Whakatane District residents are being asked to support the upcoming referendum on fl uoridation of our water supplies. There is more than 60 years of scientifi c evidence that shows water fl uoridation is safe and effective in helping protect teeth from decay, according to Medical Offi cer of Health, Dr Neil de Wet.

“Everyone benefi ts from water fl uoridation especially children and those most at risk of poor oral health,” he says.

The Whakatane and Ohope water supplies are fl uoridated and have been for many years. Water fl uoridation was fi rst introduced for Whakatane in 1972. Whakatane District Council is holding a referendum in October this year to ask the community whether they should continue to fl uoridate water supplies in Whakatane and Ohope, and if water supplies of other areas in the district should be fl uoridated. In the last referendum, held in 2001, more than two-thirds (68%) wanted to keep water fl uoridation in Whakatane and Ohope.

“I see a lot of dental disease in children and adolescents in the non-fl uoridated areas in the Eastern Bay, and Community Dental Services do much more work in these areas,” says Dr Rudi Johnson, Principal Dental Offi cer. “We see a lot of large cavities in the front teeth of children and adolescents in the non-fl uoridated areas. There are several factors that contribute to oral health but extending water fl uoridation would defi nitely help improve oral health in

these areas. Children and adolescents should be able to eat and speak properly, and smile and laugh with their whanau, without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. This is what good oral health is all about,” says Dr Johnson.

Fluoride is naturally present in the water we drink but in most New Zealand water sources this is below the level that benefi ts teeth. Water fl uoridation is when the natural fl uoride level in the water supply is topped up with just enough fl uoride to protect our teeth. Water fl uoridation helps to protect teeth by making them stronger and by slowing down decay. It’s also the best way to make sure everyone’s teeth get some protection, especially for our tamariki.

“Ethically it is the right thing to do,” says Dr de Wet. “I think the referendum provides a very good opportunity for the community to make their views known. If you think water fl uoridation is important, please do make sure you vote to express your views in the referendum.”

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board strongly supports water fl uoridation to help protect and improve the oral health of all people with their natural teeth, particularly children and population groups most at risk of dental decay.

For more information visit www.bopdhb.govt.nz/fl uoridation.

July marks the start of a new fi nancial year and the agreement from the Minister of Health to our 2013/14 annual plan.

We are working more collaboratively with the fi ve DHBs that make up the Midland region to achieve greater health, improved integration and better clinical pathways for our people to be thriving and healthy.

The Bay of Plenty DHB and Primary Health Organisations (PHO) forum is now well established and working well. We have used this opportunity to further strengthen our relationships and have approved the development of the fi ve year Clinical Integration strategy.

We are determined that the BOPDHB will continue to strive for ongoing achievement of the Government’s priorities, the Minister’s expectations, the national Health Targets and our key strategic priorities.

Underpinning these priorities is our continued focus on providing quality healthcare to help provide better, sooner, more convenient health services.

Clinical leadership and integration and regional collaboration will continue to be our key focus in the year ahead to support our work to provide you with a seamless pathway to optimum wellbeing, whilst providing value for money.

New and innovative models of healthcare will ensure that our services are linked effectively and result in improved access for the people of the Bay of Plenty region.

Our values of compassion, attitude, responsiveness and excellence are well embedded into our organisation and our

staff are using these values in their daily work, to improve the way we deliver health services.

The year ahead will be a challenging one, yet as we achieve and exceed our goals it will be very rewarding. The challenges we face together, are overcome as we work more closely and collaboratively to strive towards healthy thriving communities within the Bay of Plenty.

From the Chair

Sally Webb

Chair, Bay of Plenty District Health Board

Water fl uoridation – it’s for our tamariki, whanau and community

PLEASERETURNany loaned hospitalequipment toWhakataneHospital’s mainrecep on.

Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to download a Health Passport from the Health and Disability Commission’s website.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board General Manager Governance and Quality, Gail Bingham says the Health Passport is a booklet containing information about how you want people to communicate with you and support you during your stay in hospital.

