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National News
Cancer patients benefit from dedicated nurses
The Government is placing special nurses into DHBs to be dedicated nurse coordinators guiding cancer patients through their treatment and follow up care, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.
"A cancer diagnosis can be confusing and stressful and once diagnosed, patients have to negotiate their way through a complex maze of tests, appointments, treatments, and services," Mr Ryall says.
"Research shows some cancer patients can come into contact with up to 28 doctors, and even more nurses, throughout their treatment."
"So far twenty-six cancer nurse coordinators are working in hospitals across the country making it easier for their patients to navigate through the system. Nine more will start in May and further appointments are being made every week.
Nurses are in place in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Capital and Coast, Counties Manukau, Hawkes Bay, Lakes, Mid Central, Tairawhiti, Taranaki, Wairarapa, Waitemata and Whanganui DHBs.
"DHBs have been recruiting hard to find high quality nurses for these key roles." says Mr Ryall. "I would like to warmly welcome these nurses and congratulate them on the difference they are already making to patients."
The Government is investing $4 million a year to ensure every DHB has at least one full time dedicated cancer nurse as part of its commitment to provide better and faster cancer services.
In Wairarapa, cancer nurse coordinator Jacinta Buchanan is a single point of contact for clinical staff and patients. Using a specially developed IT application, she can track each patient to make sure appointments and treatments are progressing as quickly as possible, and monitor patients who are not moving as fast as they should along their cancer treatment journey.
Jacinta says, "Cancer can be a frightening experience and it’s my job to make sure the patient is at the centre of the process. It’s good for patients to know there are people in their court looking out for them."
In Taranaki, Monique Bastin’s first priority has been to make sure patients have support in place when they are referred to a specialist at the hospital because their GP strongly suspects they have cancer.
Monique says, "Patients often don’t remember what is said when they visit the specialist because they are overwhelmed by the prospect of being diagnosed with cancer. I sit in on these first appointments so I can gather all the information from the specialist and clarify and relay it to the patient at a later time."
She also supports patients who need to travel outside the region for cancer treatment.
"Patients are happy to travel to get faster specialist treatment and expert care, but the speed at which this happens can leave them feeling swamped. I can help them navigate their way through this process."
In Waitemata, Sandra Sheene is leading the DHB’s new cancer nurse coordinators in a project to improve communication by incorporating special templates into the hospital documentation system that record notes on patients assessments, care plans and progress.
Sandra says, "Cancer nurse coordinators can now document every intervention they have with patients and this can be seen by other health professionals. This is fantastic as it has improved communication."
Police name forestry man killed
A 23 year old man was killed in a forestry accident yesterday in Hauparu Bay, Lake Rotoiti, near Rotorua.
He was 23-year-old Robert Arapeta Epapara of Rotorua.
The accident occurred yesterday at approximately 2.50 pm.
Mr Epapara was felling trees as part of a small logging crew working in steep and rugged terrain when he was struck from a falling tree.
Police and Department of Labour Inspectors are investigating the cause of the accident.
Now is time for the flu jab
Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to get their annual influenza immunisation now, before the influenza season starts in New Zealand this year.
The vaccine has arrived in surgeries and the National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG) advises that now is the best time to be vaccinated.
"It can take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity and influenza is on its way," says NISG spokesperson and virologist, Dr Lance Jennings. "We particularly need to protect our elderly and very young patients from this serious disease."
He says the A(H3N2) influenza virus, in particular, struck hard in the Northern Hemisphere winter.
"The disease spread quickly, and was particularly severe for the elderly and those with an ongoing medical condition. People 65 and over accounted for more than half of all reported influenza-associated hospitalisations in the United States this winter - the highest number since records began in 2005. The next highest group were children under four years old. A total of 64 children died in the US from influenza-associated illness this season."
The New Zealand vaccines for 2013 cover the virus strains causing problems in the Northern Hemisphere and most likely to affect us this year.
Influenza immunisation is free from a GP or nurse for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and children and adults under 65 years of age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers. Free vaccination will be available until 31 July, 2013.
Immunisation is available, for a small charge, for healthy adults and children six months and over at surgeries and some pharmacies. Many employers provide free vaccination for their employees.
Don’t get it, don’t give it
As well as getting a flu vaccination, you may protect yourself and your family/whanau from flu if you:
- wash and dry your hands often
- stay away from people who are sick
- stay away from work or school if you’re unwell
- cover your coughs and sneezes.
Rotoiti man killed after struck by tree
A 23 year old male has been fatally injured in a forestry accident in a forest block in Hauparu Bay, Lake Rotoiti, near Rotorua.
The accident occurred at approximately 2.50 pm on Tuesday 26th March 2013.
The deceased was felling trees as part of a small logging crew working in steep and rugged terrain.
He died instantly when he was struck by a falling tree.
Police and Department of Labour Inspectors are investigating the cause of the accident.
Police say the man is a local man and his name will be released once family members have been notified.