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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A teenager ended up in the intensive care unit in Dunedin with pneumonia after being made to wait in a portable building outside Queenstown’s locked hospital for three hours.
Her distraught mother Sunitha Karunakaran said watching her 18-year-old daughter … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A teenager ended up in the intensive care unit in Dunedin with pneumonia after being made to wait in a portable building outside Queenstown’s locked hospital for three hours.
Her distraught mother Sunitha Karunakaran said watching her 18-year-old daughter struggle to breathe in the cold unit on the night of October 25 was one of the worst moments of her life.
Hospital staff had been advised of the seriousness of the girl’s condition before her arrival following blood tests at the privately-owned Queenstown Medical Centre, Karunakaran said.
However, they put her in the external building, which had a bed and small kitchen, while they dealt with other patients.
As her daughter’s condition deteriorated, several attempts to get attention from hospital staff using a buzzer outside the locked hospital were ignored, Karunakaran said.
With another child at home alone, as her husband was in Malaysia visiting family, and no indication they would see a doctor soon, the pair left the hospital at 11pm.
“I was feeling absolutely helpless all night seeing my girl suffering and unable to breathe,” she said.
The next morning staff at Queenstown Medical Centre sent her daughter, who Stuff has agreed not to name, back to the hospital in an ambulance.
Her oxygen level was down to 20%, she had a fever of 38.7C and was coughing uncontrollably.
She was put on an Otago Rescue Helicopter and sent to Dunedin Hospital where she was diagnosed with bacterial strep pneumonia affecting both lungs and spent three days in ICU.
Once stable she was moved to the general ward for the remainder of the week.
Karunakaran said the episode was “extremely distressing”.
“If [the hospital staff] had seen us that night then my daughter wouldn’t have got to the point of almost losing her life.”
Her daughter now faces a six-week recovery period and was forced to miss her last week of high school and the opportunity to apply for scholarships and complete work for assessments.
“I understand that they don’t have staff, but they don’t need to be rude,” she said.
“When I rang the bell so many times to say she’s struggling to breathe, they just ignored us. That’s the hardest part.”
Despite Karunakaran and her daughter providing a written statement waiving their rights to privacy, an unnamed Te Whatu Ora southern spokesperson declined to discuss the case.
“Te Whatu Ora does not comment on individual patients and their care for privacy reasons,” a written statement said.
It said emergency departments were currently very busy, and patients were triaged with the sickest patients seen first.
The portable building at Lakes District Hospital was used as a dedicated space for patients presenting with cold and flu symptoms who needed to be isolated, the spokesperson said.
“Patients who are allocated to this waiting space are checked and assessed regularly.”
That was not the case on the night of October 25, Karunakaran said.
Prior to their arrival at Lakes District Hospital staff had been aware of her daughter’s condition by doctors at Queenstown Medical Centre.
Her daughter had spent the day at the medical centre on an IV before going home at 6pm.
At 7pm the doctor called the family to advise blood tests revealed the teenager’s white and red blood cell counts were concerning, and she needed to go immediately to hospital.
Staff at the hospital confirmed they had spoken with the medical centre, that the situation was "urgent" and that her daughter would be seen soon, Karunakaran said.
They were told to wait in one of the two rooms in the portable building.
"It was too cold out there, but we were just ignored and told we had to wait as there were other patients who were more ill that arrived in an ambulance," she said.
She saw other patients arrive by car and be given access to the waiting room during that time.
Nurses had provided paracetamol, a Covid-19 test (which was negative), and a blanket, after Karunakaran begged for it.
When her daughter left in a helicopter to Dunedin the next day, Karunakaran had to remain in Queenstown to pick up her son from school, then arrange transport and accommodation for the family and travel to Dunedin.
After arriving she sat crying on the floor in Dunedin Hospital.
“I felt hopeless and helpless – seeing multiple doctors and nurses running in and out of her room was daunting and scary.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through on that day.”
