Winter 2014 - Department of Health and Human Services

Tasmanian Health
Organisation – South
Infocus
THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
WINTER 2014 (EDITION No. 51)
Miracle Babies
Tiny twins Lachlan and Xavier Peads have
overcome more hurdles in just five months
than most people will experience in a lifetime.
The twins were born 15 weeks premature and doctors say the
brothers are a stellar example of the “miracle babies” currently
receiving intensive care at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).
The pair was born on January 16 and given only 50 per cent chance
of surviving their first week. They each weighed about 500 grams and
were only a little longer than a pen.
"The first month was really hard, it was like a rollercoaster. We were
happy they were in our lives but sad because they were born so
early,” mum Erin Hill said.
Erin and dad Daniel Peads are full of praise for RHH staff.
“Lachlan and Xavier wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the amazing
care and treatment from NPICU staff. Their support has got us all
through to the other side.”
Director of the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Prof. Peter Dargaville helped care for the twins.
He said the boys have an incredible story of survival.
“What we saw from the outset was that, even though they were tiny,
these boys had incredible will to live and were able to endure all the
challenges of their early entry into the world,” Prof. Dargaville said.
“During their stay with us, Lachlan and Xavier received every
form of respiratory support we have on offer, along with multiple
infusions, transfusions, and many other treatments as part of neonatal
intensive care.
“It’s wonderful to see them thriving.”
Parents Erin and Daniel, with Lachlan and Xavier
A research project being led by RHH NPICU
Director Prof. Peter Dargaville has attracted
national media attention.
Prof. Dargaville has pioneered the Hobart Method of treating premature
babies with breathing problems. The revolutionary method will be
trialled on more than 600 babies in hospitals around the world over the
next few years. Researchers hope the gentler, less invasive method will
be adopted as standard practice in neonatal intensive care.
Prof. Peter Dargaville being interviewed by Sky News reporter Elizabeth Bryan
Tasmanian Health Organisation – South
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Clean Hands Save Lives
RHH has marked World Hand Hygiene Day with
a display in the Liverpool Street foyer promoting
the importance of hand hygiene to staff, patients
and visitors.
Clinical Nurse Brenda Thomas said it is important that patients
and visitors also recognise the importance of hand hygiene and be
encouraged to use the alcohol-based hand rub dispensers dotted
around the hospital.
The display included fact sheets and information pamphlets, competitions,
giveaways, and posters.
Interactive displays generated a lot of interest; participants had the
opportunity to test how well they cleaned their hands by putting on
gloves and pretending to clean their hands with a fluorescent cream.
Once they had finished ‘cleaning their hands’ they were given the
Brenda Thomas, Hand Hygiene Co-ordinator, Rachel Thomson,
NUM Infection Control, Sonia Gallahar, RN NPICU, Heather
Giannaros, Assistant Director of Nursing WACS, Sue McBeath,
Group Manager WACS
chance to check how well they had done and see if there were any
missed areas by placing their hands under an ultra-violet light, fondly
called the ‘Glitter Bug’. A similar exercise involved participants using paint
on the gloves in place of the fluorescent cream. These two exercises
provide visible evidence of how well hand hygiene is performed.
At the end of the day presentations were made by Rachel Thomson,
Nurse Unit Manager of RHH Infection Prevention and Control Unit, to
the Neonatal Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU) for the highest
compliance rate and overall improvement in hand hygiene.
Congratulations to NPICU for consistently showing leadership in hand
hygiene compliance for the past two years.
Hand Hygiene Co-ordinator Brenda Thomas says hand hygiene is the
single most effective strategy to prevent healthcare associated infections.
Adopt a Cop
Regular visits to the RHH’s Paediatric Unit are all about
helping children put a human face to the police service.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine dropped in to the Paediatric Unit to
help “break down the barriers between police and kids.”
He visited cystic fibrosis sufferer Joran Griffiths and was impressed by his skills on
the guitar.
