Excellence. Everywhere. Everyday. Issue 176 Summer 2010 Merry Christmas Oh what a night – $2.25 million pledged towards Epworth HealthCare teaching and research There were more than 1000 people who helped Epworth HealthCare’s Gala Ball raise a record amount for future teaching and research. Chair of the Special Events Committee, Ms Robyn Beddison OAM said the Peninsula Room at Docklands rocked on Saturday 9 October with enthusiasm and sensational support for Epworth. “Oh what a night it was! Our guests generously supported Epworth’s vision; we raised a record $1.2 million for research and had a fantastic fun night with great music and performances covering the 70s, 80s and 90s”, Ms Beddison said. This tremendous contribution will enable Epworth to increase translational research into the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for patients with conditions which are increasing in prevalence in our community such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Through clinical practice, research and education, Epworth aims to be a major, internationally-recognised teaching hospital similar to teaching hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic in the US. 1: ALAN KINKADE RELAXES WITH STAFF AT THE GALA BALL 2: SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE CHAIR ROBYN BEDDISON WITH HER TWO DAUGHTERS, DAISY AND GEORGIE 3: MR JAIME STANISTREET FROM MEDTRONIC WITH DR PHILIP WILLIAMS AND MR ALAN KINKADE 2 3 1 continued page 5 >>
Transcript
Excellence.Everywhere.Everyday.
Issue 176 Summer 2010
Merry Christmas
Oh what a night – $2.25 million pledged towards Epworth HealthCare teaching and researchThere were more than 1000 people who helped Epworth HealthCare’s Gala Ball raise a record amount for future teaching and research.
Chair of the Special Events Committee, Ms Robyn Beddison OAM said the Peninsula Room at Docklands rocked on Saturday 9 October with enthusiasm and sensational support for Epworth.
“Oh what a night it was! Our guests generously supported Epworth’s vision; we raised a record $1.2 million for research and had a fantastic
fun night with great music and performances covering the 70s, 80s and 90s”, Ms Beddison said.
This tremendous contribution will enable Epworth to increase translational research into the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for patients with conditions which are increasing in prevalence in our community such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Through clinical practice, research and education, Epworth aims to be a major, internationally-recognised
teaching hospital similar to teaching hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic in the US.
1: AlAn KinKADE RElAxES wiTH STAff AT THE GAlA BAll
2: SPECiAl EvEnTS COMMiTTEE CHAiR ROByn BEDDiSOn wiTH HER TwO DAUGHTERS, DAiSy AnD GEORGiE
3: MR JAiME STAniSTREET fROM MEDTROniC wiTH DR PHiliP williAMS AnD MR AlAn KinKADE
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continued page 5 >>
Epwords is a newsletter for Epworth staff. All contributions and ideas are welcomed and considered.
Thanks to the contributors of stories, photos and ideas for this issue of Epwords. without them this edition would not have been possible.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in Epwords are not necessarily those of the editors. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without prior consent from the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit or condense a contribution in order for it to fit inside the limited space of the newsletter.
Welcome to the Summer 2010 edition of Epwords. The festive season is well and truly upon us as we fast approach the end of 2010. It has been a year filled with many highlights and achievements and we should all be very proud.
This year’s Epworth Rocks Gala Ball topped the million dollar target by contributing more than $1.2 million profit to the Epworth Research institute. This was made possible by the record number in attendance, sponsorship, and by Epworth HealthCare’s Board matching every dollar raised from the night, bringing the combined total to $2.25 million. Central to the night’s success was the support received from major sponsor; westpac, major partners; ConMed linvatec Australia, life Healthcare and Qantas, associate sponsors; Baulderstone, Device Technologies Australia, Medtronic Australasia and Slade Pharmacy, plus more than 40 other sponsors who supported the event.
The 2009-2010 Annual Report has recently been published. The report highlights Epworth across 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. it also features the key achievements and progressions Epworth has made in the past financial year, highlighting us as a provider of quality healthcare and clinical excellence. i encourage staff to read what we have achieved together.
i am very pleased to announce that the federal Government has endorsed our new teaching hospital at Geelong by proving a $5 million grant towards the project. The grant will assist our vision of developing a teaching hospital model in partnership with Deakin University.
Health care research is a core component of the strategic plan for Epworth in becoming Australia’s foremost private academic medical organisation. As part of our commitment to research, the inaugural research breakfast was held in October, facilitated by Director of Research Dr Megan Robertson.
i am proud to announce that our soccer side was victorious over the victorian Police for the first time ever, winning 3-0 at the ABi Cup at AAMi Stadium on 18 november. Some great goals were scored which were highlighted on Sky. i would like to thank all the team members, Alex Pavez the coach and Stephen May and his team for organising the event and for Bronwyn Mace and her team for their support. we also had lots of Epworth supporters cheering on our squad, thank you for your efforts!
Thirteen members of Epworth staff travelled to the USA in October to present the Epworth Excellence journey at the annual Studer Conference. Epworth was the first international organisation to be invited to present.
i would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year and hope to see many of you at the various celebrations over this month.
i hope that you enjoy reading about our work over the past months.
Alan R Kinkade Group Chief Executive
Message from the Group Chief Executive
Epworth HealthCare has received a financial boost from the Federal Government towards its vision to develop a teaching hospital in partnership with Deakin University in Geelong.
Making the announcement at the Geelong Campus at waurn Ponds on wednesday 13 October was The Hon Catherine King MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing. The $5 million grant to Epworth was to develop an education precinct including a simulation centre and lecture rooms to support clinical training and placements at the new hospital.
Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade said Epworth’s priority is to evolve as an academic teaching hospital with its own clinical school, similar to world-renowned, private not-for-profit teaching hospitals in the USA, such as the Cleveland and Mayo Clinics. Epworth has become the first formal affiliate hospital of the Cleveland Clinic.
“To achieve our goal as leaders in patient care and clinical education and research, Epworth has sought to partner with the best universities and health care providers.
“The partnership between Epworth HealthCare and Deakin University will deliver new clinical services to Geelong and will provide clinically-based teaching for medical, nursing and allied
health students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels,” Mr Kinkade said.
“The people of Geelong and western victoria can look forward to Stage 1 of Epworth Geelong being operative by 2013, subject to appropriate approvals. The construction represents an investment of $255 million in victorian health care, teaching and research in regional victoria. Once operational, the hospital is expected to provide around 620 full-time positions or around 1,000 direct jobs, with many more construction and service jobs created throughout the building stages.
“Epworth Geelong combines the best in a new private health facility, with its state of the art operating theatres, delivery suites, day cancer and renal
dialysis facilities and an emergency department integrated with Deakin’s training and research activities.
“The partnership between Epworth and Deakin has developed significantly over ten years, particularly in the field of nursing education and research, and i look forward to a diverse, fulfilling collaboration in this important project as well,” Mr Kinkade added.
1: MR AlAn KinKADE SPEAKinG AT THE AnnOUnCEMEnT
2: MR DARREn CHEESEMAn MP, THE HOn CATHERinE KinG MP, MR RiCHARD MARlES MP, PROfESSOR BREnDAn CROTTy, DR PHiliP williAMS, MR AlAn KinKADE, viCE CHAnCEllOR AnD PRESiDEnT Of DEAKin UnivERSiTy PROfESSOR JAnE DEn HOllAnDER
Federal Government endorses Epworth’s vision
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We can make a differenceIn October 2008 Epworth Eastern embarked on a program of excellence called: “Epworth Excellence – Accountability, Outcomes, Passion – We can make a difference.”
The aim of the program is to drive cultural change across all aspects of the healthcare environment to ensure positive patient outcomes and patient safety. By ensuring that all staff work the same way to address patients needs, enables patients to be a part of their own healing journey. Epworth Eastern have focussed on patient falls, pressure ulcer prevention, pain management, medication management and patient satisfaction.
The program was submitted to the Australian Council for Healthcare Standards (ACHS) for the Quality
improvement Awards 2010 and in november, it was announced that Epworth Eastern’s submission had been shortlisted.
while the submission was not selected to receive the final award, it was recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ in the Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety category. A summary of the submission will be included in the 2010 Quality initiatives, which is a publication that is available on the
ACHS website at www.achs.org.au
well done to the staff involved at Epworth Eastern for the time and effort that was taken with the submission and with your pursuit in delivering high quality patient care.
