Creating Breathing SpacesStay tuned to find out who our 2017 winners are!

Rhondda was nominated by a colleague and student who said:

I have worked alongside Rhondda as a student midwife for the last 6 weeks. I have gained more midwifery knowledge and wisdom in the past weeks that sitting in class could ever have taught me.

Rhondda tells me she has been a midwife for over 40 years yet her enthusiasm and passion for the profession remains vibrant and brilliant. Rhondda has midwifery wisdom and advanced clinical skills. Rhondda treats woman and their whānau with empathy, compassion and humour.

She has treated me with kindness, advocated for my learning, had confidence in my abilities, made me feel part of the team and freely shared her knowledge. I would really like to see her acknowledged for her fabulous attitude and wisdom.

Inside this issue:

• Outstanding research at Fertility Plus
• Celebrating Excellence in Health
• Our sustainable journey
• Changing habits with the Switch to Water Challenge

Barbecues, family feasts and outdoor eating go with the territory during the Christmas holidays – unfortunately so do the rates of gastroenteritis reported to public health.

“Summer is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. No one wants food poisoning for Christmas - it could also ruin your family holiday. What’s even worse is that it is entirely preventable.” says Medical Officer of Health Dr David Sinclair from Auckland Regional Public Health Service.

Be food-wise and check out Dr Sinclair’s Q&A’s for Christmas meat-eaters during the festive season.

Why does summer make people so vulnerable to food poisoning?

Hot summer temperatures, especially during a heatwave are a breeding ground for bacteria like campylobacter and salmonella. These bacteria contaminate food and multiply in warm, moist conditions, which is exactly why meat is the ideal carrier for bacteria.

What is the highest risk food?

Meat-eaters need to be cautious, especially if you love chicken. Chicken carries the highest risk of any food for contamination and should be cooked until there is no pink flesh visible right down the middle.

What precautions should we be taking for barbecuing and picnics?

Ensure food that is outdoors remains in the shade and is covered and cool until ready to cook or eat. We recommend using a chilly-bin with icepacks for keeping meat cold. Precook chicken, meat patties and sausages before barbecuing. Cooking with a barbecue makes it difficult to gauge the temperature so a meat thermometer is a good idea and a handy Christmas present too.

How can we minimise the risk when preparing food?

Wash and dry your hands before and after handling food. Use one chopping board and set of utensils for raw meat and another set for cooked food. Follow the 4 Cs’ to minimise the risk of food borne illness - Clean, Cook, Cover, and Chill. If you are unwell do not handle food for other people.

What advice can you give when cooking meat?

Defrost frozen foods before cooking. Minced meat and sausages should be cooked right through and pork and poultry juices should run clear with no visible pink flesh.

How should we be storing meat?

Raw meat and chicken should be wrapped to stop drips and stored away from other foods ideally on the bottom shelf of the fridge. Ensure your fridge temperature is 2-4 ⁰C.

What about the leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Throw out any meat products that have been left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. If you are unwell or concerned about your health, please visit your doctor or call the nurses at Healthline for advice on 0800-611-116 (Healthline is open 24 hours, seven days a week).

ENDS

Please direct any Official Information Act (OIA) requests to: ailsac@adhb.govt.nzailsaclaire@adhb.govt.nz

We will acknowledge your request when we receive it and action it (or contact you for clarification) within 20 working days.

Please note that some requests may attract a cost due to the amount of work required to process them. Our charges are in line with the Ministry of Justice guidelines . You will be informed of any charges before we proceed and asked if you would like to proceed with your request.

Commonly requested OIA subjects

Before you make an OIA request, you can check to see if the information you’re seeking is already available. The following documents may provide you with what you need:

• Auckland DHB Annual Plans and Annual Reports
• Auckland DHBs responses to the 2014/15 Health Select Committee Annual Plan Review Questions
• Auckland DHB Performance 'How's my DHB performing' on the Ministry of Health website
• Auckland DHB Certification Audit Summaries on the Ministry of Health website
• Auckland PHO Performance on the Ministry of Health website
• Deceased organ donors for the calendar year (2014, 2015, 2016)
• Serious Adverse Events reports
• Staff numbers (in the Annual Reports on the Planning and Funding documents on our website)

More information about the Official Information Act and OIA requests

For more information please see:

• Ombudsmen Guide – Making official information requests: a guide for requestors
  
• Ombudsmen’s official information legislation guides
• Official Information Act 1982 
• Privacy Act 1993
• Charging guidelines for official information requests

Auckland DHB OIA request statistics

Statistics that provide a high level summary of the volume of OIA requests received by Auckland DHB, the availability of information and how we are performing against statutory timeframes can be viewed here .

Auckland DHB maternity services, Starship Child Health and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service are warning pregnant women to take the current whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak seriously and ensure they are up to date with vaccinations.

The Ministry of Heath recently declared a national outbreak of the highly infectious disease, which can be fatal. Babies under one year old are most vulnerable, but can be protected if their mothers are vaccinated between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy.

