CEO Award

Fit for the Future | Watch the video

When people look for help regarding their wellbeing, it should be both easy and accessible. They shouldn’t need to go to unfamiliar places, or have to wait for an appointment with someone that speaks to them in clinical terms and jargon.

Fit for the future aims to eliminate these challenges. As a project it brings together people and resources that can provide support, and ensure that there is a connection to the local community, services are easy to navigate, doctors speak in every day terms and in a language understood by the general population and there is support for our community’s social and mental health needs.

This targeted assistance ultimately enhances the patient experience, and allows the medical practitioners to provide the best possible level of care, through an increased level of mutual understanding.

Feedback from both staff and patients has been overwhelmingly positive, and in addition the improved access, reach and overall effectiveness, has created opportunities for significant cost savings.

Team: Camille Gheerbrant, Anna Newton, Brendan Short, Sarah Appleton-Dyer, Sarah Andrews Trish Palmer, Ruth Williams, Johnny O'Connell, Sue Hallwright, David Codyre, Raewyn Allan, Anne Bateman, Jill Moffat, Jane Petraska, Bev Monahan, River Paton, Karla Bergquist, Kristin Good

Finalists:

Kāinga Ora Healthy Homes: Home is where your heart is: Nicky Cranshaw and team  | Watch the video

Connecting and supporting patients with SCAD and takutsabo syndrome: Cathy Gasparini and team   | Watch the video

Excellence in Clinical Care

Valuing the time of our live kidney donors  |  Watch the video

When people agree to become a kidney donor they were admitted to hospital the day prior to surgery. After talking to some of our donors, they said they didn’t feel valued, they felt they spent excessive time waiting and they had a poor night’s sleep before surgery.  They also didn’t like being away from whānau, and felt that they were taking up a hospital bed that they thought was needed for a sick patient.

The transplant team wanted to deliver a better patient experience so introduced day of admission surgery for kidney donors. This has led to a decrease in admission to theatre from an average of about 21 hours to just under two hours. All donors have said this has been a positive experience for them and they definitely prefer this rather than being admitted the day prior to surgery.

This project is a great example of delivering on our values with live kidney donors, enhancing their experience with the added bonus of improving the way we use Auckland DHB clinical resources.

Team: Karyn Lowe, Paul Manley, Ian Dittmer, Helen Pilmore, Michael Collins, Stephen Munn, Helen Whitehouse, Ann Rudolph, Karen Lovelock, Carl MuthuKumaraswamy, Peter Johnston, Sanjay Pandanaboyana, Martin Misur

Finalists:

Orthopaedic patients getting the right care sooner: Desiree McCracken and team  |  Watch the video

Reducing surgical site infections: John Boy Jerry Csapo-Camu and team  |  Watch the video

Optimising Acute Patient Workflow in Emergency CT: Charlotte Cooper and team  |  Watch the video

Excellence in Research

Intrauterine insemination: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial  |  Watch the video

This is the first clinical trial of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with clomiphene citrate to show benefit when compared to expectant management. Two previous studies did not show benefit as they either did not use ovarian stimulation or did not include women who were truly infertile.

Women allocated to three cycles of IUI had more births than those allocated to expectant management (31 of 101 [31%] vs. 9 of 100 [9%], P = 0.0003; RR, 3·41; 95% CI, 1·71 to 6·79). There were two sets of twins, both in the IUI group. The number of women who would need to have three cycles of IUI to result in one additional live birth is five.

These results offer hope to couples trying to conceive as IUI is a simpler treatment than IVF. We hope to show in the future that three cycles of IUI is similar to one completed cycle of IVF.

Team: Professor Cindy Farquhar, Dr Emily Liu, Sarah Armstrong, Nicola Arroll, Sarah Lensen, Julie Brown

Finalist:

Finalist:

Is it Necessary to Fast Before Cardiac Catheterisation? Sheila Bacus and team  |  Watch the video

Excellence in Process and Systems Improvement

Improving the care of cellulitis  |  Watch the video

Cellulitis (an acute spreading infection of the skin and tissue) places heavy demands on both clinical resources and patient time. In 2016, Cellulitis ranked second on the list of causes of avoidable hospitalisation for Auckland DHB.  Data suggested (amongst other changes) that if processes across the wards were more streamlined, with only those admitted who couldn’t be administered IV antibiotics in another setting, this would free up both bed space and patient time.

In December 2016 a three day ‘Rapid Improvement Event’ (RIE) brought together key stakeholders from all disciplines, to work on accelerating and implementing changes to the way Cellulitis is managed at Auckland DHB.

Collectively, the RIE team and their process changes resulted in: reduced hospital stay time for patients, significant cost avoidance of more than $800,000 annually, a 12% reduction in patients admitted to the wards, and a significant reduction in the use of IV antibiotics. An independent study by The University of Auckland was also carried out confirming these results.

On-going improvement processes are also in place to continue to review any more complex pathways, ensuring sustained accountability under the medical directorate Management Operating System Process (MOS).

Team: Paul Birch, Dr Stephen Ritchie, Dr Rupert Handy, Bret Vykopal, Julie Hislop, Karen Schimanski, Dr Helen Liley, Dr Jim Kriechbaum, Eamon Duffy, Dr Michael Puttick, Dr Sarah Bell, Dr Gregory Wiggill

Finalists:

Releasing Time to Care: Michelle Knox and team  |  Watch the video

High Tech Imaging Client Centric Design Initiative in Primary Care: Alexandra Smart and team  |  Watch the video

Best practice can work! A team approach to discharge planning: Andrew Jones and team  |  Watch the video

Excellence in Community Health and Wellbeing

Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Service  |  Watch the video

Diabetic foot ulcers are complex wounds that have a major long-term impact on the quality of a patient’s life. Ten out of every 100 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer sometime during their lifetime. A multi-disciplinary approach is shown to be effective in saving limbs and reducing the rate of major amputations.

A multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic including a vascular surgeon, a registrar, nurse specialist, diabetes registrar, orthotist and podiatrist was established to ensure gold standard treatment of patients with foot ulcers. Since the clinic was introduced, the number of admissions and outpatient appointments to heal wounds has reduced.

Major limb amputation has reduced from 27 per cent to 3 per cent, while wound healing rates have increased from 69 per cent to 90 per cent.  This is has led to a big improvement in patient outcomes and has also reduced costs to the health system.

Team: Alicia Sutton, Venu Bhamidi, Michelle Garrett, Alexandra Noble-Beasley, Kara Hamilton, Shraddha Rasal, Sue Perrin, Andrea Connell, Steve York

Finalists:

Kāinga Ora Healthy Homes: Home is where your heart is: Nicky Cranshaw and team  |  Watch the video

Increasing Community Immunity: Jean McQueen and team  |  Watch the video

Orthopaedic patients getting the right care sooner: Desiree McCracken and team  |  Watch the video

Excellence in the Workplace

Releasing Time to Care  |  Watch the video

In 2009, nurses were spending approximately 35 per cent of their time with patients. The remainder was spent on non-direct care activities, e.g. administration and searching for equipment. This had the potential to lead to sub-optimal care, reduced patient experience and lower employee satisfaction. Releasing Time to Care was introduced to help deliver better quality of care for patients, improving both the patient and employee experience.

In 2018, the average direct care time is 58 per cent, with 51 wards and services on the programme. Overall there has been a 23 per cent increase in direct care - that equates to 175,000 additional hours spent with patients over a year. 

Releasing Time to Care has also enabled us to give patients, whānau and staff a voice on how they want to be taken care of and how we can make Auckland DHB a better place to work.

Team: Margaret Dotchin, Michelle Knox, Michelle Griffen, Erin Ward, Abbi Harwood-Tobin

To Thrive  |  Watch the video

Auckland DHB’s TO THRIVE programme is a series of initiatives specifically targeted to support our lower income employees to:

• Maximise their income through access to job specific training, financial capability education and career pathways within Auckland DHB.

• Improve their health and wellbeing through access to a number of free initiatives, including health checks and by enhancing working conditions.

The programme is unique to Auckland DHB and sets up apart from other employers. The programme aims to increase employee satisfaction, engagement and improve workplace culture. TO THRIVE directly contributes to Auckland DHB’s vision of healthy communities, addressing within our own workplace the link between alleviating poverty and improving health.

Team: Alex Pimm, Melissa Russek, Anita Jordan, Sue Turk, Rama Narayan, Adele Thomas, Dinesh Sundararaj, Alberto Lenzi, Neil Browne, Maxine Stead

Finalists:

Joy at Work: Harshna Mistry and team  |  Watch the video

askHR: Ash Ford and team  |  Watch the video

Individual Living our Values Award

Jan Curtis, Therapy Assistant

Jan works as a Therapy Assistant in the Musculoskeletal Team. She is the glue that holds the outpatient physiotherapy team together. She is quiet and unassuming but gets things done. Jan is very inclusive, and makes everyone she meets feel special and valued. 

Knowing that Jan is around and willing to go the extra mile, makes it a lot easier for the team. She is quick to identify when things aren’t going well and makes sure any issues are escalated appropriately; always a ready and able shoulder, for staff to use if needed. 

Jan is a key part of the knee replacement class. She knows all the patients who attend and is encouraging, genuinely caring about how they are doing.  A patient recently recognised Jan for her warmth and professionalism, and fondly referred to the team there as ‘Jan’s gang’. 

Finalists:

Emmeline Croft, Community Engagement Advisor SafeKids Aotearoa

Michelle Knox, Nursing Performance Improvement Team

Rosie Banbury, Cleaner

Team Living our Values Award

Living our values with Turehou Māori Wardens Ki Otara Trust

An approach by Turehou Māori Wardens Ki Otara Trust saw them partner with Auckland Regional Public Health’s (ARPHs) on alcohol work— the partnership a reflection of ARPHS respect of the Wardens as Treaty partners.

The partnership sees the Wardens providing Maori cultural insight regarding potential neighbourhood impact and equity, including geographically pin pointing areas as priorities for alcohol-harm related work and compliance.

The valued partnership means consultation with the Wardens is now a mandatory part of ARPHS Alcohol regulatory Protocol. Equally, ARPHS has helped to establish the Warden’s credibility as an important voice with the District Licensing Committee (DLC).

The partnership sees the two organisations effectively sharing information, including the Warden’s review of ARPHS strategy and policy from an equity viewpoint.

ARPHS is supporting the Trust in a number of ways to reduce inequities, particularly through helping to build community capability. One example is ARPHS support in developing the Warden’s skills in evidence collection and presentation— a necessary skill for opposing proposed licencing by the DLC,  and supporting the Wardens’ Te Tiriti claims.

The Ministry of Health has said this is possibly the first partnership and development model of its kind in New Zealand.

Finalists:

Recruitment Team

Regional Youth Forensics

District Nursing- Maungarei locality

Orthoptist

Applications for the 2018 Health Excellence Awards are now closed.

The Auckland District Health Board Health Excellence Awards highlight examples of excellence that make a difference to the health and experience of our patients and community. They are our way of recognising and celebrating the dedication of our people and inspiring others by sharing excellence.

If you are taking part in an innovative project or research, that has potential to make a difference to our patients, our community, or our people, please take a look at the award categories and criteria .

Applications are assessed by an expert panel of judges.

Finalists and winners are invited to the prestigious awards evening to be held November 2018 at The Hilton where the winners will be revealed. 

The awards evening is made possible with generous support from the Auckland Health Foundation and  Starship Foundation(external link) .

Who can enter?

Applications are invited from Auckland DHB employees and contractors, primary care organisations and GP practices and NGOs who provide services to the Auckland DHB population that keep our community fit, well and healthy.

Whether you are in a clinical or non-clinical position, you are encouraged to apply for an award in one or more of the categories .

You can either put your own project forward or nominate a project or initiative that you know of that delivers Health Excellence.

Timeline

• Applications open 9 August 2018
• Applications close 14 September 2018 - applications received after this date will not be considered by the judges
• Finalists announced 22 October 2018
• Winners are revealed at the awards evening on 28 November 2018

Entry rules

1. The Auckland District Health Board Health Excellence Awards are open to all employees of Auckland DHB and those who work with Auckland DHB in the community to support our population to be healthy.
2. Entrants may self-nominate or be nominated by another.
3. Individuals or teams may enter the Auckland DHB Healthcare Excellence Awards.
4. An individual or team may enter more than one category, providing a separate application is prepared for each project, publication or programme.
5. Each project, or programme must either be active, or have concluded July 2017  or later
6. All applications for the awards must be submitted electronically by 14 September 2018. Applications received after this date will not be considered by the judges.
7. All entries for the Research category must have been published after 1 January 2017.
8. The total word count of your application should not exceed 2000 words. This excludes any tables and images.
9. If you are a finalist, the judging panel may ask you to provide further information about your entry. This could take the form of a short presentation, a poster or a video about your entry or some additional questions.
10. Information provided in any application will be held by Auckland DHB for the purpose of assessing the applications and promoting the Awards. In submitting an application, applicants consent to the publication of some or all of the information contained within their application.
11. All finalists and winners will be photographed for publicity purposes before and during the awards
12. Finalists and winners will be asked to take part in a short video that will be used at the awards and for any post publicity about the Awards.

How to apply

Please make sure you have read the criteria and entry rules .

Once you have completed your application form make sure you save it and follow the instructions below to upload it to Judgify – the online portal for the Awards.

Instructions for uploading

Go the Judgify Health Excellence Awards portal .