1: EPwORTH EASTERn nURSE RECEivES COMPliMEnTARy fEEDBACK On THE PHOnE
Research draws large numbers at inaugural breakfast meeting
The Epworth Research Institute’s inaugural research breakfast meeting, held on 21 October 2010, drew a large and interested audience.
in attendance to hear presentations from three of the many wonderful Epworth HealthCare researchers, were health professionals and staff. Group Chief Executive Mr Alan Kinkade described the morning as “a great event for three passionate Researchers to present the diverse research which is currently underway at Epworth.”
facilitated by Dr Megan Robertson, Executive Director of Research and the Clinical Trials and Research Centre, the morning commenced with Professor Mari Botti, Epworth/Deakin Chair of nursing, who described the considerable breadth of nursing related research that is currently undertaken or planned by her team, and the opportunities that exist for research and quality assurance programs across all of the Epworth sites.
Dr Gavin williams, Epworth HealthCare’s leading neurological Physiotherapist, presented on a range of research projects lead by him, and conducted within the Physiotherapy department, including gait analysis (walking and running patterns) studies in acquired brain injured patients. Gavin’s extensive body of research with this patient group is internationally renowned, and will continue in a new gait analysis facility being planned as part of the Epworth Richmond redevelopment.
The concluding presentation was delivered by Dr Richard De Boer, a Consultant Oncologist at Epworth freemasons who took the participants through a summary of breast cancer research and key areas of interest and discovery.
“we know that research informs and improves clinical practice resulting in better patient outcomes. Therefore, our aim is to support the many professional staff and consultants conducting research across all the Epworth sites,
and to provide them with valuable resources that engender new research ideas, rigour, governance and business support to ensure a viable, growing and successful research program”, said Dr Robertson.
The Epworth Research group will continue to offer these information sessions every 2 months.
for more information about the Epworth Research institute or the Clinical Trials and Research Centre, contact: Dr Megan Robertson on 9936 8082.
iMAGE: ExECUTivE DiRECTOR Of RESEARCH DR MEGAn ROBERTSOn
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Oh what a night – $2.25 million pledged towards Epworth HealthCare teaching and researchTo further this goal, a major redevelopment of the Richmond facilities will see Epworth’s size increase to 777 beds and 39 theatres, making it the largest surgical hospital in Australia.
At the Gala Ball, Medtronic, an international supplier of medical supplies kicked off the capital appeal by donating $1 million towards a new lecture theatre and auditorium.
Epworth’s Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade then encouraged all
guests to dig deep to raise funds to support the recently-launched Epworth Research institute.
“from the outset, everyone was keen to guarantee that Epworth’s reputation for world class research and expert patient care will thrive from the establishment of $1 million perpetual fund.
“The audience was fantastic, with over $39,000 raised in the raffle, $105,000 from the auctions and $400,000 in ticket sales and sponsorships” Mr Kinkade said.
Mr Kinkade encouraged individual $10,000 donations to create research accounts to foster specific research. There was an overwhelming support from the floor with 13 people each donating $10,000.
with the Epworth Board’s further encouragement to match the research funds raised on a dollar for dollar basis, the total raised for the Epworth Research initiative reached an amazing $1.2 million.
Overall, it was a spectacular night!
Epworth Rehabilitation and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre hosted the Rehabilitation Conference Best of Both Worlds: Mind and Body on the 6 – 8 October 2010.
The 2 day program showcased current research and clinical best practice across both the public and private sectors.
Two eminent international speakers Dr. James Malec (neuropsychologist, Rehabilitation Hospital of indiana, USA) and Dr. lance McCracken (Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Royal national Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK) joined us for this fabulous rehabilitation conference.
The program offered the 379 delegates the opportunity to socialise with their colleagues and to learn from the vast experience and expertise of the 28
invited speakers, alongside the 28 topical submitted papers. There was also the opportunity to attend one of the 5 pre-conference workshops.
The opening address by Professor Rob Moodie (Professor of Global Health, nossal institute, University of Melbourne) gave the delegates an insight into the challenges of providing a holistic approach to healthcare whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The conference program included sessions on Acquired Brain injury (ABi), Orthopaedic Surgery, wounds, neuro Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord injury, Psychological interventions, Gait, Ageing, Population and Policy. This diverse program allowed the delegates an opportunity to take onboard new insights and to keep at the forefront of their own specialty
areas, as well as other areas within the rehabilitation domain. Epworth Rehabilitation showcased their expertise by having 10 of their staff present and staff chair 10 sessions.
Epworth Rehabilitation and the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre will be joining forces again in May 2012 to present the 7th world Congress of neuroRehabilitation.
Melanie Drummond, Manager of Speech Pathology / Conference Convener on behalf of the Epworth Rehabilitation Organising Committee: Bronwyn Mace, John Olver, Jeremy Buckmaster, Bridget Hill and Sharon Howell.
iMAGE: EPwORTH REHABiliTATiOn AnD ROyAl TAlBOT REHABiliTATiOn COnfEREnCE COMMiTTEE
Continued from page 1 >>
Best of both worlds: mind and body
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The medical education program is supervised by the Director of Medical Education, Professor Geoffrey Metz, a clinical sub-dean at The University of Melbourne. Professor Metz works closely with key stakeholders in the faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the university.
Developing and educating medical students and registrars has become more important than ever, as Epworth moves towards a teaching hospital model. A teaching hospital provides clinical education and training to current and future doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Epworth is evolving to a teaching hospital model by building the resources and facilities needed to educate the current and future clinical workforce.
Epworth maintained highly successful education programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical and nursing students, supported by senior
specialist clinicians and clinical educators from across the group. The number of students seeking nursing, medicine and allied health placements at Epworth is increasing each year. in 2009/2010 more than 100 students from 14 universities and colleges completed their placements at Epworth.
Recent feedback from Monash University students, completing their rotations at Epworth, has been exceptionally favourable, with many of the students considering their Epworth rotation to be one of the best. what made their time at Epworth so valuable was the “fantastic” teaching from the approachable and enthusiastic tutors. The students were exposed to a good range of tutorials each week including cardiology, general medicine, neurosurgery, gastroenterology and radiology. All except radiology were
bedside tutorials or at the very least, clinically based.
Students found this style of learning particularly insightful, as it meant they were seeing patients prior to their weekly tutes, as well as seeing a couple of interesting patient cases throughout the tute itself. This provided students with an opportunity to present cases to their tutors and to talk through their clinical reasoning. As a result, the students left their Epworth rotation with significantly improved case presentation skills which will ultimately make them more confident and knowledgeable practitioners for the future and ultimately improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients.
iMAGE: PROfESSOR GEOffREy METz wiTH MEDiCAl STUDEnTS On ROTATiOn
Medical students consider Epworth rotation “one of the best”
Sanofi Aventis scholarship winners
The Ground East ward at Epworth freemasons were the winners of one of five $5000 Scholarships awarded by Sanofi Aventis for their venous Thromboembolism (vTE) quality improvement project which was announced recently at the 2010 vTE Champions weekend, which was held in Melbourne.
vTE Champions Jacqui Sinnott and natalie Brkjaca developed a quality improvement program for
the prevention of vTE for medical patients. This was implemented in the Epworth freemasons medical ward with the enthusiastic help from the Ground East team. Associate Professor Jeremy Hammond was heavily involved specifically through his encouragement and support of those participating in the Scholarship.
well done to all of those involved!
Epworth HealthCare has long been involved in the education of undergraduate medical students and, to a lesser extent, the postgraduate training of young doctors.
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Dr Jim Breheny, Medical Director at Epworth Freemasons has announced that he will be retiring at the end of 2010.
Dr Breheny’s role has been to provide executive leadership and operational management of the medical services division at Epworth freemasons. He has performed in this role with exemplary diligence for the past seven years.
with a work history spanning over five decades, Dr Breheny has moved from specialist medical practitioner, to Medical Director of the Mercy Maternity Hospital, to Partner at Deloitte, to CEO of St John of God Health Care System, and Chairman of the Board of Austin Hospital - to name just some of the high standing positions he has held over his professional career. But it is his contribution to the broader community that gives greater insight into the impacts Dr Breheny has had on others.