When pregnant women are vaccinated, they will give their immunity to their babies, protecting them until they are able to be vaccinated at six weeks of age.

Auckland DHB Chief Medical Officer Dr Margaret Wilsher says: “Starship has seen a concerning increase in the number of babies and young children hospitalised with serious illness caused by whooping cough over the past two months. 

“Whooping cough is highly infectious and is particularly serious for babies under one year of age. Two babies died from whooping cough in New Zealand in an outbreak in 2013. We encourage all pregnant women to ensure they are vaccinated against this preventable disease.”

To keep whānau safe, children must be vaccinated on time. Families expecting a new baby, or who have a baby under 12 months old, should check that all their family members and visitors to the baby have had the whooping cough vaccination in the last five years.

Vaccination for all children is free, and women in their last three months of every pregnancy can now have free vaccination from their GP. This protects the newborn baby for the first few weeks of their life; babies cannot be vaccinated until they are six weeks old.

If you are not sure if your children are fully vaccinated, check their Well Child/Tamariki Ora Health Book, or ask your family doctor or practice nurse.

If you feel sick with a cold – a runny nose, sneezing, a slight fever and a mild irritating cough, you might have whooping cough, so you must stay away from babies and visit your GP.

Get more help and information from:

• The Auckland Regional Public Health Services website www.arphs.govt.nz
• Immunisation Advisory Centre www.immune.org.nz or freephone 0800 466 863
• Talk to your family practice nurse or your doctor
• Call Health Line 24/7 on freephone 0800 611 116

With dengue fever outbreaks across the Pacific, Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is advising anyone travelling to the region to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Auckland has seen a spike in dengue fever cases with 70 percent of cases from Samoa in the last two months.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Denise Barnfather urges anyone travelling to these countries where dengue fever occurs, particularly Samoa, to exercise caution.

“Dengue fever can be a severe illness. Those who travel to Pacific countries frequently are at risk of repeat infections with different strains of the dengue virus. This can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.” 

Symptoms of dengue fever include the sudden onset of fever for two to seven days, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash.  People who develop dengue haemorrhagic fever may also develop symptoms of bleeding such as bruising and nose bleeds, and internal bleeding can also occur.  

There is no vaccine currently available in the Pacific for dengue fever; nor does vitamin B prevent mosquito bites. The only way to prevent infection, says Dr Barnfather, is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. 

“Although the commonest time for bites is early morning and late afternoon, dengue-carrying mosquitoes also bite all through the day.” 

Take precautions to ensure you avoid being bitten. 

Indoors 

• Use screens on doors and windows. 
• Use insect sprays. 
• Use mosquito coils. 
• Use a mosquito net over your bed at night. You can spray this with insecticide if you wish. 
• Turn on air conditioning if you have it – this is very effective at keeping mosquitoes out of a room.

Outdoors 

• Wear a repellent cream or spray containing less than 35% diethyltoluamide (DEET). High concentrations are no more effective and can be harmful. Products containing 20-25% picaridin or 30% lemon eucalyptus oil can also be used.
• When using sunscreen, apply repellent over the top of sunscreen.
• Wear light coloured protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats. Clothing can be treated with repellent. 

Dr Barnfather says anyone returning from overseas with dengue symptoms, or feeling generally unwell, should contact their GP or Healthline and let them know where they travelled. Paracetamol is recommended rather than aspirin, as aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding from dengue infection.

New Zealand mosquitoes do not carry dengue virus, and it is not spread person to person. Despite this, says Dr Barnfather, “dengue is not a disease you want to bring home. By taking precautions, you can reduce the risk of infection and have a more enjoyable trip.”

Ends 

For more information visit the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website.

For serious injury and health concerns go to a hospital Emergency Department or call 111.

Mental Health Crisis Helpline -  0800 800 717

For 24 hour help if you are dealing with a crisis.

National Women’s Health Labour and Birthing Suite -  09 307 2888

Women who may be in labour or would like advice can call this number 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. We advise all women to call 111 if they are concerned about themselves or their baby in an emergency situation.

Healthline -  0800 611 116

For free urgent health advice from a trained registered nurse. Translators available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Six weekly meeting cycle

Week 1 – ADHB Finance, Risk and Assurance Committee and HAC.
Week 2 – WDHB Audit and Finance Committee and HAC.
Week 3 – MHAC or CPHAC and DiSAC*.
Week 4 – ADHB Board.
Week 5 – WDHB Board.
Week 6 – No regular meetings scheduled.

Venues

Grafton – A+ Trust Room, Clinical Education Centre, Level 5, Auckland City Hospital.
WDHB – Waitemata District Health Board, Boardroom, Level 1, 15 Shea Tce, Takapuna.
DS – Auckland Deaf Society, Terrace Boardroom, 164 Balmoral Road, Auckland.