First you will need to register – click the link at the top right of the screen. Add in your details: Name, Email Address and a Password (make a note of your password, in case you want to go back in and edit your nomination or submit another nomination).

After you have registered, you will be taken to the page to submit your completed nomination form:

• Enter the award category  name – from the drop down list
• Enter the name of the person or team you are nominating
• Enter your name
• Click on the browse button and follow the instructions from there
• After your document has been uploaded (it may take a few seconds), press the submit button or press submit and add new if you have other nominations to add

Once you are registered, you can log back in to Judgify to add further nominations.

You can edit your nomination up until the closing date.

If you experience any difficulty submitting your nomination form, please email excellenceawards@adhb.govt.nz

The judging process

Applications will be assessed by a panel of internal and external experts using the published criteria .

The judges will choose up to four finalists for each category.

The finalists for the Health Excellence Awards 2017 will be announced in October 2018.

The finalists may be asked to submit further information to support their application and help the judging panel make their final decision to select a winner. This may be in the form of a presentation.

The winners will be announced at the Health Excellence Awards evening in November 2018.

Contact

If you have a question about the Health Excellence Awards please email excellenceawards@adhb.govt.nz

Information Pack

You can find all of this information in our Health Excellence Awards 2018 Information Pack. Health Excellence Awards 2018 Information Pack. 

Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini, takimano e !

My strength is not the result of my own efforts, but of the many people who have joined along the way. 

Jump ahead to the following sections by clicking below:

• Introduction
• Who can enter
• Categories
• Criteria
• How to enter
• Entry rules
• Timeline
• Contact
• 2018 winners & finalists

Applications for the 2018 Awards are now closed.

Introduction │ Kupu arataki

The Matāriki Awards are open to anyone who works within the DHB or provides a service on behalf of Auckland DHB to improve Māori health outcomes through values-based actions.

We are looking to celebrate everything our people do to improve whānau experience, eliminate health inequities for Māori or develop the Māori workforce.

If you know an individual or team who lives our values every day to improve Māori health outcomes please put forward a nomination today. 

Individuals or teams are invited to apply or to nominate individuals and teams they work with.

The Matāriki Awards are one of the ways we recognise and celebrate the dedication of our people and inspiring others by sharing their work.

The Awards are held during Matāriki the Māori New Year that begins with the rising of the Matāriki star cluster (the Pleiades or Seven Sisters).

Who can enter | Ko wai ka whakatapoko

Applications are invited from Auckland DHB employees and contractors, primary care organisations, GP practices, NGOs and Kaupapa Māori providers all of whom provide services to the Auckland DHB population that keep our community fit, well and healthy.

Whether you are in a clinical or non-clinical position, you are encouraged to apply for an award in one or more of the four categories.

You can either put your own project forward or nominate a project or initiative that you think is a shining example of our values in action advancing Māori health gain.

The categories  | Ngā Rōpū

There are four awards in total one for each of our values:

Welcome | Haere Mai

For teams or individuals who truly show the value of  Welcome by putting people at ease, seeing the person as a whole person, enabling meaningful engagement and using language that people can understand with a view  to achieving  better Māori health outcomes. This could include whānau experience, eliminating inequities or developing the workforce.

Respect | Manaaki

For teams or individuals who truly show the value of  Respect – by listening to different points of view, showing compassion, using language people can understand, show integrity and protect dignity and privacy with a view to achieving better Māori health outcomes. This could include whānau experience, eliminating inequities or developing the workforce.

Together | Tūhono

For teams or individuals who truly show the value of  Together – by sharing learning, supporting each other,  achieving as a team with colleagues, patients and whānau with a view to achieving better Māori health outcomes. This could include whānau experience, eliminating inequities or developing the workforce.

Aim High | Angamua

For teams or individuals who truly show the value of Aim High by aspiring to excellence in their practice or service on a dailiy basis, and by providing safe and effective care with a view to achieving better Māori health outcomes. This could include whānau experience, eliminating inequities or developing the workforce.

Apply now.

The judges will assess your application against the criteria below.  When completing your application please make sure you address the following areas specific to the value:

1. What was the Māori health outcome you set out to improve and why did you choose this outcome? (10% weighting)
2. Describe the five things (e.g. actions, changes, behaviours) you did and detail why they were key to achieving the identified outcome? (30% weighting)
3. What did you achieve and what was the impact of the changes you made? (30%)
4. Next steps (30% weighting)
   1. Any lessons you learned along the way or things you would do differently next time.
   2. How the improvements will be sustained.
   3. Any potential to inform best practice and roll out in other places.

 Your application should not exceed 750 words (excluding tables and images).

How to enter | Ngā aratohu whakatapoko

Please read the Matāriki Award entry rules and the category criteria before submitting an application. You can find a copy of the criteria and the application form here . Once you have completed the application form, you will need to upload a saved copy of the application form to the Judgify site .  You may apply in English or Te Reo. 

The closing date for the Matariki Awards is 25 May 2018 . Applications received after this date will not be considered by the judges. 

Matāriki Awards entry rules | Ngā tikanga whakatapoko

1. The Auckland District Health Board Matāriki Awards are open to all employees of Auckland DHB and those who work with Auckland DHB in the community to support our population to be healthy.
2. Entrants may self-nominate or be nominated by another.
3. Individuals or teams may enter the Auckland DHB Matāriki Awards.
4. An individual or team may enter more than one category, providing a separate application is prepared for each project, publication or programme.
5. All applications for the awards must be submitted electronically by 21 May 2018. Applications received after this date will not be considered by the judges.
6. The total word count of your application should not exceed 750 words. This excludes any tables and images.
7. If you are a finalist, the judging panel may ask you to provide further information about your entry. This could take the form of a short presentation, a poster or a video about your entry or just some additional questions.
8. Information provided in any application will be held by Auckland DHB for the purpose of assessing the applications and promoting the Awards. In submitting an application, applicants consent to the publication of some or all of the information contained within their application.
9. All finalists and winners may be photographed for publicity purposes before and during the awards
10. Finalists and winners may be asked to take part in a short video that will be used at the awards and for any post publicity about the Awards.

Timeline | Rārangi wa

• Applications open 16 April 2018
• Applications close 25 May 2018
• Finalists will be announced 11 June 2018
• The winners are revealed at the Matāriki Awards on 3 July 2018

Contact | Ngā pātaitai

For further information or advice about the Matāriki Awards please email MataarikiADHB@adhb.govt.nz

Remember applications close at midnight on 25 May 2018

Download a print version of this information .

The Nursing and Midwifery Awards recognise the skills and qualities required by nurses and midwives, and celebrate the amazing job they do every day.

Nominations for our 20192018 Nursing and Midwifery Awards are now open. Nominations close on 4 March 2019.closed.

Anyone working in health care can nominate a deserving nurse or midwife. 

To find out more about the awards or view last year's winners from previous years, click on the below sections:

Categories and criteria  |   Entry Rules  |  2018 Winners |  2017 Winners 

Categories and criteria

Please make sure you read the criteria carefully and in the nomination form demonstrate how the nurse or midwife you are nominating meets each of the criteria.

You can view a sample nomination form here . 

All completed nomination forms should be emailed to  NurseMidwifeAwards@adhb.govt.nz .

Aged Residential Care Nursing Award

This will be awarded to a nurse who works in the aged residential care sector

Criteria:

• Acknowledged by peers, residents  andpatients and whānau as an excellent nurse within their level and role.
• InvolvedTakes the lead in new initiatives and quality improvement activities to achieve best practice and improve the resident experience.patient experience
• Works in partnership with the residentpatient and their whānau to form working relationships to get the support themthey need to maintainimprove their quality of life.health and independence
• Raises the profile and voice of aged residential care nursing.nursing

Download the nomination form herenomination form here .

Primary Health Care Nursing Award

This award is for an exemplary nurse working in primary care.

Criteria:

• Acknowledged by peers, the primary care team and patients as an excellent nurse
• Takes the lead in new initiatives and quality improvement activities to achieve equitable outcomes and best practice 
• Works in partnership with the patient and their whānau to form working relationships with all disciplines to get the support they need to improve their health and independence
• Works with other providers to improve integration across the whole patient journey
• Raises the profile and voice of primary health care nursing

Download the nomination form herenomination form here .

Te Kauae Raro Māori Nursing and Midwifery Award

The Te Kauae Raro award recognises Maori Nurses and Midwives who have made a significant contribution to Maori Health in the Auckland DHB hospitals or in the community.

Criteria:

• Angamua- demonstrates leadership skills or actions which positively influence health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori.Māori
• Haere Mai- demonstrates the ability to connect with others and establish effective working relationships with colleagues and caring relationships with whānau, hapu, iwi, urban Māori.Māori
• Manaaki- is a role model to others by being respectful and caring.  Has the ability to empower and care for others through education, mentorship and engagement or research the influences of positive health and wellbeing of Māori.Māori
• Tūhono- demonstrates the ability to encourage and achieve unity and establish collaborative working relationships to improve health and wellbeing outcomes of Maori.Maori

Download the nomination form here.nomination form here .

Pacific Nursing and Midwifery Award

This award acknowledges and recognises significant contributions of an indigenous Pacific nurse or midwife to Pacific health and Pacific nursing. The award is open to any nurse or midwife working in a clinical, leadership, teaching or academic role; in the hospital, the community or primary health services.

Criteria:

• Demonstrates engagement with Pacific communities and actions that influence positive Pacific health outcomes.outcomes
• Demonstrates and embrace the Auckland DHB and Pacific values and how this impacts on their care and service provision.provision
• Role models good leadership qualities and this can include mentorship, clinical supervision, and support of other Pacific nurses.nurses
• Demonstrates collaborative working relations with the wider health and social sector to improve the health and wellbeing of Pacific people and communities.communities
• Promotes and supports the interests of the wider Pacific nursing community.community

Download the nomination form here . Download the nomination form here . 

Entry rules

The following entry rules are applicable:

1. The awards are open to all nurses and midwives working within the Auckland DHB catchment area.
2. Applications can be submitted by individuals or teams but only individuals may receive an award.
3. An individual may be nominated for more than one award if they meet the criteria. A separate application should be submitted for each award.
4. Please complete all sections in the nomination form and provide specific examples for each criteria area.  You can view a sample nomination form here. 
5. Nominations must comply with entry guidelines and time deadlines.
6. Information provided in any nomination will be held by Auckland DHB for the purpose of assessing the applications and promoting the awards.
7. In submitting a nomination, you consent to the publication of some or all of the information contained within their nomination.

Finalists will be notified in April and invited to the Nursing and Midwifery Awards evening in May where the winners will be revealed. The Nursing and Midwifery Awards evening is made possible through the generous support of the A uckland Health FoundationA+ Trust .

Nursing and Midwifery Award winners and finalists for 2018

Adult Medical Nursing Award

Winner: Anne-Marie Pickering

Finalists: Emma Hill, Rebeka Fastnedge

Cancer and Blood Nursing Award  

Winner: Rosie Howard

Finalists: Metty Mathew, Raewyn Pukas

Cardiovascular Nursing Award

Winner: Helen Richardson

Finalists: Cathy Gasparini, Kathy Hurley

Child Health Nursing Award

Winner: Jane Ronaldson

Finalists: Barishna Zareh, Kathy Yallop

Community and Long Term Conditions Nursing Award

Winner: Raewyn Osbaldiston

Finalists: Terri-Anne Davis, Valerie Cheetham

Mental Health and Addictions Nursing Award

Winner: Brian Sykes

Finalists: Holly Rogers, Ruby Ramos-Dyer

Perioperative Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Francesca Storr

Finalists: Lawrence Carlo Espanol, Sue Cole

Surgical Nursing Award

Winner: Sacha Cowell

Finalists: Elaine Yi, Sowmia Thomas

Women's Health Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Urmila Singh

Finalists: Shenaaz Desai

Aged Residential Care Nursing Award

Winner: Carmen Stadler-Hanekom

Finalists: Myungsook Kang

Primary Health Care Nursing Award

Winner: Sue Matthews

Finalists: Amanda Entwistle, Wendy Qiu

Rotary Trophy of Tradition

Winner: Helen McGrinder

Finalists: Michael Geraghty, Sandy Yam

Judith Philipson Excellence in bedside delivery

Winner: Kelly D’Emmerez de Charmoy

Finalists: Jenny Liew-Siddells

Rotary Ann Craig Memorial Award

Winner: Lois Lingard

Finalists: Jane Ronaldson

Rotary Alastair Macfarlane Memorial Award

Winner: Robin Moss

Finalists: Racheal Magan

Rising Star Award

Winner: Emily (Milly) Lonsdale-Cooper

Finalists: Rebecca Busing, Yu Wan Chang

Pat Butcher Lifelong Learning Award (external link)

Winner: Carol Slight

Finalists: Francesca Storr, Margaret Colligan

Leadership Award

Winner: Angela Minto

Finalists: Tracie La, Vito Sestito

Te Kauae Raro Māori Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Dawson Ward

Finalists: Kiri Mokomoko

Pacific Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Unaisi Wainivetau

Finalists: Delvene Steven, Meleseini Kaufusi

Values Award

Winner: Maryanne Offner

Finalists: Claire Koshy, Sophie Atkinson

Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award

Winner: Cathy Gasparini

Finalists: Rebekah Watson, Samantha Cotton

Our Patient’s Local Hero Award

Winner: Demelza Stevens

Finalists: Janice Capstick, Virginia (Ginny) Pringle

Chief Nursing Officer Award

Winner: Terri-Anne Davis

Finalists: Sacha Cowell, Unaisi Wainivetau

Nursing and Midwifery Award winners and finalists for 2017

The winners of the individual Nursing and Midwifery Awards for 2017 were presented at the Awards evening. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists!

