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Home > Latest News

Latest News

MidCentral DHB Chief Executive Comes to Otaki

On 10 August 2010 representatives from MidCentral District Health Board and the new Central Primary Health Organisation came to the Otaki Senior Citizens Hall to inform the Otaki community of health service changes and to listen to community concerns. The 50+ people present at the Otaki Community Health Forum were pleased to have the MCDHB Chief Executive Officer, Murray Georgel, come to Otaki to speak and were interested in the presentations. MCDHB received acknowledgment from the community for its efforts and achievements to date and the Kapiti Community Health Group was commended for organizing the event.

Murray Georgel confirmed that Otaki has one of the better equipped medical centres in the MCDHB region relative to population size in terms of the clinical staff and services available (e.g.: cancer nurse, dietitian, diabetes nurse, mental health coordinator, etc.) and is well on its way to becoming an Integrated Family Health Centre. Of other news, Frances Guthrie is the new Central PHO Otaki Locality Manager and Dawn Wilson is the new Project Manager responsible for developing Integrated Family Health Centres across the MCDHB region. Also noteworthy is that St John’s Ambulance will begin an urgent community care service trial in Otaki later this year (based on the success of the Wellington Free Ambulance pilot south of Otaki).

The main community health concern raised was access to health services: local access to after hours and weekend services, public and health transport to services (north and south), free ambulance services, choice of hospital, parking at Palmerston North Hospital, more nurse practitioners and appropriate use of available services to ensure that priority cases can be dealt with.

All forum attendees who completed a survey indicated that they value the opportunity to keep in touch with MCDHB and Central PHO, and a majority 75% stated they would like to have similar forums on a 6-monthly basis. 93% of surveys completed rated the information received at the forum as useful, and it was suggested that there be forums to address the specific health needs of population subgroups such as elderly, youth, maori, and specific health services such as cancer services in addition to general forums.

The Kapiti Community Health Group thanks everyone who was a part of making this event happen and looks forward to working with MCDHB and Central PHO to meet the health needs of the Otaki community.

Community Health Forum to be held in Kapiti, 31 August 1-3pm @ Kapiti Community Centre

The Capital & Coast District Health Board and Compass Health Primary Care Network PHO are coming to Kapiti to speak to the community about health changes and health services provided for Kapiti people. This is the first opportunity Kapiti people have been given to hear how the health changes have affected health services and health providers in Kapiti. It is also an opportunity for Kapiti people to ask questions, talk about their experiences in receiving health services and raise any concerns and issues for discussion. The Kapiti Community Health Group is busy organising the forum, distributing invites and letting people know about it so as many people as possible have a chance to come along, listen and have a say about health. Some Kapiti people are still having difficulty being enrolled with a GP so if you are one of those people please come along and share your story at the forum. It is important that there is a good turnout to let the CCDHB and PHO know that people in Kapiti care about their health and wellbeing.

A community health forum has already been held in Otaki and approximately fifty people came to listen to the MidCentral DHB and Central PHO talk about what health services they provide and what changes have happened in Otaki.

Later this year the KCHG is going to be working with CCDHB to establish a Kapiti Health Centre Consumer Committee that will consist of Kapiti people who have accessed health services in the last twelve months. Meetings will be held to identify health issues and seek solutions to those issues. This is the first time that Kapiti people have been given an opportunity to engage in a formal process of advising the CCDHB of their experiences in the health sector. The KCHG is looking forward to being involved in this process.

If people require any more information about the forum contact Mereaina at the office 04 2986917. Susan Shingleton Manager Kia ora Paekakarikians,

Community Health Forum, 31 August 1-3pm @ Kapiti Community Centre

The Kapiti Community Health Group has been very busy over the last few months trying to keep up with all the health changes that are happening around us and even within our own Trust. At this stage we will still be working for the community keeping Kapiti people informed about what health services are available. The forum is an opportunity for Kapiti people to listen and learn about health changes and ask questions or talk about their experiences accessing GP, community health and hospital services. It would be valuable to have people from Paekakariki come along to the forum, especially older people, families and whanau.

Congratulations to Paraparaumu Maternity

BFHI is the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, which is a World Health Organisation Programme to improve the way maternity units promote and support breastfeeding. In this country it is administered by the NZ Breastfeeding Authority. The KCHG team spent a few weeks working with the Paraparaumu Maternity to help with the organisation of the day held last week at the Kapiti Health Centre. Paraparaumu Maternity has been re-accredited as a baby friendly facility, with exceptionally good results. Paraparaumu Maternity has a 99% exclusive breast feeding rate, and this is a testament to the knowledge, skill and experience of the staff employed there. Of the 72 maternity services in the country that have been BFHI accredited, there are only 5 that have 99-100% exclusive breast feeding rates. Julie Stufkens from the NZ Breastfeeding Authority was particularly impressed with the feedback from the women who have used this facility. Kapiti women are extremely fortunate to have access to this maternity service.

