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AWH Values: Ethical ◊ Teamwork ◊ Respect ◊ Trust ◊ Accountability
◊ Compassion ◊ Equity ◊ Patient and Client Focused
ALBURY WODONGA HEALTH THE BEST IN HEALTH
Newsletter - May 2014 Volume 4 Edition 2
Contents
CEO’s Message 2 Capital Works 3 Clinical Operations 4 Medical Services 10 Finance & Corporate Support 11 News from Quality Unit 16 The Grapevine 19 Library 23 Helping Hands 25 The Baking Corner 26 Australian Transplant Games 2014 27 Aquatic Class for Staff 28
Staff Profile
Desirée Harker joined the Executive Management Team on 3 March
2014 in the newly created role of Executive Director Human
Resources. Desirée’s has responsibility for leading and implementing
human capital strategies, objectives and practices that enable our
workforce to deliver high quality healthcare services to our
community.
Desirée is an experienced HR Executive with expertise in all facets of
people development, employee relations, OH&S and change
management. With over 20 years of human capital management
across a diverse range of industries, Desirée has designed and
executed complex employee relations reforms and cultural change to
support business transformation and growth strategies in maritime,
mining, manufacturing and allied health industries. Desirée is
recognised as a reliable and resilient business partner with an ability to
work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Desirée says she will partner with the extended management team to
develop an environment where our people are proud ambassadors for
Albury Wodonga Health and able to reach their full potential as
healthcare specialists.
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
- Henry Ford
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
A Message from the
Chief Executive Officer
In the overall cycle of health service change - it seems that we are experiencing more rather than less again at
the moment - all positive.
We look forward to welcoming our new CEO - Sue O’Neill on Monday 18th August 2014;
A welcome already to Lynette Ford Acting Director of Quality and Clinical Governance whilst Andrew
Brown is on secondment to Gateway Community Health Service;
Daryl Hodgson has been appointed as the Logistics Manager;
Jacinta Ducat as our new Project Director, bringing new skills to the
way we manage projects and change;
Ian Aldrich as the Operational Director of Critical Care and Emergency
within the Clinical Operations Directorate; and
Dr Glenn Davies is resuming his role as Executive Director of Medical Services following Dr Alastair Mah’s
move to Barwon Health as EDMS
On the Capital front
We now have the go ahead for the construction of the Cardiac Centre at Albury. The architects are
currently exploring site options prior to detailed design during 2014 and construction 2015;
The demolition of 1 Benson Street, Wodonga to make way for the new Parents and Babies Unit is
imminent;
The new Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit at Wodonga Campus is also taking shape; and
There is early staged planning of a new Community Mental Health building in Albury in preparation, in
part, for the pending transfer of the Albury Mental Health Services of Murrumbidgee Health to Albury
Wodonga Health, completing the development of the North East and Border Mental Health Service.
Over $750,000 to replace equipment and reconfigure both Albury Campus and Wodonga Campus
kitchens.
So all in all a lot is happening and with all our beds open and the Albury Short
Stay Unit making an impact on ED long length of Stay, it will make a very busy
end to 2013-2014.
And finally, the “People Matters Survey” closes on line at the end of May, if
you have yet to respond either on line or by paper version please get on to it
today or contact your Departmental Head as we do need to take the AWH
pulse!
Farewell and thank you to Dr Peter Vine who retires on 30th June from the Board of Albury Wodonga Health.
Peter has been on the Board from almost the beginning of Albury Wodonga Health and has made a major
contribution to all that has happened over the 5 years. I know we all wish him a fulfilling retirement!
So well done to all for 2013-14 ignore the politics -2014/15 is looking
very positive from where I sit!
Stuart Spring
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre
Paediatric Ward/Play ground
Emergency Department and Endoscopy/Day Procedure facility
Prevention and Recovery Care Unit (PARC) Facility
Rehabilitation 10 bed Ward
Other
The project is starting to take shape with the stairwells in place and the first floor of the Western part of the building getting ready to be poured. The work in the area where the bunkers are located is well underway and should take shape in the coming weeks.
The playground is completed and all involved should be very happy with the result.
At last we can say that all these works is completed and we are working through various minor defects and installations. The last of the furniture, trollies and chairs are coming through and we are looking to finish the patient monitoring requirements in the coming month.
Browns of Wangaratta are moving into the fit out stage of the building with the lock up stage fast approaching. The building at 24 Jarrah Street Wodonga which is a 10 bed facility is expected to be completed by
early July and we are hopefully the service can commence in late July.
Works have started on the 10 beds on the corner of Wilson and Vermont Street with Magi build coming on site earlier this year.
Works that will be happening over the next few months include replacing the carpet in the main
Corridor at Albury Hospital , the Linen delivery and dispatch building and the installation of the
new General X-ray room in Wodonga and the upgrade of the Catering equipment on both sites.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Clinical Operations continues to experience high activity with every clinical department juggling access demands while ensuring that all patients receive excellent care at all points of their journey across inpatient and ambulatory services.
Thanks to all staff for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment to patient care as well as their contribution to the multiple improvements strategies that we have committed to during 2014.