Auckland DHB Chief Nursing Officer’s Award

Winner: Elaine Sheirtcliff

Finalists: Angela Minto, Cullum Millar

Adult Community and Long Term Conditions Directorate Award

Winner: Suzanne Werder

Finalists: Ann Giles​, Mata Brown

Adult Medical Directorate Award

Winner: Kamlesh Nand

Finalists: Poonam Kumari, Soloshini Harirajh

Cancer and  Blood Directorate Award​

Winner: Valerie Honeyman

Finalists: Leanne Wilson, Simone McMillan

Cardiovascular Services (D C McMinn) Award​

Winner: Nik Adams

Finalists: Bernie Lightbourne, Elaine Sheirtcliff

Child Health Directorate & Starship Foundation Excellence in Clinical Practice

Winner: Diane Fuller

Finalists: Julie Scott, ​Lydia Markham

Clinical Support Award​

Winner: Sherry Sinclair

Finalist: Charlene Bayley

Mental Health and Addictions Directorate Award​

Winner: Cullum Millar

Finalists: Danny Shiferaw, Matthew Wrightson

Perioperative Nurses's Choice Award – OR

Winner: Elizabeth Kanivatoa

Finalists: Carol Andrew, Jude Fetalino

Perioperative Nurses's Choice Award  – PACU

Winner: Gemma Parker

Finalists: Anna Bostock, Melissa Pilapil

Surgical Directorate Award

Winner: Debbie Perry

Finalists: Megan Connolly, Megan Goudie

Women's Health Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Annette Gage

Finalist: Shenaaz Desai

Aged Residential Home Nursing Award

Winner: Cyrene Jabay

Finalists:​ Abraham Nolasco, Flora Liu

Primary Health Care Nursing Award

Winner: Jayme Kitiona 

Finalists: Cherry Chen, Mele Taufa  

Rotary Alistair McFarlane Memorial Award

Winner: Darlene DeGouzman

Finalist: Paula Albanez

Rotary Anne Craig Medal

Winner: Lucy McKeage

Finalists: Susannah Matthews, Teresa Campbell

Univeristy of Auckland School of Nursing Trophy for Clinical and Academic Leadership

Winner: Jackie Robinson

Finalist: Abel Smith

Cecile Thompson Award in Gerontology

Winner: Soby Mathai

Kim Williams Scholarship for General Medicine

Winner: Michelle Griffen

Finalist:​ MinKyung (MK) Byun

Judith Philipson Excellence in Bedside Delivery Award

Winner: Kristen Pynenburg

Finalists: ​Sarah Maggs, Sue McKnight

T W Bollard Child Health Excellence in Clinical Practice Award

Winner: Caroline Radich     

J M Neil Prize in Otorhinolaryngology

Winner: Kath Honeybone

Finalists: Lyn Russell, Vanessa Anderson

D C Hounsell Prize in Neuroservices

Winner: Lorraine MacDonald

Finalists: Claire Wu, In Kyoung Jeong

W A Fairclough Award in Ophthalmology

Winner: David Garland

Finalists: Arlene Laurenciana, Dena D'Souza

Rotary ​Trophy of Tradition

Winner: Susan Atherton

Finalists: Eileen Gilder, Sandra Almeida

Pat Butcher Lifetime Learning Award

Winner: Heather Spinetto

Finalists: Ann Doran, Jackie Robinson

More information

Health Pathways

Health professionals can find more information on the  Auckland Regional Health Pathway for gender diversity and transgender health . Search for transgender.

Healthpoint

Transgender and gender diverse people, f amilies supporting transgender whānau, and  health professionals can find information on available services on the Northern Region Transgender Health Services Healthpoint page.

*Transgender – This term is used as a generic word which acknowledges the diversity of terms that people may use to describe themselves. This can include (but is not limited to): Aikāne, Akava’ine, Fa’afafine, Faafatama, Fafafine, Fakaleiti, Māhū, Trans, Transsexual, Genderqueer, Tāhine, Whakawahine, Tangata ira tane, Vakasalewalewa, Palopa and non-binary.

Planning updates

January 2019 update
November 2018 update

July 2018 update

  In this update:

1. Hauora Tāhine – a new name for transgender health services
2. Counting Ourselves Survey
3. Pathways for Northland
4. Transgender Awareness Week 2018
5. Reminder about feedback on Transgender Health Services

Hauora Tāhine – A new name for Transgender Health Services

Hauora Tāhine – Pathways to Transgender Healthcare Services is the new name for services delivering healthcare to transgender people in the Northern Region. We think the name better describes the patient journey to access gender affirming healthcare.

Following a consultative process the name was gifted to the Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group by Shannon Anahera White, a member of the Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group.

A visual identity for Hauora Tāhine has been developed, this will be used to visually link and signpost the different aspects of transgender healthcare services -  see logo featured on the right.

About Hauora Tāhine

Hauora Tāhine, meaning transgender health contains a new word in the Māori language, Tāhine.

At the Hui Takatāpui, a group of Māori transgender women met to discuss language. Hira Huata noted “the word tāhine came out of my mouth as we were exploring other words that we feel describes us and we feel we have an affinity to…we together decided that the word tāhine empowers us.” The word tāhine, meaning transgender, has received mana through its use by those who live daily as tāhine, those who walk the talk and named that walk.

The use of the word, tāhine, has been endorsed by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, Māori Language Commission and Dame Naida Glavish ONZM, JP, Chief Advisor Tikanga Māori Health , He Kāmaka Waiora, Waitematā, Auckland and Counties Manukau DHBs.

Counting Ourselves Survey

Counting Ourselves is a survey about the health of transgender and non-binary people living in Aotearoa. The survey asks about mental and physical health; experiences of stigma, discrimination and violence; experiences in the doctors clinics, hospitals and other services; and how help and support from friends and whānau might support those experiences.

The survey is primarily funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and can be completed by anyone transgender or identifying as gender diverse identifying who are 14 years or over. To find out more or complete the survey, visit: http://countingourselves.nz/

The survey is open until September 2018.

Pathways for Northland

The Transgender Health pathway for Auckland is now available in Northland. While not localised for the services available in Northland, the pathway provides information on providing competent care for transgender and gender diverse people.

This change has been led by Chief Medical Officer for Northland DHB Dr Michael Roberts to imporve pathways for transgender people in Northland.

GPs and otherprimary care providers can access clinical information on blockers, hormone therapy and other information through the Northland Health Pathways .

Transgender Awareness Week – 12th to 20th November 2018

Transgender Awareness Week, is a focussed opportunity to educate and raise awareness about gender diverse and transgender people, and the issues associated with transition or identity. The week ends with Transgender Day of Remembrance, to remember those who have died as a result of transphobia or prejudice.

This year we will be working alongside community organisations to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week. It will be an opportunity to celebrate five years of the Transgender Health project, as well as promoting healthcare services that are available to transgender people in the Auckland region.

If you, your service or organisation would like to join us in celebrating Transgender Awareness Week, please get in touch! You might like to hold your own event, contribute to one of the above events, or provide other resources. Email the Transgender Health Project Manager on  Duncan.matthews@waitematadhb.govt.nz 

Feedback on Transgender Health Services

The Hauora Tāhine teams welcome feedback from your experience of our services . Please tell us what you think here . Feedback can be anonymous.

February 2018

In this update:

1. Pride Festival 2018
2. Posters and brochures for Transgender Health Services
3. Melanie Adriaansen, Waitemata Laboratories recognised for academic article
4. Looking forward to Transgender Week of Awareness 2018
5. Reminder about Transgender Health Services feedback

Pride Festival 2018

Around 15 people joined the recent Auckland DHB Rainbow Network entry in the recent 2018 Auckland Pride Parade to raise awareness of the Transgender Health Services available in Auckland. Dressed in the colours of the transgender flag and holding placards, the group represented people from the Centre for Youth Health, Funding and Planning, Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group and community.

The presence and visibility was well received, with a number of positive comments from marchers in other floats and spectators of the parade.

Transgender Health Services also planned a presence at the Big Gay Out held in Coyle Park on the 11 ^th February. Unfortunately, due to the weather and health and safety requirements, the Big Gay Out event was cancelled soon after setup.

Posters and brochures for Transgender Health Services

The Transgender Health Services have a new poster and brochure available covering what is available in Auckland.

Download copies of the poster and brochure here or email the Project Manager to order printed copies:  duncan.matthews@waitematadhb.govt.nz

Melanie Adriaansen, Waitemata Laboratories recognised for academic article

Melanie Adriaansen has been selected as the winner of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NZIMLS) Journal prize for 2017 for her article “Binary male-female laboratory reference ranges do not reflect reality for transgender individuals on sex-hormone therapy”. A special thanks to Melanie for her work in this area, contributing to the New Zealand base of knowledge and research about healthcare for transgender and gender diverse people.

Read the full article here.

Looking forward to Transgender Week of Awareness 2018

Transgender Week of Awareness (TWoA) is celebrated internationally, with the purpose to educate about transgender and gender diverse people, transition and identity. It is celebrated in the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), which memorialises victims of transphobic violence.

In 2018, TWoA will be celebrated from the 12 ^th to 18 ^th November. The Transgender Health Services team is planning to use this week of international celebration to raise awareness of the resources available to transgender people at the DHB, both internally to our staff and externally to the public.

To learn more about TWoA, visit the Wikipedia entry .

Feedback on Transgender Health Services

A reminder that the Northern Region Transgender Health team welcome feedback from those with experience of our services. Feedback, anonymous or otherwise, can be submitted online .

October 2017

In this update:

1. Auckland Regional Health Pathways for Gender Diverse and Transgender Health live
2. Healthpoint page for Transgender Health Services live
3. Two new Advisory Group members
4. Reminder about Transgender Health Services feedback

Auckland Regional Health Pathways for Gender Diverse and Transgender Health live

 We’re happy to advise that the new Transgender and Gender Diverse Health pathway is now live on  Auckland Regional Health Pathways .

The pathway is primarily designed to support GPs and Primary Care teams, but contains a wealth of information that is relevant to anyone working with transgender people across the health system. Just some of the areas covered are:

• Referral to Northern Region Transgender Health Services
• Monitoring ongoing hormonal treatments
• Information about screening
• Supporting holistic wellbeing
• Basic competency working with transgender patients.

Access to the live pathways requires a login to Auckland Regional Health Pathways .  As noted, HealthPathways is aimed at general practitioners and practice nurses, but can also be used by hospital specialists and managers, community and allied health providers.

Healthpoint page for Transgender Health Services live

Healthpoint provides up-to-date information about healthcare providers, referral expectations, services offered and common treatments. While transgender health was previously covered as a subset of other services, Northern Region Transgender Health Services now have a dedicated page, providing more information to the public on services, and high level information about medical treatments.

The new Healthpoint page is live now.

Two new Advisory Group members

With the resignation of two members from the Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group (NRTCCAG), Paul Vroegop and Jackie Hilton, two new members have been appointed. The remaining members of the NRTCCAG thank Paul and Jackie for their work and contribution since April, and are sorry to be losing their skills and passion from the advisory group.

The two new advisory members are Val Yeung and Lyndon Moore.

Val is a Mental Health clinician at Auckland DHB, new to Aotearoa. Most recently she worked alongside young people working through their gender identity, and their families, in the UK child and adolescent mental health services.

Lyndon is a counsellor at Auckland Sexual Health. He is experienced in working with transgender and gender diverse people on a range of areas, including identity and transition.

Feedback on Transgender Health Services

A reminder that the Northern Region Transgender Health team welcome feedback from those with experience of our services. Feedback, anonymous or otherwise, can be submitted using this online form .

*Transgender – This term is used as a generic word which acknowledges the diversity of terms that people may use to describe themselves. This can include (but is not limited to): Aikāne, Akava’ine, Fa’afafine, Faafatama, Fafafine, Fakaleiti, Māhū, Trans, Transsexual, Genderqueer, Tāhine, Whakawahine, Tangata ira tane, Vakasalewalewa, Palopa and non-binary.

July 2017

In this update:

1. Work plan adopted by Advisory Group
2. Improving referrals to Auckland Sexual Health Service
3. New mechanism for providing feedback on Transgender Health Services
4. NRTCCAG Membership
5. Work plan adopted by Advisory Group

At the Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group (NRTCCAG) meeting on 27th June 2017, the members voted to formally adopt a work plan for Transgender Health.  The plan consists of a mix of short term, achievable goals; as well as longer term, wider reaching aspirations.

The work plan development was led by Project Manager Duncan Matthews, and takes into account the significant amount of work done within the four Northern Region DHBs to date on transgender health, including community consultations held in 2015.  The work plan was reviewed and revised extensively by members of the NRTCCAG, with a prioritisation process to ensure the Clinical Lead, Project Manager and other staff at the DHBs pursue a plan of action focussed  on those areas indicated by the NRTCCAG.

A copy of the work plan can be found here . The NRTCCAG, Clinical Lead and Project Manager are excited by the work plan getting to this stage, as it helps form a clear vision for Transgender Health Services in the Northern Region over the next few years.

