When Katherine Thomas lost weight and suffered bouts of diarrhoea while studying at university, it was chalked up to the stress of exams. But after many appointments across the health system, Katherine was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Having an Acute Plan has made a huge difference to Katherine’s experience of accessing health services.

A Pacific Caucus, which brings Pacific members from across the Canterbury Clinical Network together, was officially launched in June. The group, which aims to support members to provide a coordinated focus on equitable health outcomes for Pacific people, is facilitated by Pegasus Health's Pacific Health Project Manager, Maria Pasene.

National Volunteer Week is the perfect chance to tell the story of one of the many dedicated and skilled volunteers who support our health system. 72-years-young Anne Pike, a volunteer for Canterbury Clinical Network’s Better Breathing Programme, is almost as busy now as she was before she retired. Read more about her volunteer role here.