Kia ora tatou
As we head towards the end of the year, there are a number of things on my radar I would like to share with the Counties Manukau community.
Among the usual messaging I do at this time of the year, is a plea for care around open fires and barbecues. Our colleagues in the Burns and Plastics service, are very keen to get this message out to help avoid the increase in burn injuries we often see during summer.
A gentle reminder too on making good choices with your alcohol intake at Christmas and New Year’s functions. Keep non-alcoholic options for you and your friends in mind.
On other matters, COVID cases are up - last week the numbers nationally were a little over 6600, and those were only reported cases.
Remember, immunisation is the best protection, and boosters are free to those aged 30 and over and to younger people with certain health conditions.
Counties has seen its share of COVID cases and our standard messaging applies: please test, isolate if necessary and wear masks if you are visiting our hospital and clinics.
On the good news front, the new Counties Manukau Medical Bariatric Service is reporting some exciting results at the end of the year – some impressive weight loss for a group of patients, leading to health outcomes, which is very pleasing.
On the staffing side, I am delighted to find that we look like having a nearly full complement of house officers joining us in 2024. This combined with solid nurse recruitment will mean we are in better shape across all our services as the new year starts.
I’ll send out a final message for the year just before Christmas.
Kia pai to ra.
Andrew Connolly
Acting Chief Medical Officer
Counties Manukau