Breastfeeding is critical to the good health of mothers and babies. Research has shown that health benefits include healthier immune systems protecting against respiratory, ear, and gut infections including asthma and allergic sensitivities. It reduces risks of adolescent obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and childhood cancers, and reduces risk to the mother of breast and ovarian cancers. Antibodies are passed on through breast feeding and generations of breast fed children will inherit better health and wellbeing.

KCHG Meetings: After our Annual General Meeting in October the KCHG will be moving to meeting every two months. In the other months we will be organising speakers to keep the trustees informed about what is happening in our community and in health. If organisations are interested in speaking please contact Mereaina 04 2986917 or drop in and see us at the Kapiti Health Centre, we have now moved into a room to the right of the reception. Community are welcome at all our meetings.

Kapiti NGO Alliance: There is now a group established in Kapiti consisting of non-government organisations that provide health and social services in the community. If your organisation would like to be involved with this group please contact Mereaina 04 2986917. It is important that NGO’s work together and explore ways of being more efficient. Working together will also strengthen NGO’s ongoing valued existence in the community and improve information sharing, planning and policy development. Just as the health and social sector has had its budget reduced, NGO’s will also experience reductions, cuts and losses. For the sake of the community it is now more important than ever for NGO’s to get together and collectively discuss how NGO’s can transform to provide integrated care across health and social services. Susan Shingleton Manager

Kapiti Community Health Group
July 2010
Kapiti News

Kapiti Aged Care Assessments

Every Government change signals another health change and this time is no different. Kapiti Grey Power with the Labour and Green Parties support spear-headed national meetings to discuss �Aged Care� and it seems like it has opened a can of worms. A report is to be compiled and I am sure it will make interesting reading. The community meetings were a result of the aged care assessments that are being introduced around the country with many older people having their home care reduced or cut altogether by telephone. Capital & Coast DHB attended the Trust�s June meeting and provided a copy of their presentation to Kapiti Grey Power regarding Home and Community Services for Older People (contact office for copy). The needs assessment by telephone is subject to a review process. Older people have the right to ask for a face to face assessment and older people should have been informed of the telephone interview and their rights prior to being rung. If these things have not happened, older people can decline to be interviewed by telephone. Sadly older people in Kapiti are now frightened to answer the telephone and are worrying about having their home care reduced or cut altogether.

Community Health Forums in Kapiti and Otaki- DHB & PHO health changes

The Kapiti Primary Health Organisation has been merged with two other PHO�s into the �Compass Health Primary Care Network�. A local focus is to be maintained with the establishment of a Kapiti Local Advisory Group. All these changes will be discussed at a �Community Health Forum� to be held on Tuesday, 31st August 1-3pm at the Kapiti Community Centre, Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu. The Capital & Coast District Health Board and Compass Health Primary Care Network will be presenting to the community to inform Kapiti people of the relevant changes in health care and service delivery. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback regarding health services in Kapiti.

MidCentral District Health Board and Central Health Primary Health Organisation has also accepted an invitation by Kapiti Community Health Group to present to Otaki people on Tuesday 10th August 1-3pm at the Otaki Senior Citizens Hall, Rangatira Street, Otaki to inform Otaki people of the relevant changes in health care and service delivery. Community feedback on health services in Otaki will also be welcomed.

The KCHG is coordinating the community forums and look forward to good turnout of people. Contact the office for more information 04 2986917.

Susan Shingleton
Manager

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Change in provision of Well Child telephone advice

From 1 July, people seeking telephone advice on parenting and related issues for children under five are being asked to call PlunketLine only. Previously, both PlunketLine and the Well Child Telephone Advice Service (accessible through the Healthline number) provided advice on issues such as child development, behaviour and nutrition. Both services are funded by the Ministry of Health.

We are currently undertaking a project to identify and amend mentions of the Well Child Telephone Advice Service on the Ministry�s website, in child/parent media, and on non-Ministry websites, as the Well Child Telephone Advice Service has now been discontinued.

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11 June 2010

Kapiti Community Health Group
Kapiti News Article
June 2010

RUNNING HOT AND COLD OVER WATER FLUORIDATION

Ministry of Health, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Regional Public Health, NZ Maori Dental Association, local dentists and other health organisations made submissions to the Council clearly stating that they did not want fluoride taken out of the Paraparaumu, Raumati and Waikanae water supply. Convincing and compelling data was provided to the Council to substantiate and support this decision. It has been identified that there are significantly higher levels of tooth decay amongst Paekakariki children compared to children in Paraparaumu, Raumati and Waikanae. A Ministry of Health official told Council that the Government should pass legislation to make it a legal requirement for all Council water supplies to be fluoridated.

The Fluoride Action Network opposes fluoridation. Other groups in our community also oppose fluoridation as they believe it denies individuals the right to make decisions on medication. They also believe fluoride is a poison.

