Thanks

Our CEO invited staff to join the guard of honour for David Meates, the outgoing CEO of the Canterbury District Health Board. He felt so strongly he had banners made. Staff volunteered to hold them.

I work in the private sector, not the public health sector. We've seen the fine job he's done including during and after the Canterbury earthquakes, the mosque terror attack, and in treating burns patients from the Waitakauri White Island volcanic eruption.

During all of these tragedies he's helped to improve relationships, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between primary, secondary, and tertiary care. That's led to improved outcomes for patients (yes, there's still been failures for individual patients).

Sadly a succession of ministers of health from the previous and current government have failed to listen and work in partnership. I'm particularly disappointed with the current government on this. It's a pity that the Ministry of Health isn't held to account.

A good man and a job well done. David Meates hold your head high.

Today's gratitude: For today's rain and for coping with the cold.