A long standing member of the Canterbury Clinical Network team celebrated a major milestone last month of 20 years working across our health system. 

Deborah Callahan, currently seconded to the Canterbury DHB’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout programme, marked the date with a special morning tea which was attended by some of the people she’s worked with over the years.

Kim Sinclair-Morris congratulated and thanked Deborah for her loyalty and commitment to the Canterbury health system.

"Over the years Deborah has performed a number of key leadership roles and shows great flexibility and willingness to go wherever the need is,” says Kim.  

Deborah commented on the variety of roles and projects she had worked on, including the Fractured Neck of Femur, Active Review, Palliative Care, GP Liaison, and various ACC development projects before joining the Integrated Respiratory team.

Comments from other colleagues were read at the event, including one from previous Independent Chair of CCN and current Canterbury DHB Board Chair Sir John Hansen: “Deborah, a huge shout out for your mammoth contribution to CCN. As the Integrated Services Programme Manager, you have been a moving force for better connection and coordination across the entire system.  

“I particularly admire the outcome of your work with Dr Mike Epton and colleagues in the respiratory and diabetes space. The community respiratory work is a shining example of what can be achieved in a community setting. 

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure working with you and I am also very conscious of your contribution across the wider health system. On behalf of patients my gratitude to you.” 

Vince Barry, currently seconded to the Ministry of Health from Pegasus Health, said: “Deborah is a real trooper, always prepared to put whatever effort is required to achieve the best possible outcomes for people. Thank you, Deborah, for always going beyond what is required and stepping up when others have taken the cautious approach.”