The 15-year-old said he played guitar to pass the time and enjoyed the visit from
the Commissioner.
Paediatric Unit patient Joran Griffiths with Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
A Hearty Thank You
The Royal Hobart Hospital thanks Cardiothoracic
Auxiliary members for their outstanding dedication
and commitment to the hospital over many years.
“It’s hard for us to retire but we are very happy to have been able to buy
much needed equipment for the hospital,” member Iris Grainer said.
“We have enjoyed great friendships and at the same time have
helped others.”
In the past five years alone, the hospital has the Auxiliary to thank for
a blanket warmer, bladder scanner, IV poles and a chair scale worth in
excess of $30,000.
The members will be remembered for their significant contribution to the
wellbeing of patients and the Tasmanian community. Their support has
been extraordinary and is greatly appreciated by RHH staff and patients.
Cardiothoracic Auxiliary Members
Lasting Gift
One of Australia’s founding fathers of diving
medicine has donated his entire collection of
books and journals to the Royal Hobart Hospital’s
Hyperbaric Unit.
Dr Carl Edmonds OAM donated his much-loved library and handcrafted
Blackwood cabinets to the facility to ensure the growth and the stability
of hyperbaric medicine in Tasmania.
Dr Edmonds had begun winding down his activities in diving medicine
and approached Associate Professor David Smart, Medical Co-director
of the Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, to offer the
hyperbaric facility his entire library.
“I’ve finished my professional career and I’m retiring, there’s no point of
me having them,” Dr Edmonds explained.
Dr Edmonds has had a distinguished career with post-graduate
qualifications in Medicine and Psychiatry in the UK, as well as qualifications
in Occupational and Diving Medicine.
Assoc. Professor David Smart and Dr Carl Edmonds
His association with the Royal Australian Navy began in 1965 as
supervisor of the RAN clearance diving course. Since then, he has been
involved in the genesis of diving medicine in Australia. He has published
over 100 peer reviewed scientific articles, book chapters and short
“Many of the references and documents are unprocurable – even on the
papers in diving medicine.
internet – and will be an invaluable resource for our team and future
The library collection spans the history and breadth of diving and generations of medical nursing and technical staff at the Royal Hobart
diving medicine.
Hospital,” Assoc. Prof. Smart said.
Assoc. Prof. Smart said it is a great honour to be chosen as the custodians
of Dr Edmonds’ library.
“Carl can rest assured we will be using his collection operationally on a
daily basis!”
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Celebrating the RHH’s Valued Volunteers
The RHH held a special morning tea and
presentation as part of National Volunteer Week.
More than 100 volunteers dedicate about 25,000
hours of service to the RHH each year. They are
an integral part of hospital life.
74-year-old Joan Nelson was recognised for 25 years of loyal service.
Joan said her time at the RHH had been wonderful.
“It’s such a great feeling knowing that I’ve helped so many people.
It means a lot knowing I’ve left a positive impact for more than
20 years,” she said.
RHH volunteers Ann and Joan
Walking the Talk
It was in the spirit of participation and health
promotion that Podiatry South put out the
challenge to take part in this year’s City to Casino
Fun Run on 18 May.
Podiatry Manager Helen Burnet said it was a perfect fit with the run’s
new charity partner Diabetes Tasmania.
“Podiatrists and Footcare assistants see many people with diabetes. This
year, our team of 15 ‘Happy Feet’ joined almost 4000 other Tasmanians
in the event,” she said.
“As health professionals, we are promoting health and wellbeing every
day. This year, we put what we talk about into action. Exercise can
reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve
damage, poor blood flow, ulceration and amputation.
Some of Podiatry South’s “Happy Feet” team
“The cheering on the home strait was the extra encouragement some
of us needed to make it to the finish line! Next year, we’d like to throw
out the challenge again.”
Mother’s Day Classic
Staff from the RHH Oncology Clinical Trials unit
teamed up with patients and their families to
participate in the Mother’s Day Classic run on
11 May, to help raise money for National Breast
Cancer Foundation research and raise awareness
of work by the RHH clinical trials unit to help fight
and manage the disease.
