Hello
Newsletter December 2009
Manager's update
Seasons Greetings
It has been a busy three months since the last Koha O Matauranga. A key achievement over the last three months has been the establishment of new work groups, which bring together health professionals, consumers and carers and different organisations. I would like to thank the new work groups chair and members for supporting the establishement of the:
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Midland Colorectal Work Group - Chair Simi Lolohea
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Midland Consumer and Carer Work Group - Chair to be appointed
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Midland Supportive Care Work Group - Chair Graham Harbutt
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Midland Research and Audit - Chair Professor Ross Lawrenson
Several changes to the Midland Cancer Networks Executive Group include:
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joining us is Sue Hayward, Director of nursing, Matt Watson, Waikato Planning & Funding Portfolio Manager, Vanessa Russell, Lakes Planning and Funding Manager and Dr Anita Bell, Population Health Services.
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thanks to Sue Hayward the Director of nursing at Waikato District Health Board who also has been appointed as the chair of the Midland Care Co-ordinators Work Group.
Peng Voon, business manager of BOP DHB resigns in the New Year. I would like to thank Peng for her support and contribution to the network since its inception. We wish Peng the very best for the future in her new role at Waitemata. Kim Holt, operations manager of the Regional Cancer Centre also leaves in the New Year to take up a role in DSL. Kim has provided considerable support to the network and I would like to wish her all the best in her new position.
In October we saw the resignation of Caleb Lewis manager with the portfolio of inequalities. The team thanked Caleb for his contribution and wished him all the best for the future. Recruitment has commenced for a replacement.
Another key achievement over the last couple of months has been the success of obtaining one off funding to support a number of service improvement initiatives - these are listed later in the newsletter. In September 2009 the Ministry of Health called for Service Development Fund proposals. The Cancer Service Development Fund is an application based fund where eligible organisations were invited to submit a proposal for a one-off project that will contribute to quality and system improvement in cancer care. The projects must align with the priorities of the Cancer Control Programme. The total value of the fund is $1.2 million. Further information will be available on the network website www.midlandcancernetwork.org.nz.
On the 4th December national cancer control stakeholders came together for a cancer services planning session to determine the strategic priorities for 2010/11, DHB district annual planning processes and regional cancer network plans.
Endorsed priorities for 2010/11 include:
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meeting the cancer health target for radiotherapy
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improving medical oncology reporting via the Indicator of DHB Performance
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continue developing the lung and bowel cancer tumour streams
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infrastracture to support the delivery of cancer services - improving access to information
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supporting national and regional work to standardise a range of models of care and treatment pathways.
I would like to take the time to thank all of those that have contributed to cancer control and those that have supported the Network over 2009. A lot has been achieved and we still have more to do to achieve the dual goals to reduce the incidence and impact and to reduce inequalities with respect to cancer. On behalf of our team we would like to wish you a fun and safe festive season, those that are taking a break have a lovely time with your family/whānau and friends, and to those working through thank you and we look forward to working with you in 2010.
Merry christmas and a happy new year,
Jan Hewitt, Manager Midland Cancer Network
In this issue:
This month/up and coming:
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Midland Cancer Network office will be closed until Monday the 11
th January 2010.
Events:
National LCP Training Day's 2010
LCP Advanced Training Day
12th February - Wellington
19th February - Hamilton
LCP Foundation Day
26th March - Christchurch
23rd April - Auckland
For more details please visit http://www.lcpnz.org.nz or contact: Joanne Giesen at joanne.g@arohanuihospice.org.nz or phone: 06 350 2311
Latest Publications/updates:
- National Cancer Information Network
The National Cancer Information Network (NCIN) website is a secure website for clinical staff in regional cancer treatment centres, District Health Boards, clinical groups and primary care practitioners to share local cancer guidelines, protocols and information about cancer care within New Zealand. The website is to share information, please contribute on http://ncin.nzgg.org.nz.
- The National Liverpool Care pathway Office New Zealand
The National Liverpool Care Pathway Office has launched a new website, check it out at www.lcpnz.org.nz.
