Rest Home Launches Exclusive Staff Benefits Card
Christmas has come early for more than 1200 Radius Residential Care aged care employees who were today presented with an exclusive staff benefits card giving access to a variety of major retailer’s products at discounted prices.
The special ‘Radius Staff Benefits Card’ is a new company initiative that enables valued employees to redeem 5 – 40% discounts on products at retailers such as Bunnings Warehouse, Beaurepaires, Guthrie Bowron and Queen B Linens.
“Radius is delighted to be able to offer this new exclusive staff benefits card to our valued employees. It’s a small way of giving thanks for the tireless work they do caring for the elderly and disabled in our 22 rest home hospital facilities across New Zealand”, says Brien Cree, Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd.
Radius Residential Care is the only major residential care provider to offer a staff benefits card and Brien says the Company is continually looking for ways to give back to valued employees.
“These cards can be used by Radius employees and their families and friends and offer some great savings. And each year the retailers will be different so there will be discounts available on a huge variety of products,” says Brien.
The special benefits card was co-ordinated with the help of the Christian Supply Chain – a registered charitable trust that brokers preferential pricing and discounts for members.
“The new staff benefits card allows Radius to support not just our people but also give to the charitable trust so it’s win-win for everyone”, says Brien.
ENDS
For further information or images please contact:
Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 20280
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz
Radius Rest Homes Celebrate Health Care Assistant Day
Hundreds of Radius Residential Care Health Care Assistants were recognized and celebrated on Friday with a special day commemorating their invaluable role and dedication to helping care for New Zealand’s quickly amassing elderly and disabled population.
The inaugural Radius Residential Care Ltd ‘Health Care Assistants Day’ was a company driven initiative aimed at celebrating the role of more than 750 professional Health Care Assistants who work in 22 Radius rest home and hospital facilities nationwide. A special ceremonial morning tea and presentation of certificates and chocolates where presented to Health Care Assistants in each Radius Residential Care facility.
“This is our first health care assistant’s day and Radius wanted to give recognition to our many valuable team members who dedicate their life and work to helping care for our residents,” says Brien Cree, Chief Executive of Radius Residential Care – New Zealand’s third largest provider of aged care.
“We really appreciate the dedication, patience and hard work involved with being a health care assistant. At Radius our people are more than just caregivers – they are professional health care assistants who have undergone essential training so they can deliver the highest standard of care to our many residents”.
“Our people are passionate about providing exceptional quality care and we wanted to express our sincere thanks by marking a special day all for them. It is truly an honour to have them part of the Radius team,” says Brien who acknowledges that being a Health Care Assistant is not an easy job.
Radius Health Care Assistant’s daily duties involve a range of responsibilities including helping to dress, feed and bath residents. They also co-ordinate fun activities and take residents for walks and bus trips and other outings.
“We wanted to actively recognise the contribution made by our health care assistants in this valuable role and this special day will be a regular annual event,” says Brien.
ENDS
For further information or images please contact:
Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 20280
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz
The Tribune Newspaper
22 November 2009
- Click on image to enlarge -
Celebrating 100 year birthday milestone
Ken Bishop is having a party tomorrow and he certainly has something to celebrate: he is turning 100 years of age.
Ken intends celebrating this landmark day and his remarkable old age with a special cake and the company of fellow resident friends at Radius Peppertree Care Centre rest home in Palmerston North.
Born on 17th November 1909 Ken is the oldest rest home resident at Radius Peppertree Care Centre and believes that the secret to long life is plain old hard work.
Ken also thinks that honesty, kindness, peace and harmony has helped him to achieve 100 years of age – as well as a whisky a day to keep him physically healthy he says.
Ken grew up in the small farming village of Makotuku 12miles east of Dannevirke and remembers a good honest farming life lived to the full.
“At the age of 10 it was my job to milk 10 cows each day. I left school at 14 years of age and drove a team of horses. I continued farming for many years then served as a soldier based in New Zealand during World War II,” says Ken who has a son in the South Island and two daughters now living in Australia.
“We worked and played hard and always kept busy. One of my hobbies was racing pigeons – I did have a few good birds back then”, says Ken who comments that younger people today have too much time on their hands and too many temptations unlike the old days.
Ken continues to maintain a good outlook on life and enjoys the activities and friendship of fellow residents at Radius Peppertree where he now resides.
“The staff are all very kind and supportive and I’m looking forward to celebrating my birthday tomorrow”.
ENDS
For further information or images please contact:
Christine Scott, Radius Peppertree Care Centre
Ph (06) 353 0004
radiuspeppertree@radiushealth.co.nz
Radius Scoops Excellence Award
Two Radius Residential Care rest home facilities have scooped ‘Excellence in Food Safety’ awards at the 2009 Food Safety Awards held in Hamilton yesterday.
