Tasmanian Health
Organisation – South
Infocus
THE NEWSLETTER OF THO SOUTH
SPRING – DECEMBER 2013 (EDITION No. 49)
Opening of the Emergency
Medical Unit (EMU)
The RHH’s new EMU is already playing an
important role in helping to reduce pressure
on the Emergency Department (ED), enhance
patient flow throughout the hospital and
improve health outcomes for patients.
The 10 bed Unit, funded by the Commonwealth as part of the $325
million Tasmanian Health Assistance Package, is co-located with the
ED and is providing care for patients requiring four to 24 hours of
hospital treatment.
The unit was officially opened by the Health Minister, Michelle
O’Byrne in November.
(L-R) Lucy Davy, Tameka Ridgeway, Dr Emma Huckerby, Dr Richard
Ward (in background), Sandra Ahokas, Susan Melross, Tenille Johnson
in EMU.
give patients an indication of their risk of developing diseases like
diabetes and heart disease.
“With hospital presentations around the country increasing, this
is an exciting opportunity for the Royal Hobart Hospital to be
innovative in how we support and empower patients to improve
their heath, potentially reducing pressure on hospitals in the future,”
Dr Huckerby said.
Contents
Learning Organisation
1
“The EMU allows patients to be moved into a more comfortable
ward environment, freeing up beds in ED, and also keeping beds
available in other areas of the hospital for patients that need longer
periods of care,” Minister O’Byrne said.
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community 4
RHH Emergency Department Director, Dr Emma Huckerby, said
the RHH Emergency Medical Unit is going a step further than other
EMU’s in the country.
Governance, Leadership and Management of
THO-South is Effective, Innovative and Valued
14
Safety and Quality are Priorities
16
Patient Centred Clinical Practice
16
“We are working closely with GPs and Community Nursing to help
support patients improve their health, potentially avoiding the need
for hospitalisation in the future. Patients admitted to the EMU will
undertake an assessment called ‘How healthy are you?’ “This will
Tasmanian Health Organisation – South
Redevelopment RHH
8
Learning Organisation
Sharing Midwifery Expertise
Midwives at the RHH were recently given the
opportunity to share their expertise with Julieanna
and Teresita, Midwives from Papua New Guinea
(PNG).
As our nearest neighbours, these experienced midwives have reached out to
Australian midwives, not just for help and compassion, but also to share their
unique experiences, skills and knowledge.
The Midwives were in Australia to attend the Australian College of Midwives
18th Biennial national conference in Hobart. The trip was made possible
thanks to an AusAid study tour grant.
Papua New Guinea women experience some of the worst outcomes of
pregnancy and childbirth in comparison with most other countries in the
world. Over the last 20 years midwifery in PNG almost disappeared.
Endocrinology Laboratory
Excellence in Service,
Research and Teaching
Despite having a small team, the Royal Hobart
Hospital (RHH) Endocrinology Laboratory is punching
above its weight. The highly skilled and dedicated staff
are responsible for testing Tasmania’s most common,
as well a some of Australia’s most complex, endocrine
conditions.
Infocus
PNG Midwives Julieanne and Teresita with staff at the RHH.
According to the most recent DHS data (2006), the neonatal mortality rate
in Papua New Guinea was 29 deaths per 1,000 live births and post-neonatal
mortality rate was 28 deaths per 1000 live births. This is in contrast to Australia
where ABS data between 2002 and 2004 reported the neonatal death rate
among Indigenous babies was 5.8 per 1,000 live births and 2.7 among nonIndigenous babies.
Staff said it was an amazing opportunity to meet the wonderful midwives and
realise how incredibly lucky we are in Australia to be able to provide such high
quality services.
The RHH Endocrinology Laboratory provides comprehensive testing of
samples needed for management of patients with Diabetes, Thyroid, Adrenal,
Pituitary, Fertility, Growth and Parathyroid disorders. The laboratory also
receives samples for neuroendocrine tumour testing and screening from
throughout Australia, making the RHH Endocrinology Laboratory a national
reference centre for endocrine testing.
Professor John Burgess, Director Endocrinology Laboratory, said that the
laboratory’s expertise has resulted in strong collaborative research links with
the University of Tasmania's School of Medicine and The Menzies Research
Institute. The laboratory also has research commitments in the area of
Thyroid disease, Iodine Deficiency, Diabetes, Obesity, Vitamin D and inherited
endocrine malignancies. The Laboratory's staff have a strong track record of
publications in international medical research literature.
“The laboratory also plays an active role in both undergraduate and postgraduate
teaching within the RHH by supporting both the University of Tasmania Medical
School and postgraduate advanced training in Clinical Endocrinology,” Professor
Burgess said.
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Learning Organisation
Overseas Health
Professionals Visit ICU
ICU staff at the RHH were recently given the
opportunity to broaden their clinical knowledge and
network with international experts, without having to
leave Hobart.
The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) and the
Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) Intensive Care Annual
Scientific Meeting (ASM) (which incorporates the annual Paediatric and
Neonatal Intensive Care Conference) was held in Hobart in November.
Each year the meetings attract around 1,000 attendees from Australia, New
Zealand and further afield, bringing together health care professionals working
in intensive care, including medical, nursing and allied health.
In recognition of their expertise in their specialised fields Mr Simon Foster,
Director Corporate and Support Services North West Regional Hospital,
Associate Professor Peter Dargaville, Director Neonatal Paediatric Intensive
Care Unit (NPICU), and Dr Tony De Paoli, Staff Specialist Neonatologist,
NPICU were invited to speak at the conference, along with other highly
regarded international speakers.
Clinical Associate Professor Andrew Turner (currently Vice President ANZICS
Our overseas visitors in ICU.
and Director, Department of Critical Care Medicine (DCCM) invited
conference attendees from China, Singapore, Korea and Japan to visit the
Royal Hobart Hospital DCCM.
Professor Turner gave the visitors an overview of the operation and services of
the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and escorted the group on a tour of the newly
developed area. The visitors showed particular interest in the monitors and
equipment used in ICU and the size of the cubicles. The overall consensus
was that they were very impressed with the newly developed, light and
spacious unit.
Belinda Cooper, Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Felicity Geeves, Nurse Unit
Manager, ICU, both said it was a great opportunity to learn about the nurse/
patient ratio, duties undertaken in intensive care units in overseas hospitals
as well as network with others working in the intensive care field who are
striving to attain better patient outcomes.
Flying High with the Royal
Flying Doctor Service
Sam Simpson, a dental trainee with Oral Health
Services Tasmania, flew to Broken Hill in October
to join the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) for
two weeks work experience, after winning a much
sought after scholarship.
Sam in Broken Hill.
Sam visited New South Wales outback communities Wilcannia, Ivanhoe and
Menindee during his stay in Broken Hill. “It was a great learning experience
to assist the Dentist,” Sam said. “I definitely want to go again. I got a different
perspective of dental needs in rural communities.”
“The Scholarship was a fantastic opportunity,” Sam said. “I gained valuable
clinical experience and at the same time provided the local dentist with
clinical assistance. I was very fortunate to work alongside RFDS dentist Dr
Lyn Mayne, who established the Tooth Program dental clinics, to provide oral
health services to remote communities, in 2012.”
“My first experience on the RFDS plane was very interesting. The six seater
plane was full and I had to sit in the cockpit with the pilot. It was very different
and exciting to be sitting up front and see the countryside spread out before
me.”
When his traineeship is completed next May, Sam, who is interested in health
promotion, would like to like to obtain placements in rural communities to
gain further experience in his chosen field.
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Infocus
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Celebrating Hospital
Play Specialists
Month
Hospitals are not generally places associated with
children’s parties, but in October the hospital’s
Play Specialists took over the Paediatric Unit and
threw a very special party for our young patients.
RHH Play Specialist Jacqui Dawborn filled the halls of the Paediatric
Unit with the sounds of her ukulele which quickly enticed some very
excited young children to be part of the festivities which involved
playing games, singing popular nursery rhymes and a special afternoon
tea.
The children were enthusiastic, as were staff that joined in with the
singing and impromptu dancing.
The RHH has four Play Specialists who provide a service from 8.30am
to 5pm, seven days a week. They are part of the multi-disciplinary
team on the unit and their aim is to see all children during their hospital
stay, as well as receiving specific referrals from the nurses and other
members of the team.
Jacqui said that Play Specialists have a valuable role in providing children
in hospital with therapeutic play, art activities and creative expression
to enable them to cope with admission to hospital and treatment.
“We provide suitable play activities in the playroom and bed side,
Play Specialist Jacqui Dawborn having fun at the party!
play to achieve developmental goals, and support families and siblings
to engage with the child through play,” Jacqui said.
RHH Play Specialists also assist and advise other healthcare
professionals on preparing a child for medical procedures, with an
emphasis on reducing stress and providing appropriate diversion.
Janine Sawford, Nurse Unit Manager, said the Play Specialists are
valued members of the multi-disciplinary team in Paediatrics. “They
are vital in ensuring that children get to experience normal things such
as play even though they are in the hospital environment,” Janine
said. “They are also important in assisting medical and nursing staff
with distraction whilst undertaking medical procedures to make the
experience better for our patients.”
Our Talented Staff
The Royal Hobart Hospital is now the proud
owner of a portrait of Princess Mary painted by
talented staff member Elizabeth Hunn. A nurse
at the RHH for 35 years, Elizabeth is based at
the Karingal Renal Education Centre training
patients on home dialysis.
The regal portrait, based on the painting Hazel in Rose in Gold, by Sir
John Lavery. Elizabeth has cleverly added the logo of Taroona High
School to the robe Princess Mary is wearing to reflect her connection
to the school and Tasmania.
“We are all so proud of Mary,” Elizabeth said. “I wanted other people
to see my portrait and enjoy it.”
Elizabeth is a latecomer to painting but said she had always been
interested in art. After doing an adult education class three years ago,
Elizabeth picked up the paintbrushes for the first time and the result
was the lifelike portrait of Princess Mary.
Staff, visitors and patients will have to wait for some time to enjoy the
artwork. Due to its size the portrait will be kept in storage until the
new inpatient precinct is built.
We thank Elizabeth for donating her painting to the RHH and hope
she continues to enjoy expressing herself through art.
Infocus
Page 4
Elizabeth Hunn with Larraine Millar, Strategic Director, Redevelopment
RHH.