Raina Babos & Family, Lesley Oliver (clinical trials coordinator),
Sue Davoren (clinical trials coordinator), Laura Pyszkowski (Clinical Trials
Coordinator) and Dr Louise Nott (Medical Oncologist) & family
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Generous Donation to Benefit Patients
with Music
Patients waiting for an appointment in the new
Wellington Clinics will soon be treated to the
calming sounds of classical music, thanks to a
$30,000 donation from the HUSH Music
Foundation.
Victorian physician and HUSH founder, Dr Catherine Crock
visited Tasmania in June to present the generous contribution to
THO-South staff.
The donation was raised from the sale of HUSH CDs throughout 2013.
Group Manager Clinical Support Wendy Rowell, Nurse Unit Manager
Specialist Clinics Kim Ford and Manager Executive Projects Vicky James
accepted the gift which will be used to support THO-South’s Arts in
Health music program.
Also attending the presentation was Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
(TSO) Managing Director, Nicholas Heyward. Last year the TSO
teamed up with HUSH to create a CD called the “Magic Island”.
Dr Crock established the HUSH Music Foundation in her bid to make
hospitals a less stressful place by playing music in clinical environments.
Back – Vicky James, Kim Ford, Wendy Rowell. Front – Nicholas Heyward,
Managing Director of the TSO and Dr Catherine Crock, Hush Music Foundation
Dr Crock’s support of Australian composers to create new works for
HUSH over the last 14 years won her an award for individual excellence
at the Art Music Awards in Melbourne on 26 August.
International Midwives Day
The hard work and dedication of THO-South midwives was
recognised at an afternoon tea at the Royal Hobart Hospital
in May.
More than 30 nurses gathered for a cuppa and cake in the Maternity Unit lounge to
celebrate International Midwives Day.
Registered midwives Carrie Auker and Jessica Halliday
International Nurses Day
As part of International Nurses Day, the RHH joined the
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) in
thanking nurses and midwifery staff for the wonderful job
they do.
RHH kitchen staff baked and decorated hundreds of cupcakes for a celebration in the
hospital cafe.
R to L: Anna Hodgetts (Registered Nurse, Cardiothoracic),
Tabitha Dobson (Enrolled Nurse, Ambulatory Care) and
Michelle Woods (Nurse Practitioner, Diabetes Primary Health Care)
RHH hears many wonderful stories of nurses who go the extra mile to help patients
by showing compassion and care to them, their families and each other.
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Soothing Sounds Help Healing
Patients, staff and visitors to the Royal Hobart
Hospital were treated to a classical break earlier
this year.
An ensemble of 14 musicians from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
(TSO), conducted by Greg Stephens, performed four uplifting
15-minute concerts in the new Cancer Support Centre.
The full-house audience delighted in being able to talk to the musicians
after each performance.
Cancer patient Ian Middleton and Oncology Nurse Unit Manager
Katrina Hodges were interviewed by reporters about the healing
benefits of music.
The popularity of the concerts has brought calls for an encore.
“We will continue to work with the TSO and are planning to bring further
live music programs to the RHH and other THO-South facilities in the
future” said Manager Executive Projects, Vicky James.
TSO Violinist Edwina George, patient Ian Middleton and 2A Oncology NUM
Katrina Hodge
Capturing Memories
Thanks to the generosity of the Heartfelt Camera
Project and the Tasmanian Business Association,
camera kits were recently donated to the
Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and
Maternity Unit.
This donation will enable staff to capture keepsakes for the families of
stillborn, premature and seriously ill children.
Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers who
provide complimentary individual or family portrait sessions for families
who meet the Heartfelt criteria. Becky French, Nurse Unit Manager – Maternity & Jess Cooper, Registered Midwife
Brightening up
the OPU
The bland, bare walls in the dining room of the
RHH Older Persons Unit are no more.
