Health NZ - Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral

You can continue to pick up free RATs until 30 Sept from participating pharmacies and RAT collection sites as listed on Healthpoint https://healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/

From 1 October 2024, if you need RATs, you can buy them from community pharmacies and retail shops such as supermarkets.
If you meet Pharmac’s eligibility criteria, you will still be able to access COVID-19 antiviral treatment medicine through your healthcare provider and pharmacy. Please get yourself free RATs while they are available https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/covid-19/antiviral-medicines -can-get-covid-19-antiviral-medicine-761

Public health advice for the management of COVID-19 remains unchanged https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/covid-19

Being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations remains one of the best things we can do to protect ourselves from serious illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. You can book for yourself, a family member, or a group on bookmyvaccine.health.nz

Did you know, heart attacks can present differently in men and women?
While chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom for both, there are often symptoms that go unnoticed.
Check out the handy information from Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora below.
If you think you, or someone you love is experiencing a heart attack, it’s important to act fast and call 111. Getting the help you need quickly can prevent further damage to the heart muscle, improve chances of recovery and save lives.
Know the signs and don't hesitate to seek help ❤️

Our incredible kaimahi at the Medical Specialty Ward at Palmerston North Regional Hospital were deeply touched by a heartfelt thank you card and delicious treats from a patient’s family.💖

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Thank you to our amazing Medical Speciality team for your dedication and hard work and to the wonderful family for their kind gesture. 🎉 🌟

Huaketo Noro (Norovirus) is a horrible tummy bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads very easily from person-to-person and from contaminated food, water and surfaces. There is no medicine for norovirus, but you can ease your symptoms at home with rest and plenty of water.
You should see your hauora provider if you have a weakened immune system, bloody diarrhoea, a fever or if your symptoms have not gone away after 7 days.
It’s also important to seek care for tamariki (children) if they:
- are not drinking
- are passing less wee (urine) than usual
- have a dry mouth or sunken eyes
- seem drowsy.
You are usually infectious for 3 days after your symptoms stop, so stay home and practice good hand hygiene to stop the spread.
Healthify has some great information about norovirus to help you take care of yourself and your whānau
👉 www.healthify.nz/health-a-z/n/noroviru

Shingles is a viral infection that can cause a painful rash usually developing on one side of the face, body or head.
People who have had chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles later in life, especially as they age or if their immune system is weakened.
Shingles symptoms include:
- Pain, itching or tingling sensation on skin
- Red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
- Sensitivity to touch
- Fever, headache and fatigue.
💉 The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles and reduce the risk of complications. Plus the vaccination is free for 12 months after your 65th birthday. You need 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart.
Protect yourself and loved ones - ask your healthcare provider about the shingles vaccine today!

Need to Talk? Reach Out Anytime with 1737 💙
Feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed? You're not alone. 1737 - Need to Talk? is a free and confidential service available 24/7 to support all New Zealanders.
📞 Whether you need someone to chat with or professional advice, just call or text 1737 for immediate help from trained experts.
Get free support easily, whenever you need it. For more information, visit 1737.org.nz.

Kōhungahunga Maternity Unit at Horowhenua Health Centre
Kōhungahunga Maternity Unit will not be staffed between the hours of:
8pm-1045pm Thursday 29 August and
7am-3pm Friday 30 August
Please contact your LMC midwife as your first point of contact. If you do not have an LMC and need to speak with a midwife during this time, please contact Hine te Iwaiwa (Birthing Suite, Palmerston North Hospital), phone 06 350 8410

Who should get up, get dressed and get moving?
Everyone who is in hospital should get up, get dressed and get moving when they
are well enough to do so. This is especially important for older people.

Here are some useful tips about keeping active in hospital:
 Sit out in your chair for every meal and
when you have visitors.
 Get out of bed and walk around your room or the ward multiple times a day
 Get up to go to the bathroom.
 If you are capable, set yourself your walking goals, for example walking up and down the passage four times a day.
 Have your whānau or visitors go on walks with you.
 If you use mobility aids, continue to use them. Ask your whānau to bring in your
usual walking aid (make sure to put your name on this).
 Consider asking for a list of exercises you can complete in your own time or
with whānau.
 If you need to rest in bed due to your medical condition, ask about how you
can still stay active in bed.

