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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coast allied health workers made the case for a better pay deal by mounting two public pickets in Greymouth on Monday.
The allied workers cover 23 professions and 120 West Coast District Health Board union members.
Their 24-hour strike from … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coast allied health workers made the case for a better pay deal by mounting two public pickets in Greymouth on Monday.
The allied workers cover 23 professions and 120 West Coast District Health Board union members.
Their 24-hour strike from 11.59pm resulted in two pickets today, at the Te Nikau Hospital and the Greymouth Town Square.
The workers are also on a 12-day 'work to rule' period until this Friday.
DHB therapeutic, rehabilitation, laboratory, occupational therapy and diagnostic services and other clinical support services and Hauora Māori, are all affected.
The dispute has been ongoing for 20 months as allied professionals seek pay parity.
Greymouth allied health worker Rudolf Van der Geest said the Employment Relations Authority recently put a proposal to DHBs to settle but the boards had waited until last Friday to respond, and had still not said what was on the table.
"This is a protest that has been going on for 20 months now. It takes 20 months to have to go to the ERA to get mediation -- still, nothing.
"The sad reality is more people will leave."
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While farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.
Visit our website to find out more about … View moreWhile farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.
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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Work is progressing for a new mental health unit in Greymouth.
Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards infrastructure executive director Rob Ojala, told the West Coast board on Friday that the planning had reached the point where … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Work is progressing for a new mental health unit in Greymouth.
Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards infrastructure executive director Rob Ojala, told the West Coast board on Friday that the planning had reached the point where "we're on the market to get the design team."
He shared that following a query from iwi representative Francois Tumahai whether the planning would include a consumer representative.
Ojala said user group representatives would be part of the design structure for the new unit, "so we get a broad lens on the reality for the model going forward".
However, a user representative was probably not going to be in the governance structure for it, although iwi would be represented.
DHB general manager Philip Wheble noted the auditors from the Office of the Ombudsman had requested an update on 16 recommendations.
There was a continued focus on recruitment across the mental health service.
Key positions appointed in the past few weeks included the clinical nurse manager for the inpatient unit, a UK registered nurse as a case manager for Northern Community Mental Health (Buller), and a clinical psychologist who was not due to start until January.
"This is a key role to fill having been empty since 2016," Wheble said.
Occupational therapy vacancies continued to cause challenges for service delivery and specialist input in the mental health area.
He also reported a focus on equity for Māori patients, with a Māori casual mental health assistant employed, while the manager hours for the Māori mental health team had also been increased from half to full-time.
Services had not been significantly impacted by Covid apart from the Alcohol and Other Drugs service (AOD), which had a higher proportion of positive cases with increased service delivery challenges, "all of which have been managed well".
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View moreNZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.
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Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View moreBusiness is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!
NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast District Health Board says the new Buller Health complex, which will replace the ageing Buller Hospital and medical centre facilities in Westport, will be completed in mid-2023.
DHB executive director infrastructure Rob Ojala, said … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast District Health Board says the new Buller Health complex, which will replace the ageing Buller Hospital and medical centre facilities in Westport, will be completed in mid-2023.
DHB executive director infrastructure Rob Ojala, said construction was progressing well.
"All roof trusses have been installed and installation of the roofing iron is well under way, with 85% of the roof completed.
"The project is still on schedule and the expected completion timeframe remains the second quarter of 2023."
Brickwork, installation of plumbing and electrical services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning and fire systems had all commenced, Mr Ojala said.
"Activity on site has really ramped up with service trades now well into their work."
This modern, stylish planter finished in Resene is a great option to show off a statement plant. Find out how to create your own.
From reporter Joanne Naish:
A rest home on the West Coast will remain closed while a nursing shortage grips the aged care sector.
Reefton’s Ziman House closed in February due to staffing shortages and a concern about levels of care during the oncoming Omicron peak. Ten residents were moved to … View moreFrom reporter Joanne Naish:
A rest home on the West Coast will remain closed while a nursing shortage grips the aged care sector.
Reefton’s Ziman House closed in February due to staffing shortages and a concern about levels of care during the oncoming Omicron peak. Ten residents were moved to Christchurch, Hokitika and Greymouth, with the West Coast District Health Board (DHB) saying it would reopen in June.
This week, DHB general manager Philip Wheble said Ziman House could not reopen until more staff were recruited.
The home, which offered hospital-level care, employed two full-time equivalent nurses, but needed 5.6 to provide hospital-level care.
Wheble said if it could not recruit enough staff, the DHB might consider reopening with rest home-leve care, which had a lower requirement for staffing levels.
Between six and seven residents had indicated they wanted to return.
“The reality is that recruiting into health care roles across New Zealand is challenging and more so for rural locations like the West Coast,” Wheble said. Continue reading A rest home on the West Coast will remain closed while a nursing shortage grips the aged care sector.
Continue reading here.
We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!
It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your … View moreWe are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!
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If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.
Together, let's help keep small businesses busy!
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Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.
Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings,… View moreCongratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.
Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings, conversations and smiles!
Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for nominating your favourite local business. We'd like to acknowledge the official winner of the public voting poll, Josh Coe, owner of Page 42 cafe. Unfortunately, Josh has decided to close his business after 3.5 years and we wish him all the best.
Turn scrap building materials into a fun and practical piece for the home. Use timber offcuts and some creativity to make a rustic house number sign with Resene Alabaster and Resene Woodsman Crowshead.
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The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!
53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why … View moreThe weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!
53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why you're not switching power providers?
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