Enthusiastic and prolific artist Billy McKinnon has generously donated
four beautiful, diverse artworks.
The former MP said his donation was “in appreciation of the fantastic
care he received when he was admitted to OPU”.
Senior Occupational Therapist Sophie Leworthy and Billy McKinnon with his
artwork The Black Sheep
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Surprise Visitors
Kellie Shepherd was an inpatient on the
Tasmanian Neurosurgical Unit and the Acute
Rehabilitation Unit for several months during 2013.
She recently made a return visit on happier terms.
Kellie was admitted to the RHH ICU with a severe head injury from
being kicked by a horse. She spent eight months being treated and
undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program before transferring to
LGH to be closer to family.
Dr Asim Mujic, Dr Albert Erasmus, Kellie and Sarah Shepherd, Dr Andrew
Gauden, Dr Arthur Ellice-Flint, Dr Asad Shiekh
Kellie is now home and working to regain her full independence.
Miracles do Happen
Nine-year-old nine year old Josh Henderson has
also made an impressive recovery.
Two years ago, he was struck down with a severe case of influenza.
His parents Gavin and Narelle prepared themselves for the worst as
doctors, nurses and allied health staff worked around the clock to keep
Josh alive.
Josh spent more than three months in the RHH, learning how to walk,
eat and talk again.
In May, he made an emotional return to the Paediatric Unit to thank the
team that looked after him.
Caption: Rosie Gumley, Paediatric Registered Nurse, Josh Henderson and
Jan Menzies, Physiotherapist
“Those early days were frightening but Josh has come so far, looks
fantastic and has grown a lot since we last saw him”, Physiotherapist
Jan Menzies said.
Captain Rock-It and Captain Comet Drop
in From Planet Get Better!
The Paediatric Unit was over the moon when
Captain Rock-It and Captain Comet visited
in August.
The support provided by the Starlight Children’s Foundation eases the
stress of being in hospital.
Both Captains bought smiles, fun and entertainment as a positive
distraction from pain and boredom.
Captain Rock–It, Asha McCormick and Captain Comet
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Director of the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, Professor Tom Marwick, Director of Medical Imaging
Dr Michael Carr, and University of Tasmania Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Rathjen
MRI Scanner
A state-of-the-art MRI scanning machine has been
officially unveiled in the RHH Department of
Medical Imaging.
Director of Medical Imaging Dr Michael Carr said the $1.9 million MRI
unit brought enormous benefits to Tasmanians.
“This is a real investment in our future healthcare,” Dr Carr said.
“The machine’s open design is more user-friendly and we are less likely
to need to sedate patients who suffer from claustrophobia.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Tasmania Professor Peter “It also has lower magnet strength than our 3T MRI unit, so we can
Rathjen joined THO-South staff and other guests to announce that the use it for patients fitted with medical devices such as stents, clips and
new GE 1.5 Tesla Optima MR450w MRI is up and running.
pacemakers.”
Ocular Coherence Tomograph
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Nitin Verma recently welcomed to the
Royal Hobart Hospital a much needed
OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomograph)
machine.
The Heidelberg OCT will be used by the RHH Eye
Clinic to diagnose and manage retinal diseases and
glaucoma.
Funded by Novartis, the technology will allow RHH to
set up injection clinics and bring RHH to the forefront
of eye care.
Anne Taylor and David Footitt from Novartis with
Dr Nitin Verma and the new OCT machine
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Farewell Prof
A number of staff joined to farewell highly
regarded Professor Ray Lowenthal, who joined
the RHH in 1974.
Prof. Lowenthal gave many years of dedicated service in Clinical
Haematology and Medical Oncology, and made significant contributions
to the Tasmanian research community.
He was presented with an Office of the Order of Australia in 2006
“for service to medicine in the fields of oncology and palliative care
and as a clinician, educator, researcher and contributor to professional
organisations at state and national levels”.
Nurse Researcher Deirdre Tuck said Prof. Lowenthal was the driving
force behind a lot of research and clinical practice.
