PULSE - southwest.health.qld.gov.au · Surat MPHS staff knit scarves for homeless page 19 Innovation and Design at Surat MPHS page 20 ... this month with the final sign off of our

South WestHospital and Health Service

Building better health in the bush

South West Hospital and Health Service acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, and pays respect to Elders

past, present and future.

OCTOBER 2018 EDITIONPULSE

SOUTH WEST HHS ANNUAL STAFF AWARDS PAGES 7-9

ROMA HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONPAGES 5-6

OCTOBER COMMUNITY

ADVISORY NETWORK FORUMPAGES

14-15

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT

ISLANDER HEALTH STRATEGY LAUNCHED

PAGE 16

SOUTH WEST HHS 2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT TABLEDPAGE 13

This newsletter is produced by the South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS). All feedback and contributions are welcome to Cameron McPhee: 07 3708 5426 / [email protected] published material has been approved by the Health Service Chief Executive.Design by Cameron McPhee

Our Values

QUALITY COMPASSION ACCOUNTABILITY ENGAGEMENT ADAPTABILITY

Contents

South West Hospital and Health Service | The Pulse October 2018 2

From the Board Chair Jim McGowan, AM page 3From the Chief Executive Linda Patat page 4Roma Hospital Redevelopment Community Information Session pages 5-6South West HHS Annual Staff Awards pages 7-9Leader Rounding pages 10-11Inaugural Innovation Collaborative Meeting page 12South West HHS 2017-2018 Annual Report tabled page 13October Community Advisory Network forum pages 14-15Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy launched page 16South West Endoscopy Pilot Program to be extended to Charleville page 17Winter in Mitchell page 18NRL Legend Billy Moore Visits Surat MPHS page 19Surat MPHS staff knit scarves for homeless page 19Innovation and Design at Surat MPHS page 20Gold Coast fundraising makes hay for Quilpie page 21Mental Health Week ‘High Tea’ in Bollon page 22Westhaven Remembrance Day page 23Mitch Rigby is the #SWspirit recipient for October page 24“Spanner In The Works” Program page 24Signing the Compassionate Care Pledge pages 25-26

From the Board ChairJim McGowan, AM

3 South West Hospital and Health Service | The Pulse October 2018

It was a memorable few days in St George from 28 – 30 October 2018 with the monthly Board meeting and more importantly our Annual Awards Ceremony and the Annual Community Advisory Network (CAN) Chairs’ forum.

The Awards Ceremony was a celebration of the achievements not only of the winners and the nominees, but all of you. It was also the first ceremony in which the Awards were based on our values of Quality, Compassion, Engagement, Accountability and Adaptability. That made me particularly proud. Working as you do in rural and remote settings, you have a special connection with your communities and the entire South West can be very proud of your efforts on behalf of people in the area.

The actual Award nominees and winners are highlighted in this edition of the Pulse. However, I do want to highlight one. This year I had the pleasure of presenting a new award, the Board Chair’s Award for outstanding contribution to the South West Hospital and health Service (SWHHS) Donna Burke, the SWHHS Board Governance Officer, who is well known across the South West. Donna was recognised for the outstanding support which she provides across our entire organisation. Donna provides outstanding service to the Board. Nothing is too much trouble for Donna. Born and bred in the South West at Mitchell, she is committed to the needs of the people of the South West and to our CAN. Donna goes above and beyond to ensure the needs of our CAN volunteers are met. Congratulations and thank you, Donna.

The Annual CAN Chairs’ Forum is a highlight of my year. Our volunteers give so much. They are passionate about health and even more passionate advocates for their communities. They have insights which add great value to the services. They are a critical conduit for the people who need and use our services. They also help us through their knowledge of what we can do, and as advocates for us. Their input provides invaluable support as we strive to improve our services as we aspire to be a national leader in the provision of rural and remote health services. The feedback from the forum was positive but it also provided us with information on how we can do better.

The joint dinner on the Monday night provided a great opportunity for us all. CAN chairs, members of the Executive team, Board members and some of our Award nominees and winners enjoyed a great networking opportunity in an informal social setting.

Plans are underway to make next year’s CAN Chair’s Forum and the Awards Ceremony even bigger and better.

An important milestone was reached with the Board approving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy for the South West. That strategy is relevent to our commitment to “Closing the Gap”. It was developed with

considerable input from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council.

The key priorities of the plan are to:

1. Promote opportunities to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in SWHHS leadership, governance and workforce;

2. Provide safe, visible and culturally responsive person-centred care;

3. Improve local engagement and partnerships between SWHHS and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations;

4. Work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities to meet their healthcare needs; and

5. Promote transparency and accountability for Closing the Gap.

I thank all those involved but remember the Strategy is not as important as the outcomes from it. Our next task is to operationalise the plan and measure our performance.

Speaking of milestones, Tuesday 30 October marked the first anniversary of the appointment of Linda Patat as the Chief Executive. What a year it has been!! Linda’s drive, enthusiasm and determination are combined with her great communication skills and happy disposition. I have loved the journey, but Linda and I are committed to continuing with the cultural change program which will deliver improved outcomes for the people of South West Queensland.

I have joined the Board of the Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) as the representative of SWHHS Board. I am looking forward to strengthening the relationships with the PHN as our work is complementary and focused on improved health outcomes for the people whom we serve. My first Board meeting was in Longreach on 12 November.

Quotes to ponder!

Michael Jordan (born 1963; Champion Basketballer) “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

Aristotle (Greek Philosopher; 384-322BC) “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

From the Chief Executive Linda Patat

Guess where Linda has been in November 2018? Email your answer by Friday 23 November 2018 to [email protected]

Where was Linda in October 2018?

Back road from St George to Charleville!

There were no correct answers this month.

I feel like I say this every month – but this has really been a massive month! Such significant events as our Annual Staff Awards, our Annual Community Advisory Network Forum, and the launch of our Annual Report have been a true highlight for me. I would like to thank all of the staff who organised the awards – we’re not like the big organisations where whole teams organise these events, a small handful of people do this on top of their daily work, and they really did do a wonderful job. Thank you Jaynie, Evelyn, Kylie, Donna and Elaine for going the extra mile and making it such a memorable event. I would also like to do a special shout out to our CAN Chairs and Members – I can’t tell you how much I value your roles, your input, your support and your friendship. You inspire us every day to do our best and to ensure we are a trusted and reliable health service. Your feedback at the Forum was so very positive and helps us to keep going with what is going well, and to target the areas you have identified as needing more attention. We have taken several actions from your feedback and will be working on those matters and will keep you informed of our progress. As Jim mentioned, it was a very important milestone this month with the final sign off of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy for the South West. I am just so impressed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce we have – the strength of community, strength of partnerships, and strength of commitment to making a difference is so very palpable. When Rodney, Lane, Patricia, Rheanna, Donna and Barry walked into our Board meeting at St George to talk to the Strategy, the warmth and sense of connection was something very special. I do love the hugs when we see each other, the positive smiles and attitudes you all have, and the willingness to help us do the right thing and guide us in our efforts to provide appropriate and accessible services to our Indigenous communities. It is one of the most treasured parts of my role, and I couldn’t imagine how different it would be without you. I look forward to driving this agenda forward together, and to strengthening our workforce, our cultural capability, and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and decision making at every level of our organisation. As I attended my Leader Rounding this month, I was so pleased to see the progress being made

with committing to our Compassionate Care Bundle, and the roll out of our Safety and Quality National Standards Communication Boards. I hardly saw a staff member that wasn’t wearing their ‘Hello my name is …’ badge (with the exception of my own Executive Team member, Rob Mander, who had left it at home – and was picked up by staff at every site we visited. That did please me!) Good on you all for getting behind this important initiative – it has brought out the best in all of us! I would like to personally thank Jim and each Board Member for their own commitment and signing up to the pledge. I think in our work lives we always look to work for, and with people who share our values, and are prepared to stand for something. I certainly took a moment of reflection and thought about how privileged I feel to be surrounded and bolstered by so many committed to our cause across the South West. Thank you! And finally, we have recently received the results of our annual Working for Queensland Survey. We are in the process of collating the data and sharing it with each service who had enough responses for their site. I will prepare a special broadcast in the next week to share key highlights of the results, and outline what we will do to ensure we take that feedback and work on how we can build improvements into our way of working and communicating. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. I am methodically going through all results personally to ensure I have heard what you wanted to share. Yours in serviceLinda


Roma Hospital RedevelopmentCommunity Information SessionMaranoa residents were invited to a community information session on 16 October 2018 to meet the Roma Hospital project team, hear the latest updates and see the final design for the Roma Hospital Development. The SWHHS is committed to ensuring the community are kept up-to-date on the progress of the new hospital build. The information session was a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from the building and project teams and provided a friendly forum for any questions to be answered.

The new hospital will boast 18 single rooms including palliative care and mental health care, plus two two-bed patient rooms and two birth suites, all with ensuites.

The ground floor area of the new hospital will include a large shaded entrance, emergency department, medical imaging department, rehabilitation gym, café, allied health treatment areas, pharmacy and separate area for kitchen, laundry, stores and maintenance services.

The operating suite, which will include two theatres, as well as education and training services and administration and staff facilities, will be on the first floor.

For the latest new Roma Hospital updates visit QHEPS, the health service public website or be sure to follow SWHHS on Facebook.

MEET THE ROMA HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT TEAM: From left - Jacob’s Principal Design Consultant Chris Richardson, Aurecon Senior Project Manager James Bowman, Watpac Project Manager Brett Rosenthal, Department of Health Project Director (Capital Project Delivery, Capital and Asset Services Branch) Tim Wratten, Roma Hospital Redevelopment Project Director (Commissioning) Sue Leggate and South West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat.


From left - Roma Hospital Acting Director of Nursing Leanne Patton, Margot Cooper and Roma Hospital Redevelopment architects Jacobs Principal Design Consultant Chris Richardson discuss plans for the new build.

From left - South West Hospital and Health Service Director of Pharmacy Greg Brylski and Deputy Board Chair Karen Tully catch-up at the end of the information session.

From left - Sue Smart, Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat and Lyn Whip view design patterns for the new hospital.

From left - Maranoa Regional Council Councillors Cameron O’Neil, Wendy Newman and Geoff McMullen (far right) meet with Watpac construction company staff James Alley and Robbie Brown.

We want to ensure those who live or work in the local area have every opportunity to be kept up-to-date with progress; and in what will be a series, Health Service Chief Executive, Linda Patat gives an introductory video covering the Roma Hospital Redevlopment.

https://youtu.be/JULnasJUJZI


South West HHS Annual Staff Awards

Recipients and some of the nominees in the 2018 South West HHS “Promoting excellence in the delivery of health services” awards, with Board Chair Jim McGowan and Chief Executive Linda Patat at back.

