Echuca Regional Health
Annual Report 2008
Echuca Regional Health Incorporating: Echuca Hospital Glanville Village Primary and Continuing Care
17 Francis Street Echuca, Vic 3564
Telephone: (03) 5485 5000 Facsimile: (03) 5482 5478 Email: [email protected] Website: www.erh.org.au Helping everyone to be and stay healthy Echuca Regional Health Purpose ‘Helping everyone to be and stay healthy’ Guiding Principles Respect and Honesty Treat people with dignity and be truthful
Inclusion Include everyone
Empathy and Compassion Understand other people’s needs and feelings
Excellence and Best Practice Aim high
Access and Equity Open to everyone – same for all
Commitment and Accountability Work hard, be loyal and responsible for own actions
Incorporation
The Governor-in-Council issued an order on 26 October 1993 declaring Echuca Regional Health to be a public hospital. The order took effect on 1 November 1993 and Schedule 1 of the Health Services Act 1988 was amended accordingly.
The health service is established under the Health Services Act 1988. The responsible Minister during the reporting period is the Honourable Bronwyn Pike MP. Effective 3 August 2007 the Minister for Health is the Honourable Daniel Andrews MP. Our Community
The combined catchment areas for the Shire of Campaspe and Murray Shire serve an estimated 38,931 people. Over the next 25 years Campaspe Shire’s population is expected to increase by 18%. In Echucathe Regional same period Health Murray Shire’s population is expected to increase by 40%. Incorporating:Whilst the greatest projected change, similar to the rest of Victoria, will be an increase in the aged, EchucaEchuca Hospital is predicted to also have growth in the younger age group. GlanvilleThe Village Department of Human Services’ latest report on the burden of disease confirms that Primarycompared and Continuing to the rest of Care Victoria, our community has:
17 Francis• A higher Street rate of cancer. Echuca,• VicA higher 3564 rate of cardiovascular disease. • A higher rate of diabetes for males. Telephone: (03) 5485 5000 Facsimile: (03) 5482 5478 We will therefore be focusing our primary and preventive health initiatives on reducing Email:cardiovascular [email protected] disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. We will also continue to seek Website:every opportunitywww.erh.org.au to consult, take advice and respond to the community we care for by placing high priority on quality, consumer focused service delivery. Helping everyone to be and stay healthy Our Future
Strategic Plan 3. Focus on quality, safety and financial viability.
On Wednesday 6 August 2008 the Board of Management 3.1 Develop an integrated approach to continuous adopted a new Strategic Plan for the period July 2008 – July improvement in quality, safety and risk management. 2011, incorporating the following strategic priorities, establishing the pathway for the future direction of the organisation. 3.2 Develop effective systems by which patients are admitted, managed and discharged.
1. Provide services that meet community need. 3.3 Manage our resources to ensure long term financial sustainability. 1.1 Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the health and well being of our community. Continually review services 4. Provide services in a culturally appropriate manner. to ensure they are consistent with our identified needs, 4.1 Develop, implement and maintain a strong cultural demographic profile and supported by Department of awareness programme. Human Services policy directions. 4.2 Strengthen relationships with the local indigenous 1.2 Expand the capacity of medical services. community.
1.3 Implement strategies that will support and acknowledge 4.3 Ensure staff and consumers have access to interpreter the importance of General Practitioners at Echuca Regional services, appropriate foreign language pamphlets and Health. assisted with multilingual signs.
1.4 Expand and develop Primary and Continuing Care services. 5. Improve recruitment and retention of staff.
1.5 Improve consumer awareness and staff knowledge of how 5.1 Establish an organisation-wide workforce plan. to access services available at Echuca Regional Health. 5.2 Establish Echuca Regional Health as an employer of choice. 1.6 Work in partnership with other health providers to develop services and enhance clinical care. 5.3 Establish Echuca Regional Health as a centre of excellence in education, professional development and training. 2. Promote community engagement. 5.4 Establish a process and structure by which local Medical 2.1 Build sustainable relationships with our community and Practitioners will be an essential component of medical achieve effective consumer consultation. teaching. 2.2 Provide activities to better link the health service and community.
echuca regional health - annual report 1 5.5 Increase the number of indigenous employees at Echuca Regional Health to closely reflect the percentage of the population that they represent in the Echuca-Moama community.
6. Provide efficient buildings, plant and equipment.
6.1 Develop a new master plan.
6.2 Develop a plant and equipment upgrade and replacement program including budget projection.
6.3 Establish a facility for accommodation and education of tertiary health students.
7. Promote environmentally responsible practices.
7.1 Develop, implement and continually monitor a plan that reduces the organisation’s environmental impact.
8. Provide efficient and effective Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).
8.1 Provide information systems to improve the quality and safety of care.
8.2 Enhance information systems to improve the management and use of resources.
8.3 Ensure our people are equipped with appropriate ICT infrastructure and skills to carry out their roles effectively.
Provide efficient buildings, plant and equipment.
Contents Page Our Future ...... 1
Performance at at Glance ...... 3
Year in Review ...... 5
Performance Measures ...... 7
Financials in Brief ...... 10
Review of Operations ...... 12
Our Volunteers ...... 22
Our Board of Management ...... 23
Our Executive Team ...... 24
Organisation Chart ...... 25
Our Staff ...... 26
Statutory Reporting ...... 29
Index ...... 30
2 echuca regional health - annual report Performance at a Glance
Financial ($000’s) 2007/2008 2006/2007 % Change
Total Revenue 44,587 37,114 20.1% Total Expenditure (38,868) (36,819) 5.6% Total Assets 55,694 49,190 13.2% Total Liabilities (9,897) (9,290) 6.5% Total Equity 45,797 39,900 14.8%
Performance Indicators
Inpatients Treated - separations 9,307 8,073 15.2% Inpatients Average Length of Stay (excluding same day discharges) 3.85 4.06 (5%) Inpatient Bed Days 19,457 18,273 6.4% Nursing Home Bed Days 26,349 26,188 0.6% Total Non Admitted Patient Services 51,180 42,532 20.3% Emergency Attendances 15,473 14,455 7%
Fundraising
Income 201,267 361,244 (44.3%) Expenditure 98,463 36,684 168.4% Surplus 102,803 324,560 (68.3%)
Staff
Number of Staff Employed 575 565 1.7% Equivalent Full Time 338.73 333.72 1.5% echuca regional health - annual report echuca regional health - annual report 3 Our Profi le Acute Hospital Facilities 67 Acute beds History • Medical 1882 First patient admitted to Hospital • Surgical • Haemodialysis 1890 New south wing of the Hospital was built • Obstetric 1907 Operating Theatre, Nurses Home and Doctors’ • Palliative Care accommodation constructed • Paediatric • Rehabilitation 1925 Installation of the fi rst x-ray plant • Critical Care 1938 Opening of Camray Ward Residential Aged Care Glanville Village Aged Care 1962 Construction of Midwifery Unit - Rose Baker Wing • 65 High Care Beds 1965 Soldiers’ Memorial Wing refurbished to geriatric ward • 10 Low Care Beds • 4 Transition Care Program (TCP) Beds 1970 Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services commenced Services Provided • Aboriginal Liaison Offi cer 1975 Establishment of the new Day Hospital • After Hours Clinic • Ambulatory Services Unit 1978 Lumeah Nursing Home opened • Antenatal Classes 1993 Echuca District Hospital became Echuca Regional Health • Asthma Education • Cardiac Rehabilitation Program 1999 Completion of the Primary Care Centre • Chemotherapy/Cancer Support Services 2003 Glanville Village aged care service opened • Community Liaison Offi cer • Community Rehabilitation Centre 2006 The Alan Henry Thrum Operating Theatre was offi cially • Dental opened • Diabetes Education 2008 Offi cial opening of the Community Rehabilitation Centre • Dietetics • Discharge Planning • District Nursing Services • Drug and Alcohol Counselling • Education Department • Emergency Department • Family/General Counselling • Finance • Glanville Village Aged Care • Hospital Admission Risk Program • Health Promotion • Infection Prevention and Control • Meals on Wheels • Occupational Therapy • Palliative Care • Pathology • Peri-operative Unit • Pharmacy • Physiotherapy • Pre-Operative Clinic • Primary Care Services • Quality and Safety Unit Echuca Regional Health • Radiology • Renal Dialysis Unit • Social Work • Speech Pathology • Transition Care Program • Volunteers
4 echuca regional health - annual report Year in Review
Board of Management Report quality, cultural awareness and fi nancial viability. Importantly, there was a very strong focus on public perception of how On behalf of the Board we are pleased to present the 126th the health service is viewed by consumers. A recurring theme Annual Report for Echuca Regional Health. The Report is in throughout discussions over the weekend was ensuring that the accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and details services planned for and provided in the future, would meet the the report of operations for the year ended 30 June 2008. needs of the changing community and ensure a sustainable and secure future, including the continuous upgrade of ICT systems Strategic Plan and becoming ‘carbon neutral’.
The Board’s previous Strategic Plan expired in 2007 with the Medical Training Facility result that the Board placed a signifi cant priority this year on developing a new Strategic Plan. The catalyst for developing The outcome of the planning weekend was the identifi cation of the new Plan was a planning weekend conducted in Echuca on a new Purpose, Guiding Principles and strategic priorities which Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2008. are published in this Report. Consistent with the organisation’s strategic priorities, the establishment of a medical training Included amongst the 55 people who attended the workshop facility as part of our health service was identifi ed as an essential were Echuca Regional Health Board members, Department strategic priority. Heads, medical representatives and in addition, a large number of representatives from partner organisations including Paul In late 2007 Echuca Regional Health was formally approached Weller MP and importantly, representatives from the broader by the University of Melbourne, on behalf of a consortium that community of Echuca-Moama. The workshop also received includes Monash University, to establish medical education presentations from the Aboriginal community, Department of infrastructure, including student accommodation and teaching Human Services and Executives of Echuca Regional Health. facilities.
Facilitated by Click Consulting, the weekend identifi ed strategic Following positive discussions between Echuca Community for priorities in addition to gathering thoughts and suggestions of the Aged and Echuca Regional Health’s Board of Management, how these could be implemented in the future. A primary goal ‘Engelbert Lodge’ was purchased by Echuca Regional Health for the Board of Management was to gain insight into what in June 2008, with vacant possession scheduled to occur in people felt the future of Echuca Regional Health should look December 2009. Engelbert Lodge currently provides a home to like. 59 aged care residents who will be relocated to new premises, presenting an ideal site for a medical training facility. The facility Strategic priorities identifi ed included the urgent need to will have direct and immediate walking and disabled access to upgrade the hospital’s buildings, community engagement, all of the hospital’s services. providing services that meet the community’s need, safety,
echuca regional health - annual report echuca regional health - annual report 5 Engelbert Lodge will be converted to accommodate 40 single bedrooms, with the balance of the facility used for teaching, Acknowledgements study, research and meal preparation areas. Accommodation will be available for medical students, Hospital Medical Officers, Echuca Regional Health is fortunate to receive significant Interns and allied health/nursing students. It is hoped the medical support from a large number of organisations and individuals education centre will not only train doctors and encourage for which we are extremely grateful. In particular, we wish to them to work in the country, but may also attract specialists. The thank and acknowledge: medical training facility is expected to open in May 2010. • Our Visiting Medical Officers and specialists;
In addition, the Board wishes to highlight the following • Mr Vic Gordon, Ms Ann-Maree Conners and Mr Brian projects that have recently commenced, all of which are Billington from the Department of Human Services; important strategic initiatives: • Mr Paul Weller MP, Member for Rodney; • Establishment of the Echuca After Hours GP Clinic in partnership with Murray Plains Division of General Practice, • The work of our volunteers, auxiliaries and service clubs; Nish Street Medical Practice and Rich River Health Group; • Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Echuca Branch; • Minister for Health Daniel Andrews providing approval for the hospital Master Plan to be reviewed and updated; • The dedicated, skilled and committed staff members of Echuca Regional Health; and • Opening of a new Community Rehabilitation Centre costing $3.1 million; • Echuca Regional Health Foundation for their ongoing financial assistance. • Integration of School Dental Services with Adult Dental Services effective from February 2008;
• Establishment of the Hospital Admission Risk Program, with $300,000 annual funding from the Department of Human Services. Capital Works The health service has received significant financial assistance during the past year from the Department of Human Services that has assisted with improving patient and client comfort.
• Air conditioning of Rose Baker Wing $260,000
• Co-locating Murray Valley Imaging radiology services next to Echuca Regional Health’s imaging services in old operating suite $200,000
• Air conditioning of Primary Care, Kinsey House and Memorial Wing $150,000
• Improving the ward environment for older people $133,000
• Medical equipment $278,000
• New Community Rehabilitation Centre building $3,100,000
During the year the health service has installed new and upgraded sign posting throughout the organisation which has significantly assisted visitors.
6 echuca regional health - annual report Farewell Mrs Margaret Lund, Director of Nursing Conclusion
Margaret Lund commenced duty at Echuca District Hospital The Board is delighted with what has been achieved during the as a trainee nurse on 18 February 1959. Margaret recently retired past year including: from her Director of Nursing position, an association with the hospital lasting nearly 50 years. • A significant increase in operating funding allowed the hospital to increase activity by 15%; Margaret has always been highly respected and the professionalism she has demonstrated during her employment • New Strategic Plan adopted; is greatly admired. Margaret has been a wonderful leader in her • Minister Andrews giving approval for Master Plan update; role as Director of Nursing, held in the highest esteem by her and staff and colleagues. • Engelbert Lodge purchased as a medical training facility. The Board of Management would like to thank Margaret for the loyalty and commitment she has demonstrated during her The Board is confident that it can build on this solid foundation time with the health service and wish her well in her retirement. in the foreseeable future to allow Echuca Regional Health to better meet the health needs of the community we serve.
Mrs Dianne Macfarlane President Echuca Regional Health Board of Management
Mr Michael Delahunty Chief Executive Echuca Regional Health
Performance Measures Service Performance
Admitted Patients Acute* 2007/2008 2006/2007 Same Day 5,756 4,781 Multi Day 3,551 3,292 Total Separations 9,307 8,073 Emergency 2,628 2,494 Elective 5,980 4,890 Other – Including Maternity 699 689 Public Separations 7,565 6,333 Total WIES 4,998 4,548 Total Bed Days 19,539 18,273 Non Admitted Patients Emergency Medicine Attendances 15,473 14,455 Outpatient Services – Occasions of Service 51,180 42,532 Other Services – Occasions of Service (sub-acute)* 1,797 1,316 Total Occasions of Service 68,450 57,472 * Definitions next page echuca regional health - annual report 7 Definitions
Acute care: Sub Acute is care which includes:
• Manages the delivery and aftercare of mothers and their • Designated Rehabilitation Program – designed to help babies; people who are recovering from injury or illness to recover as much function as possible; • Cures illness or treats injuries; • Geriatric Evaluation and Management Program – older • Performs surgical operations; people with complex, chronic or multiple health care • Relieves symptoms of illness or injury; conditions requiring treatment and stabilisation.
• Prevents the worsening and/or complications of an illness • Interim Care - provides temporary support and care of older and/or injury which could be life threatening or which may people whilst longer term care arrangements are being affect the quality of normal daily life; finalised.
• Carries out investigations or therapeutic procedures such as • Palliative Care Program - the specialised care of someone blood transfusions. suffering from an advanced, progressive, terminal illness.
Performance Statistics – last five financial years
2007/2008 2006/2007 2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004
Total Separations 9,307 8,073 7,952 7,738 7,108
Average Length of Stay (excluding same day discharges) 3.85 4.06 4.28 4.44 4.03
Theatre Procedures 3,743 3,220 3,257 3,187 3,160
Emergency Department Attendances 15,478 14,455 13,800 11,919 12,023
Births 303 309 296 320 313
Separations last five years Births for the last five years
10000 325 9000 320 8000 315 7000 310 6000 305 5000 300 4000 295 3000 290 2000 285 1000 280 0 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08
Comment: Patient separations increased by 15% this year. Comment: Births at Echuca Regional Health during the year totalled 303.
8 echuca regional health - annual report Emergency Department Attendances
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000 10,000 Comment: The number of Emergency Department
8,000 attendances increased by 7%.
