business leaders lunch impresses lucy turnbull
TRANSCRIPT
October 2016Second edition
www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Business Leaders Lunch impresses Lucy Turnbull
Greater Sydney Commission head Lucy Turnbull AO with WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor talked about the future development of health in western Sydney at the Business Leaders Luncheon in Blacktown City Council Chambers. More photos: P2.
Welcome to our new palliative care volunteers: P12.
Nepean Therapy Dogs hounds howl for Halloween: P7.
Superhero capes help put smiles on kids’ faces: P6.
The Pulse | September 2016 2
News from across WSLHD
Annual Public Meeting and inaugural leaders lunch
Westmead Hospital Critical Care and Medicine Peter Landau, Blacktown Hospital’s director of anaesthetics Helen Currow with Transport NSW’s Tim Poole.
Deloitte Western Sydney’s Danny Rezek, Western Sydney Regional Organisations of Councils’ Charles Casuscelli and Sydney Business Chamber’s David Borger.
WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor and Greater Sydney Commission Lucy Turnbull AO at the Business Leaders Lunch.
Board Chair Professor Stephen Leeder.
WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor announces the portfolio of success for WSLHD at the Annual Pulic Meeting at Bowman Hall, Blacktown.
More than 10,000 births, a wages bill of $750m, and 2.2 million outpatient treatments were some of the figures that helped attendees at WSLHD’s Annual Public Meeting understand the scope of public health in the 2015/2016 financial year.
About 110 people were at Bowman Hall at Blacktown Council Chambers recently to hear WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor and WSLHD Board Chair Stephen Leeder give a public account of the LHD’s performance.
Danny pointed to population growth, the need for more complex care, and a growing demand for information management as among the major challenges that confronted the WSLHD in the past financial year.
Danny told the audience, emergency departments had more than 175,000 people present for treatment, 43,000 surgeries were performed, and about 625,000 people were admitted to hospitals in WSLHD.
There were also strong performances in preventative health, with 96,000 vaccines administered in 11 WSLHD high schools.
The APM was followed by the first WSLHD Business Leaders Lunch where Greater Western Sydney Commission head and spouse of the Prime Minister of Australia, Lucy Turnbull, was the keynote speaker!
The lunch was attended by representatives from Blacktown City Council, Deloitte Australia, Urban Growth, Sydney Business Chamber, Dyldam, NSW Treasury, WentWest, Health Infrastructure, Cumberland Council, Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, Sydney Health Partners, Ministry of Health, University of Sydney, Transport NSW, Arab Bank, Western Sydney University and other stakeholders and partners.
To view all the photos, visit: http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/2016/WSLHD-hosts-APM---inaugural-Business-Leaders-Lunch
The Pulse | September 2016 3
News from across WSLHD
Carers count - tea and mad hats mark National Carers WeekBlacktown Hospital was a sea of crazy hats on October 17 as staff celebrated National Carers Week (October 16 - 22).
The hospital organised a Mad Hatter’s high tea party to acknowledge the hard work of its carers, treating them to cakes and sweets.
Auburn Hospital also got into the spirit, hosting a morning tea on October 21 to celebrate its staff carers.
These carers work across a variety of areas including nursing and administration and juggle their work life with their unpaid carer responsibilities.
This year’s National Carers Week theme was Carers Count, recognising the enormous contribution unpaid carers make, providing 36 million hours of care each week.
Across Australia, nearly 2.8 million unpaid carers currently look after family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail or aged.
WSLHD patient and experience officer Wendy Cain said caring ranged from helping with daily activities like showering, feeding and dressing to providing emotional, social or financial support.
“Carers make an enormous contribution to our communities, as well as our economy,” she said.
“If all carers stopped performing their caring role, it would cost the country $60.3 billion a year to replace that support – that’s more than $1 billion per week.
For further information about becoming a consumer representative, visit:http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Consumer-Engagement/Get-Involved
Carers, volunteers and staff enjoyed a Mad-Hatter themed morning tea at Blacktown Hospital was held to thank carers for their time and dedication when caring for our loved ones.
Tea-totalling good time: Blacktown Hospital dementia nurse consultant Katie Conciatore, nurse consultant Sandra Hamill with carer Judithann Webster.
Auburn Hospital staff celebrate Carers Week with a morning tea. Auburn Hospital’s Nicola Haig, Debra Lopez and Debra Smith.
The Pulse | September 2016 4
We are all involved in change and developing new ways of working to ensure our patients and community have better health.
A significant part of this change relates to our workforce and our workplace culture.
In July, we established a consolidated People and Culture [P&C] directorate.
The People and Culture team make a vital contribution in supporting the organisation to achieve its operational goals and strategic priorities.
It plays several major roles:
• People management advisers – People and Culture team supports managers in their key role as leaders and people managers.
They provide advice about complex people issues and develop strategies to assist personal development or enhancement of staff.
They also co-design programs such as the
Four times a year the chairs of the local health district boards gather in the “gold melting room” in the old Mint Building on Macquarie Street in Sydney.
There we meet with the minister for health, senior members of her staff, and senior executives from the Ministry of Health based in North Sydney to discuss how things are going.
I have wondered whether there was significance that our deliberations are set in the room where NSW’s bullion was once converted into currency – we deal with an awful lot of money!
In Western Sydney we spend over $1.4 billion each year running our services.
Add to that the several billion dollars’ worth of new buildings at Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Westmead and ‘soon you are talking about serious money.’
The money we are spending belongs to the people of NSW every bit as much as the bullion that was once melted down at the Mint to make coins.
It is money paid by our citizens in good faith, paid by people who do not shirk their responsibility to pay tax.
It is easy to be distracted by the push and pull of all the demands that the health
From the Chief Executive
From the Board Chair
Executive Update
A visit to the Mint gold melting room
The role of People and Culture
service places on us, and lose sight of our ultimate goal.
But I know of scores of people in the service – clinicians, infrastructure support staff, managers, the lot – who work their guts out for the service, often doing hours and hours of work for which recognition is scant, who know exactly why we do what we do.
So in this column I want to say this: yes, we spend a lot of gold in our efforts to improve the health of people in western Sydney.
But our health service is like the “gold melting room” at the Mint.
Money matters – intensely – but it is the gold of our staff’s commitment that is melted down and then goes into making ours a rich community.
Thank you.
Professor Stephen Leeder Board Chair
“Employee Journey” to help build leadership and people management capabilities.
• Workforce service providers – People and Culture team provide a wide range of services that support the day-to-day running of WSLHD.
These include education and training,
payroll, recruitment, temporary staffing, workforce rostering and childcare services.
Some of these services are run in conjunction with HealthShare and HETI.
• Employee, Consumer and Community Champion – in our organisational planning and decision-making, it is vital that the needs, concerns and aspirations of employees, consumers and the community are championed and heard.
Our response to the “Your Say” employee survey is a example of this.
The People and Culture team will interpret and respond to the feedback that our staff have provided.
I thank the People & Culture team for ensuring we have exceptional people and the appropriate culture when delivering world-class healthcare to our communities.
Danny O’Connor Chief Executive
Photo from the Royal Australian Mint Facebook page.
The Pulse | September 2016 5
News from across WSLHD
The Newland Family chose a very special way of celebrating their son Caleb’s first birthday.
Caleb spent some time after his birth in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Blacktown Hospital.
His parents, Kelly-Ann and Robert, wanted to show their appreciation and named the unit as the beneficiary of donations in lieu of gifts for his birthday.
Together Caleb’s family and friends raised $1500 to purchase vital equipment for the Blacktown NICU.
Caleb’s family enclosed the following note with their donation:
“It is with great thanks and appreciation that we raised funds in honour of our son’s first birthday.
“We know that without the help and guidance of staff involved in his beginning that he may not be the amazing boy we have.
“We hope these funds will help others the way you helped us.”
We thank the Newland family for their support and are pleased to hear Caleb is now doing well and growing fast.
Caleb gives up gifts to thank our NICU
Blacktown Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care patient Caleb Newland turns one.
A huge thank you to Year 12 student Jasmine Hodge, who raised $1650 for Mount Druitt Hospital’s supportive & palliative care unit.
Earlier this year, Jasmine's dad was a patient in the unit, receiving care for his life-limiting illness before passing away at home.
Jasmine raised the money by hosting a dance at her school (Pacific Hills Christian School) and also sought donations from local businesses.