South West Hospital and Health Service staff celebrated their achievements and those of individual colleagues at the health service’s annual staff awards in St George on 29 October.

The awards recognised quiet achievers and team efforts from across the region.

The “Promoting excellence in the delivery of health services” awards received more than 70 nominations from across the region for seven categories.

Five of the award categories are based on the South West HHS’s new corporate values – Quality, Compassion, Engagement, Accountability and Adaptability – which were adopted earlier this year.

A sixth category is the long-standing Jim and Jill Baker award, presented to the employee or team who demonstrates excellence in their chosen filed.

But this year, in addition, a new Board Chair’s Annual Award for outstanding service to the South West Hospital and Health Service Board was introduced.


Stewart Gordon and Greg Brylski

Board Chair Jim McGowan said the awards event was a great opportunity to recognise both individuals and teams for their enduring dedication to providing quality health care.

“It was a real privilege to witness staff faces full of pride and excitement as they accepted their awards and I’m sure their success has inspired their colleagues,’’ he said.

“Working in rural and remote settings, our staff have a special connection with their communities and the entire South West can be very proud of all of their achievements.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the awards, including the winners, those who were nominated and especially those who took the time to acknowledge their colleagues by submitting nominations.

“The staff awards recognise employees from all professions and it is a real accomplishment to be recognised by your work peers.

“The strong number of nominations is a clear indicator of the high standard of work being performed every day in the South West.”

Quality – We strive for excellence and do our best to deliver person-centred care.

Recipient: Reducing Severe Perineal Trauma Team, Roma.

Citation: The Roma Maternity Team is the only rural site in Australia participating in this collaborative and this has revealed a number of unique opportunities. The team presented at a Melbourne forum in February 2018 to demonstrate the effective process implemented in Roma which a number of tertiary centres around Australia have now adopted.

Compassion – We treat people with the same kindness, respect and dignity as we would our own family.

Recipient: Dr Alusine Kamara, Mitchell Multipurpose Health Service Medical Superintendent.

Citation: Dr Kamara is a quiet achiever, not one for accolades but a humble doctor going about his daily work to make a difference to the patients he serves. Nothing is a problem for Dr Kamara, he has a calming and caring approach to his patients and sets them at ease, taking a personal interest in them, building rapport and a good working relationship.

Engagement – We work effectively and inclusively with others.

Recipient: Lana Russell, Breast Care Nurse and Kasey


Jim McGowan, Donna Burke and Linda Patat

Lockwood, Physiotherapist

Citation: Lana Russell and Kasey Lockwood have formed a strong working partnership between themselves, their colleagues and with their community of patients to ensure excellence in care for patients with breast cancer.

Accountability – We are reliable and own what we do and do what we say we will do.

Recipient: Tracey Conomos, Finance Officer Charleville.

Citation: Tracey is reliable and accepts accountability for her work through the correct management of the tasks for which she is responsible. Tracey achieves this by consulting with other content experts in her team and the constant application of the organisations processes, policies and procedures.

Adaptability – We learn, change and grow.

Recipient: Shelley Badcock, Medical Practice Administration Officer, Mungindi.

Citation: Shelley has been at the interface of daily operations and patient engagement as receptionist at Mungindi Doctors Surgery. Shelley has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement of the Mungindi Doctors Surgery.

Jim and Jill Baker Award – awarded to the employee or team who demonstrates excellence in their chosen field.

Recipient: Charleville Access Hub Team

Citation: The Charleville Access Hub embraced a complete change in the work practices to better service their community and have simultaneously demonstrated their passion and pride in their service delivery to their patients and their patients’ families.

Board Chair’s Annual Award

Recipient: Donna Burke, Board Governance Officer

Citation: Donna’s primary objective is to serve the communities of the South West in her capacity as Board Governance Officer. Donna provides outstanding support across the organisation, and is instrumental in the planning and facilitation of meeting the needs of the community. Donna will often go “above and beyond” to ensure the needs of our Community Advisory Networks are met.


Rob Mander and Peg McDonald Precious Chilolo

Peg McDonald, Elizabeth Schuh, Linda Patat and Jim McGowan

Members of the Executive Leadership Team spent time on site with Thargomindah and Bollon staff during Leader Rounding last month. The services provided in these centres are a credit to our organisation, and the support they receive from their communities demonstrates the value and core role they play locally. The level of skill and

commitment of our staff at these services is second to none, and the Executive Team would like to thank them for their warm welcome, for spending time to discuss how things are going, and for their ongoing efforts to provide exceptional care to their communities.

Dr John Lancashire and Dr Tim Smart

Leader RoundingThargomindah and Bollon

Cunnamulla

Linda Patat Chief Executive, Dr Tim Smart Executive Director Medical Services, Dr John Lancashire Medical Superintendent and Ann-Margaret Jakins Director of Nursing at Mungindi MPHS

Heather Hancock-Toohey Director of Nursing, Rob Mander Director People and Culture, Linda Patat Chief Executive and Dr Tim Smart Executive Director Medical Services in Bollon

Rob Mander Director People and Culture, Tracey Lee-Maher Director of Nursing, Linda Patat Chief Executive and Dr Tim Smart Executive Director Medical Services at Cunnamulla Hospital


The site visit to Cunnamulla was an exciting milestone to see the outcome of our investment in refurbishing the emergency department, the nurses station and areas within the hospital, along with the amazing new kitchen. Staff were actively embracing the opportunity to enhance their acute skills through education occurring on the day. The National Safety and Quality Communication Boards are up in most sites we visited, and staff are actively embracing their portfolios, measuring

performance, displaying results and focusing on daily continuous improvement. It is so valuable, and builds confidence and trust, when our community can see how focused we are on the standard of care we provide. Well done to all staff who are leading safety and quality portfolios across our services - your efforts make a difference, and really do help whole teams work together and achieve results.