Ruta was nominated by one of her colleagues who said:

Ruta is nominated for her exceptional contributions to maintaining an efficient and effective operation, her outstanding efforts in keeping a culturally diverse team united, and reminding us of our Auckland DHB values. She warmly welcomes us all every day at work, reminding us to stay positive, respect each other, and to work towards excellence.

Ruta is a role model who always takes time to share her knowledge and lift the confidence of those around her. Being around her encourages others to perform at their best.

She is a staff advocate, and has an ability to see clearly through complex situations. Everything Ruta puts her hands on is out of love, and intrinsic motivation to help others. What is humbling about her warm nature is she would never think of herself deserving this award.

Auckland DHB website privacy statement 

This page explains how Auckland District Health Board uses any information you give to us through this website  www.adhb.govt.nz and the way we protect your privacy.

Security

Protecting the privacy and personal data of the visitors to our website is of the utmost importance to us. This site has security measures in place to protect the loss and alteration of information under our control.

Personal Information

• We do not collect personal information on this site unless you choose to give it to us.
• We do not collect identifiable information about you if you only browse our website.
• Information provided will be held by us, Auckland District Health Board.

Use and disclosure

• We only use personal information that you provide to us through this site for the purposes for which you supplied it. We do not share your personal information externally unless this is necessary for the purpose for which you gave us the information (for instance to investigate a complaint) or sharing is permitted by law. 
• If you provide feedback regarding our website we will only use it to develop and improve the site. 
• We analyse non-identifiable web traffic data to improve our services.

Your rights and choices

We are happy to provide you with access to any personal information that we hold about you. If it is wrong, please ask us to correct it. To ask for access and correction, visit our clinical records page.clinical records page.

Important information

This privacy statement does not cover links within this site to other websites.

For explanations of what we do with your information, check the parts of the site where you can provide us with that information, or  contact us . 
 

Date published: January 2016

Our Executive Leadership Team, headed by Chief Executive Ailsa Claire, is responsible for all operational issues at Auckland DHB.

	Ailsa Claire, OBE  Chief Executive Ailsa was appointed as Chief Executive of the Auckland DHB in October 2012, following a distinguished career in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). At the NHS, Ailsa held a number of senior roles in provider and commissioning organisations, as well as roles on advisory committees. Awarded an OBE for services to healthcare, she is passionate about patient-centred care, changing the way patients and the public relate to the healthcare sector, and making use of the latest advances in technology.  Ailsa is proud to lead New Zealand's premier DHB, which is dedicated to innovation, research and staff seeking to do the right thing for patients and their whānau.
	Margaret Dotchin  Chief Nursing Officer Margaret completed her nursing training at Middlemore Hospital as a registered general and obsetric nurse in 1985. Margaret worked in a variety of roles as a registered nurse both at Middlemore Hospital, National Women’s Hospital and overseas prior to her first senior nursing role as charge nurse gynaecology oncology, National Women’s in 1990. She was appointed to the role of Chief Nursing Officer, Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) in July 2012. Prior to this Margaret held the position of Director of Nursing for Adult Services, ADHB. Margaret has held both general management and nursing leadership roles across Adult Health Services and Women’s Health Services in her long history of working at ADHB or its predecessors. She is passionate about nursing and the contribution the profession brings to the delivery of safe, high-quality, compassionate, family-centred care – balanced with financial sustainability.     Key roles and responsibilities: Professional accountability and leadership. Infection control. Falls and pressure injuries.   Patient and whānau experience.
	Dr Margaret Wilsher  Chief Medical Officer Margaret was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2010. A medical graduate of the University of Otago, she trained as a specialist in respiratory medicine at Green Lane Hospital and undertook post fellowship clinical and research training in London. After a number of years as a practising clinician and clinical academic, she has assumed an increasing number of clinical leadership and and administration roles in health. A key component of the CMO role is ongoing clinical practice. Margaret considers this essential as she sees the hospital when it is busy, experiences the same challenges as her clinical peers and importantly, hears patient stories at source.  Margaret has a number of health leadership responsibilities outside of the DHB, including membership of the partnership groups overseeing major capital investment in Canterbury and Southern DHBs, advisory roles to ministry and minister of health. She has also held leadership roles within her clinical profession.  Key roles and responsibilities: Medical professional accountability and leadership. Research. Clinical Practice Committee. Patient safety. Auckland Academic Health Alliance.
	Dr Andrew Old Chief of Strategy, Participation and Improvement Andrew is a Public Health Physician and was appointed to this Executive role in 2014, having worked at Auckland DHB since 2001 in a number of clinical and non-clinical roles. Andrew is a past Board member of the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) and was Chair of the NZMA’s Doctors-in-Training Council from 2005 to 2008. He is a Fellow of both the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM), of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), and of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (NZCPHM), and is currently an elected member of the AFPHM Faculty Council. He was awarded a Fellowship of the NZMA in 2011 for services to the profession and the New Zealand public and is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland.  Andrew has a long-standing commitment to partnering with patients, whanau and communities to co-design health services, and a keen interest in ensuring our health system supports the best possible outcomes for the populations we serve.  Key roles and responsibilities: Organisation strategy. Patient and public participation. Partnerships with health organisations Communication. Innovation. Strategy deployment and performance improvement.
	Fiona Michel Chief Human Resources Officer Fiona came to our DHB from New Zealand Police, having previously worked for two decades in the technology, banking and insurance sectors across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Asia. She completed her MBA at the University of Auckland in 2015, and was invited to become a lifetime member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honours Society.  Fiona includes in her career highlights, being elected class speaker for her Harvard Business School graduation, leading the recipients of the Australian Human Resources Institute’s Workplace Relations Award in 2012,and being named the Australian Human Resources Institute’s Dave Ulrich HR Leader of the Year in 2013.  Fiona is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the UK.  Ky roles and responsibilities:  Organisational development and culture. Leadership and management capability. Employment administration and payroll. Employee recruitment and orientation.
	Dr Debbie Holdsworth Director of Funding, Auckland & Waitemata DHBs Key roles and responsibilities: Lead funding directorate across both DHBs. Ensure funds are allocated effectively and efficiently for health outcome.
	Naida Glavish, ONZM Chief Advisor Tikanga, Auckland & Waitemata DHBs Key roles and responsibilities:  Relationships with mana whenua and Mātā Waka. Cultural support to all staff, patients and their whānau.
	Joanne Gibbs Director Provider Services Key roles and responsibilities: Provider integration operational management. Accountable for all staff in provider functions. Provider arm performance.
	Shayne Tong Chief of Informatics Shayne comes to Auckland District Health Board with extensive experience in IT and digital experience in both operational and large complex transformation delivery. Most recently, Shayne worked as the Chief Information Officer at Genesis Energy but has also held senior positions at Fletcher Building as well as Barclays Group and Goldman Sachs in the United Kingdom. Key roles and responsibilities: IT enabled transformational change. Electronic health record. Digital by Default. Business intelligence. healthAlliance/IT service contracts.
	Rosalie Percival Chief Financial Officer Key roles and responsibilities: Corporate governance and risk management. Estate strategy and facilities management. Supplier contract management. Commercial services.
	Sue Waters Chief Health Professions Officer  Key roles and responsibilities: Professional accountability and leadership. Health and Safety. Family violence and child protection. Disability and rehabilitation. Corporate governance and risk management .