Radius Maeroa Lodge and Radius St Joans Care Centre were selected from more than 750 food operators to receive the awards that recognize a standard of excellence in management and maintenance of a registered food premises.
The Hamilton City Council Food Safety Awards is an annual event and acknowledges recipients who maintain a standard of excellence in their food premises above the standard required by legislation.
A total of 75 excellence and 60 merit awards were presented to food operators such as takeaway and delicatessens, restaurants, dairies and supermarkets at a ceremony held at the Claudelands events centre.
“Radius are delighted to win the food safety excellence award again. This is the third time that our aged care facilities have won this award and it’s great!” says Steven Heesen, Radius Residential Care Operations Manager.
“We take food safety, presentation and preparation very seriously and our kitchen team is vigilant about food preparation within the rest home and it’s great that this is recognised by way of the awards”.
Food operators are assessed randomly throughout the year by Council food inspectors and evaluated in accordance with their food handling practices, cleanliness, staff training and sanitized work environment.
ENDS
For further information or images please contact:
Steven Heesen
Operations Manager - Radius Residential Care
Cell 021 585 974
steven.heesen@radiushealth.co.nz
Here's some video of our great Market Day at Thornleigh Park:
Radius Residential Care extends contract with Vodafone
Fixed line and broadband added to mobile phone contract
Radius Residential Care, part of the Radius Health Group, has extended its contract with Vodafone from a mobile-only service to include both fixed line voice and broadband connections.
Radius Residential Care is the third largest aged care provider in New Zealand with 22 rest homes scattered around New Zealand and communication between each facility and head office in Auckland is vital, says chief executive Brien Cree.
“When reviewing our telecommunications Vodafone stood out from the rest by offering us flexibility and a tailored package that suited our business operation best” says Cree.
“Most of our calling is between head office and the residential facilities so Vodafone built a package around that calling profile to suit our business.”
Cree says Radius Residential Care has around 60 to 70 mobile users already with Vodafone and the company will add both land line and broadband services as well.
“That’s probably another 140 lines. From there we’ll look at our hosting and online services next year with a view to moving those over to Vodafone as well.”
Cree says Vodafone’s team was open to a conversation about how Radius works, instead of trying to shoe-horn the company into a “one size fits all” standard model.
“Offering us discounted international calling, for instance, wouldn’t be a big draw card because we make so few calls overseas.”
“We weighed up all the options and alternate suppliers did offer us discount calls across the entire group. But their complex calling structure, rebates and rates didn’t appeal as much as getting a better price up front from Vodafone.”
Radius Residential Care forms a major part of the Radius Health Group along with Radius Pharmacy and Radius Medical.
- ENDS -
For further information contact:
Brien Cree
Chief Executive
Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 20280
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz
Paul Brislen
External Communications Manager
Vodafone New Zealand
Mob 021 721 337
Email paul.brislen@vodafone.com
INsight Newspaper
Oct/Nov issue Vol 4 issue #1
- Click on image to enlarge -
106 year old man celebrates International Day of Older Persons
- Whiskey, honey & fish are secrets to long life -
Dudley Sainsbury has something to celebrate: today is International Day of Older Persons and at the ripe old age of 106 he believes this is his time to party.
Dudley intends celebrating this landmark day and his remarkable old age with a special cake and the company of fellow resident friends at Radius Lexham Park rest home in Katikati. He might also have a whiskey or a beer but won’t decide which until the time – when you’re 106 there’s no rush he says.
Born on 15th June 1903 Dudley is the oldest rest home resident at Radius Lexham Park and quite possibly the oldest person in New Zealand says the national office of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Dudley’s not sure what the secret to long life is but suspects his sweet tooth may have had something to do with it. He has regularly enjoyed a big dollop of plain old clover honey in his cup of tea for as long as he can remember.
“We used to buy bucket loads of the stuff from a local bee keeper and my father would have a big spoonful of it in his cuppa every day”, says his daughter Jean who regularly visits her dad at the Radius rest home where he has been well cared for over the past six years.
“Dad also loved his regular whiskey in the evening and a smoke on his pipe, as well as devouring kippers by the plateful. But he never ate junk food”, attests his daughter Jean.
Dudley also kept physically fit by walking hills on the family farm and mentally by playing chess.
An Englishman, Dudley was born in London and has survived two World Wars and more than a century of global events. He immigrated to New Zealand in 1956 with his wife Martney and one of his three daughters to go dairy farming in Apata, south of Katikati.
Youngest daughter Jean remembers her father living a quiet humble life on the farm and enjoying his evening whiskey or beer.
