GOOD NEWS - WSLHD

JANUARY 2014
www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au
The official newsletter of Western Sydney Local Health District
WSLHD Newsletter
The Pulse
A warm welcome to our
junior doctors
FULL STORY - Page 5
Inside this edition
■ Cell therapy improving the odds
■ WSLHD welcomes new interns
■ Smoking ceremony marks start of new year
■ Smoke-free policy now in force at WSLHD
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■ New equipment for women’s health
■ Get Healthy project boosts staff wellbeing
■ Farewell to Jillian Gwynne-Lewis after 28 years
■ Famous guide dog retires from WSLHD
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Cheers from the CE
2014 is a year of
great opportunity
for us.
Our strategic plan
contains the priorities that require
our attention and
effort this year
and beyond. A
key goal of our
organisation is
Danny O’Connor,
that we plan for
Chief Executive.
present and future
success. No large
and complex business thrives with a
“business as usual” approach to its
operations. We must recognise and
respond to the challenges of the
broader environment in which we
operate, including for example the
use of the national Activity Funding
model to determine our budget; the
role and outlook for “personalised”
medicine; and the expectation by
policy makers, funders and consumers that we strengthen care pathways between hospitals, primary
care providers and others.
There are many planning and development projects contained within our
strategic plan that are of critical importance this year. Just a few these
include:
The business plan to adjust to the
Activity Model of service funding
The plan to complete stage 1 expansion of Blacktown Mt Druitt Health
Service
The recent commissioning of a masterplan for the Westmead Health Precinct, prior to the development of a
capital development plan for Westmead Hospital
Planning funds to prepare stage 2
expansion of Blacktown Mt Druitt
Health Service
Clinical service planning is also underway for Auburn, Cumberland and
District Mental Health
Services to further improve access to services
together. The Board and management are committed to strong consultation in these various planning activities. Much of the wisdom and knowhow to plan effectively for our future
rests with you and our organisational
partners. I look forward to updating
you on major planning and development milestones throughout the year.
To view the strategic plan visit:
www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
Performance-and-Publications/
Performance-and-Publications
Danny O’Connor
Chief Executive
Work underway to create plans for Research, Health Sciences and Education and
Training
A workforce plan to
support the people in
our organisation adjust
to evolving roles.
The diagram below illustrates how the various
planning processes fit
Message from the Board Chair
Welcome to 2014!
John Donne, the
ancient English poet
and writer who was
‘rediscovered’ at the
end of the 19th century, wrote:
His complex life and times are well
described in a short biography at poetryfoundation.org/bio/john-donne.
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Professor Stephen
Every man is a
Leeder, Board Chair.
piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
Two things to note. First, Donne reminds us how, as a society and in the
case of our LHD, we are all part of a
continent – we are not islands. We
need to protect and nurture the ecology of our LHD and this can only be
done if we start with an awareness
that none of us ‘is an island’. It is reasonable to expect to be treated accordingly and to treat others like that
also.
We can forgive him for writing ‘man’
instead of ‘man and woman’ given that
he lived in the 16th and 17th centuries!
Second, our LHD is not an island either. We belong on the continent of
the NSW Ministry of Health. Robust
JANUARY 2014
discussions are underway between
our executive and the ministry as to
what they expect us to do this year
and what support and money they
will provide. And of course, NSW is
not an island either! What happens
federally with Medicare affects
us. Our views about proposed
changes matter. Because one of the
things that NOT being an island
means is that each of us has a voice
that will be heard. We are not calling
out across a vast and empty ocean.
I hope that 2014 will be a year when
we hear from you about ways we can
improve our service to our community. I hope also that you feel ‘part of
the main.’
page 2
Carrie Marr: WSLHD passionate about improving health care
now and in the future
WSLHD welcomes Carrie Marr, who
has been appointed to Executive Director Organisational Effectiveness.
Carrie’s role has been appointed to ensure that support is in place for the next
phase of WSLHD’s quality improvement journey.
“It’s vital that we support frontline
teams, clinical and non-clinical, in their
improvement and safety efforts,” said
Ms Marr.
“I’m keen to learn from staff throughout
the system about the tools, techniques
and support that are most needed.
“I would welcome the opportunity to
visit teams who wish to discuss this
further.”
Prior to Carrie’s role at Western Sydney
Local Health District, Carrie has had a
long and varied career in healthcare
and a long-term interest and hands on
involvement in patient safety and the
science of improvement.
Her previous healthcare system was
the first site in Scotland, and one of
only four in the UK, to be a pilot site for
The Health Foundation’s Safer Patient
Initiative.
The significant successes of this project encouraged Carrie to drive forward
a pioneering approach to building capability and capacity for clinical quality
and patient safety.
Look out for the next edition of The
Pulse to learn more about the role of
organisational effectiveness.
Any staff member interested in becoming involved in improvement and safety,
is invited to contact Carrie and her
team.
Mobile: 0407 653 141
Email: [email protected].
Twitter: @carriemarr
Carrie Marr is looking forward to working
with you!
NSW Medical Devices Fund Applications now open!
Health and Medical Research Minister Jillian
Skinner is encouraging medical innovators to
apply for grants under the NSW Medical Devices Fund.
The NSW Government awarded a total of $10.3
million to five outstanding medical technologies in
2013 - the fund’s inaugural year. A further $7.7
million is now available through round two of the
fund.
The NSW Government’s investment in medical
research is more than $200 million per annum.
