HEALTHIN

FOCUSNEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL HEALTH SERVICE SUMMER 2016/17

THE YEAR IN REVIEW Be Summer Smart 2016 TOP Our ACHIEVERS Hospitals working together SUMMER 2016/17 | CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District acknowledges the people of the many traditional OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 11 countries and language groups www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au Holidaying in the Shoalhaven? of our District. It acknowledges E. [email protected] SERVICE PAGE/S Advice on medical services in the area the wisdom of Elders both past PO Box 239, Port Kembla NSW 2505 and present and pays respect to T. +61 2 4221 6899 Chief Executive 4 Aboriginal communities of today. F. +61 2 4920 4040 Our story and stats 5 Follow us on twitter: @IllaShoalHealth ISLHD Board 6 - 8 24-25 2016 SAVR Awards Our Workforce 9 This publication has been produced by the Celebrating our exceptional staff Corporate Communications Unit. Surgery Services 12-13 and volunteers E. [email protected] Aged Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care 14-15 ABOUT US Cancer Services 16-17 Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) was formed in 2011 and covers the Kids and Families 18 area from Helensburg to North Durras. We provide health services for approximately 36-38 Maternity and Women’s Health 19 Our Hospitals 400,000 residents through our nine hospitals and community based services. How they work together as a network For more information visit our website: islhd.health.nsw.gov.au Mental Health Services 20-21 Research 22 Illawarra Shoalhaven Health Education Centre 23 Public Health 26 39 Shellharbour Hospital Redevelopment COVER IMAGE Infection Management and Control Service 27 Learn more about the partnership Drug and Alcohol Service 28 proposal Oral Health Service 29 Allied Health 30 Aboriginal Health 31 45 Ambulatory and Primary Health Care 32-33 Sexual Health Service milestone Medicine 34 Celebrating the Services’ 30th anniversary Critical Care 35 Medical Services 40 Information and Communication Technology 41 Capital Works 42-43 46-47 Auxiliaries across the District 2016 Quality and Innovation Awards 44 Spotlight on our Hospital’s Auxiliaries Donations and Fundraising 48 and Volunteer Groups

Deborah Cameron, newly appointed Director of Nursing and Midwifery Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital 10 49 and her husband, Greg Cameron enjoy Be Summer Smart! Check out some down time at Kiama with their dogs Tips on looking after our healthy Bailey and George. yourself and your lunch box skin in the sun Our NSW Premier’s tips 13 Awards winner

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Chief Executive – OUR HOSPITALS: Our Year in Review 12-MONTHS AT A GLANCE MARGOT MAINS OCTOBER 2015 – SEPTEMBER 2016

AVERAGE LENGTH The past 12 months have been the District’s Clinical Governance Council, of communities within our District; what their Our Hospitals COLEDALE responsible for championing, encouraging, health is like and what they are likely to need BULLI OF STAY busier than ever for our Local supporting and endorsing continual clinical from us as a health service. Every single one of WOLLONGONG Health District. Demand for quality improvement. us has a story; it shapes who we are and is often PORT KEMBLA 4.2 DAYS the essence of why we do what we do. As an our services continues to grow, We also continued our commitment to delivering SHELLHARBOUR organisation, we have embraced the concept our facilities and workforce are truly integrated care – which is about building of storytelling as a way to better understand constantly expanding, and we have strong partnerships with other health and KIAMA OCCUPIED community organisations, and working together our community, our organisation and how we strived to develop innovative ways to deliver quality and efficient care for patients. contribute to creating positive health outcomes. DAVID BERRY BED DAYS to connect with our communities A fantastic example of this is the Illawarra One of our most important tasks as the Local SHOALHAVEN 394,198 to ultimately improve health Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Health District is helping our community established to address the unacceptably understand when and how to access our outcomes for the people of the high rates of suicide within our region. The services. We often talk about delivering the right Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Collaborative brings together representatives of care, in the right place, at the right time and a more than 20 significant organisations, as well as big part of this is making sure our community TOTAL EMERGENCY This summer edition of Health in Focus doubles lived experience advocates and is developing a understand that each of our hospitals is part of a PRESENTATIONS as our Year in Review report to the community number of initiatives and specific projects to be larger network. The three page article starting on rolled out locally. and celebrates the achievements of our page 36 provides a summary of all our hospitals MILTON ULLADULLA 152,865 services, staff and Board over the last year. Major clinical infrastructure enhancements have as a first step to increasing awareness about Our organisation has been strengthening its been a significant achievement for the District what they do and how they work together. clinical and operational leadership structure Source: HIE (for the period 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016) in the past year - you can read more about As we head into the start of summer, I’d like to over the past 18 months and this is showcased our Capital Works projects on pages 42 – 43. Independent collation of Emergency Department and surgery data is wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season available via Bureau of Health Information at bhi.nsw.gov.au throughout the magazine, with each of our Significant research activity has also continued (see page 10 for some sun-smart tips) and a clinical divisions and departments providing a across the District, with work starting on the very Merry Christmas to those that celebrate summary of the services they provide and their development of a specialised health information the festivity. I look forward to the year ahead and highlights for the year. platform which, in partnership with the Australian to keeping you up to date on what’s happening Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI), will During the course of 2016, we have focused across our Local Health District. build capacity for future research initiatives. An heavily on quality and safety and ensuring that overview of some of our local research activities Warm Regards as a service we constantly strive for Excellence is provided on page 22. – every patient, every time. As part of this Margot Mains focus, the organisation implemented a number On the page opposite is the ISLHD ‘Our Story’ Chief Executive of significant service reviews and established resource - a snapshot of the characteristics Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

During 2015-16, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local FINANCES Health District’s operational expenses totalled $850.4 million.* The Annual Financial Statements for the period ended 30 June 2016 were submitted to the Audit Office of NSW and are part of the NSW Health Annual Report available at health.nsw.gov.au (search Annual Report).

* (excluding depreciation)

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ISLHD Board About our Board The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Board, led by Chair Clinical Professor Denis King OAM, provides strategic leadership ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF • Advising and consulting with providers and • Aboriginal Health Committee – monitors THE BOARD consumers of health services, and of other progress against the District’s response to to our District. members of the community served by the the Closing the Gap strategy The ISLHD Board carries out functions, LHD, as to the District’s policies, plans and • Audit and Risk Management Committee responsibilities and obligations in accordance with initiatives for the provision of health services, – oversees and monitors the organisation’s the Health Services Act 1997 and as approved by and to confer with the Chief Executive on governance, risk and control frameworks, the NSW Minister for Health. The Board has in how to support, encourage and facilitate and external accountability requirements Together with our Executive District, and meeting the Premier’s priority Kiama Hospital site and bed relocation place practices in accordance with the District By community and clinician involvement in the Laws and the Board Charter to ensure that it is planning of District services team, the Board has had a for improved service levels in hospitals - Design of the Bulli Aged Care Centre • Oversight of the District’s financial of Excellence fulfilling its primary functions of: strong focus on enhancing and activity performance, including • Considered the implications for the District • Ensuring effective clinical and corporate representations to the Ministry of Health on clinical and corporate through the implementation of the National governance frameworks are established to BOARD COMMITTEES budget and activity targets Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support the maintenance and improvement services and the continued The Board operations are supported by its • Approved the implementation of the of standards of patient care and services ISLHD Chief Executive, Margot Mains • Endorsed the Statement of Commitment committees: development of strategic Illawarra Health Information Platform (IHIP). to Aboriginal people, which was signed by and Board Chair, Clinical Prof Denis King • Ensuring strategic plans that guide the sign the Statement of Commitment to plans to guide the delivery of The Platform is a partnership between the Board Chair and Chief Executive on 1 • Finance and Performance Committee – delivery of services are developed Aboriginal people health care to our community ISLHD, the University of Wollongong’s August 2016. The Statement acknowledges ensures that management of the operating Australian Health Services Research and regrets that past practices have • Strategic oversight and monitoring of the funds, capital works, internal information now and into the future. Institute (AHSRI) and CSC. The Platform impacted on the health of our Aboriginal and LHD’s financial and operational performance technology and service outputs and indicators aims to firmly establish Wollongong Hospital Torres Strait Islander community and gives in accordance with the statewide performance required of the District are being achieved in 2015-16 HIGHLIGHTS as a level 5-6 research and teaching a commitment to closing the health and an appropriate and efficient manner Hospital. It includes two components: framework and service agreement • Oversight of a number of key clinical services life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and and governance priority areas, including - Development of a sophisticated IT non-Aboriginal people through connected, • Making recommendations for the • Health Care Quality Committee – system which will connect / link data for high quality and safe services monitors the quality and safety of care - Maternity Services for the District, appointment of the Chief Executive of the health and medical research provided by the District including quality and safety of services at • Approved the Enterprise Risk Management LHD, and to confer with the Chief Executive regarding operational performance Milton Ulladulla Hospital - Building the capacity of our staff to be able to Strategic Plan 2015-19 for the District, and • Planning Committee – makes do research using the Platform, specifically regularly monitored the District’s enterprise targets and performance measures to - Mental Health Services throughout the recommendations to the Board in relation to frontline staff who want to better understand risk profile be negotiated for the District under the District, including acute, sub-acute and progress towards achievement of the ISLHD the impact of their services National Health Reform Agreement community services for mental health Statement of Strategic Intent: Working • Monitored progress on Restart Illawarra service consumers • Approving the service agreement for the LHD Together Building Healthy Futures projects, including: - Emergency Department treatment and performance, including access and flow - The LHD’s component of the Integrated throughout Hospitals and across the Aged and Health Care Services at the

ISLHD Board (L-R): Mr Roger Downs, Mr Geoffrey O’Donnell, Ms Marisa Mastroianni, Mrs Carrie Schulman, Clinical Professor Board Chair Clinical Prof Denis King; Change Manager Albert Vasquez; IRT Chief Executive Nieves Murray; Manager Planning Jan Potter, Associate Professor Rod McMahon, Ms Jill Boehm OAM, Clinical Professor Denis King OAM, Professor Kathy and Strategic Commissioning Gerard Duck; Redesign, Innovation and Business Strategy Director Sue Harris and Parliamentary Eagar, Dr Stephen Andersen OAM, Dr William Pratt, Professor Gerard Sutton AO Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward unveil the design for the Bulli Aged Care Centre of Excellence (Inset: Mr Paul Knight)

6 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 7 CLINICAL PROFESSOR DENIS KING OAM MB, BS, FRACS Clinical Professor King has over 40 years’ experience in colorectal surgical practice and as Meet our Board Chair of the ISLHD Board continues his strong THE ISLHD BOARD IS CHAIRED BY CLINICAL commitment to clinical management and PROFESSOR DENIS KING OAM, AND HAS 12 MEMBERS. health consulting. He is also Chair of the Board Aboriginal Health Committee. Our Workforce The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is one of the largest employers in our region. Our staff work collectively towards our vision of healthy people, resilient communities through a commitment to excellence and MS JILL BOEHM OAM MS MARISA MASTROIANNI MMngt(Public Health), GAICD BCom, MCom, CPA, GAICD, FAICD providing high quality care and health services to our community. Our CORE Values of Collaboration, Openness, Ms Boehm is a registered nurse and former Ms Mastroianni has extensive experience Respect and Empowerment underpin the behaviour and professional standards of our staff. registered midwife with many years’ experience in finance, risk management, corporate as a senior nurse manager. Ms Boehm is the governance, organisational change and Deputy Chair of the ISLHD Board and Chair of strategic planning and is the Chief Executive OUR TOTAL STAFF the Board Health Care Quality Committee. Officer of UOW Enterprises. 7339 WORKFORCE including: 1.8% OF OUR WORKFORCE IDENTIFIES AS ABORIGINAL OR DR STEPHEN ANDERSEN OAM MR GEOFF O’DONNELL TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MBBS, FRCPA, BSc, MBA DipBus(Real Estate Valuation), GAICD Dr Andersen has been a practising specialist Mr O’Donnell is the Managing Director of a We have a strong commitment to pathologist in both the Illawarra and Shoalhaven privately owned Illawarra based investment regions since 1976. He is the founder of company and has experience across the coal, equal employment opportunity Southern Pathology and was Deputy Chancellor steel, mining, agriculture and construction and increasing diversity within our of the University of Wollongong from 2010-15. industries. He is Chair of the Board Finance and workforce, which is supported by Performance Committee. our Disability Action Plan, Workforce 47% 15% 9% Diversity Framework and the current NURSING MEDICAL ALLIED HEALTH development of our Aboriginal MR ROGER DOWNS CLINICAL PROFESSOR JAN POTTER Employment Strategy. LLB, BCom, PostGradDipMngt MBBS, MRCP, CCST, FRCP, FRACP PROFESSIONALS Mr Downs is Chairman of Kells Lawyers and Clinical Professor Potter is Clinical Director of practices extensively in corporate, business Aged Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care for and commercial law with a particular interest in ISLHD and a full time clinical geriatrician, having corporate governance. He is Chair of the Board worked as a specialist geriatrician and stroke Planning Committee. physician for over 17 years. Achieving Staff orientation MOTIVATING OUR STAFF TO ACHIEVE PROFESSOR KATHY EAGAR DR WILLIAM PRATT workforce EXCELLENCE FROM DAY ONE! MA(Psychology), GDipEd Stud (Health), MBBS, MPH&TM, FRACP PhD(Public Health), FAFRM(Hon) diversity in We believe in developing an outstanding Dr Pratt is an infectious diseases physician and workforce to deliver the best care possible to Professor Eagar has over 30 years’ experience general physician. He has worked and trained the community we serve. We want all our staff working as a clinician, senior manager and an Oral Health in New South Wales and Queensland and has to thrive in their job and we start encouraging academic and is Professor, Health Services experience in viral hepatitis and a broad range of In 2015, NSW Health set a target to increase this from day one – through our Corporate Research, University of Wollongong and Director, general internal medicine. the representation of Aboriginal staff working Australian Health Services Research Institute. Orientation program. within the health service. The Oral Health Service reviewed its workforce vacancies and identified We know you only get one chance to make a a potential Trainee Dental Assistant position for first impression, so our new employees start MR PAUL KNIGHT MRS CARRIE SCHULMAN a period of 12 months. This involved the trainee orientation on their first day of employment. BSc, MPA/Health Svc Admin., Cert. Physical undertaking Certificate III in Dental Assisting Mr Knight has over 17 years’ experience in This year we revamped our Orientation program Therapy at TAFE and rotations across the Oral Health senior management and is currently the – making it more engaging and interactive and Ms Schulman is a clinician with 20 years’ Managing Director of two private businesses, Service to gain a whole of service exposure. achieving a balance between what new staff are experience in executive management both of which encompass Aboriginal required to know and the things they want to roles across the health care continuum Courtney Allen was the successful applicant employment and business and economic know! The program features a range of face-to- and 15 years of consulting experience for for the Trainee role and was supported with development consultancy. face sessions and includes insight into Aboriginal PricewaterhouseCoopers. structured mentoring by the Workforce Diversity culture and communities to improve the Coordinator, Michael Winch. understanding of staff and quality of healthcare Courtney achieved her Certificate III in Dental provided to Aboriginal people. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PROFESSOR GERARD SUTTON AO Assistant and was offered a permanent role ROD McMAHON BEng(Hons), MEngSc, PhD within Oral Health Services. MBBS, DRCOG, DRANZCOG, IDD(Hons), ADD, MMED, FAIM, FRACGP Professor Sutton is one of the most highly regarded and experienced education leaders in Associate Professor McMahon has worked Australia, formerly the Vice-Chancellor of the as a General Practitioner in the Illawarra for University of Wollongong. over 30 years. He has been actively involved in the development of clinical training for the If you’d like to work with us region through the University of Wollongong’s View the current job opportunities on our website: islhd.health.nsw.gov.au Graduate School of Medicine.

