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NGO Desk update
6 August 2009


Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - The latest updates can be found on the Ministry of Health website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1

For Your Action

Department of Labour information for employers during a pandemic

The Department of Labour has helpful guidelines for employers to minimise the risk and impact of a flu pandemic on your business, their website has answers to frequently asked questions on the rights and obligations of employers and employees during a pandemic. http://www.dol.govt.nz/initiatives/workplace/pandemic/index.asp

"Volunteering Unleashed" Conference early bird registrations close 15 August

The early bird rate for the Volunteering NZ Conference is $350 GST incl and the full rate is $450 GST incl so there is a saving to be made by registering now. August 15 is also the date when applications will close for the special scholarships.

Excellent speakers and opportunities to contribute will be a feature of the conference. Professor Margaret Tennant has joined the group of high calibre speakers at the conference. She will bring a very interesting historical perspective to volunteering in New Zealand. Other confirmed speakers include Steven Carden, author of New Zealand Unleashed, Melissa Moon, champion mountain runner and committed volunteer, Marcus Akuhata-Brown founder of Tukaha Global Consultancy, Andy Fryar OzVPM and Martin J Cowling from People First Total Solutions. The updated conference programme can be found at this link: http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/files/Conference09/Conference09_programme_draft.pdf

Registration can be made through this link: http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/news/headlines/090121b.php . The same link can be used to access the Scholarship Application Form.
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What are the hot issues for People with Disabilities and the Super City? An opportunity to hear the views of Auckland Disability Providers - Thursday, 20 August, Auckland

Programme
9.45 Registrations
10.00 AGM (Membership forms sent on request)
10.45 Morning Tea
11.15 Super City – the implications for the Disability Sector

Western Springs Garden Community Hall, 956 Great North Road, Western Springs
Speakers: Richard Northey - Auckland City Council and Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe - Chair Otara Community Board

Note: This forum is free, but please book to assist with seating and catering.
Contact: Pam Antill (09) 636 0834, info@adpn.org.nz
Remember, membership of Auckland Disability Providers Network may entitle you to special membership of the Employers and Manufacturers Association and discount rates at most ADPN functions.

Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm 2010–2016: A Draft Document for Consultation - Submissions are due by 5.00pm 21 August.

The Ministry of Health is seeking written submissions on the Ministry’s Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm 2010-2016: Consultation Document, which includes a six-year strategic plan 2010-2016, a three-year service plan 2010-2013, a problem gambling needs assessment, and problem gambling levy calculations over the 2010-2013 period.
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/9057/$File/gambling-harm-consultation-jul09.doc

To assist people to make submissions, the Ministry will be hosting a number of public meetings around the country. These meetings will be of particular interest to those who have read the Consultation Document and wish to ask questions of the Ministry to inform their written submissions on the document. Comments at the meetings will also be recorded and used in the submissions analysis.

The Ministry has identified a number of questions asked by interested groups that may be of interest to others. The Ministry has also anticipated some questions based on issues raised by stakeholders in previous consultations and planning for the 2010 – 2013 service plan.
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/9057/$File/pg-consult-faqs.doc
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How to have your say – Your feedback is important as it will help shape the final documents.
There are two ways to make a submission:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/9057/$File/pg-submission-form.doc
  1. Forward your comments, with the submission form to:
    Nathan Clark
    National Problem Gambling Team
    Ministry of Health
    PO Box 5013
    Wellington
  2. Download the submission form, add your comments, and email to: problemgambling@moh.govt.nz
A copy of all submissions received will be forwarded to the Gambling Commission to assist their independent consultation process.

NGO Health Forum - 27 August - The North Shore

North Shore Community Health Voice are partnering with Harbour PHO to hold quarterly NGO health forums on the North Shore. Harbour Health sees these forums as an opportunity to communicate more effectively with the community it serves by providing a greater understanding of the services that are provided through its general practices. Topical health-related issues will be covered, and this forum is a vehicle for NGOs to highlight the health issues affecting their clients.

Age Concern Positive Ageing Centre, The Strand, Takapuna (above the library).
A light lunch will be served.
RSVP by August 24 for catering
For more information contact Sue Gibb nscomhealthvoice@xtra.co.nz
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Nominations for the Asthma and Respiratory Awards close on 31 August

The Asthma and Respiratory Achievers Awards are held every two years to recognise Kiwis with asthma or other respiratory illnesses who have a great attitude to life and are achievers, despite the challenges they face.

Past nominees have included, people with respiratory illnesses who do well at school or at work, who have interesting hobbies or talents, who are involved with sport or music (or whatever), or who simply put a smile on the face of everyone they meet. It might just be that they are a really giving person. Every nominee receives a certificate from the Foundation and there are a number of Rangatira (Maori) awards.

