New CDHB Premises Opened in St Asaph Street

Around 40 staff who work in the Canterbury DHB Social Work Services team, Child Protection Service and Child and Youth Mortality Review Group have moved to new premises.

The department is now housed at 41 St Asaph Street, Christchurch.

The new premises was blessed by Maori chaplains, Rev Martha Tamihana and Rev Helen Gray followed by a formal opening on Tuesday 25 May.

The three services previously worked from the ground and second floors of Hagley Hostel. Social workers had been at Hagley Hostel since 1997.

Social Work Services Clinical Manager Penny Maher says the new building is warm and welcoming for clients and staff alike.

The health sector is one of the biggest employers of social workers. Social workers are in many different areas including general and mental health, rehabilitation and disability, women’s health including maternity, gynaecology and neonatal intensive care services, and rural and community services.

CDHB social workers respond to acute situations in hospitals such as supporting families of people who have been seriously injured or are ill.

They are there to help people who have been subjected to domestic violence and to support child cancer patients and their families. Social workers also support those whose lives are in upheaval because of chronic illness or addictions and those who, because of their age or disabilities, are no longer able to live in the community.

The Child Protection Service provides a guidance and consultation service to Canterbury DHB staff on child protection matters. The Child Protection Service writes policies regarding child protection matters, offers child protection training to CDHB staff, facilitates child protection strategy meetings and accepts referrals from CDHB staff, CYF and the Police.

Child and Youth Mortality Review Co-ordinators review the deaths of all children and young people in Canterbury aged between 28 days and 24 years with a view to identifying systemic issues and potential preventative measures.