8 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 9 BE SUMMER SMART VISITING THE SHOALHAVEN THIS SUMMER While you’re out having fun in the sun this summer, it’s important to remember a few simple health messages to help look after yourself and your skin! Follow our summer smart tips and make the most of the spectacular outdoors. Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District welcomes you to the Shoalhaven PROTECT YOUR SKIN If you do have an emergency, the two 2. 4. Outside of Sydney, SAVE EMERGENCY FROM THE SUN DEPARTMENTS FOR Emergency Departments within the Shoalhaven is one of the Shoalhaven region are located at: Sun safety can stop 95% of melanomas. Here WEAR SUN WEAR SUNGLASSES EMERGENCIES are five easy steps from Cancer Institute NSW most visited areas in NSW – • Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital to help you enjoy the outdoors safely: PROTECTIVE The most effective way to protect your eyes and with the scenic beaches It is estimated that one third of all Entrance off Scenic Drive, Nowra is to wear sunglasses that meet the Australian Shoalhaven tourist nights occur during • Milton-Ulladulla Hospital CLOTHING Standard AS 1067 and wrap around the sides and nature sites providing the period from Christmas to the end 104 Princes Hwy, Milton Wear clothing that covers as much skin as of the face. This way UV radiation doesn’t so much to see and do – it’s of January. This is one of the reasons 1. possible, especially your shoulders, arms and reach your eyes. that the summer months are the busiest The most seriously ill patients presenting legs. The best forms of protective clothing are easy to understand why! for the Emergency Departments at to any Emergency Department are given loose fitting, closely woven fabrics that cast a Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital priority, regardless of whether they arrive SEEK dense shadow when held up to the light. We want everyone to enjoy and Milton Ulladulla Hospital. It’s by ambulance or via the ED waiting room. SHADE 5. important to remember that Emergency If you are admitted to hospital, depending The strength of UV radiation is highest in the their stay in the Shoalhaven Departments diagnose and treat upon your condition, you may be four-hour period from 11am to 3pm during APPLY SPF 30+ and, if you do require medical serious or urgent illnesses and injuries. transferred to one of the other Hospitals daylight savings. Plan your day and try to avoid 3. Minor illness and injuries and ongoing in our network (see the article on pages the sun during this period. BROAD SPECTRUM assistance while you’re conditions are best treated by your local 36-38 for more information). WEAR A BROAD SUNSCREEN here, we’ve put together family doctor or a Medical Centre. BRIMMED HAT Generously apply SPF30+ broad spectrum the following information A hat with a brim of at least 7cm is a great way sunscreen to your skin, 20 minutes before you to protect not only the top of your head but head outdoors and re-apply every two hours. on the medical services also your neck, ears and face. These are parts Remember: sunscreen is not meant to be used to available in the area. of the body where skin cancer often occurs. extend the amount of time you spend in the sun.

STAY HEALTHY REMEMBER THESE FOUR THINGS TO KEEP YOU AND 1. IN THE HEAT OTHERS HEALTHY IN THE HEAT: Heat waves or long periods of extreme 1. Drink plenty of water - even if you heat can have serious impacts on DRINK don’t feel thirsty It’s not an emergency – our health. Planning ahead and being PLENTY prepared for extreme heat is important. 2. Keep cool - your body and your house During extremely hot weather, it is easy OF 3. Take care of others - visit or telephone to become dehydrated (losing too much WATER elderly friends, neighbours and where can I get help? water from your body) or for your body relatives at least once a day. Take care to overheat. If this happens you may of babies and children and never leave develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or WHEN DO I CALL AN them or animals alone in a car, even if If you are sick or hurt and CALL even heatstroke. If you suffer from any 2. AMBULANCE? the air conditioner is on chronic health problem, your condition can get to a doctor or HEALTHDIRECT: Call 000 (Triple Zero) immediately if may become worse during a period of hot 4. Have a plan! - know who to call if you need assistance, you can: on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered the situation is life-threatening or a weather, so plan ahead and beat the heat. need help and follow your doctor’s nurse. This service provides free health medical emergency. 2. advice if you have medical concerns 1. GO TO A NEARBY advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MEDICAL CENTRE: Some good examples of life threatening TALK TO THE LOCAL or medical emergencies where you KEEP Visit a Medical Centre where you can 3. would call an ambulance are: chest pain, COOL 3. 4. see any doctor. Your accommodation PHARMACIST: breathing difficulties, unconsciousness or site will have a list of Medical Centres See a pharmacist for common health sudden onset of weakness, numbness or TAKE HAVE A and GPs in the local area or you can problems such as coughs, colds, paralysis of the face, arm or leg. If you are also visit the healthdirect website: sore throats or mild irritations. unsure about whether a person needs an CARE OF PLAN! healthdirect.gov.au. OTHERS ambulance, you should call Triple Zero (000).

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HOW THE “FASTING CLOCK” WORKS SURGERIES THE FASTING CLOCK • Patient is not placed on fasting clock until surgery is confirmed Surgery Services The Fasting Clock was introduced to improve the patient journey to • Patient is made Nil by Mouth at either 2am or 6am depending if surgery is 24,492 surgery. Historically, all patients awaiting surgery were given a “Nil by morning or afternoon. A light breakfast is offered if surgery is scheduled The Division of Surgery is responsible for providing optimal care to Illawarra Planned: 17,244 Mouth” (nothing to eat or drink) fasting period - usually from midnight in the afternoon Shoalhaven Local Health District residents requiring planned elective and Emergency: 7,248 - regardless of the time of surgery the next day. Patients and their • Contact is made with theatre to confirm patient is still on surgery list and emergency surgical services. families told us that the prolonged periods of starvation were a major decisions can be made to continue or stop fluids area of concern. We agreed there had to be a better way! • If the procedure time changes, the fasting clock empowers staff to Most recent evidence shows that the majority of patients only need to recommence feeding their patients at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital. to the United Kingdom for an inaugural KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ be without food for six hours and oral fluids for two hours before a general The goal of the Dashboard is to improve the international course that includes Stoma HIGHLIGHTS anaesthetic. So, asking every single patient to fast for up to 18 hours patient journey through the use of data. It Therapy Nurses from all over the world • Investigated Models of Care for general provides clinicians with up-to-date surgical before surgery was placing unnecessary responsibility on all involved. surgery admissions across the District • In collaboration with Pharmacy, Hospital information on the factors that impact the That led to the development of the Fasting Clock project; providing to determine a best practice approach in the Home (HITH), Infectious Diseases delivery of surgical service and displays to streamlining Emergency Department Department, A4 Surgical Ward and the simple yet effective solutions to better managing patient fasting. The surgical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) presentations requiring emergency surgery Vascular Department, commenced a project collaborative project commenced last year in the Orthopaedic Ward • In partnership with the Division of Aged Care, for the improved care of patients admitted (B4) at Wollongong Hospital and has seen patient fasting periods • Worked with the Division of Medicine to a virtual health program was introduced to with osteomyelitis improve remarkably to an average of 9 hours for food and 2 hours for re-establish the Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) reduce elderly patients being transported oral fluids. catheter service for renal patients • Progressed a number of research projects to Wollongong Hospital for fracture clinic and studies including receiving ethics The Clock continues to tick, with other wards across the District to • Purchase of an Angiojet for use by Vascular appointments. Doctors are able to remotely approval for a site-specific retrospective follow. Our goal is for no patient to have an unnecessary or prolonged Department at Wollongong Hospital conduct their clinic follow up reviews imaging study for trauma period without food or fluids. The Fasting Clock is an uncomplicated • The Surgical Data Dashboard project, an • ISLHD Stoma Clinical Nurse Consultant way to remind everyone involved to be mindful of fasting times. Innovation Award winner, is now underway (CNC), Julia Kittscha was selected to travel

JAMES BRINTON – NSW Premier’s Award winner

James Brinton – Clinical Nurse “I have been lucky to work with some really Consultant (CNC) Surgical innovative and driven groups over the years. In my role as CNC for Surgery, I get to meet some really Services has been honoured at amazing people. I would like to thank the dedicated the 2016 NSW Premier’s Awards teams of nurses, doctors, allied health, clerical, for Public Service, not only non-clinical and all others who strive each day winning his category – Improving to deliver the best for our patients. In particular Service Levels in Hospitals but I would like to mention Kate Fish, Nursing Co- Director for the Division of Surgery, who has been also receiving The Premier’s such an inspirational mentor. Kate, and all of the Award for Individual Excellence people I work with have a single focus: our patients. and Achievement. “This is so important to me, because my local James has been nursing for more than two hospital is where my family goes. In business they decades and at Wollongong Hospital for almost often ask ‘would you recommend this company to 16 years. Since transitioning to the CNC role, a friend?’ and it’s the same with health. I’m proud James has explored and introduced innovative to recommend my hospital to my friends and ways of delivering surgical services that enhance family. We provide safe, quality care to the right the experience of patients and improve people at the right time,” he said. efficiencies. The Fasting Clock was one of these initiatives; a simple solution that has reduced the Congratulations James on this outstanding fasting times of patients waiting for surgery. achievement! Keep an eye out in future Health in Focus magazines for info about some of the James was honoured to receive the two awards other surgery initiatives James is currently and acknowledged the fantastic teams he’s working on. worked with throughout his career.