Her family had lived in Queenstown for 17 years and were devastated with their treatment, she said.
“I came to New Zealand for a better life and I have been doing community work for over 10 years.
“It’s extremely distressing to see there is no humanity in the medical area,” she said.
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View moreMeeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
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Our national women’s rugby team took out the Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a tense finale at Eden Park. The Black Ferns won the match by just three points taking home their sixth world title.
With public celebrations taking place following the All Blacks (men's) Rugby World Cup wins … View moreOur national women’s rugby team took out the Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a tense finale at Eden Park. The Black Ferns won the match by just three points taking home their sixth world title.
With public celebrations taking place following the All Blacks (men's) Rugby World Cup wins (2011 & 2015) as well as parades for the America's cup team, do you think similar celebration plans are needed for our winning Black Ferns women?
Hey Neighbours!
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Use promo … View moreHey Neighbours!
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Between now and 31 December, purchase a 3-month subscription to Sunday Star-Times for a friend, loved one (or yourself), and you'll receive a gorgeous soy candle selection worth $49 from Linden Leaves absolutely free.
Use promo code 'Christmas' at the checkout to redeem this unmissable deal!
The team at Sunday Star-Times
Posting on behalf of my sister, she really wants to move these guys on. Price now negotiable.
She rescued the Mum from the side of the road and nobody claimed her so she took her on and now has pups to go to good homes.
All boys in the poster, but she also has a brindle and black female puppy … View morePosting on behalf of my sister, she really wants to move these guys on. Price now negotiable.
She rescued the Mum from the side of the road and nobody claimed her so she took her on and now has pups to go to good homes.
All boys in the poster, but she also has a brindle and black female puppy available.
They are now about 10 weeks old.
Poster price reasonable, considering all the work, food, etc.
Contact 0212335971
Skate away! Turn an old skateboard into a handy clock with a little imagination and Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own.
By reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The posters on a boarded-up shop on Dunedin’s main street leave no doubt as to what store is about to open – it’s Cookie Time.
The company is set to open its second New Zealand-based Cookie Time Cookie Bar on George St, Dunedin’s main shopping area.
The… View moreBy reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The posters on a boarded-up shop on Dunedin’s main street leave no doubt as to what store is about to open – it’s Cookie Time.
The company is set to open its second New Zealand-based Cookie Time Cookie Bar on George St, Dunedin’s main shopping area.
The Christchurch-based company, which is now in its 40th year, has returned to the city where it first started selling cookies outside its home base, before distributing its cookies nationwide.
‘’Dunedin has a special place in the Cookie Time world – and we’re thrilled to bring the magical, high energy explosion of flavour and colour that is the Cookie Bar to the heart of the city,’’ said Cookie Time co-founder and managing director Guy Pope-Mayell.
The Dunedin shop, which will open later this month, will offer an all-day dessert breakfast line, including American cereals.
The Cookie Bar will also feature hero “freakshakes”, as featured in the Cookie Time Cookie Bar in Tokyo, Japan.
The first Cookie Time Cookie bar opened in Queenstown in 2010, followed by the Tokyo store in 2013.
The Cookie Bars also feature in-store karaoke and gift merchandise.
Pope-Mayell said the second New Zealand Cookie Bar had been a while in the making.
“We’ve put a lot of time and thought into testing and proof-pointing the concept domestically and internationally, and then of course the pandemic put the brakes on for a couple of years.
“Now we’re moving into full roll-out mode, and are looking to open a new location each year over the next five years.’’
A Cookie Bar project is also under way in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hellers half ham (bone-in, approx 4kg)
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What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
|Homed newsletter| takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, showcases the latest interior trends, provides project ideas, and … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
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Turn an ordinary wooden gift box into a treasure chest with Resene paint! A place to keep Lego, figurines, and all the treasures kids love to collect. Add a unique decorative feature to the lid to make it a special keepsake.
