From the Chair
Teens surveyed on hospital care
It’s incredible to believe that
we are in December already
and this is the last Health
Matters for 2016.
As you will all be well aware we
have just had the local body elections
including those for the District Health
Board. Seven people are elected
from across the Bay of Plenty region;
those members who will serve you for
the next three years are:
Mark Arundel
Marion Guy
Yvonne Boyes
Sally Webb, Chair Bay of Plenty
District Health Board
Geoff Esterman
Ron Scott
A further four members: Anna
Rolleston, Peter Nicholl, Bev Edlin,
and myself were appointed by the
Minister of Health.
I would like to take this opportunity
to thank our two Board members who
are leaving us this year; David Stewart
and Gail McIntosh. The experience
and commitment they both brought
to the Board table was invaluable
and while we will miss them we wish
them both all the best for their future
endeavours.
I also want to take this opportunity
to thank all health providers across
the Bay of Plenty for the dedication
and commitment they show daily,
providing health services to us all in
our region.
I wish you all a peaceful and safe
Christmas summer holiday, and
encourage you to get out there with
your whānau enjoying our beautiful
Bay. But please remember when you
are out in the superb summer we are
going to have SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and
WRAP.
Arohanui
More than 300 young people aged 12-18 as well
230 parents took part in the Adolescent Friendly
Hospital Survey over five weeks.
The survey also showed a lack of awareness
about what’s available for young people while
they’re in hospital.
Paediatrician Kendall Crossen says, “To our
knowledge it’s the first time a survey looking at
adolescent experience of hospital care has been
produced in the country. It’s provided us with
valuable feedback on what we’re doing well and
on areas where we could improve our
services.”
“We’re one of the few hospitals in the country
that has a purpose built adolescent room with a
play station, books and DVDs specifically set up for
young people aged from 12-18,” says Dr Crossen.
For patients like Brodie Hunter who is
frequently at hospital, it is a well-used
facility.
“I would prefer not to be
here but I have no choice
because of my illness.
It’s great to have the
adolescent lounge with
lots of fun activities
and friendly staff. It
would be even better
with internet though,
so I can do my school
work, keep in touch
with friends, and do
some fun activities to
pass the time.”
The survey also
highlighted a lack
of awareness about
issues surrounding
patient confidentiality
particularly how this is
conveyed to parents of
adolescents in hospital.
At this time of year, the Bay of
Plenty is truly one of the best places
to be in the country. We have lots of
outdoor attractions on our doorstep.
I plan to be out there swimming and
body surfing at Ohope beach with my
grandsons.
Sally Webb
“We’re also doing more training with staff on how
to complete HEeADSss assessments (a routine
psychosocial health assessment for young people)
as the survey revealed these were not being
completed all the time.”
Overall the survey found high
levels of satisfaction, with
young people and their
parents finding staff and
the hospital environment
welcoming as well as
high levels of trust in the
care received.
Matua Parkinson
Judy Turner
A survey focused on adolescent patients
at Tauranga Hospital has shown a high
level of trust in the quality of care and
treatment provided.
“Most people don’t
realise that we can only
disclose information about
our patients if they consent
to it, or if they are at risk of
harming themselves, being harmed
or harming someone else. The
survey shows we need to do
Brodie enjoying time out in the hospital’s
more work explaining this to
adolescent lounge with Play Specialist
Donna Opie.
patients and their families.
Kendal Crossen says
better internet access
will be looked at as
part of improvements to
services provided to young
people, as a result of the
survey.
This survey has provided good
information for us to work from.
Dr Crossen thanks all those who
chose to provide feedback.
Be safe – be SunSmart
Sunburn and skin damage is caused by Ultra Violet (UV) rays from the
sun and it can lead to skin cancer. This is especially important if you are
swimming or near water as the sun’s rays are reflected onto you. So everyone
needs to cover-up, especially your children.
“Firstly, if it’s possible, try to stay
out of direct sun during the
hours of 10am to 4pm. This
is when the sun can do
the most damage. Look
for natural shade or
create your own with
an umbrella, tent or
other shelter. Then it’s
important to Slip, Slop,
Slap and Wrap,” says
Medical Officer of Health, Dr
Phil Shoemack.
SLIP
into a long-sleeved
shirt and into the shade. Generally,
fabrics with a tighter weave and darker
colours will give you greater protection from
the sun. There are also certain fabrics on the
market that have a sun protective factor (SPF)
rating.
SLOP
on plenty of
broad-spectrum SPF30+
sunscreen at least 20
minutes before going
outdoors.
SLAP
on a
hat with a widebrim or a cap with
flaps – more people get
sunburned on their face
and neck than any other part
of the body.
WRAP
on a pair of wrap-around
sunglasses – UV radiation is just as
dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin.
Take these precautions especially between 10
am and 4 pm (September to April).
Photo courtesy of Amanda Mills.
For more information about being SunSmart for you and your
family visit www.sunsmart.org.nz