Charleville

Morven and Quilpie

The Executive Leadership Team had a wonderful visit to Waroona, Residential Aged Care Facility in Charleville, where we met many staff who personified what it means to live our values and work with older people in a way that fills their life with respect, dignity, care and compassion. It can’t be underestimated just how important that personal touch, and commitment to excellence, is within a residential care environment. Several staff shared ‘we really do treat our residents like they are our family’.

Site visits at Morven and Quilpie further reinforced the work staff are doing to progress focus on all areas within the National Safety and Quality

Standards, and how the Compassionate Care Bundle was being implemented locally.

Helen Murray Chief Information Officer, Desley French Morven Clinic Director of Nursing, Linda Patat Health Service Chief Executive and Dr. Tim Smart Executive Director of Medical Services in Morven

Dr. Tim Smart Executive Director of Medical Services, Helen Wilson Director of Nursing Charleville Hospital and Linda Patat Health Service Chief Executive

Juliet Weicks Clinical Nurse and Linda Patat Health Service Chief Executive in Quilpie

Faith Nelson, Geraldine Tuite, Rob Mander and Linda Patat


Inaugural Innovation Collaborative Meeting The Innovation Collaborative is an advisory committee within the SWHHS committee governance framework, and has been established to support clinician engagement, decision making and promote client centred care. The Innovation Collaborative reports to the Clinical Council.

On Monday 8 October, the Innovation Collaborative members held the inaugural meeting, setting the scene for the direction of this peak body. Members came together to discuss the innovation agenda for the SWHHS and ways in which individual members and the collaborative as a whole can support staff members to ideate and innovate.

New ways of thinking and working, and innovative ideas are enablers of our strategic direction. We encourage all staff to get involved through Slack, the Innovation Think Tanks or the Innovation Well on the Village Connect Website. Additionally, members of the Innovation collaborative are here to support staff to develop and design ideas and initiatives.

The Innovation Collaborative meets every six weeks. Staff can make contact via the Chair at [email protected],gov.au. Feel free to contact your local member or the Chair to get involved.

Your Innovation Collaborative members are;

• Amy Byrne Nursing Director Clinical Excellence (Chair)

• Rohan Ballon Community nutritionist • Scott Wassman A/BEMS Manager • Teresa Badgery Local coordinator digital platform • Cherilyn Bickers Flying Specialist Services

administration officer • Anne Bousfield Clinical Midwifery Consultant • Elizabeth Burey Executive Services Officer EDMS• Deanne Dennis Clinical Nurse Charleville • Alison Easton Clinical Nurse Surat • Jeanelle Everitt Nurse Navigator Charleville • Rebecca Greenway A/Service Director Community

and Allied Health Charleville • Heather Hancock-Toohey Director of Nursing

Bollon • Tracey Hansen Assistant Director of Nursing Roma • Christie-Anne Hunter Clinical Nurse Educator

Charleville • Ninette Johnstone Service Director Children’s

Roma • Pauline Kehl Nurse Navigator Roma • Sheila Marshall Nursing Director Perioperative

Service • Annmarie McErlain Director Clinical Analysis and

Outcomes • Laura McVey Health Information Manager• Melitta O’Donohoe Clinical Nurse Roma • Kim Patchett Clinical Nurse Surat • Elly Richardson Project Officer Roma• Kathleen Rogers A/Operational Services Manager • Melissa Russell Clinical Nurse Augathella • Kim Taylor CYMS Mental Health Worker St George

Innovation Collaborative Members: (Back L-R) Elly Richardson, Rohan Ballon, Pauline Kehl, Teresa Badgery(Front L-R) Cherilyn Bickers, Liz Burey, Laura McVey, Amy Byrne, Scott Wassman


The South West Hospital and Health Service has marked a year of achievements in delivering a growing range of health services to local communities.

“We will continue to work with our communities in the coming 12 months to enhance our services,’’ South West Hospital and Health Board Chair Jim McGowan said.

The SWHHS 2017–18 annual report was tabled in State Parliament 24 October.

Mr McGowan said the health service had continued to record strong levels of activity in all service delivery areas.

“Last financial year, 93,415 outpatients attended SWHHS facilities, 205 babies were born, 1829 surgical procedures were performed and 38,267 patients attended an emergency department,’’ he said.

“Our oral health team also had some great successes last financial year.

“The team delivered 35,386 oral health occasions of service, which was well above the target of 21,625 for the year.’’

Other achievements for the year included:

• Patient and family accommodation built at Charleville to support the maternity model of care opened in November 2017;

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison roles implemented at each hub site, and Making Tracks Funding submission to employ six liaison officers for a further 12-month period was approved in April 2018;

• The annual Community Advisory Network Forum was held in October 2017, providing a valuable opportunity for the Board to engage directly with our members;

• The Palliative Care Service is operational at all

sites;• The State-wide Nursing and Midwifery Exchange

program was developed.

“Telehealth is another incredible success story,’’ Mr McGowan said.

“Across the South West, telehealth non-admitted patient occasions of service have increased to nearly 3000 occasions of service.

“In 2005-06, when telehealth was just starting in the South West, we delivered just 64 non-admitted patient occasions of service “We now provide access to more than 40 specialities via telehealth to non-admitted patients and our patients and clients can access telehealth at any one of our 17 health facilities across the region.’’

Mr McGowan said one of the highlights of the past financial year was the continued progress on the new $90.4 million Roma Hospital development.

“Work at Roma will crank up even further over the next

12 months, now that Watpac Construction has been appointed as the contractor for the main build of the hospital and has started major works,’’ he said.

“This project is great news for our region and a huge investment by the State Government.’’

“Our aim is to improve access to services and health outcomes for communities right across our region in the most efficient and effective manner possible.”

• The South West Hospital and Health Service 2017–18 annual report can be found at:

https://www.southwest.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SWH-1806036-Annual-Report-2017-2018_final-_3.pdf

South West HHS reflects on a successful past year


Yes, we CAN! (Community Advisory Networks)Positioning local communities at the centre of health planning, design, delivery and improvement

CAN Chairs and delegates converged on St George for the annual CAN forum on 30 October 2018 which was a huge success.

The South West Hospital and Health Service is committed to two-way communication between the health service and the community; and positioning people and local communities at the centre of health planning, design delivery and improvement. Our Community Advisory Networks (CAN’s) are the peak community and consumer advisory committee to the Board and are essential to the delivery of safe and high-quality care.

The South West Hospital and Health Service is committed to meaningful consumer and community engagement, respectful partnerships and embraces every opportunity to engage with its CANs. Our annual forum is a significant event on our calendar each year and provides an excellent opportunity for networking and engagement between the hospital and health service internal key stakeholders, eg the Board, Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team and CAN. The Board relishes the opportunity to engage and network with CAN representatives as a collective to discuss local matters and ways to enhance services in their communities and make a difference.

Attendees heard all about new healthcare and community initiatives, shared their own stories and spoke directly with health service staff and board


Wendy Jensen and Jim McGowan

members about what matters most in their local area.

A big thank you to our CAN members who made the trip to St George and for sharing your enthusiasm, knowledge, time and skills. Your work is inspirational and you are making a real difference to your communities to improve health outcomes. The partnership, input and support you provide is invaluable and it is through the strong connections we have made with you that together we are able to walk a path to shape, design and deliver the best health service possible.

Community members are welcome to register their interest in joining their local CAN by contacting the health service Board Governance Officer on 07 4505 1544 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Kathryn McMillan and Reema Naresh

Julie Stewart and Heather Geary


Front (left to right): Acting Nursing Director Quality and Safety Louisa Dufty, Indigenous Liaison Officer Lane Brookes, Chief Executive Linda Patat, Indigenous Health Coordinator Rodney Landers Snr, Aboriginal Health Worker Patricia Morris, Indigenous Liaison Officer (Women’s Business) Rheanna Bartley and Acting Executive Director Primary and Community Services Wendy Jensen. Back (left to right): Aboriginal Health Worker Donna Hooper, Indigenous Liaison Officer Barry ‘Rainman’ Boland and Board Chair Jim McGowan.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy launched

The South West Hospital and Health Service has launched a comprehensive strategy to ensure health services are engaging more closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and addressing their needs.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy 2018–2022 also aims to encourage more Indigenous residents to take up employment and leadership roles within the health service.

“As a health service, we are strongly committed to improving our services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and to delivering them in culturally appropriate ways,’’ South West Hospital and Health Board Chair Jim McGowan said. “Earlier this year, we released our health service’s 2018–2022 Strategic Plan, where closing the gap in health inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents is one of our four core priorities over the next four years. “But achieving this requires much more than the provision of clinical services, it requires us to have an understanding and respect of cultural differences and needs, and a commitment to applying this understanding across all areas of the health service.

“The aim of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy is to provide direction and a framework for working towards this goal.’’ Mr McGowan said the SWHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy’s five key priorities were:

• Promote opportunities to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in South West HHS leadership, governance and workforce.

• Provide safe, visible and culturally responsive person-centred care.

• Improve local engagement and partnerships between the South West HHS and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.

• Work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities to meet their healthcare needs.

• Promote transparency and accountability for Closing the Gap.

Mr McGowan said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced generally higher levels of chronic disease, increased rates of avoidable hospitalisations, higher rates of avoidable lifestyle-related deaths, lower life expectancies, significantly disparate overall health outcomes and greater difficulties in accessing appropriate health services.

“These are all areas of deficiency that we want to target here in the South West,’’ he said. “We recognise that closing the gap in health outcomes is a long-term and challenging process. “It involves addressing social, economic and political inequity and the inequality of health experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at multiple levels.


A trailblazing Endoscopy Pilot Program in the South West will be extended to Charleville following its success at Roma and St George over the past year.

South West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat said the locally-delivered non-specialist endoscopy pilot program had been trialled successfully at Roma and St George hospitals over the past year.

The program aims to train rural general practitioners to undertake routine endoscopy procedures such as colonoscopies within their own regions, rather than relying on periodically visiting specialist services from larger centres.