Network published reports and information on events can be viewed on the network's website
www.midlandcancernetwork.org.nz
Update from Clinical Director
Friends and colleagues,
Once again, another year draws to a close. This is a time of the year that we traditionally celebrate with family and friends, but is also a time to reflect on past and future.
In the context of my role with the Midland Cancer Network I ask two questions, are we making a difference to our patients and are we moving in the right direction in the future?
I believe the answer to the first is an emphatic yes. It has been wonderful to see the clinical nurse specialists take up the challenge in their various regions and so clearly improve the care of our patients. We have been able to access funding for PET scans as well as dental rehabilitation.
Palliative care continues to grow with more patients accessing the Liverpool Care Pathway in rest homes and wards. Specialist advice from the palliative care team is accessible to more staff with obvious benefits to patients. The list goes on.
Are we moving in the right direction for the future? I think so but time will tell.
Despite the hard-fought gains we have made I still believe that too many of our initiatives happen on an ad hoc basis. I would like to see better planning for ongoing service provision with funding applied where it is needed most (rather than who has the loudest voice).
The networks focus, much of it at national level, will therefore be to define what we consider best practice in the various tumour streams. This means describing the clinical best practice and the framework that supports that practice. Once we know what we want to achieve, we can work towards that target.
We will be working on electronic information systems that allow us to measure our patient's journey so that we can see where we succeed in meeting our targets, as well as where we fall short and then can address the latter. We will continue to work on and improve the supportive care pathways for our patients.
Lastly, on behalf of our patients and myself, I would like to thank all of you that care for those affected by cancer, from the receptionists, booking clerks, typists, to the wonderful radiation therapists and nurses, doctors and those in the community. My work brings me into contact with so many of you and I cannot tell you how immensely proud I am to be working with you all. You are truly special people.
Now go and get some rest, a new year awaits.
Dr Charles De Groot
Make-A-Wish® New Zealand grants the wishes of children (3-17 years) with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
The reality of creating a world of magic and making a wish come true means.
Make-A-Wish can bring a smile to the face of a child who, due to their illness, may be missing out on everyday school, sports or entertainment activities.
Wishes could be:
To meet a favourite sports star or celebrity
To be a fireman, zoo keeper or a princess for a day
To have a playhouse, bike, puppy or ride in a really fast car!
To go to a concert, theme park or on a shopping spree
Make-A-Wish is dedicated to creating a world of BIG magic. All eligible children can be granted their one true wish.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All New Zealand children and young people between the ages of 3 and 17, with a life-threatening illness are able to make a request to have their one true wish granted by Make-A-Wish New Zealand.
Having a wish granted creates a time of pure magic which can provide an escape for both children and their families.
International travel wishes are available to children aged 8 and over and are limited to Australia due to travel insurance restrictions.
Children aged three may apply for a 'Wish Box' package which is a selection of wonderful age appropriate toys. When a Wish Box recipient turns four they may re-apply for a full Wish if still medically eligible.
Make-A-Wish New Zealand seeks to create magic every day providing moments full of surprise, wonder and sheer delight as we bring to life the imagination and dreams of seriously ill children.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In 1980, at the age of 7, Chris was diagnosed with leukaemia. Upon learning that Chris's most cherished wish was to be a policeman, members of the Arizona State Troopers (USA) began working to ensure his dream came true. They arranged for Chris to take a flight in a police helicopter, ride in a patrol car and presented him with his very own custom-made uniform including helmet and badge. He was even sworn in as an honorary member of the force. Sadly, Chris passed away shortly afterwards and was given a funeral with full police honours.
Christopher James Greicius dreamed of becoming a police officer. This wish was to become the inspiration for the largest wish-granting organisation in the world. There are currently 33 Make-A-Wish affiliates throughout the world.
OUR FIRST NZ WISH
In 1986 our first New Zealand wish was granted to a 4-year-old boy named Daniel with leukaemia. Daniel wanted to have Christmas in October. What an amazing experience it was for our volunteers to be able to grant Daniel his wish. Santa and his elves arrived on a fire engine with a sack full of gifts. Daniel was also given a ride on the fire engine. The magic of fulfilling Daniel's wish was truly amazing as well as creating an unforgettable day for his family.
Since creating magic for Daniel, Make-A-Wish New Zealand has been truly empowered, now granting approximately 160 wishes every year.
We have a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and board members that make wishes come true.
WISH REQUEST PROCESS
There are several steps in the wish request process.
Step 1 - Wish Request
Make-A-Wish receives the wish request form. We ask if the child has had a wish or special treat granted by a similar organisation. If they have, the wish request process stops for them here.
Step 2 - Eligibility
Any New Zealand child or young person between the age of 3 and 17 with a life-threatening illness may be eligible for a wish. The child's medical specialist makes the final determination of whether the child is medically eligible to receive a wish and whether the child is able to appropriately participate in the wish.
Step 3 - The Wish
After the doctor confirms the child is eligible, Make-A-Wish assigns a volunteer team to the wish. When a wish team first visit with a child, the volunteers begin by asking a simple question: "If you could have one wish, what would it be?" Wishes are limited only by a child's imagination.
Once a child's wish is approved and authorised by the medical specialist, the wish team sets out to make it come true.
Step 4 - Granting the Wish
After talking with the child, Make-A-Wish wish granters set out to create a magical wish experience for the child that will last a lifetime. Every effort is made to include the immediate family in the child's wish.
For more information visit http://www.makeawish.org.nz
Make-A-Wish® New Zealand
PO Box 8029, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150
Phone: 09 920 4760 Fax: 09 373 4252 Email: info@makeawish.org.nz
National Work Group Updates
Cancer Control Council
Craig Tamblyn, General Manager of the Cancer Control Council (CCC), spoke to the regional cancer networks on 18th of November about the recent changes to the Council, the Patient Care Survey, and the Minister's request for the CCC to provide a leadership role in the sector. The evaluation of the Regional Cancer Network's work plan, originally the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, will move to the Cancer Control Council's work plan.
National Lung Cancer Work Group
A meeting was held on 6 November in Wellington to discuss the development of a National Lung Cancer Working Group. It was agreed to progress the development of this group and terms of reference were shaped. This will be the first national tumour stream working group and they will work in alignment with the regional lung cancer working groups. The first work piece will be the development of a National Patient Management Framework for Lung Cancer. Dr Charles De Groot (Clinical Director) was appointed interim chair, with the chairs of the regional lung cancer groups sitting alongside him to form an initial quorum. It is expected that there may be another national tumour stream group up and running in July 2010 which will be the National Bowel Cancer Working Group.
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation 
The Northern Districts Cricket Association and the Northern Knights announced that The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation will be the official charity of the 2009-10 season.
The partnership will help raise vital funds for the Foundation and spread an important breast cancer message to fans at Northern Knights games. Foundation executive Heather Shotter is delighted to have the opportunity to spread the message to the wide-ranging audience that cricket attracts.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nzbcf.org.nz/index.php/about-nzbcf/news/nothern-knights-bat-for-breast-cancer
Regional Work Update
Cancer Services Development Fund
Cancer Services Development Fund
The Ministry of Health Cancer Services Development Fund is a one-off pool of funding that organisations across the country applied for. Congratulations go to the successful Midland applications:
- Rotorua Hospice, Liverpool Care Pathway Implementation into Rotorua Hospital
- Midland Cancer Network, lung and bowel cancer elective services review
- Midland Cancer Network, Lean Thinking training teams (x2) - lung and chemotherapy improvement intitiatives
- Midland Cancer Network, improve early detection of lung cancer project
- Midland Cancer Network, Somerset Cancer Registry feasibility study
- Midland Cancer Network, Maps of Medicine Pilot Project
- Te Puna Oranga (Māori Health Service), He Hikoi he Manaaki Tāngata: a journey caring and supporting people
- Eastern Bay of Plenty Hospice, understanding the isolated rural Maori cancer journey.
Visit www.midlandcancernetwork.org.nz for more information.