James Brinton receiving one of his awards from Premier of NSW, Mike Baird

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Aged Care, Rehabilitation Take a drive on the DARC SIDE & Palliative Care Sounds like a line from a movie? The Division of Aged Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care has services based across the District, in all nine hospitals and in the community. Our specialist teams collaborate No, it’s actually with other specialists and primary health care providers to care for patients in hospital, a clinic at Port in their homes or in residential care facilities. Kembla Hospital’s Outpatients - Day Rehabilitation facility We provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary range of services that helps test for complex acute and sub-acute driving fitness. care aimed at improving people’s ability to function and manage the symptoms of disease or injury to optimise their quality of life. The Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation Clinic, or DARC for short, uses a driving simulator KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / to provide a safe ‘off road’ HIGHLIGHTS experience that helps clinicians • The Palliative Care Service has expanded its make a decision about a person’s ability to provide care to people who choose to fitness to drive following an illness die at home by introducing PEACH (Palliative Extended and Care Home) packages into the or injury. Shoalhaven region in partnership with Silver Chain. The PEACH program provides wrap- The driving simulator can mimic many aspects around nursing services to support families of driving and a number of different conditions. caring for dying loved ones at home during the It records how well you control the vehicle, last weeks of life obey traffic rules and measures how quickly the driver can brake. Importantly, it can simulate • Our Clinical Nurse Consultants and Specialists - Our Dementia / Delirium CNC has • We have commenced the Geriatrician in the potential driving hazards and measure your (CNC/CNS) are very active in defining and presented at conferences this year and Practice (GIP) project funded by the NSW responses, which is not something that can be developing best practice clinical care to has had a paper accepted for publication Ministry of Health. This initiative involves a assessed with an on-road test. improve services and outcomes for patients: in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing Geriatrician and Dementia/Delirium Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) accompanying the GP The initiative aims to support the doctor’s - Our northern Rehabilitation CNC sits on the - Our Palliative Care CNCs have had and Practice Nurse in their rooms and providing responsibility to certify whether or not state Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) abstracts accepted and are presenting a joint, integrated GP/Specialist appointment a patient is safe to drive, with or without working party for Amputee Standards at conferences in Broken Hill and that is easily accessible for patients and in an Dr Geoff Murray – Head Of Service ISLHD Rehabilitation tests out the driving Tweed Heads restrictions. This is particularly important - Our southern Rehabilitation CNC has just environment they are familiar with and feel when the patient has a progressive illness or simulator in the Driving Rehabilitation and Assessment Clinic been elected to the ACI Rehabilitation - Our Aged care CNCs have also had comfortable in. The first clinic was held in multiple diseases and where road guidelines Network Executive posters accepted for presentation at December 2015 and GIP is now in place in nine are not clear. falls conferences GP practices across the Shoalhaven - Both northern and southern Sometimes doctors may be uncertain because For most people, the Port Kembla Hospital Pending ethics approval we hope to test • The Illawarra Shoalhaven Chronic Pain • Aged Care Service have partnered with Rehabilitation CNCs sit on the State predicting a person’s safety to drive is not fitness to drive assessment is easier and the validity of the simulator against the Spinal Cord Injury Service and champion Service continues to achieve outstanding the National Institute of Complementary straight forward, this is where having both more cost effective than some other ‘gold standard’ on-road test, both alone the Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida patient outcomes and is recognised in the Medicine in a clinical trial of vascular dementia. simulator and clinical assessment data helps to options. There can be long waits for testing and in conjunction with the cognitive and pressure injury clinical group top five for clinically significant results by the The multicentre study will evaluate the Faculty of Pain Medicine in the areas of pain effectiveness and safety of a standardised inform the decision. The information can also in Sydney that includes an on-road test with visual assessments completed by the rehab - Our CNS for the Chronic Pain Service sits management, stress, depression and anxiety herbal medicine formula in patients with help patients to determine whether they need an occupational therapist; it can also get specialist in the Driving Rehabilitation and on the ACI Pain Management in Aboriginal vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease driving lessons and on-road trials. expensive. Your doctor can also recommend Assessment Clinic. Communities Working Group to develop • In June of this year, we were delighted with cerebrovascular disease (mixed a Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) driving culturally appropriate clinical resources to be informed that Dr Geoffrey Murray dementia). The first patient from our area This initiative has been made possible thanks examiner assess your driving; however was successful in his application to the commenced the study in September and to a $15,000 grant through the State Insurance RMS driving examiners are not trained at Translational Research Grants Scheme will be monitored and supported by Prof Jan Regulatory Authority (SIRA), formerly the assessing people who have impairments due through the Ministry of Health for funds to Potter over a two year period Motor Accidents Authority (MAA). to a medical condition. investigate two interventions for tapering large doses of prescribed opioids in patients with non-cancer pain

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Registered Nurse, Courtney Vaccari at Shoalhaven CANCER SERVICES Oncology Day Care

The Cancer Services Division provides comprehensive cancer care to patients in the Local Health District. The service consists of three CANCER, separate facilities, the main hub sites being the Illawarra Cancer Care HAEMATOLOGY Centre at Wollongong Hospital and the Shoalhaven Cancer Care & ONCOLOGY Centre at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, and a spoke site at Occasions of Service Milton Ulladulla Hospital. 139,759 Pharmacist, Lucy Sheers, The Cancer Division provides high quality cancer services as close Oncology Pharmacy, to home as possible for our patients. Illawarra Cancer Care Centre

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ Most importantly, patient management has results and work through key themes. We HIGHLIGHTS improved, in a safer and more controlled labelled this as turning your say into our say. environment, and the patient experience has Together we developed an action plan that • Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital also improved echoes the collective voice of our team - a Cancer Service Expansion - Linac 5 plan that we have designed in collaboration Registered Nurses, Lyndall Moore and Yuliya Pashkovska A new linear accelerator (Linac) was • Blood Management to tackle together as one at Illawarra Oncology Day Care purchased and installed at Shoalhaven As part of the Division’s contribution to Cancer Care Centre. The machine is improvements in productivity and efficiency, • Essentials of Care undergoing physics commissioning and we embarked on a revised approach to blood The Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre validation before being released and ready and blood product management. Led by the participated in the Essentials of Care for clinical use. It is anticipated the new District’s Blood and Blood Product Lead, Mel Program, aiming to create a positive Glass, we have developed and implemented service will commence by the end of the year experience for everyone that walks through a single unit transfusion policy and a revised the doors of the Centre. Essentials of Care • ED Avoidance Clinic approach that reduces the unnecessary is about giving all stakeholders – patients, As part of the Cancer Division’s efforts cross matching of products by 50% towards improving access, flow and whole carers, staff and families – opportunities to of system performance, we established a • ISCaHN Culture Club participate and be included in decisions about cancer specific Emergency Department A group of 17 staff from different locations effective care, using approaches that respect and departments was formed to establish (ED) and admission avoidance clinic. This individual and collective values. As part of the Culture Club. They will work together to clinic is nurse led and provides triage and the program, a team of four staff members RISKY BUSINESS plan inclusive activities and progress service support to patients either on treatment or joined with consumers to determine a set of initiatives relating to culture soon after treatment. The aim is to triage shared values. These values are now proudly CHEMOTHERAPY and provide assessment and intervention to • Your Say ‘Our Say’ displayed in the foyer of the Shoalhaven firstly prevent unnecessary presentations Following the release of the District’s YourSay Cancer Centre in the form of a beautiful DOCUMENTATION PROJECT to ED, and secondly, where appropriate, staff survey results, the Cancer Services artwork by Wendy Brown, a local artist who prevent the need for admission to hospital. Division ran a series of workshops to present was also a patient treated at the Centre

