The History of the Helensville District Health Trust (1989-2010)
In 1989, in response to impending closure, the Helensville Hospital Community Committee which had fought numerous battles to keep the local Maternity Hospital open, rallied to form the Trust. After exploring all options to continue maternity services for the Helensville District, this appeared the only viable option left. The Trust was chaired by Mrs Alison McKenzie MNZM (who retired from the Trust and Chair in November 2009). This initiative succeeded and the Trust pioneered New Zealand's first Birthing Unit. The Trust has enjoyed a long and close working relationship with Waitemata Health and recognises Waitemata Health as a strategic partner with ongoing representation on the Trust Board.
The timeline details the history and achievements of the Trust to date:
1989
• Trust Deed for the establishment of the Helensville District Health Trust formed• Lease agreement with Auckland Area Health Board (AHB) commenced
• Opening of the Helensville Birthing Unit
• Meals on Wheels funding granted to the Trust
• Part of building renovated and leased to Physiotherapist
1990
• Opening of AHB’s Te Puna o te Ora – Maori Health Unit1991
• The Trust takes over responsibility for the Home Care 60’s contract from Peacemaker Trust• The Trust prepares and publishes first brochure for the Helensville Birthing Unit
• A qualified health consultant is contracted to consult to the Trust on its activities and future options
1992
• The Trust secures Rodney Learning Centre as a tenant• Helensville Lion’s Club commences construction of courtyard for Birthing Unit (all voluntary help)
1993
• Quality Assurance Plan for Birthing Unit and Home Care 60’s developed• Name change from Home Care 60’s to Norwest Home Care Services under the Trust. An administrator and a coordinator are appointed to assist with Norwest Home Care Services
• A second fully equipped and self contained room for the Birthing Unit is completed as well as a new bathroom constructed for the Birthing Unit
• Community Care scheme for the Birthing Unit established
1994
• License sought for the Birthing Unit through AHB, declined as Waitemata Health deemed as licensee• Appointment of Birthing Unit Manager
• Regional Health Authority (RHA) undertakes research and results identify Helensville as a ‘high needs area’
1995
• Waitemata Health confirm right of renewal as Trust tenants• Primary Health needs assessment for Helensville area undertaken by North Health
• Waitemata Health’s first indication that they intend to exit maternity services and the building in Helensville
• Application and awarded Transitional Funding Assistance to carry out feasibility study to establish whether the Trust should buy the hospital property
• Nor'West Home Care Services expand and a part-time administrator is appointed
• The Trust appoints Manager to assist the Trust
1996
• Funding assistance received to fit out the Nor'West Home Care Services offices and computerise (funding from RHA)• Contract from RHA granted six months for management time for the following: Birthing Unit, Meals on Wheels (MOW) and Nor'West Home Care Services
• Trust plan application for Community Trust Assistance Scheme
• Variation to Section 51 Health & Disability Act introduced with particular impact on maternity services challenging the viability of the Birthing Unit
• Plans developed to maintain viability
• MOW receives a price increase which will gradually bring Helensville in line with other MOW service providers and Crown Health Enterprises (CHE) requirements
1997
• Waitemata Health confirms intention to exit the Helensville Community Health property• The Trust canvases community support for role of the Trust and intention to exercise right of purchase as per lease agreement
• The Trust runs a monthly advertising campaign to raise awareness in the community and The Trust role and responsibilities
• Full and strong community support at October AGM for the Trust and endorsement of Mission Statement
• Consultation with the community re: existing consumer health needs and future directions
1998
• Application for funding to acquire the Helensville Community Health Property under the Community Trust Assistance Scheme applied for and accepted in October 1998. A Suspensory Loan ($260,000) granted• Application to HFA for new initiatives Service Integration declined
1999
• The Trust acquired Helensville Community Health Property• Merged Nor’West Home Care Services with Focus 2000 Ltd. Thirty percent shareholding for HDHT in Focus Nor’West Ltd
