Lakes Planning & Funding Newsletter

     
Issue 14 - March 13  Issue 13 - Dec 12  Issue 12 - Sept 12 
     
 
Issue 10 - Mar 12		  
Issue 9 - Dec 11 
Issue 8 - Sept 11 
     

 Issue 7 - Jun 11
Issue 6 - Mar 11
 Issue 5 - Dec 10

 

Visit from Rachel Noble - CEO Disabled Persons Association

Rachel Noble, CEO of Disabled Persons Association (DPA) and Chair of the Convention Coalition was in Rotorua recently to talk about the Convention Coalition and it’s role in monitoring the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disability.  DPA is a pan disability national organisation with direct links to the Ministry of Health. 

The DPA is a member of the Disabled Persons Organisations (DPO) convention coalition.  The other members are:

Barbara Hart & Rachel Noble

Rachel also explained the criteria of being a DPO - organisations governed and run by disabled people.

The Convention Coalition is one of the three bodies mandated by the government to monitor the convention, the others being The Office of the Ombudsman and the Human Rights Commission.

For further information please contact Barbara Hart.

 

Lifewise Rotorua Celebrating Family/Whanau Support 

On Sunday, March 24th Lifewise Rotorua staff and families celebrated the support given to employees from there respective families.   A BBQ lunch provided for families at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre enabled the teams significant other, children and grandchildren to relax with there loved ones and colleagues to simply relax.  Lifewise acknowledges the commitment and extra  time given from staff and wanted to show appreciation to their families for constantly supporting in the background and ensuring that staff were ‘on there mark’ when they came to work to support Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug residents in care.  All staff contributed to the day with a plate and the abundance of food and deserts demonstrated the support provided from home.

 

Big Public Canvas for Therapeutic Art Project

 ENJOYING ART: Jaz Te Pairi, 11, gets involved with some art at Rotorua's Art in the Park event.

Art is a lot more than creating pretty pictures - it can also be therapeutic and engaging for those doing it.

Diversional therapists Paul Mc Cann and Gavin Wallace started a project called Art for Recovery a couple of years ago, providing access to art for those in Rotorua Hospital.

Both Paul & Gavin took their work to Rotorua's Art in the Park at the Government Gardens.  Jaz Te Pairi, 11, was one of the many people who tried the art form at the Art for Recovery stall at Art in the Park and enjoyed it.

As part of the project, Mr Mc Cann draws outlines of art templates on boards, paper or canvas for patients to colour in as they wish.

He said it was similar to painting by numbers, without the numbers. Mr Mc Cann said it was particularly helpful and therapeutic for mental health patients.

"It's providing a space for people to have time for themselves," Mr Mc Cann said.

He said the project was about engaging inpatient unit patients by introducing them to the art works - some of which have become communal with several patients painting on one artwork.

Over the last couple of years the project has seen a lot of positive results. Some of the results include increased opportunities for nurse-client interactions, clients were more conscious of being involved in giving through donating of artworks, patients were more involved in the arts in the community, and all community mental health buildings now had art work from the project.

They also organised an art sale and $2800 was raised, with the proceeds going towards the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Mr Mc Cann said the project was self-sufficient because money raised from paintings went back into it to buy more art supplies such as paint and canvas.

The artworks were priced from $20-$250 and were displayed around different spaces in the community.

Mr Mc Cann and Mr Wallace said the project also involved gifting artworks to the Lakes District Health Board departments.

Eventually, Mr Mc Cann and Mr Wallace would like the project to be introduced at all district health boards around the country.

If anyone would like to donate paint or money to the Art for Recovery project, they can contact Paul Mc Cann by phoning him on (022) 0501721 or emailing paul.mccann@lakesdhb.govt.nz; alternatively contact Gavin Wallace, phone 027 748 3220 or email gavin.wallace "at" lakesdhb.govt.nz.

 

Christmas Gifts for Children of Parents with Mental Health Issues

Frank A Clark said - "Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out who it is from."

This was put into action by staff from Rotorua’s premier Maori cultural centre and geothermal valley, Te Puia, who extended their generosity to make Christmas a little special for Children of Parent/s with a Mental Illness by gifting Christmas presents.

Initiated by Tess Thorne (GM Finance & Administration) and supported by Tim Cossar (CEO), staff came together and donated Christmas presents to the Salvation Army, Healthcare NZ and Recovery Solutions based in Rotorua.  Representatives from these services had the opportunity to collect their gifts from Te Puia and personally thank Tim on behalf of their organisation and have their photo's taken.

 

 
  Tim Cossar & Wanda Patterson (Healtchare NZ)         Theresa Harvey (Recovery Solutions) with Tim

 

Te Puia is the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which was set up by legislation in 1963 to foster the customary art forms of Maori.  Please click here for more information of what you are able to see and learn experiencing this unique area of geothermal activity, home to the world famous Pohutu geyser and the many options that are available for you to experience.

Te Puia are also offering Whanau Card Benefits which includes Free Entry for 12months and discounts ranging from souvenirs, evenings experience and many more - click here for more information.

On behalf of Mental Health & Addiction services in the Lakes districts the Midland MH&A team would like to thank Tim Cossar and Staff of Te Puia for making Christmas a little extra special for these children - nga mihi nui kia koutou.

   

Mental Health Awareness Week 2012

The Rotorua district kicked started Mental Health Awareness week beginning on Monday, 08 October with a "Walk of Wellness" leaving Whare Whakaue - Mental Health Services down to Saint Faiths Church at Ohinemutu, even though the rain was appearing this didn't stop the few who took part in the walk.

At St Faith church a Memorial Service was held to remember those who have passed on and also keeping in mind those who are still with us and the journey's they are facing day by day, this was followed with the lighting of candles and those who wanted had the opportunity to voice and share about those they were recognising.  After the service light refreshments were provided at Te Ao Marama along with entertainment by the Rotorua Ladies Line Dancers.

On Wednesday 10th November "Lifewise Trust" organised a Residential City Wide Treasure Hunt based on the "Lets get real - 7 Real Skills".  The treasure hunt was scattered across seven locations within the Rotorua district with the day beginning at the Village Green at the Rotorua Lakefront and locations to find that treasure ranged from Polytechnics, Marae, DHB to name a few.

The day was concluded with a barbeque and drinks sponsored by Lifewise Trust to enjoy at the end of the event - everyone had the most enjoyable day.

On Thursday, 11 October "Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao" organised fun and entertainment at the Rotorua City Focus right in the middle of Rotorua town supported by local Mental Health & Addictions service who had banners, resources and nic nacs for all who were interested.

The entertainment ranged from Zumba, Tinana Ori Ori, Tamariki Dancers, Line Dancing, Kapa Haka, Karaoke and of course guest speakers sharing their journey.  Rather than being entertained everyone was up exercising, dancing and being part of the entertainment which was such a beautiful sight seeing Whaiora, staff and the general public taking part in the day.

To keep everyone stimulated and energised Te Runanga of Ngati Pikiao had sausage sizzles and drinks to enjoy along with the board games.

Thank you to the Lakes Mental Health & Addictions service who are committed to the sector as well as their communities organising these wonderful events - Nga mihi nui kia koutou.

 

Ngataiwhakarewa Paku Award - Unsung Hero

Ngataiwhakarewa Paku (aka Rewa) was an unsung hero who devoted her time and expertise to support the communities she lived amongst in Mental Health, Health hui and other events that took place on marae.

Seeing her passion for people her work colleagues initiated this award in memory of this special lady who worked tirelessly within the community with little or no recognition.

She was often overlooked when it came to the Annual Awards for Respect due to unknown reasons or maybe it was because the people whom she cared for, were often unable to read, write, care for themselves, or hold a conversation.

In recognition for the work and support within the Lakes district this award was presented to Kim Richards from Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao during Mental Health Awareness week at the Rotorua City Focus.

 

Liefwise Trust (previously Bainbridge Trust)

Lifewise Trust was formally launched on to the Rotorua Community and Iwi of Te Arawa on the 19th September at the paramount meeting house, Tamatekapua. The day celebrated the union of the two charitable organisations enabled the attendees to gain insight to the philosophy of Lifewise and gain an understating of the new service developments. Over 100 people attended the Powhiri including dignitaries from Lakes District Health Board of Trustees, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Rotorua District Council and the Lakes region Mental Health and Addictions stakeholder groups. The day was fully endorsed and co facilitated by the Te Roopu Hauora o Te Arawa Iwi governance group which demonstrated clear partnership and collaboration with the Te Arawa Iwi and Rotorua community.

Lifewise Rotorua also used the launch as an opportunity to profile the newly developed Kaupapa Maori model of practice, Te Ara Ora framework.

Te Ara Ora (The Recovery Pathway) is a unique framework developed by the Lifewise staff, service users, family/whanau and community. The design incorporates the Lifewise way and identifies the unique service provision from of Rotorua pocket. The framework is transferable and has a core training package that can be tailored across a broad spectrum of services.

  

This day of significance ensured that the Bainbridge House Charitable Trust and Rotorua Methodist Mission were acknowledged as appropriate for their commitment to providing supported accommodation options to the mental health community of Rotorua. The pathway forward from the launch is aligned to the 7 Real Skills model, Lets get real.

Working with Families, Working with Communities, Working with Maori, Working with Family Whanau, Law, Policy and Practice, Professional Development, and Destig and Discrimination.

 

Appointment of Clinical Director Mental Health Services

Dr Richard (Rick) Thompson has been appointed to the position of Clinical Director for Mental Health Services, a role which he has been acting in since the resignation of Dr Danny Smith.

The service is also looking to re-configure the senior medical leadership roles and over the next few months will look at establishing a Head of Department in the Mental Health Services so that all service teams have a consistency across the Hospital and Secondary Specialist Services.

The General Manager Clinical Services Dale Oliff, and the Clinical Director team look forward to continuing to work with Rick, encouraging closer linkages between all Hospital, Primary and Regional Services.