The Council has decided to continue to add fluoride to the public water supply for the Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati area. The Council is to also ask the Health Select Committee to hold an enquiry into the positive or negative effects of putting fluoride into the public water supply. It will also ask the National Medical Ethics Committee to investigate whether fluoride is defined as a medicine under the health Act and whether adding fluoride to the public water supply is an ethical act.

But now the Council may have to answer to the community as to why some sectors of the community have been provided with fluoridated water while Paekakariki and Otaki have never received it. Considering that a high percentage of Maori people live in Paekakariki and Otaki there is an inequity of service being provided by the Council to both these communities, but especially to Maori and vulnerable people. Is this right? I am sure we haven't heard the last on this debate.
Susan Shingleton

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Protecting women from tobacco

For World No Tobacco Day, Monday May 31st, WHO is urging global action to protect women and girls from tobacco marketing and smoke. This is to combat the fact that tobacco companies are spending heavily on marketing campaigns that target women.

Read the press release for World No Tobacco Day

Find out more about World No Tobacco Day

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Kapiti News
Kapiti Community Health Group

May 2010

HEALTH CHANGES

On Tuesday, 18 May the Otaki community marched to the Horowhenua District Council in protest against health changes in Horowhenua. Otaki community leaders are opposed to any reduction of health services that would lead to the closure of hospital beds at the Horowhenua Health Centre. Otaki are also requesting a review of the Horowhenua Health Centre Business Case and a review of health services delivered by MidCentral DHB at the Horowhenua Health Centre.
In 2009 the Minister of Health announced that MidCentral DHB were one of nine successful proposals that would be funded to support the establishment of �Integrated Family Health Care Centres�. These �one-stop� health centres will provide a comprehensive primary health care service and could even offer �no appointment required� doctor consultations. Some centres may include pharmacies; minor surgery; medical training; youth services; community mental health services etc. Overall the concept is an excellent one and if communities were properly informed of the short and long term benefits would approve wholeheartedly. Kapiti Community Health Group believes it is a step in the right direction. If primary health services are located in the community and are easy to access the health of a community will improve. This will then reduce the need for people to require secondary or hospital services.
Transport to health services is a fundamental requirement, especially for communities that do not have an adequate public transport system. A much needed Otaki Community Transport Shuttle service will soon be operational and this will greatly assist Otaki people accessing health services in Levin or Palmerston North. Last year the Kapiti Community & Health Transport Shuttle service began and is fast reaching its capacity. Sadly it still has not received any funding and relies on donations. If people cannot get to hospital appointments or doctors then they won�t receive health care. Bringing primary health care services to the people is the answer.

Susan Shingleton
Manager

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15 May 2010

Paekakariki Xpress
Article
Kapiti Community Health Group
May 2010

HEALTHY PLACES, HEALTHY LIVES, URBAN ENVIRONMENTS AND WELLBEING 2010

The Regional Public Health Advisory Committee report titled above has been released and I urge everyone to go to the Ministry of Health�s website and check this out. Kapiti Community Health Group (KCHG) in its submission to the Kapiti Coast District Council Draft Annual Plan has requested the Council to note the report�s recommendations and seriously consider them in its planning. The three key focus areas are: Urban form and transport; Environmental health and Healthy facility infrastructure. The report is an evidence based review of how the urban environment influences the health of communities.

Our submission to the Council focused on access and transport and social wellbeing. KCHG supports continued advocacy for public transport services, especially in Otaki; school travel plans for children with safe routes to encourage walking and cycling; improved bus services to community facilities; advocacy by Council for funding for both Kapiti and Otaki community health transport shuttles; Council�s commitment to the Kapiti Health Hub partnership; need for Council to establish a similar partnership with MidCentral District Health Board, Horowhenua District Council, PHOs, Iwi and the community; support for �by Maori for Maori� initiatives, projects and activities and the need for affordable housing in Kapiti, especially for single adults, single parents, young people and people with mental health needs.

The Regional Public Health and other key health organisations are opposed to the Council removing fluoride from the water. To my knowledge Paekakariki and Otaki don�t have fluoridated water which begs another question. Why? And if it is important why have we been forgotten? KCHG recognizes that this is a very topical debate and we have a large group in the community who oppose fluoridation in the local water supply. It will be interesting to learn what the outcome on this very important issue is through the Council submission process.

Final decisions are being made around the health change debate and I will update you all next month on what is happening. In the meantime, rug up and prepare for the cooler weather, there is an outbreak of measles in the community so check that your children are up to date with their immunizations, especially if they have just started school.

Susan Shingleton

Immunisation Register

Why is it important for Schools and Early Childhood Education services to have a register?

All Early Childhood Education services and Primary Schools are required by law to keep an Immunisation Register for children in their care (Health (Immunisation) Regulations 1995). The register can be either electronic or paper.

The purpose of the Register is to:
� Promote the immunisation of children against disease
� Encourage caregivers to make an informed choice regarding the immunisation of their children
� To facilitate disease control