Editorial: Caring when it matters the most

The inaugural Hawke's Bay Health Awards were a huge success last night, recognising those who have achieved great things for the wellbeing of our region.

For those of us who attended the awards but who do not work in healthcare, it was, to be frank, a humbling occasion.

Many of us are consumed by our work but few can say we have truly made a difference to people's lives, as those nominated for awards last night have.

Yes, health is their "job" but to be truly effective, to really make a difference, these professionals need passion and a commitment to help others.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board consultant paediatrician Russell Wills, a guest at last night's awards, has that passion and commitment.

On top of his day job, Dr Wills is New Zealand's Children's Commissioner, so we are talking about a busy doctor here, yet he still finds time for the kind of touches that mark him out as a compassionate health professional.

It was Dr Wills who nominated Flaxmere 10-year-old Harlem Morrell-Wilson for an Asthma Foundation 2011 Achiever's Award, presented by the Governor-General in Wellington (see story, p5).

Harlem spends a day at HB Hospital once every three weeks being treated for severe asthma, chronic allergies and skin conditions but this had "never stopped him" said Dr Wills.

Harlem was one of only nine recipients of the award. Despite his intensive medical treatment, his determined attitude has seen him play hockey, T-ball, touch rugby and ripper rugby, as well as cross country, and keeping up academically at Ebbett Park School.

His is an inspirational story of triumph over the odds, a young boy achieving as much as he can while coping with severe asthma.

It means a lot to Harlem and his family that his determination has been recognised by an award ceremony at nothing less than Government House. He earned that award the hard way. And it was Dr Wills who could see he so clearly deserved it.