Some of the contributions that he has made to numerous health-related boards of management have included, Chairman of vasey RSl Care, Deputy Chair of the victorian Healthcare Association, and Deputy Chairman, Patient Management Task force victoria.
On friday 12 november, a dinner was held at the Park Hyatt to thank Dr Breheny for the wealth of knowledge and experience that he brought to Epworth. Throughout his time here, he has touched the professional lives of many, through his wisdom and wise-council. we pass on our best wishes for his future to both Dr Breheny and his family.
1: DR JiM BREHEny TAlKS AT HiS fAREwEll
2: ExECUTivE MEDiCAl DiRECTOR MR PETER DOHRMAnn, ASSOCiATE PROfESSOR nERinA HARlEy, DR JiM BREHEny, GROUP CHiEf ExECUTivE MR AlAn KinKADE
Farewell Dr Breheny
in October 2010, Epworth HealthCare sent a number of staff to the USA to tour three hospitals, one in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and two in Dallas, Texas. further to the hospital tours, Epworth was invited to present at the Studer Group’s annual conference in Dallas titled ‘what’s Right in Health Care Conference’, held on October 19.
At the conference, Epworth presented its Epworth Excellence journey ‘Driving Change through the Evidence–based leadership Approach Down Under’. Epworth was the first ever international healthcare provider invited to present at the conference.
Damian Armour and louise O’Connor shared the journey of Epworth Excellence by discussing the various components of the model, how it has been rolled out and the patient and visiting Medical Officer (vMO) satisfaction results. The presentation was received with great enthusiasm and provided a topic of further discussion at the conference. The significant progress made by Epworth HealthCare since introducing the Epworth Excellence model, was acknowledged as a great achievement, particularly considering the limited resources in the Australian healthcare system, compared with the US.
The Epworth staff who attended the conference were very proud to have been given the opportunity to share Epworth’s successes with an international audience.
THE 2010 STUDER GROUP PARTiCiPAnTS
Epworth Excellence journey shared with international audience
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Hospital in the Home (HIH) provides hospital-level care to patients in their own home and aims to treat acutely unwell patients who would otherwise remain in hospital.
The types of treatments administered at home typically include intravenous antibiotics, post-surgical care, non-surgical care, non-surgical wound management and chemotherapy. The HiH model represents an important shift in the delivery of acute medical services normally associated with traditional hospital inpatient care.
Epworth HealthCare HiH Senior Consultant, Dr Michael Montalto, recently led a study examining the activity and outcomes for patients admitted into a medically-managed
HiH situation over a 7 year period. Of primary focus in the study were unexpected mortality rates and unplanned interruption.
Even in the best supported HiH, there are risks associated with the inherently reduced level of direct medical supervision. The challenge of this form of acute care is to establish, assess and modify the risk of unexpected adverse events (of which death is the most important), to acceptable levels. The specific type of HiH intervention described in this large study offered benefits in achieving the aim of care with as few adverse events as possible.
All admissions from unit inception in March 2000 until 31 December 2007 were included in the study, which
described activity and outcomes for 3423 consecutive patients admitted to a medically-managed HiH over 7 years. The aim was to determine whether medically-managed HiH is a safe and effective method of delivering acute hospital care and what sorts of variables – such as patient, condition and treatment – may contribute to a greater risk of failure.
The results indicate that medically managed HiH is able to deliver acute hospital care with low rates of unexpected mortality and unplanned returns to hospital.
Dr Montalto’s paper was published in the Australian Health Review. The full journal can be viewed at www.publish.csiro.au/journals/ahr
The 2010 Epworth HealthCare Doctors’ Christmas Party was held on Saturday 27 november at The Dome, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne. Over 200 doctors and their partners along with staff enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the year with their colleagues. The highlight of the function was the impressive Christmas tree on display in The Dome.
1. MR AlAn KinKADE, MRS HElEn MATTHEwS, DR JUliA CAMEROn, DR GEOff MATTHEwS, PROfESSOR JAMES CAMEROn
2. DR ROn DiCK, DR SARAH TRiCKS, DR AnTOny wAlTOn, MR lETCH KRiSHnAn
3. MR GARy CROSTHwAiTE, PROfESSOR RiCHARD DE STEiGER
Researching Hospital in the Home
Doctors celebrate Christmas at The Dome
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On Thursday 20 May 2010, 161 Epworth HealthCare employees embarked on a 16 week health challenge known as the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC).
Epworth entered 23 teams of seven from all areas of the organisation. Each participant wore a pedometer to count the number of steps they took and every day participants logged on to the GCC website to enter their step count - as well as any swimming or cycling distances.
The site added each individual step count to the team total and converted this into a kilometre distance and then plotted the team’s progression along a virtual tour of the world.
The below is a summary of the results at the conclusion of the challenge:
Epworth Teams: 23
Epworth Participants: 161
Daily Step Average for Epworth: 14,356
Total Distance: 144,596kms
Total Steps: 225, 930, 935
Most Active Team: Epworth Sensations (freemasons)
Most Active Team Total Steps: 15,728, 738 (10,063kms)
well done to all of those involved!
winninG TEAM, EPwORTH SEnSATiOnS TEAM MEMBERS TOP l-R: ClAiRE PARKinSOn, BARBARA SMiTH, CAROlinE HUMPHRiES, MiCHEllE HARvEy. BOTTOM l-R : wilMOR DAniEl, JUliE KAnE, JUliA REnOUf
Over 40,000kms covered in Global Corporate Challenge
Top 5 Participants Daily Steps Average:
lisa Smith – 36,081 (Corporate)
Michelle Harvey – 28,627 (freemasons)
Barbara Smith – 26,463 (freemasons)
wilmor Daniel – 25,808 (freemasons)
Justine zwaller – 25,354 (Rehab Brighton)
“I would give my right arm for the Epworth staff”Mel Morton is a young mother who is very grateful for the care she received from Epworth HealthCare, claiming “I would give my right arm for the Epworth staff”. Mel has good reason to be so thankful.
when Mel was pregnant with her second child, she came down with what seemed to be a serious chest infection, at 30 weeks.
Mel was subsequently sent to Epworth’s Emergency Department and diagnosed with pneumonia. As her condition rapidly deteriorated, Mel was admitted to Epworth freemasons intensive Care Unit, where it was revealed that Mel had contracted swine flu.
“it could have gone either way. if Mel’s condition deteriorated further her chances of survival would have reduced to 20 per cent,” says her Obstetrician, Dr Guy Skinner.
“we would have had to perform a Caesarean and there would have been no guarantees. we may have lost both Mel and her baby,” Dr Skinner explains.
when Mel looks back today on the events that unfolded during her
pregnancy, all she can remember is the frightening news that she might never see her new baby.
fortunately for Mel and Scott Morton their story has a happy ending. with around the clock care from Epworth’s intensive Care Physicians, Obstetricians, Respiratory Physicians and Critical Care nurses at Epworth freemasons, Mel recovered. And, at 35 weeks a beautiful, healthy baby girl was born.
“i cannot fault the staff at Epworth. They went beyond the call of duty to ensure our whole family was supported and cared for,” said Mel.
The Morton family has agreed to be the subject of the Epworth Medical foundation’s Christmas appeal. The direct mail piece hopes to raise $200,000 to purchase eight new intensive Care Unit monitors for freemason’s iCU. The new monitors bring data from diverse sources which can be accessed at the acute point of care and throughout the hospital. This will assist iCU staff to make quicker informed decisions about our critically ill patients.
To donate to this appeal, please contact the Epworth Medical Foundation on 03 9426 6132.
