It was a joyous experience to see so many individuals and teams across the DHB recognised for the difference they make in the Staff Excellence Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.
The event was part of our efforts to build a stronger culture of appreciation at Southern DHB, which is one of the areas our staff told us was an important part of making Southern DHB an excellent place to work. This month we have also undertaken a further Staff Satisfaction Survey, which provides rich information about areas that are going well, and where we can best focus our efforts to create a positive work environment.
Of course another huge celebration this month has been the opening of the first stage of the ICU – now to be known as Te puna wai ora – Southern Critical Care - which is set to make differences to the care of our patients, families and whānau, and the work environment of our amazing staff.
We have also welcomed five more general practices into the health care home model, which is transforming primary care to become more flexible and accessible for patients.
And I am delighted to report that, following changes to our primary maternity system of care, a second full-time LMC midwife has started practice based in Wanaka, a relief midwifery service has also been established to provide weekend back-up cover, and telehealth clinics have begun to help some women avoid trips to Dunedin during their pregnancies.
We are also pleased that, as a result of considerable testing and planning, we are now preparing to re-enter the clinical records space in the basement of Dunedin Hospital. This area had previously been off-limits, following earlier tests that had indicated the presence of asbestos.
Finally, we warmly welcome Gail Thomson to our executive team, as the Executive Director of Quality and Clinical Governance Solutions. This new role is a pivotal position that will enable us to go further in providing high quality care to the people of the Southern district.
While, as always in health, we have more work to do, there is much to celebrate and I want to acknowledge the efforts of all our staff – both on the front line and in behind-the-scenes planning and support roles – who have been involved achieving in these positive outcomes.
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Read more from SDHB:
Southern air to get fresher!
Stage One of new ICU opens at Dunedin Hospital
Southern DHB awards evening celebrate outstanding staff
Free Public Lecture series a Southland success
Health Care Home programme expands
Tips on good hand hygiene for Patient Safety Week