Why is it important that I get moving again?
You can get back any muscle strength that you lost when you were unwell and help to
improve your independence. You can rebuild a sense of control, self-confidence and structure to your day.
This will help improve your overall sense of wellbeing.
You can increase your chances of recovery and getting home sooner.

Sheridan Mclsaac is a Clinical Lead in the Early Intervention team within the Mental Health and Addiction Services at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora MidCentral. She is also a Registered Nurse and Duly Authorised Officer. Her role offers support to rangatahi and their whānau on their recovery journey.

“In my role, I work with rangatahi aged 14-25 who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. I provide clinical leadership and support to my colleagues, ensuring we adhere to best evidence-based practices. I also play a key role in quality improvement initiatives.”

Growing up in the Tararua district, Sheridan joined us in 2016. She has held various roles within Mental Health and Addiction Services, both in acute inpatient services and the community. Passionate about helping people in their most vulnerable times, she gives her best to support them in their recovery.

“I get to see young people move from strength to strength and witness them achieve life’s milestones such as gaining independence, studying, getting their first job, and obtaining their licence. I really enjoy seeing the whānau and whaiora we have worked with become masters of their own recovery with the tools we have shared with them.”

“Working in mental health can have its challenges and requires personal resilience. But you really get to make a difference, even if it’s a small one, by just showing some manaakitanga.”

Outside of work, Sheridan cherishes quality time with her loved ones, exploring new places and seeking adventures. She is also a beach enthusiast and finds joy in taking long walks along the shore.

Awesome mahi Sheridan – your dedication and passion inspire us all. We’re grateful to have you on the team! ❤️

Did you know, older patients can continue to decline in mobility after being admitted to hospital?
Up to 85% of an older persons stay can be spent in bed or in a chair.
Change in mobility could make the difference between dependence and independence.

This week we are going to share with you some great ideas to Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Moving for when you are in hospital.

Today, let’s give a shoutout to Kelli Read, a dedicated Cover/Corridor Orderly for Ventia at Palmerston North Regional Hospital. Since December 2022, Kelli has been tirelessly transferring patients and delivering various items throughout the hospital, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional patient care.

Growing up in Palmerston North, Kelli transitioned into this role after her previous job was discontinued during COVID-19. Seeking a position that fit within school hours to accommodate her parenting lifestyle, she found her calling in this fast-paced environment. Kelli loves meeting and interacting with new people and enjoys the daily challenge of hitting her step count! 🏃‍♀️

Outside of work, Kelli cherishes quality time with her loved ones, enjoys reading a good book, and loves exploring nature on bush walks.

Thank you, Kelli, for your hard work and dedication! 🙌

Today, we shine the spotlight on David Currie, a dedicated Radiology Orderly at Ventia for Palmerston North Regional Hospital. For the past 8 years, David has been tirelessly moving patients from the wards to get their scans, ensuring they receive the care they need.

David loves the variety and challenges his role brings, and he thrives on the fact that every day is different. He has always valued adaptability and time management—skills he advises anyone interested in a similar role to develop.

In his free time, David enjoys relaxing and spending quality time with his family.

Thank you, David, for your unwavering commitment and hard work! 🙌

Meet Taveuni Toma, a dedicated member of the Ventia team at Palmerston North Regional Hospital. For the past 4 years, Taveuni has been diligently collecting rubbish, including hazardous materials, ensuring a safe and clean environment for everyone.

Taveuni loves his job because it allows him to meet new people and see fresh faces every day. His advice to anyone interested in this line of work is simple: be honest and complete the job with sincerity.

When he’s not working, Taveuni enjoys spending quality time with his family. Let’s give a big shoutout to Taveuni for his hard work and dedication! 🙌

Thank an Orderly Day is on August 20th, and we want to celebrate the fantastic mahi our orderlies do to make Palmerston North Regional Hospital a better place.

