Bay of Plenty District Health is wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

'It's hard to believe that we're approaching the end of 2021, a year where not a lot has been normal!” says CEO Pete Chandler.

This year more than ever it's so important to get time with family and friends, time to refresh and refocus on what matters most in our lives and have some fun together during the summer break.”

BOPDHB CEO Pete Chandler. Photo: Supplied.

'For us across our hospitals we'll be there to take care of you, but please try and avoid self-inflicted injury! Keep safe out there on the roads, try not to electrocute yourselves on Christmas lights, fall off ladders or burn yourself whilst juggling boiling pans and hot ovens,” says Pete.

'Here's wishing SunLive readers, and our communities across the Bay of Plenty, a fabulous Christmas and let's all spread a word or deed of kindness and caring, love and laughter as we celebrate together.”

Recently resigned BOPDHB Chair Sharon Shea. Photo: Supplied.

Shea Sharon Shea, who resigned from her role as BOPDHB chair on December 16 to focus on her two national roles as co-chair of the Māori Health Authority and as a board member of Health New Zealand, sent SunLive a Christmas greeting prior to her resignation to share with everyone.

'Ngā mihi o te tau hou ki a koutou katoa. I wish all whānau a safe, happy, and healthy Christmas and summer break,” says Sharon. 'It's been a challenging year for all of us, and for many people this will be the first time they've stopped and taken time out.

'As the Chair of the BOPDHB, and on behalf of our whole board, we acknowledge the community response to COVID-19 and Delta. First, the health system has worked hard to ensure the values of manaakitanga, support and compassion, are at the front of our collective mahi for all who need care.

'I want to acknowledge all people working in the health system (and their families), as they give their everything to care every day,” says Sharon. 'While there have been challenges, there have also been a number of achievements.”

Sharon says the Bay of Plenty reached 90 per cent for vaccinations in late November and is approaching 90 per cent fully vaccinated.

'We are also fast approaching 90 per cent vaccination for our valuable Māori communities as well, which is incredibly important,” says Sharon.

'I'd like to acknowledge the hard work of our Iwi partners and Māori health providers, local businesses, and community groups who have contributed to these results; thank you.

'When Delta arrived, we responded, and the community came out in force to be tested. This slowed the outbreak and helped our health services. Again, thank you. We are ready for 2022! But before we get there, enjoy the Xmas cheer, the sunshine, spending time with those around you, your whānau and friends. On behalf of the BOPDHB, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mauri ora!” says Sharon.

Bay of Plenty Covid-19 Incident Controller Trevor Richardson. Photo: Supplied.

BOPDHB Covid-19 Incident Controller Trevor Richardson is reminding everyone that throughout the holiday period vaccination and testing sites will be open, which can be checked for availability on the Healthpoint website: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/

'I would like to wish everyone right across the Bay of Plenty an awesome and safe Christmas,” says Trevor.

'2021 has been a challenging year and changed the way we go about everyday life, due to the ever-present threat of COVID-19. Thanks to all for doing such a massive job and playing your part in getting us to where we are now coming into the holiday season; vaccinations rates are playing a big role in reducing transmission and severe illness.”

Trevor says that it will be during 2022 that the true value of this work done by everyone will be seen, as borders open and we have the potential for case numbers to grow.

'For many this Christmas will be the first time for a long time we will be able to connect in person with family and friends, for me it is a grandchild that I have not yet been able to hold,” says Trevor.

'There are a lot of personal sacrifices many people have made and are making, and I want to acknowledge that.

'A very merry Christmas to all and from me the most important message is to be kind to family, friends, strangers and those having to work over the holiday season,” says Trevor.

BOP Health Consumer Council Chair Lisa Murphy. Photo: Supplied.

The Bay of Plenty Health Consumer Council – BOPHCC – works in partnership with the BOPDHB as an advisory body, ensuring patient and community perspectives are a core ingredient of how services are developed.

'This year has been a tough yet inspiring one as we've seen our community respond to not only the challenges of COVID but also the needs around youth mental health, family health, dental health, health and wellbeing of older people and all the varied reasons people find themselves at their local GP, pharmacy or hospital,” says BOPHBB Chair Lisa Murphy.

'As we say goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022, we wish everyone a truly healthy and merry Christmas. May your hearts be full as you connect with family, friends and all your other loved ones. A connected community is a healthy community. Safe holidays. Kia kaha.”