6,000
4,000
2,000
0 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08
Separations by Top 10 Diagnostic Related Groups
Rank Description Separations Separations Rank 2007/2008 2007/2008 2006/2007 2006/2007
1 Renal Dialysis 1,756 1,400 1
2 Chemotherapy 466 273 4
3 Colonoscopy 322 293 2
4 Newborn greater than 2499 grams 285 291 3
5 Other factors influencing health 223 114 -
6 Lens procedures (cataracts) 178 147 8
7 Red Blood Cell Disorders (anaemia) 176 166 5
8 Normal Vaginal Delivery 168 164 6
9 Gastroscopy 160 153 7
10 Anal and stomal procedures (haemorrhoidectomy/polypectomy) 155 105 - 6,000
5,000 Comment: Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) is a grouping of diseases or conditions which are of similar characteristic or severity. Renal Dialysis is the most frequently occurring4,000 DRG which constitutes 18.9% of all separations at Echuca Regional Health. 3,000 2,000
How old are our patients? 1,000
6,000 0 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 5,000 Age in Years 4,000 0 - 14 45 - 59 3,000 15 - 29 60 + 30 - 44 2,000
1,000
0 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Age in Years
Comment: An age profile of admitted0 - 14 patients45 treated - 59 at Echuca Regional Health during the last five15 - 29years shows60 + a significant increase in patients over 60 years of30 age.- 44
echuca regional health - annual report 9 Financials in Brief
The following table provides a summary of the financial results for the year with comparative results for the preceding five financial years. Previous years’ data is presented on the bases used in those years.
Financial ($’000) 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 2003/04
Operating Statement
Revenue Excluding Capital Purpose Income 37,361 33,937 33,136 32,477 27,963
Expenses Excluding Depreciation (37,144) (34,218) (33,443) (32,498) (29,528)
Net Result Before Capital and Depreciation 217 (281) (307) (21) (1,565)
Capital Purpose Income 7,226 3,177 5,475 2,382 1,739
Depreciation (1,724) (2,601) (2,180) (2,126) (1,437)
Net Result for the Year 5,719 295 2,988 235 (1,263)
Balance Sheet
Total Assets 55,694 49,190 49,366 40,674 38,541
Total Liabilities (9,897) (9,290) (11,568) (9,059) (10,964)
Net Assets / Total Equity 45,797 39,900 37,798 31,615 27,577
Revenue by Source Expenses by Category
1% 11% 17% 4% 1% 2% 0% 8%
65% 4% 12% 68%
7%
65% Salaries & Wages 68% Government Grants 2% Business Units 1% Food Supplies 7% Visiting Medical Officers 12% Patient Fees 17% Capital Purpose 4% Depreciation 4% Drugs 0% Donations & Bequests 1% Interest 11% Other 8% Medical Supplies
10 echuca regional health - annual report Financial and Activity Commentary of stay has helped maintain the efficiency of our inpatient services. It is noted, however that increased activity combined Echuca Regional Health achieved a net surplus for the year with medical related price indices being generally higher than ended 30 June 2008 of $5,719,000 (2007: $295,000). The net the consumer price index, has led to significant growth in the result before capital and specific items was a surplus of $217,000 costs of direct inputs to acute inpatient services of visiting (2007: $281,000 deficit). medical officers, drugs and medical supplies.
During the year, capital purpose income totalled $7,226,000 Significant growth has also been experienced in relation to including State Government capital grants of $4,170,000 and primary and continuing care services with the expansion of other capital purpose income relating to the acquisition and existing services such as dental, family counselling and medical proposed redevelopment of Engelbert Lodge as a medical consulting and the creation of new services such as the Hospital training facility. Admissions Risk Program, the Transition Care Program and the After-Hours Clinic. 2007/08 has seen a significant increase in activity across all areas; particularly in relation to acute inpatient where there has Average Collection Days 2007/2008 2006/2007 been a 10% increase in terms of core funding (WIES) and 15% in terms of patient separations. The sharp rise in separations is Private 58.71 48.63 mainly due to increased renal dialysis in the expanded facility in the Lumeah building and increased day surgery and day medical Vic Workcover Authority 96.71 93.01 activity. This has lead to a 5% reduction in the average acuity of Residential Aged Care 42.77 38.55 inpatient separations, but a similar reduction in average length
Debtors Outstanding as at 30 June 2008
Under 30 days 31-60 days 61-90 days Over 90 days Total 30/06/2008 Total 30/06/2007
Private 57,377 65,504 15,257 38,184 176,322 114,105
Vic Workcover Authority 3,587 5,738 4,843 12,159 26,328 23,689
Where Do Our Patients Come From? - Patient Separations by Top 20 Localities
Top 20 Localities Separations 2007/2008 % Separations 2006/2007 %
Echuca 5,496 59.1% 4,776 59.2% Moama 1,416 15.2% 1,312 16.2% Rochester 515 5.5% 373 4.6% Deniliquin 361 3.9% 227 2.8% Tongala 167 1.8% 168 2.1% Kyabram 133 1.4% 111 1.4% Lockington 116 1.2% 122 1.5% Nathalia 111 1.2% 92 1.1% Cohuna 80 0.9% 49 0.6% Eaglehawk 60 0.6% 10 0.1% Gunbower 56 0.6% 69 0.9% Torrumbarry 45 0.5% 38 0.5% Tongala 37 0.4% 39 0.5% Barham 29 0.3% 27 0.3% Leitchville 28 0.3% 31 0.4% Kerang 25 0.3% 21 0.3% Tatura 21 0.2% 7 0.1% Bendigo 19 0.2% 19 0.2% Undera 18 0.2% 14 0.2% Shepparton 18 0.2% 13 0.2%
echuca regional health - annual report 11 Review of Operations
Acute Hospital, Residential Aged Care Services and Primary Care Services
Profile
Echuca Regional Health has 67 acute beds providing a comprehensive range of services including emergency, medical, surgical, maternity, paediatric, urology, orthopaedic, ophthalmology, dental, chemotherapy and haemodialysis services. Glanville Village aged care service accommodates 65 high care, 10 low care residential beds together with four transitional care beds.
Medical Suites are available in the hospital grounds to accommodate visiting specialists and Murray Valley Imaging is now situated adjacent to the hospital’s Radiology Department, providing a wonderful local service to the community and allowing patients to remain close to their families during difficult circumstances. After-hours emergency services are now supported by the Echuca After-Hours Clinic.
Our Multi Cultural Doctors Medical Careers Expo 2008
With the ever increasing shortage of Australian trained medical Echuca Regional Health once again participated in the Medical graduates Echuca Regional Health, like most other rural and Careers Expo this year. This is an annual event for HMOs, Interns regional hospitals, employs international medical graduates and Final Year Medical Students which was held on 31 May 2008 (IMGs). Our current staffing of IMGs originates from South Africa, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. India, Iran, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Conducted in conjunction with AMA Victoria and the Echuca Regional Health offers these IMGs an excellent rotation Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria, the Expo provides a enabling them to complete their 10 weeks in surgery, general unique opportunity for those in attendance to explore career medicine and emergency medicine. Once these doctors have options with specialist medical colleges, metropolitan and accomplished their Australian Medical Council clinical exams plus rural hospitals. The Expo also provides an excellent recruitment a full year of supervised training, they are then eligible for their opportunity for the organisation. general registration. To date, Echuca Regional Health has had a 100% pass rate for all IMGs who have sat their clinical exams.
12 echuca regional health - annual report Emergency Department 3800 3700 Presentations to the Emergency Department have escalated 3600 again this year – an increase of 7% on the previous financial year. 3500
Recruitment of staff with emergency nursing skills has been 3400 quite successful this year and the appointment of a Senior 3300 Emergency Department Registrar to assist the Director of 3200 Emergency, provides continual support and supervision for Interns. Staff training and development this year included 3100 attendance at a Communications Workshop (conducted by the 3000 Department of Human Services) and participation in the Trauma 2900 Nursing Program. 2800
0 Funds from the annual Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay financed 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 the purchase of a pneumatic tube, which was installed in June this year. The 150 metre long tube extends from the Emergency Department to Pathology. Specimens requiring Comment: 3,743 operating procedures were performed clinical investigations are placed into the tube and travel at an at Echuca Regional Health during the last approximate speed of 28 kph to the Pathology Laboratory. This financial year. not only ensures a quicker turn around time for results, but also alleviates the need for staff to leave the Emergency Department to transport the specimens.