Improving referrals to Auckland Regional Sexual Health Service

Based off feedback from transgender and gender diverse users of the Auckland Regional Sexual Health Service, which sees the majority of patients for transition related care in Auckland, a new process has been put in place to ensure that the correct name is used at all times, from the first time someone interacts with the service.

Previous issues with old names from old medical records being used was recognised as not good enough. A process allowing any new person entering the Auckland Regional Sexual Health Service for transgender health purposes has been established that allows the correct name to be identified in the very first conversation. Any communication to first appointment will be in that name. Future improvements are still in the works, allowing the referring clinician to identify the correct name directly in referral documentation, working around the limitation of existing patient management systems.

New mechanism for providing feedback on Transgender Health Services

The NRTCCAG has established a channel for providing feedback on the transgender health services received by people in the Northern Region (Northland, Waitemata, Auckland and Counties Manukau DHB’s). Similarly to improving referrals to Auckland Regional Sexual Health, the NRTCCAG members hope to receive feedback that enables them to make meaningful improvements to the health care that transgender and gender diverse people receive in the region.

Feedback can be submitted anonymously, and will be presented to the regular NRTCCAG meetings for consideration and discussion by the group. Click here to go to the online feedback form .

NRTCCAG Membership

The Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group is now meeting regularly.

Rear, L-R: Duncan Matthews (Project Manager Transgender Health), Lorraine Bailey (Funding, Planning and Outcomes), Val Yeung (Turu Ora), Susan Moller (GP), Joe Macdonald (Affinity Services)

Front, L-R: Mo Harte (HealthWEST), Taine Polkinghorne (RainbowYOUTH), Rachel Johnson (Centre for Youth Health), Jeannie Oliphant (Clinical Lead Transgender Health), Peter Thomas (Mahitahi Trust), Shannon White (member Ahakoa Te Aha), Phylesha Brown-Acton (Pasefika LGBTQI Whanau Ora - F'INE)

Absent: Rick Cutfield (Endocrine), John Kenealy (Auckland Regional Plastic Surgery), Lyndon Moore (Auckland Regional Sexual Health Service), Mike Roberts (Northland DHB), Abbi Pritchard (Social Worker ADHB and Genderbridge) 

February 2017

Both the Clinical Lead and Project Manager for the project have now been appointed.  Dr Jeannie Oliphant and Duncan Matthews will bring new focus and energy in progressing this work.  Each of their roles run for a period of two years. They will support the development of the regional Transgender Health service based on the service specification developed out of community and advisory group input in 2015.

This process will be guided by the establishment of a new advisory group. The Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group (NRTCCAG) will include both clinical and consumer representation which  will be an ongoing feature of the Transgender health services project going forward. Applications are open until 12 March 2017. Please contact the Project Manager Duncan Matthews:  duncan.matthews@waitematadhb.govt.nz for more details.

With the establishment of a new Advisory Group, one of their first tasks will be to develop a work plan for the Transgender health services project.

In the interim, the Transgender Health team have been hard at work on a number of immediate priorities for the region, including updated pathways and information for GPs/Primary Care, and better connection and collaboration between secondary services that are currently providing services for Transgender people.  This work will be open for review with the Advisory Group once established.

April 2016

Initial funding is in place to lay the ground work to deliver better health services for transgender communities in the Northern DHB region covering Counties Manukau, Auckland, Waitemata and Northland DHBs.

The first steps will be to appoint a project manager and a chairperson to lead a Northern Regional Transgender Advisory Group. Job descriptions will be ready for circulation in the next four weeks. The aim is to spread the word widely to people with the experience and knowledge who might be interested in taking up the roles. There will be regular updates on progress.

With support from the DHBs, the team will develop a plan for a Northern region Transgender Care Pathway based on feedback from community and online forums, clinical advice on best practice and a robust evidence base.

Pathways to Care

The Pathways to Care diagram (agreed at community workshops) is based on five key principles: 

• Access - Transgender culturally competent health care services at primary care and community NGO level.
• Safety - Gender diversity and cultural competence including flexible care pathways .
• Wellbeing - A whole of health and well-being approach to service delivery.
• Respect - Self-identification and informed consent.
• Diversity - Accepting and facilitating conversations in public health context.

The focus of the plan will be to put in place regionally consistent, multi-disciplinary gender health services for children, adolescents and adults experiencing gender identity issues and seeking health services as part of a gender transition. These services may be provided locally or regionally and by one or more providers. 

The Pathways to Care plan will seek to bridge the gaps that have made it hard for transgender patients to access health care. At the heart of the new model is a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals with a broad range of clinical, social and community expertise. Transgender patients would work with a culturally appropriate key worker, who can be any member of the multi-disciplinary team, at their points of contact in their journey through the care pathway.

The overall goal is to provide clinical care to “assist transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming people to achieve lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves, in order to maximize their overall health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment.” (World Professional Association for Transgender Health).

January 2016

There has been a positive response to the proposal for future health services for transgender health services in the northern DHB region, covering the Auckland metropolitan DHBs (Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waitemata DHB) and Northland DHB.

The proposal went to senior leaders from the northern DHB region in December 2015, who said it was a robust analysis that set out a pathway to respond to the need for better health services for people in the transgender communities. The project team thanks the Clinical and Consumer Transgender Advisory Group, which includes representatives from specialist and community service providers, NGOs and consumers from the transgender communities for their time, effort and insight.

The next steps will be to seek formal endorsement at senior management and board level in order to create a work plan for 2016 to progress the project.

October 2015

We held a series of community forums in July 2015 to provide input into the development of a proposal for better health services for people from transgender communities, in the northern region.  Read the combined summary of feedback from the community forums and online survey from September 2015.

June 2015

The Northern region district health boards (DHBs), Northland, Waitemata, Auckland and Counties Manukau are working on a proposal to develop a better health service for people in the region’s transgender communities. An advisory group with transgender representatives will listen to and talk with community groups and health professionals about how to develop a better health service. The project advisory group has to finalise its proposal for consideration by the DHB Boards by December this year.

This advisory group has agreed on some simple principles to create a process that is inclusive and robust:

• Transgender communities are as diverse as their health needs and health services need to reflect this.
• We need to focus on the span of life, young and old and wellbeing.
• We acknowledge the strength and diversity of the transgender communities.
• By working together we can help to shape a proposal for a health service that responds much better to diverse and complex needs.
• Transgender people come from all communities and age groups and health services need to reflect this.
• We acknowledge the many terms used by communities related to their gender identity. Transgender will be used when a generic term is needed.

If you have feedback or would like to register your interest in this work, please do so by contacting:  engagement@waitematadhb.govt.nz

By working together we can help to shape a proposal for a health service that responds much better to diverse and complex needs. Transgender people come from all communities and age groups and health services need to reflect this. We acknowledge the many terms used by communities related to their gender identity. Transgender will be used when a generic term is needed. You can read  Frequently asked questions [PDF, 184 KB] about the project here.

I had the privilege of attending a close friend’s living wake last weekend. He has brain tumours and there is no further treatment that can help him. His consultant of many years Dr Mark Thomas attended the celebration and spoke. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time he had finished speaking. His words were from the heart and showed the art of medicine is more than treating illness. It is about the connecting and relationships, it is about people. I feel the DHB is very lucky to have such a humble and compassionate staff member.I had the privilege of attending a close friend’s living wake last weekend. He has brain tumours and there is no further treatment that can help him. His consultant of many years Dr Mark Thomas attended the celebration and spoke. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time he had finished speaking. His words were from the heart and showed the art of medicine is more than treating illness. It is about the connecting and relationships, it is about people. I feel the DHB is very lucky to have such a humble and compassionate staff member.

New Zealand’s 20 District Health Boards, including Auckland DHB, have received a strike notice from one of the unionsWe thank our patients and whānau for Resident Medical Officers,their understanding during the New Zealand Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA).strike and welcome back our RMOs.

The plannedA second strike notice has been received for industrial action involves a full withdrawal of labour by NZRDA members for the 48 hour period from 8amRMOs on Tuesday 29 January until 8am on Thursday 31and 30 January. Your safety is our priority. Contingency plans are well underway to ensure that patient safety is maintained during the strike period.

We respect our RMOs’ right to strike. RMOs work extremely hard and care immensely for our patients – they are a highly valued part of our workforce. We know the decision to strike is a very difficult decision for each individual to make.

What you need to know:You can read the latest media release from the 20 DHBs on the industrial action here .

The Nursing and Midwifery Awards recognise the skills and qualities required by nurses and midwives, and celebrate the amazing job they do every day.

Nominations for our 2019 Nursing and Midwifery Awards are now open. Nominations close on 4 March 2019.

Anyone working in health care can nominate a deserving nurse or midwife. 

To find out more about the awards or view winners from previous years, click on the below sections:

Categories and criteria  |   Entry rules  |  2018 winners |  2017 winners 

Categories and criteria

Please make sure you read the criteria carefully and in the nomination form demonstrate how the nurse or midwife you are nominating meets each of the criteria.

All completed nomination forms should be emailed to  NurseMidwifeAwards@adhb.govt.nz .

Aged Residential Care Nursing Award

This will be awarded to a nurse who works in the aged residential care sector

Criteria:

• Acknowledged by peers, residents  and whānau as an excellent nurse within their level and role.
• Involved in new initiatives and quality improvement activities to achieve best practice and improve the resident experience.
• Works in partnership with the resident and their whānau to support them to maintain their quality of life.
• Raises the profile and voice of aged residential care nursing.

Download the nomination form herenomination form here .

Primary Health Care Nursing Award

This award is for an exemplary nurse working in primary care.

Criteria:

• Acknowledged by peers, the primary care team and patients as an excellent nurse
• Takes the lead in new initiatives and quality improvement activities to achieve equitable outcomes and best practice 
• Works in partnership with the patient and their whānau to form working relationships with all disciplines to get the support they need to improve their health and independence
• Works with other providers to improve integration across the whole patient journey
• Raises the profile and voice of primary health care nursing

Download the nomination form here .

Te Kauae Raro Māori Nursing and Midwifery Award

The Te Kauae Raro award recognises Maori Nurses and Midwives who have made a significant contribution to Maori Health in the Auckland DHB hospitals or in the community.

Criteria:

• Angamua- demonstrates leadership skills or actions which positively influence health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori.
• Haere Mai- demonstrates the ability to connect with others and establish effective working relationships with colleagues and caring relationships with whānau, hapu, iwi, urban Māori.
• Manaaki- is a role model to others by being respectful and caring.  Has the ability to empower and care for others through education, mentorship and engagement or research the influences of positive health and wellbeing of Māori.
• Tūhono- demonstrates the ability to encourage and achieve unity and establish collaborative working relationships to improve health and wellbeing outcomes of Maori.

Download the nomination form here.

Pacific Nursing and Midwifery Award

This award acknowledges and recognises significant contributions of an indigenous Pacific nurse or midwife to Pacific health and Pacific nursing. The award is open to any nurse or midwife working in a clinical, leadership, teaching or academic role; in the hospital, the community or primary health services.

Criteria:

• Demonstrates engagement with Pacific communities and actions that influence positive Pacific health outcomes.
• Demonstrates and embrace the Auckland DHB and Pacific values and how this impacts on their care and service provision.
• Role models good leadership qualities and this can include mentorship, clinical supervision, and support of other Pacific nurses.
• Demonstrates collaborative working relations with the wider health and social sector to improve the health and wellbeing of Pacific people and communities.
• Promotes and supports the interests of the wider Pacific nursing community.

Download the nomination form here . 

Entry rules

The following entry rules are applicable:

1. The awards are open to all nurses and midwives working within the Auckland DHB catchment area.
2. Applications can be submitted by individuals or teams but only individuals may receive an award.
3. An individual may be nominated for more than one award if they meet the criteria. A separate application should be submitted for each award.
4. Please complete all sections in the nomination form and provide specific examples for each criteria area. 
   
5. Nominations must comply with entry guidelines and time deadlines.
6. Information provided in any nomination will be held by Auckland DHB for the purpose of assessing the applications and promoting the awards.
7. In submitting a nomination, you consent to the publication of some or all of the information contained within their nomination.

Finalists will be notified in April and invited to the Nursing and Midwifery Awards evening in May where the winners will be revealed. The Nursing and Midwifery Awards evening is made possible through the generous support of the A uckland Health Foundation .