The Cancer Service recently undertook The project’s methodology was designed to a quality project titled ‘Risky Business: empower members of our clinical teams to Streamlining Chemotherapy Referral’ which work together as equals to deliver safe, efficient aimed to reduce clinical risk and improve chemotherapy referral. efficiency of chemotherapy referral by achieving 90% documentation completeness Cancer Systems Innovation Manager, Amy within six months. Hains and Nurse Unit Manager Oncology Day Care, Lisa Cook submitted the project, Clinical governance is an essential part of the including the multiple benefits and positive service we provide. A robust chemotherapy outcomes, to the ISLHD Quality and Innovation referral and documentation process is vitally Forum where it received the Collaborative important, as is the value of an empowered, Team award. The project was also shortlisted multidisciplinary team that can work together to as one of three finalists in their category at uphold the highest standards of care. this year’s Ko Awatea APAC Forum (Asia Pacific healthcare conference). The multidisciplinary team worked to develop and implement a Documentation Standard, Dr Chris Fox, Radiation Oncology Head of which defined the safe level of documentation Service recently commented, "when planning Cancer Systems Innovation Manager, required on referral for chemotherapy. and implementing service improvements, the use Amy Hains and Nurse Unit Manager of diplomacy increases the level of engagement Oncology Day Care, Lisa Cook Safe practice limits were agreed and monitored, from those targeted to participate and that was with regular consultation, review and feedback Mark Crowther, Scott Baxter, Peter Dun, Paul Dean (Chairman), Greg Watson (Founding Chairman) – all members of the Shoalhaven Linear demonstrated in this case". Congratulations Amy for referring clinicians. Fundraising Committee, join Medical Physics Site Manager Adrian Rinks, Director Cancer Services Anthony Arnold and Parliamentary and Lisa and well done to those who contributed Secretary for Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward to celebrate the Committee’s final contribution to the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre to the outstanding outcomes of this project.

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Kids and Families The Kids and Families Division provides safe, • Child and Family National Standards follow-up care, and also helps minimise the quality focussed health care to suit community governance and committees were impact on the whole family needs resulting in better health outcomes for established by the Division • Undertook the Child and Family Connecting children and young people within the Illawarra • State-of-the-art, high definition camera With Our Clients Project, which looked at Shoalhaven Local Health District. equipment, known as Vision for Life, was meaningful, two-way collaboration with our installed at Wollongong, Shellharbour, patients, their families and carers Service delivery is targeted toward Paediatric Shoalhaven and Milton Ulladulla Hospital and Child Health across 32 sites through • Developed our Division ‘story’. This Emergency Departments, Children’s Wards paediatric inpatient facilities across the District, resource provides a snapshot of the needs and Special Care Nurseries. The cameras community based Child and Family Nursing, of the community, our patients and the care can help in the diagnosis of sick children and Aboriginal Maternal Infant Child Health services, we provide babies and add another dimension to the Early Childhood Immunisation, Child Protection, communication between our hospitals, the • Our Aboriginal Maternal Infant and Out of Home Care and Allied Health. Newborn/paediatric Emergency Transport Child Health services at Binji & Boori in (NETS) service and specialists at the Shoalhaven and Minya Biyanga Boori at KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / Children’s Hospitals in Sydney Shellharbour continue to engage with Aboriginal families in the area, participating HIGHLIGHTS • Established a Paediatric Hospital in the in NAIDOC celebrations and other • Work continues on the Wollongong Hospital Home and Assessment Unit, which provides community activities Children’s Ward Refurbishment, bolstered a range of services and care to children by the Run Wollongong fundraising residing outside hospital, as a substitution or • Child and Family staff continue to work with Maternity & Women’s Health collaboration with Cotton On Foundation prevention of in-hospital care. The benefits other community agencies to ensure we are which has raised more than $530,000 for include children being able to stay in the accessing vulnerable children and families in children services in the Illawarra since 2013 comfort of their own home, returning for the region Formerly part of the Division KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ INTERNATIONAL DAY of Kids and Families, a separate HIGHLIGHTS Division of Maternity and • Medical and Midwifery Clinical Co-Directors OF THE MIDWIFE Women’s Health was established appointed as leaders of the new Division The Division was proud to celebrate International Day of the Midwife during May • Following formation of the Division, the in 2016 in order to provide a and reflect on this years’ theme: Women and Co-Directors have established strategic stronger focus on the unique Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery. Wollongong priorities for the delivery of services Hospital midwives joined the ‘walk with RUN WOLLONGONG needs of patients and clients as which are now being implemented across midwives’ to raise funds for Rhodan, the well as the specific strategic and the District Lipsette Indigenous Midwifery Trust. The operational needs of the services. • Maternity Steering Committee and Model The local community again rallied this October comfort and amenities for patients, their children when they need to remain in hospital. Wollongong midwives took part in a sunny of Care Working Group formed which sees morning walk with mothers and babies around to support the annual Run Wollongong event, families and carers and staff. We are planning We are always striving to provide high quality The Division of Maternity and Women’s Health the District working together with local Belmore Basin and also enjoyed an afternoon now in its fourth year. More than 3000 people an overhaul of the unit with the aim of creating care as close to home as possible. We want provides antenatal, birthing and postnatal clinicians and the community to guide the tea – featuring extra special Midwife Day took part in the fun run (or walk!) and raised a ‘one stop shop’ for children and families with to make it as comfortable as possible for our services to women and babies throughout the development of a safe and sustainable themed cupcakes. Midwives at Shoalhaven over $81,000 toward the refurbishment of acute and chronic illness. patients and their families visiting hospital. District. It provides inpatient services within birthing service at Milton Ulladulla Hospital could be heard spreading the word throughout the Children’s Ward at Wollongong Hospital. our Hospitals together with community- as part of the District’s network of the wards and halls of the Hospital before Participants enjoyed a fun, family-friendly day The revamped ward will incorporate an atrium Thanks again to every person that took part, obstetric services based midwifery services and is committed to joining together to share refreshments with a style interactive play area, outpatient clinics, volunteered, supported or spread the word out with food, rides and local music star Cyrus delivering women and family-centred care. splash of purple in celebration of the day. entertaining the crowd at the finish line. new ambulatory care and short stay areas, and about this year’s Run Wollongong event in purpose-built teaching and learning areas. We support of our local children’s services. The redevelopment project will see a complete will also be upgrading the parent facilities to make-over of the ward and provide improved make it easier for parents to stay with their Hope to see you there next year! Birth Stats Babies born WOLLONGONG HOSPITAL - 2613 SHOALHAVEN DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - 866 MILTON ULLADULLA HOSPITAL - 24

During this period, seven babies were born at home, under the public home birth service provided by the Wollongong Hospital Midwifery Group Practice. Children’s ward patient, Dexter Heffernan with his Run Wollongong participants warm up before heading to the start line family at the event (1 October 2015 – 30 September 2016)

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MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health Bed Days 39,153 THE PEER WORKFORCE The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Adult Community Mental Health Service. The consumer booklet “Your Stay With Us” which Irene Constantinidis, Team Coordinator of the Consumer Participation Health District Mental Health aim was to improve metabolic screening to our gives guidance on what to expect from your case managed consumers. Results have been nurse when you are in the inpatient unit). Service provides services Program gives us an update on our Mental Health Peer Workforce. outstanding with over 90% of community These models have been presented at across the District and includes mental health staff being trained in metabolic numerous NSW Health meetings including clinical (Psychiatrists, Nurses, monitoring in only six months. Referral rate State Director of Nursing and the Mental Since 1995, people with a lived experience of qualifications of the Cert IV in Peer Work run by Psychologists, Allied Health) and of consumers to other health services has Health Program Council a mental health issue have been employed in the Mental Health Coordinating Council of NSW increased significantly in relation to diabetes non-clinical staff. Our Mental the Illawarra Shoalhaven with nearly as many and the launch of the Peer Work Hub by the NSW clinics, cardiac assessment, and other • The Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention name changes as our health district! People may Mental Health Commission. Visit the website for Health Services include: specialist clinical referrals Collaborative awarded one of four tenders remember ‘Consumer Rehabilitation Assistants’ more information: peerworkhub.com.au in NSW for the “LifeSpan” Project which • 143 inpatient beds across seven units and at Mental Health Rehabilitation Services and • Mirrabook Acute Mental Health Inpatient will commence in February 2017. We are As the journey of the Peer Workforce progresses two community residential rehabilitation Unit participated in the Productive Mental the ‘Consumer Advocates’ in hospital and the partners in this Collaborative, together with and advances, four of our peer workers - Irene units (including an Adolescent Unit with Health Ward implementation project and community. We are now known as Consumer Peer the local Primary Health Networks Constantinidis, Jon Strang, Tim Heffernan and state-wide beds) Workers – and wow what a transformation! recently attended the 12 month follow- Renee Harding - were granted a scholarship up workshop where the team reported • The Illawarra Shoalhaven School-Link • Hospital based services such as Consult Despite the name change, the main underlying from the Mental Health Coordinating Council on initiatives implemented in the unit to Program held its second annual Collaborative philosophy of consumer work and people and ISLHD to undertake the Cert IV in Peer Liaison Services and Emergency “Release Time to Care”. The project is Care Forum Day at Kiama. More than 160 Work, which concluded in June 2016. They are Department Mental Health Clinical Nurse focussed on making innovative changes and employed with a lived experience remains the staff from ISLHD and the Department the third round of peer workers to complete Consultants. organising the ward environment (WOW = same. That is to support consumers of the mental of Education joined together to work on training in NSW and will bring that knowledge Well Organised Ward) to free up nursing time health service in their recovery journey through • Nine Community and Rehabilitation Mental improving understanding of each other’s and expertise and the consumer perspective in to provide increased direct consumer care. a collaborative and partnership approach that roles and looking for opportunities for Health services We received the “Peer Recognition Award”, incorporates reciprocity and mutuality. their work within the District. To complement more collaborations between Health and selected by the other Regional Mental this process a Consumer Peer Worker Brochure The Mental Health Service works with a variety of Education staff and services. The theme Health Inpatient Units, for our presentation Consumer Peer Workers are now recognised has been developed that outlines the service providers, including local (Public Health Networks, was ‘Student Engagement and Attendance’ reporting on the improvements as an integral and important part of the Mental provided by the peer workforce together with Non-Government Organisations, Public Health and looked at how we can work together Health landscape and workforce. The most contact numbers. Ask our staff for a copy of the Organisations); hospital services (such as • The Mirrabook team lead a project called to engage school students, assist them recent development is the introduction of formal brochure if you’re interested in learning more. Paediatrics, Aged Care, Emergency Department, “A Truly Smoke Free Mental Health Inpatient in accessing Mental Health Services and Drug and Alcohol) and at a state level (Forensics, Unit” which won the Preventative Health improve school attendance Child and Adolescent Inpatients). Award, Chief Executive Award and ACI Rural Consumer Peer Workers at Innovation Award at the ISLHD Quality and If you or someone you know is in need of more last year’s Staff and Volunteer KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ Innovation Forum urgent care, please call the Mental Health Line Recognition Awards ceremony HIGHLIGHTS on 1800 011 511, a telephone service operating where they received the • Developed and implemented two new 24-hours, seven days a week. In an emergency, Outstanding Team Award • Completed an innovative Consumer Metabolic Models of Care for the Mental Health call 000 or go to your nearest hospital Health Monitoring Program trial, which was Inpatient Units and for Mental Health Inpatient emergency department. run from the Clozapine Clinics at the Illawarra Nurses (this particular model also includes a

Dr Glenn Melvin a Clinical Psychologist and senior lecturer at the Monash University Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology was the key-note speaker for Mirrabook Mental Health Unit team the day

20 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 21 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW

ISHEC The Illawarra Shoalhaven Health Education Centre The Illawarra Shoalhaven Health KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ course and focuses on communication skills Education Centre (ISHEC) provides HIGHLIGHTS relevant to interviewing students. The course aims to develop techniques in formative healthcare professionals and • ISHEC and Wollongong Hospital Emergency assessment, giving feedback, supporting students with access to the Department underwent an accreditation and coaching students with difficulties and latest advanced technology, visit by the Australian College of Emergency motivating students to change behaviours, allowing them to replicate real Medicine for the Specialist Skills Term in maximise performance or develop resilience Research Simulation for Senior Registrar doctors. for staff involved in a supervisory position life treatment scenarios through During this term, the doctor gains a sound simulation-based learning understanding of education principles, • Released report, titled The First Three Years, involving patients, their families develops experience in teaching a range providing a summary of the education and treating clinicians. The of participants, gains knowledge and skills activities that have occurred in the Centre and across the District since opening in purpose-built facility has been the in debriefing and feedback and learns the principles of crisis resource management and 2013. The Report also gives a first-hand look setting for practical, simulation and human factors at what takes place inside the facility, with theory based training, educating ISHEC staff providing an overview of their • Accredited by the Health Education and experiences and training programs health professionals and students Training Institute (HETI) to conduct the both within our District and the Instructor and Participant Program for wider health community. Conversations in Clinical Supervision. This program is an inter-professional one-day

Research Team

The ISLHD Research Office KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ clinicians on current health challenges across provides assistance to clinicians HIGHLIGHTS the District in areas including cancer care, renal and mental health across the District, including • Over the last 12 months, 116 research doctors, nurses and allied health projects have been approved to be • Establishment of the ISLHD Clinical Fellowship program, which offers researchers the ISHEC PREPARES DOCTORS FOR EMERGENCY professionals. The office has two undertaken across ISLHD, in a range of areas including cancer care, mental health, aged opportunity to integrate a PhD into their SITUATIONS THROUGH SIMULATION LEARNING work sections: Research Central care and general medicine clinical practice, whilst working as a clinician in and Research Governance. the relevant field. The program has so far seen • The appointment of the joint Illawarra Health one clinical fellowship be undertaken in cancer Research Central aims to foster Can’t Intubate, Can’t Oxygenate (CICO) is a life-threatening and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) care, with aims to expand in 2017 the development of research and ISLHD Clinical Director of Health and emergency situation in which the doctor is unable to deliver oxygen skills of the clinicians working at Medical Research, Professor Leonard • Ongoing facilitation of two medical support into the patient’s trachea (windpipe) and lungs due to an obstruction. programs; the Staff Specialist Research This results in falling oxygen levels in the patient’s circulation, which the forefront of patient care. The Arnolda. Professor Arnolda plays a key role in developing clinical and academic Program, which supports senior doctors can lead to brain damage and ultimately, death. sub-unit provides educational partnerships, to bring people with similar in their research pursuits, and the Medical Fortunately, the incidence of CICO is extremely rare, for example workshops, mentoring programs interests together in the aim of producing Student Research Project Program, which aims an anaesthetist may only encounter this scenario once or twice in a high quality research that spans from basic to link medical students with experienced and individual project support. working lifetime. Nonetheless, a doctor must still be prepared and science to patient bedside doctors, for them to gain hands-on experience of clinical research skilled in calmly managing this highly stressful situation. The Research Governance Unit • Establishment of a Low and Negligible Risk supports and advises researchers (LNR) Review Committee and Scientific • The Annual Research Dinner was held in June Since the CICO scenario occurs rarely, doctors have little in matters relating to governance Review Panel based out of Wollongong with 145 attendees. The event celebrated opportunity to develop appropriate skills in the real-life setting. cutting-edge research being undertaken For this reason, Wollongong Hospital Anaesthetists, Dr May-Lin and navigating required processes Hospital. This will help facilitate research activities across the LHD, by providing a by researchers within the health district and Liew and Dr Jason Chaffer organised the workshop to train and such as site authorisation and streamlined, internal research review process their collaborators equip doctors with knowledge and practical experience in managing this scenario, using bench-top airway models and a computerised research ethics. for researchers • The delivery of a series of educational mannequin to simulate the clinical condition. Subsequent courses • Establishment of a Research Governance research workshops and quarterly research have been offered to clinicians in related critical care fields of Board to oversee research activities within forums (‘Four Seasons of Research’) to Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine. ISLHD. The Board provides oversight of the bolster clinician research skills and showcase ethical and scientific review processes for research being undertaken locally Training doctors in this way gives them valuable technical and research projects, strategic partnerships cognitive skills to manage the critical event should it occur, and To obtain a copy of our Annual Research and collaborative relationships, funding allows participants to become familiar with appropriate equipment Report, learn more about research activities opportunities and District-wide scholarships or how you can get involved in health and techniques. • Facilitation of the Joint ISLHD and University research, please contact us via of Wollongong PhD Scholarship Program, ISLHD-Research@ health.nsw.gov.au which has seen five PhD students work with or 4253 4891. 22 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 23 Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2016 Award W inners ISLHD Staff and Volunteer Recognition (SAVR) Awards. 1. 2016 CHIEF EXECUTIVE AWARD The SAVR Awards recognise and reward significant and outstanding achievement and Jean Turner performance of individuals and teams who have exemplified our CORE Values of 2. OUTSTANDING TEAM Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment. Health Roster Implementation Team Our staff and volunteers work across a diversity of roles and SAVR celebrates and rewards 3. UNSUNG HERO (WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES) – JOINT WINNERS achievements across the District. Our Awards Presentation Ceremony was held on 15 November, a. Emma Corvalan 2016 where all nominees were celebrated and the winners of each category announced. b. Dr Surinder Wadhwa 4. INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP Franca Facci STAFF AND Jean Turner’s daughters Leah Turner and Lauren Chilby accept the Award on behalf of their mum, as she was unable to attend the ceremony 1. 5. RISING STAR VOLUNTEER Ashlie Taylor 2. 6. OCHRE Award RECOGNITION Sylvia Akusah 7. INSTILLING INNOVATION/ AWARDS CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Carmen Wood