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1: GinA & JAMiE STAniSTREET
2: GARRy fEHRinG & BROnwyn MACE
3: GEOff & ElAinE THOMAS
4: GRAEME STUART & JOAnnE AllEn
5: GUESTS EnJOy THE EvEninG
6: iSOBEllE SMiTH & lOUiSE O’COnnOR
7: JAMES & lEnA PiPliOS
8: JEnny & DR MiCHAEl POnSfORD
9: JOnATHAn HOlliS, SAMAnTHA HUSSin AnD MElinDA HOlliS
10: DR JUDy & PROfESSOR JOHn OlvER
11: DR KEvin & SHiRlEy RyAn
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12: fEliCiTy OSMOnD & SUzAnnE HAwKSlEy
13: GUEST GETTinG inTO THE SPiRiT Of THE niGHT
14: liBBy MCCAnn, STEPHEn AnD SHAROn MAy & DiAnA wHiTE
15: MARDi AnD ROBERT EDGE
16: MARy & GRAHAM SlADE
17: MiCHAEl & TRACEy SCOTT
18: nADEnE PilSBURy, liSA SMiTH, DEBBiE BURKE, KElly williAMS AnD MAREE SMiTH
19: SPECiAl EvEnTS COMMiTTEE MEMBERS CATHi BiDDiCK, ROByn BEDDiSOn AnD linDA DAnnE
20: THE HOn TED BAilliEU MP & wifE ROByn
21: TAniA & SiMOn REilly
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22: KyliE MinOGUE iMPERSOnATOR PERfORMS
23: AMAnDA & PROfESSOR RiCHARD DE STEiGER
24: Ann & PHil JOHnSTOn
25: CATHi & KEn BiDDiCK
26: DAMiAn & AniTA ARMOUR
27: DEniSE & AlAn KinKADE
28: DEniSE, AlAn, AliSOn & lynDA KinKADE
29: ElizABETH & DR PHiliP williAMS
30: GUESTS EnJOy THE niGHT
31: MARilyn DEllER & MiCHAEl HARDinGE
32: SHiElA DAly, MADGE HOlCOMBE & CREw
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33: DR HUGH BARTRAM wiTH DAUGHTER AliCE
34: EMMA & MATTHEw fORSyTH
35: KAREn & JACK JOEl
36: liz CAMilllERi & MiCHEllE MARTin
37: PAiGE & ROD fiTzROy
38: TOny & GAyE wAlTOn
39: TOny & viRGiniA BROwnE
40: vEROn & AnDREw TAnG
41: vinCEnT BORG AnD MElAniE BARR
42: STAff SUPPORTinG THE EvEnT By vOlUnTEERinG On THE niGHT
43: wAlTER & CHRiSTinA SCHwAiGHOfER
44: wARwiCK BROwn & SARAH TinEO
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Major Sponsor
westpac institutional Bank
Major partners
ConMed linvatec Australia
lifehealthcare
Qantas Airlines
Associate Sponsors
Device Technologies Australia Medtronic Australasia
Slade Pharmacy
Baulderstone
Table Sponsors
Air liquide Healthcare
Princes laundry Services
AOn Risk Services
Radiation Oncology victoria
BatesSmart
Schneider Electric
Baxter Healthcare
Silver Thomas Hanley
Bidvest Melbourne
Spotless Group
Brainlab Australia St Judes Medical Australia
CR Kennedy
Table 8
Communications Australia Technology One
Draeger Medical Australia Telstra
Healthcare imaging Services
Transport Accident Commission
Holding Redlich
vital Healthcare Property Trust
HPS Pharmacies Aurecon
inG Real Estate Healthcare fund
Bonacci Group
Johnstaff Projects
Padgham Sweett
Melbourne Pathology
lehr Consultants internation
MiA victoria
Olympus Australia
Padghams
45: PinK iMPERSOnATOR PERfORMS
46: lynDA KinKADE, JAynE COATES & AliSOn KinKADE
47: AUCTiOnEER CRAiG SHEARn
48: BRiAn CAnHAM PERfORMS
49: CAROl & MiKE BROADy
50: DEB & PAUl STEPHEnSOn
51: DR MinOO & nil PATEl
52: DR PETER lARKinS
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This year’s Epworth Gala Ball proved to be a memorable night for those in attendance, but none more so than for Jack Joel – oh what a night it was for him! As reported in the Herald Sun by Grant McArthur, Mr Joel suffered a heart attack after choking on a chicken bone. As a long standing friend of Epworth HealthCare, Mr Joel considers himself “a very lucky man who had been in the right place at the right time”.
Article printed with permission from the Herald Sun. Thank you to Grant McArthur (article) and Darren Mcnamara (photo).
iMAGE: JACK JOEl MEETS HiS SAviOUR CHAnTEl THORnTOn, wHO GAvE HiM THE KiSS Of lifE AT THE EPwORTH HEAlTHCARE GAlA BAll
Saved by the belle
Ref:Ref: 83008996
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Herald SunSaturday 13/11/2010
Page: 15Section: General News
Region: Melbourne Circulation: 503,000
Type: Capital City Daily
Size: 377.43 sq.cms.
Frequency: MTWTFS-
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imagine having a severe injury that impacted your ability to participate in fun and exciting activities. imagine if you were unable to play sport, ride a bike or go skiing. Participation in meaningful and enjoyable activities is an important part of leading a happy and fulfilled life and yet many people who sustain a brain injury and/or physical injuries have difficulty re-engaging with their favourite pastime after their injury.
Disabled wintersport Australia (DwA) is a not for profit organisation that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy winter sports and to enjoy the magnificent alpine environment.
Two Epworth HealthCare employees, Casey Brownlie (Social worker) and Claire Swanton (Occupational Therapist) are volunteers with DwA and this year were able to offer four places on a ski camp to former inpatients from the Richmond and Camberwell Acquired Brain injury (ABi) units at Epworth Rehabilitation.
On friday 17 September participants, carers and guides headed to falls Creek. On arrival, the participants were fitted for ski clothing, equipment and skis / snowboards. for some, this was the first time they had ever seen snow. Others were excited to be hitting the slopes again post-accident.
Everyone involved had a fantastic weekend with one participant saying
it was the most fun he had had since his injury 2 years ago.
without the continued support of individuals and organisations including Epworth Rehabilitation, DwA would not be able to provide the specialised equipment and support for members to enjoy their skiing experience.
If you would like additional information about DWA, please contact Casey Brownlie or Claire Swanton on 9426 8760.
1. PARTiCiPAnTS EnJOy THEiR wEEKEnD AT fAllS CREEK
2. SKi CAMP PARTiCiPAnT, SCOTT HARRiS, EnJOyS THE SlOPES!
Epworth HealthCare encourages and supports staff to engage with causes close to their hearts. when asked recently to suggest which charities they would like to include in the newly-introduced workplace giving list, many Epworth staff revealed their personal allegiances to important community organisations. An example of this is Epworth Richmond nurse natalie Graham, who devotes a significant part of her week to an organisation supporting people with disabilities. She is vice President of the Management Committee for Down Syndrome victoria – a support
group representing people with Down syndrome and their families. in October, all hands were on deck to organise the annual walk-a-thon event that raises funds and awareness of Down syndrome, with Melbourne hosting just one of 260 Buddy walks around the world.
Staff at all Epworth sites contribute their time and efforts to give back to their communities. Epworth Eastern staff donate to Harrison Community Services to assist families and young people in crisis; and on a six-weekly basis, individual staff volunteer to
shop, prepare and cook the dinners that are served by the Salvation Army to the local community on a Sunday. Epworth freemasons staff raise funds each year from their Pink Ribbon Survivorship Seminar for the Cancer Council victoria as ensuring that Epworth is represented at the field of women Breast Cancer Awareness event at the MCG.
Epwords would like to hear about your volunteer experiences. Please phone Catherine on ext 6441 or Colleen on ext 8816 if you wish to tell us more.
ABI patients enjoy a winter wonderland
Giving back to the community
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Impressive victory for Epworth, winning their first ABI Cup 3-0
Established as a fundraiser for Epworth’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) unit, this year’s ABI Cup was played as a curtain-raiser to the A-League game between Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners at Melbourne’s new world class AAMI Park stadium on Thursday November 18.
After a four year drought the Epworth HealthCare team snatched up the ABi Cup with a 3–0 victory over victoria Police. The Epworth team’s spirit was most evident throughout the whole game. This, combined with their honed skills from months of practice meant victoria Police didn’t stand a chance in holding on to the Cup.
A fundraising breakfast was held the day before the game which featured a panel of speakers including A-league Coaches and Captains discussing the important match ahead and their support for the Epworth ABi Unit.
