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The Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, continues to offer free accommodation for Northland cancer patients travelling to Auckland. Giving patients easy access to treatment, is an essential service, and remains open. There is restricted access to the building in order to protect cancer patients who … View moreThe Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, continues to offer free accommodation for Northland cancer patients travelling to Auckland. Giving patients easy access to treatment, is an essential service, and remains open. There is restricted access to the building in order to protect cancer patients who are staying and ensure everyone remains in a ‘bubble’.
Comments from Dr Chris Jackson, Cancer Society Medical Director and Oncologist:
Cancer hasn’t stopped for COVID-19, but the way in which people seek and receive care for cancer has changed a lot since the level 4 lockdown.
Despite the changes in service delivery, the Cancer Control Agency has been very clear that people with a high suspicion of cancer, or people with cancer who require immediate treatment, should still receive those tests and treatments.
The level 4 lockdown has been an unprecedented event. It happened with unparalleled speed, and resulted in some non-life threatening hospital work being immediately deferred.
Since that time the Cancer Control Agency (working with DHBs and clinicians) has been working through what can and can’t be done during the stages of lockdown. More and more hospital work is now available.
Patients up and down the country have been affected by these disruptions and have been incredibly understanding and patient while this work has been done.
People who have symptoms or signs of cancer, or who are concerned that their existing cancer is worsening during the level 4 and then level 3 lockdown should still be able to access healthcare. People should contact their own GP in the first instance, or if they have an assigned cancer specialist, talk with them. While some appointments may be done by telephone or videoconference, essential scans and treatments should still be going ahead. Some treatments that heavily suppress the immune system may be deferred if it is in people’s best interests to have the treatments delayed due to the risks of COVID-19. These will be discussed with patients individually.
Despite losing significant funding due to cancellation of major fundraising events, the Cancer Society has redesigned its services to support people remotely throughout the lockdown, the cancer society nurses are still available to talk to.
The Cancer Society remains here to help with a fully staffed 0800 cancer information line (0800 226 237) that people can call and discuss any concerns or questions they may have.
This is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...
Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping … View moreThis is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...
Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping you work from home, on a local neighbourhood walk getting some exercise, or any cute, fun, and funny photos!
Far North District Council ratepayers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing drought may be able to defer paying their rates for up to six months.
The Council adopted the rates relief measure at its 9 April meeting in recognition of the financial hardship… View moreFar North District Council ratepayers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing drought may be able to defer paying their rates for up to six months.
The Council adopted the rates relief measure at its 9 April meeting in recognition of the financial hardship many rural, residential and commercial ratepayers are facing as a result of the pandemic and the nation’s response to it. It is effective immediately and is intended to provide relief to ratepayers who will receive 2019/20 fourth instalment rate invoices next week.
Mayor John Carter says the offer is an interim measure until the pandemic’s full impact on the economy is known. “We know many of our residents are struggling financially, because they have lost their job or their incomes have been reduced.”
Those applying for the assistance will need to meet simple criteria to demonstrate financial hardship. This includes loss of income, qualification for the Government’s pandemic support package or qualification for a mortgage holiday from a bank. “We want to help ratepayers through this unprecedented event. If the pandemic means you are struggling to make ends meet, contact us and we will see how we can assist, either by deferring rates bills or by referring you to other government assistance options.”
Mayor Carter says Council staff are also busy exploring central government funding options to help get the district’s economy back on track as quickly as possible after the lockdown. “We have prepared a number of large and small infrastructure proposals we believe will create jobs and stimulate the economy.”
Planning is also well-advanced on how the Council will restart non-essential services once pandemic restrictions are relaxed. “We will be guided by central government and health experts, but we are acutely aware of the leadership role the Council plays in our economy. We will be working hard to make the transition safe and seamless.”
Have a read - and when we are able to travel - take a trip and wander around the Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Autumn is one of the best seasons to see a garden and it's environs - Enjoy!
Hi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket … View moreHi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket essentials.
It also includes details on COVID-19 related scams and what to look out for to stay safe.
Read the newsletter here: bit.ly...
Missing your haircut, your morning coffee or dinner out? We've set up a site where you can support your local small business by buying a voucher now for a service you will get in the future - give these small businesses the money they need now to keep the lights on while they have the doors … View moreMissing your haircut, your morning coffee or dinner out? We've set up a site where you can support your local small business by buying a voucher now for a service you will get in the future - give these small businesses the money they need now to keep the lights on while they have the doors shut. Lots of great places to support across the Northland area here...
sosbusiness.nz...
Hone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was … View moreHone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was essential travel, with the checkpoints keeping people safe. This comes as Northland has 26 cases of coronavirus. What do you think about the travel? And what are your thoughts on the checkpoints in general?
The end is in sight for the coronavirus lockdown. But, while we move out of this crisis, there are some things that perhaps shouldn't go back to normal. What do you think we should continue or carry on not doing after the lockdown?
Refresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.
Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.
Make the most … View moreRefresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.
Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
Find out how to create your own Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
You might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their … View moreYou might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their bubble at risk as well.
Do your bit for workers and their whānau, and put your wet wipes in the bin.
Hi there Neighbours!
With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as … View moreHi there Neighbours!
With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as well as tunes you think your Neighbours will enjoy. Chuck in some taste-breakers, one-hit wonders or some good old Kiwi classics - it really doesn’t matter. So if you’re running out of ideas on things to do, why not a dance party?
Just remember: keep it PG, refrain from putting any songs in the mix that may cause offence to your Neighbours. You can find the playlist here.
Happy raving NZ!
