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Helen Kjestrup , a registered nurse trained at Masterton Hospital, has nursed both locally and overseas. Her specialist areas cover the full spectrum from neo natal to aged care.

 

Helen trained in England in coronary, neonatal and intensive care as well as Family Planning specialities.  Returning home she has worked in the Residential care industry for seven years in a management role with a particular passion caring for those with Dementia.

 

Her current role is  Clinical Services  Manager at Masterton Medical and is also an assessor for the Cornerstones programme, for the Royal College of GPs, assessing practices in New Zealand for their Cornerstone accreditation.

Helen is a member of the Wairarapa Clinical Forum Group and took part in the Clinical Services Action plan, which then lead onto the EOI which she was the lead write for Long Term Conditions and The Guidied Model of Care. She also was an active member in the team for Elderly Care.

 

Helen is a member of the Primary Health Care Nursing Advisory Committee

And the Chronic Disease Steering Group Committee.

She has always been very involved in her rural community district being on various committees from Play Group to School Board.

 

Helen has worked in Primary and Secondary care and has a very realistic and practical expectation of what the Health Care delivery should be.

 

“We should expect health care that is, accessible, timely and culturally appropriate”.    

 

Helen believes it is vital that by 2025, when the baby boomers start to reach retirement and their health needs are greater, that we have robust systems and financial stability in place to be able to meet health needs.

 

We must develop our Health care for the future to be family and community based. It is vital that all the current services should be closely linked, all talking the same language and sharing a common vision.

 

.Three bullet points for campaign

• Developing a Preventative Health care programme to address health issues before they evolve into chronic, long term illness.
• Linking of all Health Services is very important; it’s a case of balance and teamwork
• Ensuring we have enough well trained health professionals to deliver the best Health Care to the Wairarapa.

Top 5 Issues

1. Developing a Preventative Health care programme to address health issues before they evolve into chronic, long term illness.
2. Linking of all Health Services is very important; it’s a case of balance and teamwork
3. Ensuring we have enough well trained health professionals to deliver the best Health Care to the Wairarapa.
   

Personal Profile

Helen is married with three grown up children,She has lived in the rural district of Wainuioru for the last 15 years,where she was actively involved in the community.She was born in the Wairarapa and her family have strong connections with the South Wairarapa.

One of her highlights is her grandson Jack and another wonderful grandchild is due in Feb 2011,giving her even more focus on the importance of good health service provision acros the age sector.