Some of the activities that are currently a focus for managers and staff include:
1. The potential bed configuration for 2014/2015. An options paper describing how the bed stock will look for the coming financial year will be available in late May for comment by staff and VMOs. The senior team will be providing information forums during June to ensure staff are aware of resources while capital works continue.
2. In line with bed configuration discussions, planning is progressing to transfer the GEM services from surgical ward 1 at Albury to Wodonga by July 2014. Staff will be contacted before the end of May and be provided with an opportunity to negotiate their preference to transfer with the service. Please contact Lucie Shanahan, Operational Director of Sub-Acute Services with any questions. I have also listed the project team membership for information.
Lucie Shanahan Desiree Harker
Catherine O'Connell Robyn Luty
Hong Yu Chun Yee Tan
Liesa Tighe Rachel Langheim
Megan Robins Kerry Hall
Sarah Clarke Jenny Pearce
Stephen McCrohan Lynda Brown
Jeannie Norman Stacey Jackson
Heather Thurnam Rachel Busch
Jessica Amy Karyn OLoughlin
Abby Heafield Evelyn Silver
3. A key project to strengthen palliative care services will commence in June with planning to include recruitment for a medical consultant for this service. It is anticipated that the enhanced service will commence from January 2015.
4. The review of fracture clinic has commenced with an aim to relieve some of the extreme demand for this clinical. Staff can contact Karyn O’Loughlin, Director of Allied Health if they have any questions or ideas.
5. Patient experience forums have been convened this month to enable the development of a staff training program to further strengthen the philosophy of a patient centre approach to care. Thanks to those staff who attended these important sessions and helped inform how best to progress a new program.
6. Allied Health services have received an expansion in support for clinical staff with the recruitment to allied health educator positions for the first time. These positions have been possible due to improved funding allocation via the Victorian Clinical Training network.
CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
7. Day Procedure Unit and endoscopy service is functioning well with patient flows much improved with the change in model of care.
8. The clinical operations structure transition working party continues to meet with staff feedback opportunities coming soon. Staff are encouraged to contact their representative on this working party and I have listed the membership below:
Annette Waite Benita Scholz
Debbra Southurst Delwyn Neilson
Ellen Pronk Emma Cartwright
Helen Still Jessica Besant
Julie Terrill Lynne Frost
Michelle Fisher Sharon Walkinshaw
Susan Odgers Tessa Lee
Vicki Delaney Ann Cassidy
Catherine O’Connell Debbie Stockton
Esther Langenegger Evelyn Silver
Helen Mitchell Ian Aldrich
Julie Wright Karyn O’Loughlin
Leanne Wegener Lucie Shanahan
Matt Kleis Natalie McIntosh
9. International Nurses Day and International Midwives Day have been celebrated on
both campuses this month with morning and afternoon teas in Albury and Wodonga. The celebrations also included multiple staff and team commendations being distributed by Ms Ann Cassidy, AWH Director of Nursing & Midwifery to acknowledge the many achievements in clinical services over the last 12 months. Staff receiving commendations included:
Staff Commendations Executive Director Commendations
Laura Hay
Jolleen Suter
Emma Cartwright
Lucy Cue
Haley Pitman
Lisa Wenzel
Virginia Clancy
Colleen Sinclair
Anna Byron
Belinda Andrews
Maternity Unit Enrolled Nurse Team
Sue Scheetz
Patient Transport Department
Jeneane Allen
Jenny Roach
Jane Howell
Jenny Winke-Dawson
Emily Heinjus
Rhonda George
Sue Handford
Ann Williamson
Jenny Sutter
Stacey Heer
Leanne Hills
Debbie Stockton
Julie Wright
Vicki Ferguson
CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Executive Director Commendations
Wendy Harding
Rachel Busch
Elizabeth Whitehead
Kayleen Filliponi
Kellie Jackson
10. The Medical procedures project has commenced in April and will investigate processes to improve this service. The aim will be to develop a system reflective of the elective surgery wait list service model and to have designated time allocated within the day procedure unit. Jenny Fisher is leading this project.
11. Dental services continue to exceed expectations with regards to activity targets. Congratulations to staff in this service that are also finalising an outreach service to Corryong.
12. The Productive Ward program is continuing across acute wards in Wodonga and surgical 1 & 2 at Albury.
13. Well done to staff in all departments who have taken up the challenge to improve their results regarding the Hospiro pump utilisation and also supported the enhancement of department drug libraries.
14. The integration of care coordination and patient flow across the acute stream is developing well, congratulations to Tracy and the team for this integration that will strengthen patient flow through inpatient departments. Staff can contact Evelyn Silver, Operational Director of Acute Services for information regarding this project.
15. The working party is progressing planning for the building of the new Parent and baby unit accommodation with plans being finalised this month.
16. The short stay unit at Albury has settled well with utilisation nearing target over the last fortnight. Data to date indicates that the introduction of the SSU beds has positively impacted on the Albury NEAT performance by 4.5% since February 2014.
17. The directorate is currently negotiating to introduce a tele-health capacity into Wodonga Emergency Department as part of a regional project that aims to enhance clinical support to small sites across the Hume region. AWH will focus their support on Tallangatta and Corryong services.
18. An additional tele-health program is being negotiated for Albury campus with the Victorian Stroke Network to directly link the community to specialist teams in tertiary centres and further enhance the time to treatment for acute stroke patients.