Prof. Lowenthal said his time at the RHH was wonderful.
Sir Guy Green, former Governor of Tasmania, Ray Lowenthal and
Dr David Boadle, Acting Director of Clinical Haematology and Oncology
“I was very lucky to fall on my feet here and find a wonderful group of
people to work with,” he said.
Good Luck Hilda
Hilda Frankcomb started working at the RHH in
1982, after relocating from Sydney.
She initially worked solo on weekends as a “Blood Sister” (Phlebotomist)
in the Pathology Department, replacing Jill Boyd.
Hilda retired on the May 28 this year and celebrated at a High Tea with
colleagues past and present.
Hilda saw plenty of change during more than three decades at the
hospital and will be missed by friends and workmates.
My time at the Central Highlands
Community Health Centre
Erin Muralt recently completed a community placement for
her Bachelor of Nursing at the Central Highlands Community
Health Centre.
It was a challenging yet exciting four weeks at Ouse. Erin said the staff were welcoming
and supportive.
“The RNs had a wealth of knowledge which made working alongside them a worthwhile
and valuable experience,” she said.
Community Health Nurse Denise Walshe said Erin was an outstanding student and spent
a number of hours looking after local identity Mrs Mavis Clarke.
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Mrs Mavis Clarke and Erin Muralt
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Midwifery Group Practice Turns Two
Mums, dads and their precious children helped
the RHH Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)
celebrate its second birthday in July.
Last December, the practice expanded into two groups of midwives,
allowing care for up to 600 families a year.
The service has proven to be a positive and popular model of care for
women across Hobart.
One of the highlights of MGP is its home-based postnatal care. When
women and their babies are both well, families are able to receive
postnatal care in the comfort of their own home. Women have a
hospital stay of approximately four to 12 hours (unless there is a
medical reason for their hospital stay). The midwife then does daily
visits for the first few days in the woman’s home, and is also available for
any phone queries between visits. Women are then seen on a needs
basis with an average of six to seven visits in the home, up until 10-14
days postpartum.
MGP has recently moved to 329 Main Rd Glenorchy, where it has four
consulting rooms and a family-friendly waiting space.
Feedback has been exceptionally positive and the job satisfaction for
MGP midwives is high. Women can also be seen in other centres in Kingston, Huonville,
Clarence, Sorell, Brighton or Chigwell.
Midwifery Group Practice staff
Find Your Voice
Weekly singing sessions are showing excellent
results for residents in Rokeby and Clarendon Vale.
The ten week program was started by Community Health Social Work
with support from Mission Australia Housing and Clarence City Council.
The sessions led to increased confidence, more energy, and increased
feelings of calm and connection.
All involved welcomed the physical, social and emotional benefits.
As one chorister said “Singing makes me feel on top of the world!”
Members of the community singing group
Real Women in
Harmony
Well known women’s barbershop choir Hobart
Harmony recently visited Sydney to participate in
the Sweet Adeline’s National Convention.
The choir is made up of local women including nurses from
THO-South, who have a passion for singing in four-part harmony.
The choir regularly performs at events such as The Festival of Voices
and Carols in the Mall.
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Singing RNs Jenni Pyefinch, Donna Gallagher and Susan Price
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
Outpatient Website Launch
The Tasmanian Health Organisation-South has
launched a new Outpatient Clinics website.
The one-stop shop for health professionals, patients and the wider
community has the most up-to-date information on all THO-South
outpatient clinics – including their location, opening hours and important
referral requirements.
This resource has a dedicated section to make it easier for patients and
carers who need to change or cancel their appointments.
The site will also reduce referral processing times by providing health
professionals with the information they need at their fingertips.
Outpatient clinics are a key part of Tasmania’s health care system and
this website will improve the experience between patients and hospitals.