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Melbourne Victory
Players Spread
Happiness
There was great excitement on the Paediatric
Unit recently when Melbourne Victory players
Archie Thompson, Adama Traore, Connor
Pain, Gui Finkler, Jesse Makarounas and Pablo
Contreras came to visit.
As the players walked into their rooms the children’s faces beamed
with big smiles, as did some staff and parents! When Jesse, Archie and
Goi stopped at Chloe Smith’s bedside there were smiles all round,
although Chloe was a little shy at first.
Chloe did not know much about football but when Archie gave her
an autographed team poster and chatted, she quickly lost her shyness
and enjoyed the visit. Cassandra Hooper, Chloe’s mother, said she
appreciated the visit and thanked the team for taking time out of their
busy day to visit.
Archie, who is passionate about giving back to the community, said
it was a pleasure for him to visit. “I have two kids of my own, it
obviously makes you appreciate that they are healthy,” he said.
Chloe and her mum Cassandra enjoying the visit with Jesse, Archie
and Gui.
The Melbourne Victory A League team was in town to play a preseason friendly game against Western Sydney Wanderers at the Two
Ovals at Kingston.
The visit was a great success and we thank the Melbourne Victory
players for taking the time to stop by.
Victory for Stephen
Turner at the World
Rally Championship
Stephen Turner, RHH electrician, proved he
is a man of many talents, achieving success in
round 10 of the World Rally Championship
(WRC), held in Coffs Harbour in September.
Stephen, who began racing rally cars in 2009, and his co-driver
Daniel Willson pulled off an incredible result, finishing 14th outright.
They were also the first Australian team home and the first 2wd class
6 in their Ford Fiesta R2. Their outright placing in this event is the
highest place an R2 specification car has ever finished a WRC round.
Starting from 27th place on the road, the pair quickly moved up the
start order and after the first full day of competition had moved into
17th place outright. “We knew it was going to be a tough event so
we decided we would attack from the start while the car was fresh,”
Stephen said.
“Our strategy worked perfectly, we could back off on the last day,
conserve the car and let the others take risks trying to catch us,”
Stephen said.
Looking to the future Stephen said he is now determined, more than
Stephen (right) and Daniel celebrating their success.
ever, to continue his success at an international level. “I think this
proves that Daniel and I have what it takes,” Stephen said. “We were
punching well above our weight all weekend and came out on top so
I hope this leads to big things for us.”
We congratulate Stephen on his success at an international level and
wish him well in future rallies.
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Infocus
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Community
Expo – Shining
a Light on
Postnatal
Depression
A highly successful community
expo was held at the City Hall in
November to raise awareness about
Postnatal Depression.
The aim of the community expo, held during Post Natal
Depression Awareness Week, was to shine a light on
postnatal depression so that women and families know
support is available, and to reduce the stigma so that they
are more likely to seek that support.
Children were entertained by an Alice in Wonderland live
performance and a tea party with characters from the show, including Alice and
the Mad Hatter. There was also face painting and lots of giveaways.
Alice in Wonderland performers take the stage at the community expo.
Adults and parents were able to browse over 30 stalls featuring a diverse range
of government, non-government, and community support available.
Women who are experiencing depression and anxiety can get help by calling
the Mental Health Helpline 1800 332 388 or their GP.
Pregnancy and the year following a baby’s birth is a time of great change in a
woman’s life, placing her at much higher risk of developing depression and other
mental health disorders.
Further information can be found on the Post and Antenatal Depression
Association website www.panda.org.au
Research shows that depression and/or anxiety are experienced by at least 1
in 10 women during pregnancy and 1 in 6 women in the year following birth.
The event was hosted by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and
the Conception to Community collaboration, with the support of the National
Perinatal Depression Initiative.
Clarence High
School’s Huge
Effort
The Paediatric Unit has received
more than 500 children’s books from
Clarence High School student group,
Clarence Community Care Club (C4),
as part of a community awareness
initiative.
Designed to coincide with Book Week in August this year, the group were keen
to raise awareness within the school of the needs of others in the community
and decided to make our young patients their focus this year.
Rosie Gumley, RN, thanked the students for their efforts on behalf of our
patients. “This fantastic selection of books, suitable for all ages, is a welcome
Infocus
Rosie Gumley, RN, with Clarence High School students Abbie Witts,
Tanisha Boland, Laura Newell, Olivia Crawford, Courtney Pregnell and
Alex Todeschini.
addition to the library on the unit and they will bring a great deal of enjoyment
to many children during their stay with us,” Rosie said. “The books will also
provide a distraction from hospital life, especially for children who are often
admitted for a lengthy period.”
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Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Thanks for Care in NPICU
Kate and Matthew Oates were so impressed
with the care their baby Oliver received in the
Neonatal & Paediatric Intensive Care Unit they
raised $14,270 to purchase equipment.
Mark, Sonia, Kate and Matthew with Oliver as he presents the cheque.
“Oliver was in hospital for 94 days,” said Kate. “The staff were wonderful.
They supported us through the roller coaster ride of Oliver’s time in
NPICU and we wanted to give something back.”
The money was raised from a car rally organised by 'proud pop' Mark
Hughes, and a donation of $3,000 from Mark’s colleagues at Aurora.
Oliver was born at 32 weeks, weighing just 1.5 kg. Although premature,
Oliver was healthy when born, but two weeks later he was diagnosed with
necrotizing enterocolitis (an infection of the bowel), which required surgery.