And with Thursday being International Day of Older Persons, Dudley’s plans are the same as they have been for the last century – an intent to have a quiet drink with friends to celebrate.
ENDS
For further information or images please contact:
Julie Turnbull
Facility Manager, Radius Lexham Park Home
Ph (07) 549 1015
Cell 021 393270
julie.turnbull@radiushealth.co.nz
Revolutionary new e-health technology adopted in Radius rest homes
Radius Residential Care rest homes are among the first in the country to employ a new e-health technology initiative that is revolutionizing the way doctors can access rest home patient clinical notes.
The leading edge computer technology system ‘NZHealthNet’ enables doctors to remotely link into their patients medical notes when attending rest home patient care appointments.
Doctors can easily refer to and update clinical patient notes, order laboratory tests, write referrals and print prescriptions with NZHealthNet - all without the need to carry confidential patient records during routine visits to rest homes.
“One of the main benefits of this new e-health technology is that patient safety is improved due to doctors having real time access to patient records and data. And for rest home patients the new technology will allow them all the benefits of a regular GP visit but without leaving the comfort of their own surrounds“, says Kirsten Stone, CEO Rotorua General Practice Group (RGPG) who have developed the new technology.
Radius Glenbrae Estate was the first rest home to adopt the new technology which was implemented by RGPG onsite last week. Other rest homes within the wider Rotorua region are also expected to become ‘online’ before the end of the month.
“Radius Residential Care is really excited to be leading the way with this innovative new technology in rest home care. Patient safety and continuity of care are paramount and this new technology offers both residents and visiting doctors accurate and up to date information right when they need it”, says Brien Cree, CEO Radius Residential Care.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 2028Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz
Rest Home Embraces Fashion Week
A catwalk fashion show showcasing rest home residents’ designer talent and lots of comedy was hosted yesterday at Radius Taupaki Gables rest home in support of Air New Zealand Fashion Week.
Ten elderly catwalk model residents aged 70+ years strutted their stuff on a makeshift catwalk showcasing a variety of clothing, hats and shoes.
Wheelchairs, walkers and walking sticks became fashion accessories for models as they pranced and danced down the catwalk much to the delight of fellow residents, friends and family.
Rest home staff also joined in the fun showing off a special collection of designer nursing outfits and wearable “trash” art. A comic new Radius nurse uniform was also launched at the event much to the delight of male residents who commented that it was “quite a bit racier than what the nurses currently wear”.
A collection of bridal dresses and a mock wedding march on the catwalk were highlights, as were the beach boy models in Hawaiian shirts followed by island dancing.
“We wanted to do something special to celebrate New Zealand fashion week and the Radius fashion show was a great success with a variety of different outfits modeled by residents and nursing staff. It was heaps of fun - there was much laughter and dancing and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!” says Linda Venables, Facility Manager who extended a special thanks to the Salvation Army and private individuals who provided clothing for the show.
The event was well attended by more than 60 friends and family of Radius Taupaki Gables rest home and is anticipated to become a regular annual event.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Linda Venables
Facility Manager Radius Taupaki Gables
Ph 021 524 128
linda.venables@radiushealth.co.nz
Hawkes Bay Today
24 August 2009
- Click on image to enlarge -
Radius leads the way in rest home food service
New Zealand’s third largest aged care provider, Radius Residential Care is setting a new standard in rest home food service by rolling out a nationwide initiative aimed at upskilling catering staff.
It is anticipated that more than 40 food service staff working in 22 Radius Residential Care facilities nationwide will undergo future training to complete the Food Services Residential Programme, which forms the basis of the National Certificate in Hospitality Entry Skills.
“The course is the first of its kind to be initiated in the aged care sector, and Radius is leading the charge and amongst the first in the residential care organizations who has completed the programme”, says Steve Hanrahan, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI).
A 20 hour training programme facilitated by HSI over a two month period was recently completed at Radius Hampton Court in Napier. Programme participants learned the importance of food health and safety as well as how best to prepare food for the elderly and to enhance food presentation.
“New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner already sets a high standard for the production of safe and nutritious meals. But Radius is keen to develop this further and create a real understanding amongst catering personnel so they become passionate about delivering a product with creativity that pleases not just the pallate but also the eye,” says Steven Heesen, Radius Residential Care Operations Manager who is a member of the HSI' s Food Services Sector Committee and has many years experience in the hospitality sector.
Steven also acknowledges that meal times in aged care facilities are a major focal point amongst residents and something they look forward to each day.
“Radius recognizes that food quality, service and presentation are becoming more and more important with the growth and demands in our industry. The Food Services Residential course, created inconjunction with HSI, addresses the specific needs of rest homes and we feel it is important to upskill our staff to be able to deliver more choice and well presented meals to our residents”.
