The Whangārei Hospital Talipes (also known as Club Foot) Clinic team has found a way to support parents of their young patients when their babies have an Achilles tendon release.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Lyndon Bradley, said because it can be upsetting for a parent to hear their child cry when they are not in control, it is better for the parents to be occupied somewhere away from the clinic.They often suggest that parents head to the café for a break. However, because not all of them can afford to spend money in the café, the team decided to apply to Health Fund PLUS to fund coffee vouchers.
Mr Bradley explained that on the day of the procedure, parents have an extended appointment, essentially taking the whole morning, including cast removal, bathing, and applying anaesthetic topical cream, which meant waiting for this to be effective. Then, they have the procedure and must wait to confirm that there are no complications before leaving.
"Most of our families have to travel frequently, take time off work, find transport, etc, so any support we can gain to help them with this treatment journey will bring benefit." "A break at the cafe is very reasonable in this situation. We will know where to find the parents if needed (after the procedure and in case of emergency),” Lyndon says. The coffee vouchers have been very successful, Lyndon confirmed. “It is a difficult time for the parents having to hand over their little babies to our team for the achilles lengthening procedure. Even though for our team it is an everyday procedure, for a parent there can be apprehension. "Lyndon says that the coffee vouchers have been a wonderful addition to the clinic. “It allows the family to have a break, be away from the clinic, helps occupy apprehensive parents – not to mention get revitalised. A much-needed break and escape in a challenging day. We have had lots of feedback and appreciation from the families of Northland.”
Health Fund PLUS is a partnership between Northland Community Foundation and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, focusing on managing donations from our community and raising funds for projects beyond government funding. Projects such as enhancing healing spaces or purchasing nice-to-have items can make all the difference in providing the best quality healthcare possible.
The Health Fund PLUS partnership benefits the health needs of all Northlanders by focusing on giving for the good of many.
If you are interested in learning more about Health Fund PLUS, just phone 021 558 224 or email info@northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz
