COVID-19 UPDATE 17/08/2021 LEVEL 4

All of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm tonight for at least the next three days in response to a community case of COVID-19.

This means that Working Hands will not be open for any face-to-face consultations during this time. However, we will still be available to offer Telehealth services instead.

Please bear with us on Wednesday as we transition over to our new system.

For all existing patients, our staff will contact you in the morning to determine if you would like to utilise a Telehealth service.

For all new patients who would like some guidance on commencing the management of their injury/condition, please contact us on either:

P: (04) 939 4263

M: 027 883 8789

E: appointment@workinghands.co.nz

We will be regularly checking our phones and emails and will re-contact you back as soon as possible.

We sincerely thank you for your patience with us during this time.

Kia Kaha

Arohanui

From All the Staff at Working Hands

Working Hands at Level 2

As you may have heard on the news earlier this evening, our alert levels will be changing from tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th August.

For Working Hands - as far as we are aware - we will be operating at Level 2 for the next three days. This will mean that we can still have face-to-face consultations but that we will be resuming our infection control procedures we had employed back in May; eg: pre-screening, maintaining physical distancing, re-establishing our cleaning regimes.

We will encourage you to come on your own if possible. And if you are unwell or would prefer to stay in the safety of your own home, please know that we can offer you a teleheath service instead.

Please be kind and have patience with our staff as we squeeze these safety measures back in to our appointment schedules. Our ultimate goal will be to keep you all safe while you are being treated by us.

Thank you very much for your understanding.

Kia Kaha

Arohanui xo

A doctor's COVID-19 experience

A friend of mine shared this video (see link below) the other day of her friend who had contracted COVID-19 (it is probably my closest connection to someone having experienced this).

https://www.facebook.com/NSWJBD/videos/958357177968954/?vh=e&extid=8rrS9Mv9X0wrFuGw&d=n

It is quite alarming to hear of what this fit, healthy person has gone through and will continue to go through for some time yet. It is a timely reminder for us to appreciate the nature of this beast of a virus, how damaging/fatal it can be and how we need to remain vigilant.

Maintain your handwashing/cleaning regimes and continue with your contact tracing.

Keep safe everyone.

COVID-19 update 17/05/2020 Level 2

We are excited to announce that at Level 2, we have now re-opened our doors for face-to-face appointments!

We can still offer Telehealth services used during Levels 3 and 4 as well - to anyone who may feel more comfortable being seen at home or even if you are feeling unwell; meaning you can continually receive treatment from the safety of your home during this time.

Please be rest assured that if you decide to come in and see us, we have also set up/refined all our systems. Every effort has been taken to keep you and our staff safe during each visit. All our staff have been trained to carry out our new mandatory screening processes, maintain the clinic re-setups to minimise physical contact and perform thorough cleaning/disinfecting of the clinic between each patient.

So appointments will not be exactly the same as they were pre-Lockdown. For the meantime, we are all becoming accustomed with our new normal ways of life. But I think things are looking promising and that this neat Team of 5 million we have, have all sacrificed things to get to where we are today!

Let’s keep up the good work everyone!

Contact us on (04) 939 4263 or via text on 027 883 8789 or via email to appointment@workinghands.co.nz if you have any queries or would like to make an appointment.

Thank you.

Kia Kaha

Arohanui xo

COVID-19 update 28/04/2020 Level 3

Well done everyone for all your efforts!

Through all that you have done and sacrificed, we have now earned our Level 3 status.

For Working Hands, this means that our clinic doors will remain closed for face-to-face contacts during this time. We are still available for Telehealth services and will happily discuss any concerns you may have.

Remember all the rules we have followed to date:

Keep physical distancing but social connection.

Remain kind to one another.

Remember, we are all in this together.

Keep up with all the good work of staying safe and well in our bubbles.

We look forward to catching up again when the restrictions have been lifted.

You may contact us via: P: 939 4263, M: 027 883 8789 or E: appointment@workinghands.co.nz

Kia Kaha

Arohanui xo

STAY SAFE

Yay! We have all survived the first two weeks of Level 4 COVID-19 National Lockdown! I think that everyone’s efforts are paying off.

As we have done so well, we will need to remain focused as we endure the next two weeks. We will need to remain safe to avoid further transmission of the coronavirus. But staying safe also refers to avoiding activities that may lead to further injury. The picture posted was shared by a fellow hand therapist and I think this is a good reminder for all.

(Ha! despite sounding like I am talking myself out of business!….) we are actually OPEN, offering Telehealth services during this time.

You may contact us via: P: 939 4263, M: 027 883 8789 or E: appointment@workinghands.co.nz

Kia Kaha

Arohanui xo

COVID-19 update 28/03/2020

We hope that everyone is coping during our third day of Lockdown. We cannot deny that this week will have been very challenging/unsettling times for most, as everyone will have been affected in some way or other.

After becoming rather shell-shocked myself and somewhat reeling following the Government’s announcement on Monday, we scrambled to seek understanding of our position and all the implications this would have on our work, home and family. I have been so super proud of my team at Working Hands who are absolute stars; superseding all expectations, pitching in to brainstorm, help set up and test our new working platform for these upcoming weeks. So from Monday, 30/03/2020 we will be offering a Telehealth service to all existing and new patients. Please bear with us though as we know we will experience some teething problems as we navigate through some rather uncharted territory.

We are fully aware that anyone experiencing a very sore arm or recovering from an injury/surgery right now will make this trying time even more challenging. We will do everything we can within our powers to help you manage through these never ideal, tough times.

You can reach us on P: 939 4263, M: 027 883 8789 or E: appointment@workinghands.co.nz

I would like to do a huge shout out to all the Wellington Hand Therapists and Hand Surgeons working within CCDHB and HVDHB who are at the frontline of our community. They are out there braving the current harsh elements for us. Please bear a thought and well wish for these guys and their families.

Remain patient, understanding and kind. The repeated adage which remains so true, is that we are ALL in this together.

Stay safe and well in your bubble.

Kia kaha

Aroha to All xo

COVID-19 update 24/03/2020

Working Hands will be closing it doors for the next four weeks from this evening as it gears up for our National Lockdown period.

We will not be providing any face-to-face services during this time as we too are keen to fight the fight to slow down the spread of this horrific virus.

At this point in time, we encourage any of our existing patients to text us on 027 883 8789 or email us at appointment@workinghands.co.nz if you have any queries/concerns during that time. If more input is needed, we will be able to offer you (with your consent), a Telehealth service.

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this very rapidly moving/unsettling time.

We will endeavour to ensure you are managing over this period.

We will continue to update you with the state of this clinic as more information comes to hand (oh, please excuse the pun!).

Thank you.

Aroha to all xo

COVID-19 update 23/03/2020

As most of you will know, the New Zealand’s COVID-19 coronavirus alert level has risen to level three and will shift to level four within the next 48 hours.

So at this point in time, we will remain open tomorrow but ask that if you/anyone in your household have been in contact with anyone from overseas/have been feeling unwell within the last two weeks that you cancel your appointment. This also applies to those who are over 70 years of age and those who have medical conditions (particularly respiratory ones such as COPD).

We will keep posting more information as we obtain clarity on our own situation as a clinic.

In the meantime, stay kind, keep safe and well.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain times.

Aroha to you all.

CORONAVIRUS EXPLAINED!

One of my superheros, Nanogirl has done a very cool wee video for kids to demystify the coronavirus (but simple me really liked it - was really easy to understand - so wanted to share this with you) ….

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rachel-barker-98055b152_coronavirus-covid-covid2019-ugcPost-6641524405426098176-w3pc

Hope you find this useful too.

Please remember, if you have any queries regarding this coronavirus disease (COVID-19), do not hesitate to contact the 0800 358 5453 Healthline.