The Echuca Branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation continues to support the Emergency Department. This year witnessed a dedication ceremony to name the Emergency Department after a police officer who was fatally wounded in the line of duty - Constable George Henry Taylor died as a result of being shot at Pyramid Hill in 1920. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon officially dedicated the Emergency Department in Constable Taylor’s honour.
The event marked the donation of the first piece of equipment from the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation this year - an ‘Oxylog 3000’ portable ventilator.
Peri-operative Unit
The combined Operating Theatre, Day Surgery Unit and Central Sterilising Supply Department continue to provide a comprehensive range of surgical services including:
• General surgery;
• Ophthalmology;
• Ear, nose and throat;
• Urology;
• Obstetrics;
• Gynaecology;
• Paediatrics; and
• Minor vascular surgery.
echuca regional health - annual report 13 General Ward (Camray/Johnstone/HDU) Certificate Course at Austin Health after 96 hours of supervised practice in the Renal Unit at Echuca Regional Health. The General Ward comprises three areas:
• Camray – 15 medical beds which include two palliative care beds and two telemetry beds.
• Johnstone Wing – 14 general surgical beds.
• High Dependency Unit – three monitored beds.
This year saw the opening of the new palliative care suite, a vision of local builder Peter Sutton (Sutton Constructions) who experienced first hand the lack of palliative care facilities at Echuca Regional Health. The ASU has regional and state representation on several Local trades people and suppliers banded together to make the committees and network groups allowing for benchmarking and renovations and refurbishment possible. Complete with ensuite standardisation of care. and sitting room the new palliative care suite provides private accommodation for patients and their families. 2006/2007 2007/2008 Rose Baker Wing - Midwifery Unit Department No Patients No Patients Increase Treated Treated Our midwifery unit, Rose Baker Wing, delivered 303 babies this year (153 males and 150 females). Midwives provide antenatal Cancer Support 357 482 35 % care to approximately one third of mothers who deliver at Echuca Palliative Care 1327 1797 35% Regional Health. Chemotherapy 270 425 57% Obstetric Audit meetings occur six monthly to review births and investigate ways to improve both mother and baby care. Medical Day Unit 408 454 11%
During the year two staff attended a six week ‘Remote Midwifery No No Upskilling’ placement at Bendigo Health. of Positions of Positions
Ambulatory Services Unit Renal/ Haemodialysis 6 12 100% The Ambulatory Services Unit (ASU) incorporates Community Nursing Services, Hospital in the Home, Medical Day Unit, Oncology, Community Palliative Care and Renal Haemodialysis. The Unit works together to allow patients to remain at home for treatment, or receive treatment as a ‘day stay case’ with home support.
The past 12 months have seen growth in demand in the Oncology and Palliative Care Departments. The Renal/Haemodialysis Department doubled its capacity when it increased from 3 chairs to 6 in July 2007. The year saw two staff complete their Renal
14 echuca regional health - annual report Community Rehabilitation Centre
The new $3.1 million Community Rehabilitation Centre was officially opened on Friday 1 August 2008 by Mr Daniel Andrews MP, Minister for Health. Local contractors began construction in June 2007 after funding was secured through the Federal and State Government.
The Centre provides a diverse range of programs including orthopaedic, neurological, cardiac/pulmonary, hydrotherapy and general rehabilitation allowing Echuca-Moama and district residents to be rehabilitated in their own community.
Future service delivery will have a greater focus on the provision of lifestyle programs including Better Health Self Management, diabetes and back care and strengthening programs to meet the needs of clients with complex care requirements. The Centre also caters for a falls and balance program.
Transition Care Program
On 31 March 2008 the first Transition Care Program (TCP) client was admitted at Echuca Regional Health. The TCP is an initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing and the Victorian Department of Human Services.
The twelve (12) week program is aimed at minimising the number of patients experiencing extended hospital stays and being prematurely admitted to residential aged care.
Echuca Regional Health currently has funding for six (6) TCP places:
Hospital Admission Risk Program • Four (4) residential beds which are located in Glanville Village - available to people who are not able to function in their The Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP) commenced at own home. Echuca Regional Health in April 2008. The aim of the Program is to assist people with chronic and complex diseases, which cause • Two (2) community places - for people who are able to frequent admissions to hospital or regular presentations at the manage at home but may require the ongoing assistance of Emergency Department, to self manage their condition and other allied health services. improve their lifestyle. Access to the Program is limited to people over 65 years of age, or 45 years of age for indigenous people. Before the TCP was established, residents of Echuca-Moama who required inpatient rehabilitation services were transferred to The four (4) Care Coordinators, comprising three Nurses and Bendigo, Shepparton or Melbourne. one Social Worker, operate the Program each weekday. The Care Coordinators provide an essential link between hospital and Echuca Regional Health would like to acknowledge the support community care by putting people in touch with available and Bendigo Health has provided in establishing the Transition Care existing resources to improve their lifestyle. The Program plans to Program. assist between 70 and 80 people in the community each year.
echuca regional health - annual report 15 Glanville Village Aged Care Service Infection Prevention and Control
Glanville Village is a 79 bed residential aged care facility Focus this year has been on implementing good hand hygiene comprising four transitional care beds, ten low care beds, 64 practice. In a hospital environment health care workers must high care beds and one bed for respite. Approximately 97 highly perform hand hygiene before and after each patient contact to skilled staff provides the residents with quality care in a home like avoid transmission of infection. environment. Following the strategic placement of alcohol hand rub The past year has been a busy period for the staff of Glanville solutions, hand hygiene has improved at Echuca Regional Health. Village with the implementation of Management Advantage – an Three hand hygiene audits are conducted each year, the results of aged care computer software program, replacing the old paper which are reported to the Department of Human Services. Hand based system and allowing staff to spend more quality time with hygiene compliance rates increased from 27% in January 2008 to the residents. 59% in March 2008.
Glanville Village successfully passed a recent unannounced It was pleasing to have 263 staff immunised with the influenza visit from the Accreditation and Standards Agency, with a two day vaccination this year. assessment to be conducted later in the year.
Radiology
Access to medical imaging has been enhanced with the relocation of Murray Valley Imaging to the hospital’s old operating Dental theatre precinct, which has been transformed into a first class The Echuca Regional Health Dental Clinic has experienced facility. another busy year, commencing the year with a wait-list time The installation of Computerised Radiography has replaced of 21 months for general dentistry and 26 months for patients radiology films. X-ray images are now instantly accessible for waiting for prosthetic treatment. A total of 538 patients were diagnosis and reporting back to the referring practitioner. removed from the general wait-list during the year, reducing the time down to 16 months, and 273 patients were removed from the prosthetic wait-list, reducing this waiting time down to 11 months.
In February this year the School Dental Services integrated with Echuca Regional Health to provide a complete range of services for all families. Children who are eligible to use the services will now be able to be seen for treatment at the clinic during all stages of their development, following through to adulthood.
The increase in demand has seen the Dental team grow and the clinic now operates with one Dentist, two Dental Therapists, three Dental Assistants and one Dental Clinic Coordinator to oversee the day to day running of the clinic.
The year ahead is looking very positive for the clinic, with advertising having commenced to appoint an Oral Health Therapist and another Dental Assistant. This will offer even more Dental Services for the Echuca–Moama region.
16 echuca regional health - annual report Physiotherapy Medical Suites
The Physiotherapy Department remains actively involved in The Echuca After-Hours Clinic opened on 25 June 2008. The services to hospital in-patients, community clients and aged Clinic, which operates out of Echuca Regional Health’s Medical care residents of Glanville Village. The Department provides Suites, is an initiative of the Murray Plains Division of General Physiotherapy services through individualised treatments and Practice and Echuca Regional Health. The After-Hours Clinic is group programs such as community rehabilitation, cardiac staffed by local Doctors from both Nish Street Medical Practice rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and and Rich River Health Group who have formed a cooperative to ante-natal education. In addition, outreach services are provided jointly provide after-hours medical care. to Tongala Aged Care Complex each week. The Clinic offers treatment for acute illnesses requiring attention The newly established Grade One Education Program has when general practices are closed. The Clinic not only provides proven to be a highly successful joint initiative between Echuca improved access to out-of-hours healthcare for members of the Regional Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Kyabram and District community, but also a better work-life balance for medical staff. Health Service. The Education Program provides networking opportunities and professional support for junior staff and is also Visiting specialists continue to offer a diverse range of services designed to assist recruitment and retention in the region. The at the Medical Suites, providing local access to expert advice. Department remains committed to assisting with coordination of the Grade One Program and promoting a culture of ongoing professional development for all Physiotherapy staff.