Applicants are encouraged to complete Stage
One: Online Self-Assessment prior to submitting
a preliminary application. The Stage Two preliminary application submissions for the second
round of the NSW Medical Devices Fund close at
5:00pm on 4 March 2014.
An application kit
and guidelines are
available at
health.nsw.gov.au/
ohmr/mdf or email
at [email protected].
nsw.gov.au
JANUARY 2014
page 3
http://mscu-web10/Research-Network/default.aspx
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
We have recently reviewed our wonderful
research activity in the district and I commend to you a publication that describes it
in gripping and entertaining ways. You can
download it at http://
wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/Researchand-Education-Network/REN-home
Professor Stephen
Leeder, Board Chair.
We have also commenced a strategic planning exercise with Jacq Hackett, a consultant who will assist our efforts in education
and training.
Many of our research staff will, at this moment, be energetically preparing their appli-
cations to NHMRC for new projects. Research is an amazing amalgam of imagination
(coming up with the research question) and
discipline (doing the hard yards of experimentation). We should not always expect success, because that is not how science works.
You need lots of patience and self-strength to
handle disappointments and delays. To all
our research staff we say “We’re on your side!
Press on!”
2014 could be a very exciting year.
Cell therapy improving the odds
Every year more than 1,000 Australian adults and children undergo a bone marrow transplant
complicated by a high risk of
infection that can result in long
stays in hospital, expensive
medication and in some cases
loss of life.
Bone marrow transplant patients
become immunocompromised for
12 months or longer when their
immune system loses its ability to
fight infectious diseases and cancer.
Prof David Gottlieb, from the Westmead Hospital Blood and Marrow
Transplant Unit and the medical
director of the Sydney Cellular
Therapies Laboratory, and his
team are significantly enhancing
the odds against infection and the
loss of life with their work in T cell
therapies and transplantation.
T cells are grown in the Sydney
Cellular Therapies Laboratory
(SCTL) at Westmead Hospital and
administered to bone marrow patients throughout Australia as part
of the trials being coordinated out
of Westmead.
Prof Gottlieb said adoptive T cell
immunotherapy was designed to
rapidly rebuild the patient’s immunity to viruses, funguses and any
residual cancer cells that remain
after the bone marrow transplant.
Prof Gottlieb and researcher Kenneth Yehson inspect a peripheral blood stem cell
harvest prior to transplantation
“We are seeing that patients who get
this type of therapy have a much better
ability to control opportunistic infections
post-transplant,” he said.
“While there may be some evidence of
reactivation of latent viruses, the T
cells that are infused appear to control
those reactivations much better than in
patients who don’t have any immunity
after transplant.
“Patients who receive this sort of therapy need less antiviral and antibiotic
medications that are toxic and costly,
and keep them in hospital for long periods,” Prof Gottlieb said.
“About half as many patients require
antivirals and antibiotics and of those
who need treatment the duration is
more than halved.”
JANUARY 2014
Overall there is a reduction in need
to treat viruses such as the herpesrelated cytomegalovirus (CMV),
which is not only common in this
group of patients but poses severe
risks.
“If we could replicate these results
for the many other viruses that
cause problems post-transplant, we
could reduce morbidity and ultimately mortality associated with bone
marrow transplantation and greatly
improve the patient’s quality of life,”
Prof Gottlieb said.
Article courtesy of Network News view the article in full at
wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/
Research-and-Education-Network/
REN-home
page 4
SPECIAL FEATURE
Record number of intern doctors in 2014
This month, more than 959 interns started their
year-long internship at the State’s public hospitals this year, with 117 interns commencing at
Western Sydney Local Health District.
To mark the occasion, the NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell and Health
Minister Jillian Skinner welcomed medical graduates
at Westmead Hospital.
Mr O’Farrell and Mrs Skinner were joined by Parramatta MP Geoff Lee and Granville MP Tony Issa at
Westmead Hospital to greet interns - including interns from Auburn Hospital - on their first day of orientation.
Our interns participate in a mock resuscitation session with the NSW Health Minister,
The Hon Jillian Skinner.
Mr O’Farrell and Mrs Skinner also welcomed interns
from Orange Hospital and Coffs Harbour Hospital
via teleconference – part of the large contingent of
interns starting today in the State’s regional hospitals.
Mrs Skinner told the interns: “The first day of an internship is a great milestone in the life of every
young doctor. I commend each one of you for completing your university studies and wish you well at
the start of this challenging new journey.”
NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic
medical graduates of NSW universities.
As well, NSW provides internships to many graduates from interstate universities and, where possible,
international full-fee paying medical graduates.
The NSW Premier, The Hon Barry O’Farrell, with Tony Issa, Member for Granville,
Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta and Dr Roslyn Crampton, Director of Medical
Services, Westmead Hospital & Director of Postgraduate Education.
NSW is the only state or territory to offer two-year
employment contracts to medical graduates.
During their one-year internship, the graduates will
complete compulsory terms in the specialties of
medicine, surgery and emergency.
The interns will rotate through metropolitan, regional
or rural hospitals, as well as GP practices.
WSLHD hospitals in which medical graduates
will commence their internship:
Westmead—70
Auburn—10
Blacktown-Mount Druitt—37
Brian Chaing, Elie Boulos and Xiang Lou are ready for business at Blacktown
campus.
JANUARY 2014
page 5
GOOD NEWS
Smoking ceremony marks the start of a New Year
at Mount Druitt Palliative Care
Uncle Greg and Uncle Wes cleanse the Supportive and Palliative Medicine Department.