• Mrs Alison McKenzie awarded MNZM in recognition for her services to the Helensville community in health
2000
• Negotiate and obtain contract with Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB) for Birthing Unit to include postnatal services• Plans to renovate the Community Health Centre to include Birthing Unit with postnatal services, offices, community rooms and specified IT room to facilitate Rodney Learning
2001
• Contracted granted for postnatal services by WDHB• ASB Community Trust awards the Trust to assist with renovations
2002
• Renovations commence• All services continue amongst the mayhem
2003
• Building renovations completed. Birthing Unit now has a total of 5 beds, including 2 labour and 3 postnatal beds• Postnatal numbers start increasing on a monthly basis
• Birthing Unit now called Birthing Centre
• Approached by Kaipara Medical Centre to assist / purchase building, and possibility of building new rooms for the medical centre
• Waitemata Health renovate their offices
• Plans developed to purchase Kaipara Medical Centre property
2004
• In conjunction with the Trust and Maori Health, Waitemata Health Te Puna o te Ora renovates their building to allow for increased demand on services• Purchase of the historic Doctor's residence - the Kaipara Medical Centre property completed
• Birthing Centre firmly established as an accredited and successful community facility. Number of admissions has doubled since renovations
2005
• Development of new Community Health Centre to incorporate GP practice, Te Ha and Diagnostic Medlab• Designs completed and Rodney Council application for Resource Consent granted
• Project manager employed to oversee development
• Community based fundraising commenced - target $1.8m
2006
• Construction of purpose built facilities for GP practice and Medical Centre• Successful completion of fundraising and finance for project
• Kaipara Medical Centre commenced full services in December 2006
2007
• Official opening of the Kaipara Medical Centre • Restoration and opening of the Alison McKenzie Community House• HBC Baby Friendly Accreditation achieved
• Full tenancy of all facilities including launch of Diagnostic Medlab services on site
2008
• Installation of a generator to ensure uninterrupted power to all facilities• Focus on strategic planning and community based consultation to strengthen health partnerships and determine community based health initiatives for the future
• Sold 30% shareholding in Focus Nor’ West Ltd to Focus 2000 Ltd
2009
• Birthing Centre had record year with 368 patients using the facility• Negotiated the lease of shop in Parakai with future plans to open as a satellite health centre for Iris Support and Kaipara Medical Centre
• Labtest opened facility (replaced Diagnostic Medlab)
2010
• Dianne Kidd elected as Chairman. Alison McKenzie retires• Suspensory Loan ($260,000) discharged off Mortgage by the Hon. Tony Ryall, Parakai Health opened
• Opened satellite facilities at nearby Paraki for Iris home support, doctors and nurses from Kaipara Medical Centre and physiotherapists
• Birthing Centre wins first prize in BFHI national competition for innovation in baby friendly activities
• Helensville Trust Board members are invited to form the Board of Helensville Women and Family Centre, shared management is established
• A health forum is held to discuss future plans for a Healthy Helensville, the concept of a Wellbeing Centre is born
• The Meals on Wheels Service contract was terminated by Waitemata Health in September 2010. The six remaining clients were transferred to alternative local support services. An afternoon tea was held to recognise and thank the volunteers who have delivered meals in the local community for more than 30 years. It was the end of a wonderful service and era.
• Looking forward to 2011
Critical Success Factors:
1. The HDHT has been persistent and proactive, recognising opportunities to improve and expand services. Strong leadership has also been a critical factor here. The Trust Board has been willing to take risks and pioneer the development and delivery of services. It has been focussed on achieving the right and best outcomes.2. Inspirational leadership, expertise and experience provided by Charm Torrance as the Manager of the Trust and HBC.
3. Community ownership of a strategic health site centrally located in the Helensville community.
4. Successful working partnership with Waitemata Health from inception supported by representation on the Trust Board.
5. Strong community commitment and representation.