We are at that time again for the triennial District Health Board elections , the opportunity for people to stand for the Bay of Plenty DHB Board .
Our DHB serves a population of 220,235 stretching from Waihi Beach in the North West to Whangaparaoa on the East Cape and inland to the Urewera , Kaimai and Mamaku ranges . These boundaries include Tauranga , Katikati , Te Puke , Whakatāne , Kawerau and Opotiki . While the DHB has a long list of statutory objectives , these can be summarised into being responsible for promoting health and wellness for all people across our region and ensuring the
From the Chair
Sally Webb Chair , Bay of Plenty District Health Board
More time to get free influenza vaccine
Bay of Plenty people have more time to get their flu jab with this year ’ s seasonal influenza immunisation programme extended to the end of August .
Ministry of Health surveillance data shows that influenza rates have not yet peaked this winter . However , if levels start to increase in late winter as they did last year , it ’ s important that people can still access the vaccine .
To date around 1.23 million influenza vaccines have been distributed across the country , protecting over a quarter of the population .
The influenza vaccine is free for people aged 65 years and over , pregnant women , people with long term health conditions such as severe asthma , and children under five who have been hospitalised for a respiratory illness . It takes two weeks to provide full protection .
Those who aren ' t eligible for free immunisation can purchase it from general practices and some pharmacies .
The influenza vaccine for the 2016 season includes two new strains based on recommendations from the World Health Organization :
- A / California / 7 / 2009 ( H1N1 ) - like virus - A / Hong Kong / 4801 / 2014 ( H3N2 ) - like virus ( new ) - B / Brisbane / 60 / 2008 – like virus ( new )
For further information go to www . fightflu . co . nz or www . health . govt . nz / influenza or call 0800 IMMUNE ( 0800 466 863 ). most effective and efficient delivery of health services to meet our community ’ s needs . Our overall vision is ‘ Healthy , thriving communities , Kia Momoho Te Hāpori Ōranga .”
The Board has eleven members , seven are elected members from across the DHB region , and the Minister of Health appoints four . Anyone who is enrolled as a Parliamentary elector anywhere in New Zealand and a NZ citizen is eligible to stand for election .
Being a DHB Board member DHB members are there to govern the
organisation . This means setting the direction for the DHB and monitoring its performance against its goals , as laid out in its annual plan , regional services plan and statement of intent . In fulfilling its governance responsibilities the Board ensures that processes and systems are in place to oversee the management of risk , including risks relating to health and safety .
The basic premise for governance is that “ board work is brain work ”. The board ’ s job is a thinking and talking one , and strong conceptual skills are paramount . Therefore we need members who are able to work well as a team , have the confidence to ask questions , are able to think creatively , debate strongly , and support the decisions once they are made .
Board meetings are once a month with committee meetings bi- monthly as well . Board members are expected to attend other meetings as well such as regional forums . So you are probably looking at approximately two full days a month at least .
The board appoints the chief executive who is responsible for day-to-day management . The chief executive reports back to the board . The board has no role in employment decisions and , by law , cannot interfere in matters relating to individual employees .
If you ’ re interested in standing for the board , now is the time to place your nomination . Nominations close at noon on 12 August 12 . The election is held on Saturday 8 October along with other local body elections . Elected members take up their positions formally on 5 December .
If standing for election doesn ’ t interest you , then please get out and vote so we can have a proactive positive board to lead our DHB for the next three years .
Arohanui Sally Webb
For more information see www . localcouncils . govt . nz