Health NZ - South Canterbury

20/08/2025

Today 20 August is Thank an Orderly Day.

Our orderlies are the backbone of our hospitals. They carry out a wide range of tasks contributing to the smooth running of our services, including carefully moving patients around, and ensuring things are delivered, carried, distributed, moved, found, removed and more. And the best thing is, they always do it with a smile on their faces.

Thanks team. We appreciate all your work.

24/07/2025

Nurses, healthcare assistants and some midwives at public hospitals and health services are planning to strike for 24 hours, from 9am on Wednesday 30 July to 9am on Thursday 31 July.

Patient safety will be our priority:

✅ Anyone in hospital will get the care and support they need.
✅ Our hospitals and emergency departments will stay open.
✅ Maternity services for women in labour, inpatient and birth services will continue.
✅ Visiting hours will stay the same.
✅ To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed, and appointments will need to be rescheduled.
✅ If you have an appointment on the day of the strike, come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly.
✅ Any appointments that are deferred will be rescheduled for the next available time.
✅ Anyone needing it will receive emergency care.

We value the hard work and dedication of our staff. To find out more, visit: tewhatuora.govt.nz/industrial-action

22/07/2025

The Ministry of Health has issued a public warning about the Suntree - Vanilla Cream (30ml) va**ng product as it contains too much of a chemical associated with a lung injury called ‘popcorn lung’.

It’s understood around 300 of these products have been sold in the past 17 months.

Although the risk of developing lung disease following short term exposure appears to be low, anyone who develops respiratory symptoms after using the product, or has any other concerns, should contact their healthcare provider.

Read more👇

The Ministry of Health has issued a public warning about the Suntree - Vanilla Cream (30ml) va**ng product as it contains too much of a chemical associated with a lung injury called ‘popcorn lung’.

18/06/2025

Hey team, if you're struggling a bit, and need some help, get in touch. We are here to support you. Head to: https://wellbeingsupport.health.nz

09/06/2025

Come and talk about rural health with Hon Matt Doocey, Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health.

Minister Doocey will be accompanied by Hon Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister for Agriculture, and Dr Grant Davidson, CEO of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network.

The engagement session will take place at 1:00pm on Thursday 12 June, at Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub. Check their website https://www.fieldays.co.nz/attend-fieldays/explore/health-and-wellbeing

09/06/2025

20/05/2025

Have you received an email from us?

What You Need to Do:
1. Check your inbox (and your junk/spam folder) for an email from us (email.verification@tewaipounamu.healthnz.govt.nz).
2. Click the link in the email to verify your email address.
3. Start receiving your appointment letters and important health information electronically — quick and hassle-free!

Don’t have an email? No worries — letters will still be sent by post.
More information is available on our website

https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/digital-health/patient-email-verification

20/05/2025

The South Canterbury Rugby Football Union, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police and South Canterbury Road Safety are together asking people to ‘Be a Hero: Try Zero’.

Throughout May, June and July, rugby club members and supporters will be encouraged to choose zero alcohol beverages in an initiative aimed at reducing alcohol related harm and a commitment to player and community wellbeing.

Competition packs will be delivered to South Canterbury rugby clubs and will include education and tips on how to check in on their mates’ wellbeing and the local and national support available. You can find out more about how to keep yourself and others safe at whataboutyou.co.nz

The rugby club that consumes the most zero-alcohol beverages during the months of May, June and July will win a $1,000 towards club improvements or gear of their choice.

Read the full media release here: https://bit.ly/4dqgfAQ

Be a Hero: Try Zero is part of a wider campaign to promote low-risk drinking, low drug use and mental wellbeing in South Canterbury.

19/05/2025

Thanks to the Rapid Relief Team NZ for popping into Health NZ - South Canterbury today to celebrate our Nurses with some delicious kai. Thanks to Timaru District Council for lending us the mayor to show the community's support.

16/05/2025

Now is the time for you and your whānau to check if you’re protected against measles, and to get immunised if you’re not, or if you’re unsure.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine is still the absolute best protection, is 99% effective and for most people there’s no risk in having an extra dose if it’s needed.

Book a measles vaccine at 👉 info.health.nz/booking-a-vaccine

To check your immunity visit 👉 info.health.nz/measles-immunity

14/05/2025

What You Need to Do:
1. Check your inbox (and your junk/spam folder) for an email from us (email.verification@tewaipounamu.healthnz.govt.nz).
2. Click the link in the email to verify your email address.
3. Start receiving your appointment letters and important health information electronically — quick and hassle-free!

Don’t have an email? No worries — letters will still be sent by post.
More information is available on our website:

https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/digital-health/patient-email-verification

11/05/2025

Happy International Nurses Day South Canterbury.