Health New Zealand Southern joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme

Health New Zealand Southern is now a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, which enables healthcare staff to recognise and support people with an invisible disability.

The programme provides training that supports staff in Otago-Southland to identify patients, visitors, and colleagues who have chosen to wear a sunflower symbol, signifying they have an invisible disability and may need extra support when accessing health services.

Health New Zealand’s Southern Director of Quality and Clinical Governance Solutions, Dr Hywel Lloyd, says the project enables staff to recognise the symbol and ensure people wearing it receive appropriate support.

“It’s about making healthcare more accessible for everyone – our patients, whānau, and Health New Zealand staff."

About a quarter of New Zealanders live with a disability, impairment, or long-term condition, with more than 900 disabilities listed as hidden or invisible. This can include ADHD, brain injuries, autism, dyslexia, and many more.

“Being invisible, it may not be immediately obvious when more patience and understanding is needed,” Dr Lloyd says.

Staff can complete an online training module designed to provide practical guidance on identifying the sunflower symbol and responding with empathy, support, and practical help. More than 500 staff have already completed the training.

"It’s a small investment of time that will have a lasting impact on so many people,” Dr Lloyd says.

The programme has been implemented in Otago-Southland with support from the district’s Disability Working Group.

“This initiative will support individuals with hidden disabilities who visit the hospital, giving them confidence that staff will respond accordingly to their needs,” the group’s chair, John Marrable, says.

Waitaki mother Jacqui Eggleton says the extra support will help her family, particularly her eldest son, who wants to be independent and requires help accessing many services.

“Having the sunflower gives him the option to easily access the extra support when required but still gives him the option to remain independent,” she says.

Invercargill mother Te Aroha Aratangi hopes the initiative will increase awareness within healthcare settings about people with sensory processing issues.

“I hope it helps staff to recognise the needs of the differently abled person who might have an invisible ability, thinking especially of my boys who are non-verbal.” 

Health New Zealand National Disability Lead Samantha Dalwood says Southern is the fifth district to join the programme, following Waitematā, Auckland, Counties Manukau, and West Coast.

Samantha says she is delighted the sunflower symbols are being used across Health New Zealand to assist patients and staff.

“We’ve had some really positive feedback from our staff who chose to wear them, as well as from a number of patients who felt their experience was improved by staff recognising and responding to the symbol.”