Bright Shirts Bring Smiles to Talipes Patients
The Talipes staff at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau wore their bright shirts for the first-time last week, thanks to support from Health Fund PLUS.
The concept was to bring some fun and awareness of Talipes to the clinic.
“We wanted a top that was less intimidating to our children who can become apprehensive when seeing hospital staff,” said Raewyn Andrew, Registered Nurse Orthopaedic Outpatient Department.
“Our clinic is child and family focused, and we strive to bring in a relaxed atmosphere to reduce the anxiety that the treatments can bring to the children and their families.”
Children can become scared of the typical nursing uniform, so the idea was to wear t-shirts that are fun colours to help ease their anxiety, and to promote awareness.
Doctor Lyndon Bradley said, “It’s great to see the team in our new kit. It helps make our clinics more friendly and relaxed for our babies and their families.”
The picture on the back of the shirt shows three children going through the process of the Ponseti treatment from casting, to correcting boots, then onto corrected feet.
The emblem on the front represents the dedication and commitment to the Talipes children and families. 
Different colours where incorporated to bring in some fun for the patients.
“The orthopaedic team is truly passionate and enthusiastic about the talipes clinics. It’s fantastic to see the support from Health Fund Plus, which provides these child-friendly, colourful shirts to raise awareness and help families feel more at ease,” said Michelle Cameron, Regional Ophthalmology Lead Nurse.
The team are loving the shirts!
Health Fund PLUS
Health Fund PLUS is a partnership between Northland Community Foundation and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, focusing on managing donations from our community and raising funds for projects beyond government funding.
If you would like more information call 021 558 224 or go to this website.
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