The money raised will help fund items that her dad needed when he was in hospital - other
Jasmine Hodge presented a cheque to Mount Druitt Hospital supportive & palliative care nurse unit manager Trish Dalgleish.
patients may also require similar items.
Mount Druitt Hospital’s supportive & palliative care nurse unit manager Trish Dalgleish said Jasmine was an inspirational and thoughtful young lady and she was grateful for the donation and all her hard work.
To donate to the Mount Druitt Hospital palliative & supportive care unit, contact Sonia Hollands, Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospitals fundraising manager on 0429 413 194 or [email protected].
Festival makes a difference
Thank you to the organisers of the Tregear Festival, who donated more than $650 to the supportive & palliative care unit at Mount Druitt Hospital. This money will be used to purchase patient comfort items. Pictured here are the festival’s committee members Pat Baxter, Lyn Cameron, Trish Dalgleish and Georgie McCann. Absent from the photo was Diane Mullarvey and Laurence Baxter.
Family ties secure donation
The Pulse | September 2016 6
News from across WSLHD
Spread the LHD newsThe Pulse is now going out fortnightly! It’s a fantastic tool to promote or share your project, celebration, initiative, success or event.
This publication is distributed to more than 10,000 staff in Western Sydney Local Health District and our many stakeholders.
To submit your story for consideration, we require high-resolution photos with captions and a minimum of 150 words describing the story.
For further enquiries, phone 8890 4564 or email [email protected]
Publication is at the discretion of the editor and chief executive. Items may be edited for length, style and quality.
October 2016 second edition Graphic design and editorial co-ordinator: Jenny Harrison, WSLHD Corporate Communications Specialist. Sub-editor: Emma Spillett, WSLHD Senior Corporate Communications Specialist.
Caped crusaders invade kids’ ward at Mount Druitt Hospital
Mount Druitt children’s ward patient Patrick Vlatko, aged three, from Blacktown, loves his cape.
We love our perioperative nurses
Thanks to all our perioperative nurses - pictured here is Westmead Hospital’s perioperative nurses.
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane?! No - it’s Mount Druitt Hospital patient Patrick Vlatko, age three, wearing his superhero cape!
Capes4Kids, an Australian charity, recently donated 100 superhero capes to help Mount Druitt Hospital’s sick children feel safe and brave while undergoing treatment.
The capes featured characters like Superman, Batman and Spiderman, along with Disney favourites.
Mount Druitt Hospital children’s ward nurse manager Mildred Villason said the capes gave children confidence and helped them be brave while going through medical procedures.
“Each cape has a special message, wishing the child a speedy recovery or reminding them to be brave and stay positive during a difficult time,” she said.
“The capes help take their minds off their illnesses by magically turning them into superheros.”
For more information about Capes4Kids Australia, visit: capes4kidsaustralia.com.au/
Westmead Hospital's operating suites celebrated their dedicated perioperative nurses as part of Perioperative Nurses Week (October 9 - 15)!
The week aimed to recognise the hard work of our perioperative nurses and the vital care they provide for our patients.
Perioperative nurses look after patients who are having an operation.
They care for patients before, during and after surgery and work in areas like anaesthetics and the recovery room.
Westmead Hospital's operating suites marked the week by hosting four medical equipment companies, who offered advice on stock items and gloving, and also provided lunch for staff.
Perioperative clinicial nurse consultant Lee-Ann Heta and Getinge Group national product manager Shannon Garvin also collaborated to celebrate World Thrombosis Day (October 13) and Perioperative Nurses Week.
The Getinge Group sponsored a lovely lunch for the staff and attended a trade display in the operating suites. Staff were also supplied with "Stop the Clots" host packs.
The Pulse | September 2016 7
News from across WSLHD
Thanks a IOT to occupational therapy staffThis month, WSLHD celebrated Occupational Therapy Week (October 16 – 21) – and we gave some love to our amazing OT staff!
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and abilities, helping them to move more easily and more safely.
This year’s OT Week theme was Reach your pOTential – and our staff love showing patients how occupational therapy can help them reach their goals.
Blacktown Hospital celebrated OT week with a photo booth, cupcake stall and display.
Staff were also encouraged to take selfies with an OT throughout the week for the chance to win a prize.
Hounds howl for Halloween
The Nepean Therapy Dogs are appealing to the public for donations so they can continue to visit western Sydney hospitals and nursing homes.
The Nepean Therapy Dogs regularly visit Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Auburn hospitals, with Westmead Hospital next on the agenda.
Nepean Therapy Dogs president Nicole Celeban said October was a busy month for the dogs and their owners who attend various Halloween-themed parties and celebrations.
“Halloween is a special time where children wear scary masks and costumes and eats lots of lollies, so we dress the dogs in ghoulish costumes which delight and surprise children and adults,” she said.
“We’re asking anyone who is planning a Halloween party to help raise money for
Trick or lick was the Halloween spirit the Nepean Therapy Dogs had when they visited Auburn Hospital.
Ride & Stride Week
Thanks to all those who participated in the first Ride & Stride Week (Oct 10 – 14). We saw lots of people cycling, walking or catching public transport to Westmead.
The feedback we received has been forwarded to The City of Parramatta Council, Transport for NSW, Parramatta Light Rail and NSW Roads & Maritime Services to help withfuture planning.
We asked staff what short-term improvements could be made to the precinct to improve their journey – here’s some feedback:• Better litter collection between Westmead
Station and the hospital• Better protection from the sun along the
pathways• New footpaths around the back of the
precinct• Wider footpaths from Westmead Station to
the hospital.
Thanks again to all who participated!
WSLHD staffers Louise McKeon and Stephen Corbett cycled to work on Ride2Work Day.the Nepean Therapy Dogs, who are making
a difference to the health and wellbeing of people in our local communities,” she said.
“We hope to raise more than $5000 this Halloween; all donations over $2 are tax deductible and all donations cover the costs of petrol, uniforms and training.
“All our volunteers are unpaid and the dogs love meeting and getting affection from patients, staff and visitors.”
Nicole has visited Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals for the past 14 years.
The Nepean Therapy Dog Inc. is a registered charity.
To assist, register your Halloween party, office morning tea or backyard BBQ at www.givenow.com.au, nominate Nepean Therapy Dogs as your charity and get your friends to donate or sponsor your activity.
Back: Yogi Moodley, Natalie Yalda, Lavinia Bahnean, Lisa Brimble, Megan Smyth and Lauren NugentFront: Amanda Nowak, Julianne Gibbons, Sarah Lee and Dinaz Kavaranad.
The Pulse | September 2016 8
Top team: Population HealthIntroducing the Centre for Population Health team, who protect and promote the health of people living in western Sydney.
They are based at Cumberland Hospital and consist of an award-winning team of experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to delivering high-quality programs and services, monitoring and evaluating their progress to work towards better health outcomes for people living in western Sydney.
Working within a framework of the Ottawa Charter and the social determinants of health, the team develop strategies to address both individual, social and environmental factors that contribute to a person’s health and wellbeing.
While working mainly at a population level with various key internal and external partners, the team also develop tailored programs for populations with specific health needs e.g. the state pilot of an Aboriginal Go4Fun program in Mount Druitt, Auburn child immunisation project, Crunch and Sip Equity project and the Housing for Health project targeting Aboriginal communities in Mount Druitt.
In the Spotlight will regularly celebrate community services improving our health
WSLHD Centre for Population Health is based at Gungurra Building 68, Cumberland Hospital.
In the Spotlight
Meet WSLHD Centre for Population Health’s Partnerships Team Co-ordinator, Helen Ryan. Helen has worked in WSLHD for 16 years as a Health Promotion officer at Auburn Community Health Centre and the past eight years in her current role. Helen is responsible for managing a dynamic team of five staff, who work with the education sector (primary and secondary schools, TAFE and Western Sydney University and local government, to support them to implement healthy eating and active living initiatives in their respective settings.
“At times my role is challenging but it is also really satisfying to work across a range of settings and in partnerships with several teams and organisations to see real population health improvements being made,” Helen said.
I’ve been involved with the state-wide primary school, ‘Live Life Well @ School’ program, which has successfully engaged 80 per cent of western Sydney schools to promote healthy eating and physical activity to students.
“It is wonderful to see the passion and commitment of teachers in making their schools truly healthy.”
