The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 3, Feb. 2013

Welcome to February edition of Far West in Focus The year has certainly started with a rush.

A major event during February was the opening of the sub-acute mental health unit in Broken Hill by the Hon Kevin Humphries, Minister for Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyles and Western NSW, he was ably assisted by a red heeler who made a surprise visit. Congratulations need to be extended to all LHD staff that were involved in the development of the unit, and NEAMI who will be operating the service, for getting the facility and service off the ground. I’m sure mental health consumers and their families across the LHD will quickly experience the benefits this new service can provide.

We were also lucky to have an extended visit by Mr John Feneley, the first Mental Health Commissioner for NSW. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the broader context within which mental health and mental illness exist and we look forward to ongoing collaboration with John and the Commission.

Susan Pearce, the NSW Chief Nurse and a former member of the Broken Hill Hospital Staff also visited. It was great to see Susan back with Pat Staunton who was providing staff with training about the handling of restricted substances. We are indeed fortunate to have a Chief Nurse who is acutely aware of the issues that affect rural practice and the delivery of services in rural and remote communities.

Physiotherapy in Broken Hill is gearing up for the opening of the rehabilitation unit in the next month or so. Our health promotion team has expanded and we’ve taken on a new ACHSM management trainee. I hope everyone will extend all new staff across the LHD a warm welcome and ensure there is an abundance of support for each of them as they settle into work and life in the District. While welcoming new staff I also note Rosie Baccarini and Dennis Roach are moving on to bigger and better things, I’m sure we all wish them well in their new endeavours.

The new Day Care centre at Balranald is up and running in what was the Emergency Department of the old hospital there. I understand everyone is very happy with the new facility and I’m looking forward to visiting in the very near future.

Earlier this week we celebrated the role of volunteers in the LHD and more broadly. The contribution made by volunteers is enormous. Their involvement also ensures that the LHD as an organisation maintains close links with our communities.

Over the coming month or so Tom Hynes (Chairman of the LHD Board) and I will be continuing our visits to talk with staff. Menindee and Broken Hill are the locations we have yet to get to. We’re eager to hear about things that have improved in the last year, things that may have made work harder and things that we need to focus more on. The engagement from staff we have spoken with so far has been valuable for me to identify areas where we need to focus more and for the Board in identifying strategic issues they will be monitoring over the next twelve months.

As I have wandered around I’ve noticed some people have removed their surname from their name badge. I’m sure each of you have expressed frustration when you have to speak with a call centre and the only thing you know about the person you speak to is their Christian name. If you have removed the surname from you badge please get a new one.

All the best for March — Stuart Riley, Chief Executive.

The Hon Kevin Humphries MP, Minister for Mental Health (left) with Deputy Mayor Darriea Turley and FWLHD Board Chair Tom Hynes and John Williams, MP for Murray-Darling at the unveiling of the plaque for the official opening of

the BH Mental Health Sub-Acute Unit.

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Minister for Mental Health, the Hon Kevin Humphries congratulates FWLHD Board Chair Tom Hynes on

opening the new Broken Hill Mental Health Sub-Acute Unit, with local MP John Williams.

As well as a large crowd, the opening attracted Dusty the

red dog, who wandered in to see what was going on.

Dusty added a touch of humour to the day

and surely appreciated the

attention!

Minister praises first of its kind MH facility at grand opening

The brand new Mental Health Sub-Acute Unit in Broken Hill was praised by Minister for Mental Health, the Hon Kevin Humphries for being the first of its kind in NSW.

The Minister officially opened the facility on 13 February and congratulated the District and everyone involved in the project for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm to develop the new service.

The opening highlighted the boost to mental health drug and alcohol services in the region that the facility would provide. Importantly, speakers praised how it would help services focus on moving mental health services away from crisis care to managing illness within the community, as well as taking pressure off the BH Hospital’s acute in-patient service.

Congratulations to everyone involved in establishing and running this magnificent facility.

FWLHD Board Chair Tom Hynes thanked everyone involved in the new MH facility

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NSW Mental Health Commissioner John Feneley met with local Mental Health staff during this visit including (from left) Caitlin Bush, Lisa Hunter, Kelly Nelder, Dallas Seager, Tanya Clifton and Director MHDA Susan Daly.

The new NSW Mental Health Commissioner, Mr John Feneley, this month visited the District for the first time to discuss mental health service issues with staff, carers and consumers and attend the opening of the new Broken Hill Mental Health Sub-Acute Unit.

Mr Feneley told local media his visit was an ‘introduction’ to the issues facing mental health in the Far West and that the Commission would present a plan on mental health reforms to the State Government by 2014. He also met with the local Family and Carer Mental Health Program and talked with carers about numerous issues.

The Quality Systems Assessment (QSA) program is a key component of the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Program (PSCQP), which was established across the NSW health system.

The QSA program focuses on the systems in organisations within the NSW health system for quality and safety and not on individual performance. The QSA methodology is based on a risk management framework which aims to evaluate the systems and processes which organisations have in place to control risks to patient safety using self-assessment and independent verification. The QSA program aims to develop and conduct quality system assessments of public health organisations.

In Far West LHD QSA is coordinated by the Clinical Governance Unit (CGU), however all staff are involved in the process.

Four assessors will be visiting the Far West LHD to verify data from the 2012 online assessment. They will be reviewing evidence against the following areas: Supervision/credentialing, End of life care & management and Clinical, mortality review meetings.

The verification occurs at LHD level, facility level and unit level. This year the following areas will be verified: Broken Hill hospital and

Wilcannia health facility and surgical, medical and emergency department at Broken Hill.

The assessors will be talking to staff, reviewing evidence such as policies, minutes of meetings and position descriptions. This will be an excellent opportunity to share the excellent work that is occurring at all levels of the LHD and also to identify areas for improvement.

Make sure you take the opportunity to say hello to the assessors when they are in your facility. The reports for the FWLHD 2012 QSA for the LHD, inpatient facilities and units can be accessed on the computer H drive at

H:\Home\cgu\ QSA More information about the QSA can be found on the CEC website at Clinical Excellence Commission - Quality System Assessment

QSA verification visit to District on 11-14 March

New Commissioner discusses issues facing mental health in Far West

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Physiotherapy Department moving forwards in 2013 The Physiotherapy Department underwent a review of its activities in light of the new allocation year for physiotherapists in NSW

starting on 4 February 2013 and the establishment of the new Rehabilitation Sub-Acute Unit, expected to open soon this year. During 2012, all wards remained busy where 3,946 occasions of services were attended; outpatient occasions of services in the gym

were 3,447 and 3,661 occasions of services in the hydrotherapy pool. The advent of the new aquatic centre has resulted in more aquatic physiotherapy based programs commencing in 2013 for rehabilitation patients and pregnant ladies with back pain.

Participants in maintenance programs in the pool will be encouraged to self manage with a prescribed program. Groups occasion of service have totalled 829 and include knee, falls and cardiopulmonary classes. There have been 38 outreach visits to Menindee, Wilcannia, Ivanhoe and Tibooburra.

Staffing has been supplemented with Lucy Netherwood joining the team as Senior in Rehabilitation. Nerissa Morley is completing competencies in Physiotherapy Paediatrics to join the Allied Health Team around Child Projection. Ty Corey has returned from his overseas trip and is working on the wards. Shevangh Mawter from St George is also joining the physiotherapy team in 2013. Ben Stewart has completed the HETI Leadership Management Essentials Program.

Physiotherapy Assistants - Rod Honson, Christy Smith, Stacey Evers, and Leanne McCully are studying the Cert IV in Allied Health Assistants due for completion in April 2013.

A further review will look at the impact of sub acute rehabilitation unit so that the allocation of physiotherapy resources across the continuum of care ensures an efficient and effective service.

— Margaret Grillett, Manager Physiotherapy Broken Hill Health Service

The team (from left) Ben Stewart, Nerissa Morley, Matt Lee, Rod Honson, Shevaughn Mawter, Jeff Tang, Inga Sladden and Ty Corey. Seated: Lucy

Netherwood. Absent: Christie Smith. Our latest physios from St George: Jeff Tang, Shevaughn

Mawter and Matt Lee

All staff are reminded that staff are required to have their name badges with first name and family name displayed. It is not permitted for staff to use 'white out' on name badges to obscure a name. If any staff perceive any issues with regard to security or safety, they should contact Human Resources to ensure that a risk assessment is conducted and amended name badges will be printed if necessary.

For further information please see NSW Health Uniform Policy PD2012_057 or contact Donna Cruickshank, A/Manager Human Resources on 08 8080 1672.

Badge should have correct name Public Interest Disclosures All staff are advised to familiarise themselves with policy

directive “Public Interest Disclosures” PD2011_061. The policy is intended to ensure that reports of

wrongdoing relating to corruption, serious and substantial waste, maladministration and government information contravention are treated appropriately and that staff who make reports will be protected from reprisal.

The policy can be found on the NSW Health website here: http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2011/PD2011_061.html

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Anita Cowlishaw has joined the Far West Population Health Unit as the new Health Promotion Officer for Healthy Children’s Initiative and Program Manager for Go4Fun.

Anita started in January and is from Brisbane. Previously, she worked as a Public Health Nutritionist in Queensland and has always been interested in children’s health.

Throughout her previous roles, she has written infant nutrition programs in developed and developing countries and has several years of clinical nutritionist experience in family health. Anita loves to surf, which she misses every day.

Anita's role in the Far West is to promote and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours among infants, children and parents. Anita manages the Munch and Move initiative in 20 preschools across the Far West, as well as Live Life Well at School, Crunch and Sip and Fresh Tastes Canteens initiatives throughout Far West’s 25 schools. Furthermore, Anita is the Program Manager for the Go4Fun program, targeting childhood obesity. Welcome to the Far West Anita!

Health Promotion Officer Anita Cowlishaw

Anita welcomed to Far West Health Promotion team

The Far West hosted a visit this month by the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer for NSW Health, Ms Susan Pearce, who caught up with Nursing Executive and staff, including newly appointed RN graduates.

Ms Pearce was trained in Broken Hill Hospital and retains a fond connection with Broken Hill and the Far West.

She is now the professional link between the NSW Minister for Health, the Director-General of Health and the public, private and education sectors of the nursing and midwifery professions in NSW.

Her visit coincided with the presentation to local nurse staff of “Handling of Restricted Substances” by Patricia Staunton, AM. Patricia Staunton is a qualified RN and midwife with postgraduate training in intensive care nursing, and holds a law degree and Masters in Criminology.

“There is possibly no-one better qualified that Patricia Staunton to speak about nursing/midwifery and the law, or to articulate how interesting and important the law can be for our profession,” said Ms Pearce.

Patricia Staunton presenting her seminar to local nurses

Chief Nurse drops in for visit

Chief Nurse Susan Pearce spoke to local media during her visit

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The Broken Hill Hospital foyer was a hive of activity on 22 February as the health service celebrated the annual Volunteer’s Morning Tea in appreciation for the commitment and dedication shown by all our volunteers.

Staff volunteered their time to organise the event and donated platters of food for the Morning Tea. The foyer was decorated with “Thank You” signs and a scrumptious spread prepared. BHHS General Manager Nigel Carlton spoke of the valuable contribution made to the health service by our volunteers — to the

A huge thank you to our many dedicated volunteers!

The Volunteer’s Cake was cut by Kiosk volunteers Betty Sammut and Margaret Wilson with Nigel Carlton in celebration and acknowledgment of the important role all our volunteers have in the health service and community.

Continued next page

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Kiosk Auxiliary, the Day Care Centre and Mental Health Unit, the BH Health Advisory Council as well as Telecross and visitor Mrs Pam Lord. He also praised collaboration between the volunteer groups, which included the Social Clubs Hospital Visiting services.

The Volunteer’s Cake was cut by Nigel with Kiosk volunteers Betty Sammut and Margaret Wilson (better known at the Kiosk and to hospital staff as Ma). It was fitting Margaret be involved as she is celebrating 20 years of service with the Kiosk.

Our wonderful volunteers were served tea and appetising savoury and sweet treats by our staff —a small way to say a huge thank you for their support of the District.