Community Elder Uncle Wes Marne
and Aboriginal Elder Uncle Greg
Simms visited Blacktown Mount
Druitt Hospital’s (BMDH) Supportive
and Palliative Medicine Department
yesterday to hold its first-ever smoking ceremony.
The traditional ceremony was held to
cleanse the department and to mark the
start of the new year.
“The smoking ritual is an important part
of Aboriginal history and culture. It’s a
great tradition, and it was lovely for us
to be part of this ceremony,” said Trish
Dalgleish, Nurse Unit Manager, BMDH
Supportive and Palliative Medicine Department.
Uncle Wes Marne, a Community Elder
who is 91 years of age, performed the
smoking ceremony - a service he has
offered for more than 60 years.
“Smoking ceremonies have been conducted by Aboriginal people for thousands of years,” said Uncle Wes.
“The ceremony signifies a new beginning, and a cleansing.
“We cleansed Blacktown Mount Druitt
Hospital’s palliative care department
with smoke, which contains cleansing
properties that purifies the area.”
Traditionally, smoking ceremonies
have been held to baptise children,
JANUARY 2014
welcome people into camps, celebrate marriages and send people into
the next life.
“Whatever happens before a smoking
ceremony doesn’t mean a thing,” said
Uncle Wes. “It’s a new beginning, a
fresh start.”
Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital’s
Supportive and Palliative Medicine
Department is based at the Mount
Druitt campus. It was officially
opened on 1 June 1998. The service
offers specialised, multidisciplinary
holistic care for people with an advanced, progressive terminal illness.
page 6
GOOD NEWS
Time to butt out - smoke-free policy now in force
Western Sydney Local Health District’s
revised Smoke Free Policy was activated on 1 January 2014.
WSLHD continues to support completely
smoke-free facilities, and smoking is prohibited in all public areas, including buildings in their entirety, exterior grounds,
parking garages, vehicles and
bus shelters.
Smoking is not permitted:
Within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a public building;
Within 10 metres of children’s play
equipment in outdoor public spaces;
As part of its commitment to
reduce the harmful effects of
smoking and environmental
tobacco smoke, the NSW Government made changes to the
Smoke Free Environment Act
of 2000.
Hospitalisations cost the
NSW economy around $8
billion each year from conditions such as lung cancer,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease.
Breaches of the
new legislation
may result in a fine.
“It’s also about supporting smokers to
make a quit attempt.
“Whilst WSLHD has made a significant
effort in reducing the rate of smoking in
our community (11.3% among adults)
there are pockets such as Blacktown Local Government Area where the smoking
rate remains unacceptably high (25.8%).”
“Smoking rates are also disproportionately
higher among some groups such as those
with a mental health illness, Aboriginal
people and some specific non-English
speaking groups such as those from an
Arabic speaking background”.
In NSW, there are still smoking rates higher than the
state average in regional,
remote and socioeconomically disadvantaged
communities.
Smoking-related illness continues to place a significant
burden on the health system
and accounts for around
5,200 deaths and 44,000
hospitalisations each year.
Western Sydney Local Health
District has now aligned this
smoke free policy in line with
the NSW legislation.
“This policy reinforces WSLHD’s commitment to protecting staff, patients and visitors from the effects of environmental tobacco smoke,” said WSLHD Health Promotion Manager, Christine Newman.
SMOKING:
THE FACTS
Railway platforms, light rail stops,
light rail stations, bus stops, taxi ranks
and ferry wharves;
Spectator areas at sports grounds
or other recreational areas during organised sporting events;
Swimming pool complexes.
Environmental tobacco
smoke can be just as harmful to your health as smoking
itself, particularly for children.
One out of two long-time
smokers will die from their
smoking.
From 2015, the ban on smoking will be
extended to include commercial outdoor
dining areas.
For more information about the WSLHD
Smoke-free policy visit http://
www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
view.aspx
For support with quitting, call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit
www.icanquit.com.au, or download the
FREE MyQuitBuddy App to your mobile!
JANUARY 2014
page 7
GOOD NEWS
Our Australia Day bubs
Three sets of twins were
born at Westmead Hospital
in the lead up to Australia
Day.
A rare occasion—so we
took the opportunity to take
a cute pic of them all together. Six precious bundles of joy welcomed to the
western Sydney community. Adorable!
Happy Australia Day!
Improving cardiovascular services one beat at a time
This month, The Pulse spoke to Clara
Chow, who is working to develop and
improve Cardiovascular Services at
Westmead Hospital as part of a newly
created position. Read on to find out
more about Clara and her job!
What is your position title?
I wear three hats! I am the Program Director, Community Based Cardiac Services, Westmead Hospital. I’m also Head
Cardiac Program at The George Institute
and Associate Professor at Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney.
What are your key responsibilities in
this role at Westmead Hospital?
My overall key responsibility is to develop
and improve cardiovascular services that
face the community. That is foster services enabling community based management of cardiovascular conditions,
implementation of secondary prevention
strategies for heart disease patients and
providing leadership in improving heart
disease awareness and education in the
local community.
What do you hope to achieve in this
role? Is this a newly created position?
This is a newly created position and I am
excited by an increasing focus on cardiology’s role in the community as an exten-
sion of our inpatient and current outpatient services. I hope to achieve improved access to cardiology by the
community, better ways of managing
our sicker and chronic disease patients
in the community and improvement in
cardiovascular prevention services with
cardiology leadership.
What is your career background?
I’m a Sydney graduate. I did basic medical training at Westmead and then cardiology training at Royal Prince Alfred
Hospital. At the end of my training, I
finally decided to do a PhD in International Public Health at the George Institute. My project was to develop a cardiovascular prevention program suitable
for low-income settings and was based
in India. This started my travels - I then
did short stints at the University of Glasgow, London School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine and Harvard before a
formal postdoc in clinical trials at
McMaster University and skilling and
accreditation in imaging particular cardiac CT. I retuned at the end of 2009 after nearly four years overseas to start
my combined role here and at the
George Institute.
Any career highlights so far?
A current career highlight is the commencement of recruitment for the
JANUARY 2014
TEXTMEDS (TEXT messages to
improve MEDical adherence in Secondary Prevention) study which we
were awarded an NHMRC grant for
to conduct a 1400 patient multicentre national study. I am very
excited by the potential of low-cost
technologies to provide preventative solutions and education to large
numbers of patients, and the development of this program of work has
thus far been well received.
Best advice received from a mentor?
To train yourself well in the best
places and by leaders in their respective fields!
page 8
GOOD NEWS
New equipment for Women’s Health thanks to Westmead volunteers
Westmead Hospital’s Colposcopy Clinic is
much better equipped, with the introduction
of a brand new colposcope, thanks to funds
raised by Westmead Hospital volunteers.
The team is excited to be the owners
of two colposcopes, which run in two separate
consulting rooms. The new colposcopes cost
$9988.00 and come with the addition of a monitor, allowing for better teaching and record
keeping.
“With the new equipment, the clinic is more
efficient both for continuity of patient care and
also for teaching,” said Richard Bellingham,
Head of Department – Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
“The new monitor also makes the examination
less embarrassing for the patient.
"Thank you to our Westmead Hospital volunteers who raised money for the new equipment
- thanks to you, local women now have better
access to early diagnosis and treatment. I am
grateful on their behalf," said Mr Bellingham.
Richard Bellingham, Head of Department—Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Dr Tina Su,
Medical Officer, are both very excited to use the new colposcope!
Colposcopic examination is necessary for diagnosis and management of abnormal Pap smears and
pre-cancer of the cervix, vagina &
vulva.
Westmead has a specialist Gynaecological Cancer service,
with which the Colposcopy Clinic coordinates management
when necessary.
Cheeky dares and muffins to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research
Blacktown Community Health Centre set out
to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation following the diagnosis of breast cancer in a staff member’s family at a special
event last year.
On the proviso that the fundraising event
reached $400, Lukas Szymanek, intrepid physiotherapist, promised to wear a pink singlet in a
gruelling Tough Mudder Challenge.
Muffins, biscuits and booby cakes were baked
and purchased by staff, donations were pledged,
ACAT staff made a substantial contribution and
staff donated Melbourne Cup winnings all to see
Lukas in pink.
The event raised $680 so the team demanded
that Lukas also wears pink shorts in the challenge – and he did!
A fantastic sport and wonderful staff community
who have come together for a good cause.
Lukas Szymanek supported breast cancer research by wearing a pink singlet and shorts!
JANUARY 2014
page 9
GOOD NEWS
Looking back to look forward:
Leader’s Forum and THMC’s 20 year celebration
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre (THMC) team partnered with the NSW Mental Health Commission of NSW to host a Leader’s Forum.
On 25 November, the Transcultural Mental Health
Centre (TMHC) was invited to partner with the NSW
Mental Health Commission of NSW to host a Leader’s Forum to discuss perspectives and priorities of
mental health for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in NSW.
The Minister for Mental Health, Hon Kevin Humphries was
in attendance, stating, “With more than 250 countries of
birth now represented across NSW, the TMHC has been
able to connect with communities, families and consumers, working with premise that the experience of diversity
is at the heart of the Australian story”.
The Forum aimed to expand the knowledge and understanding of the mental health needs of CALD communities, as well as identify gaps and opportunities to improve access to mental health services. The discussions provided at the Forum will help inform the draft
Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW.
The event, ‘Looking back to look forward’ recognised the
contributions and achievements of the TMHC and its staff,
past and present, and acknowledged the key contribution
of the WS LHD in its stewardship of this unique state-wide
service.
“Demand and complexities in multicultural mental
health are increasing. The insights identified from this
diverse group of leaders during today’s forum will help
guide the direction of mental health across our evergrowing communities,” said Ms Cassaniti, Manager of
the Transcultural Mental Health Centre.
Following the Leader’s Forum, a special event was held
to celebrate the valuable work the TMHC has provided
for CALD communities over the last 20 years in the area of specialist clinical service delivery, prevention and
early intervention and culturally responsive service development and planning. It highlighted the importance
of this service in addressing the future challenges of
supporting CALD communities.
(L—R) Commissioner John Fenley, Mental Health Commission of NSW, Hon Kevin
Humphries, Minister for Mental Health, Maria Cassaniti, Manager, Transcultural
Mental Health Centre, Lily Wu, Consumer Advisor, Transcultural Mental Health
Centre and Prof Derrick Silove.
JANUARY 2013
page 10
GOOD NEWS
Manufacturing the building blocks of life
Not all departments in Pathology
West are used for diagnostics and
research. There is another element of pathology that is not well
known – human cell manufacturing.
The Blood and Marrow Transplant
(BMT) Laboratory is one of three
specialised units in the Sydney Cellular Therapies Laboratory located in
the ICPMR, Westmead Hospital. Its
purpose is to receive, process, manipulate, freeze, store and transport
human stem cells from either bone
marrow, peripheral blood or cord
blood to help save patients’ lives.
A stem cell is the basic structural
and biological unit of all living organisms. They are the smallest unit of
living matter and are often referred
to as ‘the building blocks of life.’
Cell processing and manufacturing
in the BMT laboratory is most commonly used to treat children and
adults with leukaemia, nonhaematological disorders and brain
tumours. The BMT Laboratory provides a full-time service for Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Nepean Hospital
and Wollongong Hospital.
Scientific Director of the BMT laboratory Vicki Antonenas said, “The lab
does over 55 per cent of all BMT cell
processing procedures performed in
NSW making it the largest and busiest stem cell processing lab in the
state.”
Vicki explained that a doctor will remove bone marrow stem cells from
an unwell patient when the disease
is low and take the cells to the BMT
lab. Scientists will process the cells
for freezing and store them in minus
170 degrees Celsius conditions from
weeks to up to 12 years.
“Freezing the cells helps preserve
Left to right: Kenneth Yehson, Fran Garvin, Vicki Antonenas and Gurdip Hansra.
them and keeps them functional and
viable for when the patient needs
them for their transplant. We can
freeze cells for over a decade, which
is a common practice for children
who have an illness like leukaemia
and may need the healthy cells if the
disease returns later in life.”
“Whilst the cells are freezing, the
patient is given chemotherapy to
eradicate all abnormal cancer cells.
Once the treatment is finished, clinicians put the healthy cells back into
the patient. This ultimately gives the
patient the opportunity to take on a
new healthy immune system.”
Vicki has worked in the laboratory
for over 15 years and is thankful for
the continued support and funding
from the NSW Ministry of Health as
running a BMT Laboratory is expensive. “We have come a long way
since we started many years ago in
JANUARY 2014
ICPMR, and we have grown with
new technology and procedures in
providing what is best treatment for
BMT patients.”
Pathology West is geographically
the largest public pathology provider in NSW, covering approximately
70 percent of NSW and six Local
Health Districts. Its largest laboratory is located at Westmead Hospital
and houses over 400 staff.
Pathology West – ICPMR Westmead offers a range of pathology
services to the WSLHD, however
the organisation is more than just a
pathology service. The laboratory
at Westmead specialises in clinical
healthcare, public health services,
medical research and is a teaching
facility for our next generation of
pathologists, hospital scientists and
technical officers.
page 11
GOOD NEWS
Get Healthy project boosts staff wellbeing
Last year a Get Healthy project was launched with
the support of Jo Fuller, Community Health Group
Manager, which aimed to increase the physical,
mental and social wellbeing of Group 2 (Blacktown,
Doonside and Hills) Community Health staff members.
Healthy Information & Coaching service”.
“Implementing a comprehensive workplace health and
physical activity program can mean happier, healthier
and more productive employees,”
Approximately 20 participated in a challenge competitively. Winners and participants of monthly challenges were
treated to prizes, including Healthy Food
Fast cookbooks, Get Healthy mouse pads and tape
measures.
“The workplace is an important part
of many people’s lives. Most of our
staff members spend a large percentage of their time at work, therefore
the way they feel at work can affect
their overall health and wellbeing.”
As part of the project, which ran from August to November 2013, staff members were encouraged to participate
in a walking challenge through the 10,000 Steps program or 30 minutes physical activities every day.
Staff were also encouraged to limit their intake of unhealthy food, and group events such as fun runs/biweekly walks, healthy lunches and bushwalking days
were held.
The project was a great success, with more than 90 staff
registering an interest in either receiving information, taking part in the challenges or self-monitoring using pedometers issued.
Congratulations to the staff members who got involved in
the Get Healthy program - we hope your new-found tips
and lifestyle changes will bring long term benefits!
More information:
Contact the Get Healthy Information &
Coaching Service, contact
Mohamed Keynan on 9881 8746 or
[email protected]
They were also encouraged to join the NSW Health “Get
JANUARY 2014
page 12
GOOD NEWS
Healthshare NSW app available for download
The NSW public health system
is the biggest public health
system in Australia with more
than 130,000 dedicated staff
that make up the health workforce.
Many of our staff work varied
hours, with many working outside
core business hours. Recognising this, HealthShare NSW Service Centres have created a
Smartphone App for the following
HealthShare NSW Business
Lines:
- Recruitment and Employee
Transactional Services (RETS)
- Financial Services
IS THE APP FREE?
- Procurement and Logistics Services.
Yes, the App is completely free.
KEY FEATURES
WHICH
SMARTPHONE IS
THE APP AVAILABLE ON?
- Find out who to contact for what on
our contacts page
- Keep informed with the latest updates
- Learn more with our pay query
guide
- Ask us – with our pay query portal
The App is simple to use and best of
all is available 24/7!
The App is now available for iPhone and
Android.
HOW DO I GET IT?
Simply search
“HealthShare NSW” in
your iPhone or Android!
Hainsworth Family Room formally opened
On Tuesday 10 December, Dr
Senthil Muthuswamy, Director
of Mental Health Services, formally opened the Hainsworth
Family Room, thanking Mr Ian
Robertson (Lions Club, Parramatta) for their generous contribution to set up a family friendly
room in an acute Mental Health
Unit.
Hainsworth nursing staff, in partnership with the COPMI (Children
of Parents with a Mental Illness)
service, recognised the need for
an area to be set aside for children
and visitors to feel comfortable and
safe when visiting their family
member in the hospital.
The Family Room initiative supports local efforts to improve
‘family focused’ mental health care
for clients who are parents in the
inpatient adult MH setting.
Hainsworth nursing staff applied for
and were successful in obtaining a
grant from Lions Club, Parramatta,
to assist with establishing the room.
The funding assisted with purchasing child/family friendly furniture,
toys, and books.
The wall mural was generously
donated by a staff member’s
mother.
It is hoped the Family room will
provide an area in which parents,
children and families are able to
visit and spend quality time together in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Dr Senthil Muthuswamy, Director of Mental Health
Services, thanks Mr Ian Robertson from the Lions
Club, Parramatta.
Big year for expansion project!
What an action-packed year for the BMDH Expansion Project! To view a ‘yearbook special’ featuring highlights
and achievements in 2013, visit http://www.bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/
uploads/2014/01/2013_BMDH_Highlights.pdf - enjoy!
JANUARY 2014
page 13
GOOD NEWS
WSLHD staff improving patient journeys
The NSW Health Minister, The Hon Jillian Skinner (third from left), presented Jo Medlin, Simone Angus, Glenn Hughes, Nghi Phung, Pip Bowden and Dimitra Kaldelis
with their diplomas. Congratulations all!
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Drug Health and
Chronic Disease Management Program staff recently graduated in
Diploma of Project Management
aimed at improving clinical processes and deliver better patient
journeys.
The Hon Jillian Skinner, Minister for
Health and Minister for Medical Research presented the six staff from
WSLHD with the Agency for Clinical
Innovation’s (ACI’s) Centre for
Healthcare Redesign (CHR) Diplomas.
The teams awarded include the Physical Health of Mental Health Consumers with or at risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome team consisting of
Joanne Medlin and Dimitra Kaldelis
and the OPOID Treatment Services
Enhancement team consisting of Nghi
Phung, Glenn Hughes, Pip Bowden
and Simone Angus.
Dr Kim Hill, Executive Medical Director, WSLHD congratulated all staff for
their innovation, development of new
model of care and outcomes.
“People with severe mental illness die
on average 20 years younger than
the general population, often from
avoidable physical illness. Metabolic
syndrome is a cluster of the most
dangerous heart attack risk factors
including diabetes, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood
pressure.
“The project undertaken by Joanne
Medlin and Dimitra Kaldelis, NSW
Chronic Disease Management Program: Connecting Care in the Community, WSLHD aimed to improve
the physical health of mental health
consumers with chronic disease risk
factors that can lead to metabolic
syndrome.
“The Drug Health Team WSLHD consists of Nghi Phung, Glenn Hughes,
Pip Bowden and Simone Angus who
changed their processes and enhanced their data collection for the
OPIOD treatment enhancement project.
“I would like to congratulate the members of the Drug Health Service Executive for their project aimed to enhance opioid treatment services in
Western Sydney Local Health District
JANUARY 2014
to improve treatment access. The
knowledge they gained from this
course will be applicable to other
projects in Drug Health Service,”
said Dr Hill.
What is the NSW Agency for Clinical
Innovation?
• The ACI is the lead agency in NSW
Health for promoting innovation, engaging clinicians and designing and implementing new modes of patient care.
• The ACI Centre for Health Redesign
Diploma Program provides training in
project management, clinical redesign
and change management for clinicians
and non-clinical staff.
• WSLHD can provide you with assistance in identifying the right program for
you.
More info: Carla Edwards, A/Director
Executive Medical Services—WSLHD
and Program Manager for Innovation &
Redesign on 0427 954 707 or
[email protected]
page 14
STAFF RECOGNITION
Shining the spotlight on staff
Trevor Bates: The “broker” who links people to the support they need
Trevor Bates, a “jack of all trades”, is
the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at the
Mount Druitt campus of Blacktown
Mount Druitt Hospital, who acts as a
“broker”, linking the Aboriginal patients to the support and services they
need.
A Barkindji man, Trevor comes from
Bourke in western NSW. He has worked
at the NSW Corrections Service and the
Queensland Aboriginal Legal Service. He
also has experience working on the factory floor and hard graft as labourer.
Trevor knew the Mount Druitt area well
from past experience and was well aware
of the challenges ahead in working with a
population which is heavily dependent on
government support.
“At Mount Druitt, my daily routine starts at
8am with a printout which lists any Aboriginal inpatients.
“Several times during the day I will also
identify clients who may have come
through Emergency during the day.
“When they are inpatients, I visit twice a
day to check on progress and see what I
can do to assist,” said Mr Bates.
On average, Trevor sees around 40 –
patients per month. A lot of the work is
with the parents he meets in the Children’s Ward.
“I find that too often, parents have become disempowered. They live on welfare, which can lead them
to think that others are responsible for what happens,” said Trevor.
This is an opportunity to point out that
these people can take control, that there
are services in the community to help and
Ready for a challenge: Trevor Bates is the new Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Mount Druitt Campus.
I encourage them to access that support.”
Trevor believes that Aboriginal people
are just like others in the community,
they are a diverse group.
“Some are spiritual, some want cars
and houses.
Traditional ways have been “shattered”
by past and present welfare policies.
Many people are no longer “doing their
bit”.
“You have to manage
expectations from different points of view
and this might be the
biggest challenge of
all.”
Good luck Trevor, we know you’ll
do a great job!
Today there is a lot of opportunity but
many don’t grab it.
Explaining this to our patients can be
difficult, but it’s my job to help both patient and health professional understand how this affects their health.
JANUARY 2014
page 15
STAFF RECOGNITION
Shining the spotlight on staff
Farewell to Westmead Hospital’s first-ever Patient Representative, Jillian Gwynne-Lewis
Farewell to Jillian Gwynne-Lewis,
who resigned from Westmead
Hospital last month, after 28
years of extraordinary achievements.
Jillian commenced her employment
in 1985 at Westmead Hospital, under the leadership of Professor
Robert Batey in the Drug and Alcohol (D & A) Unit Clinic E. There,
she worked as an RN/ D&A Counsellor both in the wards and unit,
counselling and managing the withdrawal regimes for D&A patients.
In 1989, she was appointed as the
first Patient Representative at Westmead Hospital and the second in
Australia. She worked in this role for
the past 24 and a half years.
During her time at Westmead Hospital, Jillian achieved a fair bit – including:
Jillian founded the Confidential
Review Committee (CRC) to examine and make recommendations on system improvements for
complex complaints that crossed
disciplines and specialists. This
committee ran for approximately
12 years.
In 1992 Jillian was awarded a
Westmead Hospital grant to undertake a study tour to North
America and Canada. This study
tour examined the role and functions of the Patient Representatives in these countries.
Jillian chaired the committee that
planned and hosted the 2004 National Patient Representatives
Conference. The committee,
which started without any funds,
made a large profit, all of which
was shared with the Starlight
Foundation.
Graduate Medical Education & Senior Medical Advisor, Clinical Governance Unit, who worked closely with
Jillian, said that she was an
“institution” at Westmead Hospital, at
her farewell morning tea last year.
“As I reflect on Jillian’s contribution over a quarter of a
century – I recall the open
disclosure meetings that
we’ve been in together and I
know that you have a potential to really help patients –
help them to understanding,
to acceptance, to forgiveness, perhaps closure.”
- Dr Andrew Baker, DPET, Post
Graduate Medical Education &
Senior Medical Advisor, Clinical Governance Unit
“It doesn’t always go right but when it
does its tremendously rewarding,
because the benefit to patients is
tangible.
“Now when you think of all the patient
interactions Jillian’s had over the
years you can only be impressed by
the inordinate amount of good she
has done over this time,” he said.
Jillian was a true champion for Westmead Hospital. She
will be missed!
“I will also miss working with wonderful
staff to assist patients, their families and
friends to navigate a complex and sometimes daunting healthcare system.”
“So, Gillian – I don’t know what the next
chapter of your life brings – I don’t know if
you know – but we wish you all the best
with that. Whatever it is – knowing you, I
sure life will never be dull,” said Dr Baker.
Jillian said that she will miss being a
member of a number of committees
and working with great staff from
every discipline.
“I’ll miss the stimulating challenge of
the Human and Ethics and Research
Committee, chaired by Professor
Stephen Leeder,” said Ms GwynneLewis.
Dr Andrew Baker, DPET, Post
JANUARY 2014
Jillian was surrounded by many friends at her
farewell party!
page 16
GOOD NEWS
Christmas wrap-up
Thanking our wonderful volunteers
Christmas parties were held for our hard-working volunteers across WSLHD facilities last year.
The events were held to express our appreciation for
the work of our volunteers throughout 2014.
Mount Druitt auxiliary gift shop and courtesy
desk volunteers.
Your contribution to our services is greatly appreciated.
The volunteers had a break over the festive season and
they’re now back on board—welcome back!
Auburn Hospital volunteers.
Mount Druitt kiosk volunteers.
Christmas decorations make the ‘Christmastown Post’
The Pulse received a sweet interview
with Leanne Calthorpe, Manager—
BMDH Health Information & Record
Service and the “Christmastown
Post” about their team’s Christmas
decorations. We couldn’t resist but to
share it with our readers...
So, tell me, as the 2012 winners of
the Christmas decorating competition at BMDH with “Santa’s lollie
shoppe”, what was the inspiration
for your 2013 theme?
The Tim Burton movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. It fit with all
the flurry surrounding Christmas
preparations, you know the
“Christmas is such a nightmare with
all the things to be done”. We also
wanted to be original. White Christmas, 12 days of Christmas, Santa’s
sleigh, etc—it’s all be done before.
We wanted something fun to make
people go “wow”.
I understand that your decorations
were made by staff and family
members?
Yes that is correct. We used tissue
boxes, old clothes, cardboard, boxes,
pipe, and as a tribute to those people
who lost their houses in the Blue
Mountains Fire we used burnt
branches and made a forest with
them. Staff and family worked on the
decorations for the best part of six
months prior to Christmas. Staff
would stay back after work to work on
projects that were too large to
transport between home and work.
Could you share some photos
with the readers?
Leanne: Of course.
J Skellington, Interviewer for the
Christmastown Post.
And the final product?
Eye popping! We had the main characters from the movie – Jack, Sally,
Zero the ghostdog who pulls the
sleigh, Oogie Boogie and those
cheeky kids – Lock, Shock and Barrel! All the staff wore black with
masks to look like Jack Skellington
the main character from the movie.
