Event chance to show skills in care

Ellie Rice from Molnlycke Healthcare shows how to treat torn skin at Gisborne Hospital’s skills-a-thon.

The public appreciate the skills of Gisborne Hospital staff but an inaugural “skills-a-thon” by staff provided for the benefit of other staff has proved popular.

Staff across the spectrum of medical disciplines took part including from ostomy, incontinence, infection control, vaccination, dialysis, basic life support and bowel cancer screening.

Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, orderlies and security staff all featured in the skills-a-thon.

A giant bowel, complete with polyps, promoting bowel cancer screening, visually dominated the site.

Health NZ - Tairāwhiti education team leader Ondrea Gooch said Chief Nurse Serita Karauria came up with the idea to hold an event where staff could showcase their skills and equipment.

Representatives from some different medical companies also displayed their products.

There had been a great response from staff for the first-time event, said Ms Gooch.

The renal dialysis team had proved popular and the giant bowel was “quite cool”.

Equipment on display included a Rhino Swift which is used for lifting collapsed patients off the ground.

A new addition to Gisborne Hospital, and on display at the skills-a-thon was  moving and handling equipment which is used for moving patients around the hospital.

Security staff are being trained with the equipment to be able to assist nurses moving patients.

More than 30 stallholders showcased their skills over two days.

The skills-a-thon also featured a barbecue, spot prizes and interactive activities.

Ms Gooch thanked her education team colleagues for organising the event and those who supported it by participating or viewing it.

Next year’s skills-a-thon may be open to the public.