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At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. It’s rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones. It’s embracing new experiences right there on your doorstep. That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectation of … View moreAt Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. It’s rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones. It’s embracing new experiences right there on your doorstep. That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectation of aging, while bringing job and meaning to every moment.
We are honoured to present our latest brand campaign that explores our residents lives through their eyes. From the poignant moments of life in care, to our residents continuing to push the boundaries of what they want to achieve.
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
One of the largest infrastructure projects in the country – the $1.4billion rebuild of Dunedin Hospital – is under pressure.
Earlier this year those involved with the project were told to trim $100m from its budget while preserving as much as the design and… View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
One of the largest infrastructure projects in the country – the $1.4billion rebuild of Dunedin Hospital – is under pressure.
Earlier this year those involved with the project were told to trim $100m from its budget while preserving as much as the design and clinical capacity as possible within a ‘’reduced footprint’’, a report from Te Whatu Ora Southern has revealed.
That report also detailed some of the risks of cost-cutting around the current design, some four years in the planning.
It suggests “undoing this in as many months carries significant reputational, operational and clinical risk”.
Those short term solutions, as part of what is known as “Option 4.2”, could result in increased costs over the life of the hospital, the report, dated September 2, warns.
“Without this due diligence, Te Whatu Ora Southern are unable to provide confidence that all potential risks associated with Option 4.2 have been adequately identified.”
Those risks included fewer beds being available than the current – albeit ageing – hospital, while the size of a laboratory would be cut.
The new option would also see changes to a mental health unit for older people, less storage for drinking water, and the removal of two logistics lifts and a bridge linking the inpatients’ and outpatients’ buildings.
While the design of the facility was “advanced”, significant changes to the design, particularly a reduction in size, would have a “negative impact on the reputation of the project and the NDH (New Dunedin Hospital) amongst both the public and Te Whatu Ora Southern staff”.
The report highlighted other concerns about that reputational risk, including public perception that the burden of providing health services is being pushed onto primary and community providers, and staff airing concerns and grievances to media.
The risk to the project’s reputation, alongside interested parties in the south, was “significant”.
“The need for a new hospital has been well interrogated, and public interest in the NDH is high,” the report said.
It also noted key clinical staff had given input into the design, and are “concerned that decisions are being made against clinical advice and data, and this will lead to poorer clinical and operational outcomes”.
That included growing anxiety over the possible exclusion of services, and the presumption that alternative funding would be found elsewhere.
“Staff feel there is significant risk that sufficient funding will not eventuate to offer these services in suitable facilities, and the community will suffer as a consequence.”
The report concluded: “Any change in the size or scope of the NDH, and any demand for significant redesign with accompanying consultant costs and demands on clinical staff’s time, will have a widespread negative effect on the reputation and expectations of the NDH project and facility.”
That would be perceived as a “broken promise” from what was approved in the detailed business case two years ago.
The revamp of Dunedin Hospital is part of the Government’s $7 billion programme to upgrade the country’s public hospitals.
Former Health Minister Chris Hipkins said the new hospital would “transform healthcare” in the region and deliver “improved health outcomes for future generations”.
Te Whatu Ora Southern’s report also highlighted how an interprofessional learning centre, with the support of the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, may also be missing from the project after an “official error or omission”.
The professional development unit would offer simulation spaces for training purposes, with Dunedin offering the widest range of health sciences disciplines in New Zealand.
The three parties were set to contribute around $17m each, but the cost pressure of the project meant the university would look at constructing the facility.
But due to its own cost pressures with other projects the university withdrew its offer in February.
That advice was passed onto the Ministry of Health, but never incorporated into written advice to ministers.
“Accordingly the records shows ministers approving a saving that did not, and does not, exist,” the report said.
A Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand spokesperson said: “Our position on the new Dunedin Hospital remains unchanged since the release of this report.
“We remain committed to ensuring Dunedin will receive a fit-for-purpose, state-of-the-art facility. Better care for patients remains the priority.”