Nursing and Midwifery Award winners and finalists for 2018

Adult Medical Nursing Award

Winner: Anne-Marie Pickering

Finalists: Emma Hill, Rebeka Fastnedge

Cancer and Blood Nursing Award  

Winner: Rosie Howard

Finalists: Metty Mathew, Raewyn Pukas

Cardiovascular Nursing Award

Winner: Helen Richardson

Finalists: Cathy Gasparini, Kathy Hurley

Child Health Nursing Award

Winner: Jane Ronaldson

Finalists: Barishna Zareh, Kathy Yallop

Community and Long Term Conditions Nursing Award

Winner: Raewyn Osbaldiston

Finalists: Terri-Anne Davis, Valerie Cheetham

Mental Health and Addictions Nursing Award

Winner: Brian Sykes

Finalists: Holly Rogers, Ruby Ramos-Dyer

Perioperative Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Francesca Storr

Finalists: Lawrence Carlo Espanol, Sue Cole

Surgical Nursing Award

Winner: Sacha Cowell

Finalists: Elaine Yi, Sowmia Thomas

Women's Health Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Urmila Singh

Finalists: Shenaaz Desai

Aged Residential Care Nursing Award

Winner: Carmen Stadler-Hanekom

Finalists: Myungsook Kang

Primary Health Care Nursing Award

Winner: Sue Matthews

Finalists: Amanda Entwistle, Wendy Qiu

Rotary Trophy of Tradition

Winner: Helen McGrinder

Finalists: Michael Geraghty, Sandy Yam

Judith Philipson Excellence in bedside delivery

Winner: Kelly D’Emmerez de Charmoy

Finalists: Jenny Liew-Siddells

Rotary Ann Craig Memorial Award

Winner: Lois Lingard

Finalists: Jane Ronaldson

Rotary Alastair Macfarlane Memorial Award

Winner: Robin Moss

Finalists: Racheal Magan

Rising Star Award

Winner: Emily (Milly) Lonsdale-Cooper

Finalists: Rebecca Busing, Yu Wan Chang

Pat Butcher Lifelong Learning Award

Winner: Carol Slight

Finalists: Francesca Storr, Margaret Colligan

Leadership Award

Winner: Angela Minto

Finalists: Tracie La, Vito Sestito

Te Kauae Raro Māori Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Dawson Ward

Finalists: Kiri Mokomoko

Pacific Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Unaisi Wainivetau

Finalists: Delvene Steven, Meleseini Kaufusi

Values Award

Winner: Maryanne Offner

Finalists: Claire Koshy, Sophie Atkinson

Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award

Winner: Cathy Gasparini

Finalists: Rebekah Watson, Samantha Cotton

Our Patient’s Local Hero Award

Winner: Demelza Stevens

Finalists: Janice Capstick, Virginia (Ginny) Pringle

Chief Nursing Officer Award

Winner: Terri-Anne Davis

Finalists: Sacha Cowell, Unaisi Wainivetau

Nursing and Midwifery Award winners and finalists for 2017

The winners of the individual Nursing and Midwifery Awards for 2017 were presented at the Awards evening. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists!

Auckland DHB Chief Nursing Officer’s Award

Winner: Elaine Sheirtcliff

Finalists: Angela Minto, Cullum Millar

Adult Community and Long Term Conditions Directorate Award

Winner: Suzanne Werder

Finalists: Ann Giles​, Mata Brown

Adult Medical Directorate Award

Winner: Kamlesh Nand

Finalists: Poonam Kumari, Soloshini Harirajh

Cancer and  Blood Directorate Award​

Winner: Valerie Honeyman

Finalists: Leanne Wilson, Simone McMillan

Cardiovascular Services (D C McMinn) Award​

Winner: Nik Adams

Finalists: Bernie Lightbourne, Elaine Sheirtcliff

Child Health Directorate & Starship Foundation Excellence in Clinical Practice

Winner: Diane Fuller

Finalists: Julie Scott, ​Lydia Markham

Clinical Support Award​

Winner: Sherry Sinclair

Finalist: Charlene Bayley

Mental Health and Addictions Directorate Award​

Winner: Cullum Millar

Finalists: Danny Shiferaw, Matthew Wrightson

Perioperative Nurses's Choice Award – OR

Winner: Elizabeth Kanivatoa

Finalists: Carol Andrew, Jude Fetalino

Perioperative Nurses's Choice Award  – PACU

Winner: Gemma Parker

Finalists: Anna Bostock, Melissa Pilapil

Surgical Directorate Award

Winner: Debbie Perry

Finalists: Megan Connolly, Megan Goudie

Women's Health Nursing and Midwifery Award

Winner: Annette Gage

Finalist: Shenaaz Desai

Aged Residential Home Nursing Award

Winner: Cyrene Jabay

Finalists:​ Abraham Nolasco, Flora Liu

Primary Health Care Nursing Award

Winner: Jayme Kitiona 

Finalists: Cherry Chen, Mele Taufa  

Rotary Alistair McFarlane Memorial Award

Winner: Darlene DeGouzman

Finalist: Paula Albanez

Rotary Anne Craig Medal

Winner: Lucy McKeage

Finalists: Susannah Matthews, Teresa Campbell

Univeristy of Auckland School of Nursing Trophy for Clinical and Academic Leadership

Winner: Jackie Robinson

Finalist: Abel Smith

Cecile Thompson Award in Gerontology

Winner: Soby Mathai

Kim Williams Scholarship for General Medicine

Winner: Michelle Griffen

Finalist:​ MinKyung (MK) Byun

Judith Philipson Excellence in Bedside Delivery Award

Winner: Kristen Pynenburg

Finalists: ​Sarah Maggs, Sue McKnight

T W Bollard Child Health Excellence in Clinical Practice Award

Winner: Caroline Radich     

J M Neil Prize in Otorhinolaryngology

Winner: Kath Honeybone

Finalists: Lyn Russell, Vanessa Anderson

D C Hounsell Prize in Neuroservices

Winner: Lorraine MacDonald

Finalists: Claire Wu, In Kyoung Jeong

W A Fairclough Award in Ophthalmology

Winner: David Garland

Finalists: Arlene Laurenciana, Dena D'Souza

Rotary ​Trophy of Tradition

Winner: Susan Atherton

Finalists: Eileen Gilder, Sandra Almeida

Pat Butcher Lifetime Learning Award

Winner: Heather Spinetto

Finalists: Ann Doran, Jackie Robinson

CEO Award

Fit for the Future | Watch the video

When people look for help regarding their wellbeing, it should be both easy and accessible. They shouldn’t need to go to unfamiliar places, or have to wait for an appointment with someone that speaks to them in clinical terms and jargon.

Fit for the future aims to eliminate these challenges. As a project it brings together people and resources that can provide support, and ensure that there is a connection to the local community, services are easy to navigate, doctors speak in every day terms and in a language understood by the general population and there is support for our community’s social and mental health needs.

This targeted assistance ultimately enhances the patient experience, and allows the medical practitioners to provide the best possible level of care, through an increased level of mutual understanding.

Feedback from both staff and patients has been overwhelmingly positive, and in addition the improved access, reach and overall effectiveness, has created opportunities for significant cost savings.

Team: Camille Gheerbrant, Anna Newton, Brendan Short, Sarah Appleton-Dyer, Sarah Andrews Trish Palmer, Ruth Williams, Johnny O'Connell, Sue Hallwright, David Codyre, Raewyn Allan, Anne Bateman, Jill Moffat, Jane Petraska, Bev Monahan, River Paton, Karla Bergquist, Kristin Good

Finalists:

Kāinga Ora Healthy Homes: Home is where your heart is: Nicky Cranshaw and team  | Watch the videoWatch the video

Connecting and supporting patients with SCAD and takutsabo syndrome: Cathy Gasparini and team   | Watch the videoWatch the video

Excellence in Clinical Care

Valuing the time of our live kidney donors  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

When people agree to become a kidney donor they were admitted to hospital the day prior to surgery. After talking to some of our donors, they said they didn’t feel valued, they felt they spent excessive time waiting and they had a poor night’s sleep before surgery.  They also didn’t like being away from whānau, and felt that they were taking up a hospital bed that they thought was needed for a sick patient.

The transplant team wanted to deliver a better patient experience so introduced day of admission surgery for kidney donors. This has led to a decrease in admission to theatre from an average of about 21 hours to just under two hours. All donors have said this has been a positive experience for them and they definitely prefer this rather than being admitted the day prior to surgery.

This project is a great example of delivering on our values with live kidney donors, enhancing their experience with the added bonus of improving the way we use Auckland DHB clinical resources.

Team: Karyn Lowe, Paul Manley, Ian Dittmer, Helen Pilmore, Michael Collins, Stephen Munn, Helen Whitehouse, Ann Rudolph, Karen Lovelock, Carl MuthuKumaraswamy, Peter Johnston, Sanjay Pandanaboyana, Martin Misur

Finalists:

Orthopaedic patients getting the right care sooner: Desiree McCracken and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Reducing surgical site infections: John Boy Jerry Csapo-Camu and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Optimising Acute Patient Workflow in Emergency CT: Charlotte Cooper and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Excellence in Research

Intrauterine insemination: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

This is the first clinical trial of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with clomiphene citrate to show benefit when compared to expectant management. Two previous studies did not show benefit as they either did not use ovarian stimulation or did not include women who were truly infertile.

Women allocated to three cycles of IUI had more births than those allocated to expectant management (31 of 101 [31%] vs. 9 of 100 [9%], P = 0.0003; RR, 3·41; 95% CI, 1·71 to 6·79). There were two sets of twins, both in the IUI group. The number of women who would need to have three cycles of IUI to result in one additional live birth is five.

These results offer hope to couples trying to conceive as IUI is a simpler treatment than IVF. We hope to show in the future that three cycles of IUI is similar to one completed cycle of IVF.

Team: Professor Cindy Farquhar, Dr Emily Liu, Sarah Armstrong, Nicola Arroll, Sarah Lensen, Julie Brown

Finalist:

Is it Necessary to Fast Before Cardiac Catheterisation? Sheila Bacus and team  |  Watch the video

Excellence in Process and Systems Improvement

Improving the care of cellulitis  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Cellulitis (an acute spreading infection of the skin and tissue) places heavy demands on both clinical resources and patient time. In 2016, Cellulitis ranked second on the list of causes of avoidable hospitalisation for Auckland DHB.  Data suggested (amongst other changes) that if processes across the wards were more streamlined, with only those admitted who couldn’t be administered IV antibiotics in another setting, this would free up both bed space and patient time.

In December 2016 a three day ‘Rapid Improvement Event’ (RIE) brought together key stakeholders from all disciplines, to work on accelerating and implementing changes to the way Cellulitis is managed at Auckland DHB.

Collectively, the RIE team and their process changes resulted in: reduced hospital stay time for patients, significant cost avoidance of more than $800,000 annually, a 12% reduction in patients admitted to the wards, and a significant reduction in the use of IV antibiotics. An independent study by The University of Auckland was also carried out confirming these results.

On-going improvement processes are also in place to continue to review any more complex pathways, ensuring sustained accountability under the medical directorate Management Operating System Process (MOS).

Team: Paul Birch, Dr Stephen Ritchie, Dr Rupert Handy, Bret Vykopal, Julie Hislop, Karen Schimanski, Dr Helen Liley, Dr Jim Kriechbaum, Eamon Duffy, Dr Michael Puttick, Dr Sarah Bell, Dr Gregory Wiggill

Finalists:

Releasing Time to Care: Michelle Knox and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

High Tech Imaging Client Centric Design Initiative in Primary Care: Alexandra Smart and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Best practice can work! A team approach to discharge planning: Andrew Jones and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Excellence in Community Health and Wellbeing

Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Service  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Diabetic foot ulcers are complex wounds that have a major long-term impact on the quality of a patient’s life. Ten out of every 100 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer sometime during their lifetime. A multi-disciplinary approach is shown to be effective in saving limbs and reducing the rate of major amputations.

A multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic including a vascular surgeon, a registrar, nurse specialist, diabetes registrar, orthotist and podiatrist was established to ensure gold standard treatment of patients with foot ulcers. Since the clinic was introduced, the number of admissions and outpatient appointments to heal wounds has reduced.

Major limb amputation has reduced from 27 per cent to 3 per cent, while wound healing rates have increased from 69 per cent to 90 per cent.  This is has led to a big improvement in patient outcomes and has also reduced costs to the health system.

Team: Alicia Sutton, Venu Bhamidi, Michelle Garrett, Alexandra Noble-Beasley, Kara Hamilton, Shraddha Rasal, Sue Perrin, Andrea Connell, Steve York

Finalists:

Kāinga Ora Healthy Homes: Home is where your heart is: Nicky Cranshaw and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Increasing Community Immunity: Jean McQueen and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Orthopaedic patients getting the right care sooner: Desiree McCracken and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Excellence in the Workplace

Releasing Time to Care  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

In 2009, nurses were spending approximately 35 per cent of their time with patients. The remainder was spent on non-direct care activities, e.g. administration and searching for equipment. This had the potential to lead to sub-optimal care, reduced patient experience and lower employee satisfaction. Releasing Time to Care was introduced to help deliver better quality of care for patients, improving both the patient and employee experience.

In 2018, the average direct care time is 58 per cent, with 51 wards and services on the programme. Overall there has been a 23 per cent increase in direct care - that equates to 175,000 additional hours spent with patients over a year. 

Releasing Time to Care has also enabled us to give patients, whānau and staff a voice on how they want to be taken care of and how we can make Auckland DHB a better place to work.

Team: Margaret Dotchin, Michelle Knox, Michelle Griffen, Erin Ward, Abbi Harwood-Tobin

To Thrive  |  Watch the video

Auckland DHB’s TO THRIVE programme is a series of initiatives specifically targeted to support our lower income employees to:

• Maximise their income through access to job specific training, financial capability education and career pathways within Auckland DHB.

• Improve their health and wellbeing through access to a number of free initiatives, including health checks and by enhancing working conditions.

The programme is unique to Auckland DHB and sets up apart from other employers. The programme aims to increase employee satisfaction, engagement and improve workplace culture. TO THRIVE directly contributes to Auckland DHB’s vision of healthy communities, addressing within our own workplace the link between alleviating poverty and improving health.

Team: Alex Pimm, Melissa Russek, Anita Jordan, Sue Turk, Rama Narayan, Adele Thomas, Dinesh Sundararaj, Alberto Lenzi, Neil Browne, Maxine Stead

Finalists:

Joy at Work: Harshna Mistry and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

askHR: Ash Ford and team  |  Watch the videoWatch the video

Individual Living our Values Award

Jan Curtis, Therapy Assistant

Jan works as a Therapy Assistant in the Musculoskeletal Team. She is the glue that holds the outpatient physiotherapy team together. She is quiet and unassuming but gets things done. Jan is very inclusive, and makes everyone she meets feel special and valued. 

Knowing that Jan is around and willing to go the extra mile, makes it a lot easier for the team. She is quick to identify when things aren’t going well and makes sure any issues are escalated appropriately; always a ready and able shoulder, for staff to use if needed. 

Jan is a key part of the knee replacement class. She knows all the patients who attend and is encouraging, genuinely caring about how they are doing.  A patient recently recognised Jan for her warmth and professionalism, and fondly referred to the team there as ‘Jan’s gang’. 

Finalists:

Emmeline Croft, Community Engagement Advisor SafeKids Aotearoa

Michelle Knox, Nursing Performance Improvement Team

Rosie Banbury, Cleaner

Team Living our Values Award

Living our values with Turehou Māori Wardens Ki Otara Trust

An approach by Turehou Māori Wardens Ki Otara Trust saw them partner with Auckland Regional Public Health’s (ARPHs) on alcohol work— the partnership a reflection of ARPHS respect of the Wardens as Treaty partners.

The partnership sees the Wardens providing Maori cultural insight regarding potential neighbourhood impact and equity, including geographically pin pointing areas as priorities for alcohol-harm related work and compliance.

The valued partnership means consultation with the Wardens is now a mandatory part of ARPHS Alcohol regulatory Protocol. Equally, ARPHS has helped to establish the Warden’s credibility as an important voice with the District Licensing Committee (DLC).

The partnership sees the two organisations effectively sharing information, including the Warden’s review of ARPHS strategy and policy from an equity viewpoint.

ARPHS is supporting the Trust in a number of ways to reduce inequities, particularly through helping to build community capability. One example is ARPHS support in developing the Warden’s skills in evidence collection and presentation— a necessary skill for opposing proposed licencing by the DLC,  and supporting the Wardens’ Te Tiriti claims.

The Ministry of Health has said this is possibly the first partnership and development model of its kind in New Zealand.

Finalists:

Recruitment Team

Regional Youth Forensics

District Nursing- Maungarei locality

Orthoptist

Every day of the year, Auckland District Health Board (DHB) brings together thousands of people to deliver world-class healthcare for our communities. More than 11,000 people are directly employed by the Auckland DHB and many others work in collaboration with us as volunteers, contractors, suppliers and professional partners.

Our values

Welcome, Haere Mai – We see you, we welcome you as a person.

Respect, Manaaki– We respect, nurture and care for each other.

Together, Tūhono– We are a high performing team - colleagues, patients and families.

Aim high, Angamua –  We aspire to excellence and the safest care.

Our promise

As employers and employees, we make promises to each other when we decide to work together. As an employer, we are aiming to make it easy for our people to do their life’s best work at Auckland DHB. We want our workforce to be a shining example of a happy, healthy, high performing community.

In return, we promise our people:

• outstanding professional and personal development opportunities,
• that we’ll champion and support their physical and mental wellbeing,
• and we’ll be transparent and fair to ensure we can all live our values and commitments.

The Auckland DHB People Strategy outlines our goals and ambitions, and the steps we’re taking to ensure we are a great place to work.

Celebrating diversity

Rainbow Tick

Auckland DHB is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer offering a range of internal networks including a rainbow network to support our people.  

Networks such as this provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share, celebrate and value the diverse world we live and work in.  

We are delighted to have been awarded the Rainbow Tick by the external certification organisation. Being a part of the Rainbow Tick community is a way of ensuring Auckland DHB continually improves our processes, our environment and our culture, to be a great place to work for all our employees, however they identify: race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Diversity Works

At Auckland DHB we celebrate the rich diversity we have in our team and in the population we serve. Valuing and promoting inclusion is part of who we are.

When you work with us you can bring your whole self to work knowing that we welcome and support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disability and religions.  This includes recognising and supporting our Rainbow Community - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui and intersex (LGBTTI+).

Having a workforce that reflects our community is important to us and it’s important to our patients. Seeing others with similar backgrounds our patients know they can be their authentic selves and that we will treat them with dignity and respect. Research shows, this results in better health outcomes for our patients, community, and whānau.

Accessibility Tick

Auckland DHB is committed to providing an inclusive work place where everyone is accepted for who they are and are supported to do their life’s best work.

Auckland DHB was one of the first organisations in New Zealand to be awarded the Accessibility Tick. A programme helping employers be part of the solution in creating a more accessible and inclusive New Zealand for people with disabilities.

By signing up to the Accessibility Tick we have made a commitment and have a plan to continue to get accessibility right.

 To find out more visit the Accessibility Tick website

Interested in working with us?

See our latest vacancies on the Auckland DHB careers website or www.kiwihealthjobs.com .

We’re a Good Employer

Auckland DHB is an active and committed participant in the New Zealand Human Rights Commission’s Good Employer programme, and we are proud of our track record of improvement and high achievement. For the second year in a row, we received a 100 per cent rating in the 2016 report.

You can read the full report for Auckland DHB in 2016 here.

Celebrating our people

We have just published the 2016 edition of ‘Celebrating Our People’ , a booklet which provides an opportunity to acknowledge and share the fantastic achievements of our people. Take the time to have a look through and see stories of innovation, achievement, loyalty and professionalism.

This booklet cannot describe the whole story, we have many everyday heroes emplyed at Auckland DHB and you are ALL truly appreciated for the work you do. 

You can also see the 2015 edition here.

Our employee engagement

In late 2016, we surveyed our employees to measure their engagement and satisfaction with Auckland DHB. The results of the survey help guide where we need to focus our efforts to achieve the Auckland DHB strategy and goals, through a better experience at work for our people.

57 per cent of our people responded to the survey, and they reported a 77 per cent employee engagement result.

They also told us we have strengths, and opportunities for improvement:

 Strengths

• Our purpose, values and objectives are clear to people – there is a clear sense of direction and people are clear about their individual roles.
• Teamwork is the cornerstone of safe healthcare: people report that individual teams work well together and colleagues are helpful, friendly and welcoming to each other.
• 78 per cent of people feel safe to speak up when there is an error or an issue – indicating a strong safety culture, with some room for improvement.

Opportunities

• The need to review workloads and check on our people’s health and wellbeing; and on quality of patient care.
• People would like to see more positive behaviours between colleagues, and more visible and supportive leadership and management.
• We can make further improvements in team-working and working between teams and services.

 Action planning is underway across the organisation to strengthen the good things already happening for our people, and make improvements where required.  

Six weekly meeting cycle

Week 1 – ADHB Finance, Risk and Assurance Committee and HAC.
Week 2 – WDHB Audit and Finance Committee and HAC.
Week 3 – MHAC or CPHAC and DiSAC*.
Week 4 – ADHB Board.
Week 5 – WDHB Board.
Week 6 – No regular meetings scheduled.

Venues

Grafton– A+ Trust Room, Clinical Education Centre, Level 5, Auckland City Hospital
SDR– Sir Douglas Robb Board Room, Level 7, Building 14, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Greenlane
WDHBMD – Waitemata District Health Board, Boardroom, Level 1, 15 Shea Terrace, Takapuna– Marion Davis Library, Building 43, Auckland City Hospital, Grafton

In 2018, Auckland thumbnail="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/682913767_640.jpg?r"]http://vimeo.com/255484997/d58afcfddc[/embed]Auckland DHB contactedis contacting all patients who have had undergone open heart surgery in which foreign material has been implanted (such as an artificial heart valve) at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Hospital or MercyAscot in the previouspast five years.

In a small number of cases, international regulators have found that the heater-cooler devices that are used to control the patient’s bodytemperature during these operations have been linked to infection caused by a bacteria commonly found in soil and water.

The risk of infection is very small (about 1 in 5000 open heart operations) but as a precautionary measure the approximately 5900 patients throughout New Zealand who have had these surgeries since 2013 are being contacted.

Patients who are part of this group will receive a letter explaining the situation and providing them with advice for the unlikely event that they become unwell. If you have had this sort of cardiac surgery at a hospital elsewhere in New Zealand, you will receive a letter from that DHB.

This is an international issue; so far one case of infection has been found in New Zealand and has been successfully treated. There is no risk to the family or friends of patients, or to the general public of contracting this infection from exposed patients.

Patients are advised to see their GP if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Unexplained fevers or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Pain in the chest, and/or swelling, redness or pus around the site of surgery
• Increased shortness of breath
• Joint or muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

These symptoms can take months or years from the time of the operation to develop.

Heater-cooler devices used in New Zealand hospitals have been checked, and cleaned or replaced as needed.. A rigorous system is in place to ensure the chance of future patients being  exposed to the bacteria is significantly reduced.

Find out more:

• Read our frequently asked questions
• Watch senior clinicians and a parent talk about the issue
• Talk to your GP
• Call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116. Healthline has interpreters available 24/7.
• You can contact us directly on heartsurgeryquestions@adhb.govt.nz

Frequently asked questions

What is the bacteria called?

• The bacteria is called Mycobacterium chimaera and it is common in our environment, including in soil and water. It very rarely causes infections in healthy people.

How can a patient become infected?

• During some types of cardiac surgery, a machine called a heater-cooler device is used to keep a patient’s body at the right temperature during the operation.
• The bacteria has been found in some of these heater-cooler devices, and in a very small number of cases this has caused an infection in the patient having surgery.
• Mycobacterium chimaera infection cannot be spread from person-to-person so there is no risk to a patient’s family or friends or the general public.

What is the risk of becoming infected?  How many cases have there been in NZ?

• The risk of infection from this bacterium is very small (about 1 in 5000 open heart  operations).
• So far one case has been found in New Zealand and has been successfully treated.
• Your surgical team will have explained that there is always a risk of infection associated with any cardiac surgery. Infections can occur many months or even several years after surgery.
• Although the risk is extremely low, it is important we ensure our patients and their families are well informed as a precautionary measure.

What signs of infection should I look for?

Patients who receive a letter from us are advised to see their GP if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Unexplained fevers or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Pain in the chest, and/or swelling, redness or pus around the site of surgery
• Increased shortness of breath
• Joint or muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

These symptoms can take months or years from the time of the operation to develop.

What should I do if I think I (or my child) may be infected?

• Patients experiencing any one or more of the symptoms above please see your primary health care provider / GP as soon as possible.
• Please keep your letter handy in case you need to see your primary health care provider / GP about this issue in the future.
• You can also call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116.
• You can also email us directly at heartsurgeryquestions@adhb.govt.nz

Should I (or my child) be tested for this infection?

• No, testing for this infection is only useful in the event that you or your child develop the symptoms listed above. There is no test available to detect this infection before symptoms develop.
• The best way to protect yourself (or your child) is to see your GP if you have any of the symptoms outlined above.
• If you (or your child) feel well, there is nothing you need to do right now.

What has been done to prevent this issue?

• We are working hard to ensure that this issue is prevented in the future.
• Our Heater-cooler devices have been checked and have either been cleaned or replaced as needed. A rigorous system is in place, including regular laboratory monitoring, to ensure the chance of future patients being  exposed to the bacteria is significantly reduced.
• This is a known international issue, not restricted to New Zealand, and we are sharing information with clinicians in other countries.

If I (or my child) have an infection, how would this be treated?

• If an infection is confirmed your (or your child’s) clinical team will discuss treatment options. These may include the use of antibiotics and / or further surgery.
• So far one case has been found in New Zealand and was successfully treated.

Am I (or my child) at risk with future surgeries?

• . All cardiac surgery carries the risk of infection, but we have a rigorous system in place to ensure patients now and in the future have an even lower chance of being exposed to Mycobacterium chimaera bacteria than in the past..

Who can I talk to for further information?

• The best person to talk to is your GP or primary care provider
• We working closely with Healthline and you can also call them for advice on 0800 611 116 Healthline has interpreters available 24/7.
• You can also email us directly at heartsurgeryquestions@adhb.govt.nz

Informational videos

Dr Josh Freeman explains where the infection originates

Dr Mark Edwards, explains the chances and symptoms of infection for heart patients

Dr Kirsten Finucane explains what the infection means for child heart patients

Lucy Smith talks about her reaction to the news as a parent 

Your rights

We want to work together with you so that you receive the best healthcare possible. When you are in our care, you have the following rights:

• To be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
• To make your own decisions about your care and treatment.
• To be able to change your mind about aspects of your care.
• To be asked for your consent (verbal or written) before we carry out any treatment or procedure. (Note, we may take into account the views of your family or whanau if you are not able to communicate with us).
• To have your cultural needs respected.
• To be made aware of the choices you have for your treatment, including the benefits and risks involved. (Note, in medical emergencies this may not always be possible).
• To be communicated with in a way that you understand. To be offered an interpreter, if necessary.
• To have all treatments, tests or procedures clearly explained to you.
• To have your personal information kept confidential.
• To have a family member or support person accompany you (for safety reasons this may not always be possible).

These rights also apply if you are asked to take part in a research study or teaching session for training staff. These rights are based on the  Code of Health and Disability Consumer’s Rights . A full copy of these rights is available on the  Health and Disability Commissioner’s website

For printable PDF versions of  Your Rights patient brochures click below:

• Tongan
• Samoan
• Māori
• Korean
• Hindi
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• English
• English – large print
• Youth-friendly version

Children & Young Person's Code of Rights

Starship Children's Health has developed the  Children and Young Persons' Code of Rights for children and young people.