Helen and her team also engage with secondary schools by working with multiple partners, supporting programs such as SALSA, healthy school canteens and active travel.
“A key achievement in the tertiary education sector that we are very proud to have been part of was the move to smoke free campuses.
Western Sydney University is now completely smoke free, as are a majority of the TAFE campuses that we work with.
“We have formal partnerships with Blacktown and Parramatta Councils, and work with all our Councils to support a healthy environment.
“Physical activity rates are low in western Sydney, we want to encourage people to walk more and active travel.
“The only way we can make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our people is to work with them. Western Sydney, with all of its diversity, is a great place to work.” For further information about the role of Population Health, visit: https://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Population-Health-Services/Home
The centre focuses on the following key health priorities:• Immunisation• Communicable Diseases• Tobacco• Women’s Health• Falls Prevention • Healthy Eating Active Living
• Environmental Health• Equitable health
For more information about Population Health, visit:https://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Population-Health-Services/Home
Centre for Popultion Health Partnership Team Co-ordinator Helen Ryan.
Working together makes a difference
The Pulse | September 2016 9
News from across WSLHD
Busy brilliance behind the scenes
My friend is 85. He lives in London. Last year he developed severe back pain. After weeks he was diagnosed with widespread cancer of the prostate. In April I intended to see him when I was in London but he was being moved by ambulance between hospitals and seriously ill and to my regret I missed him. I thought I might not see him again.
Not so! Back in London recently I enjoyed a Saturday pub lunch with him and his wife in Richmond where they live. He can now walk a mile, his pain is much less, his PSA is down from 3,000 to 13! He takes buses to physiotherapy. He is back doing a day a week at work, using his well-established feisty skills to the pleasure (usually!) of his fellow workers! Never forget the carers - his wife is still recovering from his ordeal.
My friend’s amazing recovery is due to what research has produced by way of the new generation drugs for this cancer. A molecular image of a biopsy of his tumour showed that two of these drugs would suit him.
Health and medical research workers are enthusiastic to see their work translate into improved care for patients. But not all research that is important for clinical application takes place in the wards. Research that has a clinical effect such as benefitted my friend so greatly is often backed by years of research by scientists who work in laboratories that can be a long way from the wards!
This backroom research is what continues to bring us so many clinically important advances. We should be careful to remember the laboratory research workers and honour them.
Stephen Leeder, WSLHD Research and Education Network director
World War I nurse honoured with memorial The NSW Nurses and Midwifery Association have led a tribute and memorial to honour World War I nurse Alice Cashin.
After serving her country with bravery, compassion and dignity, Alice was buried in an unmarked grave at the Woronora Cemetery.
The Council of the Nurses and Midwifery Association felt this was not the way anyone who had served their country and profession should be remembered.
The NSW Nurses and Midwifery Association, along with other donors, commissioned the installation of a bronze statue of Alice Cashin at her gravesite.
Auburn Hospital pre-admission clinic and day procedure unit nurse manager Debra Smith was privilidged to attend the memorial dedication ceremony.
“As a member of the Nurses & Midwifery Council, this experience has to be one of the most memorable highlights of my nursing career,” she said.
“I was so proud of my profession when I listened to Dame Marie Bashir and other dignitaries speak of Alice’s career from her training at St Vincent’s Hospital to her war career and ultimate bravery.
“Alice helped save 399 personnel from the torpedoed Australian hospital ship Gloucester Castle in 1917 in England.
“She was one of the last to be loaded into the life boat, refusing to leave anyone behind.
WWI nurse Alice Cashin honoured with a memorial grave at Woronora Cemetry.
There were three deaths.
“In recognition of her bravery, Alice was awarded a bar to her Red Cross medal, becoming the first Australian to receive the honour during World War I.
She also received the French heroism medal, the Croix de Guerre.
“Alice served as Matron of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Corps until she returned to Australia post-war,” Debra said.
“On the day that she left, “her boys” as she called them, showered her with daisies - at the memorial we laid daises onto Alice’s grave.” A memorial dedicated to Alice Cashin.
Research and Education Network
The Pulse | September 2016 10
Artist impressions of new-look hospital building
Building the future
Modern, fresh, light and airy – that’s the feel of the new hospital building at Westmead, as revealed in artist impressions recently released.
