RPA BABY MATTERS RPA Newborn Care NICU News Dr Ingrid Rieger, Head of Department As we move into warmer weather the nursery continues to be very busy. All through winter we have been working to capacity which always makes life quite difficult for both staff and parents alike with the crowded environment. For this reason a team of our nursing staff became involved in the Essentials of Care (EOC) Programme. This is a nationally recognised programme which involves supporting the development and ongoing evaluation of nursing and midwifery practice and patient care. The EOC team, comprising Colette Conn, Stef Bates, Kristen Bennie, Svea Bajic, Kylie Davies, Therese McCarthy, Megan Ryan and Carla Whitehead set to work constructing a questionnaire and interviewing parents about their perceptions of the nursery and suggestions of how we could improve. The premise of the EOC programme is that improved patient (and parent) care leads to better teamwork and greater workplace satisfaction for the staff, so a win-win situation. As a result of the survey changes were made including: • greater awareness on how all staff communicate with parents • inviting the parents to join the afternoon ward rounds and provide their input • regular progress meetings with parents as their baby progresses through the nursery • establishment of a Q&A session for parents with medical and nursing staff, allied health and social work. We are also working on the RPA NCIU/Newborn Care website to further facilitate information for parents and other relatives. The group submitted their project for the EOC showcase, which was a state-wide showcase for the best EOC projects submitted. Ours was chosen and Kristen and Kylie presented the work to a capacity audience at the conference and received huge acclaim. I would personally like to thank the nursing staff involved in this initiative and support them in their ongoing work to improve conditions for babies, parents and staff. I would also like to thank our donors for their continuing support. Without the very generous donations that we receive we would not be able to support our projects, or indeed provide the up to date equipment that is necessary for the best neonatal care. Nursing Department News Simon Burke & Lyndy Dixon, Nursing Unit Managers The staff has again risen to the challenge of another quarter. Their willingness to pick up extra shifts to help us out in the NICU and manage a number of patients has ensured our families received the best care. Several staff members stand out in their leadership capacity and all have demonstrated great team- work. Jill Martin and Kara Mobb have been working in the Newborn Family Support Team. Kylie Davies has filled in as CNE and is now taking the role on for the next two years. I am very proud to be part of such a superlative team. Many of our staff members are pursuing their studies in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing and Masters of Nursing. The Nurse Practitioners continue to shine in their roles. A much overdue thank you should go out to our ancillary staff (Ward Assistants, Ward Administrators and Clinical Support Officers) they keep the show rolling working in the background to help the nursing and medical staff. We are always very grateful for the wonderful support of our parents and donors. The ongoing generosity of Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club, Little Wonder, Fortnum Foundation and others makes an enormous difference to our work and the care we provide to the babies and families. The handmade donations we receive such as the exquisite quilts from the ladies of St Mark’s Church, Darling Point, the knitted outfits from the Crow’s Nest Centre volunteers and the West Epping Uniting Church ladies make such a difference. Newborn Care has celebrated many happy events during the last 6 months. Alaina Hesp, Meg Ryan, Yvonne Olmos , Louise McEachern and Amanda Zhang celebrated their weddings in fine style. And several staff welcomed beautiful babies into the world: Emily Payne had baby Frederick; Anna Williams had baby Alfred; Rachel Booyson had baby Audrey; Bonita Sullivan had baby Charlie; Cassie Molloy also had baby named Charlie; Rebekah Hallet had baby Ethan; Karina Timoteo had baby Gabriel; and Analia Santucci had baby Valentino. Congratulations to you all. Hope there are not too many sleepless nights!! Simon Burke Dr Ingrid Rieger Lyndy Dixon SPRING 2015
Transcript
RPA BABY MATTERSRPANewbornCare
NICU NewsDr Ingrid Rieger, Head of Department
As we move into warmer weather the nursery continues to be very busy. All through winter we have been working to capacity which always makes life quite difficult for both staff and parents alike with the crowded environment. For this reason a team of our nursing staff became involved in the Essentials of Care (EOC) Programme. This is a nationally recognised programme which involves supporting the development and ongoing evaluation of nursing and midwifery practice and patient care.
The EOC team, comprising Colette Conn, Stef Bates, Kristen Bennie, Svea Bajic, Kylie Davies, Therese McCarthy, Megan Ryan and Carla Whitehead set to work constructing a questionnaire and interviewing parents about their perceptions of the nursery and suggestions of how we could improve. The premise of the EOC programme is that improved patient (and parent) care leads to better teamwork and greater workplace satisfaction for the staff, so a win-win situation.
