Former patient delighted by staff service

In a delightful display of staff gratitude, a former Southern DHB patient recently approached the Medical Ward Reception desk, looking to speak to a ‘lady with red hair who takes blood’ to thank her for her kindness while she was in hospital.

The mystery staff member was revealed as Health Service Assistant Kathryn Harper who works at the Invercargill Lab

“I knew straight away it must be Kathryn from the Lab, as she’s always so cheery on her ward rounds with patients and staff,” says Southern DHB Medical Ward Administration Officer Joanne McMillan

The former patient gave Kathryn a wrapped muffin as thanks, and also requested to speak to Critical Care Unit Domestic Assistant Mary Russell to thank her too.

From left: Kathryn Harper with a student nurse

On the front foot of living our values

The Dunedin Hospital Pharmacy team is well and truly on the front foot of living the Southern Future values and behaviours.

In late 2015, the team was introduced to the ‘above the line and below the line’ concept – a visual chart which demonstrates positive workplace behaviour. The introduction of the Southern Future values and behaviours has become an extension of this.

“It really is a case of walking the talk,” says Southern DHB Dunedin Hospital Pharmacy Manager Craig MacKenzie. “The team meet regularly to discuss what can be done to harness a culture of appreciation, respect and leadership.”

With 27 staff under his management, Craig says over half have completed the Get Dotted programme which is seen as a useful and fun tool to help build on the work already done, and he regularly endeavours to send staff members on professional development courses.

There is also a noticeboard within the department that showcases the values and behaviours poster, along with other positive workplace visuals.

Members of the Dunedin Pharmacy Patients Service team - From left: Simon Jamieson, Tracey Bag, Sadia Mirza, Craig MacKenzie and Lynnette Ballantine

Mental health patients safeguard future

A challenge facing some mental health patients is that at the times when they most need treatment, they may be less able to safely communicate their wishes and preferences.

The Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability Service advisory team is currently working on the advanced directives project, which will enable people to record their treatment choices in a written statement, for use if they are unable to exercise consent at a later date.

“We want people to make an informed choice for their future,” says Southern DHB Consumer Advisor for the Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability Service, Johnnie Potiki. “Advanced directives allow greater decision making, encourage active participation and respects their autonomy.”

Advanced directives can outline treatment preferences including medication a person does or does not want to be given, and the places they would prefer to receive services such as hospital, home or a crisis house.

Although the use of advanced directives is available, Mr Potiki says staff and people who use the service are often unaware of this option. 

Members of the Otago Advisory team involved in the advance directives 'Skills for Change' project ​ - From left: Johnnie Potiki (Consumer Advisor), Maryse Stanton (Family Advisor) Sally Facoory (Youth Advisor)​

Nurse-led Oncology Unit a major success

Oncology Haematology Assessment Unit Nursing team - From left: Jo Tuaine, Lynda Dagg, Therese Duncan and Kirstine Unahi

A specialised Oncology Haematology Assessment Unit (OHAU) has improved patients' experiences, taken a load off the Emergency Department and reduced overall hospital costs, thanks to a small team of determined nurses. 

The Assessment Unit was an initiative established by the Oncology Haematology Nursing team, after identifying a number of instances where patients were presenting to the Emergency Department, being admitted into hospital when they didn’t need to be or experiencing significant wait times.

“Resources were being used unnecessarily, patients were having a poor experience and the Emergency Department was being overloaded,” says Nurse Manager, Southern Blood and Cancer Service Therese Duncan. “As of April 2016, the number of inpatient admissions has dropped by 10 to 15 patients per month and the average stay per month has reduced from 4.3 to 3.1 days.”

To help minimise unnecessary admissions through the Emergency Department, Oncology patients can be transferred to the OHAU where appropriate, and assessed by advanced nurses.

“We’ve seen a major improvement in capacity and flow, a reduction in hospital stays and in ward costs. It’s been a very positive outcome for our patients and the hospital.”