Health Minister Andrew Little said he had not seen the report.
He said: “Every major building project in the hospital system has been asked to look carefully at their costs, because in the current climate we expect cost escalation.
“However, any substantial change to the new Dunedin Hospital project would require ministerial approval. I have received no advice about proposed changes to the scope or scale of that project.”
From reporter Hamish McNeilly
Andy Dalton went to hospital after struggling to breathe. He would later learn he had days to live.
The 41-year-old father-of-two found himself breathless while running, then later when lying down.
On October 11, he went to Dunedin Hospital’s emergency … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly
Andy Dalton went to hospital after struggling to breathe. He would later learn he had days to live.
The 41-year-old father-of-two found himself breathless while running, then later when lying down.
On October 11, he went to Dunedin Hospital’s emergency department where a tumour was detected pressing against his windpipe.
“He wasn’t able to get air into his lungs,” Amanda O’Connor, 36, speaking on behalf of her partner, said.
A scan revealed Dalton was breathing through a space of only about 3 millimetres. He was transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) that night.
Surgery to remove the tumour revealed he had a super aggressive and rare form of cancer called anaplastic thyroid cancer, which they couldn’t remove.
He was given a tracheostomy – a hole through the front of the neck and into the windpipe – so he could breathe.
But while in ICU the tumour continued to grow and began to restrict his airway.
A few days later Dalton was told he had “days left”.
“We were a bit shell shocked,” O’Connor said.
Dalton’s two children – a son, 8, and a daughter, 4, were “doing as well as you can expect”, she said.
The pair highlighted the incredible support they had at hospital, which included a consultant coming in on his day off to bring Dalton home in an ambulance for three hours, so he could say goodbye to family and friends.
“We were expecting any time,” O’Connor said.
Dalton, who communicates via a tablet, told Stuff hospital staff had “gone above and beyond treating me with the utmost care in what has been an incredibly scary, stressful and emotional experience”.
On Tuesday, Dalton had his final radiation treatment aimed at prolonging his life, which appeared to help slow the growth.
While the cancer was incurable, testing revealed he had a specific mutation known as the Braf gene.
Unfunded drugs that cost $5500 a month targeted the mutation and slowed the growth of the tumour.
“It does slightly improve prognosis, gives him slightly more time but nothing is a curative treatment for Andy’s cancer,” O’Connor said.
The family wanted him to have more time, particularly for his children, so they had set up a Givealittle page, hoping to raise $50,000.
Another potential treatment option was also unfunded, immunotherapy medication, PDL-1, which cost $100,000 a year.
“Nobody thinks he will get that amount of time,” O’Connor said.
He had returned home and the family had realised they were “on shaky ground”, she said.
“Every day since then has been a gift.
“I have found it a challenge, as his partner, to try and put on a positive face every day.”
The best case scenario was for the tumour to shrink around the windpipe, and he could speak – albeit quietly – with the tracheostomy still in place.
Dalton was able to talk with the help of an electronic device, as well as ‘’charades’’ with his children.
His son was desperate to have his dad watch him play sport, which included futsal and touch.
‘’It is about maximising memories for the kids,’’ O’Connor said.
The Otago Polytechnic / Te Pūkenga Horticulture Student Showcase Plant Sale is Saturday 19 November, 9.30 - 1.30 pm, at 100 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin.
There will be a large range of edible and ornamental plants for sale - grown by our students.
Food Forage Tour
Bonsai Demonstration
Tree Climbing… View moreThe Otago Polytechnic / Te Pūkenga Horticulture Student Showcase Plant Sale is Saturday 19 November, 9.30 - 1.30 pm, at 100 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin.
There will be a large range of edible and ornamental plants for sale - grown by our students.
Food Forage Tour
Bonsai Demonstration
Tree Climbing for Children
Food Truck
See the attached flyer for more information
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