“The aged care industry accounts for a very large section of the hospitality industry and Radius is proud to be paving the way and setting the benchmark with this new training programme”, says Steven.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Steven Heesen
Operations Manager - Radius Residential Care
Ph (09) 353 4276
Cell 021 585 974
steven.heesen@radiushealth.co.nz
Alison Thompson
HSI Training Advisor- National Clients
Ph (09) 589 1357
Cell 0274 300 485
alison.thompson@hsi.co.nz
New Zealand Herald
8 August 2009
- Click on image to enlarge -
Katikati Advertiser
14 July 2009
- Click on image to enlarge -
Radius Heatherlea, New Plymouth
I would like to thank you and your staff for the excellent care that has been given to my father during his time at Heatherlea. Every time I have visited I have been impressed by the natural, loving, compassionate attitude and care given by all of your staff to both resident and visitors alike. I realise that the job you and your staff perform is often challenging and difficult, particularly in the secure unit, yet I have always found your staff to be cheerful, helpful, patient and compassionate. Thank you to all of your staff.
Alec Messenger
Radius Lester Heights, Whangarei
It is with gratitude our family extend our most sincere thanks. We hope you realise just how much you made her [Gwen] feel secure and cared for at all times. Whenever faced with enquiries or phone calls from family members such occasions were always handled with courtesy and understanding to the extent the enquirer felt reassured and appreciative of the advice received. On each occasion the response was sympathetic and reassuring and from now on will be the benchmark for any similar future experiences.
Sincere thanks, Gwen’s Family
Radius Lexham Park, Katikati
Julie what a great team you have! Bruce and I together with the Auckland family wish to sincerely thank you all for the wonderful care given to our dear Jack for the time he was with you. He loved you all. Thank you for the personal care and attention you gave him. You all did a brilliant job. The lovely nurses in the hospital wing – thank you all for the way you cared for dear Jack. Thank you too for the marvellous support you showed the family, so very much appreciated. The kitchen, staff, cleaners, fellow residents you were all his friends. A big thank-you to you all.
Sincerely, Raewyn Hutton
Radius Fulton Care, Dunedin
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your loving care given to me while I was in Fulton Home. The friendship shown to me was so warm and kind, I cam home feeling so much better for knowing you all. God bless all of you.
In friendship, Lillian Bedford.
Radius St Ives & St Helenas, Christchurch
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board / Management and staff for allowing and organising the luncheon out fro Fathers Day on Friday 5th September 2008. This was attended by approximately 12 male residents from St Ives & St Helenas. This outing was really enjoyed by all, I am sure are all starters to go again. Thank you comes from all who attended.
Russell Campbell
Resident St Helenas
Rest home residents rally for dog
Residents at Lexham Park Home, Katikati are hosting a concert performance for friends and family on Tuesday 23rd June to help raise funds for their impaired pet dog.
Beloved one-year old golden Labrador “Lexie” requires surgery in both hind legs to correct a condition know as ‘patella dislocation’ where the knee joint slips out of position and makes it difficult for the puppy to walk.
Lexie, named after his home Radius Lexham Park rest home, was diagnosed with the condition last month by a local vet who can perform the surgery at a cost of $2400. Patella dislocation can occur at random in any dog and in some cases veterinarians recommend surgery to correct it. With surgery, it is expected that Lexie would make a full recovery and be able to continue to provide much-loved companionship and animal therapy to elderly residents at Radius Lexham Park Home.
“Lexie is so adored by all the residents at Lexham Park Home, and we are desperately trying to fundraise the necessary money to get his surgery done as quickly as possible. He’s not in any pain but being such a young dog this is really debilitating and will affect his quality of life so we want to do everything we can to help him,” says Julie Turnbull, Radius Lexham Park Home Facility Manager.
“Family and friends are invited to our free concert on Tuesday 1:30pm at Lexham Park Home - it will be a fun filled few hours of entertainment, with skits performed by the staff, our resident singing group and some local performers who will provide some light hearted laughs in the lounge room. Lexie of course will be the star of the event and afternoon tea will also be provided. We hope to get a good turnout and raise the much needed money for poor Lexie”, says Julie who hopes that visitors to the rest home’s concert will donate a gold coin on entry for Lexie’s surgery.
Radius Residential Care Ltd has kindly donated $500 already and local Katikati businesses have also offered their support by donating small items to a luxury hamper raffle. Radius Lexham Park Home residents have also donated what funds they can afford.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Julie Turnbull
Facility Manager, Radius Lexham Park Home
Ph (07) 549 1015
Cell 021 393270
mailto:Julie.turnbull@radiushealth.co.nz