Lung Cancer Work Group Update
Consultation has taken place with key clinicians involved in providing care to patients with lung cancer and work up for patients with non-small cell lung cancer patients in the Midland Cancer Network region has now been agreed. Work is underway to develop processes and format for reporting of key performance indicators related to lung cancer. Regular reporting of lung cancer performance indicators will commence in 2010. Work continues on streamlining referral and Chest Conference processes and making other improvements to the lung cancer pathway. In 2010 another lean thinking project will get underway to look at the stage of the lung cancer pathway from assessment with a respiratory physician to diagnosis/decision to refer to Chest Conference. The newly formed national lung cancer group will link with the Midland Cancer Network lung cancer work group.
Review and update of the non-surgical cancer treatment service plan for the Midland region
Work has commenced on the review and update of the non-surgical cancer treatment service plan for the Midland region which was produced by Jan Barber in 2004.
The first phase of work for the new service delivery plan has focused mainly on radiation oncology. This has involved analysis of cancer registrations, service data, current situation, issues and projections of radiation oncology service demand and equipment. It has also included workforce requirements for the next five years. Further work is required to complete the long term planning for radiation oncology.
In early 2010 work will begin on the next phase of the review and update project which will focus on medical oncology and will include a review of chemotherapy nurses and chairs.
Bowel Cancer Work Group
The Ministry of Health has signalled that bowel cancer is a priority focus for the regional cancer networks.
The first meeting of the Midland Cancer Network bowel cancer work group was held on Wednesday 28 October 2009. The Ministry of Health Bowel Cancer Clinical Director Dr Carol Atmore attended this meeting.
The purpose of the work group is to identify issues with the current bowel cancer pathway (includes referral, colonoscopy, treatment, monitoring and follow-up) and recommend opportunities for improvement.
It is the expectation that over the next six months work will focus on:
- completing the mapping of the pathway from referral to hospital to treatment. The first peice of mapping work will involve the stage of pathway with referral to hospital to colonoscopy
- understanding regional and local issues related to referrals for colonoscopies and capacity to carry out colonoscopies
- a restrospecitve audit of waiting times between key stages along the bowel cancer pathway
- the development of regional clinical pathways and guidelines for managing patients with suspected or a confirmed diagnosis of bowel cancer.
Palliative Care Update:
Midland Palliative Care Work Group
In 2010 the Midland palliative care work group will be focusing on:
- district and regional palliative care strategy planning for 2010-2015
- continued implementation of the Liverpool Care Pathway and the reflective data cycle
- implementation of the new syringe drivers and
- implementation of the Midland specialist palliative care education framework for generalist nurses and carers.
Midland Palliative Care Education Calendar
Palliative care education for
- registered nurses in residential care facilities, practice nurses, district and other community nurses
- caregivers in residential care facilities and providing home care.
A calendar of the programmes offered by the Midland specialist palliative care providers is available on the Midland Cancer Network website. This will be updated regularly and contact details are provided for those interested in attending.
Appointment of Palliative Care Medical Specialist - Waipuna Hospice
Introducing our new Medical Director - Dr Murray Hunt
An exciting challenge lies ahead for me as Medical Director of Waipuna Hospice. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and look forward to working with such a skilled, competent and dedicated team. I was born and bred in the North Island, grew up in Wanganui and attended medical school in Auckland. My passion for palliative care/hospice grew whilst working in Taranaki where I had the privilege of working alongside a highly skilled and passionate nursing team who were able to teach me so much about the care of those facing life-limiting illness.
In the mid 1990's I became a Donny Hospice Fellow and furthered my experience in Auckland prior to becoming Medical Director of South Auckland Hospice. I completed a postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care through Cardiff, Wales and in 2000 was awarded the Australasian Fellowship in Palliative Medicine. I have also gained specialist qualifications in Addiction Medicine over recent years. I worked as part of the palliative care team at Waikato Hospital, an important interface to retain for the future, as many BOP patients link into Waikato oncology services. I also contribute one day per week to a Community Alcohol and Drug Service.
My wife and I have six children, four of school age. Family life is busy! Whilst we don't know Tauranga well, we have a longstanding interest in the Eastern BOP and I'm a keen kayak fisherman. Really looking forward to getting to know Tauranga! - Murray.
News from the Adolescent Young Adult Cancer Service
Study Day
The second Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service Study Day on 9 November
was well attended by health professionals from around the Midland region.