The images depict the latest designs for the new hospital building’s main entrance, forecourt and plaza area.
The artist’s impressions of the new main entrance show an open, light-filled space, offering a modern admissions area, complete with self-check-in stations for patients, contemporary seating and furniture arrangements and a mix of floorings to manage noise levels.
The new forecourt and plaza will feature green space for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy the sunshine, along with café-style seating and benches around the various landscape zones.
Both the forecourt and the new main entry will offer shelter from the elements, particularly for patients and visitors being dropped-off or picked-up outside the hospital.
The release of the images coincides with the completion of the schematic design phase of the Westmead Redevelopment.
This phase confirmed where services will be located in the new hospital building, focusing on how patients and staff will move through the space and the layout of each department.
The 12-storey hospital building will include new state-of-the-art operating theatres and interventional suites, along with expanded medical imaging and pharmacy services.
The building will bring together Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, with two new emergency departments – one for adults and one for children. It will also be home to the new Cardiac Comprehensive Care Centre.
More than 2500 clinicians, staff and community members have been consulted about the Westmead Redevelopment.
This year, critical infrastructure upgrades have been carried out, including a major upgrade to the electricity supply to the precinct.
Work has also kicked off on building more than 1450 new car spaces, including a new multi-storey car park.
More than $900 million has been allocated to the Westmead Redevelopment for the new building, infrastructure upgrades, car parking and refurbishments.
For more information, contact the Westmead Redevelopment team at www.westmeadproject.health.nsw.gov.au or on1800 990 296.
Artist impressions of what Westmead Hospital’s new main entrance and cafe will look like.
Artist impressions of Westmead Hospital’s new main entrance from Hawkesbury Road.
Artist impression of Westmead Hospital’s new main entrance to the new admissions department.
The Pulse | September 2016 11
Building the future
Blacktown skyline and birds eye view of Stage 2The Stage 2 site is starting to take shape at Blacktown Hospital as early works carve out the footprint for the new acute services building.
Work on Mount Druitt Hospital will start later this year.
The BMDH Redevelopment Project will be presented at the NSW Health Festival of Contagious Ideas where the carer zones and arts projects will feature.
For futher information about the Stage 2 redevelopment, visit:http://www.bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au/
Congratulations to Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals Project Stage 1 transition manager Peter Rophail (pictured above) and Blacktown Hospital’s “Caring for our Carers” and “Being and Belonging” categories have been nominated for a NSW Health award.
BMDH Project Stage 1 Transition manager Peter Rophail has been nominated for a prestigious NSW Government award for his outstanding leadership of the expansion projects at Blacktown Hospital and Mount Druitt Hospital.
The nomination for a NSW Health Collaborative Leader of the Year Award recognises exceptional individual contribution to health services in the state.
Glenbrook local Peter has worked in health for 20 years and is now director of operational design at Blacktown Hospital. He said he was “surprised and thrilled” to be named as one of the three finalists.
“I’m delighted to be nominated but it’s really been a team effort,” Peter said.
“I’ve been lucky to have supportive hospital staff and executive, a creative and dedicated project team, committed consumers representatives, and terrific project partners in Health Infrastructure who all wanted to do things differently,” he said.
The district has also been nominated in the Patients as Partners category for carer zones, and in the arts category Being and Belonging - the dialysis centre arts project.
Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospitals project leader recognised for ‘people-first’ approach
BMDH Redevelopment Project takes shape across the Blacktown skyline.
BMDH Redevelopment Project Stage 2 works underway at Blacktown Hospital.
The Pulse | September 2016 12
Building the future
Mount Druitt Hospital’s palliative & supportive care unit has welcomed 16 new volunteers to help work in the unit and the community.
Mount Druitt Hospital Palliative Care volunteer co-ordinator Kylie Clark said she had received a huge amount of applications and would place the volunteers in the wards.
“The volunteers will offer companionship and comfort, along with hand massages and practical assistance to patients,” she said.
If you are interested in volunteering at Mount Druitt Hospital palliative & supportive care unit contact Kylie Clark at [email protected]
Welcome new palliative care vollies
Welcome to the new palliative & supportive care volunteers at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.
