November 2021 vol 27 no 10 – Kaitiaki Nursing New Zealand

July 2022

The importance of nurse-led foot care

By Heather Woods

November 1, 2021

Nurses in primary care play an important role in managing foot care, especially for elderly, diabetic and disabled patients.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

To care and be cared for

By Ruth Abad and Natalie Seymour

November 1, 2021

Over the past 12 years working as an aged care registered nurse (RN) in New Zealand, I, Ruth Abad, have seen a vast change in the profession.

A daughter’s view from the inside – aged care

By co-editor Mary Longmore

November 1, 2021

Earlier this year, NZNO delegate and registered nurse Jean Al-Daghestani quit the Lower Hutt aged care facility she has worked in as coordinator for the past six years for a community nursing role.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Rights are balanced by responsibilities

By Margaret Hughes and Karen Edgecombe

November 1, 2021

Two nursing academics ponder why some nurses are resistant to having the COVID-19 vaccine.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Mandatory vaccinations & workers’ rights

By NZNO employment lawyer Christine Hickey

November 1, 2021

In October, the Government announced it would require all workers in the health and disability sector to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022, as part of its public health response to COVID-19.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

No one asked us

By Anna Hickey

November 1, 2021

Auckland registered nurse and clinical nurse educator Anna Hickey wrote about a recent experience with a patient for her post-graduate diploma in child health at Auckland University of Technology.

Together we are stronger – reflections on the DHB MECA campaign

By David Wait

November 1, 2021

We started this campaign with a clear intent that member leadership and unity would be key to our success. We finished this campaign united, strong, and with members standing together for themselves, their patients and the professions.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

The president comments

By Anne Daniels

November 1, 2021

“A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct. This every sister of the Bene Gesserit knows.” – Manual of Muad’Dib by the Princess Irulan. (Dune).¹

Pakeho: More Māori nurses needed

By co-editor Joel Maxwell

November 1, 2021

More kaupapa Māori wards and Māori nurses, less red tape and paper work, says returning tumu whakarae.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Autoimmune disorders – light on the horizon?

By Georgina Casey

November 1, 2021

Autoimmunity occurs where the T- and B-lymphocytes stop distinguishing ‘self’ from ‘non-self’ and begin generating antibodies and immune memory cells against the body’s own tissues.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Why would nurses resist vaccination?

By co-editor Joel Maxwell

November 1, 2021

Even health professionals are susceptible to COVID-19 misinformation. But why?

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Aged care nurses ‘backbone’ of system – Little

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

NZNO’s aged care nurses are quitting, exhausted from working double shifts and long hours due to an estimated 1000-strong nursing shortfall nationally, says an NZNO aged care nurse leader, also thinking of leaving.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

‘I’m proud to be a nurse’: Mahina Adams on first COVID-19 wave in Paris

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

It was her first week in her final clinical placement in a Paris hospital when Mahina Adams was told COVID-19 was on its way.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Health reforms offer ‘one-system culture’

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

Minister of Health Andrew Little has touted equity, a focus on te Tiriti, and a nationwide “one-system culture” as highlights of legislation underpinning a health sector shakeup.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

NZNO court win cemented right to strike

By Jock Lawrie

November 1, 2021

Strike action in the district health board (DHB) sector saw some sabre-rattling concerning life preserving services on the part of the DHBs.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Primary health care work continues, DHB bargaining concludes

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

A new date has been set down in meditation for long-running NZNO primary health care negotiations with Healthcare New Zealand and NZCare.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Bargaining marathon on Heritage MUCA

By Lesley Harry

November 1, 2021

Bargaining for Heritage Lifecare multi-union collective agreement (MUCA) has been a marathon.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Getting it right in end-of-life care

By Kai Tiaki editors

November 1, 2021

This article was written by a palliative care nurse, about the distressing final days of her mother’s life. Identifying details of the people and institutions involved have been removed as the purpose of this viewpoint is not to point the finger but to appeal for skilled palliative care for dying people and their families.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

NZNO online learning taking off for members

By NZNO educator Angelique Walker

November 1, 2021

Last year, NZNO launched an online learning platform, after members asked for a blended online/face-to-face approach to delegate training amid COVID-19 restrictions.