Road trauma victim and soccer fanatic Josh De Silva shared his personal experience about having to put his international soccer career on hold because of his own
head injury. 20 year old Josh is representative of a large proportion of young males involved with road trauma incidents. in fact 70 per cent of the state’s road trauma victims are male and an even greater proportion are under 25 years of age.
The aim of the breakfast and the ABi Cup is to increase awareness of the risk of life and injury on our roads as well as raise critical funds for the rehabilitation service provided by Epworth’s ABi Unit.
Epworth’s ABi Unit is one of the largest in victoria and is an integral part of Epworth HealthCare’s
Rehabilitation Division providing intensive medical, nursing and allied health care for patients with Acquired Brain injury (ABi) – injuries often sustained as a result of road trauma.
1: DEPUTy POliCE COMMiSSiOnER KEn lAy wiTH GROUP CHiEf ExECUTivE AlAn KinKADE AT THE ABi CUP BREAKfAST
2: THE ABi CUP
3: EPwORTH TEAM PlAyERS CElEBRATE A GOAl
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Taking care to a new level at Epworth Eastern
Epworth Cliveden, the most recent member of the Epworth HealthCare Group, has recently received some much anticipated, new equipment for both their clinical and non-clinical areas.
The catering department has a new combi oven, an item that has been on their ‘wish list’ for over 2 years. As the name suggests, the combi oven allows for a combination of steam and conventional-oven cooking and is widely used among many high-volume restaurants and hotels. Head Chef Bevan vahland is very happy with the recent acquisition saying, “it has been very challenging being able to provide all the catering requirements of the hospital using just a traditional gas oven. As you can imagine, everyone in the kitchen is very grateful to be able to use the new combi oven.”
The theatre area have also received new equipment, including two new patient monitors for the recovery area, some new laparoscopes and a dental implant drill, as well as a range of new general and plastic surgical instruments. These additions will assist in supporting the hospital’s key specialities, including gynaecology, plastic and reconstructive surgery and maxillofacial surgery.
The staff and doctors at Epworth Cliveden are extremely delighted and most appreciative of the commitment shown to them, through the investment of their new equipment.
1: EPwORTH ClivEDEn CHEfS BEvAn vAHlAnD AnD BEAUTRiCE CHOOnG wiTH THE nEw COMBi OvEn
2: ASSOCiATE nURSE UniT MAnAGER BARBEl MARTin & AnAESTHETiCS nURSE lynDEl ADGEMiS wiTH THE nEw DATA SCOPE PATiEnT MOniTOR
New equipment arrives at Epworth Cliveden!
Receiving feedback, whatever kind, is always valuable as it can offer an opportunity for improvement or it can thank and reward for a job well done. Staff at Epworth Eastern recently received feedback from a patient which acknowledged how impressed they were with the treatment they received and the level of care given to them and their family during their stay.
Hello,
I have had two experiences with Epworth Eastern within the last 6 months. The first was when my son required some urgent plastic surgery on his hand after an accident. On that occasion, Mr Terry Wu operated on him. The second experience was for me, this last Friday, when I had to have an iron transfusion – Dr Michael Tong was my referring specialist. I was in 4 Central.
Being a mother of two children, I’ve had experiences in the past with private hospitals and there is
a reason why I choose to pay my private health insurance premiums. It is to receive that extra care when either myself or one of my family is unwell and require it.
I have to say this – and have already said it quite publically recently to anyone who will listen. There are private hospitals and then there is Epworth Eastern!
On both occasions in dealing with Epworth Eastern, I have not only been impressed with the treatment and level of care offered there, I have been downright blown away. From now on, I will always request any treatment for me or my family to be undertaken at this hospital, as ‘care’ is taken to a whole new level there.
Please keep this exceptional level of care going. It is more than a credit to the health industry – and I truly believe that Epworth are the benchmark of excellence.
Thank you so much to the wonderful staff who looked after my son exceptionally well in April 2010 and, while he was in surgery, took compassionate care of me. A most appreciative and sincere thank you to the staff who took care of me (Reeja and Allwyn) this last Friday in 4 Central. The care was also extended to my husband and it is this extra pathos that makes Epworth stand so far ahead of the rest.
well done to all staff involved, for living and breathing the values and behaviours and for providing such an outstanding level of care.
iMAGE: EPwORTH EASTERn 4 CEnTRAl STAff Allwyn iSAAC AnD REEJA lUTHRA
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A day in the life of an Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapists assist people to return to activities of daily living. The primary focus of an occupational therapist is to maximise independent function, through a variety of assessments and interventions.
Below is a snapshot of a typical day in the life of an Occupational Therapist working at Epworth Rehabilitation.
4:00 p.m. Claire f completes a seating assessment which considers sitting, balance and pressure care risks. She also measures the patient’s physical dimensions before ordering a specialised cushion.
5:00 p.m. Sarah runs an evening group for patients who have an acquired brain injury. They practise budgeting, money handling and appropriate social behaviour.
8:00 a.m. Jen and Rachel run breakfast group, encouraging patients to practice mobility, to use problem solving and planning skills and to help prepare a meal.
9:00 a.m. fiona completes a shower assessment with a patient and recommends equipment and strategies in which to maximise independence with their personal care.
10:00 a.m. Tim and Carla run a Back Care Group with patients’ who have had spinal surgery. They teach their patients ways of incorporating back-care techniques into their daily activities.
10:30 a.m. Pam meets with a patient who is returning to work to discuss safe duties and work hours.
11:30 a.m. Kate completes an “off-road” driving assessment with a patient who has a mild brain injury. Kate reviews the patient’s driving history, understanding of road laws and their physical, visual and thinking abilities.
1:00 p.m. Claire S makes a splint for a patient to help promote their hand function, following their botulinum toxin injections at the Spasticity Clinic.
2:00 p.m. Dave and Melinda run a workshop group focussing on increasing their patient’s endurance, concentration and motor skills in preparation for their return to work.
2:30 p.m. Jeremy and Judith conduct two home assessments, where each patient’s ability to manage everyday tasks at home, including mobility and transfers, is assessed.
3:00 p.m. lih-Pey completes a scooter trial with an outpatient to enable them to independently access the community.
The day in the life of an Occupational Therapist at Epworth Rehabilitation is extremely varied, with no two days ever the same! The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life.
Our very own ‘Iron Chef’Congratulations to Hew Colebatch, a chef at Epworth Richmond, who was a recent participant on the Channel 7 show, Iron Chef Australia!
Below is Hew’s account of the day:
Just over a month ago, my friend and fellow beer connoisseur, Chris Badenoch (one of last year’s Master Chef contestants), invited me to be his Sous Chef for a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part on iron Chef Australia. i was honoured to be asked and readily accepted with an odd mixture of excitement and trepidation.
we arrived at the Docklands studio at 8am spending the next 7 hours waiting before we were taken to the wardrobe department and ‘made up’ for television. when filming finally commenced the contestants quickly switched into ‘chef-mode’ and soon the chaos followed!
To say it was frantic on-set is an understatement! There were flames
and knives flying at a terrifying pace as we cooked up a storm, trying to outdo our competition, the iron Chef.
i have been a chef for 20 years but never have i felt such pressure. There was a consultant on set who kept reminding us all to view it as simply “another day at the office”. i think a gig in television is a lot more difficult than i had been led to believe. Overall, it was a tremendous experience and i am very proud of
how our team performed. it didn’t matter that we didn’t win the challenge, as the unique experience of it all was enough of a win for me.
if you missed the episode, you can view it on line at http://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/iron-chef-australia/-/watch/8242565/tue-2-nov-series-1-episode-3/?play=1
iMAGE: EPwORTH RiCHMOnD CHEf HEw COlEBATCH
In October demolition of the Normanby North building at the Epworth Richmond site commenced.
All furniture and equipment in the building was removed, before demolition could start. Epworth Richmond is very pleased to advise that the old furniture and equipment has been donated to
the ‘light of love Children’s Home’ in india. The donation will also go towards the planned clinic for the children’s home which the co-founders are currently raising money towards establishing.
This clinic is planned to assist the 550 children housed at the orphanage along with the treatment of the lepers who also live on the
compound together with assisting the many women who have AiDS and the local Dalit community with some basic medical needs.
