At the end of June, our clinical team from across the country came together for a dedicated Clinical Week in Christchurch – a valuable opportunity to connect, learn and strengthen the relationships that underpin our work.
While our team spends much of the year delivering care on the mobile surgical unit and supporting patients in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, Clinical Week provides an important chance to step away from day-to-day operations and come together as one team. It is a time to reconnect with each other and office-based colleagues, build new connections, and share experiences.
The week featured a range of presentations, workshops and collaborative sessions designed to support both professional development and team engagement. Presentations included radiation safety by James Hayes, medical imaging technologist for Mobile Medical; and Dr Lucy O’Hagan, GP, medical educator, writer and mentor, who presented her ‘One Woman Show’.
The team also took part in off-site workshops, enabling them to explore new ideas, strengthen skills and learn from one another in a different environment, including a visit to Christchurch Charity Hospital.
“I came away from this year’s education session in Christchurch feeling incredibly positive,” Kasha Laverick, clinical nurse leader for Mobile Surgical, says.
“Willow Duffy’s presentation on safeguarding and child protection was outstanding. Her passion for advocating for children shone through, and it was inspiring to hear from someone so committed to making a difference for vulnerable tamariki.”
“Dr. Lucy O’Hagan’s one-woman show was simply brilliant. She captured the reality of working in healthcare with honesty, humour and heart. There were moments when we were laughing out loud and others that brought tears to our eyes because so much of what she shared felt familiar. We could see ourselves as healthcare providers, and we could also recognise our own loved ones in the patients she portrayed.”
“Most of all, the time together was a wonderful reminder of what an incredible service the mobile theatre provides and the amazing people who make it happen every day. From our bus drivers and clinical teams to the many people working tirelessly behind the scenes, every person plays an essential role. We couldn’t do what we do without one another, and I always leave feeling proud to be part of such a dedicated, caring and supportive team.”
“I love our clinical education week — it’s a great opportunity to catch up with the rest of the team, some of whom I don’t see all year. We get to discuss what works and what doesn’t for each of our runs, and problem-solve together as a team,” Keeley Lawson, anaesthetic technician for Mobile Surgical, says.
“This year I especially enjoyed the advanced life support day, which I’d actually expected to be my least favourite! Stuart put everyone at ease from the get-go, and the stories and laughs throughout made the day fly by.”
Importantly, Clinical Week reinforces a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, ensuring our clinical teams have the knowledge, confidence and support they need to continue delivering high-quality care. By investing in connection and professional development, we strengthen our ability to provide safe, effective, and patient-centred services for rural communities throughout New Zealand.
It was an inspiring week that highlighted the expertise, passion and teamwork that drive our organisation forward every day.
“Having our core clinical team all together in one place at one time was not an easy goal to organise but incredibly worth the effort from everyone involved. We tackled some recurring problems we’ve encountered around the country and come up with a plan on how to address these – together as a team. It’s a privilege to work alongside the team while we are out on the road, but seeing them all together, collaborating and getting things sorted was just amazing. I can’t wait until next year.” Kelly Ewen, clinical nurse manager for Mobile Surgical, says.