“As a result of its success, the service already has been expanded further at St George and soon will be expanded also at Roma,’’ Ms Patat said. “At Charleville Hospital, we have started doing some initial non-specialist endoscopy pilot program sessions to set the foundations for a new service there. “Once these have been bedded in, a full regular monthly endoscopy operating list under the new program will be introduced to Charleville from the beginning of 2019.’’

Ms Patat said prior to the trial program being introduced last year, about 420 South West residents a year were going to Toowoomba for various endoscopic and colonoscopy procedures. “The majority of these were fairly routine procedures and many of these are the sorts of procedures that are now being done in the South West at Roma and St George hospitals – and soon at Charleville,’’ she said.

“Indeed, over the past three years, and particularly the past year, the South West HHS has increased the number of endoscopy procedures by 26 per cent.’’ Ms Patat said the trial program was run as a partnership between the South West HHS and the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

“Roma and St George rural generalist doctors Liam Weber and Tom Gleeson undertook an extended training course to earn special accreditation to undertake various routine endoscopic procedures,’’ she said. “This has allowed them to undertake these

procedures in the South West and to supplement the specialist visiting endoscopy service to the region.’’

Princess Alexandra Hospital Director of Gastroenterology Prof. Gerald Holtmann said the trial program to provide non-specialist rural general practitioners with additional procedural skills to undertake routine endoscopic procedures was a first for Australia.

“The SWHHS really is a trailblazer in this and will be showing the way for many other rural health services,’’ he said. Prof. Holtmann said bowel cancer was now the second biggest killer in Australia after heart disease. “Early detection offers the best hope of reducing the number of Australians who die each year from bowel cancer as this form of cancer is one of the most curable types if found early,’’ he said.

“Endoscopic procedures, such as regular colonoscopies for people deemed at risk of developing bowel cancer or who have recorded a positive faecal occult blood test, can significantly improve survival rates by picking up the cancer early and allowing treatment to start. “But this service is only available year-round in larger hospitals with specialist gastroenterologists on staff, or as a periodically visiting specialist service at smaller hospitals. “Most of the year, except at times when a visiting service is available, people in rural areas would have to travel to a larger centre for such procedures. “By training rural general practitioners to undertake routine endoscopy procedures such as colonoscopies we can deliver a year-round service to rural residents closer to their homes.

“Where more complex procedures are required, patients will still need to travel to a major hospital for specialist treatment. “But for purely routine investigative procedures, these can easily be undertaken by properly trained and accredited general practitioners such as doctors Gleeson and Weber here in the South West. “I would like to thank the SWHHS for its vision in recognising the importance of this program and taking up the opportunity to be the pilot health service for it.’’ “They have done a great service for South West residents that is already delivering immense benefits.’’

South West Endoscopy Pilot Program to be extended to Charleville


The residents at Mitchell MPHS have been very busy during June. Their cooking and craft skills have been appreciated by many visitors. The month kicked off with a social group visiting for morning tea and games of bingo. The ladies who visited appreciated the beautiful jam drops made by our super cooks!

Later the same week St Patrick’s School students visited. They were treated to a chocolate cake made and iced by our culinary experts. The students entertained the residents with singing many songs, one of which was in Gunggari language. The residents especially enjoyed participating by doing the actions to the songs. The intergenerational interaction was priceless with the students speaking with each resident. The school visits the facility each term and the residents are planning to participate in a craft project and teach the students and teachers Tai Chi on the next visit.

Winter in Mitchell

Marjorie Macnamara

June was capped off with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. The residents not only cooked for the occasion but hand-crafted shopping bags made of T-shirts as prizes for the morning. The morning tea raised over $250 for the Cancer Council and the health promotion was about the top three cancers in men and women (excluding skin cancers) which are breast, prostate and bowel cancer. The health promotion also included encouraging the community to have regular GP assessments, how cancer effects people lives and the community and being prepared by having Advanced Health Directives, Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney and Advanced Care Planning with Statement of Choices. Community members were also advised

where they can receive further information e.g. Palliative Care, Cancer Care and Breast Nurse services from Roma.

In July Storm Co. came and had a morning of melodies with the residents. They sang songs together and the Storm Co. group dressed up in costumes and did some performances as well.

The residents haven’t been the only ones who have been busy. The staff have participated in Scenario Based Learning from WDU with lots of enthusiasm. They have done respiratory distress requiring Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), with included Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) education, then a scenario of a respiratory distress arriving at the ambulance door which advanced in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) scenario and then chest pain scenario which required retrieval.

In August there was a co-ordinated scenario as part of the Disaster Management Plan which involved multiple services in Mitchell. The scenario commenced at the Great Artesian Spa where four people were exposed to Chlorine. Queensland Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Services and Queensland Ambulance Service were called to the scene, assessed, decontaminated and treated the four patients. Then they presented at the Mitchell MPHS for further assessment and management. Mitchell MPHS had called the doctors and the on call nurse in as part of the scenario. Three of the patients were volunteers and the forth was the simulation mannikin. The Sim Man ended up in an ALS situation. The scenario ended in a debrief from all services.

Resident George Kaufman shaking hands with a student


From left - Jasmine Wehl, Billy Moore and Alison Easton

NRL Legend Billy Moore Visits Surat MPHSSurat MPHS staff welcomed NRL legend Billy Moore during his visit to Surat earlier in October.

Sam Penrose and Billy Moore Billy Moore meeting and greeting local residents

Surat MPHS staff knit scarves for homelessThe staff and residents at Surat MPHS have had fun knitting scarves for homeless people. We have donated six scarves to a local Centre and they will be distributed as required.

