Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

October marked a significant milestone for people with innate variations of sex characteristics and Rainbow communities in Aotearoa, with Stats NZ’s release of LGBTQI+ data from the 2023 Census. The 2023 Census was the first time a New Zealand census collected data on New Zealanders’ gender, sexual identity, and whether they were born with a variation of sex characteristics (sometimes referred to as intersex status). Data found that 172,383 people (4.9% of adults) belonged to the LGBTQI+ population. Of the usually resident population aged 15 years and over who responded: - 144,960 people (4.1%) reported a sexual identity other than heterosexual, such as homosexual (gay, lesbian) or bisexual - 26,097 people (0.7%) were transgender - 15,039 people (0.4%) stated that they know they were born with a variation of sex characteristics. “The first release of this data by Stats NZ marks a significant milestone, following many years of community advocacy for inclusion,” said Deborah Woodley, Director Starting Well, Planning, Funding and Outcomes. “This data paves the way in providing the insights we need to deliver more equitable healthcare for LGBTQI+ New Zealanders. This information is important to help us better understand the diversity of our communities across the motu.” It will also help to inform the Budget 2022 initiatives we have around Gender Affirming Primary Care, and a rights-based approach to healthcare for children and young people with innate variations of sex characteristics. Further information is available in Stats NZ’s press release https://lnkd.in/gcjTyci3 #Census2023 #RainbowCensus #EquityInHealthcare #HealthNewZealand #HealthNZ #TeWhatuOra

Growing Pacific health careers: Cadetship pilot has started! 🌺 This 8-week paid cadetship empowers Year 13 graduates aiming for health-related tertiary studies. Participants gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and educational workshops, working 30 hours per week, helping build a future career in healthcare.   Pacific communities face significant health challenges, with higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes (15% vs. 7% for the total population) and lower immunisation rates and higher rates of hospital admissions for preventable conditions. Part of improving these statistics is encouraging more Pacific people into health careers. Congratulations to all the cadets! Best of luck for your futures, we reckon you're gonna smash it 💙 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g3fFhgHX

💙

📢 Interrupting your usual programming with a measles alert. Sadly, cases are rising globally including in South-East Asia, Australia and the USA, increasing the risk for Aotearoa New Zealand. Immunisation is key to preventing measles. Traveling soon? ✈️ Check your measles protection. Get your immunisation record or a measles (MMR) vaccine if unsure – it’s safe to be vaccinated again. Getting or checking you're immunised is especially important ahead of large events like festivals with lots of people attending. Stay safe, friends! Read about MMR immunisation: https://lnkd.in/ggQV4h5M Read about measles: https://lnkd.in/dfsjW4jJ

Cheers to Melo for helping us craft this important message. Some heroes do wear capes 💙

🎒 Phew! The kids are back at school and daycare - now's a good time to check they're up-to-date with their vaccinations. Download personalised immunisation schedules for your tamariki 👉🏽 http://spr.ly/6040IGyQr

As a nursing graduate, starting in primary and community care is a valuable first step to a diverse career! Nurses are in every corner of the health system and so too are the opportunities to gain experience. Our Chief Nurse, Nadine Gray, (Te Whakatōhea), began in aged care nursing and has had a varied, rich career path. That first step didn’t limit her next leap into Emergency Nursing. It's okay to start somewhere different from where you imagined! 🌈 Check out https://lnkd.in/g8-pwUWn for info about health careers like nursing, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Cancer can intrude on life at work and at home. If cancer is something you're dealing with, here’s some key info to help you navigate it. 💕 💙 Support: Being told you have cancer is overwhelming. Reach out to support services early if you can. Find support: http://spr.ly/6042xIZko 💙 Diagnosis: Before treatment, your doctor will gather information from tests and symptoms to find the best options for you. You might want to bring a support person to take notes or ask questions, as there can be a lot to absorb. The Cancer Society of New Zealand website has useful questions to ask your care team. 💙 Treatment: Your treatment will depend on the type of cancer, other health conditions, and your preferences. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6043xIZkU 💙 Rehabilitation: Cancer treatment can have a lasting effect your health and wellbeing. Talk to your doctor or nurse about available rehabilitation services. 💙 If a colleague is coping with cancer, the Cancer Society of New Zealand has good advice on how to support them: http://spr.ly/6044xIZkq

"There's a misconception that I only see elderly patients, but in fact, rheumatological diseases can affect any age group. As a rheumatologist, I specialise in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of joints, muscle and bone. I investigate, diagnose and treat patients, many of whom are suffering with significant pain and disability. My goal is to achieve remission of disease; a pain free state where patients can once again live a normal life. It is incredibly satisfying to be part of the patient journey and I feel privileged to be able to have such an impact on people's lives." Mark, Rheumatology Consultant at Tauranga Hospital. Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty