spread on influenza and everyone should be doing this," Dr Kiddle said.
People unwell with influenza should avoid contact with sick and elderly people, as well as pregnant women and young children, and not visit hospitals unless for treatment for their own illness.
It is very important that pregnant women or people who have a chronic medical condition seek medical advice early if they get influenza. Most people can manage at home and seek medical advice if they are getting worse.
Typical influenza symptoms are fever, cough and sore throat, headache, aches and pains and tiredness. This pandemic influenza can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Influenza symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms that include runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and sore throat.
Medical advice is available by phoning 0800 FLU INFO (0800 358 4636), or by phoning your GP or midwife, or Healthline 0800 611 116. Always phone first do not go to a GP or hospital without phoning one of the above.
Dr Kiddle said for most people, pandemic influenza will be a mild to moderate illness, and they will recover well at home without needing treatment.
Some people, usually people with other medical conditions, and pregnant women can be more severely affected by influenza and may require hospital treatment usually for complications such as pneumonia. Symptoms which may require further medical advice include difficulty breathing, or chest pain, a high temperature, drowsiness, severe vomiting, or a cough with blood or green phlegm.
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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All pregnant women across the Nelson Marlborough region will be offered screening for HIV (Human immunodeficiency Virus) as part of the range of routine antenatal blood tests carried out.
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All pregnant women across the Nelson Marlborough region will be offered screening for HIV (Human immunodeficiency Virus) as part of the range of routine antenatal blood tests carried out.
The blood tests currently offered are for Rubella, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, as well as to determine blood group, antibodies and full blood count. The same blood sample would be used to screen for HIV.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board Antenatal HIV Screening Coordinator, Wendy Hardwick said, "HIV can be passed on to babies during pregnancy, during labour or through breastfeeding.
"Without treatment, HIV affects the body’s ability to fight infection, and can cause AIDS."
She said one in three babies born to untreated HIV positive women, developed HIV.
Some women were unaware that they had HIV because they had no symptoms. With treatment during pregnancy the risk of the baby developing HIV could go from 32% to less than 1%.
"With antiviral treatment most people with HIV in New Zealand now lived to old age," she said.
A woman’s doctor or midwife would discuss and offer these free tests, the results of which are confidential. Treatment and support were available for all women and their family/whanau if tests proved positive.
The National HIV screening programme started in 2006, and is being rolled out through all DHBs.
ENDS
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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It will be all hands on deck this week as staff from Motueka Community Hospital move patients and residents across to the new Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital.
Starting at 9am on Wednesday July 29 the 14 residents will make the move across the road to the new facility.
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It will be all hands on deck this week as staff from Motueka Community Hospital move patients and residents across to the new Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital.
Starting at 9am on Wednesday July 29 the 14 residents will make the move across the road to the new facility.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, District Manager Rural Hospitals, Rosey Wilson said, "It is a day of
mixed emotions for staff who welcome the change to the new facility, but realise that this is the end of an era as many staff are not going to work in the new facility."
Thirteen staff accepted positions with the new hospital while others had chosen to explore options which included retirement, redundancy, redeployment and retraining. A number of the staff had worked in the hospital for a considerable time with one staff member working there for 40 years.
The 35 staff affected by the change included the charge nurse manager, nurses, hospital aides, domestics, kitchen staff, activities co-ordinator and caretaker
Mrs Wilson said, "Nelson Marlborough DHB will continue to fund services provided by the Friends of Motueka Hospital Trust."
She said the trust would also become the provider of Meals on Wheels for the Motueka community.
The trust has leased the land the community hospital resides on and has bought the old hospital building.
"The DHB would continue to ensure that high quality services are provided through regular service audits as all providers are subject to," said Mrs Wilson.
She said the transfer of service provision from the DHB to a community provider offered the opportunity for the
community to better shape the way services are delivered.
Community health services would continue to be provided by the DHB and would operate from their present site,
these included Physiotherapy and District Nurses.
Motueka Maternity Services would also continue from their present venue.
ENDS
Media are invited to a photo opportunity 10.30am Wednesday 29 July at the Motueka Community Hospital - contact Katherine Rock on 03 546 1824 or 0274 466 799 if you will be attending.
Katherine Rock
Communications Advisor
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
Board Office
Braemar Campus
PO Box 18
Nelson
DD 03 546 1824 Internal Extn 7824 Cell 0274 466 799 Fax 03 546 1747
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