Sandra White, a community member has kindly offered her time to finish the scarves and package them. Elizabeth McLean, Recreational Officer and Sandra had fun preparing the finishing touches. Sally Young, a staff member also helped. We had a lovely happy morning together.

We have had a great representation of staff and residents helping. Currently we are knitting washers to give to homeless people. We have a knit -a- row -and- go -basket in the Doctors Surgery and people knit some rows while they are waiting. It is a wonderful project that we are all enjoying.


Innovation and Design at Surat MPHS

Store Room Redesign

The new store room has a new purpose. The store rooms were swapped to better meet requirements.This is a more streamlined approach , and in closer proximity to acute care. Julie Grams and Kim Patchett have displayed the prices of items especially wound dressings as an awareness for staff.

New Kitchen Cold-Room Complete

Team members Gail Butler and Wendy Whel present the new upgrade for the Surat MPHS kitchen with a new walk-in cold room and freezer, along with a modern fresh spacious store room.

Completed Renovation of Surat Nurses QuartersThe nurses quarters were an identified risk for recruitment and retention for a number of years. Each room now has its own ensuite, as well as a new spacious living area. This has now resulted in ultra modern accommodation to offer as an incentive to attract staff to the Surat MPHS.


A Gold Coast nurse’s three-month exchange with a fellow nurse from Quilpie MPHS has led to a generous donation of hay for drought-stricken Quilpie farmers.

Earlier this year, Robina Hospital registered nurse Hayley Hewitt-Robinson exchanged places with Quilpie MPHS nurse Abby Martin, as part of Queensland Health’s state-wide Nursing and Midwifery Exchange Program.

During her exchange, Ms Hewitt-Robinson saw first-hand the effects of drought on local grazing properties in the Quilpie region and shared her experiences on return to the Gold Coast.

So, when the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service launched its “Goldie for a Grower’’ appeal to send semi-trailer loads of hay to drought-stricken farmers, the Quilpie region was chosen as the beneficiary.

Ms Hewitt-Robinson said she had enjoyed a rewarding experience being part of the friendly and supportive Quilpie community, with her best memory being how everyone worked together for the good of the town.

“I’m so pleased that the exchange led to the appeal, even though the people of Quilpie will probably say they are not alone in their hard time,” she said.

Gold Coast Health Chief Executive Ron Calvert said health service staff had raised $15,415 through the appeal, which had been donated to the Buy a Bale charity.

He said hay purchased by the charity with the proceeds of the staff fundraising would be transported to the Quilpie region later this month, with up to 13 farmers expected to benefit.

Mr Calvert said Gold Coast Health staff had undertaken numerous fundraising activities, including bake sales, dress-up farmer days, scarecrow competitions and gold coin donation tins.

“I’d like to thank our staff for their enthusiastic support for the Quilpie community through this special fundraising appeal,’’ he said.

“A nursing exchange between Robina and Quilpie sparked the idea, and shows how these sorts of partnerships can have benefits that extend beyond our clinical work.”

South West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat said she had no doubt the successful Gold Coast Health appeal would deliver a much-needed boost to farmers in the Quilpie region, as well as the entire local community, and show them they were not forgotten.

“It’s been a great effort by everyone involved and I commend Gold Coast Health and its staff on their support of this initiative,’’ she said.

“The Queensland Nursing and Midwifery Exchange Program is designed to help our nurses and midwives expand their skills base, learn new skills, build professional networks and open their eyes to a lifestyle and opportunity they may not have considered before.

“But it is also doing so much more.

“It is helping raise awareness of the challenges being faced by many of our fellow Queenslanders in rural and remote communities affected by the current crippling drought and building empathy and support for their situation.

“Our staff here in the South West live and work in communities impacted by drought and they too are affected by the challenges being experienced in the bush.

“So, it’s very special for us in rural health services to see such strong support for our communities – and therefore our own staff – by our colleagues in the larger, tertiary hospital and health services like the Gold Coast.

“We are certainly not alone, as this successful fundraising appeal shows.’’

Robina Hospital Registered Nurse Hayley Hewitt-Robinson standing in the dry country around Quilpie during her three-month exchange placement at Quilpie MPHS earlier this year.

Gold Coast fundraising makes hay for Quilpie


Rebecca Halliday, Gavin Johansen, Heather Hancock-Toohey

Mental Health Week ‘High Tea’ in BollonBollon Community Clinic Director of Nursing, Heather Hancock and Administration Officer, Rebecca Halliday, recently attended the Mental Health and Well-being Workshop ‘Reclaiming the You in Mum’ presented by Helen Everingham.

Heather and Rebecca offered My Health Record information, health promotion, a pit stop including blood pressure, weight and blood sugar level checks, which assisted with our management of Chronic Disease targets within the Bollon Community Clinic region.

This was a Queensland Health event organised by Gavin Johannesen, supported by Care Balonne with a high tea catered by Bec Steer Catering.

Permanent part-time Operational Services Officer, Cherie Tattam was recently awarded a certificate of Operational Services Excellence, for her hard work and dedication to the Bollon Community Clinic.Congratulations!!!

Congratulations Cherie



Westhaven Remembrance Day

2018 marks the 100th year since armistice, so the family at Westhaven decided to do something special to pay respects to the families that lost brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers and other family members to war.