As a result of the survey changes were made including:• greater awareness on how all staff communicate with parents• inviting the parents to join the afternoon ward rounds and provide their input
• regular progress meetings with parents as their baby progresses through the nursery • establishment of a Q&A session for parents with medical and nursing staff, allied health and social work.
We are also working on the RPA NCIU/Newborn Care website to further facilitate information for parents and other relatives.
The group submitted their project for the EOC showcase, which was a state-wide showcase for the best EOC projects submitted. Ours was chosen and Kristen and Kylie presented the work to a capacity audience at the conference and received huge acclaim.
I would personally like to thank the nursing staff involved in this initiative and support them in their ongoing work to improve conditions for babies, parents and staff.
I would also like to thank our donors for their continuing support. Without the very generous donations that we receive we would not be able to support our projects, or indeed provide the up to date equipment that is necessary for the best neonatal care.
Nursing Department NewsSimon Burke & Lyndy Dixon, Nursing Unit Managers
The staff has again risen to the challenge of another quarter. Their willingness to pick up extra shifts to help us out in the NICU and manage a number of patients has ensured our families received the best care.
Several staff members stand out in their leadership capacity and all have demonstrated great team- work. Jill Martin and Kara Mobb have been working in the Newborn Family Support Team. Kylie Davies has filled in as CNE and is now taking the role on for the next two years. I am very proud to be part of such a superlative team.
Many of our staff members are pursuing their studies in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing and Masters of Nursing. The Nurse Practitioners continue to shine in their roles. A much overdue thank you should go out to our ancillary staff (Ward Assistants, Ward Administrators and Clinical Support Officers) they keep the show rolling working in the background to help the nursing and medical staff.
We are always very grateful for the wonderful support of our parents and donors. The ongoing generosity of Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club, Little Wonder, Fortnum Foundation and others makes an enormous difference to our work and the care we provide to the babies and families. The handmade donations we receive such as the exquisite quilts
from the ladies of St Mark’s Church, Darling Point, the knitted outfits from the Crow’s Nest Centre volunteers and the West Epping Uniting Church ladies make such a difference.
Newborn Care has celebrated many happy events during the last 6 months. Alaina Hesp, Meg Ryan, Yvonne Olmos , Louise McEachern and Amanda Zhang celebrated their weddings in fine style.
And several staff welcomed beautiful babies into the world:
Emily Payne had baby Frederick; Anna Williams had baby Alfred; Rachel Booyson had baby Audrey; Bonita Sullivan had baby Charlie; Cassie Molloy also had baby named Charlie; Rebekah Hallet had baby Ethan; Karina Timoteo had baby Gabriel; and Analia Santucci had baby Valentino.
Congratulations to you all. Hope there are not too many sleepless nights!!
Simon Burke
Dr Ingrid Rieger
Lyndy Dixon
SPRING 2015
iSAIL Clinic Official OpeningDahlia Brigham
On Tuesday 14th July RPA Women and Babies together with RPA Newborn Care were delighted to host the official opening of the iSAIL Clinic at Gloucester House. The clinic meets a vital need in the community through the implementation of an integrated support service for all parents who have experienced the death of a baby, providing continuity of care and follow up with access to community services and bereavement information. The clinic will also provide on-going education for care-givers involved in the care of bereaved families.
The opening was attended by a number of dignitaries including Dean Thomas, CEO and Paul Kougias from Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL;, Deb Willcox, General Manager RPA Hospital; Kristina Keneally, patron of the Stillbirth Foundation Australia; and Victoria Bowring, General Manager of the Stillbirth Foundation; as well as a wide representation of Maternity and Newborn staff from the Sydney Local Health District.
The death of an infant has long been recognised as one of the most stressful and devastating life events an adult may experience, affecting not only the family, but also the health professionals involved in their care. Currently around 80 families per year in the Sydney Local Heath District experience the death of a child at birth or shortly afterwards. These families require significant engagement with multiple health professionals to answer questions,
perform investigations, support the bereavement process and provide counsel regarding future pregnancies. These essential services will now be provided through the iSAIL Clinic under the direction of a steering committee co-led by Dr Adrienne Gordon (neonatologist), and Diana Bond (clinic manager). The committee ensures representation from all relevant departments of both RPA and Canterbury Hospitals, including Neonatal Medicine, Obstetrics/Maternal Fetal Medicine, Midwifery, Social Work and Clinical Genetics. Collaboration between these disciplines is an integral part of the clinic’s ethos which will serve to enhance their worldwide reputation for excellence.