The Department also continues to support undergraduate physiotherapy student placements from a number of universities as well as local work experience students.
Speech Pathology
Four Speech Pathologists continue to provide services across the organisation, visiting patients in the hospital, Glanville Village, community facilities and in their own homes.
Therapy services are often provided long term with some clients accessing the service for a couple of weeks, or in some instances, a few years. The challenge for the Department this year has been to meet the high demand for services to young children and their families. Education Department The contracted service with the Echuca-Rochester-Cohuna Schools Network continues with Speech Pathologists liaising The Echuca Regional Health Education Department provided closely with other service providers such as social workers and staff with over 200 clinical education sessions during the last psychologists who are also contracted to work in the schools. financial year.
The Department enjoys a stable workforce with the most recent For the first time in the hospital’s history, Echuca Regional graduate currently employed in her fifth year. Health has one midwifery post graduate student and two peri-operative course students. All three students are members of the local community who, it is hoped, will remain at the hospital following their graduation.
Echuca Regional Health hosted approximately 300 student placements throughout the organisation this year – predominantly nursing, but including physiotherapy, radiology and dental. This year 58 staff have undertaken traineeships or apprenticeships in various areas throughout the organisation.
Allergic reactions are becoming a major health problem, particularly with our children. Information sessions to create awareness of anaphylaxis and provide ways to help sufferers are held regularly for the community. The Department also provides anaphylaxis education to school teachers around the district on an annual basis.
One of the challenges for Echuca Regional Health Education Department is to become a Registered Training Organisation, a process which could take twelve months.
echuca regional health - annual report 17 Health Promotion/Community Health Nursing A nutritional supplements protocol is now available outlining products and how to order for ward patients. With the support of It has been the goal of the Health Promotion team during the the Pharmacy Department nutritional products are now able to past two years for Echuca Regional Health to become a health be ordered through HATRIX on wards supporting this system. promoting health service. A new organisation wide Health Promotion Policy has been developed and endorsed allowing Social Work many Departments to consider how they might contribute towards health promotion outcomes. Social Services provide support and assistance to the Echuca- Moama community through a wide range of programs: The ‘Stepping out Program’ is an emotional strength training program which enables women to cope with anxiety and • Generalist counselling; depression. Two programs were held during the year, one in • Family services; Lockington and the other in Gunbower with participants aged • Drought support; between 24 and 65 years. • Aboriginal Liaison Officer; • Drink Drive Program; and Our Asthma Educator has been working hard establishing good • Acute Social Work. referral pathways to improve support offered by Echuca Regional Health to those interested in quitting smoking. During the last year almost 40% of referrals to the program have successfully ceased smoking.
Our Diabetes Education program is currently undergoing a restructure which will see an improved program to assist clients to self manage their diabetic condition.
Dietetic Department
The Dietetic Services at Echuca Regional Health are provided by an Accredited Practising Dietitian and consists of advice and management on all areas of nutrition and dietary requirements. The Dietitian provides individual appointments and sessions for Cardiac Rehabilitation, Ante Natal programs and Diabetes Group.
Dietary services are also provided to the hospital wards and This year has seen the launch of ‘Child FIRST’ (Child Family Glanville Village. Consultations with the Food Services Department Information, Referral and Support Team) – a program providing to assist with menu planning and provision of therapeutic diets vulnerable families with earlier, more intensive support to address are also part of the service provided. problems before they escalate. The Child FIRST teams receive referrals from concerned professionals and others, assess what the family needs and then link the family into the best available local services.
A support group for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death (the ‘Parents Supporting Parents’ program) continues to meet monthly. The program offers a safe environment to discuss issues and problems and provides a place to share, reflect and ask for advice.
Other programs include a Grief and Loss Support Program and a support group for those bereaved by suicide. Post natal depression group meetings also continue on a quarterly basis.
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Regular presentations at orientation sessions by the Aboriginal Liaison Officer have been instrumental in creating an awareness of cultural sensitivity and assisting with the referral and discharge As part of the Allied Health team the Dietitian has participated planning process. Educational sessions have also been provided in providing a nutritional component for the management of to staff in the Emergency Department and Rose Baker Wing patients who have had a stroke and admitted to hospital. The (midwifery). Dietitian has worked closely with the Speech Pathology team during the last 12 months to develop a standard ‘Diet Information Community visits by the Aboriginal Liaison Officer provides an Card’ which is now available for documentation of instructions for opportunity to inform members of our aboriginal community Food Services staff, patients and Glanville Village Residents. about the services available at Echuca Regional Health, resulting in an increase in utilisation of some services.
18 echuca regional health - annual report Human Resources This has allowed effective cooling of the entire Community Rehabilitation Centre building (983 square metres in size) with nil The payroll team at Echuca Regional Health has experienced extra electrical usage. another busy year - 14,820 pay slips were delivered during the last financial year. A total of 575 staff are employed at Echuca Echuca Regional Health continues to embrace the expansion of Regional Health. Staff turn-over remained low at 6.75% this year, the building management systems which are designed in-house. comprising 113 entries and 77 exits for the financial year. The Some achievements in this area include upgrade of Glanville payroll team also provide a payroll service to approximately 170 Village building management system and the installation of air staff at Rochester and Elmore District Health Service. conditioning economy modes.
Salary packaging was outsourced to local firm Evolve Accounting Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Solution this year to allow the payroll team more time to enhance our complex payroll system. The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Department manages all computer and telephony infrastructure The orientation program was also revamped this year with the at Echuca Regional Health comprising over 250 workstations and reintroduction of tours of the organisation and Executive staff over 400 telephone handsets. The telephone system ‘Voice over presentations at the commencement of each program. Internet Protocol’ (VoIP) technology is supported by an extensive campus-wide wired and wireless high speed network, complete Echuca Regional Health continues to maintain effective working with fibre optic inter-departmental links. relationships with both the Australian Nursing Federation and the Health Services Union. The ICT Department supports approximately 30 core applications across clinical, financial and records management disciplines, together with a similar number of departmental specific applications and utilities. Infrastructure includes nine physical servers and seven virtual servers which were installed this year to reduce both space and operating costs.
Echuca Regional Health is part of the Loddon Mallee Health Alliance which provides a wide area network connecting all health services in the Loddon Mallee region, together with the development and implementation of products and services under the Department of Human Services’ HealthSMART program.
Engineering
During the last year the Engineering Department has continued to focus on reducing utilities usage. The recently completed Community Rehabilitation Centre contains waterless urinals and uses recycled water for toilet flushing. The recycled water system will be expanded to the ward and administration areas later in the year.
A power factor correction unit was installed at the main switchboard to assist with correcting electrical losses throughout the site distribution network. A new high efficiency chiller has also been installed in the allied health area. Occupational Health and Safety
The prime focus for the Emergency Planning Committee this year has been ensuring all members are trained in emergency planning and response. Courses coordinated by the State Emergency Service and the Department of Human Services were well attended during the year and consultation with the Shire of Campaspe, Murray Shire and Loddon Mallee Region Medical and Health Emergency Management committee has also continued. In preparation for testing internal emergency response preparedness our Director of Medical Services this year undertook an Emergotrain Coordinators Course.
echuca regional health - annual report 19 A review of fire and emergency training resulted in outsourcing Echuca Regional Health has risk management processes in place some components including warden training and an on-line consistent with the Australian/New Zealand Risk Management emergency codes learning program. A review of response and Standard and an internal control system is in place that enables emergency procedures was also undertaken earlier this year. the Executives to understand, manage and satisfactorily control risk exposures. The Audit and Risk Committee verifies this The Safety Committee continues to meet monthly to monitor assurance and that the risk profile of Echuca Regional Health has security and occupational health and safety issues and outcomes. been critically reviewed within the last 12 months. Amendments to the Occupation Health and Safety Regulations 2007 necessitated an update of all occupational health and safety Policies, which have been placed on the organisation’s intranet for easy reference. Seven Worksafe visits were undertaken during the year and there were no actions arising from these visits. Mr Michael Delahunty Chief Executive Echuca Regional Health
Food Services
The Catering Department provided hospital patients and Glanville Village aged care residents with a total of 212,676 meals this year – an average of 581 meals each day. Meals on wheels clients throughout the Campaspe Shire this year received 26,673 meals – approximately 73 meals each day.