Health & disability advocacy

The Health Advocates' Trust provides a free, independent advocacy service to help people ensure their rights are respected. Phone 0800 555 050 or 09 623 5799 for the Auckland office.

The Health and Disability Commissioner is an independent government agency set up to promote and protect the rights of consumers who use health and disability services; help resolve problems between consumers and providers of health and disability services; and improve the quality of health care and disability services.  Visit the website for more information about your rights or call them directly on phone 0800 11 22 33 or 09 373 1060 for their Auckland office.

Your privacy

To care for you in the best way possible our doctors, nurses and other health professionals directly associated with your care need to view your health information. Other Auckland DHB staff may need to view your information for administration, quality improvement activities, teaching and, in some cases, for medical research. We will always:

• Keep your personal information confidential.
• Let you view your records.
• Acknowledge your request for corrections to your records.
• Acknowledge your request not to release your information.

Your health information may be disclosed to another health provider involved in your treatment or where authorised by law. For further information about the privacy of your information, you can call the Auckland DHB Privacy Officer on: 09 367 0000.

How you can help us:

• Being actively involved in your treatment and care.
• Sharing with us any information that will help us with your care and treatment.
• Being sensitive to the needs and privacy of others in our care.
• Being respectful to our staff and our property.
• Respecting our no-smoking policy.

Sharing information about you

We have a patient enquiries number (09 375 4300). We only give out information about the ward that a particular patient is in and their general condition. If you are a patient and do not want this information shared, please tell a nurse.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files. Many are large (over 500KB) and may take a while to download. If you are experiencing blank pages when opening PDF files, please either upgrade your browser to the latest version, or right click on one of the links and choose "save target as", click "save" and then "click open".

2018

Auckland District Health Board

• 19 December - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 7 November 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 26 September 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 15 August 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 4 July 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 23 May 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 11 April 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 28 February 2018 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 28 November 2018 - Agenda + previous minutes
• 17 October 2018 - Agenda + previous minutes
• 5 September 2018 - Agenda + previous minutes
• 25 July 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 June 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting mintues
• 2 May 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes 
• 21 March 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 February 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 28 November - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 June - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 14 March 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 21 November 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 29 August 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 June 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 4 April 2018 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2017

Auckland District Health Board

• 22 February 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 5 April 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 17 May 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 28 June 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 9 August 2017 - Agenga + previous Board meeting minutes
• 20 September 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 1 November 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 13 December 2017 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 1 February (cancelled)
• 15 March 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 26 April 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 June 2017 - Agenda + prevoius meeting minutes
• 19 July 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 30 August 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 11 October 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 22 November 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 29 March 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 21 June 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 September 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 December 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes 

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 29 March 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 21 June 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 6 December 2017 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2016

Auckland District Health Board

• 17 February 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 30 March 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 11 May 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 22 June 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 3 August 2016 - Agenda + prevoius Board meeting minutes
• 7 September 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 26 October 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes
• 7 December 2016 - Agenda + previous Board meeting minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 17 February 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 30 March 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 11 May 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 22 June 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 3 August 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 September 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 26 October 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 7 December 2016 Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 3 February 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes 
• 16 March 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 27 April 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 20 July 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 31 August 2016 -  Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 12 October 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 23 November 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 9 March 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 1 June 2016 -   Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 13 July 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 24 August 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes
• 16 November 2016 - Agenda + previous meeting minutes

2015

Auckland District Health Board

• 18 February 2015 - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 1 April 2015 - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 22 April 2015 Special Board Meeting - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 13 May 2015 - Agenda + previous meeting Minutes
• 24 June 2015 -   Agenda + Minutes
• 5 August 2015  - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 September 2015  - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 October 2015  - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 December 2015 - Agenda + Minutes - Part 1
• 9 December 2015 - Part 2

Hospital Advisory Committee 

• 18 February 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 April 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 13 May 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 24 June 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 August 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 September 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 October 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 December 2015 - Agenda + Minutes

Community and Public Health Advisory Committee

• 4 February 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 March 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 29 April 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 10 June 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 22 July 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 September 2015  - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 October 2015  - Agenda + Minutes
• 25 November 215  - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 11 March 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 June 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 26 August 2015 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 November 2015 - Agenda + Minutes

 2014

Auckland District Health Board

• 19 February 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 April 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 May 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 25 June 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 August 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 17 September 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 29 October 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 10 December 2014 - Agenda + Minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 19 February 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 April 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 May 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 25 June 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 August  2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 17 September 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 29 October - Agenda + Minutes
• 10 December - Agenda + Minutes

Community & Public Health Advisory Committee

• 5 February 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 19 March 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 30 April 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 11 June 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 30 July 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 September 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 October 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 26 November 2014 - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 12 March 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 4 June 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 27 August 2014 - Agenda + Minutes
• 19 November (cancelled)

2013

Auckland District Health Board

• 20 February 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 April 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 May 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 26 June 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 August 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 September 2013 - Agenda + Minutes + Supplementary Agenda + Minutes
• 9 October 2013 - Agenda + Minutes (special meeting)
• 30 October 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 11 December 2013 - Agenda + Minutes +  Special Meeting Agenda + Minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 20 February 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 April 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 May 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 26 June 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 August  2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 September 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 30 October 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 11 December 2013 - Agenda + Minutes

Community & Public Health Advisory Committee

• 13 February 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 March 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 12 June 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 24 July 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 4 September 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 October 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 27 November 2013 - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 13 March 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 June 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 August 2013 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 November 2013 - Agenda + Minutes

2012

Auckland District Health Board

• 15 February 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 March 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 May 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 June 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 August 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 September 2012 - Agenda + Minutes 
• 24 October 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 December 2012 - Agenda + Minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 15 February 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 28 March 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 May 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 June 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 August  2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 12 September 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 24 October 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 December 2012 - Agenda + Minutes

Community & Public Health Advisory Committee

• 1 February 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 March 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 May 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 June 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 July 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 29 August 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 0 October 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 21 November 2012 - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 7 March 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 30 May 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 22 August 2012 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 November 2012 - Agenda + Minutes

2011

Auckland District Health Board

• 2 February 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 March 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 April 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 4 May 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 June 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 July 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 August 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 September 2011 - Agenda + Minutes 
• 5 October 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 November 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 December 2011 - Agenda + Minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 2 February 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 March 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 April 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 4 May 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 June 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 July 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 August 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 September 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 October 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 November 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 December 2011 - Agenda + Minutes

Community & Public Health Advisory Committee

• 16 February 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 March 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 April 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 May 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 June 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 July 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 10 August 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 September 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 12 October 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 9 November 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 14 December 2011 - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 16 February 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 April 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 June 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 21 September 2011 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 November 2011 - Agenda + Minutes

2010

Auckland District Health Board

• 3 February 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 March 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 April 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 May 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 June 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 July 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 4 August 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 September 2010 - Agenda + Minutes 
• 6 October 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 November 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 December 2010 - Agenda + Minutes

Hospital Advisory Committee

• 3 February 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 March 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 April 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 5 May 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 June 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 7 July 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 4 August 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 1 September 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 6 October 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 3 November 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 2 December 2010 - Agenda + Minutes

Community & Public Health Advisory Committee

• 27 January 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 17 February 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 17 March 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 21 April 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 19 May 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 June 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 21 July 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 September 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 20 October 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 17 November 2010 - Agenda + Minutes

Disability Support Advisory Committee

• 18 February 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 March 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 13 May 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 15 July 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 16 September 2010 - Agenda + Minutes
• 18 November 2010 - Agenda + Minutes

MERAS industrial action 

Some of our Midwives who are members of MERAS (Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service) are taking part in industrial action from 9am to 9pm on Monday 11 February 2019.

If you are pregnant and have questions or concerns please talk to your Lead Maternity Carer (your midwife or obstetrician).  

Midwives are a highly valued part of our workforce, committed to caring for women and their babies. We respect their right to take industrial action.

Below is some information to reassure you.

Information for patients and whānau

Who do I contact if I have any concerns during the periods of strike action?

During the strike period your safety is our top priority.  If you have any concerns contact your lead maternity carer (midwife or obstetrician) first or your GP. If you are in labour contact your lead maternity carer or follow the advice you have been given. Please be assured we are here to care for you during this time. As always, in an emergency call 111.

Should I still come in for my appointment?

If you have an appointment scheduled on Monday 11 February please attend your appointment UNLESS we have been in touch to say we are rescheduling your appointment.  Please be assured all the people needed to complete your procedure safely and to care for you will be here during this time. Your safety is our absolute priority.

If your appointment does need to be rescheduled we thank you for your understanding and patience.

What if I go into labour during the strike?

Just as you would at any other time, contact your lead maternity carer or follow the advice you have been given. As always, in an emergency call 111.

What if I’m in hospital during the periods of strike action?

Please be assured there will be a team of people caring for you whilst in hospital. Your safety will always be our top priority.

Does the strike affect Birthcare?

No, Birthcare will continue to operate as normal.

Within Auckland DHB, we have well over 400 volunteers working in fixed volunteer positions across Auckland City Hospital, Starship, Te Whetu Tawera and Greenlane Clinical Centre. They generously give their time, skills and energy to our patients and their families: from our Blue Coat Ambassadors who meet and greet patients and visitors, to our Hospital Grandparents and Companion Volunteers who work one-on-one with patients and provide caring support. Our volunteers are critically important to our DHB and to the people we serve.

The Volunteer Centre run by our volunteers management team offers you on the job training and ongoing support, as well as a car park and food voucher for each shift. In some volunteering roles you may also get the chance to hear from experienced health professionals regarding various topics related to Volunteering roles. If you're interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers please chose from one of our available volunteer positions . Before applying for one of our positions, please check our  frequently asked questions.

There are also a number of externally run volunteer services which are listed here .

Corporate Volunteering: Please note that we are not able to offer short-term, single day volunteering for groups or individuals.

Auckland DHB volunteer positions

• Administration volunteer (no vacancies)
• Administration Volunteer: writer for monthly newsletter (no vacancies)
• Blue Coats Ambassador Services Auckland City Hospital  Apply now
  
• Blue Coats Ambassador Services Greenlane Clinical Centre Apply now
• Companion Volunteers  Apply now
• Starship Family Support Volunteers (no vacancies)
• Starship Hospital Grandparents (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Information Desk (no vacancies)
  
• Starship Play and Recreation Department - (no vacancies)
• Starship Toy Library   Apply now
  
• Starship School assistant volunteers - (no vacancies) - 
  Apply now
• Starship Pet programme - (no vacancies)
  
• Auckland City Mental Health Unit - Te Whetu Tawera - Musicians**

For further information please contactLindy Lely by email.

**To apply for the musicians posting at Te Whetu Tawera please contact Julie Hagan at jhagan@adhb.govt.nz or ring on 021 270 2114 mobile.

Volunteer position descriptions

Administration volunteers

From time-to-time, administration volunteers are required to support a staff member or to work in the Volunteer Centre. This role is supportive and requires a helpful and practical attitude. The desired skills are:

• General office skills (filing, photocopying, data entry, taking phone messages and responding to emails).
• Competence with computers.
• Keeping brochures and booklets updated.
• Special projects.

Shift information: Flexible, to suit your lifestyle

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Administration Volunteer: Writer for monthly newsletter 

This role is to assist the volunteer manager in putting the monthly Auckland DHB volunteers' newsletters together. This newsletter has a large readership within Auckland DHB and therefore we are looking for a person with creative writing skills and experience with page design. 

Shift information: Flexible to suit your lifestyle. 

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Blue Coats Ambassador Service for Auckland City Hospital 

Can you relate to coming into the hospital, not knowing where to go to see a loved one or how to get to an appointment? Become a beloved Blue Coat and help make a difference to how we meet and greet visitors and patients at Auckland City Hospital. If your warm smile and lifetime experience to customer service and people skills are second to none, become part of our team! We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Auckland City Hospital Shift times are:

Monday to Friday        

• 09:00am - 12.30pm                                                                          
• 12:30pm - 04:00pm                                                                      
• 04:00pm - 07:30pm                        

Saturday                    

• 11:00am - 02:30pm          

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Blue Coats Ambassador Service for Greenlane Clinical Centre

Can you relate to coming into the hospital, not knowing how to get to an appointment? Become a beloved Blue Coat and help make a difference to how we meet and greet visitors and patients. At Greelane Clinical Centre which is a day-clinic, you will be mostly dealing with day-stay patients and their families. If your warm smile and lifetime experience to customer service and people skills are second to none, become part of our team! We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Greenlane Clinical Centre Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 08:00am - 12:00pm 
• 12:00pm - 04:00pm      

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Starship Information Desk

This volunteer service provides non-medical assistance to patients, parents, other relatives and visitors to the hospital. Their role is to meet and greet patients/families on arrival and to offer assistance to get them to clinics, wards and other facilities as required.  Often people coming into the hospital are under stress and need reassurance and helpful assistance.

These volunteers come in for a minimum of two shifts per week, however some volunteers prefer to do several shifts each week and these are welcomed. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10:00 - 01:00pm
• 01:00 - 04:00pm

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Companion Volunteers 

Are you looking to brighten someone’s day? Join our friendly team of Companion Volunteers working with patients from older people’s health and all ages rehabilitation wards at Auckland City Hospital.

