The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014 Message from the Chief Executive A family of emus near Menindee. Photo by Darriea Turley On 5 December we celebrate International Volunteer Day, and an opportunity to thank staff and community members who volunteer their time to support our health services and their communities. A particular thanks to the Broken Hill Hospital Auxiliary and the members of the Health Councils. Thanks to Liz Martin and her team who organised a talent quest as part of Mental Health Month. It was great to see a wide range of organisations collaborating to stage each of the four evenings in Dareton, Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Menindee. I noticed a story in this issue about fire training, which brought to my mind the importance of staff undertaking their orientation to the District when they commence and maintaining their full range of mandatory training. Although we are all busy, it’s worrying that some of us are inclined to let this area of training lapse. From June next year you and your manager will receive regular reminders of mandatory training you have to undertake or update. Fortunately most of it is online, unfortunately most is not as much fun as the fire training and playing with fire extinguishers. At the recent Health Innovation Awards, the LHD was a finalist in the Minister for Mental Health’s Awards for the development of our partnership with NEAMI and the Mental Health Recovery Unit. Congratulations to Susan, Rachel and the team that have made this service a success. Over the last month or so we have been busy ensuring that in the unlikely event that a patient with Ebola attended one of our services we were well placed to provide them the immediate care they needed and minimise the risk to staff providing treatment. This has involved rehearsals to ensure we had everything in place in terms of appropriate rooms for treatment and pathways for waste, and more recently the delivery of the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We have almost completed training for everyone who may need to use this equipment. Thankfully, the prevalence of this disease in the affected countries appears to be coming under control. The last month has seen a fair bit of anxiety, particularly within the Broken Hill Health Service. I’m aware there is lots of gossip flying around about why some of your colleagues may have been stood down. It is not possible to respond to specific cases but it is important to think about the underlying issues. Everyday people come into our services and place enormous trust in us to provide them with safe, high quality care. If we are to deserve this trust all of us need to do our jobs professionally and within the guidelines that define high quality care. Unfortunately, there have been a number of cases where some staff have failed to provide the care our patients should be able to expect. Although this affects a very small group of staff, I’m concerned that the rumour mill at the moment is causing unnecessary anxiety for all of you who strive to provide high quality care every day. This will be the last edition of Far West in Focus before Christmas. I know many of you will be taking a well-earned break and spending time with family and friends. Some of us will also be working to ensure we continue to provide our services over the holiday period. Thanks to each of you for the efforts you’ve made this year to meet the health needs of our communities. Have a safe and merry Christmas and I look forward to another year working with you. — Stuart Riley, Chief Executive Training for the donning and doffing of Ebola specific PPE has commenced in the FWLHD as part of our Ebola preparedness. Over the coming weeks Karen Kemp, Infection Prevention & Control CNC is travelling the District training staff in donning and doffing Ebola specific PPE as recommended by the Ministry. The CEC has produced a range of training videos. These can be accessed through the intranet or at http:// www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/ resources/videos
Transcript
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Message from the Chief Executive
A fam
ily o
f em
us n
ear
Me
nin
de
e.
Photo
by D
arr
iea T
url
ey
On 5 December we celebrate International Volunteer Day, and an opportunity to thank staff and community members who volunteer their time to support our health services and their communities. A particular thanks to the Broken Hill Hospital Auxiliary and the members of the Health Councils.
Thanks to Liz Martin and her team who organised a talent quest as part
of Mental Health Month. It was great to see a wide range of organisations collaborating to stage each of the four evenings in Dareton, Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Menindee.
I noticed a story in this issue about fire training, which brought to my
mind the importance of staff undertaking their orientation to the District when they commence and maintaining their full range of mandatory training. Although we are all busy, it’s worrying that some of us are inclined to let this area of training lapse. From June next year you and your manager will receive regular reminders of mandatory training you have to undertake or update. Fortunately most of it is online, unfortunately most is not as much fun as the fire training and playing with fire extinguishers.
At the recent Health Innovation Awards, the LHD was a finalist in the
Minister for Mental Health’s Awards for the development of our partnership with NEAMI and the Mental Health Recovery Unit. Congratulations to Susan, Rachel and the team that have made this service a success.
Over the last month or so we have been busy ensuring that in the
unlikely event that a patient with Ebola attended one of our services we were well placed to provide them the immediate care they needed and minimise the risk to staff providing treatment. This has involved rehearsals to ensure we had everything in place in terms of appropriate rooms for treatment and pathways for waste, and more recently the delivery of the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We have almost completed training for everyone who may need to use this equipment. Thankfully, the prevalence of this disease in the affected countries appears to be coming under control.
The last month has seen a fair bit of anxiety, particularly within the
Broken Hill Health Service. I’m aware there is lots of gossip flying around about why some of your colleagues may have been stood down. It is not possible to respond to specific cases but it is important to think about the underlying issues. Everyday people come into our services and place enormous trust in us to provide them with safe, high quality care. If we are to deserve this trust all of us need to do our jobs professionally and within the guidelines that define high quality care. Unfortunately, there have been a number of cases where some staff have failed to provide the care our patients should be able to expect. Although this affects a very small group of staff, I’m concerned that the rumour mill at the moment is causing unnecessary anxiety for all of you who strive to provide high quality care every day.
This will be the last edition of Far West in Focus before Christmas. I
know many of you will be taking a well-earned break and spending time with family and friends. Some of us will also be working to ensure we continue to provide our services over the holiday period. Thanks to each of you for the efforts you’ve made this year to meet the health needs of our communities. Have a safe and merry Christmas and I look forward to another year working with you.
— Stuart Riley, Chief Executive
Training for the donning and doffing of Ebola specific PPE has commenced in the FWLHD as part of our Ebola preparedness. Over the coming weeks Karen Kemp, Infection Prevention & Control CNC is travelling the District training staff in donning and doffing Ebola specific PPE as recommended by the Ministry.
The CEC has produced a range of training videos. These can be accessed through the intranet or at http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/videos
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
PAGE 2 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected]
The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
‘Be YouNeak’ — ‘Be Deadly’ Mental Health Month this year was
celebrated with talent quest concerts across our District, taking the lead from last year’s successful concert held during Mental Health Month.
This year’s theme ‘beYOUnique!’ fitted in well with the talent quest shows which were organised to encourage our communities to share their ‘YOUnique’ qualities.
Australian television and film actor Luke Carroll was our special guest and he presided over the concerts, introducing the acts as well as being part of the judging panel.
Luke travelled with the organisers to Dareton, Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Menindee, where the locals provided acts displaying a fantastic variety of talent which the audiences enjoyed immensely.
Overall 400 plus people attended the four concerts, with positive feedback indicating that it was a great night and the communities would like to see these activities continue in future.
The evenings commenced with dinner
provided by organisations/partners followed by the talent quests. As well as prizes for the talent quest entrants, door prizes were raffled during the course of the evening much to the delight of the
audience and especially the children. The important messages of Mental Health and Hep C were relayed during the evening with many promotional products being available to the attendees. Many thanks to the following organisations/partners who contributed to the success of this initiative: Far West LHD, Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, Going Viral NSW, Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation,
LifeLine Broken Hill, Royal Flying Doctor Service Eastern Division, Mental Health Month, Coomealla Aboriginal Health Corporation, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and community businesses that donated prizes.
Overall the Talent Quests and evenings events were a great success and enjoyed by all who attended! — Elizabeth Martin,
CNC - Mental Health Academic
Talent quest concerts bring out the best!
Our latest and last group of JMOs for
2014 contain some familiar faces.
Drs Zoe Huang and Vincent Nguy have
both been to Broken Hill before and are both
on Medical rotations this time and both as
SRMO.
Cecily Nichols remains for another term
and Medical Services now consider Cecily
one of the locals and won't be sending her
back to Sydney anytime soon. Alex Rack
has been here a few weeks prior to the
group arriving, as he came out to help with
staffing.
There are two couples in the group —
Drs Leanne and Andrew Kiat and Drs Zoe
Huang and Vincent Nguy.
Medical Services hopes the Broken Hill
experienced JMOs will be able to show
Broken Hill Hospital and the city to its best
advantage to our first time interns and
JMOs.
Back (from left) Dr Andrew Kiat, Dr Alex Rack, Dr Ravin Hettiarachchi, Dr Alex Kosta, Dr Vincent Nguy. Front: Dr Leanne Kiat, Dr Cecily Nichols, Dr Zoe Huang and Dr Robyn Laube.
Some familiar faces amongst our latest group of JMOs
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
PAGE 3 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected]
The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Broken Hill Health Service celebrated Safe Work Australia Month in October and staff and their departments had great fun raising awareness of this very important issue. Many focussed on the potential hazards unique to their working environment and the annual competition for top honours in the decorating stakes was keenly contested. The judges had a hard time determining outright winners.
With due consideration, the Best Decorated Department went to Pharmacy with an Honourable Mention to OBU, which with a Halloween theme had put up fierce competition (as usual). Best Dressed Female went to Sue Liddell and Best Dressed Male to Dr Phil Cocks — both of OBU.
A children’s colour-in competition had winners in Freya Holden 2-5 years, Isana Burke 5-8 years and Clarissa Honan 9-12 years.
The participation from all wards and the effort put into the displays was overwhelming and congratulations to everyone for taking part in this important activity.
Well done everyone for showing dedication and commitment to work health and safety!
TOP LEFT: The Pharmacy Team won Best Decorated Dept whilst Sue Liddell (right) won Best Dressed Female and Dr Phil Cocks (below) won Best Dressed Male with his Devil-may-care outfit!
ABOVE: OBU put up a fierce fight for Best Decorated Department including highlighting potential hazards for staff working in a birthing room.
Safe storage and disposal of medication was a strong theme for pharmacy.
A range of themes were showcased throughout the hospital to promote Safe Work Month.
Safety the key at work
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
PAGE 4 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected]
The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West LHD were grateful to receive funding from PEPA (Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach) to host two educational opportunities that aimed to increase staff confidence and competence in several aspects of end of life care.
Sixty health professionals from various disciplines attended an insightful presentation by Dr Sarah Wenham, Palliative Care Physician FWLHD on evening of October 29. Sarah spoke about Palliative Care and symptom management at the end of life. Feedback was extremely positive, and it was great to see some GPs, medical students and pharmacists attend, along with a number of nurses who had travelled from across the district.
The following day, 90 staff attended an education day on Communication and Advance Care Planning. With orientation to the topic provided by Melissa Cumming (Director of Cancer and Palliative Care), Dr Sarah Wenham presented a
comprehensive and relevant session on how we might improve our communication for people at the end of life. Lisa Shaw (Advance Care Planning Officer NHELHD) spent the rest of the day getting the audience to experience what it is like to have to think about advance care planning and end of life decisions. It was an
experiential session, and very well received with Lisa’s dynamic presentation skills and stories.
Melissa Cumming thanked PEPA, the Demo Club for donating the use of the conference room, and Sarah and Lisa for facilitating some ‘light bulb moments’ for members of the audience.
Palliative Care, Communication and Advance Care Planning Education
The inaugural meeting of the White Cliffs Health Council was held Monday 27 October 2014 at the White Cliffs Health Service. Richard Wagner was appointed Chair and William Hoskins Secretary.
The Health Council Induction program which provides support for newly appointed health councillors and staff was conducted at the first meeting.
District Community Engagement Manager Darriea Turley said: “Health Council members have a vital role in bringing health issues to the attention of the Far West Local Health District. The White Cliffs Health Councillors are very enthusiastic and will provide a strategic link to community for the Health Service.”
There are still vacancies and members of the White Cliffs community with an interest in the future of health services are being encouraged to nominate for appointment to the White Cliffs Health Council.
For further information contact Darriea Turley, Manager Community Engagement 0880801511 or 0429848480.
White Cliffs Health Council Meets
Attending the White Cliffs Health Council inaugural
meeting were Annette Turner, William Hoskins, Albert
Gale and Richard Wagner. Absent Virginia White
Far West Health Library
BHUDRH
Mon – Fri 8:30 – 5:00
Ph: 8080 1210
Book of the Month: Best, O & Fredericks, B. 2014, Yatdjuligin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery care. This book is designed for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous nurses, midwives and psychiatric nurses who will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The book includes chapters on the history of health service provision for Australian Indigenous people, gender, midwifery, community-controlled health services, remote area nursing, mental health and caring for Indigenous Elders, and features case studies and critical thinking questions.
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
PAGE 5 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected]
The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Kiosk Volunteers have been doing some homework behind the scenes after requests from some customers regarding the type of coffee sold. The Kiosk is trialling a new brand of Organic Coffee and although it’s early days, they have received some positive feedback.
“We are always happy to get feedback and will do our best to respond to any requests or suggestions made by staff,” said Purchasing Officer, Anne Bennetts. “We welcome comments from staff, patients and visitors to the Kiosk and where possible we will respond to these requests as we like to keep the staff and customers happy”.
Anne said that the Kiosk Volunteers do feel that they are part of the hospital team and are always willing to help and cooperate with their fellow team members. She said: “the staff do a wonderful job and we like to do our bit to make their life a little happier, we listen to what they say and make changes where possible”.
When you next try a mellow cup of
organic coffee at the Kiosk please let
the Volunteers know what you think or
if you would like to drop me an email I
would be happy to pass on your
comments to the Kiosk Volunteers.
— Mary Leehane,
Volunteer Manager
Kiosk happy to respond to staff comments
RIGHT: Elaine Johns with the new Organic Coffee that the Kiosk is trialling
Fourth Year Exercise Physiology student Will Thorpe has commenced an exercise program for the haemodialysis patients. This exercise program will improve their dialysis outcomes and prevent muscle wastage. It will also promote improved quality of life as it may improve their strength and aerobic capacity. The patients do the exercises in the first hour of dialysis to allow them to recover before heading home for the day. The staff have also become involved to encourage the patients to participate in this trial.