1: CHilDREn AT THE ORPHAnAGE
2: OnE Of THE liTTlE GiRlS Of THE ORPHAnAGE
Light of Love Children’s Home
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There has been a lot of activity over the last few months as works on the Richmond redevelopment continue to progress significantly. The installation of the tower crane in August signified that the stage 1 works are now well underway.
As part of the ongoing works to the Bridge Road Tower (BRT) a substation is being construction for the substation change over during Easter 2011. To assist with the building works of the BRT, and to allow site access from the court yard construction zone to additional levels of BRT, an alimak (external
hoist) has been erected. further activities involving the BRT include the demolition and subsequent refurbishment to levels 5 and 6 and extension of level 5 floor area.
The preliminary works involving the extension of the BRT commenced at the end of november. in early December scaffolding was installed in the Bridge Road entrance foyer and hoardings installed along the Bridge Road façade of the hospital.
The demolition of normanby north in early October represents an exciting new stage in the Richmond redevelopment project, allowing
preparations to be made for the commencement of major works to the Erin Street frontage in late 2011. Temporary hoarding is in place around this area to ensure safe passage to the fire and egress panel. There is also temporary fencing at the front entrance of normanby north. The final demolition work and construction of the on-grade car park is expected to be completed in february 2011.
iMAGES: wORKS COnTinUE On THE BRiDGE ROAD TOwER Of THE EPwORTH RiCHMOnD SiTE
Stage 1 works of the redevelopment of the Camberwell site are expected to commence in early 2011. A Stage 1 works package is currently out to tender. This is for works associated with the construction of the substation enclosure and (removed) decant-related items. An agreement has also been reached with the relevant authorities, regarding the diversion of the sewer and the process for acquisition of land parcels required for the redevelopment, is almost complete.
The design development has commenced following completion of schematic design. Design development user groups have been held with Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell staff, including clinical and engineering staff. Design development is scheduled for
completion early in 2011. Once approved, the design team will commence with the construction documents. Epworth aims to complete documentation and to issue a tender package for major works in March 2011 with main
construction expected to commence in May/June 2011.
iMAGE: ARTiST’S iMPRESSiOn Of wHAT THE nEw EPwORTH REHABiliTATiOn CAMBERwEll fAçADE will lOOK liKE
Investing in excellence – redevelopment update
Epworth Richmond redevelopment update
Epworth Camberwell redevelopment update
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Supporting our midwifes and nurses back into the workforceEpworth Freemasons has recently gained re-accreditation from the Nurses Board to run Return to Practice and Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses (IRON) courses for Registered Nurses (Division 1), Enrolled Nurses (Division 2) and Midwives until June 2015.
The Return to Practice and iROn courses are specifically designed to fulfil the registration requirements of the nurses Board for those who have previously been registered in Australia, but have not had sufficient nursing practice in the previous five years or are from overseas wishing to obtain initial registration here in Australia.
The Education department commenced the first course since this re-accreditation on 23 August 2010, with three midwives undertaking the iROn course. The course ran over three months with participants undergoing a combination of theory sessions and supervised clinical practice.
Epworth freemasons is one of only six institutions in victoria to run these Midwifery courses and is one example of Epworth freemason’s commitment to encouraging and supporting midwives and nurses back into the workforce.
iMAGE: EPwORTH fREEMASOnS MiDwifE EDiTH BRyAnT
The Epworth freemasons iCU celebrated their 10th birthday in September. The iCU, which opened in 2000 after extensive planning and redevelopment, supports surgeons and physicians requiring higher care for their patients, and includes a MET and code blue outreach service to the wards. with 8978 admissions since opening and an increase in bed days by 20% this year alone, the Unit is highly valued by all the medical practitioners and patients who use it.
iMAGE: nURSE UniT MAnAGERS KRiSTy GREEnE AnD lEniSE BAnnER CElEBRATE EPwORTH fREEMASOnS iCU TURninG 10 wiTH CAKE
Epworth Freemasons ICU celebrates 10th birthday
The Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators was founded with the aim of promoting and advancing the study of health services management by medical practitioners. Epworth HealthCare Executive Medical Director, Peter Dohrmann, recently passed his final examinations for fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators.
The education program that Peter completed was developed to enable candidates to become effective members of a healthcare
team, by combining their training skills derived from the discipline of medicine, with the knowledge and techniques of management. in doing so, medical practitioners become uniquely qualified to ensure the highest standards of medical care are maintained. Peter now has formal qualifications in Medical Administration (in addition to his surgical specialist qualification) which entitles him to be recognised as a specialist by the Commonwealth.
Peter found his on-the-job training at Epworth invaluable in helping
to prepare for, and pass, his examination for fellowship.
well done on your recent achievement!
iMAGE: ExECUTivE MEDiCAl DiRECTOR PETER DOHRMAnnEDiTH BRyAnT
Executive Medical Director obtains FRACMA
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On Saturday 6 November, 4 South staff at Epworth Eastern were delighted with the prospect of hosting a very special Hindu marriage ceremony.
Rakesh Goel, a patient of 4 South proudly gave his daughter vira’s hand in marriage to the groom Petar. in attendance at the ceremony were family members and close friends.
The Day Oncology unit was transformed for the occasion. The Bride looked stunning in an exquisite hand woven dark pink and gold sari which had been specially made for her by the weavers of Benaras in india. The nurses who attended the service felt honored to be included in such a unique and joyous celebration.
The staff of 4 South wish the newlyweds and the Goel family their congratulations!
1: viRA GOEl On HER SPECiAl DAy
2: fAMily MEMBERS GATHER in THE DAy OnCOlOGy wARD
Epworth Eastern hosts very special wedding
Epworth HealthCare and the Marsh Foundation have joined forces to deliver timely, practical assistance to thousands of Indonesians affected by the eruption of the Mount Merapiv volcano and a tsunami caused by an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia.
As a result of both natural disasters, it is estimated that there have been more than 500 deaths and thousands displaced, many with serious burns and limited access to medical help.
Epworth’s donation of 30,000 surgical masks was transported to indonesia. The medical community of Sragen, with whom The Marsh foundation has an established relationship, will ensure the masks reach the rescue efforts teams as quickly as possible.
Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade said today he was pleased to be able to provide some practical assistance so quickly.
“Thanks to the years of work put in by Richmond GP Dr David Marsh, we are able to work with the Marsh foundation to deliver practical assistance to the right destination safely,” Mr Kinkade said.
The Marsh foundation is an internationally-recognised charity that was established by Richmond GP Dr David Marsh and his wife Claire after the Bali bombings. CEO Ms Jill Thomson said the foundation helps strengthen friendly ties that will lead to improving the health of impoverished children in the region
through the demonstration of the Australian spirit of generosity.
indonesia’s Mount Merapi volcano began erupting on 25 October shooting ash up to four miles into the air and killing 141 people in the immediate vicinity. nearly 280,000 people were evacuated and need emergency accommodation due to the threat of volcanic mud flowing into nearby cities. issues of poor sanitation and clean drinking water are paramount.
iMAGE: An ExAMPlE Of THE SURGiCAl MASKS THAT wERE DOnATED
30,000 surgical masks transported to Indonesia
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The Epworth HealthCare Scholarships acknowledge the contribution of individual staff members. The awards provide financial support to recipients to undertake an academic or professional course or conference or for a project that relates that their work.
The awards are an important part of furthering Epworth’s commitment to their staff and to provide more opportunities for professional learning and leadership development. Congratulations to the 2010 recipients listed below.
