In this newsletter we detail two exciting construction developments planned for the precinct. We share details of a number of events we have hosted with key Canterbury organisations, such as the Techie Brekkie and Future Leaders Programme, and give you a heads-up on some upcoming events such as youth education sessions on sexual health and endometriosis.
I would like to say a big thank you to departing Ara Chief Executive Tony Gray who has been a valuable member of our Te Papa Hauora Advisory Council and is returning to Nelson to become Chief Executive at the Nelson Tasman Hospice. We welcome Darren Mitchell, Ara’s Acting Chief Executive, to the Council.
Peter Townsend
Chair Te Papa Hauora Advisory Council
We saw the health system – and its potential - through the eyes of the next generation when they participated in our Future Leaders Programme. This year a record 21 students from a range of health disciplines took part in the intensive week-long leadership and system improvement programme. Students were encouraged to think about the evolution of their career and how and where they could make a difference. The programme culminated in students designing a new health system for the South Island. An essential part of most visions for this system were wellness and community-based, patient centric care.
A couple of common themes from students’ feedback was the value of meeting students from other health professions and better understanding their perspective and challenges. Many also said they were impressed by the speakers and mentors who showed them the possibilities of making a difference.
Health Research
'Brain Health Matters' talks
Cantabrians got to learn about the latest research on quake brain, ischaemic stroke, and Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases during an evening of talks Te Papa Hauora hosted with the New Zealand Brain Research Institute (NZBRI). The Brain Health Matters talks (watch them here) were the first of a series of free public health events that marked International Brain Awareness Month.
Health Innovation
Canterbury Health Innovation Network
People are undoubtedly our health sector’s greatest resource. But excellent technology can make things faster, better, and more efficient for health professionals and the community. Te Papa Hauora is working with ChristchurchNZ to develop our region’s capability in this area. This includes reigniting the Canterbury Health Innovation (CHI) network. The CHI is a non-profit organisation that brings Canterbury’s most innovative and successful companies and entrepreneurs together.
In April we arranged the first event for 2021 where we heard how New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR) connects with global partners to conduct world class research here in Christchurch from Dr Chris Wynne. Harry Hawke from Webtools Health and Simon Anderson from ChristchurchNZ also spoke.
Our second event in June was focused on growth and commercialisation. Guests heard from Bruce Davey, CEO ARANZ Medical, Paul Morrison, Managing Director and co-founder of OSSIS Limited and Anthony Butler from MARS Bioimaging Limited.
Techie Brekkie
Te Papa Hauora and the Canterbury DHB’s Via Innovations hosted the fourth annual TechWeek ‘Techie Brekkie’ where speakers shared news of significant healthcare technology developments. More than 100 guests (in person and online) heard Ayesha Verrall, Associate Minister for Research, Science and Innovation and Health portfolios, talk about the new operational model for the health system and funding for HIRA (previously known as the National Health Information Platform). She also outlined the government’s support for the New Zealand Health Information Hub (NZHIH) – the official DHB vehicle for the commercialisation of health innovation. Steve Wakefield, Board Chair of the NZHIH talked about three recent investments that originated in Canterbury:
HealthOne: The South-Island shared patient record system, developed in a partnership between Pegasus Health and the Canterbury DHB.
Health Pathways: A guide to clinical pathways developed by the Canterbury DHB and Streamliners. This is now used in 50 health systems globally.
Hartwell Simulation: A start-up company formed to commercialise a vital signs simulation system developed by Canterbury DHB staff.
'Speed Dating' Innovation Workshop
This event – organised by Canterbury DHB’s Via Innovations and Te Papa Hauora – gave health staff the chance to pitch their ideas for transforming healthcare through technology to health system subject experts in a fast-paced speeding dating format. Enterprising staff pitched fifteen workplace-based innovations in the five-minute ‘dates’. Ideas from the event are now being evaluated and, where appropriate, progressed. We will keep you updated.
Precinct Developments
University of Otago Confirms New Building
The University of Otago has approved full funding for a $178 million building on its Christchurch campus. After years of planning, work on a six-level building situated in the heart of the Health Precinct will soon begin. The building will contain four floors of laboratories, the campus’ outpatient clinical research facilities, the Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, the department of psychological medicine, the department of pathology and biomedical science, teaching and learning facilities, and an imaging suite.
New Oxford Terrace Medical Clinic Planned
Huadu International Management Group has bought the site at 36-44 Oxford Tce (where the Oxford Clinic formerly stood) and plans to build a medical services facility there. They have applied for consent to construct a six-storey building with two levels of medical facilities and three levels for luxury recovery rooms for procedures done on the premises. The ground floor would host retail or services and the building will also feature conference spaces.
Upcoming Health Education
Future of Health Challenge
This challenge gives Canterbury-based tertiary students the chance to work together to solve pressing, real-world health challenges over a weekend. Teams of students select a challenge from a range provided.
Mentors from the Universities of Otago and Canterbury, Ara, the Canterbury DHB, and the primary sector work with teams to give feedback about how their solutions might work. Groups present their solutions to a panel of health leaders on the final day, with cash prizes up for grabs. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the challenge, sign up here.
Education Sessions for Youth
The CDHB Youth Advisory Council is a non-profit organisation voluntarily run by a group of young people. It advocates for young people aged 12-24 years old within the Canterbury health system. They are teaming up with Te Papa Hauora to run two educational presentations. These events will be held at Manawa in the Health Precinct, and are open to the public but registration will be essential. More information on how to register will be available soon, so keep an eye on our Facebook page.
Endometriosis: Speaker gynaecologist Michael East. Monday 2 August.
Sexual Health & Healthy Relationships. Featuring a panel of experts. Monday 13 September.
Upcoming Health Research
We're talking health ...
Save the date for our annual research talks, featuring a range of leading Canterbury researchers who are improving health outcomes in our community. Date: Wednesday September 22nd at Manawa.
We’ll send you more information and update our Facebook once we have confirmed our speakers.
Health Research Society of Canterbury Events
The role of the Health Research Society of Canterbury (HRSC) is to provide a forum for the presentation and promotion of health research. Te Papa Hauora are hosting the following HRSC events at Manawa:
New and recycled poster expo. Thursday 5 August. Local researchers can show off their studies in an easily-digestible format and will be available to discuss their work.
Emerging researcher presentations. Thursday 21 October. This event supports early career researchers, providing the opportunity to present their research to an audience of their peers, senior researchers, academics and clinicians.
Upcoming Health Innovation
Canterbury Health Innovation (CHI) Network
The next Canterbury Health Innovation Network event is a joint event with Canterbury Tech. The theme is Innovation within our Health System. This is taking place Tuesday 3 August at Manawa. Details TBC – but save the date!
Keeping up-to-date
We regularly update information on our Facebook page and website. We also feature in the Metropol influencers column. For any assistance or information you can also email us.