We are extremely grateful to Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club for their partnership and support in providing seed funding for the iSAIL Clinic and bringing this innovative program and vital service to the community.
• On Wednesday 23rd March 2016 our Easter Hat Parade will be held for all our graduates born between March 2012 and March 2015. Please find enclosed invitation to this special event.
• Friday 17th June 2016 for the Saoirse McCormick Golf Day at Bonny Doon Golf Course, Pagewood. If you wish to take advantage of the early bird registration or can assist with organizing please email [email protected]
Thank you so much for the wonderful cot sheets, “belts” and under head covers we received. We continue to have an ongoing need for these. The NICU team is always thrilled with the bright colours and designs, which invariably put a smile on everyone’s face. Likewise cot linen and crib covers, to assist minimizing light and noise particularly during quiet time. are always needed and very much appreciated.In addition we would very grateful for cotton mittens, which are always in short supply.For patterns and inquiries please email Nikki on [email protected] or contact her on 9515 8459
Dates for the Diary Babies Corner
Adrienne Gordon,neonatologist; Diana Bond, Clinic Manager; Rob Ogle, Director Women and Babies RPA; Deb Willcox, General Manager RPA; Dean Thomas, CEO Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club; Victoria Bowring, General Manager, Stillbirth Foundation; Kristina Keneally, Patron, Stillbirth Foundation
Paul Kougias and Dean Thomas from Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club with Diana Bond iSAIL Clinic Manager
Dean Thomas, CEO Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club; Kristina Keneally, Patron, Stillbirth Foundation
RPA Neonatal Nurse Wins Top StateShelley Reid
The NSW Ministry of Health established the Excellence in Nursing & Midwifery Awards in 2013. The highest honour is the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours the state’s first Chief Nurse. On 9 September 2015 this award was given to Clinical Associate Professor Sandie Bredemeyer, who until her recent retirement at the end of August worked as Clinical Nurse Consultant in RPA Newborn Care.
Sandie began her career by training at the Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals, receiving prizes for her academic and clinical excellence. She then trained as a midwife at St George Hospital, gaining another award for clinical proficiency. It was after this that Sandie began her neonatal nursing career at the former King George V Hospital in 1983. She completed the postgraduate certificate in neonatal nursing, and guess what, she won another prize.
Her roles in neonatal nursing have included clinical nurse educator from 1985 then in 1989 she was appointed Clinical Nurse Consultant in Perinatal Nursing, a role she held until her retirement this year. She continued her education by completing a master by research program then a PhD in nursing, awarded in 2004. She also initiated and fostered research by nurses and also across disciplines. She worked on programs that passed on her clinical excellence
to nurses and midwives from Malaysia and Macedonia. In 2005 Sandie received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to perinatal nursing.
On a personal level Sandie is acknowledged to be kind, compassionate and a tireless worker for the benefit of others. In particular the families who have come under her care have appreciated her efforts to help them have the best outcomes possible. Her colleagues and associates from all professional disciplines value her highly not only for her expertise and concern for the advancement of neonatal care, but also her care and concern for them. Sandie was in constant demand as a mentor and she did not hesitate to provide others with the benefit of her knowledge, experience and professionalism.
We were delighted to have in July the visit of Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Sumitomo Rubber Australia.Humpty Dumpty Foundation has over the years been a loyal and most generous supporter of RPA Newborn Care. Many of the life saving equipment we have in the intensive care (ICU) and high dependency (HDU) units have been made possible through the Foundation.
The new Sumitomo Isolette 8000 humidicrib is especially designed to allow the team looking after the babies, easy access for treatment, medication and the attachment of additional equipment such as monitors and respirators. Most importantly the parents can sit comfortably close to their baby to reduce stress and enhance access to their newborn baby promoting healthy, nurturing interactions.
It was an honour for RPA Newborn Care to welcome Humpty Dumpty and Sumitomo Rubber Australia who generously funded a humidicrib for the newborn intensive care department through Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
Humpty Dumpty Foundation was represented by Founder and Executive Chairman Paul Francis OAM, General Manager Angela Garniss and Medical Administrator Julie Abbott. Sumitomo Rubber Australia was represented by Chairman Yasushi (Tank) Tanaka, Managing Director Kenichi (Ken) Furuhama, and Marketing Manager William Ng.
Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Sumitomo Rubber Australia
Katherine Duffy, SLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery with Sandie Bredemeyer
Dr Nick Evans, Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Executive Chairman Paul Francis OAM, Managing Director Kenichi (Ken) Furuhama and Chairman Yasushi (Tank) Tanaka from Sumitomo Rubber Australia, and Humpty Dumpty Foundation General Manager Angela Garniss with the new humidicrib
New dad Ben Edwards with Chairman Yasushi (Tank) Tanaka from Sumitomo Rubber Australia, RPAH General Manager Deb Willcox and Kenichi (Ken) Furuhama Managing Director Sumitomo Rubber Australia
RPA Neonatal Nurse Wins Top State Award
Little Wonder Parents Fundraising Committee RPA Newborn Care
Little Wonder was thrilled to be able to provide gifts for NICU bubs and their
families to celebrate Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day this year. These little gifts provide a much-needed sense of normality to current patients and would not be possible without the generous donations of so many local supporters and businesses – Thank You!
Also a massive thank you to the families who have delivered cot linen, knits, baby clothes, peanut pillows and toys. All of these donations are greatly appreciated and make a difference to families in the unit. If you can assist in sewing and knitting items for Little Wonder please do drop us a line.
2015 saw Little Wonder supporters participate in the City2Surf again – a great day for all those involved. We were so excited to see all of our runners / walkers / pram pushers cross the finish line.
The highlight of our year so far is that, due to the help of our supporters, past and current, we have been able to purchase several items needed by RPA Newborn Care. In May 2015 we funded vacuum infant immobilizer, these straps help keep babies still during MRIs. We also assisted in funding two Coziny Power Units and Mattresses used for prevention and treatment of pressure injuries in small babies who are at high to very high risk of developing pressure sores. In June 2015 we provided three IPAD AIRS with covers. These will facilitate access to information and updates during ward rounds. In August we have purchased an infant warming open crib and a jaundice meter. Being able to provide these items to the unit that saved our babies an honour.
We are so thankful for all the unwavering support of past and current families whose contributions made this possible.
Little Wonder was founded by mums, supported by their families and friends to become what it is today. In order for us to continue to support RPA Newborn Care we now need enthusiastic and passionate volunteers to assist us in fundraising and parent support activities. This is an exciting opportunity to meet other NICU parents, learn and develop new skills and give back to the unit that saved our babies and allowed them to prosper. If you have a couple of hours a week free, access to a telephone and internet, we would love to hear from you! We currently have positions open in operational areas of sponsorship and prize acquisition, marketing, IT, PR, and logistics.
There are so many valuable ways you can assist Little Wonder in our fundraising and support efforts. Visit www.mycause.com.au/events/teamlittlewonder or our website for more information. If you are able to assist us in supporting RPA Newborn Care please drop us a line at [email protected]
As a committee that is constantly evolving we want to thank past members for all their hard work and support and look forward to welcoming new members to the team. www.facebook.com/littlewonderrpa
With warm wishes, The Little Wonder team – Renee, Moira, Olivia and Narelle
Olivia & Narelle Fathers Day GiftsRenee & Moira
Memorial FundsRPA Newborn Care provides parents the opportunity to establish a Memorial Fund in their baby’s name in honour of their baby and as an ongoing testimonial to their baby’s life.We are privileged to have the following Memorial Funds established to honour the memory of babies who have died at birth or shortly afterwards.
• The Leo James Crisafulli Memorial Fund• The Kai Emerson Memorial Fund• The Sullivan Darcy Kippax Memorial Fund• The Callie Manister Mirabito Memorial Fund• The Harriet Slack-Smith Memorial Fund• The Xavier Telfer Memorial Fund
For information on Memorial Funds please contact Dahlia on: 9515 8456 or [email protected]
Teeing off for Rpa Newborn CareOn Friday 6 November Rotary Club of Marrickville is holding a special golf day to raise funds for RPA Newborn Care.
The 2015 Rotary Golf Day will be held at Marrickville Golf Course, Wharf Road Marrickville with a shotgun start at 8.30am.
Cost for the day including 7.30 am breakfast and lunch at the Club House is $75 per person.