Nine month old Oliver handed the cheque to Sonia Gallahar, NUM,
who said the donation was amazing because it allows the unit to buy
much needed equipment for the precious babies in their care.
The RHH thanks Oliver, family and friends who contributed toward
the purchase of a Bilisoft blanket (used to treat jaundice), a vein finder,
five portable breast pumps and a pump for delivering intravenous
medications.
Paddling for RHH
Cancer Patients
Congratulations to the Dragons Abreast Boobialla
crew who won a bronze medal in the Women's
Breast Cancer Survivor 20's race at the Australian
Masters in Geelong. The Tasmanian team, which
includes staff member Sue Sanderson, has joined
the Dragon Boat elite!
The crew raised $5,260 from entry fees at their Corporate Regatta, held
in April, and unanimously decided to ask wards treating cancer patients at
the Royal Hobart Hospital to name an item of equipment on their ‘wish
list’. Staff decided on a portable ECG machine for the Oncology Inpatient
Unit and electronic scales for the Oncology Outpatient Clinic.
Staff member Sue Sanderson, herself a breast cancer survivor, and
fellow paddlers joined Ann Allanby, Assistant Director of Nursing Cancer
Services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) recently to see equipment
they purchased to benefit patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
Louise Nicholson, NUM Oncology Outpatients Clinics, thanked the team
for their support of cancer patients. “It is vital to have accurate scales for
Ann Allanby with Dragons Abreast crew and RHH staff.
patients undergoing chemotherapy as this is one method of calculating
dosage,” Louise said. “These scales are excellent, as patients can hold on
to the support rails and still be weighed accurately.”
After a tour of the newly redeveloped oncology outpatients clinics the
members joined Ann Allanby, Inpatients to see the portable ECG machine
and to enjoy morning tea with the staff..
Ann gave members a demonstration of the ECG machine, explained its
clinical features and said the ECG machine would be in daily use on the
ward.
Our thanks go to the crew who paddle to keep fit and have fun, but at the
same time assist other people undergoing treatment for cancer.
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Redevelopment RHH
The Shape of Things to Come
Staff and patients are already benefiting from
improved facilities and services delivered by the Royal
Redevelopment in 2013.
During the year, the Redevelopment has delivered improved outpatient
clinics in the Wellington Centre, the new Medical Imaging Facility,
redeveloped Department of Critical Care Medicine and the THO South
Cancer Services Centre.
As a result, patients now have access to more modern, patient-centred
services and facilities.
2014 will be a big year for the Redevelopment with major construction
work to begin later in the year, following the approval of the guaranteed
construction sum. Early works to prepare the site for construction will start
early in the New Year.
The project’s achievements for 2013 include:
2013
Achievements
March
$11 million Wellington Clinics opened.
April
$9.3 million New Medical Imaging Facility opened.
May
$9 million upgrades of electrical infrastructure completed.
July
Improved project management and governance arrangements implemented.
August
Improved redesign receives clinical sign off.
September
Managing Contractor signed for stage one of the final phase of the Redevelopment.
October
Managing Contractor advertises early works tender to prepare site for construction.
October
Redevelopment webpage goes live – increased community information.
November
Tender called for women’s health outpatient clinics called.
November
Updated construction method announced to reduce the disruption of the build on patients and staff.
November
Three redevelopment tenders announced including the main works package.
December
$14 million redeveloped Department of Critical Care Medicine.
December
$25 million THO South Cancer Services fully commissioned
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Hidden Talents
The artistic talents of the Clozapine Clinic clients
have been showcased at their 13th annual art
exhibition.
The exhibition showcased the talents of the new and emerging artists
who attend the Clinic.
Coordinated by Tanya LaPaglia, artist and RHH nurse, the art group is
encouraged to explore the art world, experiment and try new things.
Regular visits to TMAG, MONA and other galleries inspire the group and
help in developing the social aspects of the group.
Tanya LaPaglia (second left) and Penny Sushames (second right) with
the artists.
This year’s exhibition featured a wide range of techniques, from
watercolours, pastels and pen and ink to mosaics, woodwork and block
prints.
“I’ve been coming here for years, and I love it”.
Cathy Nettlefold tried her hand at printmaking this year to great success,
with all three of her artworks sold at the exhibition.
Ben’s artwork has a gentle humour that is sometimes much needed in
the clinical setting.
“The Art Group is great, it gets you out of the house, and the space is a
haven for us,” said Cathy.
“Last year I had penguins in submarines, this year it’s cats and dogs in
planes!”
Artist Ben French is proud of the work displayed on the walls of the Clinic.
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treating schizophrenia.
Infocus
Page 8
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
A Diamond Jubilee of
Working and Giving
A Diamond Jubilee celebration is a milestone in
any organisation’s life. Graeme Houghton, Chair of
the Tasmanian Health Organisations recently had
the pleasure of joining members of the Statewide
Auxiliary movement to celebrate their 60th Golden
Jubilee Conference.
23 out of a total of 30 Tasmanian Auxiliaries were represented at the
conference, which was an important opportunity for members to reconnect with friends from all over the State and to discuss important matters
relevant to community health needs.
Graeme Houghton said he was delighted to be invited to attend the
conference and see so many delegates present from all over Tasmania.
“Your tireless hard work makes a difference to the State’s hospitals and
healthcare facilities,” said Graeme. “I have been told that in the last financial
year, well in excess of $1million has been raised by the network of 30
Statewide health auxiliaries.
“I am amazed by this figure. This is a major commitment and a serious
effort. Your dedication to help others shows the strong commitment you
have to the wellbeing of your community and your fundraising efforts play
a crucial role in assisting Tasmanian hospitals and healthcare facilities to
purchase additional pieces of equipment.”
For more than 60 years, the commitment of Auxiliary members to provide
additional equipment for the care, comfort and welfare of patients has
not wavered. The Auxiliary movement has a great tradition of serving the
community and the Tasmanian Health Organisations thank members for
their dedication and years of service to benefit the people of Tasmania.
Graeme Houghton and Maureen Miller cut the celebratory cake.
The Wonder of
Never Never Land
Benefits the Hospital
Children on the Paediatric Unit have benefited
from the generosity of the Huon Valley Theatre
Company (HTC) and its successful production of
the famous J.M. Barrie play, Peter Pan.
The HTC followed the tradition of J. M. Barrie and donated a
percentage of the ticket sales (and gold coin donations for photographs
taken with Peter Pan and Captain Hook) to the Paediatric Unit.
The first performance of Peter Pan took place in London in December
1904. It was an immediate hit. Famous for his generous nature, J M
Barrie entrusted the copyright of Peter Pan to the Great Ormand
Street Hospital in London. The hospital still retains the rights. Theatres
all over the world continue to donate part of their proceeds from
productions of Peter Pan to their local hospitals.
Carl, Brittany and Alex presenting the cheque to Kelly Grant, RN.
Alex Donnelly (Captain Hook), Brittany Watson (Peter Pan) and Carl
Lawton, Director, visited the hospital to donate a cheque for $1,260
to the Paediatric Unit. The donation will be used to purchase craft and
patient comfort items which will benefit many of our young patients
over time.
Carl said the cast and crew were delighted to donate to the Paediatric
Unit. “The play was extremely popular, well received by the public
and we had packed houses,” said Carl. “We are very pleased that we
are able to help others at the same time.”
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Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Christmas isn’t
Christmas without
a Christmas Tree
It’s not every day you see a truck carrying a 4
metre high Christmas tree parked in the front
forecourt of the hospital.
The generous staff at Forestry Tasmania did not hesitate when they
received a call from the RHH asking could they help us create a
festive atmosphere at the hospital by donating a Christmas tree.
They went to great lengths to select a suitable tree, to take pride of
place in the Liverpool Street foyer. A splendid specimen was selected
from a pine plantation in the Tyenna Valley and when it was delivered
it came complete with a drum to stand in and rocks to hold it steady.
Visitors are surprised to see such a thing of beauty in the hospital
setting. The tree, which is now dazzling with silver and blue
decorations, has bought joy to patients, staff and visitors at this
special time of the year.
The tree looks fabulous and we thank Forestry Tasmania for helping
us bring Christmas cheer into our hospital.
Robyn Cohen, Community Relations Unit staff member,
decorating the tree.
Spreading the Joy of
Reading
The Australian Literacy Educators’ Association
(ALEA) marked International Literacy Day in
September by presenting books to expectant
mothers attending the Young Mothers’ Clinic at
the Royal Hobart Hospital.
International Literacy Day promotes reading to children as early as
possible and aims to raise the standard of literacy throughout Australia.
Kelli Parker (a new mum herself) representing ALEA, presented mumto-be Chelsie and her partner Anthony with a book for their baby and
a tiny tee shirt with the message ‘read to me’ on it.
“Parents who read stories aloud to their children provide a strong,
positive influence and reading together is a special and enjoyable
way to take time out from busy schedules and focus on the family,”
Kelli said. “Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher and
this time presents a rich opportunity to develop the literacy skills of
listening, speaking, reading and comprehending.”
The RHH Young Mothers’ Clinic offers specific programs for teenagers
to support their physical, mental and emotional preparation for birth
and parenting. The clinic offers support, programs, antenatal checks
and visits from various groups including social workers and lactation
consultants. Expectant mothers are able to drop in for educational
Infocus
Chelsie and Anthony with Kelli.
purposes any time the clinic is on rather than wait for their scheduled
appointment.
Fiona Savory, Childbirth and Parenting Educator, thanked ALEA for its
continued support of young mothers. “Thanks to their generosity this
large donation of books will enable us to give many parents what may
be their first baby book,” said Fiona.
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Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
'Best Day Ever' on
the Paediatric Unit
According to staff, Tuesday 3 December has
gone down in the record book as being the
most exciting day ever on the Paediatric Unit!
In the morning Father Christmas and his elf made a flying visit from
the North Pole.
The children were waiting excitedly and when Father Christmas
arrived on the unit many took a peek from their doorways to make
certain it was really him.
Father Christmas visited every child and handed out Christmas teddy
bears, calendars, Santa books, stickers and antlers.
Freycinet Bissell enjoying a visit from Father Christmas.
Father Christmas made every child feel special and a big thank you
goes to the Centrepoint Shopping Centre for arranging the visit and
providing the gifts. Thanks also to Mick and Jane, 7HOFM breakfast
presenters, who accompanied Father Christmas.
In the afternoon The Wiggles arrived.
The playroom was filled to capacity with children, parents, staff and
visitors. In fact, there was barely any wiggle space left when The
Wiggles burst into the room in a blaze of colour.
The playroom came to life and after many hellos and high fives the
Wiggles sang all their favourite songs which were accompanied by
enthusiastic clapping, singing, hands in the air and much laughter,
which echoed through the corridors.
The Wiggles were determined that nobody would be left out of the
fun and they visited every child unable to leave their beds, signed
autographs and posed for photographs. Before leaving Blue Wiggle
Anthony promised that the next time they were in Hobart they would
visit again. We are looking forward to it already!
The Wiggles meeting our young patients.
Spreading Christmas Cheer
Father Christmas, and his elf, visited the
Paediatric Unit in December to present gifts,
donated by Bunnings at Rosny, to children in
hospital. Jacob Chettle (pictured) absolutely
loved his present!
In December, Southern Council of Auxiliary members spent the morning wrapping more
than 200 gifts to give to patients on Christmas Eve.
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Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
ED Staff Inspiring Students
Dr Jen Macqueen and Melinda Rose, CNC, recently
visited Glenora District High School, to inspire
primary and secondary students to become, one
day, Emergency Department nurses and doctors.
Their visit was part of the school's Life Design Program, which applies from
Kindergarten to year 10. It was implemented in order to widen the students
understanding of the world of work, and what it is to be 'work ready'.
“The program is focused on combining social skills, career skills and industry
visits to better prepare the students for when they leave Year 10,” said teacher
Rachael Downie. “The aim is to create students who are better prepared for
life and the world of work through exposing them to a wide range of career
options from industry visits.”
Melinda and Jen both said it was a pleasure to meet the students and a
Jen and Melinda with students.
wonderful opportunity to give them an overview of how challenging and
rewarding a career in a medical field can be.
‘Podiatrists LOVE your Feet’
Did you know that your foot has more than
25 bones, a network of muscles, joints and
ligaments? The average moderately active
person takes about 7500 steps a day or about
174,000 kilometres in their lifetime!
acting quickly if you notice a problem.
Staff also used “Annie,” an Arterial Insufficiency Leg, recently purchased
by the Northern Suburbs Auxiliary, to demonstrate foot problems
such as arterial ulcers, necrotic toes, cellulitis, fungal nails, calluses and
heel fissures. “Annie” is very graphic and gave staff and visitors a visual
reminder of the importance of foot care.
The theme of national Foot Health Month in October was ‘Podiatrists
LOVE your feet.’ Podiatry South staff recently put foot health in the
spotlight by holding an information stall in the Liverpool Street foyer
to raise awareness.
The display attracted much interest from staff and visitors. The
podiatry team were kept busy providing information about ways to
avoid foot problems by taking care of your feet and the importance of
Infocus
Josh Palaya and Simon Heron discussing foot care with staff member
Katherine Marsden.
“Many problems can affect our feet and foot pain can reduce our
capacity to exercise or move around,” said Toni Nash, Manager
Podiatry. “Many of our staff are on their feet for hours at a time and
the display a timely reminder of the benefits of looking after our feet.”
Should you experience problems with your feet, schedule a visit to a
podiatrist. We all need to love our feet!
Page 12
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
76 Years of Exemplary
Service to the Royal
Northern Suburbs Auxiliary members recently
gathered with Podiatry Department staff to
celebrate 76 years of service to Royal Hobart
Hospital (RHH) patients, and to say farewell,
following their decision to disband due to low
membership.
Auxiliary member Gwen Brooks said it had not been an easy decision
for members to make as the Auxiliary had been fundraising to assist
patients at the RHH since 1937. “We are very sorry that the Auxiliary
has dispersed but are happy at the same time that we have been able
to purchase so many items of equipment to help patients of all ages,”
said Gwen.
Toni Nash, Podiatry Department Manager, thanked Auxiliary members
for their unwavering support to podiatry patients over the past five
years. “We are incredibly grateful that you have knitted, sewed,
baked and held raffles to raise funds to assist our patients,” Toni said.
Auxiliary members and Podiatry Department staff.
“Without you we would not have been able to purchase an extensive
range of important teaching aids.”
The RHH greatly appreciates the Northern Suburbs Auxiliary's support
over the past 76 years. We thank them sincerely for the many items of
equipment they have purchased, and for so generously donating their
precious time to assist patients in our care. We wish them a happy and
well deserved ‘retirement’.
The Leg Club First
Birthday
Eastern Shore Community Nursing recently
celebrated the 1st birthday of its successful Leg
Club. Over 40 members turned out for the
celebrations, which fittingly featured a birthday
cake covered in legs.
The Leg Club provides community based treatment, health education
and ongoing support for people of all ages with an emphasis on social
interaction, participation, empathy and peer support. This has been
shown to impact positively on healing, reduce recurrence rates and help
isolated people reintegrate into their communities.
Lea Young, a Community Health Nurse with Eastern Shore Community
Nursing, had been researching alternative models of care and discovered
that the community based model for treating leg ulcers has been used in
England since the 1990s with great results.
With the construction of the Clarence Integrated Care Centre, Lea saw
an opportunity and grabbed it.
“Because we had the new building, we had the space, it was the perfect
venue to do it, and it’s great to see, one year on, that it’s working so
well,” she said.
People are ‘members’ of the Club, not ‘patients’ – it’s not a clinic. They
can come along to have their wound assessed or dressed, and advice is
provided on how to prevent further wounds.
Members of the Club cannot speak highly enough of its benefits and
the work of the nursing staff. Many members related long histories of
stubborn leg wounds resisting traditional models of care, but amazed at
the ‘miraculous’ cures they experienced while attending the Leg Club.
Ellie Lindsay, founder of the Leg Club model, cuts the cake surrounded
by members of the CICC auxiliary and community nurses who work in
the Leg Club.
Lea modestly laughs off the miraculous tag, “we’re not miracle workers,
we’re just nurses”.
“However, it’s widely accepted that social isolation and depression are
a major cause of wounds not healing, this model of care addresses that.
This Club reduces that isolation, once their wound has healed they don’t
have to stop coming, they can act as support to others who attend.”
Traditional models of care – whether it be going to the doctor or a clinic
- would mean that once the wound had healed, that socialisation aspect
would come to an end, but the Leg Club encourages its members to
continue the social interaction. A variety of board and card games are
made available and the ongoing community spirit means that members
also become aware of other community groups that are available such as
knitting and walking clubs.
The Leg Club is located at the Clarence Integrated Care Centre and can
be contacted on 6282 0350.
Page 13
Infocus
Governance, Leadership and Management of
THO-South is Effective, Innovative and Valued
Farewell Sandra Risely
After 36 years of service to the Central Sterilising
Department at the RHH, Sandra Risely is retiring
to begin the next chapter of her life.
Her colleagues recently gathered to celebrate her career and wish her
well in retirement presenting her with a beautiful quilt, signed by all her
friends.
CEO Jane Holden presenting Sandra with a plaque recognising
her service.
seen many staff come and go but I have made a many lifelong friends
along the way. I have been here so long I am part of the furniture!”
Sandra said she had seen many changes at the RHH in her 36 year
career. "When I began only four surgical trays were used for total hip
replacement surgery, now up to 25 trays are used!”
Carol Barber, Nurse Unit Manager, thanked Sandra for her valuable
contribution over the years and said she would be greatly missed.
When asked how she would spend retirement, Sandra said she was
planning to move to Adelaide to be close to her daughter who was
studying law. “I will find plenty to do, I love reading and knitting,” she
said. “In fact I will become a lady of the manor.”
“I thought I would only be in the job for five years,” Sandra said. “I have
We wish Sandra good health and happiness in her retirement.
THO-South Inaugural Annual Report
THO-South released its inaugural Annual
Report in October, showing strong gains
in reducing the budget deficit, developing
innovative models of care and leading the way
with research and education.
CEO Jane Holden said services have faced unprecedented demand
this year, with emergency department presentations increasing by
5.5% to 50,794, and admissions to the RHH increasing 2.6% to
65,244.
“In the face of this, we have reduced the elective surgery waiting list
by over 500 and improved our performance across all key indicator
categories. We have also achieved significant financial improvements,
reducing the cash deficit by $11.4 million, to $5.6 million.”
The RHH redevelopment also achieved several milestones including
construction of the Cambridge Production Kitchen, the Wellington
Clinics and the bunker for the new Linear Accelerator.
There is still considerable work to do, and areas to strengthen, but the
Infocus
CEO said she was confident that through the strategies put in place
across the organisation we can continue to improve our performance.
“Our dedicated and talented staff are at the centre of the gains that
have been achieved this year. Many go above and beyond to ensure
our community receives the best possible care, and I am incredibly
grateful for their ongoing commitment.”
Other achievements in the 2012-13 financial year included:
•RHH achieved continued four year accreditation status through the
Australian Council on Healthcare Standards
•Over 115 research projects being undertaken
•The opening of the Clarence Integrated Care Centre
•Creation of the state’s first oncology room for adolescents and
young adults
“Our mission is to work together to deliver safe and compassionate
patient care founded on excellence in practice, teaching and research
within the bounds of the resources entrusted to us by the community,”
Jane said.
Page 14
Governance, Leadership and Management of
THO-South is Effective, Innovative and Valued
Celebrating 40 Years
of Service
Colleen Hart is the definition of dedication
and commitment, having recently reached the
impressive milestone of 40 years continuous service
to the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).
Colleen, RHH Diet Supervisor, started work as a cook at the RHH in 1973
and then specialised as a Diet Cook, preparing special meals and desserts.
Back in the day bulk meals were delivered to wards in hot trolleys for the
nurses to plate. Work practices have changed considerably since then!
Individual meals are now delivered to patients in B Pod carts which deliver
meals with a ‘straight from the oven’ quality.
In the 1980s and 90s her focus remained on inpatients in her role as Diet
Supervisor. Colleen also worked in conjunction with food service staff
to assist with the implementation of systems to deal with unusual diets,
ensuring they were correctly prepared. She continued to support Food
Service staff with the special needs of inpatients and also coordinated the
Home Nutrition Service which helps to keep patients out of hospital.
Amongst her various roles, Colleen clearly had time to get out and socialise.
Colleen celebrates with her colleagues.
She met her husband Greg, a carpenter in the Engineering Department at
the RHH in 1979.
Colleen is a proud member of staff at the RHH and her colleagues enjoyed
celebrating her amazing achievements over the past 40 years with a special
afternoon tea recently.
