Health NZ - Waitematā

Scabies is a tiny mite that causes a very big itch! There have been reports of scabies around recently, so it's important to know the signs and how to treat it properly.

The main symptom to look out for is an itchy rash that mostly affects the arms, legs and torso. Have one already? See your healthcare provider so they can check for scabies or other conditions.

If scabies is confirmed, it can be easily treated with these steps:

✅ Treat it with a cream to kill the mites (pharmacies may offer subsidised advice and treatment)

✅ Treat everyone in your household at the same time

✅ Treat clothing and bedding in a hot wash or dryer; or by freezing or bagging

✅ Vacuum carpets, mats and sofas

✅ Remember to treat car seats too.

To make sure you get rid of the scabies mites completely, see more detailed info on how to treat them: http://spr.ly/6184BDepsw

Not every sniffle needs a cancellation 🤧

Moderate illness, like a cold, runny nose, or mild fever, is usually not a reason to delay childhood immunisations. If you're unsure, give your vaccinator a call before cancelling. Staying on schedule helps keep children protected from preventable diseases 💙

If you see or suspect illegal to***co sales, report it. Visit: www.healthnz.govt.nz/TellUs

Helping children breathe: Starship pioneer receives knighthood. For Sir Paul Andrew Baker, a lifetime spent caring for children has always been guided by one simple goal - helping them breathe safely.

The former Starship paediatric anaesthetist received the news of his Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health far from home in London. He’s there with his wife
ahead of speaking to an airways workshop at Guy’s Hospital.

“We celebrated with family in London while the rest of our children and grandchildren celebrated in Auckland,” he says.

This moment has been many years in the making. It’s a journey that began in 1991, when Starship Children’s Hospital first opened its doors.

Over the next 30 years, Sir Paul helped shape paediatric anaesthesia in New Zealand, always focused on practical improvements: better equipment, safer oxygen use, and stronger recovery care.

“It was always about improving patient care in ways that made a real difference,” he says. “And it was incredibly rewarding to see those changes put into practice.”

But behind the clinical work is something more personal. A father of four and grandfather of seven, Sir Paul says being a parent helped him understand the fear families feel when a child is unwell.

“It gave me a deep appreciation of how parents experience those moments,” he reflects. “It helped me connect, not just with the children but with their whānau.”

Across thousands of cases, it’s the courage of children and their families that has stayed with him. One moment in particular stands out. He talks about a time when a baby was diagnosed before birth with a life-threatening airway condition. A team of 26 specialists came together to perform a rare and complex procedure, securing the baby’s airway while still connected to the placenta.

“That child is now a healthy young adult,” Sir Paul says. “It was a powerful reminder of what teamwork can achieve.”

Now, even having retired from Starship two years ago, his commitment hasn’t slowed.

He remains deeply optimistic about the future, pointing to advances in technology, education, and a nationwide network of airway specialists working together to improve patient safety.

Receiving a King’s Honour, he says, is not just a personal milestone. “I hope it shines a light on anaesthesia and airway management - areas that play such a vital role in patient care.” Congratulations 👏🎉🎉

We’re celebrating the new Manukau Health Park West Building theatre complex, which opened on Friday 29 May. The complex includes four new operating theatres, 18 post-anaesthesia recovery spaces and a new Central Sterile Services department.

This exciting development will mean more people in South Auckland can access the care they need, closer to home.

🎉🏥👏

Today marks the start of World Smokefree May! Make this your month to stop smoking, and back your friends, whānau and communities to quit too.

Find a stop smoking service near you today: https://www.smokefree.org.nz/quit/help-and-support/find-a-stop-smoking-service

Or start your journey with a quit coach today: text NOW to 590 or call 0800 569 568 (option 6).

To back the campaign and help spread the word, go to: https://worldsmokefreemay.nz/

Life begins with hā (breath), but Whooping Cough can threaten that precious life force.

Whooping cough spreads easily and can cause bad coughing making it very hard for pēpi/babies to breathe. Especially newborn pēpi who haven’t had their 6-week immunisations.

If you’re hapū/pregnant, a free whooping cough vaccine from 13 weeks can protect your pēpi by passing on immunity until they’re old enough for their own immunisations at 6 weeks old. Boosters at 4 and 11 years help keep protection strong.

Protect your taonga. 💙

Book an immunisation today with your usual doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, pharmacy, or online at bookmyvaccine.nz

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the news about the Cyclone this weekend, that is completely understandable. Support is available.

💙 You can talk to someone for free, any time: 1737 Need to Talk - call or text 1737 or visit 1737.org.nz

ℹ️ For health advice during flooding and emergency situations, visit healthnz.govt.nz/floods.

⚠️ For regular updates, follow MetService New Zealand and Auckland Emergency Management.

Contact your doctor or usual health professional, or call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 if you have any concerns about your own or others’ health. If based rurally, call 0800 KA ORA (0800 252 672) to speak to a nurse or doctor.

Health NZ Waitematā district nurses are taking industrial action today (Wednesday 8 April).

If you have a District Nurse appointment scheduled for today, come to your appointment at the usual clinic location unless we have contacted you directly.