1. SCHOlARSHiP RECiPiEnT JEnny JOnES wiTH ExECUTivE DiRECTOR MARKETinG & BUSinESS DEvElOPMEnT SUSAn wARDlE
2. ExECUTivE DiRECTOR REHABiliTATiOn BROnwyn MACE AnD GROUP CHiEf ExECUTivE AlAn KinKADE COnGRATUlATE THE EPwORTH REHABiliTATiOn SCHOlARSHiP winnERS
Name Division Role Sponsor Scholarship
Carmen Hayden Richmond nurse Unit Manager Advantage Salary Packaging
Masters of Health Science (Health Admin)
Donna lever Richmond Oncology Clinical nurse Educator
Baxter Healthcare Masters of Health Science (Clinical Education)
Michael Graan Richmond Clinical nurse Educator
Abbott vascular Research project – investigation into quality of handover practices (thesis in Masters of nursing)
Jenny Jones Corporate (Marketing)
GP liaison Education Covidien Masters in Business Administration
Jeremy Buckmaster / Casey Brownlie
Rehabilitation Senior Occupational Therapist / ABi Social worker
Tony & virginia Browne
Development of pilot road trauma education program
Megan Hamilton Rehabilitation ABi Physiotherapist Baxter Healthcare Research project – improving community mobility among traumatic brain injury (TBi) patients
Margaret Mealings Rehabilitation Team leader, Speech Pathologist
Advantage Salary Packaging
Research project – returning ABi patients to secondary and tertiary study
Julie Preston Eastern Clinical Teacher – Associate nurse Unit Manager
Abbott vascular Research project – improving diagnostic accuracy of fast heart rhythms
Andrew levak Eastern Registered nurse Tim Acton Postgraduate diploma in nursing (Cancer and Palliative Care)
laura wilson freemasons Registered nurse Covidien Diploma in nursing Practice
Jane white freemasons Registered nurse St Jude Medical Graduate Certificate in nursing (intensive Care)
Congratulations 2010 scholarship winners!
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Christmas and the holiday season mean many things to many people but for most it’s a chance to spend time with loved ones – a time for celebration, sharing and joy.
This year at Christmas, Epworth HealthCare has decided to once again give back to the community, focusing on people in need, especially around the festive season.
Staff are being asked to consider donating non-perishable food items, toiletries and toys/games for children that will be passed on to the wesley Mission Melbourne to be distributed to those in need. wesley Mission Melbourne works alongside those who are most disadvantaged and inspires them to live their lives to the fullest as valued members of the community. The wesley food for families appeal has been running for 19 years. its aim is to collect non-perishable food and toiletries for families in crisis in the lead up to Christmas.
Epworth Eastern will continue to donate to the charities they have supported over the years.
Suggested items to be donated include tinned foods, pasta and pasta sauces, baby food and nappies, soap and deodorant, breakfast cereals, muesli bars etc. This list is not limited. To ensure ease of distribution, wesley Mission has requested that no items be wrapped.
With already more than 20 people committed to the 2011 Vietnam to Cambodian Cycling Challenge, the Epworth Medical Foundation is putting a last minute call out to anyone interested in taking on the challenge to raise funds for HeartSmart – Epworth’s cardiac rehabilitation program.
Scheduled for 18-28 february the vietnam to Cambodian Cycling Challenge includes six days of moderate cycling with a tour leader, local guide and accompanying air-conditioned support vehicle. The trip will take in the village life across the Mekong delta and southern Cambodia and costs $5,700 (of which $2,500 is tax deductible).
Adam Steere from the Executive fitness Management Health Club will lead the group with cardiologist Dr Rob Gelder and HeartSmart Coordinator nanci Thurston.
There are limited spots available so if you are interested in this most exciting fund raising opportunity please contact Jayne Coates at the Epworth Medical foundation on 03 9426 6131 as soon as possible.
if you can’t take part but would like to show your support for our cardiac patients you can help by sponsoring our participants at www.everydayhero.com.au/event/epworth_cambodia or by phoning the Epworth Medical foundation on 03 9426 6131.
1: ROn MCCARTHy wiTH SOME Of THE CHilDREn AT THE villAGE
2: THE 2010 GROUP GATHER AT THE TEMPlE Of TA PHROM
Last chance to fundraise your way to Vietnam and Cambodia!
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Working with Wesley Mission at Christmas time
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Diabetes case study gains national recognition
The Non-Invasive Cardiac Unit (NICU) at Epworth Richmond is led by Dr Paul Calafiore, a cardiologist with extensive experience and expertise in cardiac ultrasound, supported by several sessional cardiologists. Almost 9000 cardiac investigations are conducted annually and a 24/7 on-call service for both emergent echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation is offered.
niCU co-Chief Cardiac Technologist, Di Jackson, recently presented a poster at the Cardiac Society of Australia and new zealand (CSAnz) annual scientific meeting in Adelaide 5-8 August 2010. The CSAnz is the professional body for cardiologists, cardiac technologists, cardiovascular nurses, allied health professionals and others with an interest in cardiology.
Di has been involved with professional development of cardiac sonography at a national level for many years. Di’s poster compared the echocardiographically reported size of a patient’s left atrium to the American Society of Echocardiography published reference range. Her study indicated that Australia’s normal range is probably larger than the
ASE reference range. As a result of these findings, it is hoped that further research on the topic will take place.
As a member of the CSAnz local organising committee, Di, on behalf of Allied Health affiliate members, invited the inaugural international guest speaker, Marti McCulloch, to present in Adelaide and at Epworth Richmond. Marti is Director, Methodist DeBakey Heart and vascular Center in Houston, Texas and on the board of the prestigious ASE. Marti gave three echo-related talks including
the keynote address at the Allied Health Prize presentation. Arising from her Australian visit, in her report to be published in the november edition of the journal of ASE, Marti credits Epworth Richmond as “impressive” and her visit here as a highlight of her Australian trip.
1: niCU CO-CHiEf TECHnOlOGiST Di JACKSOn
2: Di’S POSTER THAT SHE PRESEnTED
Cardiac research presented at CSANZ
Diabetes is on the rise world-wide, affecting the quality of life for many people. As such, educating people on the disease is now more important than ever.
Epworth Richmond Diabetes Educator Sue Redden knows more about diabetes and its associated complications, than most. Sue is responsible for providing comprehensive in-patient services in diabetes education for newly and previously diagnosed people with diabetes, as well as their families.
Sue recently presented a case study published in the ‘Abbott Diabetes Care Case Study Book 2010’. All of the case studies published in the book represent a wide range of dilemmas that people with diabetes and healthcare professionals face daily. Sue’s case
study examined how the Optium xceed Blood glucose monitors “strip technology” is useful in the hospital setting. Her finding’s illustrate that using the Optium xceed technology in the hospital setting allows for accurate and cost effective results to be obtained. The reason this is so important and useful is because treatment decisions are based on these results.
further to Sue’s research, there were ten other case studies presented in the book, all of which focussed on a wide range of patient types and diabetic dilemmas presented to healthcare professionals. The Australian Diabetes Credentialing Educators read through all of the case studies, before deciding which to award. Sue was announced as the 2010 winner at a conference held in Sydney in September.
Congratulations Sue! your research has helped increase the awareness and importance of diabetes education, specifically why blood glucose strip technology is useful in the hospital setting.
iMAGE: DiABETES EDUCATOR SUE REDDEn wiTH HER winninG PlAQUE
Incorpora)ng assessment of indexed le4 atrial volume (LAVi) is recommended as an important component of comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)1. Two standard techniques are sited for LAVi es)mates: the bi-‐plane area-‐length method (A/L) and Simpson’s bi-‐plane method of discs (MOD). The objec)ve of this study was to evaluate the impact of LAVi on the assessment of LA size by experienced cardiologists in an adult echocardiography department. Cardiologists’ repor)ng of LA size was based on tradi)onal LA dimensions, bi-‐plane LA area (LAA) and “eye-‐ball” assessment.
Increased LAV is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes2 therefore accurate LAV measurement forms an important part of rou)ne echo, par)cularly for long-‐term follow up of pa)ents with e.g. mitral valve disease or hypertension. LA anterior-‐posterior dimension may provide a limited indica)on of increased cardiovascular risk4. LA volume determina)ons are preferred over linear dimensions because they provide a more accurate assessment of asymmetric LA remodelling1.
• The pa)ent popula)on consisted of 103 unselected pa)ents (pts) referred for rou)ne TTE. There were 71 males, mean age 59 years. TTE referrals were for a variety of indica)ons as shown in Table 1.
• Table 1: TTE referral indica)ons
Total LV func-on
Valve disease
Arrhythmia Hypertension CMO Miscell
103 46 18 13 10 5 11
The measured LAVi did separate the normal/mild/moderate/severely dilated LA size (figure 5) though these values were larger than the reference range (figure 6).
