Members’ Newsletter, December 2023
Letter from the NZ Chair
Another year seems to have flown by quickly. Our majority of members are working in the Aoteoroa public health system. For us, it has been a year of high and increasingly clinical demand often without sufficient human or physical resource. We have taken an initial stocktake of hospital cardiology staffing with the intention of expanding the information and advocating for improved human resourcing. Administerial gratitude for our work is appreciated but more tangible help is needed. Whilst all disciplines are affected, as always it seems, there is a more severe crisis in the allied health workforce that the Society needs to be supporting.
The NZ Region of CSANZ is focusing on having an inclusive and diverse membership. Inherent in this, is for the Society to be culturally safe and its members to be culturally educated. I am heartened that this equity theme has been largely embraced by membership. It is the right thing to do. Additionally, focusing on support and educational opportunities for the nursing and allied health membership is a priority.
Our Auckland ASM was a success in education, attendance and fiscally. I look forward to seeing many members in a return to Christchurch and their superb new convention centre for the 2024 ASM in June.
I wish to thank all members who have contributed to CSANZ events and affairs, and the regional committee for their hard work this year. I especially acknowledge our superb Executive Officer Kate Ward for holding us together.
Selwyn Wong
2024 New Zealand ASM
Registration is now open for the 2024 New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting which will be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from Thursday
13 June to Saturday 15 June.
The meeting theme is “Reconnecting in Ōtautahi Christchurch”.
Key dates are:
Abstract submission: 1 Nov – 4 March 2024
Earlybird registration closes: 15 April 2024
Applications are open CSANZ NZ traveling scholarships to the ASM in Christchurch
12 Traveling Scholarships to Christchurch
1 Rural Member ‘Amjad Hamid’ traveling scholarship
With the cost of travel, you may want one of these scholarships which are available to Nurse and Allied Health Members, and any member who has been asked to present at the meeting but has no CME funding. This year we hope to support newer members to find out what the ASMs are all about and to enjoy the collegiality that our meetings are known for.
Applications for traveling scholarships close on Friday 1 March.
Tikanga and Te Reo Courses
The NZ Committee wishes to share a selection of enjoyable and informative courses relevant to our aim to provide/encourage members to increase cultural training and knowledge. We hope to arrange a Tikanga class in the first half of 2024 through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. We’ll keep you posted if we can co-ordinate a group of 25 or more to do that training together. There are many good courses you can browse and sign up for though. Kate has created a page on the website here with links to the courses that come recommended. The RACP has confirmed that these are able to included as CPD.
Nominations for the NZ Cardiac Medal Award
Nominations are open for the NZ Cardiac Medal in 2024. This award is for a member of the Cardiac Society who has made an outstanding contribution in New Zealand by making heart care better for New Zealanders.
Nominations close on 1 February 2024. Download a copy of the application form and terms of reference below. Return your nomination to the Executive Officer by 1 Feb 2024.
NZ Allied Health and Nurse CPD Scholarships
Allied Health and Nurse Members are encouraged to apply for continuing professional development scholarships in 2024. Click here to find out how to apply. Applications close on 1 April 2024.
The objectives of these scholarships are:
- To advance cardiovascular care skills and expertise for the benefit of patients
- To support nurse/allied health members providing cardiovascular care or carrying out research
- To facilitate the dissemination of best practice in cardiovascular care
- To provide support for research, either basic science or clinical research (which must be completed in New Zealand)
- To provide funding for a relevant course of education advancing the applicant’s professional development
2024 Membership Subscription Rates
Membership subscription notices will be sent out shortly. The NZ Committee has not raised the subscriptions except for modest increases for the Physician, Surgeon, and Fellow memberships.
Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia
We wish you all the best for the holiday period. Enjoy some rest, and time with your friends and family. We look forward to a working with you collegially in the coming year.
Ngā mihi nui