Funds for fistula operation
Westmead Hospital’s maternity ward raised $650 for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, courtesy of a yummy high tea.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia aims to make childbirth injuries a thing of the past, by raising funds to perform fistula operations on new mums, particularly in Ethiopia.
Pregnant women in Ethiopia have limited access to healthcare – if they suffer complications in labour, it can take days for them to receive medical help, resulting in the loss of their babies but also terrible internal damage.
Westmead Hospital midwifery educator Kate Gillis and maternity manager Melissa Barkho.
Revving for a pink cause
The 16th annual Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride was a huge success, raising nearly $35,000 for the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI).
A crowd of 1000 attendees, with 700 people on motorcycles, dressed in pink from head to toe and met at the starting line at Club Marconi in Bossley Park.
Riders not only donned pink outfits but decorated their bikes with pink feathers, fairy wings and bras.
Westmead BCI breast surgeon Dr James French popped on his best pink gear for the ride.
Westmead BCI breast surgeon Dr James French.
Nearly 200 people packed the Waterview Restaurant in Olympic Park for the 15th annual Westmead Celebration of Survival breakfast.
Guests enjoyed a glass of champagne, entertainment and a three-course breakfast.
Breast cancer survivor Tina Purba-Pajnoo shared her story with the audience, recounting her diagnosis, treatment and surgery journey.
BreastScreen offers free mammograms for all women over the age of 40. To book, contact BreastScreen on 13 20 50.
Brunch for breast cancer
Polynesian performers entertained guests.
Westmead Hospital brain tumour group turns 10The Neuro Oncology Information Network (NOgIN) was the brainchild of Westmead Hospital nurse Diane Lear and Westmead Private Hospital nurse Emma Everingham.
The pair, who work in neurosciences, were inspired to start the support group in July 2006 after seeing first-hand the physical and emotional toll of brain tumour diagnosis and treatment.
NOgIN meets every two months at Westmead Private Hospital. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a dinner on Friday, November 4, 2016.The event will be held at Oatlands House from 7pm – 11.30pm. Tickets are $110 per person. To book, contact Catherine Hardman at [email protected] or call 9845 6946.
Nurse consultant Dianne Lear, Dr Gordon Dandie and Emma Everingham.
The Pulse | September 2016 13
Meet the teamCorporate Communications
Corporate Communications senior corporate communications specialist (online) Jennie Kearnes
Hi, I’ve worked for WSLHD for 16 months.My job differs day to day ranging from finding creative digital design solutions and front end coding which means I use skills from both my left and right brain - depending on the day.
I am interested in how people interact with the digital world and how websites can help people find what they need.
I receive enquiries across the LHD including to create a design for the web, a new interface, how to use an online tool, how to establish a website, a range of helpdesk type inquiries and the use of Photoshop and Illustartor.
Our team will be making more improvements in the digital space next year so stay tuned for changes!
If you have a question or feedback about the WSLHD websites email me at [email protected].
News from across WSLHD
Children’s Ward claims ‘5 rights’ trophy
Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals conducted the ‘5 Rights’ project to raise awareness of the importance of following the “5 rights of medication administration”.
Ward areas conducted weekly ‘observational audits’ and posters developed using real clinical scenarios to analyse issues and improve practice.
Creativity and innovation was encouraged and points were awarded to determine an overall winner.
Sweet TweetsWith Sia Anthopoulos
It’s been a great couple of weeks on social media for WSLHD.
Read on to see what our lovely followers have been tweeting about us:
TAFEWSI@tafewsi Congrats Robyn! @gmwestmead the growth of community & health services has never been more important
Delia Dent @DeliaDentRoques congrats @WestSydHealth miracle drug sounds promising!
The Children’s Ward (Ward 1A) at Mount Druitt Hospital claimed the trophy as the inaugural winners of the 5 Rights Trophy.
The project improved awareness and adherence to the principles of 5 Rights, and identified areas for improvement.
The 5 rights team would like to extend a huge thanks to their executive sponsor and all involved in the project.
The WSLHD Facebook page has reached 7340 likes!
Cancer breakthrough: We announced the remarkable results of a new cancer drug that is “melting” tumors away! Pictured is Westmead Hospital patient William Ward who celebrated his 70 th birthday.