 

Message from outgoing CE Cathy Cooney

As I reflect on my 18 years at Lakes DHB, I am very conscious of the enormous honour it has been to lead such a special organisation and to work with such talented and committed people right across the Lakes district.

I arrived at Lakes in November 1994 to take up the role of Director of Nursing and Midwifery, having been in an assistant DoNM role with the Northland Area Health Board before that.

I had been wanting to come to Rotorua for some time and had applied for a role in Rotorua the previous year.  I grew up in theWaikatoand had always been really attracted to the Rotorua and Taupo areas, and today this remains the area I want to continue to live in.

When I arrived at Rotorua in 1994 Lakeland Health was a new entity, having been formed in 1993 when Taupo andRotoruaHospitalswere combined, and as an organisation did not have an especially strong sense of identity.  I also noticed that there was a lack of a sense of pride in belonging to Lakeland Health and many staff had  loyalties to previous arrangements.  It is heart warming to be able to say this is in the past and that we have built a solid reputation as a well performing DHB.

MONEY WOES
When the DHB was set up in January 2001 I became the Acting Chief Executive.  The first years were pretty tough, and one of the big problems was our financial situation.  Several times in the first year we had to rely on equity injections from the Ministry of Health, or we would not have been able to run the payroll or pay our creditors. 

BUILDING STAFF MORALE
In 2003 we undertook our first staff survey, which we have repeated two yearly since.  The results of that first survey were pretty gut wrenching.  Only 16 per cent of staff felt positive about Lakes DHB, and at that stage we helped invent a new low in staff cultures, “the culture of despair”!  This happened two years into my time as CE, and looking back, it was not an easy time.  However, the results of regularly surveying staff helped us decide the key things that staff saw as important to them, and we set about putting them in place.  The changes included such things as the Bipartite Forum with unions and managers working as partners, a new staff appraisal system, more car park lighting and the afternoon secure car park, support for clinical governance/professional leadership, the quality awards and long service recognition to name just a few of the developments.  I am very pleased to say that over 75 per cent of staff reported positively on Lakes DHB being a good place to work in the latest 2012 summary.

QUALITY @ Lakes District Health Board
RotoruaHospitalwas the first hospital to be accredited in the 1980s and then was the first not to be reaccredited in the early 1990s. The task to rebuild safety and quality systems has presented some challenges along the way, with work still to be done.  I can still remember the excitement when we became accredited once more with Quality Health NewZealand.  A commitment to continuous quality improvement is something I encourage every staff member to be passionate about and involved in.

THE PEOPLE
For me, it’s always about the people.  We are here to serve our community and in order to do that we need to work together in a collaborative manner.  That means not just DHB staff, but working in partnership with all the health providers across the Lakes district.  I have always loved the aspect of working intersectorally and linking in with other providers and organisations across the district.  We have a special sense of community in the Lakes district and there is a high level of interest in what other groups and organisations are doing to achieve improved health gain for our population.  A real high came in 2010 when both Taupo and Rotorua became World Health Organisation Accredited Safe Cities.  Lakes DHB was a key partner and contributor for that result.

NEW FACILITIES
During the first year of the DHB, we joined with the Ministry of Health in a Joint Survey.  That survey identified many of the things that needed fixing, and the state of our facilities was clearly itemised in the report.  That 2001 report laid the groundwork for what we needed, and we did a lot of work in the next few years, leading up to the 2006 business case for LHSIP, and then the amended business case two years later.  All this paved the way for the turning of the first sod in October 2009, and then the opening of Whakaue Rauoranga in July 2011.  We knew it would take a long time, and I’m very grateful for all the efforts and contribution of so many people along the way as the new buildings have come to fruition.  We now have very good facilities at Rotorua, and once the Taupo redevelopment is completed,TaupoHospitalwill also be very well positioned for the next 25 years as well.

MANAAKITANGA
One of the elements that does make our communities in the Lakes district special is the sense of manaakitanga, or respect.  We are not a wealthy district, yet we have a strong sense of respecting the different groups that make up our area.  Manaakitanga is the first of our values, and when our organisational values were reworked several years ago they were distilled into three, manaakitanga, integrity and accountability, instead of the original 14 values that we had.  My sincere thanks to Te Arawa for giving their support to our having manaakitanga as a core value.

THE VISION
The vision statement “Healthy Communities - Mauriora!” has been a key element to  charting the direction and focus for us all over the past 12 years.  I am passionate about this vision statement since it succinctly articulates that as a whole health system made up of many different people and organisations we collectively are here to achieve improved health  gains for our communities.  This vision is an enduring one which will continue to chart the course of Lakes DHB in the years ahead.

The past years have been an exciting adventure and I am proud of all the achievements made.  When I came to Lakes the annual budget was around $60 million and then when the DHB was set up we had annual revenue of $110 million.  Today that figure is closer to $300 million and our staff numbers are now approximately 1380, or 1030 FTE. These numbers alone reflect the extent of change over these years.

I have had many wonderful experiences and opportunities but most of all I have had the privilege of working with incredible people across many professions, teams and organisations.  Thank you for the journey and for all you do to serve the people of the Lakes district everyday.

 

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