19. Capital works for the new rehabilitation beds at Wodonga commenced on 3 March 2014. There is currently no impact on the inpatient wards as the builders are focussing on the extension as phase one of the project.
20. The new security firm has commenced
21. Transition of Community Services and Mental Health from MLHD to AWH continues to be anticipated for 1 July 2014.
CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Congratulation and welcome to some new members of the clinical ops team over recent weeks including:
Ms Anna Sullivan and Ms Tracey Parnell who join the Professional Development and Research team this month to support staff, graduates and students across all allied health disciplines.
Recruitment to the permanent position of Operational Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services has been finalised with Mr Ian Aldrich successful in his application. Ian has previously been the Manager of Clinical Redesign as well as the Nurse Unit Manager for the Emergency Department at Albury.
The Manager for Health Independence Program (HIP) has commenced being Ms Shirley Bye.
I am also finalising recruitment for the Fire Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator with view to the successful incumbent commencing in early July. This important new position will report to the CEO and work towards strengthening our skills, knowledge and responsiveness to internal and external disaster management.
Finally I encourage staff to complete the People Matter Survey by the end of May so we can achieve significant feedback and help with planning for the organisation into the future. You can access the survey via the link in the home page of the intranet or alternatively speak to your manager for help with a paper copy if this is more appealing.
Catherine O’Connell Executive Director Clinical Operations
CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Advance Care Planning: the conversations you need to have. Albury Wodonga Health is committed to improving the conversations for people to consider what they want for their health care.
Both the NSW and Victorian governments have advocated for improving conversations about health and there is now National agreement for ensuring conversations about health care occur and are recognized as valid statements that health care professionals need to respect in the provision of care. Advanced care planning is an ongoing dialogue that needs all health professionals to be prepared to have the conversations with people as they are prepared to have them. Research shows most people desire to have these conversations and when health professionals and patients are talking less errors occur, unwanted medical treatment is avoided and people are given the care they want and need no the care health
professionals think they need.
Ann Cassidy the Director of Nursing and Midwifery says “Albury Wodonga Health encourages health
professionals to challenge themselves to think of their own health care needs and preferences if they are ever needing emergency care or care for a terminal disease. The time to have conversations with family and health care professionals is before the problems present themselves. If we give
consideration to our own needs we are better placed to help patients whom access services from Albury Wodonga Health”.
According to Dr Eric Moyle “Advanced care directives allow for better care of our patients. By knowing what parts of our care are
important to a person, both the family and staff can make sure that what we do is what the person wants. It allows us to concentrate our care on what should be done rather than what can be done.”
“Talking about end of life care should be just like any other decision families have to make, almost like choosing a holiday destination,” said Mick O’Shea ASET Clinical Nurse Consultant “We take a lot of care in planning and making decisions about holidays – who will have power of attorney, who will take care of the house and pets - why don’t we take the same amount of time to make decisions about our quality of life or end of life care?”
Albury Wodonga Health has a working group aligning strategies within the hospital to ensure we meet state and national standards and improve the conversations on advanced care planning within the hospital. Additionally Albury Wodonga Health is a member of The Hume Region Advance Care Directives Working Group that was formed as a result of a regional forum hosted by Hume Medicare Local last year where advance care planning was flagged as a matter of high priority for all the health organizations attending. This ensures the recognition of advanced care plans across agencies and organizations irrespective of how they are written and in what state they are written.
CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
While still new, the group has already started identifying the work that they will undertake, and has agreed that one of the main priorities is to encourage people to have the conversation with their families.
Group facilitator and HML Director Primary Health Services Jacki Eckert said these conversations shouldn’t be morbid or uncomfortable – they should be run of the mill. It involves simply talking with friends and loved ones about your future health care wishes and documenting what you do or don’t want to happen.
An Advance Care Directive sets out a person’s wishes regarding care and treatment when they’re no longer able to make decisions for themselves, perhaps as the result of an illness or accident. It also identifies a Substitute Decision Maker who can act for you to ensure your wishes are respected when decisions about care and treatment need to be made.
“Having the conversation so that your family and loved ones understand your thoughts and wishes and then creating an Advance Care Directive saves time, heartache and potential stress and conflict in families if something were to happen,”.
“And it’s not just for older people, or people who are sick – it’s for everybody, no matter their age or how healthy they are.”
If people start to have the conversation, clarify thoughts and issues with health professionals and then document what is important to them, an Advance Care Directive then becomes another life decision, not a difficult discussion waiting to be held in a highly stressful and emotional time. If you want further information have a look at the national website http://advancecareplanning.org.au/ or at Albury Wodonga health please contact David Nielsen, Jacinta Flood or Leanne Wegener.
David Nielsen
Transitional Gerontic Nurse Practitioner
Albury Wodonga Health and Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service
CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Dr Richard Parkinson, Assistant Director of Medical
Services, finally retired, for the third time, from
AWH in February 2014 following 30 years of
association with the region’s health services,
including AWH and its predecessors.
During his illustrious career, Dr Parkinson held many significant roles such as the Director of Medical
Services at Albury Base Hospital, Board member of Mercy Hospital and was a surveyor for ACHS. He
was integral in development and integration of what is now our organization, Albury Wodonga
Health. Dr Parkinson and his wife were also very active in the community, providing a foster home
environment to many youths locally.
As the Assistant Director of Medical Services, Dr Parkinson had a particular interest in the clinical
governance of our organization, and his effort into clinical reviews and audits could not be
underestimated. Just prior to his retirement, Dr Parkinson was diagnosed with leukaemia, but we
are very pleased to say that after a few months of treatment, he is in remission and doing well. AWH
wishes him a happy retirement…
….until recently, when we managed to persuade him to come back and chair the AWH Mortality
Committee meeting starting July… Seems like he can’t get enough of us even in retirement! Thank
you Richard!
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Common Patient Administration System (PAS)
o The Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) has taken the lead
on the common PAS project on behalf of the health
services across the region.
o The planned next step is to undertake an assessment of the functional requirements and
specifications for the PAS for all Hume region health services.
o The new Chief Information Officer (CIO) for HRHA, Mike McDonald commenced in May. This
will assist in providing region-wide leadership for this project.
o Once the functional requirements and specifications have been agreed, a market test of
potential PAS solutions will be undertaken against them to followed by a business case
seeking funding for implementation to the Department of Health Victoria
AWH Website
o The development of a new AWH Website has
been underway for a number of months. Elaine
Hill (Volunteer and Fundraising Co-ordinator) has
led the project with the support of a committee
of willing and able staff committed to improving
the quality, relevance and timeliness of
information provided on the website. This
includes representatives across all directorates.
o Go Creative, a third party provider has been engaged to assist in the technical aspects of the
changes required to support the new website. Functionality includes the capacity for anyone
to make a donation to AWH via the website. The facility to make payments against invoices
via the website for patients/clients/suppliers will be developed in the near future.
o The new website is now accessible internally for all AWH to trial over the month of May with
the intention to make any refinements for an external launch during June 2014.
Information Management (IM) Strategic Plan
o The development of the IM strategic plan is underway
with Byron Collins finalising the environmental scan
across at national, state and health service levels. He has
completed initial discussions with staff within the key
functions directly involved on a day-to-day basis in IM
across AWH including ICT, Health Information, Data
Management and Administration.
o A presentation to the senior executive group was made during April outlining a “straw
man” IM strategic plan that will be further developed in consultation with internal and
external stakeholders. It is anticipated that a draft IM strategic plan will be tabled at the
June Board meeting.
FINANCE & CORPORATE
SUPPORT COUNTS
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
The critical next step in the development and approval of the IM strategic plan and its subsequent
implementation has progressed with the establishment of an Information Management Committee.
This committee will report directly to the Senior Executive and provide advice, guidance and
direction in all matters relating to IM across AWH.
Martin Clifford
Executive Director
Our new Project Management Office is here!
Jacinta Ducat is our new Project Director
AWH is in the process of establishing a Project
Management Office to:
Create a standard project management
methodology for all AWH projects
Develop a project management framework and
templates to support the methodology
Provide direct support to project managers on their
projects
Maintain a register of all AWH projects for visibility, consistency and transparency.
Food Services Upgrade Project
The Board has recently approved a significant project to upgrade equipment and reconfigure
the Albury and Wodonga kitchens.
Planning is currently under way.
Project objectives:
o Eliminate unnecessary equipment
o Replace equipment that in some cases is more
than 40 years old!
o Re-organise the kitchens to provide a more
functional and efficient work place
o Reduce work health and safety issues.
We do not expect any interruption to food
services and will provide updates as the project progresses.
If you would like to know more, please contact Martin Clifford, Sue Gugger or Jacinta Ducat
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Finance Team Update Payroll News Please join us in welcoming Leigh Merchant as our new Roster On Systems Administrator. Leigh brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, having previously worked at Bendigo Health for the last seven years in a similar role. Please direct all Roster On Administrator queries to Leigh in the first instance on #7480 or [email protected]. Roster On has had a new version, 8.6 rolled out which includes: o Improved speed of the system and faster more robust when navigating between screens
and accessing rosters.
o A new icon, “query”, located in the top right hand corner, allows access to user manuals within On.
o New colour settings
Over the coming weeks there are lots of exciting changes happening within the Payroll Department, including Software Upgrades, Superannuation Upgrades and taxation Upgrades in preparation for the start of the Financial Year. Thank you Payroll Team!
Key Contacts:
Rebecca Porter - Manager of Financial Operations x7658
Rita Ruyters - Manager Financial Reporting & Analysis x7464
Paul Goddard - Manager of Revenue Services x7634
Accounts Payable x7457 - [email protected].
Payroll x7531 - [email protected]
Accounts Receivable - [email protected]
Angela Morrison - Director of Finance x7655
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Accounts Payable News Another busy month has come and gone and we are fast
approaching the end of the financial year. A gentle reminder
to all personnel coding and authorising any manual invoices,
to only use the Victorian cost centre and accounts codes. We
have not used the NSW codes for nearly two years now, but
there are some still sneaking through – if you need assistance
please phone the Financial Reporting
and Analysis Team or Accounts Payable department.
