Welcome to the College of Nurses – News Update.
No. 157, Wednesday 12 June 2013
From NZ media this week
Honoured for their serviceTWO Gisborne women will receive Queen’s Service Medals in the latest round of Queen’s Birthday Honours announced yesterday.Barbara Clarke received her QSM for services to health, business and the community, while Marie Burgess was acknowledged with a QSM for her services to the nursing and the community.
http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article/?id=32709
NZ aid worker receives Queen's Birthday Honour in Aust
New Zealand Red Cross nurse Andrew Cameron has been honoured in the Australian Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/nz-aid-worker-receives-queens-birthday-honour-aust/5/157872
Greens nurse policy already reality: Ryall
Health Minister Tony Ryall says the Greens' policy to put nurses in low decile schools is already happening.
http://news.msn.co.nz/nationalnews/8668460/greens-make-school-health-service-pledge
Health Minister is wrong, school nurses are needed - Greens
The Health Minister is wrong to say that every low decile primary and intermediate school has their own dedicated school nurse, which is why principals, teachers and nurses say they are desperately needed, the Green Party said today.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/health-minister-wrong-school-nurses-are-needed-greens/5/157463
Nurse regular visitor at local school
Pupils at a low-decile Wanganui school regularly receive public health nurse visits because of asthma, bronchitis, school sores, and high absenteeism, a local principal says.
http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/nurse-regular-visitor-at-local-school/1900924/
More nurses in schools backed
Children at a decile-two Wairarapa school often present with boils, school sores, rashes and various other skin infections, the principal says.
http://www.times-age.co.nz/news/more-nurses-in-schools-backed/1900936/
Support for nurses in schools
Pupils at a decile-one Napier school are regularly referred to a nurse for nits, eczema, poor diet and eyesight problems, the principal says
http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/news/support-for-nurses-in-schools/1897242/
Free accessible primary health care 'key to healthy kids'
The key to healthy kids is free accessible primary health care for all under 18s say the Child Poverty Action Group.Public Health spokesperson Dr Nikki Turner says the idea of nurses in all low decile primary schools is part of a useful strategy to combat a range of health issues that children in poverty have higher rates of, including rheumatic fever but also other common challenges such as skin infection and recurrent chest infections.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/free-accessible-primary-health-care-key-healthy-kids/5/157703
Cross-sector campaign needed to save lives says Turia
Maori Party co-leader, Tariana Turia, has called for a cross-sectoral approach towards healthy housing following the release of findings from He Kainga Oranga Housing and Health Research Programme this morning.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/cross-sector-campaign-needed-save-lives-says-turia/5/157713
Nurses, docs bashed and bitten
More than 2500 attacks on DHB workers reported in past three years in the upper North Island alone.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10889699
Employment bill 'bad medicine' - nurses organisation
A bill that will make big changes to employment law passed its first reading in Parliament last night, and the country's nurses are not impressed.
http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/employment-bill-bad-medicine-nurses-organisation-5457214
New Opportunities Identified For Better Patient Care In Primary Health
New opportunities for better patient care from greater collaboration between health professionals were identified at an inter-disciplinary primary care workshop held in Wellington this week.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00028/new-opportunities-identified-for-better-patient-care.htm
DHB specific
mHealth initiative to benefit Otago and Southland
People in Otago and Southland are set to benefit from a region-wide mobile health (mHealth) initiative designed to better connect General Practice and their patients. Southern PHO with support from Southern DHB has contracted Vensa Health to implement their TXT2Remind practice-patient messaging system to allow GPs to deliver appointment, Smoking A and B and immunisation reminders as well as key health messages direct to the patient via text message and interactive mobile content delivery.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00004/mhealth-initiative-to-benefit-otago-and-southland.htm
DHB signs up for improved patient safety
Whanganui District Health Board has signed up to a national campaign aimed at improving safety for patients in hospital.