Outcomes from a security review resulted in an increase in security presence in the Emergency Department, alarming of access doors and the erection of security fencing.
Staff training has predominantly been in the areas of chemical safety and manual handling. Active participation in the Worksafe Aggression Prevention Management Project and the Nursing Occupational Violence Prevention Project has assisted with prevention and management of aggression and violence in the workplace. General Services
Risk Management General Services staff are responsible for maintaining hospital cleanliness and managing waste/recycling. Maintenance and A Risk Framework Quality Review was undertaken in 2007 - a cleaning requirements are audited to guarantee a high level of self assessment and independent review of the organisation’s risk hygiene throughout the hospital. management framework by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority.
An action plan was developed to address the recommendations provided in the Review and key actions were assigned to appropriate Departments for monitoring and reporting to relevant Committees. Through processes such as internal audits and incident reporting, the effectiveness of control measures is closely monitored.
Echuca Regional Health will continue to develop its risk management processes, incorporating staff education and training in risk management policy and procedures.
20 echuca regional health - annual report In February this year a clinical waste audit of both clinical bagged Sponsorship/Donations waste and sharps containers was conducted in the hospital’s six clinical areas by SteriCorp Limited. Results were compared to a previous audit conducted in 2004 and confirmed Echuca Murray to Moyne Regional Health is above the state average for both clinical and Gold Sponsors - $10,000 sharps waste disposal. Goulburn Valley Pathology Moama Bowling Club Results of an internal cleaning audit reported to the Department of Human Services on 11 October 2007 indicated an overall Simplot Australia hospital score which was above the state average. External audit Silver Sponsors - $5,000 results also continue to indicate a marked improvement on previous years. Aspen Parks Property Management Riverine Herald Fleet Management Echuca Regional Health maintains a fleet of 27 vehicles including Bronze Sponsors - $520 two buses and maintenance trucks used primarily for patient care. 3M Health Information Services The fleet travelled over 450,000 kilometres this financial year. ANZ Bank Business Centre APP Community Liaison Dawes & Vary Solicitors The strength and success of Echuca Regional Health can Evans Shoe Store only be achieved with the commitment and support of the Gopher Plumbing local community it serves. Whether the support is financial, in Gouge Linen & Garment Services kind or through volunteer services, community involvement is paramount. Goulburn Murray Credit Union Goulburn Valley Imaging The 2007/08 financial year saw over 250 contributions from Jesse’s individuals, groups and organisations in our local community. Manchester Tank & Equipment Co These funds have been raised through various appeals, as well as generous donations and bequests. Morley Ford Mulqueen Griffin Rogers P/L The Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay raised over $55,000 this year. Nirebo Motel Congratulations to all involved particularly the riders and support Perricoota Vines Retreat crews. Thank you to all of the corporate sponsors, donors and supporters of our fundraisers for this annual event, without your Radio Classic Rock support we would not experience the success we do every year. Solz Shoes Murray to Moyne 2008 Official Supporters AE Atherton & Sons Ambicare A’Quality Water BC & LA Wills Bendigo Bank Billabong Ranch C & D Tiles Echuca Backpackers Echuca Moama Taxi Group Fish in a Flash Foodmach Pty Ltd Horsfalls Optometrists KFC Echuca Lockwood Partners Mark Haydon Painting Mawsons Concrete Echuca McDonalds Echuca Nestlé Australia NU Manz Prato Watters Electrical
echuca regional health - annual report 21 EDH Nurses’ Association General Donations The Echuca District Hospital Nurses’ Association have Donations $20,000 and over contributed to essential pieces of equipment over a number Girl’s Night Out Committee of years, and have committed to purchasing equipment in the coming financial year. Funds each year are raised from the annual Moama Bowling Club ‘Reunion’ of the EDH Nurses’ Association held in October. The Horizon Committee Friends of Glanville Donations $10,000 and over ERH Ladies Auxiliary Many thanks to those who volunteer at Glanville Village, whether it is a financial or time commitment, every contribution Donations $5,000 and over is recognised and appreciated. HJ Heinz & Co. The Friends of Glanville provide substantial support and Friends of Glanville financial assistance to the residents and staff of Glanville Village. Projects include purchase of umbrellas for outdoor areas, planting Donations $1,000 and over and maintaining the gardens, specific equipment purchases Central Murray Area Consultative Committee (for example wheelchairs, slings and shower chairs). The group Double Dragon Chinese Restaurant has also maintained the palliative care kits, which they initially Patho Ladies Auxiliary purchased. Uniting Church Evening Fellowship The dedicated group of members are affectionately referred to as the ‘guardian angels’ of Glanville Village, and their work is greatly appreciated by the residents and staff.
Volunteers
Memorial Donations Echuca Regional Health values volunteering and support In fond memory of a much-loved family member or friend, a Gift groups. We always welcome new members. If you would like of Remembrance is a meaningful alternative to sending flowers to volunteer, please contact the Community Liaison Officer on when someone close passes away. 03 5485 5046.
In total, $7,438.50 was donated to the health service and the Suggestions, Compliments and Complaints Foundation through generous Memorial Donations. A total of 98 compliments were received during the past year Auxiliaries, Support Groups and Volunteers – an increase of 66% compared to the previous year. This positive feedback is relayed to our staff and acknowledges the high Echuca Regional Health is supported by many enthusiastic and standard of care patients receive. dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers play a major role in a diverse range of areas including operating our Kiosk. It is this kind of Complaints are acknowledged, reported to our Quality of Care support that makes our progress achievable. We wish to sincerely Committee and when required, thoroughly investigated and a thank our volunteers for their commitment and look forward to report provided back to the complainant. A total of 29 complaints their ongoing support. were received this year, a similar number to the previous year.
Echuca Regional Health is very appreciative of the work done Echuca Regional Health welcomes feedback about the care by our four Auxiliaries. and services we provide. Feedback provides an opportunity for service improvement and complete confidentiality is assured. Echuca Regional Health Ladies Auxiliary Compliments or complaints may be directed to the Chief Executive, 17 Francis Street, Echuca. Over the past twelve months the Auxiliary has worked tirelessly to accumulate funds towards the purchase of new ‘Large Volume Infusion Pump’ for the wards. Along with the funds they receive through the kiosk, three raffles are run throughout the year. The ladies have also held film night fundraisers, which have been well attended by the community.
Patho Ladies Auxiliary
Through various fundraising efforts the Patho Ladies Auxiliary has once again contributed enormously to Echuca Regional Health, donating funds to purchase vital equipment for Camray Wing, which will assist in improving staff and patient care.
22 echuca regional health - annual report Board of Management
Chairperson - Di MacFarlane Appointed: 16 October 1985 Ross Walker Member of: Quality of Care Appointed: 1 November 1997 Committee, Joint Member of: Audit and Risk Medical Consultative Committee Committee and Public Relations Committee
Vice President - Judy Cook Appointed: 1 November 2001 William Anderson Member of : Quality of Care Appointed: 1 January 2000 Committee and Member of: Audit and Risk Joint Medical Committee and Joint Consultative Medical Consultative Committee Committee
Vice President - Peter Williams Appointed: 1 November 2000 John Kenley Member of : Audit and Risk Appointed: 3 October 1996 Committee and Member of: Project Control Group Joint Medical and Echuca Regional Consultative Health Foundation Committee
Treasurer - Michael Stephens Mary Boek Appointed: 1 November 2004 Appointed: 1 November 2004 Member of: Audit and Risk Member of: Audit and Risk Committee and Committee and Quality Echuca Regional of Care Committee Health Foundation
Michael DuBourg Maureen Bennett Appointed: 1 November 1991 Appointed: 1 November 2005 Member of: Echuca Regional Member of: Quality of Care Health Foundation Committee and Public Relations Committee
Alan Whitten Appointed: 1 November 1993 Handel Aubrey Member of: Project Control Group Appointed: 1 November 2005 and Quality of Care Member of: Quality of Care Committee Committee and Public Relations Committee
echuca regional health - annual report 23 The twelve volunteer members of the Board of Management are review of an existing appointment, including advice about the responsible for setting the strategic direction of Echuca Regional appropriate scope of clinical practice to be exercised by the Health within the framework of Government policy. practitioner with Echuca Regional Health.