First up is Parisa Rizaee, a dedicated orderly for Ventia at Palmerston North Regional Hospital. Parisa plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our hospital by transferring blood samples between departments with precision and care.

Parisa’s journey to New Zealand is a testament to her resilience and determination. Growing up in Afghanistan, she faced numerous challenges before moving to New Zealand as a refugee. Despite knowing very basic English upon her arrival, Parisa dedicated herself to learning the language, spending two years at the English Training College in Palmerston North.

Her hard work and perseverance have not only made her an invaluable part of our team but also fueled her aspirations to become a nurse or chemist. Parisa is committed to advancing her career and making an even greater impact in the healthcare field.

Outside of her demanding job, Parisa loves spending quality time with her family and exploring the beautiful landscapes of our region on long walks.

Awesome work Parisa – thank you for being a part of our team! Join us in thanking Parisa for her unwavering dedication and hard work. 💖

More great advice from our THINK Hauora whanau
Are you currently not enrolled with a general practice team? 👩‍⚕️
If you’re unsure what level of care you need and you're not enrolled with a tākuta (doctor), you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice.
Available 24/7, Healthline will connect you with a registered nurse who can offer guidance on managing your symptoms, who to contact, and where to go if your condition gets worse.
For more information about Healthline and how they may be able to help you, visit https://bit.ly/3OEJZit

Some great advice from our friends at ThinkHauora!
Need an urgent prescription refill but can’t see your doctor in time? 💊
Your local pharmacy may be able to help!
If you’re about to run out of your prescribed medication and can’t get hold of your doctor in time, your pharmacy may be able to prescribe you a three day supply. The pharmacist will discuss with you how much of your medication can be supplied and any additional costs for this service.
Get in touch with your local pharmacy today to find out if they can help!
Visit www.thinkhauora.nz/pharmacy for more information.

Great advice from our whanau at ThinkHauora

When you're unwell, its important you know there are options for your care in our rohe (region).
🟢 For non-urgent and minor concerns, pop into your local pharmacy for free advice about common illnesses. Alternatively, call Healthline free 24/7on 0800 611 116.
🟡 If your condition is not urgent but your are concerned, call your GP team 24/7. Even after hours, your call will be diverted to a medical team who will advise you. Practice Plus is a convenient online service that connects you with a doctor who can help you from the comfort of your own home.
🟠 If you're experiencing a condition that needs urgent medical attention, but it is not life-threatening, call your regular GP team first (if you are enrolled) or Healthline for advice. Alternatively, visit your local urgent care centre or Emergency Department.
🔴 In life-threatening emergencies, call 111 immediately!
Remember, your health matters. If you'd like more information about health services available near you, visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/midcentral

Can you treat your symptoms at home? 🤧☕🍋
If you’re feeling a bit under the weather, you might be able to safely manage your symptoms at home without needing to visit your doctor.
If you need advice on how to manage your symptoms and the best treatments for your condition, you can:
📞 Free call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116.
💻Check Healthify online at www.healthify.nz
💊Ask your local pharmacy if they can help with advice for non-urgent illness.
These are some options that are available in our rohe for advice when you're safely able to manage your ills and chills at home. If you are really unwell and need to see a doctor, phone your usual GP or hauora provider.

✨ Another feather in the cap for our OPAL (Older People’s Acute Assessment and Liaison) Unit at Palmerston North Regional Hospital ✨

Our kaimahi at OPAL were thrilled to receive an amazing thank you card and yummy treats 🍫🍪 for their exemplary care and kindness from a patient’s family.

The card reads: “To all the staff at OPAL – We can’t thank you enough. You took amazing care of our dad!” 💖

Amazing mahi team. Keep shining! 🌟👏

In July 2024, we welcomed 177 new babies into our community—85 girls and 92 boys! 🎉

Our midwives had their hands full on July 18, 19, 21, 24, and 30, with 10 babies born each day across the rohe.

A huge congratulations to all the whānau on their beautiful new additions! 💖👶

Have you blocked the flu? Remember the best protection against respiratory illnesses like flu and Covid is getting your jabs. Book at: info.health.nz/bookavaccine

🌟 Happy World Breastfeeding Week! 🌟

1st-7th August 2024 is World Breastfeeding Week. Let’s celebrate the amazing benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers. 🤱💖

If you’re a new mother and are looking for feeding support, feel free to drop-in for our Milk Café facilitated by a Lactation Consultant in the Pohutukawa room at Te Papaioea Birthing Centre between 10 am and noon every Wednesday.

You can also head to https://www.womens-health.org.nz/find-your-breastfeeding-support/ if you need additional resources.

Together, we can create a nurturing environment for every mother and baby. 💪👶

Our teams at Medical Assessment and Planning Unit (MAPU) and Medical Speciality Ward at Palmerston North Regional Hospital were thrilled to receive a wonderful Feel Good Friday feedback from one of the patients. ❤

“I was discharged today after spending time in MAPU and Medical Specialist Unit. I have nothing but admiration for your staff from the cleaners, orderlies, ward assistants and, of course the nurses and Doctors. I was treated with professionalism, kindness and love. Although I was sick, it sometimes was even fun. Even the meals were great. I lay on my bed in my hospital PJs and was brought 3 delicious meals a day. What's not to like. The staff received but they just smiled and carried on with their duties. They are truly wonderful people. Thank you, staff. Arohanui.”

Awesome mahi team! Your dedication and compassion towards patient care definitely makes positive difference. 👏

Have some feedback for us? We’d love to hear it. Send it through to [email protected].

We are currently experiencing some IT issues which may cause you problems if you are trying to contact us via e mail or other digital platforms.
If you need to contact your hospital service, please give our friendly operators a call on (06) 356 9169 for assistance.

An estimated 150,000 Kiwis live with Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) and most people are unaware they have it.

If you have hepatitis B, symptoms can include:
• nausea
• tiredness
• dark p*e (urine)
• pale or light-coloured poo
• joint and muscle pain
• feeling unwell
• yellow eyes or skin (jaundice).

Symptoms usually appear two to three months after you catch hepatitis B, but they can start anytime from six weeks to six months after infection.

Sometimes people don’t feel sick when catching hepatitis B but develop symptoms later in life.

Chronic hepatitis B infection can progress to cirrhosis (liver disease) and liver cancer, so it’s important to take preventative measures:
• get vaccinated - https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/hep-b-vaccines
• practice safe s*x
• don’t share needles or syringes (for example tattoo or acupuncture needles)
• avoid sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors.

If you think you might have hepatitis B, or have had close contact with someone who has it:
• see your healthcare provider
• call Healthline on 0800 611 116

Find out more about hepatitis B here: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/hepatitis-b/

Meretene Winter is a Whanau Ora Link Nurse within our Pae Ora team at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora MidCentral. Her role involves offering care and support to Māori inpatients at Palmerston North Regional Hospital.

“My role was originally established in 2018 with the goal of engaging with Māori inpatients in our hospital who require clinical input through a cultural lens and following them up in the community post-discharge to ensure they have the correct supports in place. The role has evolved since then, as our team has grown, and I have had the opportunity to sit in some leadership spaces in our organisation as well as build good networks and relationships with my colleagues in the hospital and providers out in the community.”

Originally from Gisborne, Meretene moved to our rohe 21 years ago to start her career in nursing. She began as a graduate nurse for Ward 29 in 2007 and then took on a role in our community as a long-term condition nurse before assuming her current role in 2018.

“I became a nurse because I knew I wanted to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. I decided to work in Māori health because I wanted to be part of improving the health outcomes and experiences for Māori in our health system.”

“This mahi is unique because we view health from a Te Ao Māori perspective, including all facets of wellbeing, as well as being able to relate to the lived reality of our people.”

Outside of work, Meretene cherishes quality time with her whānau, creating precious memories at home. She has a passion for music and singing, often filling her home with melodies. Whenever possible, she loves going back home to Wairoa and Gisborne to reconnect with her heritage.

You’re a star, Meretene🌟 – thank you for all your mahi! ❤