	Ailsa Claire, OBE  Chief Executive Ailsa was appointed as Chief Executive of the Auckland DHB in October 2012, following a distinguished career in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). At the NHS, Ailsa held a number of senior roles in provider and commissioning organisations, as well as roles on advisory committees. Awarded an OBE for services to healthcare, she is passionate about patient-centred care, changing the way patients and the public relate to the healthcare sector, and making use of the latest advances in technology.  Ailsa is proud to lead New Zealand's premier DHB, which is dedicated to innovation, research and staff seeking to do the right thing for patients and their whānau.
	Margaret Dotchin  Chief Nursing Officer Margaret completed her nursing training at Middlemore Hospital as a registered general and obsetric nurse in 1985. Margaret worked in a variety of roles as a registered nurse both at Middlemore Hospital, National Women’s Hospital and overseas prior to her first senior nursing role as charge nurse gynaecology oncology, National Women’s in 1990. She was appointed to the role of Chief Nursing Officer, Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) in July 2012. Prior to this Margaret held the position of Director of Nursing for Adult Services, ADHB. Margaret has held both general management and nursing leadership roles across Adult Health Services and Women’s Health Services in her long history of working at ADHB or its predecessors. She is passionate about nursing and the contribution the profession brings to the delivery of safe, high-quality, compassionate, family-centred care – balanced with financial sustainability.     Key roles and responsibilities: Professional accountability and leadership. Infection control. Falls and pressure injuries.   Patient and whānau experience.
	Dr Margaret Wilsher  Chief Medical Officer Margaret was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2010. A medical graduate of the University of Otago, she trained as a specialist in respiratory medicine at Green Lane Hospital and undertook post fellowship clinical and research training in London. After a number of years as a practising clinician and clinical academic, she has assumed an increasing number of clinical leadership and and administration roles in health. A key component of the CMO role is ongoing clinical practice. Margaret considers this essential as she sees the hospital when it is busy, experiences the same challenges as her clinical peers and importantly, hears patient stories at source.  Margaret has a number of health leadership responsibilities outside of the DHB, including membership of the partnership groups overseeing major capital investment in Canterbury and Southern DHBs, advisory roles to ministry and minister of health. She has also held leadership roles within her clinical profession.  Key roles and responsibilities: Medical professional accountability and leadership. Research. Clinical Practice Committee. Patient safety. Auckland Academic Health Alliance.
	Dr Andrew Old Chief of Strategy, Participation and Improvement Andrew is a Public Health Physician and was appointed to this Executive role in 2014, having worked at Auckland DHB since 2001 in a number of clinical and non-clinical roles. Andrew is a past Board member of the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) and was Chair of the NZMA’s Doctors-in-Training Council from 2005 to 2008. He is a Fellow of both the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM), of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), and of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (NZCPHM), and is currently an elected member of the AFPHM Faculty Council. He was awarded a Fellowship of the NZMA in 2011 for services to the profession and the New Zealand public and is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland.  Andrew has a long-standing commitment to partnering with patients, whanau and communities to co-design health services, and a keen interest in ensuring our health system supports the best possible outcomes for the populations we serve.  Key roles and responsibilities: Organisation strategy. Patient and public participation. Partnerships with health organisations Communication. Innovation. Strategy deployment and performance improvement.
	Fiona Michel Chief Human Resources Officer Fiona came to our DHB from New Zealand Police, having previously worked for two decades in the technology, banking and insurance sectors across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Asia. She completed her MBA at the University of Auckland in 2015, and was invited to become a lifetime member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honours Society.  Fiona includes in her career highlights, being elected class speaker for her Harvard Business School graduation, leading the recipients of the Australian Human Resources Institute’s Workplace Relations Award in 2012,and being named the Australian Human Resources Institute’s Dave Ulrich HR Leader of the Year in 2013.  Fiona is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the UK.  Ky roles and responsibilities:  Organisational development and culture. Leadership and management capability. Employment administration and payroll. Employee recruitment and orientation.
	Dr Debbie Holdsworth Director of Funding, Auckland & Waitemata DHBs Key roles and responsibilities: Lead funding directorate across both DHBs. Ensure funds are allocated effectively and efficiently for health outcome.
	Naida Glavish, ONZM Chief Advisor Tikanga, Auckland & Waitemata DHBs Key roles and responsibilities:  Relationships with mana whenua and Mātā Waka. Cultural support to all staff, patients and their whānau.
	Joanne Gibbs Director Provider Services Key roles and responsibilities: Provider integration operational management. Accountable for all staff in provider functions. Provider arm performance.
	Shayne Tong Chief of Informatics Shayne comes to Auckland District Health Board with extensive experience in IT and digital experience in both operational and large complex transformation delivery. Most recently, Shayne worked as the Chief Information Officer at Genesis Energy but has also held senior positions at Fletcher Building as well as Barclays Group and Goldman Sachs in the United Kingdom. Key roles and responsibilities: IT enabled transformational change. Electronic health record. Digital by Default. Business intelligence. healthAlliance/IT service contracts.
	Rosalie Percival Chief Financial Officer Key roles and responsibilities: Corporate governance and risk management. Estate strategy and facilities management. Supplier contract management. Commercial services.
	Sue Waters Chief Health Professions Officer  Key roles and responsibilities: Professional accountability and leadership. Health and Safety. Family violence and child protection. Disability and rehabilitation. Corporate governance and risk management .