GP Liaison Officer Annette Barratt, Online Systems Administrator and
Web Support Consultant Phil McPhee, NUM Wellington Clinics
Kim Ford, Group Manager Clinical Support Services Wendy Rowell,
GP Liaison Officer Liz Webber, Project Officer Joanne Attrill
Every day, up to 100 Tasmanians do not turn up to their medical
appointments causing extra cost and delays.
The website can be viewed at www.outpatientsouth.tas.gov.au.
Maggie Crawford, Dr Nicole Hancock and Sue Hughes - members of the Clinical Redesign team
Redesign goes Online
Health Services Innovation Tasmania (HSI Tas),
the University of Tasmania centre managing the
introduction of Clinical Redesign to the Tasmanian
hospital system, has launched its website.
The site www.healthinnovation.tas.edu.au explains how HSI Tas, with
funding from the Australian Government through the Tasmanian Health
Assistance Package, is working closely with the three Tasmanian Health
Organisations (THOs) to plan and implement this recognised system
improvement process.
The focus is on the safety, quality ad sustainability of clinical services.
Clinical Redesign is a well-accepted, evidence-based approach to
mapping, reviewing, and refining the delivery of health care. Clinical
Redesign delivers tangible benefits in patient care as well as greater
satisfaction for health care professionals. The result is a better healthcare
experience, a more efficient use of clinical resources and resulting lower
costs. In varying degrees, all Australian hospitals undertake Clinical
Redesign processes as part of their ongoing quality improvement.
The pressures created by the increasing demand for acute care services
are outpacing the health system’s budgetary capacity, a challenge
recognised as being especially strong in Tasmania.
HSI Tas Co-Directors are Professor Greg Peterson, Associate Dean
(Research), Faculty of Health and Associate Professor Craig Quarmby, a
surgeon with lengthy experience in the Tasmanian health care system.
They are confident that by working closely with the THOs the initiative
will help deliver a better health care experience for Tasmanians, and a
more sustainable hospital system into the future.
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THO-SOUTH
RHHR Rescue Taskforce Dr Dan Norton, Ms Jo Thorley and Mr John Ramsay (Chair)
RHH Redevelopment Taskforce
The RHH Redevelopment Rescue Taskforce was
set up to do an independent investigation into the
RHH Redevelopment project and to report to
Government within six months.
The results of this work will be presented to the Taskforce along with
input from THO-South by the end of October.
The early view of the Taskforce is that poor project governance and
successive design changes have frustrated progress and delayed the
project however, considerable work has been achieved and design
work in particular is well advanced. Recommencement of work on the Redevelopment will be considered
when the Minister is confident that the issues impacting on the project
have been satisfactorily resolved. The Taskforce continues to identify
works that are value-adding and could be progressed during the care
and maintenance period.
It is also the early view of the Taskforce that the investigation will assist
the Government to make a clear decision on the future of the project
and to ensure that decisions are based on appropriate evidence and
rigorous analysis. Consultation with THO-South staff is a core piece of work for KPMG
and will occur in early September.
When will work on the Redevelopment project start again?
The Taskforce has held briefings and information sessions with many of
the key players in the project.
THO-South staff have been a major focus and have provided
useful insight.
Here are a few frequently asked questions:
Who makes the final decision on the RHH Redevelopment
project?
The Taskforce has been commissioned to report to the Minister by
the end of November. The Minister for Health will determine the
way forward after the opportunity to consider the final report of the
Taskforce.
What work is happening on the decanting strategy?
Newsletter
Contributions
Please email your newsletter contributions to:
[email protected] Tel ext. 8846
The risk assessment of the proposed construction methodologies for
the new building is being reviewed.
Spring deadline 26 November 2014.
Because the site for the proposed development requires demolishing
an existing hospital building, the relocation of the services and patient
beds in that building is also being re-examined.
Many thanks to the staff who contributed to this issue.
Infocus is produced by the Community Relations Unit
Royal Hobart Hospital.
Consultant KPMG has been engaged to conduct the Cost Benefit
Analysis that will assess construction, clinical, delivery, programming and
financial issues.
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