There are great prizes to win and auctions including a silent auction.
If you are a golfer, or just enjoy the game and it’s team spirit, please come to the 2015 Rotary Golf Day at Marrickville Golf Course. All funds raised will be donated to RPA Newborn Care.
For bookings please contact Brad Johnson, Marrickville Golf Club on 9558 1876 or [email protected]
We are extremely grateful to Rotary Club of Marrickville for their fundraising efforts and wonderful support.
Spotlight on Trish MumfordRachel Jones, Lactation Consultant
Patricia Mumford “Trish” has held the position of a lactation nurse in RPA Newborn care for the past fifteen years and during that time has remained a highly dedicated integral member of the neonatal environment.
33 years ago in 1982 Trish completed her six months neonatal intensive care certificate and as a qualified midwife and Tresillian nurse began her role as advocate for women, babies and their family on their journey within the neonatal intensive care setting.
During this time, she has been part of enormous nursing and medical advances within the field and has always been highly motivated to embrace changes for the better. Her dedication has often resulted in her family and her own health coming second as she has consistently gave more than 100% each day at work. She has juggled being a mother of two, sometime managing single-handed as her husband John constantly travelled the world with his job.
In 2000, her understanding of the important role breastfeeding and supporting lactation have in providing the best outcome for women and babies in neonatal intensive care were recognised. She was asked to step in as “temporary” lactation support while the permanent staff member was on holiday. The rest is history…as she has remained in this role ever since.
Against all odds, Trish and her colleague Georgina, under the guidance of Sandie Bredemeyer, were instrumental in establishing and developing the RPA Donor Milk Program in
2006. The programme has gone from strength to strength and with great pride Trish has shared the success story at national neonatal and lactation conferences. I might add, that this involved, at times, her having to step well and truly outside her comfort zone. The program has never received extra funding but Trish has fought long and hard to keep it viable, sometimes coming to work at 4am to pasteurise a batch of donated milk to ensure supply was adequate for the vulnerable babies in need.
Trish is essentially a quiet and extremely humble person who is well respected by all her peers. She has had to speak out and stand for her beliefs at times rather than accepting poor decisions. I truly believe Trish has gone above and beyond working as an “excellent neonatal nurse “. Her compassion, advocacy and stubborn determination to protect our ability to practice excellence in neonatal nursing care in competingclimates, deserves recognition.
“Thank You” are two simple words, but they mean so much. We simply couldn’t do what we do without the kindness and generosity of our supporters.
We are most grateful for the gifts we recently received from (in alphabetical order):
ABCD Group, in particular Lisa Rayner and Diana for their great fundraising efforts.
Ashish & Anu Bahl for generously funding much-needed books for our Developmental Clinic.
Commonwealth Bank Community Grant for their most generous support. This grant allowed us to purchase a much-needed portable video laryngoscope.
Fokas Family for purchasing a fridge/freezer and their ongoing generosity in honour of Merae.
Crows Nest Centre Volunteers for the adorable knitted and crocheted outfits.
Humpty Dumpty Foundation for their exceptional and loyal support. We are extremely grateful for the funding we received for cosytherm mattresses, humidicribs, jaundice meter and neopuff resuscitation device.
Little Wonder our parents fundraising committee for their wonderful and ongoing fundraising support throughout the year. Thank you to all parents, families and friends for supporting Little Wonder. Please consider joining Little Wonder, you will be helping to support the work of RPA
Newborn Care and enjoy being part of a great team of dedicated volunteers.
Massy-Greene Family for their generous support in honour of Isla’s birthday.
Melinda Reihberg for the donations we received in lieu of gifts for twins Georgie and Flynn’s first birthday.
Michelle Rheinberger for the gift of teddy bears to mark special milestones reached by our babies.
Tattersalls Club, City of Sydney RSL & Community Club and Bowlers Club at 99 On York for funding a cosytherm infant warming mattress.
West Epping Uniting Church Ladies Fellowship: Many thanks to the ladies for the beautiful baskets they donate to families of NICU babies. The baskets are greatly appreciated by the special families who receive them. Members of West Epping Church Ladies Fellowship provide the contents of each basket. Margaret, Lola and Lyn spend many hours at Margaret’s house in Carlingford assembling them.
Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters
Contact UsAddress:
RPA Newborn CareRPA Women & BabiesRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalMissenden RdCamperdownNSW 2050Australia
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