Kia ora tatou
Now winter’s officially here, we are sharing important messages about keeping the season’s usual crop of illnesses and infections in our community to a minimum.
We know that unfortunately many people, including our own staff are living in homes that aren’t well insulated and prone to dampness, and this poses a constant risk – especially for our tamariki. Conditions like rheumatic fever are sadly very common at this time of year.
I encourage you to do your best to keep your homes warm and dry, and if you haven’t already done so, please get a flu jab.
I’ve been thrilled to watch the progress of our annual “Jammies for June” initiative which this year aims to have 15,000 tamariki in the Counties area warmly clothed with winter PJs for the cold nights ahead.
On operational matters, it has been a challenge locally and nationally as we have worked to maintain critical services during recent strikes by some of our resident doctors and at the NZ Blood service. I’m grateful for the great work done by our teams coping with the resulting pressures, and we have managed to continue delivering quality care to our patients.
Last week in the Budget there was a boost in funding for Health NZ.
Nationally, we have received a pre-commitment of more than $16 billion in additional funding over the next three years which gives us more certainty for the path ahead.
Funding has also been increased to extend free breast screening to women up to the age of 74, a vital service.
Please stay safe and healthy over the next few months.
Nga mihi
Dr Andrew Connolly
Acting Chief Medical Officer
Counties Manukau