Find detailed parking instructions and costs,instructions, transport options and location maps under the parking & transport tabs for each of our main sites listed below.

Please note, the car parks at Auckland City Hospital can be very busy, particularly in the middle of the day and during wet weather. Please consider asking a friend or family member to drop you off or using public transport.

Auckland City Hospital
Buchanan Centre
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Rehab Plus
Starship Children's Hospital

Your rights

For printable PDF versions of Your Rights patient brochures click on the translations below, or continue down the page to read the English version in full.

• Tongan
• Samoan
• Māori
• Korean
• Hindi
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• English
• English – large print

We want to work together with you so that you receive the best healthcare possible. When you are in our care, you have the following rights:

• To be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
• To make your own decisions about your care and treatment.
• To be able to change your mind about aspects of your care.
• To be asked for your consent (verbal or written) before we carry out any treatment or procedure. (Note, we may take into account the views of your family or whanau if you are not able to communicate with us).
• To have your cultural needs respected.
• To be made aware of the choices you have for your treatment, including the benefits and risks involved. (Note, in medical emergencies this may not always be possible).
• To be communicated with in a way that you understand. To be offered an interpreter, if necessary.
• To have all treatments, tests or procedures clearly explained to you.
• To have your personal information kept confidential.
• To have a family member or support person accompany you (for safety reasons this may not always be possible).

These rights also apply if you are asked to take part in a research study or teaching session for training staff. These rights are based on the Code of Health and Disability Consumer’s Rights . A full copy of these rights is available on the Health and Disability Commissioner’s website

Your privacy

To care for you in the best way possible our doctors, nurses and other health professionals directly associated with your care need to view your health information. Other Auckland DHB staff may need to view your information for administration, quality improvement activities, teaching and, in some cases, for medical research. We will always:

• Keep your personal information confidential.
• Let you view your records.
• Acknowledge your request for corrections to your records.
• Acknowledge your request not to release your information.