November 2021 vol 27 no 10

Where to now for enrolled nurses?

By ENS chair Robyn Hewlett

November 1, 2021

NZNO’s Enrolled Nurse Section (ENS) has been asking the Nursing Council for a review of the enrolled nurse (EN) scope of practice for some time.

Uncut – news briefs

20 Dec	Health NZ introduces public reporting of key primary healthcare measures and PHO performance Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) has introduced public reporting of key primary healthcare measures and Primary Health Organisation (PHO) performance.
19 Dec	Quarter 1 performance report released Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora has today published its Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 1, covering the period 1 July to 30 September 2024.
18 Dec	Recent uptick in Boostrix immunisations amid whooping cough epidemic, but work still to do As the healthcare sector continues to respond to a whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic across the motu, it’s promising to see a recent uptick in the number of Boostrix immunisations among the 15- to 44-year-old age group, with a recent doubling of doses administered from about 1,000 per week to over 2,000 per week.
18 Dec	Extra security to again keep EDs safe this summer Health Minister Dr Shane Reti is again reminding New Zealanders that violence against patients, visitors and health workers won’t be tolerated, with additional security for hospital emergency departments across the country this summer.
13 Dec	Mental health and addiction targets implementation plans released Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora has today published its first quarterly results for four of the five mental health and addiction targets, covering the period 1 July – 30 September 2024.
12 Dec	Health targets encouraging – work continues New data shows that the Government’s focus on health targets is putting the brakes on the steep decline in delivery seen over the past five years.
12 Dec	Gisborne receives mental health beds boost Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today opened Gisborne Hospital’s new acute mental health unit, Te Whare Awhi Ora, and says the region will be better served by a bigger, more therapeutic acute mental health unit.
9 Dec	Afghan women ‘banned from nursing and midwife training’ in latest blow to rights BBC News has reported that female nursing and midwifery students in Afghanistan have been told not to return to their studies, effectively ending women’s only access to further education, and putting women and children’s lives at risk.
9 Dec	How student and early career nurses can influence policymaking The International Council of Nurses (ICN) held a webinar which highlighted the vital importance of primary and preventative health care in meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) challenging goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030
3 Dec	Health NZ end-of-year deficit confirmed In publishing its annual report, Health NZ has confirmed it ended the financial year with a deficit of $722 million, against a target surplus of $54 million.
2 Dec	ICN says COP29 climate finance shortfall threatens the planet’s health The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has expressed profound disappointment with the outcomes of COP29, held in Baku, particularly the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance that was passed despite significant objections from developing countries.
29 Nov	Minister reminds public health officials of priorities Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the National Public Health Service should concentrate its focus on prioritising serious public health issues facing New Zealanders.
29 Nov	Community providers rally to protect hapū māma and pēpi as national whooping cough case numbers surpass 1,000 for 2024 Hapū māmā are being urged to get immunised, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to get their babies immunised on time, as whooping cough case numbers continue to climb across Aotearoa New Zealand.
28 Nov	Govt ignores health crisis, plans to axe 1500 public health roles The health of New Zealanders will suffer because of the Government’s plan to axe nearly 1500 roles at Te Whatu Ora, coming at a time when the public health system is already under severe pressure.
27 Nov	Health New Zealand Establishes Technical Advisory Group to Lead Transformation in Maternity Care This team of experts and community representatives will play a key role in the development of the Maternity Commissioning Framework, a core element of the wider Kahu Taurima programme, which aims to make maternity and early years services more equitable, accessible, and whānau-centered.
22 Nov	Whooping Cough epidemic declared across Aotearoa New Zealand Health agencies have confirmed today that Aotearoa New Zealand is now in the early stages of a Whooping Cough epidemic, with a nationally coordinated response now in place.
20 Nov	A Global Map of Winter Depression Healthnews has released an extensive study that ranks 194 countries based on their winter-pattern Seasonal Depression Disorder (SAD) risk.
18 Nov	Potential travel disruption expected with Tuesday’s national Hīkoi Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora urges those with an appointment scheduled at Wellington Regional Hospital on Tuesday morning or early afternoon, to please allow extra time to get to appointments.
15 Nov	ICN’s calls on G20 leaders to address international health worker migration crisis Ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro next week, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) welcomes the Declarations recently adopted by the G20 Health Working Group and health ministers.
13 Nov	Measles case confirmed in Tāmaki Makaurau Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora has confirmed today that a new case of measles has been identified on Waiheke Island in Auckland. The case and their household are being supported by the National Public Health Service (NPHS), with those most at risk now in quarantine to help reduce the chance of further spread.
5 Nov	Safety fears ahead of changes to mental health 111 calls Mental Health Nurses have serious concerns about the safety of their patients, the public, their colleagues and themselves when police changes to emergency 111 calls come into effect on Monday, New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa says.
31 Oct	General practices welcome fast-track approvals process A new fast-track approval process is a good start, but more is needed to fix New Zealand’s chronic GP shortage, says the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)
24 Oct	International Council of Nurses Bucharest Declaration priorities for the future of nursing The International Council of Nurses (ICN) marked the 125 years since its founding in 1899 with an anniversary conference held in Bucharest, Romania and hosted by the Order of Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Assistants of Romania.
10 Oct	Call to immunise now as New Zealand at high risk of whooping cough outbreak Pregnant people, babies, children and others at high risk from whooping cough are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as Aotearoa New Zealand stands at high risk of an outbreak.
9 Oct	New pilot with Plunket to deliver childhood immunisations To increase access and boost immunisation rates, Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora and Whānau Āwhina Plunket will pilot the delivery of childhood immunisations at a select number of sites across the country.
8 Oct	Health NZ Begins Development of National Perinatal Bereavement Care Pathway As Baby Loss Awareness Week shines a light on the heartbreak faced by many, Health NZ is taking a compassionate and hopeful step forward in transforming the support available for whānau who experience the loss of a baby.
7 Oct	Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system.
2 Oct	Orion Health and Streamliners form strategic partnership Orion Health, a global leader in digital health solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Streamliners, creators of HealthPathways which provides an online manual used to assist with clinical assessments.
1 Oct	Rollout of new medicines across New Zealand begins Today marks the first day a range of new medicines, including cancer medicines, will start to become available in hospitals and health centres across the country.
27 Sept	New Dunedin hospital: Southerners deserve better The Government’s announcement today that it will scale back the new Dunedin hospital will negatively impact patient care, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa says.
26 Sept	Govt not addressing health workforce crisis The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure.
25 Sept	New programme offers step up for jobseekers seeking a career in health and wellbeing Local jobseekers have an exciting new opportunity to begin a career in Health following the launch of a new community-based kaiāwhina programme in the Hutt Valley.
23 Sept	Ministers oblivious to cuts’ effect on families The National Government is oblivious to the impact cuts to services will have on New Zealanders who are doing the hard yards caring for mentally ill family members.
19 Sept	Wānaka community to benefit from new overnight health service Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says an Overnight Acute Care Service opening in October will provide people in Wānaka and the surrounding area with the assurance of quality overnight care closer to home.
17 Sept	Dr Le Heron takes title of 2024 Alzheimers NZ Fellow Distinguished neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist, Dr Campbell Le Heron, has been made the 2024 Alzheimers NZ Fellow for his work researching and managing cognitive disorders.
11 Sept	Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care.
11 Sept	Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today.
10 Sept	ICN launches new position statement and discussion paper setting out a revolution in the delivery of Primary Health Care The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is launching its new position statement and a discussion paper on Primary Health Care (PHC) at its Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network (NP/APN Network) Conference in Aberdeen, Scotland.
9 Sept	First cancer medicine decision following Pharmac funding boost Pharmac has decided to widen access to two medicines for several types of cancer. Pembrolizumab (branded as Keytruda) will be funded from 1 October 2024 for eligible people with advanced triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Nivolumab (branded as Opdivo) will be funded from 1 November for eligible people with kidney cancer.
6 Sept	Health agencies working with Police on rebalancing roles for mental health responses Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora are working with Police to change some of the ways agencies respond to mental health. The change will see an increased health-led response, supporting Police to focus on core Policing.
4 Sept	Nurses’ bargaining starts with action for safe staffing Nurses are kicking off their collective bargaining with Te Whatu Ora by taking action for safe staffing on Friday, New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.