http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/dhb-signs-up-for-improved-patient-safety/1900235/
Northland Patient Safety Initiative Comes Full Circle
Patients throughout Northland and Auckland who transfer between residential aged care and hospital can expect it to be safer following the introduction of a standardised transfer of care yellow envelope. The brightly-coloured envelope was developed initially by Northland District Health Board (DHB) and has been in use for two years and adapted slightly to enable a regional roll-out.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00023/northland-patient-safety-initiative-comes-full-circle.htm
Waikato DHB Pledges to Support National Patient Safety Campaign
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) chair Graeme Milne and chief executive Craig Climo have signed a certificate on behalf of Waikato DHB pledging support for the new Open for better care national patient safety campaign.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00009/waikato-dhb-to-support-national-patient-safety-campaign.htm
Seriously ill patients kept waiting
Thousands of Aucklanders in emergency departments did not see a doctor within the recommended time.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10889483
Lost medical gear drains DHBs
Patients make off with hospital equipment including heart monitors, loo seats, crutches - and electric beds
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10889289
Study calls for health system to recognise Maori men's needs
In findings published this week, researchers have called for health professionals to look at how they can challenge the inherent racism in New Zealand’s health services and how this affects Maori men.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/study-calls-health-system-recognise-maori-mens-needs/5/157537
ED push undermined as patients avoid GPs
Stays at Dunedin Hospital's emergency department might be getting shorter, but people could be making it harder to maintain that effort by increasingly turning up to the emergency department instead of seeing their GP.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/259888/ed-push-undermined-patients-avoid-gps
New video library highlights patients’ experiences
A library of short videos highlighting people's experiences of the health and disability sector is a valuable new resource for New Zealanders, says Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew.
http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/un-doctored/2013/june-2013/06/new-video-library-highlights-patients%E2%80%99-experiences.aspx
Touch-screen tech increasing nursing care in Gore
New touch-screen technology is increasing the time district nurses spend caring for their patients says Health Minister Tony Ryall.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/touch-screen-tech-increasing-nursing-care-gore/5/157577
Patients may get to Skype their GP
An increasing number of GPs are relying on the internet to fill prescriptions, make appointments and give patients advice. http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/8762548/Patients-may-get-to-Skype-their-GP
Public health
Study points to diabetes as a looming health disaster
Opposition MPs argue that research indicating one New Zealander in five suffers from pre-diabetic conditions is a symptom of deeper rot in the system, and a sign that the Government's health targets are misdirected.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10888444
Attack on obesity starts before life
The Government's plan of attack for reducing obesity begins before a child is born, or even conceived.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10888447
Tobacco-type rules on junk food would curb obesity - researcher
Imposing the same strict restrictions on unhealthy food and drink as tobacco will curb the country's obesity scourge, an Otago University researcher says.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10888572
NZ obesity rates for children a 'tragedy'
Big-picture moves like fizzy-drink taxes get best results, say experts
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10889144
Viral illness hits childcare centres
Early childhood centres are feeling the effects of the community outbreak of a severe strain of hand, foot and mouth disease.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10888450
Health advocates rue city's decision to drop fluoride
Health advocates say a Hamilton City Council decision to drop fluoride from its water supply will mean a costly decline in oral health in which the poor will suffer most.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10888688
What's the best way to dry your hands? - research
It is more hygienic to dry your hands with a paper towel than an electric dryer, a new study has found.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10888521
High rate of Hepatitis C lead to calls for rural needle exchanges
Intravenous drug use and unregulated tattoos have led to the Southern District Health Board area having the highest rate of new infections of hepatitis C in New Zealand, sparking a push for needle exchanges to begin in the rural communities.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/8761146/High-rate-of-Hepatitis-C-lead-to-calls-for-rural-needle-exchanges
Men’s Free Health Check Focuses On PreventionDuring Men’s Health Week, 10-16 June 2013,
New Zealand men are being given the opportunity to take charge of their health by completing a simple What’s Your Score survey and taking a free Men’s Health Pit Stop Check at their local pharmacy.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00027/mens-free-health-check-focuses-on-prevention.htm
'Epidemic' of bed sharing deaths - coroner
A coroner says the number of infant deaths attributed to unsafe sleeping arrangements each year has become "almost like an epidemic".
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10888554
Maori wellbeing programme popular
A training course introducing basic healthy eating and physical activity principles from a kaupapa Maori perspective was held in Gore yesterday.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/8761169/Maori-wellbeing-programme-popular
$58m to improve healthcare
Research into infertility, healthy eating and the cause of allergies are among health studies to receive more than $58 million this year.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10888693
Tackling kids’ asthma in school part of $4.2m awarded for Māori health research
A comprehensive school-based programme to help reduce the burden of asthma for Māori children has received $1.2 million in the annual Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) funding round.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00019/tackling-kids-asthma-part-of-42m-awarded-for-maori-health.htm
Call for more donors as need increases
At 31, Rachael Vink is finally able to think about starting a family with her husband.Having children would have been impossible for the Christchurch speech and language therapist before the kidney and pancreas transplant she had in Auckland last year.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/8775108/Call-for-more-donors-as-need-increases
Social health
Why Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes
For 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415
Mental health
Quakes led to Chch man's suicide
The Canterbury earthquakes have claimed another life after a coroner ruled they were the reason a man committed suicide.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8753136/Quakes-led-to-Chch-mans-suicide
Mum's grief at loss of her son after quakes
The first confirmed earthquake-related suicide may be a sign of a dark road ahead for Christchurch
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8755817/Mums-grief-at-loss-of-her-son-after-quakes
Time for a frank talk about suicide
Christina Wilson takes her concerns to the streets
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/8758139/Time-for-a-frank-talk-about-suicide
Raising Awareness and Understanding of Elder Abuse
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) will be supporting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Saturday, June 17, and is encouraging all New Zealanders to join in.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1306/S00026/raising-awareness-and-understanding-of-elder-abuse.htm
International media
Struggle continues over expanded role for nurses
Physicians and nurses disagree about roles, skills, cost and quality of care
http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/struggle-continues-over-expanded-role-nurses/2013-05-16?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
UK Doctors And Nurses That Are Injured While Treating Unconscious Patients Cannot Test Them For HIV Due To Lack Of Legal Protection
Doctors and nurses in the UK that are injured in the course of treating injured patients cannot currently test that patient for HIV without their consent. In emergency situations where the patient is unconscious, such consent cannot be given, putting healthcare staff at risk of subsequent legal action if they test the unconscious patient. In a session taking place at Euroanaesthesia (the annual congress of the European Society of Anaesthesiology [ESA]), senior UK anaesthetists will discuss the need for a change in the law to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/261309.php
Hospital Passport’ helps comfort young patients
Developed at Scotland’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, the scheme aims to make young patients feel more at ease when being passed from department to department.
http://www.springwise.com/hospital-passport-helps-comfort-young-patients/
Wrong-Patient Medication Errors Examined by the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority
Wrong-patient events occurred in all phases of the medication-use process
Over 800 wrong-patient medication errors were reported to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority in a six-month period with errors most common during the transcribing and administration phases and least often during the dispensing and prescribing phases, according to information in the JunePennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory released today.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wrong-patient-medication-errors-examined-by-the-pennsylvania-patient-safety-authority-209925571.html
Study: More BSN nurses means lower mortality rates
When hospitals hire more nurses with four-year degrees, patient deaths following common surgeries decrease, according to a study.
http://news.nurse.com/article/20130307/ML02/303070055
All nurses should know how to help when disaster strikes
On April 15, two bombs were detonated at the Boston Marathon. On April 17, an explosion at a fertilizer plant rocked the small town of West, Texas. A month later, on May 15, tornadoes wreaked havoc across towns in north Texas. Twisters again caused enormous damage when they blew threw the Oklahoma City area May 19, destroying entire neighborhoods, including an elementary school and a hospital.
http://news.nurse.com/article/20130603/NATIONAL01/106030011/-1/frontpage
Men Face Higher Risk of Infections Related to Health Care
Extensive study found hospitalized men had 60 percent greater odds of bloodstream, surgical infections
Women are less likely to develop infections related to receiving health care than men, according to a large new study.
http://consumer.healthday.com/caregiving-information-6/hospital-news-393/men-face-higher-risk-of-infections-related-to-health-care-676996.html
Mandatory flu vaccination of healthcare personnel does not lead to worker exodus
– Mandatory influenza (flu) vaccination, as a condition of employment, did not lead to excessive voluntary termination, according to a four-year analysis of vaccination rates at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL.
http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/press-releases/mandatory-flu-vaccination-healthcare-personnel-does-not-lead-worker-exodus?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
ANA Hails Iowa Court Ruling as Nurses’ Scope of Practice Win
ANA hailed the Iowa Supreme Court decision affirming Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners’ (ARNPs) ability to supervise a certain high-tech X-ray and imaging procedure as a victory for Iowa residents, who will benefit from having broader access and choice in obtaining important health care services.
http://nursingworld.org/HomepageCategory/NursingInsider/Nurses-Scope-of-Practice-Wins-in-Iowa.html
Articles of interest
Human factors in nursing: The time is now
THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2
To raise awareness for nurses about the differences between human factors, patient safety, and communication for safer process and system redesign.
http://www.ajan.com.au/Vol30/Issue2/7Fryer.pdf
How competency standards became the preferred national technology for classifying nursing performance in Australia
THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2
The aim of this study was to explore how competency standards came to be the preferred technology for classifying and nursing performance in Australia at the end of the 20th century.
http://www.ajan.com.au/Vol30/Issue2/3Grealish.pdf
Recognition of prior learning: Credit transfer for enrolled nurses studying science in the Bachelor of Nursing program
THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2
The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), on academic achievement for enrolled nurses (ENs), who applied for credit transfer for first stage science in the Bachelor of Nursing program (BN).
http://www.ajan.com.au/Vol30/Issue2/5Pryor.pdf
The influence of personal characteristics on perioperative nurses' perceived competence: implications for workforce planning
THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 3
To examine the influence of personal characteristics on perioperative nurses' perceived competence
http://www.ajan.com.au/Vol30/Issue3/2Gillespie.pdf
Ministry of Health reports
New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2013–2016
The New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2013–2016 outlines a programme of actions that the Government will implement over the next four years. It is a cross-government Action Plan bringing together the work of eight agencies. The Action Plan builds on the previous action plan covering 2008–2012. Both action plans reflect the goals of the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006–2016.
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-zealand-suicide-prevention-action-plan-2013-2016
Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer in New Zealand Men: Recommendations from the Prostate Cancer Taskforce
Prostate cancer is a significant burden to men’s health and is now one of the most important issues facing New Zealand men.The lack of a reliable way of detecting prostate cancer early has created many challenges. The commonly used prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test detects both cancer and non-cancerous conditions. As well, some prostate cancers are slow growing and may not affect a man’s quality of life or cause early death.
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/diagnosis-and-management-prostate-cancer-new-zealand-men-recommendations-prostate-cancer-taskforce
Prostate Cancer Awareness and Quality Improvement Programme: Improving outcomes for men with prostate cancer
The Prostate Cancer Awareness and Quality Improvement Programme (AQIP) outlines the issues that currently exist for the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer in New Zealand. The AQIP provides solutions to these issues and identifies the next steps for the Ministry of Health and the wider health sector.
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/prostate-cancer-awareness-and-quality-improvement-programme-improving-outcomes-men-prostate-cancer
Call for submissions
NI 2014, the 12th International Congress on Nursing Informatics, will be held in Taipei, Taiwan, June 21-25, 2014. The theme of the conference is “eSmart + ” where “e” stands for eHealth, “S” implies simplicity, “m” represents mobility and meaningful use, “a” denotes advanced leadership, “r” indicates revolution, “t” means translational technologies, and “+” symbolizes People Leading uCare Safely. The acronym is also used to convey the idea of adopting smart technology to help health providers deliver higher quality care. The online submissions system is now open and will remain open until mid-September 2013. Decisions on manuscripts will be made by mid-December 2013.
You can find more information at the conference website: www.ni2014.org
The above information has been collated for the College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) Inc by Linda Stopforth, SNIPS and is provided on a weekly basis.
It is current as at Tuesday 11 June 2013
If you have any feedback about content - what parts are most useful or what you would like added - please email admin@nurse.org.nz
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