Jean Symes, Manager Nutrition and Dietetics said that the RHH is very
fortunate to have such a committed staff member. “Nutrition plays an
important role in a patient’s recovery and Colleen has made a positive
contribution to patients at the RHH over the past 40 years.”
Pretty Impressive
Management Skills
(PIMS)
There are organised, efficient and dedicated
managers in this world - and then there's PIMS
Manager Mark Upton.
According to Bridget Jones, Director Strategy, Planning & Performance,
Mark is “an exemplary manager who continually strives to improve his
own professional development and that of his staff.”
Mark began his career in Food Services as the Manager of Food
Production, before moving to Medical Records where he became
PIMS Manager in 2007.
Mark at work.
His commitment to improving his skills and those of his staff, began in
Food Services when he introduced Vocational Education and Training
(VET) for Food Services staff. Many staff had never undertaken formal
training and after completing VET courses gained nationally recognised
qualifications.
A member of the Health Information Management Association of
Australia (HIMAA), Mark was recently appointed Senior Associate
Member. He is a Certified Health Information Practitioner and is
progressing through a postgraduate health administration course.
Mark’s goal is to complete his Masters in Health by the end of 2014.
Mark has continued his philosophy of encouraging staff to better
themselves by undertaking formal training for professional
development. PIMS staff are offered opportunities to develop their
skills and several have completed business certificates.
According to Mark the biggest accomplishment of his career to date
has been his involvement in the development and installation of the
DMR system. He said he was so keen to get it right he spent many
hours scanning, in his own time, to gain an understanding of how the
DMR system works.
In addition, Mark provides a new action in his frontline manager’s
PDAs to keep them engaged. “This year I have asked them to review
themselves based on the five criteria of the National Health LEADS
Australia framework,” said Mark. "They are required to undertake
assessment and review by their own staff as part of this."
Mark has been an inspiration to many employees over the years.
It is challenging to balance training with work and we congratulate
Mark and his team for their commitment to ongoing learning and
professional development.
Page 15
Infocus
Safety and Quality are Priorities
Renal Unit Caring
for the Environment
The Renal Unit at St John’s Park is already well
known for it's successful cardboard recycling
program. But now the team are stepping up their
efforts to make sustainable changes to their health
care practices, and help the environment, by
introducing another two streams of recycling.
Dialysis units use a large quantity of consumables, and the recycling of
packaging waste was seen as something which could easily be incorporated
into daily practice with little impact on patient care time. There were also
many items of a general household nature being discarded to general waste
that staff felt should be recycled.
Consultation and education sessions were held with Rob Wise, from Veolia
Environmental Services, to identify items that were able to be recycled, and
an audit of their General Waste collection stream was undertaken.
Following this, patient rooms, which contained ‘General Waste’ and ‘Clinical
Waste’ bins only, had additional colour-coded bins added for ‘Co-Mingle’ and
‘Soft Plastic’ collection. A big thank you goes to Glen Seabourne from the
RHH Supply Department who scoured Hobart to obtain the correct colour.
The whole team got on board, including patients, to support this new initiative
which, according to Colin Banks, NUM, has now become ingrained in their
practices.
“The results have been fantastic. At Nephrology South alone in the 2012
– 2013 financial year, the enhanced recycling program prevented the
Liz Campton showing how to recycle.
emission of 15.83 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”
“This is the equivalent of 3.96 cars being removed from the road for a year or
saving 18.62 employees a flight from Sydney to Hong Kong or planting 59.06
trees. Another benefit has been a cost saving estimated at $3,000 per year.”
“The project has also allowed our staff to become inventive with recycling
practices and to think outside the square during the process. Our Hospital
Assistant Glen Cowley has even reused the single use bicarbonate cartridges
to make fish tank filters!”
Staff are continuing to make sustainable changes to their healthcare practices
with planning underway for phase two of the project (to be introduced in
early 2014) to reduce their ‘Clinical Waste’ stream.
A huge thank you to staff, patients and families at the Renal Unit for adopting
recycling practices into their day-to-day work and really making a difference
to the environment.
Patient Centred Clinical Practice
‘Hear Me’ –
The Importance
of Patient
Centred Care
Over 150 staff members attended
the moving performance of ‘Hear
Me’ at the RHH in November.
‘Hear Me’ is an intense 30 minute play which
explores the life and death importance of patient
centred care following a medication error.
It was written specifically for the healthcare
industry by nationally renowned playwright Alan
Hopgood, in collaboration with Dr Catherine
Crock from the Australian Institute for Patient
and Family Centred Care and the Centre for
Health Communication at the University of
Technology, Sydney.
Newsletter
Contributions
Please email your newsletter
contributions to: rhh@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Tel ext. 8846
The actors (front row) getting in the
zone while the audience arrives.
The play provided the audience (staff and
consumers) with the opportunity to think
and openly reflect on current practices within
the healthcare system.
The feedback from a forum, which was
held after the performance, is being collated
and will be provided to RHH to implement
further initiatives to strengthen patient and
family centred care.
Summer deadline 31 January 2014.
Many thanks to the staff who contributed
to this issue. Infocus is produced by the
Community Relations Unit Royal Hobart
Hospital.
ISSN 2203-2207
3013
Infocus
Page 16