They are accountable for ensuring Echuca Regional Health: One (1) meeting was held during the last financial year. • Is efficiently managed; Project Control Group • Provides high quality care and service delivery; The Project Control Group oversees capital projects including • Meets the needs of the community; and monitoring costs and budgets and oversees the performance of • Meets financial and non-financial performance targets. consultants and building contractors.
Members are appointed for three year terms by the Governor in Eleven (11) meetings were held during the last financial year. Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. They are required to declare a pecuniary interest when applicable, Audit and Risk Committee during Board debate and withdraw from proceedings. The Audit and Risk Committee reports to and assists the Board Board Committees in fulfilling its corporate governance and oversight responsibilities in relation to Echuca Regional Health’s financial reporting, internal Quality of Care control structure, risk management systems, and the internal and external audit functions. The Quality of Care Committee oversees the quality of care program at Echuca Regional Health, taking an active role in Four (4) meetings were held during the last financial year. planning, monitoring and evaluation. Public Relations Committee Nine (9) meetings were held during the last financial year. The Public Relations Committee has been established by the Medical Appointments Committee Board of Management to advise the Board on the development and implementation of a coordinated and professional Public To make recommendations to the Board of Management Relations Program. regarding new senior medical staff appointments (General Practitioner Visiting Medical Officers, Specialists – salaried and Two (2) meetings were held during the last financial year. visiting), periodic reappointments and the outcomes of any
Executive Staff
Director of Primary and Continuing Care Matt Sharp BNsg(Hons) PGDip(CritCareNsg) MBus(Man) AIMM AFCHSE
Chief Executive Michael Delahunty BEc MHA AFCHSE CHE CPA
Director of Finance David Thompson BCom AHSFMA AFCHSE CHE CA
Director of Nursing Margaret Lund RN RM BHlthSc GradDipHlthScAdmin AFCHSE CHE FRCNA
Director of Medical Services Dr Geoff Westwood MB BS MHP FRACMA AFCHSE
24 echuca regional health - annual report Board of Management
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Finance Director of Medical Director of Nursing Director of Primary Human Resources & Continuing Care • Finance Service Services Services Manager • Information • Visiting Medical Staff • Aged Residential • Community Communication • Resident Medical Staff Services Rehabilitation Centre Technology • Health Information • Acute Inpatient • Echuca Primary Care Engineering Services • Supply Services Services Services Clinic Manager • Pathology Department • Community Nursing • Dental Clinic Services • Radiology Department • Dietetic Services • Discharge Planning • Drug and Alcohol • Pharmacy Services Catering Services Services • Emergency Nursing Manager • Health Promotion and Services Community Health • Medical/Surgical Day Services Procedure Services Quality and Risk • Hospital Admission Manager • Housekeeping Risk program Services • Longer Stay Older • Education Unit Patient Initiative • Medical Consulting Suites • Primary Care Reception Services • Occupational Therapy Services • Physiotherapy Services • Social Services - Aboriginal Liaison Officer - General Counselling - Family Counselling • Speech Pathology Services • Transition Care Program
echuca regional health - annual report 25 Our Staff
Labour Category June June June Current Month Year to Date FTE* Current Month FTE* Head Count
Nursing 157.6 153.4 238
Administration and Clerical 21.7 21.1 23
Medical Support 29.9 29.1 39
Hotel and Allied Services 123.5 120.2 169
Medical Officers 1.1 1.1 2
Hospital Medical Officers 10.4 10.1 11
Sessional Medical Officers 0.1 0.1 5
Ancillary Support Services 1.9 1.9 2
*Full time equivalent.
Finance Manager M Lonergan RN GradDipCCNsg S A Jakobi BBus AHSFMA (to 4 September 2007) Financial Accountant C Frew RN BAppSc DipAppScNsg GradCertCCNsg K Garrow BBus GDA AHSFMA CPA GradDipHlthMan (from 22 October 2007) Project Officer Safety A Murphy RN RM BHlthSc J M Whelan RN DipTeachNsg H Strawford DipAppScNsg GradDipNsgProfS DipBus Foundation/Comm Liaison Officer MRCNA J Reid Payroll Manager Residential Aged Care S Tindall (to 17 December 2007) Manager Payroll Supervisor N Phillips RN (to 7 October 2007) M Gray (from 17 March 2008) Glanville Village Coordinator Regional Engineering Services Manager H Anderson RN CCGr4aYr1 (from 29 October 2007) M Hooper BEng Information Systems Manager Education Manager M Wight BComp CNA MCP MCSE (to 9 January 2008) J Carey RN CCN DipEdTr B Colbert (from 7 April 2008) Primary Care Hotel Services Manager Community Rehabilitation Centre Coordinator D Skinner TQC FSSV CertIV FrontMan Cert IV C Cross RN GradCertRehab WorkTrainAssess AMIHHC Dietitian Supply Manager R Nasveld BAppSc DipDiet MDAA APD A Henson Chief Occupational Therapist Human Resources Manager C Leung BAppScOT GradDipHlthScAdmin AMPS R Lewandowski CertAccOT Nursing Chief Physiotherapist Deputy Director of Nursing M Butler BPhysio (relieving to 5 May 2008) D Sherringham RN BNsg MHlthServExec J Stephens BPhysio PostGradDipLowerLimbProsBio Unit Managers DipBus (returned maternity leave 5 May 2008) D Egan RN BHlthSc GradDipHlthMan Social Worker T Wines RN (from 8 October 2007) F Clark BA DipEd BSW
26 echuca regional health - annual report Senior Dentist O Kahkouie MD (Iran) J Goodley BD Sc LDS (from 16 April 2007) M Siapno MD (Philippines) Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer N Siapno MD (Philippines) N Atkinson Cert 3 Aboriginal Health Interns (Rotate every five and ten weeks from Austin Chief Speech Pathologist Health) N Baldwin BAppSciCommDis DipBus General Surgical Trainees Drug and Alcohol Services (Rotate approximately every six weeks from Austin N Woodward BA SW AssDipWelf Health) Hospital Admission Risk Program Coordinator D Grigg RN BHlthSc CertGer Health Promotion Coordinator C Rice BNsg BPubHlthHlthPromTrain CertIV WorkTrainAssess Medical Suites Practice Manager T Cartledge Transition Care Program Coordinator M Butler BPhysio
Chief Medical Imaging Technologist C Levick A RMIT MIR Chief Pharmacist C D Turner BPharm GradDipHospPharm Visiting Medical Officers General Practitioners S M Harrison MB BS DA G C Hay MB BS DRACOG FRACGP
B K Pillai BA MB BCh DRCOG FACRRM J W Quayle MB BS DRCOG DCH FACRRM J P Teh MB BS DROCG DA S U Gough MB BS MBA FRACGP DRANZCOG FACRRM J A Azzopardi MB BS DA (UK) DRACOG FRACGP P J Nesbitt MB BS DRACOG FRACGP FACRRM K Schultz MD FMOBS Y Y Ong MB BS DA (UK) FRACGP C J Hunt MB BS DRCOG DA ACRRM Medical H Zenel MB BS HMO Manager A Waldron MB BS FRACGP DRACOG J Phyland Cert IV WorkTrainAssess I Buadromo MB BS Manager Health Information Services C Goodman MB BS J Webster AssDipMRA J Dennis MB BS S Kennedy MB BS DRANZCOG FRACGP Resident Medical Staff L Li BA Med (GP Registrar) Director of Emergency D Richards MB ChB FACCRM FACHAM N Keetse MB ChB (Sth Africa) Consultant Surgeons Emergency Department Registrar (on rotation T Hoffman MB BS FRACS from Goulburn Valley Health every three months) I Farmer MB BS FRCS FRACS H Sundar MB BS (India) L P Cheah MB BS FRACS International Medical Graduates P Chu MB BS FRACS FRCS FACS P Grover MB BS (India) Consultant Anaesthetists C Paul MB BS (India) B Robertson MB BS FANZCA S Dharmadasa MD (Russia) P Keast MB BS FANZCA
