For further information on any of the documents below, contact the RPH communications advisor at rph@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
Held in Wellington in August 2018 and attracting more than 170 TB experts from around the world, the Conference ended in a resolution letter to Hon Minister David Clark calling for a New Zealand tuberculosis elimination strategy.
Read an abstract from 'Expert Elicitation for Estimation of the Proportion Foodborne for Selected Microbial Pathogens in New Zealand' co-authored by RPH Medical Officer of Health, Craig Thornley: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/fpd.2018.2576
In 2018 a RPH-led survey examined infection control in a number of ‘nail bars’ across Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti, and the Hutt Valley. The survey concludes that a lack of knowledge and inadequate infection control was prevalent among the nail industry at the time of the survey, with only 12% of businesses reporting adequate disinfection, sterilisation and storage of equipment. A significant portion of salons included staff with no formal qualifications. The report also concluded there is interest within the industry for more education to be provided.
This report (published March 2018), summarises the Regional Public Health evaluation of the Ko wai au programme run by the Porirua Whānau Centre in 2016. The Ko wai au programme aims to increase resilience among Year 4 to 8 tamariki and is delivered in primary and intermediate schools in the Porirua area. The purpose of the evaluation was to inform the Whānau Centre of what Ko wai au is achieving for tamariki and schools and how the programme could be strengthened. The evaluation included both teacher and tamariki experiences of Ko wai au.
This report provides the findings of a survey of 132 respondents who attended the Hauora Unleashed ki Pōneke 2018 Expo (‘Expo’), on Sunday 15 July 2018. The event included games, acts and workshops which were spread throughout Shed 6 and the TSB Arena, on Wellington’s waterfront. This Expo gave individuals and whānau opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles in a fun, interactive environment.
In May 2018 Kāpiti Fruit and Vege Co-op commenced a pilot programme to introduce the use of returnable cloth bags, instead of plastic bags, for packing members’ orders. This report, published July 2018, details the programme implemented by the Co-op and summarises the results of a short survey of its members and volunteers about the success of the pilot.
Published in: New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) | November 2015 Authors: Duncan Smyth, Eamonn Deverall, Michelle Balm, Annette Nesdale, Ian Rosemergy Abstract: We describe the first case of food-borne botulism seen in New Zealand for 30 years. Botulism is an important diagnosis to consider in a patient with rapidly progressive descending paralysis and normal sensorium. Early recognition, timely institution of intensive care support and administration of botulism antitoxin are the most important aspects of management.
This report summarises results of the survey of 314 participants who attended Creekfest 2016. This survey highlights that Creekfest 2016 appealed to a wide audience, particularly young people, and Māori and Pacific people. The ratings and comments indicate a high level of support for the Creekfest policies and people enjoyed the entertainment and the family friendly environment.
This RPH information paper outlines the connections between health and wellbeing, and urban open spaces. In addition, it summarises the relationship between open space in relation to physical and mental health, and environmental, economic, social and cultural wellbeing. This paper aims to inform and support the work of local and regional authorities, urban planners and developers, public health practitioners and community groups as we plan for sustainable and healthy cities. March 2010.
From May to July 2015 Regional Public Health partnered with the Hutt Valley youth sector to survey local young people (10-18+ years) on a range of aspects about their lives as young people living in the Hutt Valley. The survey asked a number of questions about health and mental well-being, alcohol and drug use and opinions of the Hutt Valley as a place to live for young people.
Published in: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health | October 2017 Authors: Osman David Mansoor, Rukhsana Ali, Ruth Richards
During visits to early childhood centres in 2015, centre managers/owners expressed concern about centre staff ‘running on empty’; their staff sickness levels were high and some staff were not taking time to look after themselves. In response, the RPH Schools and Early Childhood team developed and co-ordinated a one-day workshop in November 2015. In contrast to previous workshops which had focused on the welfare of the children attending centres, this workshop took an innovative approach to focus on staff wellbeing; their mental wellness. The purpose of the workshop was to provide knowledge, tools, and resources to support staff to make informed decisions about their self-care; and in turn help them be positive role models for the children in their care.
Te Rā o Te Raukura (Te Rā) is the premier annual Māori festival for the wider Wellington region. In 2014, the organising committee of Te Rā o Te Raukura (Te Rā) asked Regional Public Health (RPH) to develop a survey with them for the annual Te Rā Sunday festival – 2016 marks the second year of doing so. This report provides the results of the survey questionnaires completed by 512 festival goers at the 2016 Te Rā held on Sunday 31st January.
A case-study of Te Rā o Te Raukura 2017 to explore the growth and success of the hauora marquee, the benefits and value for providers and attendees, and the barriers to providers being part of the health marquee.
What is the role of schools in maintaining good health? Healthy children learn better. RPH surveyed Wellington region schools on their 'water-only' status. Responses from 78 schools provide a snapshot of variation across the region.
Published in: Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand | September 2015 Authors: Andrea Vause and Clare Aspinall A multidisciplinary health team successfully managed the complex care of a patient with drug-resistant tuberculosis, and other significant physical and mental problems.