During this lockdown period, although Dr. Moss will not be conducting clinics for face-to-face consults, she will be available for phone and skype consults and will be processing results and letters so will email you with those. If you want an appointment for a phone consult please phone the clinic… View moreDuring this lockdown period, although Dr. Moss will not be conducting clinics for face-to-face consults, she will be available for phone and skype consults and will be processing results and letters so will email you with those. If you want an appointment for a phone consult please phone the clinic number and the receptionist who is manning the phone from home will book you in.
Southern Cross has stated that they will cover telehealth consults but if you are with another insurance company then you will need to check with them whether they will also cover them. The cost will be on the same basis as ordinary consults. The phone number is 09 459 1739 and the skype name is the email address river.women@xtra.co.nz
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are launching a fees-free online learning initiative, to help
Northlanders upskill or reskill if they have been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are already partners delivering fully online learning for students to study in their own … View moreNorthTec and TANZ eCampus are launching a fees-free online learning initiative, to help
Northlanders upskill or reskill if they have been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are already partners delivering fully online learning for students to study in their own home and at their own pace.
Unfortunately, unemployment is predicted to rise sharply as the country deals with the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, with difficult times ahead for many people who might find themselves needing to upskill or learn new skills to support a move into different industries and jobs.
To support people and employers in our region, NorthTec is building further on the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) ‘Fees Free’ options, to ensure we can offer fees-free learning to all people in our region.
The initiative is aimed at helping people upskill or learn new skills in order to help the region’s economy recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Learners can also access Chromebook devices from NorthTec to help them study from home.
To benefit from the fees-free initiative, learners need to enrol by 18 May.
NorthTec Chief Executive, Wayne Jackson, said: “We recognise that this is a very difficult time for many people, and that there will be job losses across the region. While people are unable to work, and forced to stay home during the lockdown, this initiative will help them retrain through quality education with no fees attached.
“TANZ eCampus is a fully online platform and is staffed by trained and experienced tutors who support learners throughout their studies. It’s a great way to study if you are unable to leave home, and with no fees it will be a really productive way for people to use their time while the country is in this unprecedented situation.”
The NorthTec eCampus portfolio of programmes can be found at
www.northtec.ac.nz... , along with details on how to enquire and apply.
In association with this initiative, NorthTec has also secured Chromebooks that can be used to support students who do not have a device to study from home. Learners who require a Chromebook will be given details when they enrol.
NorthTec can provide details of a range of data support schemes that are available to support learning if required; again, details can be provided to students at the point of enrolment.
Northland District Health Board (DHB) and NorthTec staff are working closely together to develop a potential workforce for Northland which incorporates nursing tutors and students to support the healthcare frontline, if required.
NorthTec Bachelor of Nursing Coordinator, Jeanette Briscoe, says … View moreNorthland District Health Board (DHB) and NorthTec staff are working closely together to develop a potential workforce for Northland which incorporates nursing tutors and students to support the healthcare frontline, if required.
NorthTec Bachelor of Nursing Coordinator, Jeanette Briscoe, says several tutors are ready to work in hospitals and in the community to help with patient care if healthcare services in Northland become overwhelmed.
“We really want to support our clinical colleagues during this incredibly tough time. Ultimately, all of us came into the nursing profession to care for people in need,” says Jeanette. “I have been liaising with the Northland DHB Director of Nursing around their emergency planning, organised access to online DHB orientation courses for NorthTec staff to work through, and we have all completed health screening. This means that if the situation deteriorates in Northland, we are prepared to help on the frontline.”
Many third-year nursing students have had their clinical placements cancelled and put on hold while New Zealand is at pandemic Alert Level 4. However, many students still want to help, says Jeanette. “Our students are putting their names forward to be Health Care Assistants for the Northland DHB, to support the call for more staff in the event that the situation in Northland worsens.”
Nursing tutor, Michael McGivern, is one of those who has put his hand up to help if needed. He says that it was important to remember that firstly he is a nurse and have an obligation to assist people when they are unwell.
“During this pandemic, those people who are affected require a high level of support, guidance and direct nursing care. Nurses are trained to provide a high level of holistic care and to address people’s needs regardless of the nature of the problem. It is essential that nurses and other members of the healthcare teams pull together and support each other in order to safely get through this difficult time.”
Kathleen Burson became a NorthTec nursing tutor only five weeks ago, she says, “Working at Northland DHB is like being part of one big nursing family and if the need arose that is where I would want to be, supporting my nursing family to care for the people of Northland.”
Dr Bev Mackay, Nursing Pathway Manager, says this pandemic coincides with the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, which highlights the importance of the nursing and the healthcare profession during this time.
She says: “Worldwide, nurses are showing resilience and sacrifice while helping to fight COVID-19 at the frontline of the pandemic. This is the significance of choosing nursing as a career option, you can really make a difference in times like this. This is why our nursing tutors and students have chosen their career path – to help those in need. We are proud of our students and tutors who are prepared and ready to fight COVID-19 together, if required
I just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions … View moreI just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions ease! I am hearing from so many readers right now about how their gardens have never been more important to them than they are now, so I want to ensure you get your NZ Gardener, packed with beautiful pictures, expert advice, inspiration and information as quickly as possible, so you can enjoy your own garden even more. Meanwhile, when you do your next shop, we’d love it if you could pick up a copy of the April issue which is on sale now (you can add a copy to your online shop too). As you’ve probably heard on the news it is a tough time for magazines right now, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our regular readers and (especially!) our subscribers. If you are in a position to subscribe, or share your own love of plants and gardening by buying a subscription as a gift for someone else, then we’d be incredibly grateful: mags4gifts.co.nz.... Stay safe and enjoy the extra time in your garden everyone! Jo
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