Many residents remember the indirect results of war, ‘dad was broken, never the same after the war’. Other stories of family members never coming home and servicemen turning to alcohol; making family life difficult.

The result today is that the poppy stands for those that lost their lives, a symbol of respect and residents decided that was the best way to remember the lost souls.

We set about making poppies and asked families if they would like to make some poppies as well, we sent the word out in our little community and have had overwhelming results. Residents, families, staff and friends have all banded together across our wee community working

together to make poppies.

The original idea was to attach a few poppies to a tree, what resulted was the massive response of so many people getting involved to create the “tree”. This project has gone as far as New Zealand creating something very special in a true ANZAC spirit. Everyone has been overwhelmed with the result.

The stories people have and their memories have been shared. One person commented that making these poppies was so wonderful as each was made with love and respect for those who died for us. The servicemen will not be forgotten.

Staff and residents have likened the tree to a ‘tree of life’. The red poppies representing the blood of those that fought in the wars and lost their lives. As the tree continues to grow upward, it is a lovely analogy of the freedom we have today.

Mitch Rigby is the #SWspirit recipient for October

“Spanner In The Works” ProgramOn Thursday 25 October, clinicians from the Primary and Community Care Adult Team partnered with the Australian Men’s Shed Association to deliver health screens to our local Roma Men’s Shed through the “Spanner in the Works” program. Coordinated by Courtney Evans and Anastasia Roeger, Graduate Registered Nurses within the Primary and Community Care Adult Team. The event provided an opportunity for clinicians to conduct general health screens and provide some key health messages and recommendations to men in an approachable environment.


Mitch has been a valued South West Hospital and Health Service staff member for over three years and is currently a Senior Clinical Pharmacist based in Charleville. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Queensland in Brisbane and is passionate about the approach he takes with those he cares for. “I like to see as many patients as possible, either face-to-face or via other means (telephone interviews or teleconferencing),” Mitch said. His motivation and inspiration is derived from simplifying patient’s medications and making a difference to their current management of medication.

“With medications you need to be forever learning about new treatment guidelines, changes and emerging medications,” Mitch said. “This means you cannot remain stagnant with your approach to treating different conditions.”

Mitch describes the most rewarding aspects of his role as identifying a drug interaction or suggesting an alternative treatment that had not previously been considered. He said the best way to improve teamwork and trust amongst colleagues was to take the time to get to know them. “Trust is not built overnight, you need to work on it and I’ve been lucky to receive plenty of support from a great team,” Mitch said. “I’d just like to give a shout out to Kym Mackie (Charleville based Clinical Nurse, Pharmacy) – I wouldn’t have lasted three weeks let alone three years without your help.”

When asked about advice for prospective pharmacists, Mitch explains, “Just try it out – you may enjoy it, there is nothing like being out of your comfort zone, this applies both to moving from community to hospital pharmacy and to working rurally”.


Karen Tully Deputy Chair and Jim McGowan Board Chair

Signing the Compassionate Care Pledge

A few months ago the South West Hospital and Health Service launched the Compassionate Care Bundle across the entire Service. This Bundle comprises various evidence-based tools and tactics focused on the goal of providing exceptional care to our communities, patients and consumers. Pivotal is person-centred and excellence in care through partnering and collaborating with all our clients to navigate through the healthcare journey together. The Compassionate Care Bundle is very much in line with the South West Hospital and Health Service newly defined values and demonstrates what we will do and what you can expect from the service.

As part of its commitment to person-centred care and partnering with its consumers Board Members proudly took time to reflect on the Compassionate Care Bundle introduced and signed the Compassionate Care Pledge below which is one of the central aspects of the Compassionate Care Bundle.

Compassionate Care Pledge

• We pledge that we will always welcome you into our service.

• We will always introduce ourselves so you know who we are and how we can help you.

• We pledge to take the time to listen, genuinely hear you, and understand how to make your care the best it can be.

• We pledge to work with you to understand your cultural background so that you feel respected and safe.

• We will work with you to jointly plan your care needs, respecting your values and wishes.

• We will make time to answer your questions, and to regularly speak with you and your loved ones.

Board member Fiona Gaske was all smiles signing the Compassionate Care Pledge


• When it comes time to return home or to another care environment, we will prepare you and ensure that you have everything you need.

• We pledge to make you feel safe and cared for; the care we provide is compassionate and ensures your dignity.

• Above all, we pledge to care for you with our hands and our hearts. We will offer a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on and a compassionate ear to walk with you through your healthcare journey. You are our purpose and our passion.

Board Members were also delighted to receive their ‘Hello my name is’ badge. This innovation was

designed and implemented by Dr Kate Granger, a cancer patient who commenced the worldwide movement stemming from her own experience as a patient. Patients can easily identify staff and this very simple measure has an immeasurable impact on the patient experience by sparking a relationship on a first name basis and alleviating distress for the patient.

This indeed was a special moment for the Board and it was truly humbling for them to be joining with all staff across the service in demonstrating its genuine commitment to our communities, patients and consumers.

Board member Ray Chandler signing the Compassionate Care Pledge

Board member Heather Hall signing the Compassionate Care Pledge

Board Chair Jim McGowan and Board Governance Officer Donna Burke

Documents

PULSE - southwest.health.qld.gov.au · Surat MPHS staff knit scarves for homeless page 19 Innovation and Design at Surat MPHS page 20 ... this month with the final sign off of our