Commisioner's Update - August 2019

We have nearly made our way through winter, which is invariably a time of year that tests our health, and our health system. This year, which while milder than many, has been no exception.
 

We have seen very busy emergency departments, GP clinics, district nursing teams and more, all working hard to help our communities stay well and assist them when they are not.
 

I would like to take a moment to thank all of our communities for their enormous efforts at this time of year. And thank you also to the unsung heroes whose contributions are often unnoticed, but essential – these are our volunteers, families, neighbours and friends, who every day are checking in on our vulnerable people, and supporting them in many different ways.
 

The way in which Southern DHB is supported by the community is humbling, and I am reminded of this as we again launch the Countdown Kids Appeal. Over the past 12 years, this appeal has raised some $2 million for our children’s services, and supported the purchase of additional equipment such as electric beds, infant ventilators, wheelchairs for children in the community and much more.
 

We are grateful to all the Countdown staff and friends who take part in the fundraising, and to everyone who donates - you are making a difference for our children and we thank you.
 

Supporting our people to be cared for close to their own communities remains a priority for the DHB. This is of particular importance in the Southern district, given our size.
 

It’s the reason we are continuing to reshape health services in the district through our Primary and Community Care Strategy and Action Plan. This month we met another important milestone with the first meeting of a new Central Lakes Locality Network.
 

You can read more about this group and their goals in this issue of Better Health and we thank those appointed to the Locality Network for their role in supporting the development of health services in this fast-growing part of the district.

By Kathy Grant

For More Better Health South Stories see:
Māori leading the way in Bowel Screening
Central Lakes Locality Network explained
Call for return of loan equipment no longer used
Award winning simulation lab design set to become reality
No day the same for DHB Security Officer & World Breastfeeding Week