Celebrating small wins and new patient education resources
Here we are, at the close of 2024. It’s hard to avoid the familiar talk about uncertainty, burnout, and feeling stretched thin — yet, it often feels like just when we think we’ve reached the peak of our challenges, we’re met with another uphill climb. I want to take a moment to acknowledge something truly remarkable: our anaesthesia workforce. Despite the hurdles, we continue to advocate passionately for our patients, our colleagues, and for ourselves. And while it may often feel exhausting, like we’re digging deeper with each passing day, it’s important to recognise how much we’ve accomplished together.
One of the things I’ve been focusing on recently is the power of celebrating small wins. In the hustle and bustle of our daily work, it can be easy to overlook the little victories — the moments that show we’re making progress, even if they seem small at the time. Taking a pause to reflect on these wins is so important, and it’s something we can all do more of.
At the NZSA, we have so much to be proud of as we reflect on 2024. A quick look through our recent magazine reminds me of all the incredible work we’ve been doing — advocating for our profession, supporting our members with education, and improving care in the Pacific. It’s a reminder that the work we do, no matter how challenging, is making a real difference.
One initiative that fills me with particular pride is the launch of our patient education website. As you may know, health literacy in Aotearoa is a real concern. I’ve written before about the challenges of ensuring informed consent in a busy, time-pressured environment. But we also know that our patients increasingly seek information in the places and formats that are most accessible to them — on their devices, in plain language, and in languages they understand.
That’s why we’re so excited to offer digital resources designed to empower our patients to make informed decisions. The day of surgery resource is also available in Te reo Māori and simplified Chinese and the plan is to translate more resource topics as well as into other languages spoken in our region. We aim to ensure that our patients have access to information that helps them understand their care better, leading to better choices and better outcomes. A heartfelt thank you goes out to PANNZ, NOA, the NZSA Executive, and our dedicated operational team for their contributions to this project.
I encourage you to explore these resources, share them with your patients, and make use of the free posters with QR codes — they’re there to help you as you continue to provide exceptional care. The resources are free and accessible to everyone, and we hope they will make a real difference for you and your patients.
As we near the end of the year, I hope you find time to reflect on your own small wins, wherever you work. This time of year can be both joyful and challenging, often in equal measure. For those of you working over the holiday period — I want to express my deepest gratitude. I also hope that you’ll find a moment to put your feet up, whether on a beach, in the forest, or simply on the couch at home. You deserve it.
Thank you for everything you do. Here’s to the small wins, the moments of rest, and the ongoing commitment to making a positive impact — together.