He is in partical remission after joining the trial in January 2015! This post reached 11,722 people and received more than 367 likes. It was shared 27 times and received 14 comments:
IMPORTANT | We are receiving overwhelming interest in our breakthrough drug for lung cancer. Please be reminded that this study showed the benefit over chemotherapy only in lung cancer patients with a high level of a specific marker. We know it works well for some patients but it will not work for everyone.
Patients interested in more information should speak with their own medical oncologist.
The Corporate Communications multimedia team produced a video featuring NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner speaking with heart attack survivor Donald Paice about the text messaging program.
Check out the website by visiting : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNqZkhr6AoT2ifPdh-eT_w
Popular posts
Sandra Sully @Sandra_sully Westmead Hospital has made a special announcement about a miracle drug saving lives by dissolving luncg cancer without chemotherapy
Blacktown Mount Druitt hospitals director of nursing David Simmonds congratulates Ward 1A nurse manager Mildred Villason, Newborn special care unit nurse educator Jessica Caspit and nurse unit manager Terry Freeman who were runner’s up.
The Pulse | September 2016 14
Save the dateThe 10th Annual Parramatta Pride PicnicSunday, 30 October 11am -4pm
Join us down by the river in Parramatta for a day full of fun and pride.
** Doggywood, food vendors,
entertainment, games and music
All welcome.
For more information, contact Judy 9869
1454.
Leura International Breast Cancer Conference Precision medicine in breast cancer - imaging, diagnosis and treatment:
October 25-29
To register or for further information,
visit: https://www.regodirect.com.au/
leura8conference/home/
Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ Nursing and Midwifery Research SymposiumCall for Abstracts open 2016
12 April 2017
Blacktown Hospital Campus
University of Western Sydney Auditorium
To register or for further information,
contact [email protected].
gov.au or 0422 006 786
CALD Perinatal Conference Global Problems Local SolutionsTo enhance healthcare providers understanding of cross-cultural perspectives in motherhood, to improve the health and wellbeing of CALD women and their families when engaging perinatal services.
November 25, 8.45am - 4.30pm
John Loewenthal Auditorium Westmead Hospital.
To register for this free conference, visit:
https://donate.wmrf.org.au/cald
Feedback & Events
Tremendous therapy staffI have completed the current round of radiation therapy, as recommended, and I think the treatment went well.
I want to thank the staff at the radiation therapy unit.
I was treated with dignity and respect by all.
Staff answered any questions in a professional manner. I was directed to the Targeting Cancer website which, had all the information I needed to know.
There would be nothing I could say from the patient experience that should be done differently.
Name withheld
Professionalism beyond yearsI wanted to pass on my absolute gratitude and praise for two Westmead staff Tim and Simon. During my planning session, the professionalism they displayed was beyond their years.
They should be congratulated on the way they treated my husband and I - nothing was too difficult, they took the time to explain everything in detail as I was so nervous about the upcoming treatment.
The level of respect displayed towards me ensured I left with my dignity in tack.
I would also extend my thanks to the staff working in LA5. They are all extremely friendly and very diligent in their job.
Name withheld
Thanks a bunch
Exemplary treatment in cancer centreI am writing this letter in commendation and appreciation of all the staff in the day suite at Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead.
I have been receiving treatment at the centre and from the beginning,
I was received with the greatest consideration, friendliness, compassion and professionalism.
The level of care has been exemplary. There would be too many names to mention individually and at the risk of leaving someone out, praise must go to each and everyone who works at the day suite.
From the friendly receptionists at the front desk, the skilled nursing staff and the hospitality and cleaning staff, all have played a vital role.
My family and I are grateful we have been able to access such a high level of care.
A special thanks to the wonderful nursing staff. Your expertise and diligence has made this health journey of mine a little easier and provided me with a promising outcome filled with hope.
Once again, many thanks for the superb job you all do each and everyday to make a difference to the lives of patients and their families.Name withheld
Enrol now for Go4Fun Term 4Bookings are now open for Term 4 Go4Fun - a healthy lifestyle program for seven – 13-year-olds. Bounce in or make a splash at new trampolining and pool venues in western Sydney.
Register by phoning 1800 280 900 SMS 0409 745 645 for a call back or visit, www.go4fun.com.au