Eight supreme achievers will have their transport, meals and accommodation paid for when they are presented with an award by the Governor-General in Wellington in November. Last time the supreme achievers included a Maori woman with asthma who swam Cook Strait and another man who walked the streets of Dunedin seven times, despite having a lung capacity of only 40 percent. One Maori man was made a supreme achiever because of the positive attitude he adopted to exercising regularly in pulmonary rehab classes.

If there is someone who you would like to have recognised, or indeed celebrated, or could just do with a bit of encouragement nominate them for one of these awards. It’s all a lot of fun. It’s easy to make a nomination at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz or for more information you can email: achievers@asthmafoundation.org.nz

Community Internship Programme - 2009/10 Funding Round closes on 14 September at 4.00pm.

The Community Internship Programme (the programme) provides an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals to help organisations in their communities to create new and powerful networks, and to develop their careers.

The programme provides grants to pay the salaries of experienced people while they temporarily leave their permanent job and help ‘host’ community organisations improve their capability. Through the programme, community groups are able to employ staff with high-level skills from the public, private or community sector as an intern for three to six months at no cost to their organisation.

The programme increases understanding, cooperation and interaction between the private, government, local government, community and voluntary sectors.

Three groups of participants work together:
  • a ‘host’ community organisation
  • an intern
  • the intern's ‘home’ organisation.
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The programme benefits all participants.
  • The ‘host’ community organisation benefits by bringing in skills and experiences from another sector or organisation that they may not normally have access to.
  • The intern is given a great chance to learn new skills, make a contribution to their community and build powerful networks.
  • Not only does the ‘home’ organisation provide staff with a unique professional development experience, they also are able to build new relationships across sectors.

To ensure a good understanding of each participant’s respective goals, expectations and roles, all three parties work together to plan and develop the internship proposal. If the application is successful, the intern is placed with the host community organisation for up to six months.

The objectives of the programme are achieved through:
  • Importing new, and otherwise inaccessible, skills and knowledge to the host community organisation, leaving the organisation stronger and more effective
  • Providing the intern with the opportunity to gather new experiences, build new networks and gain a community perspective, of value for themselves and for their home organisation
  • Enabling the intern’s home organisation to draw on the broadened experience, renewed energy and new ideas of the intern; thereby completing the circle of benefit between the three parties

More information about the Community Internship Programme is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website, www.dia.govt.nz or freephone 0800 824 824.

Request for Content and Event information

Please use this opportunity to share your information with others in the sector and around the Ministry of Health. Email me on ngo@moh.govt.nz. Email me any information you would like shared with others in the Ministry of Health and the NGO community.
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NGO INFORMATION

Consumer Representative Training Programme Workshop, Friday 11 September, 9.45am–3.00pm, Auckland

Conference Room, Ground Floor, Healthwest Building, Waitakere Hospital, Henderson
The Consumer Representative Training Programme is designed to enhance the skills of current and prospective consumer representatives. The programme will be of interest to individuals who may have been asked to participate in or who could be interested in the future in being part of a committee, reference or focus group.

The Workshop includes:
A summary of the NZ health system,
An overview of the Consumer Representative Training Programme Handbook, including participating as a consumer representative,
Group dynamics and dealing with conflict and meeting procedure,
Consumer Rights and the importance of consumer representation.
The workshop is free, morning tea and lunch are provided
RSVP to Sue Gibb - nscomhealthvoice@xtra.co.nz by 31 August 09.

Making Inclusive Education Happen Conference 2009 - Ideas for Sustainable Change - 28-30 September, Wellington

The conference is seeking to promote deeper understanding of inclusive education through exploring:
  • Personal perspectives
  • Current research and practice
  • Inclusive school communities
  • Policy, society and human rights
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It will explore the issues that contribute to inclusive schools and communities including:
  • What we mean when we talk about inclusive education
  • The values that underlie inclusive policies and practices in education
  • Children's rights, human rights, and social justice foundations for inclusive education
  • The development of inclusive education

Abstracts accepted for this conference can be viewed here: http://www.imaginebetter.co.nz/ie_abstracts/index.php

Registrations for this event are now open. To register please follow this link: http://www.imaginebetter.co.nz/ie2009_reg.php

Post Conference Workshops
There will be two, one day workshops following this conference in both Christchurch and Auckland presented by Suzanne Carrington and Rodger Slee. For more information about the post conference workshop please follow this link: http://www.imaginebetter.co.nz/ie_post_index.php

http://www.imaginebetter.co.nz/ie2009_reg.php

IHC Hot Issues Newsletter - July 2009

Contents:
  • IHC wants families to have real choice in education
  • Dropping successful inclusive education support – because it works
  • Education resourcing swings and roundabouts
  • IHC concerned that students with intellectual disability will lose out with national standards
  • Kristina and Dylan’s story
  • New Disabilities Issues Minister Tariana Turia
  • Another committee without us says DPA
  • IHC looks to Government for solution to pay disability support staff
  • Death by indifference in New Zealand?
  • IHC National Self Advocacy Community Forums coming up
http://www.ihc.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=1693
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New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services Policy Watch Newsletter

Contents:
  • Radio interview on the ‘New Poor’
  • New MSD Household Economic Survey (Income)
  • An Ageing World 2008
  • Caregiver Migration and Ageing Population
  • Corrections response to the rising prison numbers
  • IHC Employment Court decision has implications
http://christiansocialservices.blogspot.com/2009/07/policy-watch_28.html

Barrier Free New Zealand Trust Seminars

Participants in the Barrier Free NZ Trust seminars have the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the Accessible Journey for all people, including people with disabilities. The seminars cover access issues that a range of people may face in public buildings and acceptable design solutions as governed by our laws (Building Act 2004, Building Code and Compliance Documents, Building Regulations, and NZS 4121:2001 in regards to access).

2-day Barrier Free Seminars (Modules 1-4)
Auckland: 15-16 September 2009 - Confirmed - Limited places remaining
Wellington: 14-15 October 2009 - Open for registration
Christchurch 17-18 November 2009 - Open for registration

Becoming a Barrier Free Advisor Courses (Module 5)
Wellington: 23 November 2009 - Confirmed - places remaining
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Creating the Accessible Journey: Half-day seminar for Architects and Designers
Wellington: 5 October 2009 - Open for registration
Auckland: 7 October 2009 - Open for registration

See www.barrierfreenz.org.nz for more information about the content and cost of each seminar.
Register online at http://www.barrierfreenz.org.nz/index.php/training-and-education/registration

Carers NZ National Carers Conference: Tomorrow’s Care Today. 24-25 September, Auckland

Carers NZ will host its third National Carers Conference at Auckland’s Waipuna Events Centre. The keynote speakers will include Hon Tariana Turia (Government Progress for Carers), Caroline Waters, Director of People and Policy for Britain’s BT Group, Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes (Why the Prime Minister Talks About Carers), Tania Hayes (Australian carer ambassador, author, wife and Mum), Gina Langlands from Bupa Care Services (Partners In Care), Waitemata DHB’s Philip Grady, Fulton Hogan Wellbeing Manager Carl Stent … plus many more!

For the first time, the conference will also feature Learning and Wellbeing events just for carers:
  • Planning for Emergencies: what will happen to the person being supported if something happens to the carer? Carers NZ will launch its new CarePlanning Tools at these workshops.
  • Continence at Home: Family friendly information about continence issues from a family perspective. Hosted by the NZ Continence Association. (These fun and informative workshops are especially for carers, though others with an interest in continence will also benefit).
  • Carer Meet and Greet: This will be held on the Saturday morning following the conference for carers who want to get together, enjoy refreshments, receive information, and perhaps have a basic wellness check from a public health nurse.

For further information or to register your place at the Conference, email sara@carers.net.nz or phone (0800) 777 797. There is no cost for carers to attend the learning and wellbeing events, and a limited number of scholarships are available for carers wishing to attend the full conference.

To download the programme, visit www.carers.net.nz , http://www.carers.co.nz/files/ConferenceProgramme.pdf , or phone the toll-free number to request a printed copy.
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Health Literacy

Health literacy isn’t just about being able to read and write. Its about being able to receive information, to understand that information and being able to act on it. Many patients cannot understand basic healthcare information which in turn reduces the success of treatment and increases the risk of medical error. Various interventions, such as simplified information and illustrations, avoiding jargon and encouraging patients to ask questions, and understanding of different cultures, have improved health behaviors.

For healthcare consumers health literacy means:
  • Being able to follow a doctor’s instructions after a visit.
  • Being able to manage a chronic illness
  • Understanding how to take their medication properly.
If someone can’t understand the instructions, then they can’t be expected to follow them.

Factors Influencing Health Literacy
It’s not just about intelligence or social class. Our health literacy skills depend on such factors as: education - ability to read and write, familiarity with the subject, language, culture, stress, boredom or lack of interest, age, sight and hearing.

Health Providers can make a difference:
  • By ensuring that their communications with patients are clear and concise.
  • By taking a patient focused approach.