Pictured (from left) is Em Creek (Haemodialysis RN), Claude Briar (Patient) and
Will Thorpe (4th yr Exercise Physiology Student from Sydney University)
Exercise boost for patients
PAGE 6
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
The volunteers of the Broken Hill Health Service Kiosk Auxiliary enjoyed a silver service gourmet dinner provided by the Executive Team at their Christmas function held this month.
The evening was a special ‘thank you’ to all the Kiosk volunteers for their outstanding work all year. The volunteers contributed their time and effort for the Kiosk to be able to raise $160,000 for a major project in the hospital, as well as a few other equipment donations.
Chief Executive Stuart Riley led a team of Executive and Hospital staff members in the preparation, cooking and serving of a 3-course gourmet menu specially planned for the evening.
During the night, the volunteers enjoyed a variety of Christmas cheer games and exchanging Secret Santa gifts.
Director of Medical Services Dr Kathleen Atkinson also had the pleasure of presenting to Lyn Howard her Kiosk Auxiliary 10 Year Service Badge.
Everyone was upstanding for a Minutes Silence in memory of late Kiosk members Colleen Nardelli and Felix Pace, who passed away March and September 2014 respectively.
Board Chairman Tom Hynes thanked the Kiosk and congratulated them on once again another successful year. He also praised the efforts of Chef Stuart Riley and his team in serving up a magnificent meal to the volunteers.
Everyone who attended was full of praise for the menu and the wonderful table service provided on the night.
Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to another successful Kiosk Dinner!
BHHS Kiosk volunteers celebrate a great year!
The volunteers enjoyed the night together (pictured in their day teams)
More Photos
next page
PAGE 7
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
DMS Dr Kathleen Atkinson presented Lyn Howard her 10 Year Service Badge
Executive members
mixed with Kiosk
Committee members
Kiosk Christmas cheer
PAGE 8
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
INNOVATION By Mel Welsh, Clinical Redesign & Innovation Manager
We have a lot of updates this month, so let’s get started.
Redesign projects: The Redesign methodology is particularly useful for complex problems with no clear solution at the outset. The
Redesign methodology is a systematic approach for uncovering root causes to issues and ensuring that the solutions that are put into
place actually address the problems in a sustainable way.
There are currently two redesign projects underway in Broken Hill. The ED project (reducing re-presentations and did not wait/leave at
own risk at the ED in Broken Hill) identified managing the wait and cultural competency of the service as priority areas to focus on when
thinking about solutions. We are continuing to seek the opinions of the consumer to make sure that any changes we make will be
appropriate in the longer term. We have also started on the AMenD Community Mental Health redesign project, the goal to enhance the
recovery focus of the service, reduce did not attend at initial appointments and increase the use of physical health assessments. We are
currently up to the diagnostics phase for this project.
Local projects register: we have uploaded a page onto our intranet to provide you with a starting point if you are planning to tackle a practice improvement project.
The local projects register is here so you can find similar projects to yours and stop re-inventing the wheel, or link up with people who have done projects before. If you would like one of your service improvement projects to be included on this list, just let me know by emailing or calling ([email protected] or 8080 1549). Within this page there are links to other useful resources, so please have a look and know what is in there before you embark on a project to improve services. If you find some useful resources that are not on this page, let me know so we can include them for the benefit of everyone.
ACI update: ACI have re-launched their website and have incorporated resources previously found at ARCHI. You will now find Models of Care and the Innovation Exchange within the ACI website.
The Innovation Exchange is designed to be a repository of successfully implemented and evaluated innovative projects from across the state, which is another great way to keep abreast of what others are doing as well as building our professional networks. We can use the Innovation Exchange to make contact with people and benefit from their learning.
The ACI website can be accessed via the NSW Health Intranet quick links or http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/
And if you are looking for inspiration and ideas, the presentations from the iCan: Ideas Inspiring Innovation 2014 Annual Innovations Symposium held in Sydney on 31st October are available by going to the NSW Health Innovation
Symposium Website at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/innovation/2014symposium/Pages/presentations.aspx.
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Our young visitors to the BHHS Children’s Ward will have some new ways to keep themselves occupied thanks to a generous donation of games, books, DVDs and activities.
Broken Hill Woolworths Petrol held a number of fundraising activities for the Ward as a way of giving back to the local community. One included staff dressing in hospital scrubs and washing windows and pumping petrol in exchange for a small donation from patrons.
They enjoyed themselves and hope to do it again in the future. We’re sure the children will enjoy the games and activities too!