• In reported normals (52 pts) (figure 7) the LAA range was 12–28 cm2 (mean 20.2+/-‐3.1) i.e. within normal limits.
• In this same group, LAV range using MOD was 51 – 103ml (mean 60.9+/-‐14.3), LAVi 20-‐51ml/m2, (mean 32.6+/-‐6.6) or using A/L, LAV 50-‐112ml (mean 65.5+/-‐15.6), LAVi range 21-‐56ml/m2 (mean 34.6+/-‐7.4). 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
normal mild mod sev
LAVi m
ls/m
2
Reference LA size
LAVi vs reference LA size
min
max
mean
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
normal mild moderate severe
LAVi m
l/m2
LAVi reference size
Normals vs LA size reference
min
max
mean
• The majority (71%) of reported normals therefore fell into the mild to severely dilated LA size reference range.
• In those with LA size reported as mildly dilated (31 pts), LAVi was mildly to severely dilated using MOD, moderately or severely dilated using A/L, when compared with the reference range.
• All those with reported LA size as either moderately or severely dilated (21 pts), LAVi fell within severely dilated category.
• Measurement of LAA, LAV and LAVi are shown in Table 2.
• In all pa)ents, correla)on of LAVi between A/L and MOD was excellent (r=0.99, figure 2), A/L on average 6.7% larger than MOD.
• Using data from all pa)ents, the LAA and LAVi correlated well (r = 0.90, figure 3).
• LAA and reported size correlated similarly (r = 0.78) to LAVi and reported size (figures 4 and 5).
• Using both apical 4 chamber and 2 chamber views, and ensuring correctly aligned non-‐foreshortened images3 (figure 1). LA area and LAVi were obtained. Both the A/L and MOD es)mates were obtained from the same images.
• According to reference data1 LAVi was classified as normal, or mildly, moderately or severely dilated. This classifica)on was then compared to reported LA size.
• All studies were performed by a single operator using Acuson Sequoia equipment and reported by experienced readers.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
LAVi M
OD
LAVi A/L
LAVi ml/m2: MOD vs A/L
r = 0.99
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
LAA cm2
LAVi ml/m2
LAA vs LAVi
r = 0.90
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
normal mild moderate severe
LAAcm
2
Reported LA size
LAA vs reported LA size
min
max
mean
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
normal mild moderate severe
LAVi m
l/m2
Reported LA size
LAVi vs reported LA size
min
max
mean
References • Lang R et al. Recommenda)ons for Chamber Quan)fica)on: A Report from the
American Society of Echocardiography’s Guidelines and Standards Commikee and the Chamber Quan)fica)on Wri)ng Group, Developed in Conjunc)on with the European Associa)on of Echocardiography, a Branch of the European Society of Cardiology. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. JASE 2005;18:1440-‐1463
• Moller JE et al. Le4 atrial volume: a powerful predictor of survival a4er acute myocardial infarc)on. Circula)on 2003;107:2207-‐12.
• Gilman G et al; Diastolic func)on: A sonographer’s approach to the essen)al echocardiographic measurements of LV diastolic func)on; JASE 2006;20:199-‐209
• Kedia G et al. Using Tradi)onal Measurements of the Le4 Atrial Diameter to Predict the Le4 Atrial Volume Index. Echocardiography: JCV Ultrasound & Allied Tech 2008;25: 36-‐39
Normal Mild Moderate Severe
Normal 9 - - -
Mild 15 - - -
Moderate 15 7 - -
Severe 13 22 19 2
• Many of the reported normals (71%) fall outside the normal reference LAVi range. Using LAVi to guide repor)ng of LA size would therefore mean the LA size would be at least one grade larger rela)ve to the reference LA size data1.
• In order for LAVi data to influence repor)ng of LA size, a larger study is needed to establish the range of normal values that reflect the Australian popula)on.
• Study limita)on: no inter-‐ or intra-‐observer variability studies performed.
INFLUENCE OF LEFT ATRIAL VOLUME ONECHOCARIOGRAPHIC REPORTING OF LEFT ATRIAL SIZE
1 2
26
Epworth Rehabilitation is the largest private rehabilitation provider in Victoria. The aim of rehabilitation is to provide an individualised program for a patient to achieve optimal potential in physical, work, social and recreational activities.
A patient requiring extensive rehabilitation to recover from their injuries often has a long road to recovery.
Below is an extract of a letter, thanking the staff of Epworth Rehabilitation Richmond for their outstanding support and continued assistance to a patient who recently suffered from a serious head injury.
My wife and I live in Avenel in northern Victoria and run a mixed farm. In December 2008 while working on the farm I hit my head, a few days later while flying to Adelaide I suffered a significant bleed on my brain. From that day on my life changed.
After 9 weeks in hospital in Adelaide, I was transferred to Epworth Rehabilitation to begin my therapy and road to recovery. Daily sessions included physio, speech
and occupational therapy, as well as psychology. My dedicated team all worked towards making my life better and were a wonderful support to myself and my family.
Six months on, I was discharged to go home; I am now able to contribute to daily life on the farm with some help from the family. Every Wednesday I travel 1 ½ hours to see Liz and do circuit training as I am still continuing to slowly improve. I feel indebted to the wonderful staff at Epworth Richmond Rehabilitation. I cannot thank you enough!
In February I celebrated my 60th birthday, never one for big parties my family thought it would be nice to invite all our family and friends as a sort of thank you for their love and support over the past year. I have
everything I need, so I asked all to donate to help buy equipment for the physiotherapy department and to recognise the wonderful staff at Epworth.
The staff bought a digital video camera with the donated money which is used almost daily throughout the physiotherapy department, to monitor the progress and to show patients how they are performing and improving. The camera is also used for educational purposes and to further analyse patient treatments for optimal outcomes.
iMAGE: EPwORTH REHABiliTATiOn PHySiOTHERAPiST GAvin williAMS, PATiEnT ROBin STEERS AnD EPwORTH REHABiliTATiOn PHySiOTHERAPiST liz MOORE
Throughout the last quarter, Epworth maintained a strong media presence with more than 450 mentions in the electronic, print and web media.
in the lead up to the Spring Racing Carnival race days, veteran trainer Bart Cummings spent a few days resting in Epworth Richmond and Melbourne held its breath to see if his horse (the favourite) would help him fully recover by winning the Cup. Media all around the nation reported on his condition and waited outside for a glimpse of racing’s viP.
Other highlights include:
- Coverage of the Epworth Deakin announcement for a new 250 bed
Epworth hospital be built by 2013 (Geelong Advertiser, Bellarine Echo, K-rock, 3AW)
- Story of Jack Joel, a patient who considers himself lucky to have had his heart attack at the Epworth Gala Ball, in front of Melbourne’s top medical experts including Dr Ron Dick. (Herald Sun, Dockland News, 3AW)
- national and international reporting on former Malaysian Prime Minister Mr Mahathir Mohammad’s stay at Epworth
- lengthy newspaper feature about a woman’s treatment at Epworth freemasons. This was followed by lengthy radio interviews with
Jill Baker. (Herald Sun, Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, radio 3AW and 2GB)
- Radio interviews including Talk Back on ABC Radio National and ABC Stateline with Dr Bill nimoriatakis – an expert in Australia’s venomous animals and their bites
- Seven’s Today Tonight warned that food poisoning can have serious side-effects if not treated properly. Epworth Emergency Director Dr Ron Sultana was interviewed.
for all media enquiries, please contact Media Manager Colleen Coghlan on 9426 8816
Epworth in the media
The day my life changed…
27
On Thursday 23 September nine students graduated from the 2009 Graduate Nurses October intake. Director of Clinical Services at Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell, Maryann McCusker, introduced guests to the afternoon ceremony. She then handed over to Wendy Beavis, Graduate Nurse Program Coordinator who presented each of the grads with their certificate.
Throughout the program graduates are exposed to different areas within the hospital, to consolidate their learning’s with practical clinical experience. At the end of their rotations the graduates then choose an area of speciality.
Epworth offers a supportive, professional environment within the highest standards of practice. if you would like further information regarding Epworth HealthCare Graduate nurses Programs, please contact:
