Health NZ - Waikato

19/06/2026

As part of The Big Shout Out 2026, we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time to support others - people like Val McKenzie 💙

For 20 years, Val volunteered at Waikato Hospital, helping patients and visitors navigate their way, offering reassurance, and bringing a calm, caring presence to those who needed it most. What began as a way to find connection in a new city became two decades of meaningful service.

This year, Val was recognised with a Minister of Health Volunteer Award - a reflection of the lasting difference she has made to thousands of people.

📷 Val, second from the left, receiving her award at Parliament from Minister Simeon Brown.

16/06/2026

Waikato Hospital Deputy Chief Nurse Noel Watson has been awarded an honorary associate professorship by The University of Waikato, recognising his contribution to nursing, research and leadership.

“I’ve essentially been a perpetual student all my life,” Noel says – and that commitment shows in the impact he’s had on patients, whānau and the nursing profession.

From research in cardiac arrest recovery to supporting the next generation of nurses, Noel’s work continues to shape how care is delivered across our health system.

This is recognition of a career built on compassion, persistence and a genuine commitment to doing better – for patients and the people who care for them.

Congratulations, Noel 👏

14/06/2026

Incredible effort and results from the Waikato Cardiothoracic Unit 💙

14/06/2026

Feeling unwell or hurt and can't see your usual doctor?

The Emergency Department (ED) isn’t always the best place for every situation, but it’s exactly where to go in an emergency.

Swipe through to find the right care for you.

Links to all the services are in the first comment - save this for later.

12/06/2026

Thoughts? Anyway, this is your reminder to check your balls, if you have them. It matters.

Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, but it's highly curable when found early. Get to know what's normal for you and check regularly.

Look for:
✅ A lump
✅ Changes in size or feel
✅ Pain or a heavy feeling

If something's not right, see a healthcare provider.

10/06/2026

Behind every confident clinician is years of training and experience.

Our Wellington Simulation Team at Wellington Hospital design and deliver immersive training that helps teams from all over New Zealand prepare for high-pressure situations before they happen. Using lifelike scenarios, they bring together nurses, doctors and allied health staff to build skills, teamwork and safe decision-making.

The team looks after a specialist simulation centre and its facilities include:

✅ Specialist simulation rooms - recovery, ED and theatre.
✅ Presentation and debriefing rooms.
✅ Air ambulance simulator (it really 'flies', including with turbulence!).
✅ Skill-based training rooms.
✅ The centre has a range of high-fidelity simulators, part-task trainers and manikins (medical mannequins that can imitate real people including the ability to sweat, bleed, cry and more).

These smart, capable trainers and their colleagues, behind the scenes, are playing a vital role in helping make care safer for patients across the country.

These facilities would not be possible without the Wellington Hospitals Foundation and its incredibly generous donors, who have played a critical role in helping them come to fruition.

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Waikato Hospital’s chemotherapy department is now offering autologous stem cell harvesting as a day-stay procedure - meaning some cancer patients can return home between treatments instead of staying in hospital. The change supports a more patient-centred approach, reducing time in hospital while maintaining safety and clinical quality.

Used most often for blood cancers such as myeloma and lymphoma, the treatment allows patients to undergo high-dose chemotherapy before their own stem cells are returned to rebuild their immune system. Delivering this as a day-stay service means less disruption for patients and whānau, lower risk of infection, and the comfort of recovering at home.

The initiative is also helping free up hospital beds and improve patient flow - supporting the wider health system while delivering a better experience for patients.

📷 Two of the first patients to receive autologous stem cell harvesting as a day-stay procedure at Waikato Hospital.

08/06/2026

It’s officially the start of winter. Here are a few simple ways to get ready.

✅ Check your heating - an annual heat pump service can help it run more efficiently. If that’s not possible, give it a good clean.

✅ Be ready for rain - keep an umbrella and raincoat in your bag or car so you’re not caught out.

✅ Keep your home warm - close curtains earlier to trap in the warmth from the daytime sun.

✅ Stock up on essentials - things like paracetamol, cold and flu medicines, tissues and pantry basics.

✅ Get your flu vaccine - the most important item in your winter kit (kete) to help protect you and your family from influenza.

Protect yourself and your family this winter.

Book your flu immunisation through your usual doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific provider, pharmacy, or online at bookmyvaccine.nz

07/06/2026

“We’ll be back”… with better training, faster 💪

Meet Arnie. Not the Hollywood one, but arguably just as hardworking.

He is our 3D-printed training manikin helping nurses train faster and safer.

Built locally, he helps staff practise complex care before working with patients. He allows staff to practise blood draws, medications, dressing changes and sterile technique. It even includes implanted ports, so trainees can feel for correct needle placement.

💸 ~$500 vs $7,500 imported
⏱ Parts replaced in ~8 hours

Built at the Manawa Simulation Centre near Christchurch Hospital, Arnie gives staff a safe, realistic environment to practise before working with patients.

And yes, like his namesake, Arnie delivers under pressure!

This is part of a wider push from Manawa Simulation Centre and our Bio-Medical Engineering teams to develop practical, low-cost solutions that build capability across our workforce.

Next up, “Arnie juniors” for paediatric training. Because even the smallest patients deserve the best preparation.

This is part of a wider push from Manawa Simulation Centre and our Bio-Medical Engineering teams to develop practical, low-cost solutions that build capability across our workforce.

📸 Alden Williams / The Press