Your health information may be disclosed to another health provider involved in your treatment or where authorised by law. For further information about the privacy of your information, you can call the Auckland DHB Privacy Officer on: 09 367 0000.

How you can help us:

• Being actively involved in your treatment and care.
• Sharing with us any information that will help us with your care and treatment.
• Being sensitive to the needs and privacy of others in our care.
• Being respectful to our staff and our property.
• Respecting our no-smoking policy.

We value your feedback

If you have a concern or complaint about the service or care that you or a family member received at Auckland DHB, please let us know straight away. You can either speak to those providing your care, or the charge nurse on the ward or clinic where you are being treated. If you feel uncomfortable talking to these people, or you aren’t satisfied with their response, please contact our Consumer Liaison Team by email: feedback@adhb.govt.nz , phone: 09 375 7048 or write to them: Consumer Liaison Team, Auckland DHB, Private Bag 92024, Auckland.

We always like to hear when members of our team have exceeded your expectations. If you would like to comment on the service you received or compliment a member of staff, please contact the Consumer Liaison Team directly or leave a comment on our Auckland DHB Facebook page

What to do if you are not happy with our complaints process

If you are not happy with how your complaint was handled, you may wish to contact the Health and Disability Commissioner on: 0800 112 233 or complete their online form

Children & Young Person's Code of Rights

Starship Children's Health has developed the Children and Young Persons' Code of Rights for children and young people.

Smokefree site

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the hospital grounds. All patients will be asked about their smoking status on admission and smokers will be offered nicotine replacement therapy to reduce their cravings while in hospital. For advice and support to stop smoking and to access low cost nicotine replacement therapy, contact Auckland DHB Smokefree Services on 0800 667 833 and leave a message ormessage, Quitline on 0800 778 778 - or talk to your GP.

Zero tolerance to violence

Patients and families have a right to be cared for and staff have a right to work in a safe and supportive environment. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our buildings or grounds.

Health & disability advocacy

The Health Advocates' Trust provides a free, independent advocacy service to help people ensure their rights are respected. Phone 0800 555 050 or 09 623 5799 for the Auckland office.

The Health and Disability Commissioner is an independent government agency set up to promote and protect the rights of consumers who use health and disability services; help resolve problems between consumers and providers of health and disability services; and improve the quality of health care and disability services. Visit the website for more information about your rights or call them directly on phone 0800 11 22 33 or 09 373 1060 for their Auckland office.

Health Passport initiative

The Health Passport is a booklet that contains information about how patients would like to communicate and be supported throughout their care. Patients who will benefit most from using a Health Passport are those who have difficulty communicating, people with dementia or those who visit hospitals frequently. It is up to each patient whether or not they want to complete a Health Passport and how much information they include in it. For more information, please visit the  Health & Disability Commissioner's website

Patient safety cards

These patient safety cards can support you as a patient to play an active role in your own care by illustrating simple steps to keep yourself safe during your stay in hospital. The aim of the cards is to get  patients talking with their clinicians about issues such as falls, pressure injuries and medication errors.The cards are colourful, easy to read and provide a jumping off point for health conversations.

This card provides information about eight simple steps for consumers to keep yourself safe during a stay in hospital in five languages .

•   Making your stay with us safer English
• Ia malupuipuia lou iai ma i matou Samoan
• Kia haumaru tō noho ki tō mātou hōhipera Māori
• 讓您在住院期間 更安全  Chinese
• हमारेपासआपके ठहरनेको सरक्षित ु बनातेह ु ए  Hindi

 The cards were created by the Health Quality and Safety Commission as part of their annual Patient Safety Week campaign.

Our patients' safety while in our care is a top priority - Help us to leep you safe, take a look at the video below demonstrating the eight simple steps.

Regional community health worker for Auckland DHB Hashem Slaimankhel, is described by close colleagues as ‘the most compassionate and generous person you could meet’. He gave his time generously and worked tirelessly for the communities he cared about.

We sadly lost our colleague Hashem in the suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan during the weekend.                                                 

Hashem worked for Auckland DHB as a regional community health worker, serving refugees and new migrants, since the service first started in 2002. 

He was visiting family in Afghanistan and was due to return to work today.

Our sincere condolences go out to Hashem’s family, friends and his colleagues both inside and outside the organisation.  

Our board members:

 

Gwen Tepania-Palmer – Appointed

Gwen Tepania-Palmer is a graduate of psychopaedic nursing (Manawatu) and comprehensive nursing (ATI North Shore). She holds an MBA (Massey) and a Certificate in Company Direction (Institute of Directors New Zealand).

 

Gwen has an extensive background in the New Zealand health sector. She has held several ministerial appointments including on the National Health Committee and is chair of the Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Northland.

 

Dr James Le Fevre (deputy chair) – Appointed

BHB, MBChB, FACEM

Dr James Le Fevre is Deputy Chair of Auckland DHB, an Emergency Medicine Consultant at Auckland City Hospital Adult Emergency Department, and has been a Waitemata DHB elected board member since 2010. Previously he has worked in the pre-hospital setting as an Auckland Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Doctor with the Westpac Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. The Trust provides doctor-paramedic care to the critically ill and injured in partnership with Auckland DHB.