echuca regional health - annual report 27 A O’Leary MB BAO FANZCA K Kan MB ChB P Mazur MB BS FANZCA A Bradshaw MB BS FANZCA P Buncle MB BS FANZCA L Hamond MB BS FANZCA M Shapiro MB BCh H DA FANZCA A Czuchwicki MB BS FANZCA A Purcell MB BS DA (UK) DipObs RACOG FANZCA J Harding MB BS FANZCA S Hams MB BS FANZCA M Nerlekar MB BS DA MD FANZCA Consultant Physicians L Fisher MB BS FRACP D Power MB BS FRACP Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon S P Smith MB BS FRACS Gynaecologists J Cullen MB BS FRACOG Radiologists G Dennerstein MB BS FRACOG FRCOG MRCOG G J W Miller MB BS FRACR Oncologists I A Alexander MB BS FRACR DDR I Burns MB BS FRACP J K L Wong MB BS FRACR R Snyder MB BS FRACP W Lees MB BS FRACR P Neerhut MB BS FRACR Urologist M McClatchey MB ChB BAO FRCS FRACS Visiting Dental Surgeons L A Hall BD Sc LDS D Lavery BD Sc LDS B Reddy BD Sc M Aw BD Sc D Chin BD Sc
S McLaughlan MB BS MSc A Dowling MB BS FRACP Ophthalmologists P Burt MB BS FRACO FRACS J San Laureano MB BS FRANZCO Consultant Ophthalmologist R Parker MB BS DO (Melb) FRACO LOSc Orthopaedic Surgeon M Pavlovic MD Mmed(Orth) PhD(Orth) Paediatric Surgeon A Auldist MB BS FRACS Pathologist S Rambaldo BMed(Sci) MB BS MAACB MASM MIAC MRACMA FRCPA
28 echuca regional health - annual report Statutory Reporting Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 The Whistleblowers Protection Act is designed to protect people who disclose information about serious wrong-doing The following information is provided in accordance with the within the Victorian public sector and to provide a framework for requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 (the Act), the investigation of these matters. section 4.2 of the Standing Directions of the Minister for Finance under the Act, Financial Reporting Directions and the Australian The Act’s key objectives are to: Health Care Agreement (AHCA). • Promote a culture in which people feel safe to make Publications disclosures;
Echuca Regional Health produces a number of information • Protect these people from recrimination; brochures relevant to the services we provide which are • Provide a clear process for investigating allegations; and distributed to members of the community. This Annual Report together with other publications and information dealing with • Ensure that investigated matters are properly dealt with. the functions and activities of the organisation are available by contacting the Chief Executive Officer on (03) 5485 5037. Echuca Regional Health has a prescribed procedure in place for dealing with disclosures made under the Act. A copy of the Information is also available on the Echuca Regional Health procedure is available from Mrs Jenny Phyland, HMO Manager web site www.erh.org.au. who is the nominated Protected Disclosure Officer and to whom all enquiries on this matter should be directed. Regulations In the year ended 30 June 2008 there were no disclosures made The current regulations administered by Echuca Regional Health to Echuca Regional Health under the Whistleblowers Protection are contained in the Constitution, Objects and Bylaws of Echuca Act. Regional Health Inc, dated 7 December 2006. These Bylaws were developed by the Board of Management in accordance with the Contracts – Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 Department of Human Services Model Bylaws and subsequently approved by that authority. Echuca Regional Health abides by the principles of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003. During the financial year ended 30 June 2008 this agency commenced one contract to which the VIPP applied.
Consultancies
There were five (5) consultants engaged during the financial year ended 30 June 2008 whose fees were less than $100,000. The total cost of consultancies amounted to $42,983.
Building and Maintenance
Echuca Regional Health complies with the Building Act 1993.
Competitive Neutrality
Echuca Regional Health complies with National Competition Policy, including compliance with the requirements of the policy statement ‘Competitive Neutrality Policy Victoria’.
Privacy
Echuca Regional Health is committed to the protection of privacy information for all patients, residents, clients and staff.
Freedom of Information (FOI)
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982, Mrs Jenny Phyland, HMO Manager is the Freedom of Information Officer, and requests for information are processed in accordance with the legislation.
In 2006/2007, 104 formal requests were processed under FOI.
echuca regional health - annual report 29 Index
A Page F
Aboriginal Liaison ...... 18 Financials in Brief ...... 10
Acknowledgements ...... 6 Fleet Management ...... 21
Acute Services ...... 14 Food Services ...... 20
After-Hours Clinic ...... 17 Freedom of Information ...... 29
Ambulatory Services Unit ...... 14
Auxiliaries ...... 22 G General Ward (Camray/Johnstone/HDU) ...... 14
B Glanville Village Aged Care Services ...... 16
Board Committees ...... 23
Board of Management ...... 23 H Haemodialysis ...... 14
C Health Promotion/Community Health Nursing ...... 18
Capital Works ...... 6 History ...... 4
Community Liaison ...... 21 Hospital Admission Risk Program ...... 15
Community Rehabilitation Centre ...... 15 Human Resources ...... 19
Competitive Neutrality ...... 29
Complaints/Compliments Management ...... 22 I
Consultants ...... 29 Index ...... 30
Contracts – Victorian Industry Participation Infection Prevention and Control ...... 16 Policy Act 2003 ...... 29 Information Communication and Technology ...... 19
D M Dental Clinic ...... 16 Medical Careers Expo ...... 12 Dietetics ...... 18 Medical Suites ...... 17 Donations ...... 21 Medical Training Facility ...... 5
Midwifery Unit – Rose Baker Wing ...... 14 E Multi Cultural Doctors ...... 12 Education ...... 17
Emergency Department ...... 12 O Engineering ...... 19 Occupational Health and Safety ...... 19 Executive Staff ...... 24 Organisation Structure ...... 25
30 echuca regional health - annual report P W
Performance at a Glance ...... 3 Whistleblower’s Act ...... 29
Peri-operative Unit ...... 13
Physiotherapy ...... 17 Y
Privacy ...... 29 Year in Review ...... 5
Profile ...... 12
Publications ...... 29
R
Radiology ...... 16
Regulations ...... 29
Review of Operations ...... 12
Residential Aged Care ...... 16
Risk Management ...... 20
S
Service Performance ...... 7
Services Provided ...... 4
Social Work ...... 18
Speech Pathology ...... 17
Staff ...... 26
Statutory Reporting ...... 29
Strategic Plan ...... 1
T
Transition Care Program ...... 15
V
Visiting Medical Officers ...... 27
Volunteers ...... 22
echuca regional health - annual report 31 Cover
The front and back cover features a watermark of the Murray River at Echuca.
(1) Photo of new 16 slice CT in the refurbished old operating theatre precinct which now accommodates Murray Valley Imaging.
(2) Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews MP and Mr Paul Weller MP, Member for Rodney officially open the $3.1 million Community Rehabilitation Centre.
(3) Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Ms Christine Nixon and Leading Senior Constable Alan Pankhurst at the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Emergency Department dedication ceremony.
Suggestions This Report has been designed to be both informative and easy to read.
Suggestions on ways to improve our report are welcome and can be forwarded to the Chief Executive, Echuca Regional Health, 17 Francis Street, Echuca 3564 or via email [email protected].
Acknowledgements The Annual Report was compiled by Deidre Madill with the support of numerous Echuca Regional Health staff. We thank everyone for their assistance and involvement in the production of this report.
Printing, Production and Photography Add Print, Echuca.
32 echuca regional health - annual report Echuca Regional Health
Annual Report 2008
Echuca Regional Health Incorporating: Echuca Hospital Glanville Village Primary and Continuing Care
17 Francis Street Echuca, Vic 3564
Telephone: (03) 5485 5000 Facsimile: (03) 5482 5478 Email: [email protected] Website: www.erh.org.au Helping everyone to be and stay healthy