“They can be used by anyone, but will be particularly helpful for those who have diffi culty communicating, as they will tell staff how they wish to be cared for when their families are absent,” she says. “The passport should be taken along to every hospital or other healthcare related appointment.”

A copy of the Health Passport and a guide on how to complete it can be found on the Health and Disability Commission website: www.hdc.org.nz.

Hospital staff will be looking out for people who have a purple Health Passport with them, to help understand how best to communicate with and care for patients during their visit.

From the CEO

Phil Cammish, CEO, Bay of Plenty District Health Board

The 2013/14 year is promising to be a demanding one for the BOPDHB. We will be continuing to work with our partners to achieve further gains through our integrated healthcare strategy and an emphasis on patient-centred service delivery that is not bound by traditional service delivery models, systems, setting or personnel.

This DHB has a strong history of supporting integration through initiatives such as Whānau Ora, the Better Sooner More Convenient business case and the Bay Navigator clinical pathways project. This approach will continue to feature strongly in the upcoming year.

When I look back over the year for the DHB, I see unity and commitment by our staff and our providers to continue to provide quality health care. I am proud to be working with such dedicated and passionate people and organisations that help striving for our vision of healthy, thriving communities.

It is very clear that the coming fi nancial year will challenge us. Where funding increases have been received that funding will be highly targeted and prioritised for those areas of greatest need. Our focus will be on ensuring we deliver the greatest health gain we can for our population, within the resources we have

available. Continuing to work in collaboration and in an integrated way across the health sector both locally and regionally will be key to that success. The support and ongoing provision of great clinical leadership will be central to our success.

Continuing implementation of our Health of Older People Strategy will be a key mechanism for meeting the increasing demands for services from this growing group. At the same time we will be looking to develop a Child and Youth Health Strategy, to ensure both ends of the age spectrum have a clear direction and emphasis.

Nurse fi rst at Whakatane EDPatients who come into the Whakatane Hospital Emergency Department will now be seen by a triage nurse as soon as they arrive.

ED Clinical Nurse Manager Colleen MacGregor says this is a positive change for people arriving at ED.

“Previously a receptionist was the fi rst person to see anyone presenting for treatment,” she says. “Now from 8.30am to 8pm patients are seen by the triage nurse fi rst.”

As part of the redevelopment of Whakatane Hospital, people arriving at the Emergency Department will now see a triage nurse fi rst to assess their urgency for treatment.

A triage nurse is an experienced nurse qualifi ed to accurately recognise and assess a person’s urgency for emergency care.

“They are responsible for patients when they arrive as well as continually monitoring all the patients in the waiting room,’ says Colleen. “In the future we hope to extend this service to 24 hours a day. This is the fi rst phase of the project in preparation for our move into the new hospital in 2014. The second phase will be to provide a space for the triage nurse to move easily between patients arriving by ambulance or to the ED reception area.”

Don’t forget your Health Passport Passport

Health

First name:

Last name:

I like to be known as:

Please return this Passport to me when I leave.

Johnand his side-kickBrady

In an Emergency Department every second counts. We have to be preparedto treat serious life-threatening conditions immediately. These life and deathsituations cannot wait, which means you might have to. But you have other options:

For life threatening conditions, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms or major injuries:

Call 111 or go to your nearest ED / Emergency Department:Whakatane Hospital, Stewart Street, Whakatane

Visit your family doctor or health clinic:Visit www.bopdhb.govt.nz to view a full list of local GPpractices if you don’t already have a family doctor.

Visit your local chemist. After hours chemist:

clinic and chemist is on duty.

For infections or persistent symptoms:

For everyday ailmentsor symptoms:

You might not have to come to ED at all. But we’re here if you need us.

For minor illnessesor injuries:

Visit a walk-in medical clinic: Whakatane: call Healthline on 0800 611 116

Opotiki and Te Kaha: call (07) 315 8500 to contact the duty doctor.

SCAN YOURSMARTPHONE OVER THIS

CODE FOR MORE INFO:

See your GP fi rst and fast-track through EDBay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to use the ‘Are you in the right place’ quick guide before seeking medical help. In particular, people are urged to see their GP before going to the hospital Emergency Department.

ED Clinical Leader Dr Matthew Valentine says this is especially important during winter when the Emergency Department is at its busiest.

“One of the ways we can ensure patients get the best possible care is to ensure they are at the right place, at the right time, receiving the right treatment,” he says. “Unless it is a medical emergency, the best way a patient can access acute care is if they visit their GP fi rst. The GP then contacts the hospital specialty and the patient can be fast-tracked directly to an inpatient team. This process also helps to decongest ED.”

An average of 51 patients arrive at Whakatane ED each week day. At certain times, traditionally July to September, there is a signifi cant increase in attendances with up to 80 patients daily due to the effects of winters ills and chills.

“This places extra demands on an already busy department and results in increased pressure on our clinical teams,” says Dr Valentine. “When emergency care is required, we want to ensure your healthcare provider

has all the information they need about you and about the treatment options available.”

For patients referred from their GP to the hospital in an emergency, their notes and records will arrive before they do thanks to a new electronic system. Bay of Plenty District Health Board GP Joe Bourne says this allows the hospital to access the patients records in advance and so better prepare for their arrival.

“The transition from the care of one healthcare provider, such as a GP, to another, for example a specialist, is seamless, quicker and therefore safer,” he says. “It often means the information that moves with the patient is more complete.”

This is just one part of the DHBs drive to support better integrated healthcare. It is anticipated that people in the Bay of Plenty will see more and more initiatives that breakdown barriers between different healthcare providers.

“There is plenty of evidence from New Zealand and around the world that this will lead to improved health outcomes for the population,” says Dr Bourne.

Are you in the right place? The guide below is designed to help people decide the best place for them to go for medical treatment. If unsure, people should call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116.

Help for disabled closer to home Seven Local Area Coordinators are now working alongside disabled people and their families/whanau in Tauranga and the Whakatane and Opotiki districts.

Over 300 disabled people and their families/whanau have sought information and advice from a Local Area Coordinator in the past year. The coordinators are there to help disabled people plan for a good life and build connections with their community.

“Sometimes all that’s needed is a little guidance, while other people may require in-depth advice,” says Interim Manager Wendy O’Meara.

Coordinators have assisted young people to look at fl atting options, get a job, build on their hobby and even start a micro-business.

“Joining a local social group, connecting with whanau and marae, and accessing more local support are among the other ways disabled people have benefi ted from working with the coordinators,” says Wendy.

The roll-out of Local Area Coordination is part of the Ministry of Health’s demonstration of a New Model for Supporting Disabled People. For more information phone 07 307 2030, email info@lacbop.org.nz or visit the website www.lacbop.org.nz.

The two newest members of the Health Records team at Tauranga Hospital are causing quite a stir.

John Blakeman and his guide dog, Brady, recently joined the team and one of their tasks is to go to each ward once a day selling the daily newspaper. The reaction from patients, visitors and staff has been extremely positive. Patients, particularly the elderly, respond very warmly to both John and Brady and John is always willing to let Brady spend some time with patients who wish to meet and interact with him.

Regional Manager, Clinical Support Services Penny Sanderson says it’s been interesting to have a male working in what has been a traditionally female work environment

“The biggest change has been having Brady in the department,” she says. “Watching the faces of staff who are under pressure with heavy workloads as they interact with Brady has been amazing. Staff taking the time to have a quick chat and give Brady a pat seems to remove their stress and invariably puts a beaming smile on their face.”

John says he is really enjoying his new role at the DHB and working with awesome colleagues.

“It’s great that Penny and the team have faith in me that I can do the job and are willing to have me on board – Brady and I are both really enjoying it,” he says.