James was born and raised in Auckland, received his medical training at the University of Auckland, and has worked in multiple hospitals across New Zealand and Australia. He is actively involved in health research with interests in healthcare quality indicators and emergency blood transfusion.

 

Sharon Shea – Appointed                 

MSc Comparative Social Policy, BA/LLB

Sharon Shea is an appointed board member of Auckland DHB, as well as Northland DHB. Ms Shea began her career in 1993 as a lawyer at Kensington Swan (Auckland) and then moved into the health sector where she has held a range of senior management roles in government and non-government organisations focused on Māori health improvement. Sharon runs a consulting business that works with government, non-government, iwi and pacific clients across health, education, social services, whānau ora and economic development sectors.

 

Sharon graduated from Oxford University at the top of her class with an MSc in Comparative Social Policy (Distinction) and also holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Auckland University. She has tribal affiliations to Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā and Ngāti Hako.

 

Jo Agnew – Elected

Jo Agnew is a registered nurse with a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science and a Masters (with Honours) in Nursing. 

Jo has worked in many areas of the health system, and is currently a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing at the University of Auckland. She believes that the provision of high quality health care empowers the population to maintain health.

Douglas Armstrong – Elected

QSO

Doug Armstrong served as an Auckland City Councillor between 2001 and 2010 where for much of that time he was chair of the finance committee.  He was also the chief executive officer of Unitec. 

Doug trained as a civil engineer and is a past president of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and a former member of the Prime Minister's Enterprise Council. Douglas received the Queens Service Order for services to tertiary education

Michelle Atkinson – Elected

BA (Ling, German), PGDip Health Sci

Michelle Atkinson has spent a number of years working to improve mental health services in Auckland and across New Zealand. She is an Evaluation Officer with Ko Awatea’s Research and Evaluation team, assessing healthcare initiatives within Counties Manukau DHB. Michelle has volunteered for the Affinity Services Youth Advisory Group, where she recently worked on the Mental Health Foundation’s Point of Difference programme.

Michelle has a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management and has won national and international awards for her contribution to youth mental health. She has a passion for youth development, and uses her involvement with mental health groups and theatre as opportunities to mentor young people.

Judith Ola Bassett – Elected

QSO

Judith Bassett is a graduate of the University of Auckland in history and law. She was a senior lecturer at the university and has written books and articles on New Zealand history. She chaired the ASB Trust for 14 years and was a director of ASB Bank. 

Judith served three terms with the Auckland Regional Council from 2001, and in the 1980s was twice elected to what was then the Auckland Hospital Board. She also chaired the first Auckland Area Health Board.  She was elected to the Auckland DHB in 2010 and is now serving her third term.

Zoe Brownlie – Elected

BA

Zoe Brownlie has worked in both mental health and sexual health services in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. She was elected healthcare representative in London, and is currently an elected member of the NZ Public Service Association Women’s Network Committee. She is also a member of Aro Arataki Childcare Committee.

Zoe is a Health Promotion Advisor at Auckland Sexual Health Service.

Dr Lee Mathias – Elected

ONZM, DHSc, MBA, BA (Soc Sci), Cert.Health Econ. RN, CFInstDNZ

Dr Lee Mathias is the Chair of the Health Promotion Agency and Unitec, and a director of healthAlliance and the Health Innovation Hub. She was previously Auckland DHB's deputy chair and chair of the Counties Manukau DHB. Lee has held directorships with Eastbay Health, Western Bay Health and Pacific Health in the Bay of Plenty, Wairarapa Health, Biomedical NZ Limited (Chair), ACC and was the inaugural Chair of ACC Healthwise, the purchasing arm of ACC.

Lee was previously a principal nurse and general manager, Clinical Support Services at Middlemore Hospital, before transferring to Auckland DHB as general manager, Strategic Planning. She is also the founder and managing director of Birthcare. Lee has been a visiting lecturer in the AUT University Business School, and the University of the South Pacific.

Robyn Northey – Elected

Robyn Northey has worked in health services all her adult life as a nurse aid, school dental nurse, social worker, general manager and chief executive.

Robyn has also been involved in many community based organisations including Community Volunteers, Age Concern, Gerontology Association, Hope Foundation, Health Ethics Committee and A+ Trust.

 

Dr James Le Fevre (deputy chair) – Appointed

BHB, MBChB, FACEM

Dr James Le Fevre is Deputy Chair of Auckland DHB, an Emergency Medicine Consultant at Auckland City Hospital Adult Emergency Department, and has been a Waitemata DHB elected board member since 2010. Previously he has worked in the pre-hospital setting as an Auckland Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Doctor with the Westpac Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. The Trust provides doctor-paramedic care to the critically ill and injured in partnership with Auckland DHB.

