Handover | Issue 41 - December 2017

Welcome to our 41st issue of Handover, our final one for 2017.

We lead and conclude this issue of Handover with two articles about the “Surfing the waves” conference hosted by Te Ao Māramatanga New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses. The cover story gives an overview of Dr Frances Hughes’ keynote from the conference, and a reflection from conference convenor Jaqueline Bell-Walsh nicely wraps up this Christmas parcel for you.

We reflect on our year and ponder what 2018 may bring.

Stu Bigwood provides an update from the Directors of Mental Health Nursing, discusses the NESP- Nursing programme and the Safe Practice Effective Communication programme.

Klare Braye from Matua Raki reminds us about the new Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act which will be enacted on 21 February 2018.

Le Va highlights the Pacific mental health and addiction research agenda named Kato Fetu and their contribution to the recent mental health nurses conference in Hamilton.

Werry Workforce Whāraurau nurses Bronwyn Dunnachie, Bronwyn Pagey and Michelle Fowler share reflections about the year. They highlight the increased pressure on ICAMH/AOD services with significant demand and capacity issues, and the ongoing impact of the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes on people accessing and providing services.

In the mental health nursing framework series, we focus on nurse practitioners and highlight an inaugural meeting of nurse practitioners supporting people with mental health or addiction problems and people with disabilities.

Our least restrictive practice column includes an article about research into the variation rates of seclusion in New Zealand and a snapshot of sensory modulation across our nation’s district health boards.

We take a look at Beth Jackson’s work as a physical health nurse educator and the Equally Well initiatives Te Whetu Tawera have planned for 2018. Barry Kennedy brings to light a few articles of interest in the Nursing Digest column. Topics include: supervision, retirement, reflection and substance use.

We thank you for taking the time to read Handover, it really is one of our favourite projects. Noho āhuru mai rā i tēnei wāhanga o te tau – Peace and comfort to you at this time of the year.

Nga mihi, Suzette and Caro