Kia ora everyone
We’re hopefully coming into the last month of Counties Manukau’s traditional Winter season, and I’m pleased to report we’ve managed pretty well, despite very high pressures.
The hospital is full, and our Emergency Department remains very busy, but we managed to see patients and treat all of them with sound planning and great effort from our staff.
You have probably heard Te Whatu Ora has received a strike notice from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
Senior doctors and dentists will take industrial action from 12-2pm on 5 September, and then potentially on two more days later in the month. All emergencies will have senior doctor input as necessary during the strike.
Counties Manukau has contingency plans in place to cope with the strike effects and we will touch base with you if you are likely to be impacted. Remember, if you don’t hear from us, your appointment is still on.
In other news, we’re delighted at the progress being made at the Manukau Health Park, with brand new facilities on the horizon.
New theatres, clinics and radiology services are just part of the upgrade, and there will be great downstream benefits for our patients and the community.
One other story you may have heard concerns the use of surgical mesh in gynaecology cases. The Director General of Health has announced a pause in the use of mesh to treat stress urinary incontinence while steps are taken to minimise harm linked to the procedure and to improve national consistency.
Women who are directly affected by this decision have been, or will be, contacted by Te Whatu Ora to discuss their ongoing management plan. Those receiving treatment in a private facility can expect to be contacted by their clinician.
My best wishes for a safe journey for everyone into Spring.
Andrew Connolly
Chief Medical Officer
Counties Manukau