James was born and raised in Auckland, received his medical training at the University of Auckland, and has worked in multiple hospitals across New Zealand and Australia. He is actively involved in health research with interests in healthcare quality indicators and emergency blood transfusion.

 

Sharon Shea – Appointed                 

MSc Comparative Social Policy, BA/LLB

Sharon Shea is an appointed board member of Auckland DHB, as well as Northland DHB. Ms Shea began her career in 1993 as a lawyer at Kensington Swan (Auckland) and then moved into the health sector where she has held a range of senior management roles in government and non-government organisations focused on Māori health improvement. Sharon runs a consulting business that works with government, non-government, iwi and pacific clients across health, education, social services, whānau ora and economic development sectors.

 

Sharon graduated from Oxford University at the top of her class with an MSc in Comparative Social Policy (Distinction) and also holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Auckland University. She has tribal affiliations to Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā and Ngāti Hako.

Gwen Tepania-Palmer – Appointed

Gwen Tepania-Palmer is a graduate of psychopaedic nursing (Manawatu) and comprehensive nursing (ATI North Shore). She holds an MBA (Massey) and a Certificate in Company Direction (Institute of Directors New Zealand).

 

Gwen has an extensive background in the New Zealand health sector. She has held several ministerial appointments including on the National Health Committee and is chair of the Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Northland.

 

 

Jo Agnew – Elected

Jo Agnew is a registered nurse with a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science and a Masters (with Honours) in Nursing. 

Jo has worked in many areas of the health system, and is currently a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing at the University of Auckland. She believes that the provision of high quality health care empowers the population to maintain health.

Douglas Armstrong – Elected

QSO

Doug Armstrong served as an Auckland City Councillor between 2001 and 2010 where for much of that time he was chair of the finance committee.  He was also the chief executive officer of Unitec. 

Doug trained as a civil engineer and is a past president of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and a former member of the Prime Minister's Enterprise Council. Douglas received the Queens Service Order for services to tertiary education

Michelle Atkinson – Elected

BA (Ling, German), PGDip Health Sci

Michelle Atkinson has spent a number of years working to improve mental health services in Auckland and across New Zealand. She is an Evaluation Officer with Ko Awatea’s Research and Evaluation team, assessing healthcare initiatives within Counties Manukau DHB. Michelle has volunteered for the Affinity Services Youth Advisory Group, where she recently worked on the Mental Health Foundation’s Point of Difference programme.

Michelle has a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management and has won national and international awards for her contribution to youth mental health. She has a passion for youth development, and uses her involvement with mental health groups and theatre as opportunities to mentor young people.

Judith Ola Bassett – Elected

QSO

Judith Bassett is a graduate of the University of Auckland in history and law. She was a senior lecturer at the university and has written books and articles on New Zealand history. She chaired the ASB Trust for 14 years and was a director of ASB Bank. 

Judith served three terms with the Auckland Regional Council from 2001, and in the 1980s was twice elected to what was then the Auckland Hospital Board. She also chaired the first Auckland Area Health Board.  She was elected to the Auckland DHB in 2010 and is now serving her third term.

Zoe Brownlie – Elected

BA

Zoe Brownlie has worked in both mental health and sexual health services in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. She was elected healthcare representative in London, and is currently an elected member of the NZ Public Service Association Women’s Network Committee. She is also a member of Aro Arataki Childcare Committee.

Zoe is a Health Promotion Advisor at Auckland Sexual Health Service.

Dr Lee Mathias – Elected

ONZM, DHSc, MBA, BA (Soc Sci), Cert.Health Econ. RN, CFInstDNZ

Dr Lee Mathias is the Chair of the Health Promotion Agency and Unitec, and a director of healthAlliance and the Health Innovation Hub. She was previously Auckland DHB's deputy chair and chair of the Counties Manukau DHB. Lee has held directorships with Eastbay Health, Western Bay Health and Pacific Health in the Bay of Plenty, Wairarapa Health, Biomedical NZ Limited (Chair), ACC and was the inaugural Chair of ACC Healthwise, the purchasing arm of ACC.

Lee was previously a principal nurse and general manager, Clinical Support Services at Middlemore Hospital, before transferring to Auckland DHB as general manager, Strategic Planning. She is also the founder and managing director of Birthcare. Lee has been a visiting lecturer in the AUT University Business School, and the University of the South Pacific.

Robyn Northey – Elected

Robyn Northey has worked in health services all her adult life as a nurse aid, school dental nurse, social worker, general manager and chief executive.

Robyn has also been involved in many community based organisations including Community Volunteers, Age Concern, Gerontology Association, Hope Foundation, Health Ethics Committee and A+ Trust.

Find out about the on-site services offered at our five main locations, including security, food and drink, retail, telephones and banking, wifi and more, located under the On-site Services tab on each of the sections below:

Auckland City Hospital

Buchanan Centre

Greenlane Clinical Centre

Rehab Plus

Starship Children's Hospital