The judging was conducted on Friday
13th December, which seemed like a
good omen to us, but it was not to be.
We were beaten by two departments
whose themes shared a similarity to
our winning 2012 theme.
JANUARY 2014
page 17
GOOD NEWS
Famous guide dog Odie is set for retirement
Farewell, Odie! After six long
years of service in health services, it’s time for us to bid him a
happy and healthy retirement.
Otis (more affectionately known as
Odie) partnered up with Kate Murdoch, Disability Employment Consultant, as her trusty guide dog in
2005. Together they began their
journey within the Health Sector at
Nepean Hospital in 2007, and for
the last three years have been working within the Human Resources
Department at Cumberland Hospital.
Otis and Kate have worked together
side by side for 8.5 years, with Otis
going almost everywhere Kate goes.
He has also taken up the challenge
of travelling to and around WSLHD
facilities, and has done it all with
grace and dignity - for the most part!
“Odie took it upon himself to keep
the office fit and slim by hassling us
for fetch and tug-of-war games, then
artfully stealing our lunches,” said Ms
Murdoch.
“His bold personality, consistent
need for a belly rub and food, and
the snores during meetings will be
sorely missed!”
“I think he’ll enjoy his retired life very
much, and will definitely give a helping paw in teaching his sneaky tricks
to my new guide dog.”
In the past, Odie has helped promote
WSLHD’s celebration of International
Day of People with a Disability
events. He has made some exciting
TV appearances, and he has also
had his ears tickled by his number
one hero, Dr Harry Cooper.
Odie’s last day in the office was
Thursday 16 January 2014.
“Odie, being my first guide dog,
changed my life. He is my best friend
and I am sad to lose him as my partner in crime. But he is ready to retire
and very much deserves this wellearned break.”
Kate walks with her best mate, Odie.
Westmead Hospital nurse wins John Sheard Memorial Award
Congratulations to Kate Goldsworthy, from the
Neuro/Trauma High Dependency Unit, who was
awarded the annual John Sheard Memorial Award
for Clinical Excellence last month.
Kate was awarded the perpetual trophy at an afternoon
tea on Wednesday 18 December.
The Neurosciences Unit and Neuro/Trauma High Dependency Unit award the John Sheard Memorial Award for
Clinical Excellence each year in recognition of outstanding clinical skills of nursing staff.
The recipient is selected by the senior nursing staff,
NUMs, Nurse Educator, CNC and Clinical Nurse Educators
following the selection criteria of advanced clinical skills,
role model, patient advocacy, professional development
and resource person in the specialty of neurosciences.
“Kate commenced working in the Neuro/Trauma High
Dependency Unit in 2011 following her new graduate
program. Kate completed the Graduate Certificate Neurosciences in 2013 and is an exceptional team leader and
Congratulations to Kate (centre) who has won this year’s John Sheard
Memorial Award!
admired for her clinical skills in the specialty,” said Diane
Lear, Clinical Nurse Consultant Neuroscience.
“John Sheard was the CNC neurosciences from 1989 until
his untimely death in 1999 and was extremely well loved
and respected by all at Westmead,” said Ms Lear.
JANUARY 2014
page 18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks a bunch
on concrete, hitting his head and
grazing his back.
Blacktown Hospital—
Connecting Care Manager
Thank you for sending out all the
brochures regarding your programs.
I particularly wish to express my appreciation to the manner in which
your Registered Nurse conducted
her interview with me and the care,
kindness and consideration she
gave to my wife and myself. She
was very helpful in explaining all the
benefits we can gain from your organisation. She also gave us some
hope that we are not on our own in
the future when the time comes,
which will be soon.
Thank you so much for everything.
K Vaughan
Blacktown Hospital
I write with recommendation, admiration and satisfaction with the NSW
Ambulance Service and Blacktown
Hospital. On Saturday evening my
partner John fainted and fell down
Date
for your
diary
I must commend Blacktown Accident & Emergency as a shining example of NSW excellent healthcare
system. We are always hearing of
how bad our hospitals are but we
were extremely impressed with both
the speed and quality of John’s
treatment.
We had a wonderful intern Dr Sarah
Vaughan who, after looking over the
results decided that John had a particularly low blood pressure and was
mildly dehydrated. As such, John
spent the next two hours on a drip to
bring his fluids up and within three
hours we were back home. My family are in awe of how kindly, thoroughly and professionally treated
John was.
Well done to the NSW Ambulance
Service, Blacktown Hospital and all
the wonderful health care professionals that came to our aid in a horrible situation.
Community Health—Group 1 Auburn, Holroyd and Parramatta
Dear Nurses,
It has been six months since Frank
passed away but it still seems like
yesterday.
Emotions, technical know-how and
time have slowed down the process
of making this card.
It was however something I wanted
to complete once started and we
wanted you to know your thoughtfulness was appreciated.
Rosalind
Thank you so much, Nicola Noakes.
Westmead Oscars
Thursday 10 April, 1pm
Westmead Hospital, John
Loewenthal Auditorium
Departments across Westmead
Hospital will present a five minute
video showcasing their department’s wit and talent.
The most outrageous and funny video will win your department an
educational grant!
Don’t miss this exciting event!
Got news worth sharing in The Pulse? The WSLHD Media Unit wants to hear from you!
You don’t have to write the story - we can do this for you.
Email your news to [email protected] or phone 9845 8258.
Note: Publication is at the discretion of the Editor and Chief Executive. Items may be edited for length, style and quality.