The event was a huge success judging from the noise level, the smiles and chatter. The many “No please, I can’t eat any more” comments convince us the morning tea was an enjoyable occasion for our volunteers.

A big thank you to our amazing staff from all areas of the Hospital and Kincumber House for their contributions and time — demonstrating yet again what team work is all about.

Finally a massive thank you to our wonderful volunteers for your contribution and commitment to our organisation and the community of Broken Hill.

See you same time next year I hope – kind regards,

Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager.

From previous page

Big thanks to volunteers

Staff enjoyed the event as much as the volunteers did.

The 2013 Enrolled Nursing Scholarship initiative, in partnership with the Department of Education & Communities and TAFE NSW is now open. Applicants can download the FAQ and Application Form direct from the NaMO website at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing Applications close on March 22, 2013.

Enrolled Nurse scholarships initiative now open

YourSay Workplace

Culture Survey Monday 25th March to Friday 26th April 2013

As part of NSW Health’s continuing commitment to improving our organisational culture, the next whole of Health YourSay Workplace Culture Survey will start in March 2013.

The last whole of health survey was In May 2011, and everyone who worked for NSW Health was invited to take part in a census survey to provide feedback on their experiences and views on their workplace culture. Far West LHD has the highest percentage participation rate in the state.

The results from the survey were used to guide local discussions and action planning, which continue today. The recent Service Recognition Awards were a direct result of feedback from the 2011 survey.

We need your feedback so we can continue the work to improve the workplace culture in our facilities. A healthy workplace culture means more satisfied and engaged staff and the best possible health care to the people in the Far West community.

Far West Local Health District has a number of Survey Champions who have volunteered to promote the survey and encourage your participation. The YourSay posters have been distributed and should list the survey champion(s) in your area or department. Alternatively look for the staff member wearing the YourSay T-shirt.

If you require further information please contact Linda Lynott on

0880829843 or email llynott@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

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Out with the old and in with the new — a fridge, that is!

A new commercial fridge has been purchased for the Staff Quarters at Broken Hill Health Service.

The fridge did pose a challenge for the maintenance staff on getting it into the building and I’m happy to say that many hands make light work and the fridge is up and running.

Residents have expressed gratitude and with the high occupancy level we will now have enough fridge space for all.

Many thanks to all the guys who helped in the process. - Robyn Stewart, Accommodation Coordinator,

It took some work but the new fridge is in place, up and running

Reset your own password

in StaffLink Did you know that StaffLink has a reset password feature

which you can activate at any time? Once activated, you need never worry about forgetting your StaffLink password again.

All you need to do is go to the General Preferences page in StaffLink and click on the Set Answers to Secret Questions link under the Change Password section.

Here you will be asked to complete a set of three secret questions. For example, the name of your first pet, your place of birth, or your mother’s maiden name.

Once you have submitted your answers, you can reset your password at anytime. This means you will no longer have to call the State Wide Service Desk (SWSD) for a password reset, saving you time and freeing up the SWSD to deal with other queries.

Next time you forget your password, simply click on Forgot Password on the StaffLink log-in page. Type in the answers to your secret questions. You will also be asked to type in a random series of numbers or letters, which are automatically generated as an additional security feature. Once you’ve completed this step, type in your new password, and you can proceed with logging in to StaffLink.

Remember, passwords in StaffLink have to be strong passwords as mandated in the HealthShare NSW Password Policy. This means that your password has to have a minimum of eight characters, and contain at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter and at least one number.

For more information, visit the Corporate IT pages on the HealthShare NSW intranet: http://intranet.hss.health.nsw.gov.au/insidehss/corporateit

Appropriate use if IIMS — grievances and complaints Recently there has been an increasing incidence of IIMS notifications relating to grievances. These have often been notified as

clinical or complaint incidents. IIMS is NOT a system for notifying, monitoring or managing grievances. Examples of a grievance may include, but are not limited to interpersonal conflict, the way work is allocated or managed,

interpretation of people management policies, or a perceived unfairness in the workplace. The grievance usually involves some concern or personal distress, and will usually, though not always, involve other people.