Staff pictured with some of the donated items (from left) Paediatrics NUM Karen Harding-Smith, Paediatric CNC Jacqueline Ballard and Paediatric CNS Junisha Sweet.
Fun and games for Kids Ward
The winner of a handmade quilt donated by Karen Page to raise money for the Broken Hill and District Community Cancer Network was Management Trainee Rebecca Heron-Dowling.
Ticket sales for the quilt raised $1,232 for the Network, which provides financial support to local patients having cancer treatment.
Director of Cancer and Palliative Care Melissa Cumming (pictured left, presenting the quilt to Rebecca) thanked everyone for supporting the raffle!
Quilt winner a grinner!
Kincumber staff get together for the Cup
Kate Lithgow was awarded Prettiest Hat in the fashion
stakes and her two equine-
inspired comrades (who shall remain
nameless) won the most amusing hat!
Kincumber House staff gathered for a traditional Melbourne Cup luncheon this month and cheered on the big race whilst taking part in a sweep or two!
PAGE 10
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Health
Innovation Awards
Far West LHD RN Janet Daley didn’t win the Health Volunteer of the Year trophy at the NSW Health Innovation Awards but was one of four outstanding finalists.
When her name was announced as one of the four finalists, her Far West LHD colleagues Melissa Welsh, Susan Daly, Linda Sorum, Hannah Rodwell, Christian Minett and myself cheered extra loudly. Unfortunately Janet missed out on the top honour, and in her usual unassuming and gracious way cheered the winner. In fairness to all four finalists it must have been a close race as each of them were exceptional candidates and each deserved to win.
The Far West LHD Recovery Centre project led by Susan Daly, Director of MHDA was also a surprise finalist in the Minister for Mental Health/ Deputy Health Minister’s Award.
Susan nor her Far West colleagues were aware of this honour as the projects selected as finalists are at the discretion of the Minister and not pre-advised. We proudly (and loudly) supported Susan’s well deserved inclusion in this prestigious category.
The Far West LHD team returned from attending the Awards with a firm resolve to showcase the great work of our staff and volunteers at next year’s Health Innovation Awards.
I must thank and acknowledge the support of our Chief Executive, Stuart Riley; Deborah Hyland, Director Strategic Relations and Communications Ministry of Health, and her staff for their hard work and support and to REX Airline for donating flights for Janet to attend the Awards.
— Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager
Finding veins for chemotherapy or blood transfusion treatment is easier for the Oncology Unit following a donation from the BH Breast Cancer Support Group.
The money was raised as part of the Pink Ball fundraising effort.
The $7,800 AccuVein machine shines a light on the skin and veins show up.
Support Group members Geraldine Milne (sitting) and Thella Burford were pleased to present a cheque for the machine to (from left) RN Darwin Andrew, Director Cancer Services Melissa Cumming and RN Rose Martin.
Diabetes and Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease was highlighted in an informative display in the BH Hospital this month to raise awareness of these two chronic diseases.
Over 50 visitors — staff and the public — took advantage of the display to test for their risk factors and talk to staff about the conditions.
The display was held in conjunction with World Diabetes Awareness and World COPD Day which are both held in November.
(From left) Karen Brewster, Diabetes Nurse Educator, checking up on PSA Cathy Grose, with Will Thorpe, Exercise Physiology
Student Sydney Uni, Stephanie McKenzie, Physiotherapy student Sydney and CNC Chronic Disease, Jayne Langran.
PAGE 11
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Eight Accommodation Staff members attended a practical fire equipment demonstration conducted by Ray Slater.
The training (held on the lawn in front of the staff quarters) is a mandatory training requirement.
Mandatory fire equipment training
The staff quarters at BHHS has had some unwanted visitors of the feathered variety lately.
In a bid to move them on we are installing bird spikes to the pigeon’s favourite nesting spots.
Let’s hope it works!
A mock fire evacuation drill was held in the Staff Quarters this month in conjunction with BHHS Fire Officers and Broken Hill Fire and Rescue Brigade.
A synthetic smoke machine was used in the building to simulate a real fire and a rescue dummy was place in the building, which had its power cut. Both City and South fire brigades were involved with approximately 14 fire fighters attending.
The BH fire brigade were thankful for the opportunity to have their retained fire fighters gain valuable experience in using breathing apparatus equipment to enter a smoke filled multi-storey building. Compliance by all residents on the night was
excellent and commended by the BHHS fire officers. Annual fire drills are an important part of our commitment to staff training, awareness and safety. BHHS staff involved in the drill were Ray Slater, Darrin Quinn, Scott Carnie and Shaun Kennedy.