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with patients, in group settings and one-on-one, through a wide variety of activities including: playing games, arts and crafts, conversations, meal times, reading or speech practice. You’ll be making a real difference to our patients’ experience.

We’ll offer you training, ongoing support and a car park- and food voucher after each shift. You’ll also get the chance to hear from experienced health professionals about topics like speech therapy and dementia.

If you are 18 years or over, have amazing communication and interpersonal skills, then we would love to hear from you! You’ll need to be able to commit to a minimum period of 6 months, for at least one shift a week.

Shift times are:

Monday to Saturday

• 10:30am - 01:30pm

Monday to Friday (evenings)

• 4:00pm - 7:00pm

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Starship Family support volunteers

These volunteers provide support, orientation and companionship for parents and caregivers, particularly those from other geographical areas and DHBs. By referral, volunteers are available to spend time with families who are experiencing additional stress, such as waiting for their child to have an operation. Family support volunteers should be confident, friendly and outgoing; have a helpful and willing approach to people; be sensitive and caring and have a good general knowledge of the area and public transport system. We ask that you commit to one shift per week for a minimum period of 12 months, due to the time it takes to get through the recuitment screening and your probation time.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10am – 12pm + flexible options

Musicians (Vacancies Available) - The Auckland City Mental Health Unit - Te Whetu Tawera

Do you play guitar, piano, flute, violin, harp, ukulele or any other musical instrument? The Auckland City Mental Health Unit  - Te Whetu Tawera - is wanting volunteers to come and play for people who are in the Hospital. You don't have to be a professional musician, just someone who plays proficiently and who enjoys sharing their music with others. People who come into the Unit say that the music is calming and helps them to relax. The hours are flexible, you will be very well supported by the Coordinator and a group training session is held before you start. We are located in the Auckland City Hospital grounds - Building 35, next to the Auckland Domain.  Please note that all our Volunteers have to be 18 years old or over. 

If this sounds like something you might like to do, please email Julie Hagan at jhagan@adhb.govt.nz or ring on 021 270 2114 mobile.

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Starship Pet Programme

Pet Therapy Programme volunteers facilitate the visits of especially selected and trained SPCA therapy pets and their pet owners onto the Starship Hospital wards. The role of the Pet Therapy volunteer on Auckland DHB’s side is to team up with the SPCA volunteer and their dog and to guide them to the Starship wards, organise the visits from the children and ensure hand hygiene at all times. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role. We aim to have a strong, committed team. Volunteers need to:

• Be comfortable around animals.
• Have previous recent experience with children.
• Be tactful, sensitive, non judgmental and mature.
• Be comfortable in a hospital setting.
• Be organised and confident.
• Be able to deal with stress.

Shift times are:

Wednesday

• 1.15 - 2.45pm

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Starship School assistant volunteers

School assistant volunteers assist qualified teachers in the on-site hospital school, providing one-on-one help to children in the classroom. Suitably trained and vetted volunteers may visit children in their rooms. School volunteers must have recent experience with children. Recent experience in the classroom may be an advantage but is not essential. We are looking for flexible self-starters, who are patient, tactful and non judgemental, can commit time on a regular and ongoing basis and be willing to maintain the cleanliness of equipment as required.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday

• 10am – 11.45am
• 1.30pm – 2.15pm

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Starship Hospital Grandparents

The Hospital Grandparents are carefully selected volunteers who provide regular caring support, on a one-on-one basis, for children and families. Hospital Grandparents care mainly for children whose families cannot be with them all the time, long-term patients and children from out of town. All contact is on a referral basis.  Grandparents are sometimes required to be with children while they undergo procedures such as x-rays, blood transfusions and chemotherapy. The role of a grandparent can be emotionally demanding but is usually also very rewarding.  We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role. We aim to have a strong, committed team.  If you can tick the boxes on the criteria below than we love to receive your application.

• Have a good level of experience with children and have a genuine love for them.
• Be patient, tactful, mature, flexible and non judgemental.
• Be able to form good relationships with family and staff.
• Be good listeners.
• Be able to commit to shifts on a regular and ongoing basis.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday 

• 9.40am–12.00pm

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Starship play and recreation department

Play and recreation volunteers require prior experience with children. They help provide play and recreational activities in ward and outpatient playrooms under the supervision of hospital play therapists. Suitably trained and vetted volunteers may sometimes visit children in their rooms with the charge nurse's permission and play specialist's supervision. We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the role.

Duties may include:

• Play and interaction with children under the supervision of a play specialist.
• Making resources for art activities.
• Cleaning toys and furniture after each play session.
• Checking stock in store rooms.
• Photocopying.

Shift times are:

Monday to Friday 

• Flexible hours between 09:00am and 04:00pm

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Starship Toy Library

Volunteers provide a service delivering toys, games and activities to children in the wards Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  We ask that you commit to a minimum of one shift per week for one year, as it can take some time to become familiar with the site. We aim to have a strong, committed team. If you can tick the boxes on the following criteria we love to receive your application.

• Have previous recent experience with children.
• Have good organisational skills.
• Be confident, tactful, non judgemental and flexible.
• Be comfortable in a hospital setting.
• Be willing to clean toys and games.
• Be able to commit to at least four hours, one day a week.

Shift times are:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• 9am - 12noon

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Externally run volunteer positions

Chaplaincy assistants

Our chaplaincy assistants work with our professionally trained chaplains to provide pastoral care and spiritual support of our patients, their family/whānau and hospital staff. Chaplaincy care is offered to all who wish to receive it within our sites. Both the chaplains and chaplaincy assistants are employed by the Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa New Zealand (ICH) . Volunteer chaplaincy assistants must be members of good standing with their denominational church or organisation. They are required to participate in a training programme which includes a 20-hour programme held over 10 weeks. This covers a range of knowledge and skills required to begin work in the wards. Chaplaincy assistants work under the supervision of a chaplain. A minimum of two hours a week is asked of our volunteer staff. Ongoing education and professional support are offered regularly to enhance our volunteers' knowledge and skills.

For those considering being a volunteer chaplaincy assistant or those who would like to return to volunteer with our team, please contact our Chaplaincy Coordinator Rev Young Jun You on 021 916 569 or  email.

Cancer Society volunteers

Oncology support

Having cancer treatment can be a challenging experience. To help make it a little easier, the Cancer Society has a team of volunteers working in the Auckland City Hospital Oncology Department. These volunteers complement the support given by hospital staff and help provide a supportive and positive experience for people having cancer treatment and those accompanying them by:

• Welcoming patients and their supporters to the Oncology Centre and helping them find their way around.
• Offering tea, coffee and a friendly chat.
• Providing information about the support offered by the Cancer Society and guiding people to hospital staff for support and information.

Oncology support volunteers, also known as 'Yellow Shirts', receive ongoing training and support from the Cancer Society. They can be identified by their bright yellow t-shirts, Cancer Society lanyard and hospital identity card.

Volunteer drivers

Cancer Society volunteer drivers pick people up from their homes, take them to their cancer treatment and return them home again. For some people cancer treatment can be an ongoing journey - on a daily basis for many weeks, even months. Many people are too unwell to drive themselves or find it difficult to rely on family and friends for such a long period of time. The Cancer Society's Volunteer Driving Service helps relieve stress on patients and their families during what is already a difficult time, and ensures they are able to attend all of their appointments. The volunteer driving office is located in the Radiation Therapy Department at Auckland City Hospital and is home to the Cancer Society's volunteer co-ordinators.

To find out more about becoming a Cancer Society volunteer please call 09 308 0496,  email  or  visit their website .

Friends of the Emergency Department

These volunteers provide comfort, information and non-clinical support to patients and family while they're waiting for or undergoing treatment in the emergency department. The work involves:

• Sitting, listening to and talking with patients or helping them find things like a magazine or telephone.
• Assisting relatives in family whānau rooms.
• Keeping a reassuring eye on patients in the waiting room.
• Assisting with dependent relatives and/or children.
• Helping out with the delivery and serving of meals and cups of tea and making beds.
• Assisting with the general tidiness of public areas.
• Key requirements include excellent communication skills, a compassionate and caring nature, tact and sensitivity, and an appreciation of different cultures and age groups.

If you have what it takes to become a Friend of the Emergency Department, phone St John on 0800 780 780.

Radio Lollipop

Radio Lollipop is an independent international not-for-profit organisation, founded in the UK. It provides play and radio programmes in Starship Hospital five evenings a week. One evening is specifically for adolescents. Volunteers visit the children in the wards with games and activities and occasionally organise theme evenings and special guests. Volunteers must be willing to attend a compulsory information evening for prospective volunteers held twice a year, be mature and reliable, have experience with children and be comfortable around them and be familiar with a hospital environment. For further information please contact Radio Lollipop on 09 377 3997 to leave messages or  email . 

Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people both at home and internationally. Red Cross volunteers manage a retail shop trolley at Auckland City Hospital to allow patients to purchase basic requirements, personal items and newspapers. These volunteers report to a Red Cross volunteers co-ordinator and operate from the Volunteer Centre. Red Cross volunteers must be mature and sensitive to patients' needs, non judgemental, comfortable handling money, work with a partner, be absolutely trustworthy and be able to commit time on an ongoing basis. For more information, contact Rob High, Service Centre Coordinator on 09 262 0942 or  email . 

Youthtown

Youthtown is a not-for-profit organisation that has been active in New Zealand since 1932. Its purpose is simple – to inspire young people to realise their potential through physical, social and creative experiences. Helping New Zealand's youth to succeed and flourish is what drives the organisation and, as part of their mission, Youthtown runs school holiday art and recreation programmes in the atrium and in the teen lounge at Starship Hospital. It is open to patients, siblings and visitors alike. Volunteers must have experience with children and have a background or interest in art and/or crafts. For further information please contact Sian Neary, Programme Director on 09 379 5430, extension 812.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please note these FAQ's do not apply for the externally run volunteer positions .

Can I volunteer?

We are proud that our volunteers come from all walks of life, all ages and ethnic and religious backgrounds. We seek volunteers that have a mature and caring attitude. Volunteers who speak languages other than English are appreciated. If you meet our eligibility criteria you are most welcome to send in your application online.

We would love to hear from you if you:

1. are aged 18 years of age or over
2. are able to commit to volunteering at least  one shift per week
3. are able to commit to volunteering for   6 months  or more
4. have no criminal history of violence drug offences, sex offences, or crimes against children, and if you are willing to obtain a Police Check and for some roles a TB and immunity check history through a blood-test.
5. are able to contribute skills and experiences obtained from previous work, or volunteer experience in a similar role, with referees able to attest to this.

How much experience is needed?

While previous volunteer experience is highly regarded, this is by no means a requirement. We encourage a diverse range of applicants and all volunteers receive training as required. No medical knowledge or expertise is required.

What if I don’t meet the criteria?

Most public hospitals within the Auckland area have Volunteer Programs. You could contact the hospital in your area to find out about their opportunities and you could also contact Volunteering Auckland .

Will volunteering help me to get a job at the hospital?

Unfortunately volunteering will not assist you to secure a job at the hospital and we discourage applications from candidates whose motivation is to improve their career prospects. It may of course help you to decide whether a career in health is for you.

Can I choose where I work?

You as the volunteer apply for the role of your choice and after a discussion with the Volunteer Manager during an interview, a role can be assigned to you based on your availability, skills and experience and in keeping with the hospitals priorities.

What shifts are available?

The shifts available vary depending on the role, program, and hospital priorities. However most roles operate within 8:00am and 19:30pm (please see actual shift times with listed roles on the website).

How do I apply?

You can apply to volunteer for any off the roles that display the “apply now” link and complete the online application. We look forward to hearing from you!

What does the application process involve?

• You be asked to attend an interview
• We will ask you to sign a consent form to obtain a National Police Check and  for some roles you may be asked for your consent to undergo a blood check here at the Hospital Lab
• After the interview we will conduct reference checks

 Once I have successfully completed the recruitment screening what is expected of me?

• You can expect an invitation to return to the Volunteer centre for an induction, where we will introduce you to our health & safety regulations, emergency response and some of our do’s and don’ts.
• We will provide you with an Auckland DHB ID badge and for some roles we will provide you with a uniform or shirt, for the duration of your volunteering time with us.
• You will receive training on the job.
• We organise regular team meetings and/or training days and for some roles we have manuals available.
• We expect you to honour your commitment to the role, be punctual, reliable and inform us in a timely manner of any pending absences.
• Work co-operatively with staff and act as part of a team
• Respect patient and family’s privacy, confidentiality and cultural differences
• Adhere to our rules and regulations
• Communicate any hazard and relevant information to the Volunteer Manager
• To have fun and enjoy your role

What about Corporate Volunteering?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer short-term, single day volunteering for groups or individuals. This is because of the time it takes – usually up to 4 weeks - to successfully complete the recruitment and induction process. We do this to safeguard our vulnerable patients.

Can I undertake my high school community service or Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer requirements?

Due to the minimum age and time commitment required, our volunteer program is not suitable for school community service or Duke of Edinburgh requirements.

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NZRDA Resident Medical Officers strike 2019 – February 12 and 13NZRDA RMO industrial action

New ZealandThe NZ Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA) RegisteredResident Medical Officers (RMOs) are striking for a 48 hour period from 8amOfficer (RMO) strike on Tuesday 12 February until 8am on Thursday 14 February. 29 and 30 January is now complete.