Caring South Newsletter – August 2025

A New Smile for Southern: Launching Our First Dental List

Southern Charity Hospital is proud to celebrate a major milestone – our very first Dental Pioneer List. This special morning was filled with teamwork, patient care, and the beginning of a service that will bring lasting benefits to our community.

How the Day Unfolded:

The team gathered at reception where introductions were made, safety roles confirmed, and scrubs and fob keys were distributed. From there, everyone moved into the Dental Suite for a briefing, covering the session plan and patient cases. The suite was set up and prepared before our patients arrived. After assessment, procedures were completed with care and compassion.

A tea break gave the team a moment to recharge, before continuing with the next patient’s assessment and procedure. The morning closed with a shared lunch and a reflective debrief on this pioneer dental session.

Our Amazing Team:

This first list was made possible thanks to the dedication of an outstanding group of dental volunteers!

• Dr Kate Tiriaere – Dentist
• Janine Dougherty – Dental Coordinator
• Hannah Arnold – Dental Assistant

A New Chapter:

We are so fortunate to have these wonderful people lead the way in establishing dental services at Southern Charity Hospital. This is just the beginning – with your continued support, we look forward to helping many more patients receive the dental care they need. Ngā mihi nui to all who made this day possible. Together, we are creating brighter smiles.

Southern Charity Hospital Dental Team (from left to right) Kate Tiriaere and Hannah Arnold. Preparing for our first dental patient

Welcoming New Volunteers

Southern  Charity  Hospital  continues  to grow, and we’re looking for more amazing people to join our volunteer team. Every role makes  a  difference  —  whether  you’re providing  care,  supporting  patients,  or keeping our hospital running smoothly.

We are especially seeking endoscopists, endoscopy nurses, admitting and PACU nurses, dentists and dental assistants, as well as members of our admin team, reception, and cleaning staff.

Volunteering with us means being part of a passionate team, helping patients who face long waits elsewhere, and sharing in the unique spirit of a hospital built by the community, for the community.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact Andrew De Guzman, Clinical Nurse Manager at 0273200168 or email: clinical@sch.nz.

Together,  we’re  not  just  providing healthcare — we’re building hope.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with Southern Charity Hospital by following us on social media https://facebook.com/southlandcharityhospi tal. See the impact of our dental and endoscopy services, volunteer efforts, and community milestones. We welcome you to visit, meet our team, and discover how your time, skills, or support helps expand services and reach more patients in need. Together, we’re building brighter futures, healthier lives, and a hospital that truly belongs to the community.

Southern Charity Hospital Expands Endoscopy Services with Two Major Milestones

We recently completed our very first  colonoscopy  list  under conscious sedation—a step in expanding  access  to  safe, patient-focused   procedures. The day ran smoothly thanks to the dedication and expertise of our incredible team. Dr Frank Frizelle (Endoscopist) led the procedures  with  care  and precision, supported by Fiona Smith (Scope Technician) and Kirk  Davison  (Nurse)  who ensured    patients    were comfortable     throughout. Behind the scenes, Vicki Clark (Admin   Coordinator)   and Wendy   Hewitt   (Admin) managed   scheduling   and patient flow while also bringing patients  tea  and  a  warm welcome. Gillian Perica (PACU Nurse) monitored patients in recovery,  and  Jackie  Knight (Admitting Nurse) prepared and reassured patients before their procedures. This successful list demonstrates  the  power  of teamwork  and  dedication, setting the stage for expanded services for more patients in need.

Hot  on  the  heels  of  this achievement,   we   proudly completed    our    second colonoscopy  list,  providing care for 14 patients over two days—including   a   busy Saturday. This list was led by Avinesh Kumar, surgeon from Tauranga,  supported  by  a highly  skilled  clinical  team drawn  from  across  New Zealand. Jackie Knight, Katrina Kingsford-Smith, and Pamela Williams  from  Invercargill; Karen  and  George  Gower joined from Christchurch; and Gerry Morris and Mary Smyth came  from  Hawke’s  Bay. Together,    they    worked seamlessly  to  provide  safe, compassionate care for every patient.  After  two  intensive days, the team shared dinner and   reflected   on   the camaraderie and commitment that   underpin   Southern Charity Hospital’s mission.

These  milestones  highlight how  every  procedure,  every volunteer,  and  every  staff member helps build a hospital that  truly  belongs  to  the community.

Community Support Making it Possible

At Southern Charity Hospital, our community is at the heart of everything we do. From donated meals that keep our staff nourished during busy days, to the countless hours volunteers give, and generous gifts of equipment, skills, and resources — every contribution matters.

Your support allows us to provide vital services, pioneer programs, and care for patients who might go without. It’s not just help; it’s a partnership.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who stands with us — our volunteers, donors, and supporters. Together, we’re not just delivering healthcare; we’re creating brighter futures, healthier communities, and a hospital that truly belongs to the people it serves.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.