As John and Brady continue to settle into work at Tauranga Hospital, further tasks are being added to their daily routine which means they are spending more time out of the department.

“Brady has proven that he only has to be taken on one of these new routes once and he knows how to get John and himself there and back the next time he’s needed to,” says Penny.

John and four year old Brady are making their mark as members of the Health Records Team at Tauranga Hospital.

To keep your family safe and healthy, make frequent

hand washing a rule for everyone especially:

• before eating and cooking• after handling raw meat and poultry• after using the bathroom• after touching animals, including family pets• before and after visiting sick friends or relatives• after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing• after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog).

for clean hands

Clean hands save livesDon’t underestimate the power of clean hands, is the message from Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service Communicable Disease Nurse Lindsay Lowe.

“Washing and drying our hands is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways of reduc-ing the spread of diseases such as colds and infl uenza, gastro infections (tummy bugs) and skin infections,” she says.

Studies have found that good hand hygiene can reduce sickness and time taken off work and school by up to 50%.

The term ‘hand hygiene’ also includes the im-

portant step of drying hands thoroughly.

“If your hands are still damp, you can spread infection to other surfaces,” says Lindsay. “For effective hand hygiene you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, and then dry your hands with a clean, dry towel or paper towel for 20 seconds. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the medical centre.”

For hand hygiene resources and further infor-mation visit:

www.ttophs.govt.nz/handhygiene.

The Ministry of Health’s Baby Safe Sleep Essentials

• Face up - position babies on their backs on a fi rm, fl at surface as this improves their drive to breathe and enables a safe airway position while sleeping.

• Face clear - ensure the face is clear of loose wraps and bedding, free from other people who might overlay the baby, free from gaps that could trap or wedge the baby, and free of objects that might cover the face or cause strangulation.

• Smokefree - ensure smokefree pregnancies and sleep environments that are always smokefree.

• Breastfeed - strengthens the drive to breathe, increases the ‘wake-up’ response and protects babies from infection.

• Own sleep space, close by - babies are safest in their own sleep space sharing the same room as parents who are close by to respond to their needs.

• Gentle handling - protects the brain.

Is your baby safe when sleeping? Parents and families of babies at risk of Sud-den Unexpected Death of an Infant (SUDI) have the opportunity to be part of a new safe sleeping programme underway at the Whakatane Hospital Maternity Unit.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board Programme Coordinator Raewyn Lucas says although national SUDI rates have declined signifi cantly, the rate remains highest for Maori babies.

“The Pepi-Pod Safe Sleeping Programme aims to increase protection for vulnerable babies to help reduce SUDI,” she says.

‘Pepi’ means ‘baby’ in Maori and pod is symbolic of protection in nature. A Pepi-Pod is a plastic stor-age box that converts to a baby-sized bed with the addition of an attractive cover, fi tting mattress and bedding.

“It offers babies a protected space when they sleep in, or on, an adult bed, on a couch, in a makeshift setting, or away from home. These are situations where there is a higher risk of accidental suffoca-tion for babies,” says Raewyn.

Best protection for sleeping babies is achieved

when they have a safe sleep space and safe care. Raewyn says accidental suffocation is preventable.

“The Pepi-Pod Programme provides support for families to protect their babies. Pepi-Pods are a public health response to the increased risk of SUDI for certain babies in certain conditions. The babies to benefi t are those with a weakened drive to breathe due to smoking in pregnancy, being pre-mature, a low birth weight, formula fed or for some other reason. These babies have a weakened ‘wake-

The Pepi-Pod is a general purpose box that converts to a baby-sized bed with the addition of a cover, fi tting mattress and bedding, to help reduce the risk of SUDI.

up’ response compared to other babies, especially in situations when oxygen levels are reduced.”

For Pepi-Pod Programme enquiries, please contact Midwife Sue Gulliver-Birkett on 027 550 7014 or sue.gulliver-birkett@bopdhb.govt.nz.