Quarterly Newsletter Apr – Jun 2022
Issue 12
Our Mission
Being called to follow the inspiration of the Gospel and the compassionate attitude of Jesus, we strive with conviction for excellence in all areas of training and nursing practice for the benefit of the community.
Our Vision
Catholic Church Health Services is an organisation whose members envision enhancing the quality of life of our people by providing a holistic approach to health care through trained, dedicated and compassionate staff.
Our Values
The Catholic Church recognises that training institutions, medical and nursing services are a continuation of the healing Ministry of Christ.
Therefore, our service will be comprehensive and holistic, embracing all people of our nation regardless of creed, colour or social status.
Catholic Church Health Services expects all of its personnel, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteers, to practice the values of:
- Integrity
- Justice
- Compassion
- Excellence
Contents
- CCHS launches its 10-year Strategic Health Plan 2021-2030.
- Secratary’s Message… pg.2 CCHS Celebrates World Nurses Day.
- Strategy Plan Workshop successfully completed.
- NDoH Deputy Secretary commends CCHS on Strategy Launch.
- CCHS a Trusted Partner in Service Delivery.
- Bishop Emphasizes on Recommendations.
- Discussion on Standard AIP for CCHS.
- Key Result Area.
CCHS launches its 10-year Strategic Health Plan 2021-2030
The Catholic Church Health Services officially launched its Strategic Health Plan for the next ten years (2021-2030). The plan is aligned with the new National Health Plan 2021-2030 and Vision 2050.
As a major partner in health service delivery, CCHS has been a strong implementing partner of the previous National Health Plan, working very closely with the National Department of Health and Provincial Health Authorities. The CCHS Strategic Plan was developed to reflect the commitment of the Church to the new National Health Plan 2021-2030. It uses similar Key Result Areas, priorities and commitments to improve health for all the people of PNG.
CCHS National Secretary, Sr Jadwiga Faliszek says, “We aim to progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and health care provision, focusing on quality health care, stakeholder engagement, partnership, and strengthening the health system. This will enable us to progress towards our vision of good health and well-being shared by all”.
Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) separated from Christian Health Services (CHS) 6 years ago and established its office as a separate entity. In October of 2016, CCHS signed a National Level Health Sector Partnership Agreement with the National Department of Health (NDoH). Since then, CCHS has established good communications and a productive working relationship with NDoH for the benefit of the people we both serve through healthcare delivery.
Sr Jadwiga Faliszek stated that CCHS has in the last 6 years managed to achieve milestones that signify the organization’s ability to manage the health service as the largest faith-based organization providing
up to 50% of all faith base agencies combined.
“The focus of the strategy will be supporting the dioceses, health facilities, communities, and the disadvantaged populations that are more vulnerable than others”, said Sr Jadwiga.
The National CCHS Board Chairman, Bishop Francis Meli, commended CCHS Secretariat and staff for the high ideals captured in the Strategic Plan and assured the team and those they serve, of his continuing prayers for a positive outcome.
This Strategic Plan will provide the reference framework for operational planning and implementation for the Catholic Church Health Service National Office, Provincial Dioceses, Provincial Health Authorities, National Department of Health, and other stakeholders. The implementation of this strategy will include clear monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan with an implementational plan and, key performance indicators to enable extremely concrete reporting.
NATIONAL SECRETARIES MESSAGE
Greetings From Poland
By the time this Issue 12 of the CCHS Pulse Newsletter comes out I will be in Poland for my home leave. This will also be a period when PNG will be going into the National General Election. I would like to encourage you to be conscious when voting and experience your rights to vote freely and fairly, may the Holy Spirit guide us in making the right decisions.
This year we have seen a consistency in operational grants due to the 2022 Budget. CCHS is appreciative of the allocation from GoPNG through NDoH.
A message to our diocese to spend wisely, maintain a high level of acquitting and reporting. The National office finance and monitoring & evaluation team are here to work with you so improve in your communication if that is not effective.
The last six months have been very active and productive with trainings on HIV Prescriber, Finance and Payroll and the 10-year CCHS Health Strategy unpacking and launch. Several supervisory visits to Vanimo, Wewak, Madang, Bereina and Kavieng. Let us work towards the recommendation from these visits.
This edition of the newsletter provides more insights on the recent CCHS 10-year strategy launched so please spend some time to read the stories and understand the significant event. CCHS was one of the first Health Service Providers in the country to align its 10-year Plan to the National Department of Health. I hope that the workshop was beneficial for everyone who attended and the knowledge you have taken with you can be extended to all our CCHS team in the dioceses.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bruce Parnell, who provided tremendous support in developing and delivering the Strategy. I also would like to congratulate my team at the NCCHS offi ce for the launched of our plan. There is still more work to do when we start to roll down the plan to the dioceses.
Sr Jadwiga Faliszek
CCHS National Secretary
CCHS Celebrates World Nurses Day
By: Jelilah Kum
On the 12th of May every year, Catholic Church Health Services across the country joins the world in celebrating World Nurses Day. This year was no different, except that almost all the Health Managers were in Port Moresby to attend the Strategy Plan Unpacking Workshop. Despite that, the Health Managers and some of their senior nursing staff celebrated the day with a morning devotion and cake cutting.
The theme “A Voice to Lead: Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health” recognizes the selfless contributions and sacrifices that our health workers put into helping people. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we need more health workers in the field.
Health Manageress for Wewak Diocese, Sr Anna Sanginawa on behalf of all the Health Managers, thanked all the CCHS nurses and Community Health Workers for their tireless efforts in helping the people.
“In your line of work, you are fulfilling the mission of Jesus Christ in helping to heal their physical injuries.” Sr Anna said.
Across the country, the dioceses also commemorated the day with devotion and light refreshments to thank and honor their hardworking staff.
Strategy Plan Workshop successfully completed
By: Getrude Gabi
Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) National Office organized a three-day workshop for the unpacking of the CCHS 10-year Strategic Health Plan 2021 – 2030, in Port Moresby on the 10th-13th May 2022.
The workshop was at ended by Health Managers, Officers in Charge (OIC), Diocesan Health Services Integration on Officers, Monitoring and Evaluation on (M&E) officers, and other senior employees of CCHS across all 19 Dioceses of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The aim of the unpacking was for the participants to understand what the CCHS Strategy Health Plan is and how it aligns with the PNG National Health Plan for 2021-2030.
The workshop was facilitated by Bruce Parnel and co-facilitated by NCCHS Project Director Graham Apian, Project Officer Maureen Lesley and Covid-19 Project Manager Gaius Sabumei.
Participants were provided with a significant opportunity to review the monitoring and evaluation on framework and share their views and recommendations. They were able to share the challenges that they have been facing with health service delivery in their respective diocese and also learn from the other dioceses on how the other dioceses address similar challenges.
The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn, understand, and have a say in the changes that needed to be made in the Strategic Health Plan.
The workshop ended with the launching of the CCHS Strategic Health Plan 2021-2022, on Friday 14th May 2022.
By Jelilah Kum
One of the Deputy Secretary for the National Department of Health, Ms. Elva Lionel congratulated Catholic Church Health Services for being the second health agency to launch its Strategic Health Plan in line with the National health plan for 2021-2030.
Ms. Lionel is also one of the national board members for CCHS and has mentioned that she is proud to be part of the organisation.
“I am very much part of this agency and honored to be part of the official launching.”
The Deputy Secretary who was representing National Health Secretary Dr. Osborn Liko commended CCHS for quickly putting together its first Strategy Health Plan since its separation from the Christian Health Services.
CCHS is the second health agency to launch a Strategy Plan that is in line with the National Health Plan 2021- 2030. Port Moresby General Hospital was the first health agency to launch its Corporate Health Plan earlier this year.
CCHS is one of 27 health agencies in the country that works in close partnership with NDoH in implementing the National Health Plan.
In 2020, 21 Provincial Health Authorities were established in the provinces.
“We are doing awareness with all our agencies including the 21 PHAs, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, other agencies like the Medical Research Institute, and of course our church groups in order for them to implement the plan.”
The deputy secretary attended the official launch with NDoH Executive Manager for Research & Planning, Mr. Ken Wai.
Also present at the Launching of the CCHS Strategy Plan was, the Cardinal Sir John Ribat, The Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Rozario Menezes of Lae Diocese, Mr Benard Rutmat from Christian Health Services , Representatives from Caritas Australia and their other significant partners in health service delivery.
at the launching
CCHS a Trusted Partner in Service Delivery
By: Getrude Gabi & Jelilah Kum
The Australian Minister-Counselor Dianne Barclay applauded Catholic Church Health Services for delivering essential Health Services to the people of Papua New Guinea.
Ms. Barclay said that her role as the Minister-Counselor for Health, Infrastructure, & Economic, provided her with an excellent view and understanding of the important role the Catholic Church has in providing high-quality health and other services across PNG.
“We recognize the crucial role that Catholic Church health services playing high-quality health care across many provinces, districts, and villages in Papua New Guinea, particularly in rural areas where delivery of services is difficult and most needed,” Barclay said.
“CCHS has been a trusted partner in delivering Australian government supported projects for many years, particularly for marginalized groups and key populations who face stigma and discrimination because they live with HIV and AIDS.”
It is now the sixth year of CCHS being the lead partner in delivering the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP) with the PNG government and other program partners, the Australasian Society of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), the Burnet Institute, and Igat Hope PNG.
The project is funded by the Australian government and aims to expand the coverage of quality HIV and STI care and treatment across 13 provinces.
Recently, the Australian Government gave additional funding of 1.3 million Kina to CCHS to assist with the COVID-19 rollout. This enabled CCHS to integrate COVID-19 vaccine provision with other routine immunization in four provinces that is Sandaun, Morobe, Western and Southern Highlands. The funding includes staff training to deliver vaccines, logistics for cold chains in supply and transport, delivery of vaccines to clinics, supporting efficient data management, safety measures, communication, and awareness of the availability of vaccines.
Ms. Barclay said that Australia is proud to be a long-standing partner for PNG in the health sector and bilateral health program in PNG.
“PNG has the largest health program of any country in the Indo Pacific in terms of value and breadth of eff orts.”
The Minister Counselor added that the new National Health Plan is an important achievement for the PNG Government and is a guiding document for the health sector. Referring to the CCHS 10-year Strategic Health Plan, Ms. Barclay said this is a key achievement for their value partners at CCHS in developing their own strategic plan and aligning it to the National Health Plan.
“Our partnership not only provides vital health services to people but looks to the future together to support the National Health Plan, included through this 10-year strategic plan to create a healthy and strong PNG.”
Bishop Emphasizes on Recommendations
By Jelilah Kum
Following the 3rd General Assembly of the Catholic Church of PNG&SI, the National Catholic Health Board proposed four recommendations to the Bishop Conference.
These recommendations aim to capture the Bishop’s point of view and their collective decisions.
One of the recommendations is for Health Managers to consult the CCHS coordinating office before entering into a partnership or service agreement with any external parties regarding service provision.
This recommendation was converted into a resolution by the Bishops who took into consideration the repercussions and the gravity of any offense committed which can affect the whole organization.
Bishop Deputy for Health, Bishop Francis Meli urged the Health Managers and their
senior health workers present at the CCHS Strategy Plan Unpacking workshop, to always contact the National Office and consult them.
“If any repercussion or penalty occurs, not you and not your diocese will be responsible, but Catholic Church Health Service will be.”
“So please, whenever any organization wants to offer you a service, please contact the proper authority before you can implement anything in the diocese.”
Other recommendations made include finding a proper solution to all the CCHS Health Worker’s Medical Insurance, the importance of correct acquittals and timely reporting, and Nurses who wish to join the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (Nurses Union).
Apart from the other recommendations, there were discussions on the staff joining the Nurses Union which the Bishops agreed that it requires further discussion with consideration to the church’s values including proper legal consultations.
Discussion on Standard AIP for CCHS
By: Jelilah Kum
The first draft for a standardized Annual Implementation Plan template that has been developed is pending review and approval by National Catholic Church Health Services management.
Discussion on a standard AIP happened during the third day of the CCHS Ten-year Strategy unpacking workshop when NCCHS COVID-19 Program Manager, Mr. Gaius Sabumei gave a presentation on the Principle & Importance of AIP.
It was unanimously agreed that CCHS should have its own standard AIP template which was agreed by the Health Managers and their senior staff present at the workshop.
Mr. Sabumei said during his presentation that, it is a core part of any functioning office, organization, or project to have an AIP.
“It outlines exactly how you will be reaching your goals for the year, and who in your team is responsible for that outcomes, linking strategic goals and objectives to tactical goals and objectives.” Mr. Sabumei said.
“When you implement your AIP, you must also report on the activities carried out. That is one area that needs to be improved on.”
The important thing in developing your AIP is you must know the estimated cost, timeframe, resources, source of funds, and means of verification.
The presentation was concluded with an activity in which the participants were asked to go into groups and come up with their own AIPs. The activity presentations from the groups led to an anonymous agreement to formulate an AIP template that will work well across all 19 dioceses.
explaining his group‛s AIP activity with
the National Offi ce staff
In the closing remarks for the day, Director for Projects, Mr. Graham Apian said that through the presentation of the activities, the National Office team will create a draft template with the help of the health managers and share it once approved.
“I appreciate all the discussions. It has informed us also that no one system can work for all, but we will try to create our own.”
KEY RESULT AREAS AND OBJECTIVES
Cultivate healthier communities through effective engagement
Improve community access to a range of people-centred services.
Implement sustainable community-based options for delivering health promotion, awareness, and prevention activities
Strengthen Primary Care through Health Promotion, Prevention and Protection
KRA 2: PARTNERSHIP
Working together in partnership
Working with Partners to deliver an integrated and inclusive approach that is responsive to communities’ needs and priorities.
Collaborate with all partners to implement a single national health sector plan for PNG
KRA 3: ACCESS
Increase access to quality and affordable services
Improve quality of care at all levels of service delivery
Enhance access to affordable health care for communities
Increase access to affordable health services with greater focus on disadvantaged communities
Improve range and quality of health services available to all
KRA 4
Address disease burden and targeted health priorities
Reduce burden of communicable diseases
Reduce the morbidity and mortality of Non-Communicable Diseases
Strengthen family health programs at all levels of care.
Improve preparedness for disease outbreaks and emerging population threats, including pandemics
KRA 5
Strengthen Health Systems
Improve health leadership, governance, and management at all levels of the health system
Improve financial management and resource mobilization for health
Strengthen human resource governance and management systems to meet present and future workforce requirements
Improve medical supplies system to ensure adequate, affordable, and continuous availability of safe and good quality medicines
Upgrade and integrate the use of innovative and evolving ICT solutions that deliver quality and timely information for informed decision-making.
Strengthen Health Information and research at all levels