Your manager will be able to guide you through the process of grievance management. In addition you may refer to PD2010_007 Grievance - Effective Workplace Resolution.

There have also been a number of incidents entered inappropriately as Complaints. Complaints IIMS are an expression of dissatisfaction by a complainant (client or visitor, not staff) which may have one or more issues

associated. If you enter a complaint inappropriately you will be asked to renotify the incident in the appropriate category and the complaint

notification will be deactivated. This creates extra work for everyone, including you. If you are unsure which IIMS category to make a notification in, there is information available on the IIMS notification system once you

have chosen Far West. If you are still not sure please consult with your manager or the Clinical Governance Unit.

— Linda Sorum, A/Director of Clinical Governance

The Pharmacy Department of Broken Hill Health Service is moving from a paper-based system to an online system to claim back the cost of Highly Specialised Drugs (HSDs) supplied to outpatients of Far West LHD. Highly Specialised Drugs are medicines for the treatment of chronic conditions which require monitoring and assessment by a specialist doctor. These drugs are supplied in line with strict PBS criteria.

Patients will see some changes to the supply of outpatient prescriptions over the next few months, including:

A new prescription form has been developed to ensure all information required by the PBS is written on the prescription.

Patients who are receiving HSD medication may notice a change in the quantity of medication they receive and the number of

repeats. This is to bring most items in line with the PBS listed maximum quantity and number of repeats. Of course it is up to the prescriber regarding the maximum quantity to be supplied and in some cases the prescriber may request a lesser quantity, for example, if the patient’s dose is expected to need adjusting frequently. Patients receiving HSD medication will also notice a change to the co-payment amount. Again this is to bring the system into line with

PBS arrangements. Pharmacy staff are looking at their systems and paperwork and working to make changes to the pharmacy processes as smooth as

possible. As with the introduction of any new system, there may be delays in the time taken to dispense outpatient medication and everyone is

asked to be patient during this time. Anyone with any concerns about their outpatient prescription and the new system is invited to contact Lindsay Scott, Pharmacy

Manager on 08 8080 1607.

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Balranald adult Day Centre has a

new home in the MPS

The Balranald Adult Day Centre is now situated on the premise of the Balranald MPS.

The new Day Centre is located in the old Balranald Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Ward. This part of the old hospital was kept when all the older buildings were demolished and the new MPS built.

The Day Centre is a brick building, with lots of room, a kitchen, office area and storage rooms.

The members of the community and the residents of the MPS are thrilled to be in their new permanent facility.

The Day Centre operates every Monday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

Patrons do all sorts of activities including knitting, sewing, art and craft.

They also enjoy morning and afternoon tea and lunch from the MPS

kitchen.

BHHS Pharmacy moving to online system to claim back cost of HSDs

Balranald MPS residents and the community enjoy their new Day Centre premises

Congratulations to Kiosk Auxiliary

volunteer Dennis Roach on his

appointment as Executive Officer of

the Chamber of Commerce.

Although Dennis will be resigning

as the Secretary/Public Officer of the

Kiosk Auxiliary, staff and volunteers

will be pleased to hear that Dennis

will still be volunteering at the Kiosk.

Farewell to our bubbly Dietitian!

It is with much sadness we inform you all that our Clinical Dietitian Rosie Baccarini is leaving our department and town to pursue a career in oncology dietetics in Orange. We are very proud of her for making this brave leap and excited for her to be able to specialise in an area she loves so much but we’re equally sad to see her leave.

Rosie has been in her position for nearly 3 years and has endeared herself to many staff and patients along the way. Moving to Broken hill from Perth as a new graduate, having never been here before was a bold move that Rosie took to with great enthusiasm. We will miss her dearly and wish her well for the next exciting chapter in her life. —Dietetics Department

Top job for Kiosk volunteer

Policy Watch — PDs available on MOH internet The following documents have been published on the NSW Ministry of Health internet site http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies. These documents are official NSW Health policy. Compliance with Policy Directives is mandatory.

The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 3, Feb. 2013

PAGE 10 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to blicul@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au. Note that the

newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au