Topics included:
- an overview of AYA cancers and specific issues for this age group
- fertility management and sexual health
- communication and legal issues
- panel discussion involoving support services: Canteen, Child Cancer Foundation, Leukaemia and Blood Foundation, Cancer Society, Rainbow Place and Health Journeys.
The day concluded with the focus on the impact of a cancer diagnosis on a young person and their family/whānau. One of our young people shared her journey with cancer and the mother of another of our young people gave us a valuable insight into the impact on family members. These personal perspectives were really appreciated and well received by all.
Participant's feedback included "Fantastic study day, well organised, relevant and informative" and "Excellent, I didn't even get tired after lunch".
Donate your unwanted DVDs to AYACS DVD library in ward 25
United Video has kindly donated 34 DVDs to start our DVD library for young people in ward 25. If you are having a pre-Christmas spring clean we would appreciate other donations of unwanted DVDs (commercial copies only). Please contact Jenny on 021 2236145.
Urogenital Clinical Nurse Specialist
My name is Tiffany Schwass and I am the new clinical nurse specialist for urogenital cancer care at Waikato Hospital. My background is as a registered nurse, largely in surgical areas, with a long association with urology.
I have developed an interest in oncology during this time and have seen potential gaps for patients during their journey from diagnosis through treatment.
I see my new role as one of support, assistance and co-ordinating the patient's cancer care journey to ensure timely and appropriate treatment, therapy and care.
I look forward to developing this role and becoming an integral part of the cancer care team.
Tiffany Schwass,
Clinical Nurse Specialist for
Urogenital Cancer Care
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH IN THE WAIKATO
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is now approximately 1 in 10, with over 2500 new cases diagnosed every year and 600-700 deaths annually from this disease.
For most of last century and until some 35 years ago the main medical treatment for breast cancer was a radical mastectomy. Breast cancer treatment has come a long way since then, thanks to good quality research.
New Zealand centres, including the Waikato, are actively involved in local and international studies or clinical trials. Ongoing and upcoming studies that Waikato women are, and will be contributing to include;
a) Breast cancer prevention
b) The best treatment of a precancerous condition called ductal carcinoma insitu
c) More effective drug treatments, surgery and radiotherapy techniques
d) Reducing side effects of treatments
e) Improving communication of treatment options
f) Investigation of the molecular biology of breast cancer
g) Improving quality of life and wellbeing
h) Waikato Breast Cancer Register (WBCR)
The WBCR is a comprehensive audit/evaluation of our local breast cancer treatment services. Over the past 10 years we have been involved in over 30 different projects/clinical trials. Breast cancer research in the Waikato is coordinated at Waikato Hospital.
The Waikato Breast Cancer Trust and fundraising activities
This is our local charitable trust which enables and fundraises for our breast cancer research and audit programme. Over October the Trust was recipient of proceeds of a number of fundraising activities. The Hamilton Pink Walk for breast cancer awareness was held on 29 October around Hamilton Lake. The highlight of the event was the launch of the Waikato Treasure Chest's (breast cancer survivor and supporters) dragon boat team who launched their new boat. These women are great role models for living life to the full and not letting a cancer diagnosis or age become a barrier. Over 1400 participants turned Innes Common and the lakeside pink and $7800 was raised for breast cancer research.
The Olde Creamery at Kaipaki hosted a " High Tea and High Fashion" event. The 150 guests had a high time and enjoyed the fashion of Annah S and Annah Stretton. $5900 was raised as a result of Chris Edmeade's (café owner) superb organisation along with the support and generosity of many behind the scenes people who made this event happen!
Local publishing company, Stretton Publishing, have created a fundraising 2010 Women's Health Diary. This is an A5 spiral bound diary that is full of great health tips and inspirational messages. Sale price is one for $20 or two for $30. You can purchase the diary at Annah S (Barton St, Hamilton) or Annah Stretton (Victoria Street and Cambridge) stores or by contacting Jenni Scarlet Ph 07 8398726 Ext 7916 or email scarletj@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Huge thanks goes to all sponsors, businesses, individuals and volunteers who so generously support our breast cancer research through their contributions to fundraising activities.
A very merry christmas and a happy new year from the team at Midland Cancer Network
See you all in 2010