Fire evacuation drills essential to test compliance and for safety
PAGE 12
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
5th December 2014
Thanks to all our
volunteers International Volunteer Day (IVD) was established
by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. International Volunteer Day (IVA) 2014 recognises
and celebrates volunteerism, with a special focus on honouring people’s participation in making a difference at all levels locally, nationally and globally.
On 5 December 2014 join us in acknowledging and enhancing people’s participation, engagement and voice, in shaping and implementing development policies and the world we want.
I ask that all Far West LHD staff take this opportunity to acknowledge the volunteers who work across our organisation. We know that all of our staff appreciate the contribution of the volunteers in their individual departments, but please take the time on Friday 5 December to say a special “thank you” to the amazing Far West LHD volunteers for the time and hard work they so generously share with us.
Congratulations to all the volunteers who have been nominated for various awards during the past year: Janet Daley, PFS Staff Volunteer; Broken Hill Kiosk Auxiliary; Broken Hill Women’s Auxiliary RFDS; Karen Kemp; Raelene Kennewell; Mrs Pamela Lord, Betty Sammut and Margaret Wilson.
It is also rather fitting that on this special day two representatives of the Broken Hill Women’s Auxiliary RFDS, Mrs Margaret Symes (President) and Mrs Coral Ford (Vice President) will be attending the NSW Volunteer State Awards in Sydney.
Janet Daley, PFS Staff Volunteer has also received the honour of being awarded a “Chairperson Choice Award” in the 2014 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, which is a special Award for an outstanding nominee who has contributed significantly to their communities. Unfortunately Janet will be unable to attend the Award ceremony due to work commitments.
Everyone at Far West LHD are extremely proud of your achievements and the work you do for our organisation and our communities. We wish the Broken Hill Women’s Auxiliary RFDS and Janet Daley the best of luck on the 5th December.
‘Calming and inspiring’… ‘moving in sync’ … ‘challenging moves’ were comments made by Tai Chi leaders who attended a Sun Style 73 Form Tai Chi workshop at the beginning of November.
Gail Turner, a Broken Hill volunteer, and Debbie Everett and Raelene Gibson, staff from Dareton, were invited to Dubbo to learn the first 39 moves of the form from Sydney based Master Trainer Dr Janet Cromb. It was an intense learning weekend for the special selection of staff and volunteer Tai Chi leaders from Far West and Western NSW LHD.
Tai Chi for Arthritis, developed from the Sun Style 73 Form, is offered at classes in a number of communities across the District. There is a strong evidence base for this form as an effective falls prevention activity, with nimble steps and a focus on balance and body awareness – it’s also lots of fun! The energy from the weekend was great, with many leaders expressing their eagerness to apply what they learned in their local groups.
The Health Promotion Team provided this opportunity to further extend the practical and teaching skills of our more experienced leaders. Janet provided many practical tips and refinements on topics like weight transference, stepping, improving energy and understanding Chi, as well as Seated Tai Chi.
Another workshop to learn more of the 73 Form will be organised for these leaders in November 2015.
— Rosemary Stapleton, Health Promotion, Orange
Tai Chi leaders inspired and challenged
Dr Janet Cromb, Master Trainer (far left) taking the students through their paces.
PAGE 13
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Following the highly successful events of World Breastfeeding Week in August, the Broken Hill Breastfeeding Working Party is now focusing on creating and improving a supportive and
accommodating community for breastfeeding. This in turn should lead to improved and prolonged breastfeeding rates. Part of this promotion is to maintain staff awareness of the importance of breastfeeding. Broken Hill
Hospital has recently undergone the accreditation process for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) for the third time, making it one of the longest standing accredited hospitals in Australia.
The BFHI was launched by WHO and UNICEF in 1991 to promote a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Since its implementation more than 20,000 hospitals having been designated in 156 countries around the world over the last 15 years.
To help staff maintain their awareness of the importance of breastfeeding, the next few months you will
find some interesting ‘Tit-Bits’ throughout Far West in Focus providing information on breastfeeding and its benefits.
The working party is also looking to hold focus groups and forums within the community during 2015 to discuss barriers and enablers to breastfeeding. The Working Party can then look to enhance enablers and limit barriers in the future.
Did you know... Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a natural method of birth control (98% protection in the first six months after birth). It also reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and lowers rates of obesity.
Did you know… Women who have had
breast reductions or
implants may still be able
to breastfeed for a period
of time.
Breast is best — breastfeeding promotion
Did you know... Breast milk contains antibodies that help pro-tect infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide.
Rona Garrie recently returned from China where she took part in an organised tour of medical facilities there with a group of 27 Australian and three UK midwives.
Their group travelled 6,000 miles around China and were warmly welcomed everywhere they visited by their Chinese counterparts.