On another note, it would be most helpful for all invoices (whether
they be purchase order based, or manual invoices) to be dealt with in
a timely manner – preferably at regular intervals during the course of
the month, rather than waiting until the end of the month.
Particularly with end of financial year quickly approaching please have
a search for any invoices that may be hiding in your workspace and send through to
Accounts Payable or Logistics (for any Purchase Order invoices) for processing. If you have
any invoices currently pending approval can you please let the Accounts Payable team know
so they are aware of the delays?
Remember the Accounts Payable team is always happy to assist with your queries.
It’s Budget Time!! The 2014-2015 budget process has kicked off with the first workshop held on Wednesday
30th April 2014 with the balance of the workshops to be held throughout the month of
May 2014. The Financial Reporting & Analysis Team are providing workshops to assist
cost centre managers with preparation and submission of their operating and capital cost
centre budgets. These workshops provide an overview of the budget process,
expectations, procedures, demonstration of the data entry required in Power Budget and
the FTE budget templates. These workshops are an opportunity for cost centre managers
to ask questions, seek clarification and/or assistance from finance staff to enable their
budgets to be completed in a timely and accurate timeframe.
This year for the first time a “Budget Oversight Committee” has been formed which held
its first meeting on Friday 2nd May 2014. This committee’s role is to support a robust
budget governance framework, including appropriate and timely stakeholder involvement
in both the budget development and ongoing budget management process. This
committee will meet each fortnight for the budget preparation period May 2014 to August
2014 and then monthly for the period September 2014 to April 2015.
The completed budget will be presented to the Finance Committee and Board for
approval before inclusion within the 2014-15 Statement of Priorities.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Please call Kylie Oswald #7644 or Gabrielle Lefoe #7647 if you require any assistance.
From 1st January 2015 all of Albury Wodonga Health
sites will become Smoke Free.
In line with Workplace Health, Safety and legislative requirements, AWH is working towards the creation of a Smoke Free workplace from 1 January 2015 to ensure a healthy, safe environment for staff, contractors, patients and visitors. A working party has been formed to develop an implementation plan and is currently looking for staff who have recently given up smoking, current smokers or other interested persons to become part of the working party to assist us with the implementation of the “AWH Smoke Free” plan. Please contact Robyn Luty if you are interested: Ph X4401 or [email protected]
AWH can assist staff to Quit Smoking
If you would like to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):
Contact: Vivienne Paramore - [email protected] Phone X7653
1. Vivienne is the AWH Quit Facilitator and will talk to you about your smoking and quitting past. She will assist you with developing the confidence to quit. A referral to the Quitline for extra assistance can be made.
2. Vivienne will then let the Pharmacy Director (or Deputy Director) know that you are a candidate for NRT.
3. You will then need to contact the Pharmacy on your campus and discuss NRT rates and types with them.
4. You will be provided with access to 8 weeks of free NRT through the AWH pharmacies. 5. Vivienne will contact you at various times to hear how you are progressing
If you would prefer not to use NRT:
Contact Vivienne and she will arrange some one-on-one or group sessions for you. This will involve a short course of sessions to understand your smoking behaviour and how you may be able to develop a quitting plan. Then you can build some strategies to help you quit!
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
We would like to welcome Lynnette Ford to the Quality Unit, as Acting Director of
Quality and Clinical Governance.
Originally an Occupational Therapist,
Lynnette has previously been Director
of Allied Health before taking up
senior Quality Manager positions at
Alfred Health, Melbourne Health, ACT
Health, as well as NSW Health, with a
proven and successful track record at
each of these organisations. Lynnette
is also currently a surveyor for ACHS,
and will bring a wealth of knowledge
and expertise to this position.
I am sure you will join us in welcoming Lynnette to Albury Wodonga Health.
News from the
Quality Unit
The President and Members of the Albury Base Hospital
Auxiliary would like to congratulate Mrs Linda McWaters on
her Individual achievement award and the Palliative Care
Volunteer Team on their Team achievement award given to
them by the Minister for Health. Both are worthy recipients.
Gareth Jones, President, ABH Auxiliary
"Quality is not an act. It is a habit." - Aristotle
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
The Quality of Care Report Working group
will be meeting on Monday 26 June 2014,
10.30 am at the Wodonga Hospital (Kruss
Room 1).
Future meetings will alternate between
campuses.
If you have a story that you’d like to share
or would just like to be involved in putting
this year’s report together we’d love to see
you there.
Please register your interest with Felicity
on telephone 02 6051 7649 or email
It’s better when we work together!
A new business card has been developed to give consumers and families of Adult Mental
Health Service encouragement to provide feedback about the service.
This does not replace the complaints form but is complimentary to the form.
The hospital accreditors were happy with this initiative last October 2013.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
.
Smiling faces, excellent service and
good food – When you are sick, best
place in the world to be.
Thanks to all staff for the care, time and
patience received.
Just wanted to say
thanks for the care
and kindness shown
by all the staff.
We didn't have to wait long
at all, and the care and
friendliness of all staff was
outstanding. Thank you for
the care you gave my son.
Thanks for your compassionate and
professional care during last days of
dad / husbands life. Your sympathy
for us, concern for his comfort and
indispensable advice helped guide us
through this difficult time.
Thank you for your kindness in
looking after my mother during her
short illness in your ward. You
treated her in a very dignified
fashion and we appreciate it.
A special thank you to the
nursing staff on medical
unit who made my
husband's stay bearable.
He has enjoyed your
company and humour.
Thank you so much for your genuine
love and care of our son - He is so
lucky to be in the hands of such
professional, loving and caring people.
Thank you so much for
your genuine love and
care of our son - He is so
lucky to be in the hands
of such professional,
loving and caring people
We are truly grateful for the
wonderful care you gave our
daughter. You were the
home away from home and
even though she wasn't well
she still managed to smile
and show us so much
courage, strength and
resilience.
Dentist did a great job - they were
very caring and considerate to my
daughter.
Thanks for care given to son -
From admission staff, triage
nurse, x-ray technician and
Doctors, the experience for us
was one of professionalism
and compassion.
Just a word of thanks for your
care and attention. As someone
who works in your sector, I know
your hard work is not always
acknowledged. Patient is no
longer in pain thanks to your
flexible and professional
approach.
Thank you to all the
wonderful staff who
looked after me
during my stay. I've
never met a nicer
bunch of nurses and
I really appreciate
everything you do -
thank you so much.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
A-GEM Project Team (Stacey Jackson – Allied Health Assistant)
The A-GEM Project Team caught up on Tuesday
14th
April to discuss ideas about the new A-GEM
program coming to Wodonga Campus 1st
July
2014.
There was a lot of discussion & ideas thrown
around the table in working out the best spot for
A-GEM to go.
During the next few weeks/months the A-GEM
team will be visiting the Wodonga Campus, be
sure to make them feel welcome if you see them
around.
The A-GEM Project Team will meet up every
second fortnight to discuss further ideas on the
new home for A-GEM’.
Compliment quote for Wodonga Palliative
Care
(Stacey Heer, Social Support Coordinator –
Wodonga Palliative Care Consultancy Service)
Quote from carer (Trevor), after his wife had
passed away:
“I have nothing bad to say about palliative care,
they are a great bunch of people, they are very
kind and caring. They did everything possible to
make sure my wife was as comfortable as possible
at the end of her life” - 31st March 2014.
Generous Donation from the Commercial
Club
(Sam Peet – Nurse Unit Manager Paediatrics)
Once again the Children’s Ward of the Albury
Hospital received a generous donation of
$18,000.00 from the Commercial Club staff.
This money went to the purchase of a
monitor, some TV’s and a Bladder Scanner for
the new Children’s Oncology Ward located at
Albury Hospital.
As the treatment can last many hours and the
children can get bored the TV’s are essential
for their morale.
The Bladder Scanner allows the staff to
diagnose in a non-invasive way bladder
infections and decide the best possible
treatment method.
The Monitor allows a full range of monitoring
whilst they are having their specialised
treatment.
The Auxiliary and the Children’s Ward are
extremely grateful to the Commercial Club
staff for considering our children’s needs and
purchasing essential equipment for their
treatment.
Standing from left: Lisa Tighe, Abby Heafield, Jess Amy,
Rachel Busch, Heather Thurnam, Jenny
Pearce, Rachel Langheim, Jeannie Norman
Sitting from left: Stacey Jackson, Melissa Lucas and Lucie
Shanahan.
Sam Peet and Jeff Duck (Commercial Club)
trialling the Observation Monitor.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Close the Gap
(Charmaine Bell – Aboriginal Health Transition
Officer)
ALBURY WODONGA HEALTH Celebrated
National Close The Gap Day on
Thursday 20th March, 2014.
This day is Australia’s largest campaign to
improve Indigenous Health.
Our very own Aboriginal Services at ALBURY
WODONGA HEALTH encouraged all of AWH
staff to become involved and show support
by joining together and commit to closing the
life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians that was
endorsed by the Australian Government in
March 2008.
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued on
behalf of the Australian Government and the
Indigenous people of Australia “The
Statement of Intent – to work together to
achieve equality in Health status and life
expectancy between Aboriginal/Torres Strait
Islander people and Non Aboriginal/Torres
Strait Islander people by 2030”.
ALBURY WODONGA HEALTH has our very
own Statement of Intent and Aboriginal
Services along with our CEO is keen for this
to be permanently displayed at AWH.
There was a display table in Albury’s Hospital
entrance foyer that was set up by our
Aboriginal Services Team promoting the
National Close the Gap Day. There were lots
of giveaways handed out on the day which
included things like wrist bands with close
the gap logo, pens, balloons, stress balls, just
to name a few. The display table attracted
lots of attention throughout the day by many
AWH staff and also some Indigenous patients
and families that came up and said hello to
our friendly Aboriginal Services Team.
There was also a pledge that anyone could
have been involved in and simply included
writing your name and contact details for the
’30 for 2030 challenge’ which means that
everyone who showed support is committed
to improving Indigenous health by 2030.
There was a total of 18 names added to this
pledge.
Aboriginal Services would like to say thank
you for everyone who came along on
National Close the Gap day and showed their
support by either wearing the ‘Close the Gap’
T-shirts, for visiting us at our display table
and for also taking the ’30 for 2030
challenge’.
Michelle Williams AWH
Aboriginal Hospital
Liaison Officer and Rosina
an Aboriginal inpatient
Evelyn Silver Operational Director
Acute Services taking part in the
celebrations
Charmaine Bell – AWH Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer,
Kerrie Brown AWH Aboriginal Services Development Worker
and Melanie Jackel Speech Pathologist
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Big Splash
(Tania Lefoe – Pain Management) In March the Chronic Pain Management Team
were proud to participate in the first ever
Albury Wodonga Big Splash. A swimming
event organised by Albury Tigers water polo
club in memory of Mary Baker. The aim was
to raise mental health awareness with funds
supporting Carevan, Headspace and Survivors
of Suicide. This was a successful and fun
event to be part of. Our team participated in
the ‘Health Industry Boogie Board’ novelty
relay using our creativity to compete against
other local hospitals and the Paediatric Group
who took the bragging rights for winning the
event. We didn’t come first but we didn’t
come last either. A fun night was had by all
and much needed funds raised for mental
health support in our community.
Recently we had the opportunity to promote
our three week residential Chronic Pain
Management Program at the Wodonga
Regional Seminar hosted by Arthritis Victoria
and the JAM (Joints and Muscles) Support
Group. We set up a display table with
information brochures and examples of
artworks done by previous program
participants. Dr Esther Langenegger and
Bronwyn Wood, Psychologist also presented
an overview of the program to attendees of
the seminar. We look forward to further
collaboration in the future to assist those
living with chronic pain.
Danielle Williams & Esther Langenegger
Left to Right: Jacinta Almond, John Tighe,
Wal Cribbes & Bronwyn Wood
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Cubby House Applause Festival Donation
(Sam Peet – Nurse Unit Manager Paediatrics) Alatalo Brothers in association with the Cubby House Applause Festival provided a generous donation to the Paediatric Unit.
Thanks you to Michael O’Toole for his time and effort on behalf of the Flutterby foundation.
Also to the amazing team of volunteers that work endlessly to achieve such an amazing courtyard.
A huge thank you from Sam and the Paediatric team.
INTERNATIONAL NURSE DAY International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.
The IND theme for 2014 is: Nurses: A Force for Change – A vital resource for health.
To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through;
is to be a nurse. Thank you to all nurses for your contributions to health and healing.
Nurses do extraordinary
work every day. And have a
major impact on patients’ lives.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Access to resources via your smartphone or tablet
Both CIAP and CHC have mobile resources available through their home pages. Between the two
sites, AWH staff has access to MIMS Online, BMJ Best Practice, Dynamed, EBSCO (including Medline,
PsychInfo and CINAHL), Australian Medicine Handbook and Micromedex. You can download the
apps to your mobile device, and usually need to register for access.
This gives you the flexibility to use the resources when and where you need them, and using the
tools you’re comfortable with.
If you have any problems or questions, contact CIAP or CHC or speak to Maggie in the library on ext.
4588 or [email protected]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
LIBRARY
Trial resources - access this month only We have one month’s access to two McGraw Hill book collections online. Access finishes 4th June.
They are the Hospital collection and the JMO Clinical Cases collection – 38 titles in all.
Titles include:
Your guide to paediatric anaesthesia,
Gastroenterology and hepatology manual,
Pocket guide to ECGs,
Pocket guide to internship,
Clinical cases in fluid and electrolyte balance.
Access is from hospital computers only, via the link on the library catalogue page:
www.gsahs.interesearch.com.au
Check them out and let us know what you think. Should we try to purchase them for the AWH library?
MAY 2014
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
New books in the library, May 2014 If you would like to borrow any of the following items, please contact Maggie in the library, or check the shelves next time you’re there; [email protected], extension 4588. Or search for them on the library’s catalogue http://gsahs.intersearch.com.au/cgi-bin/koha/opac-main.pl and place a hold on the item, while in your library account (if you have one).
Title and author Date published
Shelf number
Australian anaesthesia 2013 : invited papers and selected continuing education lectures
2013 617.96 AUS 2013
Medical imaging and radiation protection for medical students and clinical staff / edited by C J Martin, P P Dendy, R H Corbett
2003 616.0757 MED
Current diagnosis & treatment: surgery / edited by Gerard M Doherty - 13th edition.
2010
617.075 CUR 2010
Tracking medicine: a researcher’s quest to understand health care / by John E Wennberg
2010 362.1 WEN
Gold Class movie passes are now available for the enjoyment of AWH Staff & Volunteers for $29.50.
Just like the Star Passes, the Gold Class tickets are valid for 12 months from March 2014 and can be used for any session.
AWH GOLD passes and AWH STAR MOVIE passes are available for purchase from the main reception at
Albury and Wodonga Hospitals.
AWH Star Passes - $12.00 AWH Gold Class Tickets - $29.50
NB: Star Passes & Gold Class Passes incur a $3 surcharge for all 3D movies
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
Volunteers are Winners In National Volunteer Week (May 12th to the 18th) the Minister
for Health celebrates the outstanding achievements volunteers
working in the Victorian Health Care System. In 2014 AWH
Volunteers, Linda McWaters and John Thiele picked up awards
for “Outstanding individual achievement” and “Outstanding
Team achievement.” for a regional Health Service. Both
volunteers were very humble and excited by the recognition.
Linda McWaters commenced volunteering in 1991 and
volunteers in both the Wodonga Hospital as a Pink Lady
and in the Murray Valley Private Hospital as a part of the
Pastoral Care Team, over the years she has given many
people spiritual
support and always
has time for a chat.
John Thiele accepted
the award for
“Outstanding Team Achievement” for the Palliative Care
Team. The team has 19 volunteers who provide
emotional support, transport and in home respite for
palliative patients within the Wodonga, Beechworth and
Rutherglen area.
The awards were presented yesterday at the MCG on Wednesday the 14th by the Minister
Hon David Davis MP, Minister for Health. Gareth Jones and the Pastoral Care were also
nominated for the awards and should be congratulated on their own outstanding
achievements. AWH held their own celebration of volunteering at “The Hovell Tree Inn” on
Friday the 16th and were able to acknowledge the efforts of all volunteers. Over 100
volunteers and AWH executive will gather to have morning tea together.
Our Volunteer Morning Tea, celebrating National Volunteer Week saw 100 people attend the
Hovell Tree Inn in Albury. The morning held many surprises including a photo booth and a
guest speaker demonstrating laughing yoga Ulf Erickson the Chair of AWH Board of
Directors, thanked volunteers saying “that he was overwhelmed by the support volunteers
gave freely to the hospital”. Laughing Yoga was demonstrating by Kym Goodman from
Myrtleford and she showed volunteers how laughing can remove those mental blockers we
have , she showed us how to “floss our brains” or “blow up our worries in balloon” and her
main message was that “ volunteers are awesome” , a great morning was had by all.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
PEPPERMINT SLICE
INGREDIENTS
1 pk Marie biscuits
1 can Condensed milk
4 Peppermint crisp bars (or 4 of your favourite chocolate bars i.e. cherry ripe)
60g Copha
250g Chocolate
DIRECTIONS
Base:
1. Crush biscuits and chocolate bars up finely in Blender
2. Mix together thoroughly the crushed biscuits, chocolate bars and condensed milk
3. Line a small tray with baking paper and spread mixture out evenly
Top:
4. Melt over stove the chocolate and copha
5. Spread the melted chocolate over the biscuit base in the tray
6. Refrigerate until it sets
Each month Vermont Court holds a Birthday morning tea for all staff working in the building. Try Malinda Bennet’s peppermint slice.
This chocolate peppermint slice is just like a Mint Slice
biscuit but even better - because it's homemade. Try this
easy slice recipe for a tasty treat.
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
The Celebration of Life continues ……………………….. At the Australian Transplant Games
The Australian Transplant Games are on again! Held in Melbourne from the 26 September – 4
October 2014, the Games will bring together around 1,500 people touched by transplantation – all
with the common goal of celebrating life. The Games are an amazing demonstration of what is
possible after transplantation as well as a fantastic celebration of the gift of life. Through sports,
games and various cultural events, competitors benchmark their renewed health and wellness and
say thank you to organ and tissue donors.
The Games are not only about competition, they are an awareness event for organ and tissue
donation, with transplant recipients sharing their stories and offering living proof of life post-
transplant. These stories open discussions and extend the message of the importance of organ and
tissue donation to all of Australia, encouraging Australians to discuss transplantation with their
families.
Open to all competitors of all ages, the Games offer sport for everyone, from low exertion sports
such as backgammon and lawn bowls to physically demanding sports such as athletics, swimming
and cycling. The Games feature a comprehensive social program, as well as a complete junior
program, meaning everything will have a fantastic week.
Competing this year in his home town, Ethan Daws is excited to give thanks and promote the gift of
life. Born 12 weeks premature with scarred and refluxed kidneys, Ethan defied all medical
prognoses and survived his first year of life. However at the age of 14, Ethan suffered kidney loss
and Doctors decided that he would need a kidney transplant to survive. Ethan underwent two
transplants and almost needed a third, but at the last second his fighting spirit kicked in and his new
kidney began functioning.
At the 2012 Australian Transplant Games Ethan took home a total haul of five gold, one silver and
one bronze medal – an achievement he is hoping to better in Melbourne. Not one to shy away from
a challenge, Ethan has already started training for the Games.
The Games celebrate those who, like Ethan, want to make the most of their second chance at life.
Competitors and the wider community can come together to celebrate the ultimate gift, organ
donation and promote donation, it is for this reason the Games are the most inspirational sporting
event in Australia.
The Australian Transplant Games, presented by Transplant Australia
are a biennial event that is made possible by our major sponsors, the
Australian Organ and Tissue Authority. Transplant Australia is a
national community organisation that services to celebrate and cherish
the greatest gift of all – life itself.
For more information or to register as a participant or volunteer for
Australia Transplant Games head to
www.australiantransplantgames.com.
See you at the Games!
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
When: Wednesday’s
Time: 5.00pm (runs for 45 mins – 1 hr)
Venue: Albury Hydrotherapy Pool – Allied
Health
Bring: Swimmers, towel and drink bottle
Enquiries: Cathy McGlone, ext: 4305
Starting: Wednesday 2nd April
Cost: $5
Email: [email protected]
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AWH NEWSLETTER –VOLUME 4, EDITION 1