Consumer Representatives can help with health literacy by
  • Ensuring that plain language is used in printed material given to patients.
  • Ensuring that this information is easily understood by the many different health consumers eg: older people, youth, different ethnic groups, disability groups
  • Developing collaborative initiatives between health providers to present information in ways that are easier to process and understand.
  • Involving health service users with a range of literacy skills when producing patient information.
If you are interested in having a presentation on this subject or further information please contact Sue Gibb nscomhealthvoice@xtra.co.nz
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MINISTRY OF HEALTH INFORMATION

A National Professional Development Framework for Cancer Nursing in New Zealand: July 2009

The National Professional Development Framework for Cancer Nursing in New Zealand was developed by the Palliative Care and Cancer Nurses Education Group as part of the implementation of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy and Action Plan 2005-2010.

The publication provides a framework for registered nurses’ professional development and describes nursing competencies that outline the practice expectations of nurses working in cancer control. The content is set out in two parts:
  • Part one describes the purpose, aim and objectives of the Framework, the scope and context for cancer nursing in New Zealand, a model for nursing in cancer control and professional development for cancer nurses.
  • Part two sets out the core cancer nursing competencies in cancer control and the speciality nursing competencies in cancer care.
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/national-professional-development-framework-cancer-nursing

New page on the Ministry of Health Website - Palliative care in New Zealand, Care for people of all ages with a life-limiting terminal condition

No matter who we are, no matter what our background, we all eventually face death and dying. Palliative and end of life care provides people with humane and dignified support and services as they face a life limiting condition. This care is essential.

Palliative care in New Zealand aims to:
  • optimise an individual’s quality of life until death by addressing the person’s physical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs
  • support the individual’s family, whanau and other caregivers where needed into bereavement.
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/palliativecare

Ministry of Health media releases

http://www.moh.govt.nz/media
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OTHER INFORMATION

New national guidelines on the management of early breast cancer

The New Zealand Guidelines Group is launching new national guidelines on the management of early breast cancer on 12 August 2009. The launch will occur at the inaugural National Maori Cancer Forum in Rotorua.

The guideline’s recommendations were developed by a group of clinical and consumer experts.

The guideline provides an evidence-based summary of best practice in the management of early breast cancer. It covers the period from a person’s diagnosis through to treatment for early breast cancer. It includes recommendations for follow-up. It specifically addresses the management of women with ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive adenocarcinoma of the breast of clinical stages I, II and IIIA. Men with stage I, II and IIIA are included.

The guideline does not cover screening or the management of advanced breast cancer.

The Ministry of Health commissioned the guidelines as part of its commitment to the implementation of the Cancer Control Strategy. This commitment is ongoing, with the Ministry funding the development of an implementation plan, to be completed in early 2010.

The mihi for the guideline is He tatau pounamu, e kore e ngaro (inner peace and beauty – the door of the greenstone – is never lost).

The guideline is intended primarily for providers of care for women with early breast cancer, but will be freely available for all. It will be available for electronic download from the New Zealand Guideline Group’s website from 13th August 2009. The website is www.nzgg.org.nz

E-newsletter from the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Issue 26 ~ 4 August

CONTENTS
Section 1: OCVS News and Events
01: BBGE reference group releases recommendations on improving community engagement
02: Community consultation influences BBGE group’s final report to government
03: Community-Government Forum to explore national issues
04: Regional Funders Forums reveal a range of funding situations
05: Minister Turia announces funding for community research website
06: Australian Productivity Commission keen to learn from NZ’s experience
07: Payroll giving Bill progressing through Parliament

Section 2: Sector and Government News and Events.
08: Media interest in Volunteer Awareness Week up on previous years
09: Community Internship Programme boosts skilled staff numbers in NGOs
10: Community Archive can help groups share their heritage
11: CommunityCentral introduces private online workspaces and discussion networks
12: Recent New Zealand resources/publications for communities and government
13: New overseas resources and publications for communities and government
14: Key dates, events and conferences
http://www.ocvs.govt.nz/publications/newsletter/index.html
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StatsNews

Contents
  1. New website for Statistics NZ
  2. New format for the StatsNews newsletter
  3. Go Stats! seminars are back
  4. Commuting Patterns in New Zealand: 1996–2006
  5. Criminal Conviction and Sentencing Statistics: 2008
  6. Energy Use in the Primary Sector: 2008
  7. Measuring New Zealand's Progress Using a Sustainable Development Approach: 2008
  8. Release calendar
  9. Personal assistance
  10. Privacy statement
You can view StatsNews online at: http://www.stats.govt.nz/methods_and_services/newsletters/stats-news/31-jul09.aspx

Important notice:

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Health.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this newsletter, the Ministry of Health is not responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies or changes that may have taken place after publication.
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