They featured on Chinese TV news when they were honoured guests at an official opening of a new private Women and Children’s Hospital in Hangzhou.
Rona said there was a great exchange of information between the visitors and their Chinese midwife hosts. “I was very impressed with the new hospital and their health services, and the fact they are trying hard to reduce the number of
caesarean births, with normal vaginal births having increased. They were also very proud to offer hypno births and that they had baths in their delivery rooms for water births.”
The clinic waiting rooms were also used for educational purposes for antenatal and postnatal care and the efforts made to boost confidence in the new mums.
“Showing mothers how to massage their baby and conducting baby water lessons to promote muscle development and movement was also very popular. We also saw traditional Chinese medicines alongside western, including in the pharmacy at the hospitals.”
Rona encouraged anyone with the opportunity to go on a similar tour (organised through Jon Baines Tours). “It was great and we learned a lot in seeing how another country’s midwifery services operated.”
The touring midwives with some of their Chinese counterparts.
Midwifery tour of China experience
PAGE 14
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
The appropriate use of antibiotics in both our health facilities and in the community was highlighted across the Far West LHD during Antibiotic Awareness Week (17-23 November).
While the development of antibiotics has been one of the most important advances of medicine, widespread use and misuse of antibiotics has led to some bacteria becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Bacterial infections that were once easily cured with antibiotics are now more difficult to treat. This phenomenon is termed “antibiotic resistance” and it has been identified by the World Health Organisation as a major public health problem and one of the greatest threats to human health today.
During Antibiotic Awareness Week, there is a focus on addressing inappropriate antibiotic use.
Pharmacy students currently on placement in Far West NSW, along with the current Intern Pharmacists were available in Broken Hill Town Square to discuss antibiotic resistance with the community. Key messages relayed to the community were:
Australia is one of the highest users of
antibiotics in the developed world
Antibiotics are a limited and precious
resource that need to be used appropriately
Antibiotics do not work against viruses
and therefore are not needed for the common cold and many respiratory infections
Do not request a prescription for
antibiotics from your GP but let the GP decide if antibiotics are necessary after assessment of your condition
When prescribed an antibiotic, we should
take the right dose, at the right time and for the prescribed length of time.
Do not give unused antibiotics to other
family members or friends to take. Any unused antibiotics should be taken to your nearest pharmacy for appropriate safe disposal.
The pharmacy team at Broken Hill Hospital also spread the message of antibiotic awareness to clinicians. In recent weeks, including during Antibiotic Awareness Week, a pharmacist, along with current University of New England Pharmacy students collected antibiotic prescribing data as part of the National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey. The final results of this survey will be disseminated to clinicians in the coming weeks.
Key messages also relayed to clinicians by the pharmacy team included:
Resistant infections are
more difficult to treat than other infections and can be associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality.
Inappropriate
prescribing and over use of antibiotics is a major driver of the development of resistance, and there is evidence which has shown that up to 50% of antimicrobial prescribing in hospitals is inappropriate or unnecessary.
As a result of the emerging health
problem of antibiotic resistance, the Far West LHD has put in place an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. The goal of the program is to develop and implement suitable strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance through the appropriate selection, monitoring and use of antibiotics though all LHD health facilities.
The FWLHD has finalised its
Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy with training to be undertaken through November and December with medical, nursing and pharmacy staff
Clinicians were also reminded by the pharmacy team to follow the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality Antibiotic Action Campaign messages:
Action 1: Obtain cultures before starting antimicrobial therapy
Action 2: Use the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines for empirical choice of antimicrobial therapy
Action 3: Document Antimicrobial Indication and Review Date
Action 4: Review and assess antibiotics at 48 hours
Action 5: Consider IV to oral switch Action 6: Seek infectious diseases
advice for complex cases Action 7: Educate patients about
antibiotic use
Pharmacy students raising antibiotic awareness
Antibiotic Awareness Week – raising awareness of proper use
FWLHD Endorsed Policies: July – November 2014 FW_PD2014_021 Delirium Management Policy 01/08/2014
FW_PD2014_022 Maternity – Pulse Oximetry Screening of Newborns 07/08/2014
FW_PD2014_023 Maternity – Management of Postdates Pregnancy 07/08/2014
FW_PD2014_024 Management and Administration of Blood and Blood Products Procedure 23/10/2014
FW_PD2014_025 Code of Ethics for Nurses and Midwives Policy 12/09/2014
FW_PD2014_026 Maternity – Amniotomy in Induction and Augmentation of Labour 12/09/2014
FW_PD2014_027 Management of Radiation Apparatus Procedure 12/09/2014
FW_PD2014_034 High Risk Medicines Procedure 25/11/2014
FW_PD2014_035 Maternity – Induction of Labour at or Beyond Term Policy 25/11/2014
FW_PD2014_036 Nursing and Midwifery Grading, Regrading and Reclassification Process 25/11/2014
PAGE 15 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected]
The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Health staff
benefited from a visit
by the Professor of
Childhood
Development at the
University of South
Australia, Professor Freda Briggs.
Professor Briggs is an internationally recognised expert on Child Protection. Jodie Miller, Cary Rogers and Johana Iren
from the Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol team joined Child & Family’s Angela Harvey at the workshop for a reminder of
the importance of believing children when they disclose abuse.
A big focus of Professor Brigg’s talk was that boys don’t report abuse, especially sexual abuse. She recommended four
books to help staff, teachers and parents: Secret Girls Business, Secret Boys Business, Special Girls Business and Special
Boys Business (the latter two are targeted at children with disabilities).
The visit by Professor Briggs was sponsored by the GP Super Clinic.
A morning with Freda Briggs
(Cary Rogers, Angela Harvey, Professor Freda Briggs, Johana Iren and Jodie Miller
PAGE 16
Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected] The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Policy Watch — PDs available on MOH internet The following documents have been published on the NSW Ministry of Health internet site http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies. These documents are official NSW Health policy. Compliance with Policy Directives is mandatory.
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 11, Vol 4, Nov 2014
Title and Summary Doc No. Date Issued
Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease Related Information Sharing
Policy Directive for sharing information from NSW Health about suspect cases of Creutzfeld-
Jakob Disease (CJD) in NSW residents with the Australian National Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease
Registry (ANCJDR) at the University of Melbourne, to facilitate patient and public health man-
agement.
PD2014_041 19/11/2014
Emergency Department Short Stay Units This policy outlines the mandatory requirements for the use of Emergency Department Short Stay Units (EDSSUs) in NSW hospitals. EDSSUs are Inpatient Units, managed by Emergency Department staff, designated and designed for the short term (generally up to 24 hours) treat-ment, observation, assessment and reassessment of patients initially triaged and assessed in
PD2014_040 13/11/2014
Notification of Obsolete Guideline:GL2008_012 & publication of updated NSW Burn Transfer Guidelines The purpose of this Information Bulletin is to advise that GL2008_012 has been made obselete. NSW Health staff seeking advice on burn transfers should refer to the ACI Statewide Burn Injury Service NSW Burn Transfer Guidelines, available on the ACI website.
IB2014_071 19/11/2014
NSW Hospital Peer Groups 2014 The purpose of this Information Bulletin is to inform NSW Health Services of changes to the NSW hospital peer groups effective from the release of this Information Bulletin. These changes
IB2014_070 14/11/2014
Fee for Cremation Certificates Issued by Salaried Medical Practitioners of Public Hospitals Revised fee for cremation certificated and medical referee's permits issued by salaried medical practitioners of public hospitals.
IB2014_069 13/11/2014
National Policy - Access to Government Funded Immunoglobulin Products in Australia The Information Bulletin advises all staff who prescribe, order, dispense or treat patients with immunoglobulin products that on 5 November 2014 a new National Policy comes into effect for
IB2014_068 13/11/2014
Standards for Paediatric IV Fluids To advise clinicians and managers about the products recommended in the Standards for Pae-diatric IV fluids (GL2014_009) published in June 2014. The Standards address the appropriate
IB2014_066 05/11/2014
Information & Privacy Commission Guideline: Use & disclosure of genetic information without consent This Information Bulletin notifies NSW public health organisations and staff of the publication of the "Use and disclosure of genetic information to a patient's genetic relatives: Guidelines for organisations in NSW" (the Guidelines) by the Information and Privacy Commission NSW and to advise that the Guidelines will take effect when the Health Legislation Amendment Act 2012 is proclaimed on 1 November 2014.
IB2014_065 31/10/2014
NSW Health Policy Directives and Other Policy Documents This Policy Directive requires NSW Health Organisations to develop and manage Policy Docu-ments in accordance with the principles set out in this Directive and with the standards con- PD2014_043 24/11/2014
Managing Misconduct This Policy Directive sets out the mandatory requirements for managing alleged or suspected misconduct by staff of the NSW Health Service or Visiting Practitioners. The document provides guidance on initial review of allegations, assessing and managing related risks, investigating the allegations, making decisions based on findings, implementing and communicating those deci-sions, and making mandatory notifications. The process focuses on prompt and timely manage-ment of all allegations, risk management, procedural fairness and confidentiality. PD2014_042 21/11/2014
Public Holidays for 2015 and 2016 IB2014_072 21/11/2014