Stay safe and well everyone xo

...thought for the week ...

WORTHINESS

here is something I read the other day and wanted to share; a reminder of our worth…no matter what you might be thinking otherwise….

aroha to all …. xo

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brenebrown_the-greatest-challenge-for-most-of-us-is-activity-6630205356352036864-bKbM

GOONG HEI FAAT CHOI! Happy Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year this year seemed to roll around a lot quicker than some of the other years; as it does not follow the Gregorian/Western Calendar we typically use. (A Chinese Calendar will more commonly have 12 months in the year while the leap year will have 13 months!)

This year’s Chinese New Year began on the 25th January and it marked the Year of the Metal Rat. The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. They are considered clever and quick thinkers (one myth stated how the Jade Emperor planned to order the 12 animals by the order they arrived to his party. Apparently, the Rat tricked the Ox in to giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, the Rat jumped down and landed ahead of the Ox, coming first!).

This year is anticipated to be a strong, prosperous and lucky year for most. Everyone will show determination regarding their goals and aspirations. A great year for founding and evolving.

On that note, all the staff at Working Hands would like to wish you all the most happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead whereby you can aspire to all that you wish to achieve.

Goong Hei Faat Choi!

GRATITUDE

As 2019 drew to a close there was the usual reflection of the year that had been. The initial thought went to how the business had done and then how my family had been.

I was proud on all accounts; the staff had completed another strong year, we had worked hard on refining our systems and upskilling our staff while my kids continually surprised me on all their achievements.

It did however finish on a mixed note as many Colleagues in my work and home circles moved on for various reasons; to retire, be able to work closer to home or take on new adventures. One tribute I must make though is to Professor Alan Thurston, Hand/Orthopaedic Surgeon who retired at the end of 2019. He allowed this very naive 20+ something year old physio with minimal hand experience many, many moons ago to attend all his weekly Hand Clinics. Someone who loved to teach and therefore was very instrumental in helping me develop my love for hands. So, a sincere “thank you” goes out to you once again, Prof.

I was extremely sad to hear of other colleagues (you know who you are) move on but also know that this will be so much better for you; I always wish I could keep my favourite people in my pockets and have them near me all the time :)

We were even more deeply saddened and shocked by an unexpected tragic death of someone working close within our community just before Christmas. It remains a very surreal experience even to this very second - no words or actions we do feel like it is enough to make the situation any better. It is a reminder that we never know what life is going to throw at us.

But I am thankful. I thank our Colleagues in the Plastics Unit at Hutt Hospital for all their work on the White Island victims; I cannot even begin to imagine what that might be like. I give thanks to all the firefighters in Australia as they continue to battle the phenomenal blazes that do not want to relent. Closer to home, I am grateful to all those who have supported Working Hands and remained loyal throughout 2019. And finally, but by far no less, I am thankful and blessed for my family who spoil me daily with their words/affections of love.

2020 brings another year. With it, as for every year, we are always trying to improve on the one before. There are many things to consider; climate change/sustainability, equality, moving towards the 4th industrial revolution just to name a few. However, whatever it is we want to accomplish, we must remember that we have the power to write the story we want it to be. Brene Brown’s plan for 2020 is a quaint summary of what I will be adopting for this year: “stay awkward, brave and kind”. Have a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2020.

Big Hugs,

Working Hands xo

AROHA to the Whole Muslim Community

I write this post with a heavy heart following the loss of so many innocent lives last Friday and the enormous impact this has had on their family, friends, Christchurch, New Zealand … in fact the whole world.

It remains a very surreal experience and one where I personally feel numbed and shell-shocked despite having no direct connections with any of those affected. So much has been written and so much has been said, and yet we continue to gravitate to the same expressions of shock, disbelief, horror and sadness.

The morning after, taking my children to their various activities, there was an unspoken subdued, sombre feeling floating through the air. There were less people around than normal and we finished earlier than usual. One place offered a minute silence to pay our respect and this felt good to do.

Attending this evening’s vigil was moving. An amazing, estimated turnout of 11,000 people or more. Many tears and hugs .. that was just me let alone the rest of the crowd.

It still feels like we need to do more. I am not even entirely sure even now of the exact/full direction of this post, other than to let anyone reading this who may be struggling with this whole event to know that we feel that the Whole Muslim Community belongs in New Zealand as does all other cultures and beliefs. That we should be able to live freely and safely without the fear of being attacked for being who we want to be. It is definitely the reminder to be tolerant of others regardless of who they are; whether it be their size/shape/culture/belief and so on. To be kind and patient - always. If this has eased one person’s thoughts, then this blog has not been done in vain.

A huge mention of gratitude must go out to all the emergency crew and the medical staff who may have risked their lives or worked tirelessly around the clock to help these beautiful people.

I will sign off now wishing everyone all our peace and AROHA; particularly thoughts and prayers to those In Christchurch.

Kia Kaha.

Nga Mihi.

GOONG HEI FAAT CHOI! Happy Chinese New Year!

Yesterday marked the start of the Chinese New Year 2019.

This year falls on the Year of the Earth Pig - a kind, generous, hardworking character. Therefore, according to Chinese astrology, 2019 will be a year full of joy, friendship and love for all; an auspicious year as the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life. So hopefully a good year for all.

The team at Working Hands would like to take this time to wish everyone the most happiest, healthiest, most peaceful and prosperous year ahead.

Goong Hei Faat Choi!

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone :)

SEASON'S GREETINGs

Oh My! Where has the year gone? I have even managed to miss sending you all my Well Wishes before Christmas so am resigned to sending off the more awkward, is it “Merry Christmas” still or “Happy New Year”?! Whatever the answer should be, I - and all my merry staff at Working Hands - would still like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and peaceful time these Holidays and the most happiest, healthiest and most prosperous 2019.

We will remain open during all the non-stat days.

Thanks and Take Care Everyone,

From The Team at Working Hands :)

WE ARE STILL HERE! ....

It has all happened at once, with construction next door to us, upgrades upstairs, ginormous commercial lease signs above us.

So it may be misleading when you first enter Lychgate Centre; it kinda looks like we have vanished or are moving out … but we’re not.

We can assure you we are still here. You will find us in the same ol’ place once you get round the wee building supplies.

We are still operating exactly the same. So, come and say, “hi”; we look forward to seeing you soon :)

From All the Team at Working Hands

THE PROUD BOSS ...

This week, our Theresa was spoilt with a couple of surprises from two of her patients she had recently discharged.

These tokens of appreciation are such kind gestures. Nothing gives us a bigger buzz than getting people back to where they want to be; managing home, work and play.

Please visit our testimonials page to see what they said.

SUPPORTING LOCAL PERFORMANCES at this FRINGE FESTIVAL:

Hello!

If you love violin / fiddle music, go and support Chris Prosser's show (a previous patient of mine!) this Monday, Tuesday 7.30pm in Newtown at Trinity Union Church Hall (through carpark off Hall St). It's 45 mins of original tunes with loop pedal. Children welcome.

Below is a link with more details:

https://fringe.co.nz/programme/event?jiggery-pokery/ae07cfe3-ef57-4d7b-8fb2-d8e91b10feab/

GOONG HEI FAAT CHOI! ... HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year was welcomed in on February 16th this year and falls on the Earth Dog. This year states that one should encourage kindness and acceptance.  It is a time of fairness and equality.  That integrity and honesty are the values that will lead to success under the Dog's watchful and just influence.

I think that focus for this year could not come at a better time in light of all that seems to occur around us all day, every day in our busy lives/existence.

It is with this in mind, that the team at Working Hands would like to take this time to wish you all a lovely, peaceful Year of the Dog. Remember to be kind to all those around you regardless of their background/situation.