Stand by me - The power of support groups
After being diagnosed and treated for bowel cancer in 2019, Rex Buckley then found himself up against a lesser-known autoimmune disease - Guillame – Barre Syndrome (GBS). GBS is when the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis.
Celebrate Tongan Language Week - Clare's journey
Clare Mafi is the Advanced Social Work Clinician for Community Midwifery Service committed to serving her community. Proud to be Tongan, Clare is from Fo'ui, where her father hails from, a village located on the Western side of the main island of Tongatapu.
Changing jobs saved my life - Melanie’s story
In 2023, Melanie Fruean changed roles - moving from our Bowel Screen team to join the Breast Screen team – it was a decision she says helped save her life. Melanie was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in late 2023, after doing her first-ever mammogram.
Sammy's story - My stage three cancer journey
Sammy Tiongson is a popular fashion and interior designer who once graced the cover of a glossy magazine. With his cheerful, upbeat personality you never would guess that over the last few years, he has been very unwell.
Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade brings joy to Kidz First
Seeing a fire truck outside a hospital would usually turn heads - but this one had the kids bursting with joy as it turned up for a special visit and delivery.
Burns awareness month
It’s been a month of energetic promotion by the team at Counties Manukau’s National Burns Unit. Staff have been working hard, raising awareness of the damage even a minor burn can do, and giving the South Auckland community important information on avoiding and treating burns.
Taamaki ki Raro Jackie Beaumont
Jackie Beaumont freely admits she does a very challenging job: looking after a large variety of tamariki and adults who come through the National Burns Unit located at Middlemore Hospital.
Celebrate Volunteers - Mala Prasad
Last week was National Volunteer Week from 16-22 June. The theme is Whiria Te Tangata - Weaving the people together. It's a great time to reflect on our volunteers' selfless work! One of those volunteers is Mala Prasad, who offers her time three days a week at Middlemore Hospital.
Celebrate Volunteers - Annie Zijdel
Twice a week, Annie Zijdel comes to Middlemore Hospital to volunteer. "It's important to feel useful. To have a person. " "I help people who look lost and walk them to where they need to go.
