How Well Do We Know People In Our Community?

Pam Shackleton moved from Wellington to the Wairarapa in the early 1990s. Andrew was working in the wine industry and Pam was expecting her third child. A fourth child meant that full time employment wasn’t an option. However, the introduction of computer technology was gaining speed, so Pam worked part time at Te Kairanga helping to set up their computer and payroll systems.

In 2008, Pam took up a position as Office Manager at the Martinborough Health Centre. Dr Steve Philip was the doctor. Dawn Colton and Annette Clark were the nurses. There were three receptionists. The building was brand new. It was warm. The workflow was great. There was space for other specialists to use the consulting rooms.

“My major role was to set up the administration systems, and clinical guidelines to ensure smooth running of the business and good transition for the staff”. The initial one-year contract became permanent with the position morphing into Practice Manager.

“With responsibilities for installing computer systems for payroll and accounts, managing human resources, hiring staff, planning strategically, implementing new policies, and understanding government funding systems there was such a lot to learn,” says Pam.

“I found attending the PMAANZ (Practice Management Administrators Association) conference very helpful. Through conferences, and by joining the Wellington Branch of the Association, I developed many new contacts whom I could ask for advice. It also helped me to keep up to date with new health systems and policies.

There have been changes. The new Health Centre is now 15 years old, with a Pharmacy on site. The large consulting room has been divided to provide an extra room. Another lunchroom and cabin have been added. Staff numbers have increased. 

Consultants for Audiology, Physiotherapy, Podiatrists, and Diabetes Specialists all use the Consulting rooms. The Practice Management system has been updated from Meditech to Indici.

The role has not been without surprises. 

“One day I had to dash across the road to Mitre 10 to buy a wire cutter for Steve. A patient had been flyfishing, but instead of hooking a trout he’d hooked himself in the calf muscle. To get the hook out Steve had to patiently remove it piece by piece.

“We have had some great successes winning the Best Rural Practice in New Zealand in 2016, and the Ministry of Health Award for Voluntary and Community Projects.

The Health Project began the Friday Walking Group and the Community Garden. There are now over 20 members in the Walking Group. The Community Garden supplies the Health Centre with vegetables and fruit. These are placed in the Larder where people can help themselves. 

“Without the help of so many volunteers this could not have got underway.

“Motivating people to be proactive about their health is one of our key objectives.”

Taking Exercise and Eating Healthily are a good starting point.

Retiring? 

“Yes, but not quite yet. I still feel that I have a lot of knowledge I would like to pass on to any new Practice Manager.”