8. ACHIEVING IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY Amy Hains

9. BEST TEAM SOLUTION TO WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE Monthly Focus team – David Berry Hospital

10. BEST INDIVIDUAL EFFORT TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE Vicki Weston

11. COMMITMENT TO BUILDING HEALTHY PEOPLE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES 3a. 3b. Alicia Burgess

12. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - GIFT OF GIVING Pat Glasby

13. OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY 4. Mirrabook Nursing Team 14. EXTRAORDINARY CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR CARERS Thelma March

5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

24 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 25 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW INFECTION MANAGEMENT Public Health Unit & CONTROL SERVICE The role of the Public Health KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / • This influenza season saw an increase in both Unit is to identify and prevent HIGHLIGHTS the general community but also a substantial The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / • Education of staff and consumers is a increase in influenza outbreaks in facilities or minimise public health risk to • Ran activities focused on regulating the Infection Management and Control Service HIGHLIGHTS key priority, with infection prevention and such as aged care and child care centres (IMACS) core aim is simple: to make sure our control components being included in ISLHD sale of tobacco and promoting smoke- • An opportunity to share our research into our communities through the and hospitals, with the Unit responding to patients have the lowest possible chance of Orientation and mandatory update training free environments, which included three the experience of being a hand hygiene administration of public health 19 outbreaks in these types of facilities. Four acquiring an infection whilst in our care, and that sessions to staff, including volunteers and prosecutions of tobacco retailers for selling auditor at two prestigious international influenza clinics were undertaken to help our staff are properly prepared and protected construction contractors working on our legislation, monitoring of notifiable cigarettes to minors. Over 70 tobacco conferences; the Australian Nursing and aged care facilities manage the outbreak and against infection risks whilst at work. sites. A poster display of hand hygiene and diseases and delivery of effective advertising inspections were also completed, Midwifery conference and the Australasian reduce the risk of transmission infection rates is available on all wards public health interventions. Our along with over 100 inspections relating Our highly experienced Clinical Nurse College for Infection Prevention and Control • Winter also saw a significant increase in core functions are environmental to smoke-free environments, such as Consultants (CNCs) are responsible for Conference. This work was also published in • Annual Infection Prevention and Control Link notified gastroenteritis outbreaks in care health (including tobacco control), commercial outdoor dining areas providing expert advice and support across both the American Journal of Infection Control Program study day provided more than 90 facilities with the Unit responding to 29 participants an opportunity to showcase • Held immunisation clinics at community inpatient facilities and community-based health • Continued training of ward-based hand infectious disease surveillance outbreaks with around 342 people affected their projects including ‘How small changes events as part of a program to improve settings. IMACS aims to provide and promote hygiene auditors, to facilitate the mandatory and control (including managing make a big difference’; ‘Standardised influenza vaccination rates amongst • Our Environmental Health team has been a person-centred infection management and requirement for compliance with NSW reprocessing in Oral Health’; ‘Renal outbreaks), immunisation Aboriginal communities, which are identified working with the approximately 80 private control service across the District. Health Hand Hygiene policy. The most bacteraemia project’; ‘Cardiac diagnostics (including delivering the School as a higher risk group water suppliers in the District to submit recent audit (period ending 30 June) showed Quality Assurance Plans as part of new reprocessing redesign’; and ‘Bling reduction’ Based Immunisation program), • Initiated a program to help improve the an 84% compliance with hand hygiene policy requirements. We work with suppliers to epidemiology, and public health rates of Aboriginal populations completing by our staff manage issues identified in the plans to help the National Immunisation Schedule, which emergency management. provide the safest drinking water possible involves sending reminder text messages ahead of vaccination due dates. This has helped contribute to the strong result of 95.35% coverage for Indigenous children at five years of age HAND HYGIENE AWARENESS DAY A BOOST TO IMMUNISATION DURING NAIDOC WEEK Our LHD has been an active participant in the The Public Health Unit ran two free influenza vaccination clinics during NAIDOC Week this year at the Illawarra World Health Organisation (WHO) SAVE LIVES: NAIDOC Family and Community Fun Day and the Shoalhaven NAIDOC Fun Day at Nowra Showground. Both clinics Clean Your Hands campaign since 2009. WHO were extremely successful and were part of a larger ISLHD presence at the events, with other health services also announced this year that more than 19,000 health available to the community. facilities from 177 countries have now registered to participate in this global initiative. Influenza vaccines were provided for Aboriginal people 18 years and older and our staff also Our services and facilities again celebrated Hand Hygiene Awareness provided information about other immunisation Day in May this year, around the theme of “Go for 90% …..are you issues, environmental health issues, and the with us?”. importance of hand hygiene for stopping the spread of disease. Infection Prevention and Control Link program members and their Feedback on the day showed that the colleagues in clinical settings embraced the opportunity to raise community really appreciated having services awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings like vaccination clinics at these types of events. by demonstrating their commitment to hand hygiene in some During both days there were lots of positive creative ways. stories from the community where people had IMACS CNCs visited hospital departments and engaged with over already had their flu shot through other services, 600 members of staff including nurses, doctors, hotel services, allied which is a good indication that awareness around health and more. The IMACS Roadshow included activities for staff these issues is improving. to be involved in, which challenged them to actively consider their The Public Health Unit would like to thank the commitment to hand hygiene compliance. These included guessing organisers of NAIDOC Week, and the local Community members receive a flu vaccination games such as “How many alcohol-based hand rub bottles are used communities, for inviting our team to have a from Caroline Williams during NAIDOC week in a month for the hospital?” (Around 1500 a month at Wollongong for stall and involving us in the day. It was fantastic those keeping score!) opportunity and we hope to be involved again in years to come. More information about the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands is available on the WHO website: who.int

26 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 27 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW

DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICE Occasions of Service Drug and Alcohol 43,304

The Drug and Alcohol Service provides a range of treatment options and support to people with substance misuse issues and also provides support to their families, friends and carers.

Treatment includes: withdrawal management, opiate substitution, counselling and case management. The service is committed to a harm minimisation philosophy and harm reduction strategies include our needle and syringe program, which is delivered across the District. In addition, we provide health education and training to Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District staff, stakeholders and the wider community.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ HIGHLIGHTS

Establishment of the ISLHD Stimulant Treatment Program (STP) Assistant Minister for Health, Pru Goward officially launched the STP for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven earlier this year. This service provides local access to highly effective drug and alcohol Margot Mains (ISLHD Chief Executive), Gareth Ward (Parliamentary Secretary for treatment programs and services. With a focus Illawarra & South Coast), Pru Goward (Assistant Minister for Health), David Reid on young people, the STP builds on partnerships (Director Drug and Alcohol), Aunty Muriel Davis and Daniel Lonesborough with organisations including the National Youth Mental Health Foundation and Headspace to offer a range of support, including counselling, medication-assisted management, therapeutic Oral Health groups and referral to other programs. ISLHD Viral Hepatitis B and C Forum KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / OUR DENTAL CLINICS The service facilitated the Viral Hepatitis B and C ORAL HIGHLIGHTS Forum, aiming to coordinate an ISLHD response We have Dental Clinics in Wollongong, to the NSW Health Hepatitis B and C Strategies HEALTH • Refurbishment of Warilla Dental Clinic, which Port Kembla, Warilla, Shellharbour, 2014-2020. Key stakeholders were invited to SERVICE includes two additional dental chairs and new Kiama, Nowra and Ulladulla. Dental provide input drawing from their expertise and Occasions of Service* surgeries services are provided free of charge to experience around strategies for increasing community members that reside within the number of people on treatment, screening 29,876 • Recruitment of four new full time equivalent Dental Officers the District’s boundaries and meet the and assessment in primary care, screening and *11 months of data eligibility criteria:

follow up of pregnant women and their babies, • Work commenced on the new $3.4 million Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Oral community awareness and education, and Nowra Regional Centre for Oral Health. This • Child clients must be eligible improving access and outcomes for people who Health Service provides general and some purpose-built community based facility will for Medicare inject drugs. The next step is to develop an ISLHD specialist services at seven clinics across the enhance the delivery of comprehensive Viral Hepatitis Action Plan, incorporating input District. These services are available to eligible oral health services to eligible clients in the • Adults clients (18 years and older) from this forum. populations - defined as infants, children and Shoalhaven region and is expected to open must be eligible for Medicare and young people under 18 years of age, and adults early next year hold (or are listed as a dependent on) Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) Outlet with healthcare concession, pension and one of the following valid Australian Over the past year the NSP has established more Commonwealth Seniors’ cards. • The Oral Health Service received Government concession cards: Health outlets, now providing ongoing maintenance to 30 accreditation from the Australian Council Care Card, Pensioner Concession NSP outlets across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. The team consists of highly skilled Dentists, on Health Care Standards (ACHS) against Card or Commonwealth Seniors In the Shoalhaven, NSP staff worked closely with Dental Specialists, Dental Therapists, Oral the National Safety and Quality Healthcare Health Card the Nowra Aboriginal Medical Service to establish Health Therapists, Dental Assistants and Standards (NSQHS). Our Service was an outlet targeting the needs of the Indigenous support staff. surveyed as part of a unified Primary and To make an appointment have your population. These outlets enable the distribution/ Integrated Community Health Service, with Medicare and Centrelink Card (adults) collection of injecting equipment to reduce positive feedback received on our strong details available and phone: the incidence of blood borne viruses including teamwork and collaboration 1300 369 651. Hepatitis C and HIV.

28 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 29 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW Allied Health Aboriginal Health

Allied Health comprises a small but crucial for its Aboriginal foot clinic initiative, which part of this project will contribute positively to part of the District. Allied Health clinicians aimed to identify high risk Aboriginal and the work of the collaborative, with the ultimate Aboriginal health is everybody’s business. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ SIGNING OF STATEMENT provide services across the continuum of Torres Strait Islander clients attending the goal to reduce suicide rates and support The District’s approach to improving the HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMITMENT TO care that seek to maintain health, reduce Aunty Jeans program, assess their foot health people in our region to live full, contributing lives health of Aboriginal residents includes ABORIGINAL PEOPLE the development and implementation of Reconciliation function at Karinya Palliative admissions and accelerate recovery and organise referrals to appropriate services • Establishment of a collaboration between In August this year, our Board Chair strategies that underpin and enhance health Care Unit to enhance patient quality of life and PHYSIOTHERAPY NSW Department of Family and Community and Chief Executive officially signed service provision that incorporate accessing A unique overlap of Reconciliation Day and participation in the community. • Introduced a new group model from the Services (FACS), Department of Education the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health both mainstream services and specific Palliative Care Week allowed the perfect Illawarra Shoalhaven Chronic Pain Service in and ISLHD psychologists (Psychology District Statement of Commitment Aboriginal health programs and services. opportunity for a celebration at Karinya Palliative Our teams include Nutrition and Dietetics, partnership with Psychology Community of Practice) to foster greater to Aboriginal people. The statement Care Unit, David Berry Hospital earlier this year. Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, collaboration, sharing and staff development reaffirms and strengthens our • Received a multilingual grant and translated Our Aboriginal Health Strategy Director plays The focus of the day was the way in which the Psychology, Social Work and Speech Pathology. opportunities commitment to the more than the ISLHD Prosthetics and Orthotics a key role in linking services and providing Palliative Care Service, Aboriginal Health and the pamphlets into Arabic, Italian, Macedonian 13,000 residents within our District SOCIAL WORK leadership, direction and management of Shoalhaven community have worked together and Portuguese. that identify as Aboriginal and/or KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ • Successful pilot of an after-hours combined the District’s progress towards achieving to make ISLHD’s Palliative Care Services, both in Torres Strait Islander and our goal of HIGHLIGHTS PSYCHOLOGY sexual assault and domestic violence Closing the Gap outcomes, as outlined in the the community and in hospital, accessible and closing the health and life expectancy • Established the Illawarra Shoalhaven response service at Shoalhaven; a partnership Ministry of Health Aboriginal Health Plan understood by all. gap between Aboriginal and non- NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Suicide Prevention Collaborative; a group between the Social Work Department and the 2013-2023. ISLHD is committed to improving Indigenous Australians. • The 9th Annual Excellence in Clinical Nutrition comprising almost 30 key government, non- Violence and Neglect (VAN) service the physical, cultural, spiritual and family Staff and members of the community paid Our next step is to develop a local Forum was conducted which included seven government and community organisations wellbeing of Aboriginal people to reach their respect to past Elders, Uncle Ben Brown and • The Mental Health Homelessness Project assisted Aboriginal Health Plan, which will presentations and 13 poster submissions. Projects within the region, committed to working full potential. Aunty Eileen Pittman and the Shoalhaven Elders 115 clients to the period ending 30 June include practical actions to guide our included Intensive Care Unit (ICU) feeding, together in the evidence-based Systems and Friends group who, 19 years ago, planted a • The forensic counselling based at Wollongong work and decisions about what is patient journey and malnutrition in stroke The District runs Aboriginal supplementary Approach to suicide prevention Hospital continued to develop specialist Lilly Pilly tree as part of the Boomerang Gardens, health care services including Aboriginal needed in our Local Health District. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • In August, the NSW Minister for Mental Health services for families of patients that have to symbolise reconciliation, healing and hope. Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Chronic Care • Implemented NSW Occupational Therapy Pru Goward and Professor Helen Christensen, been referred to the NSW State Coroner Jean Turner, the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Unit, the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Child clinical competencies Director and Chief Scientist of the Black Dog the time, and Lena Bloxsome, formerly of the Institute, announced the Illawarra Shoalhaven SPEECH PATHOLOGY Health service at Shellharbour and Shoalhaven, Shoalhaven Elders and Friends group were • Developed education tools and resources to region (through the Illawarra Shoalhaven • Significant development of paediatric therapy and employs Aboriginal Health Workers instrumental in organising the Gardens in 1997. improve compliance with the National Stroke Suicide Prevention Collaborative) as one service with introduction of a variety of across various multidisciplinary services. Guidelines of four nominated regions for a supported therapy groups We also have an Aboriginal Workforce team The Reconciliation function also included a private PODIATRY implementation trial of the LifeSpan suicide • Modified Barium Swallow procedures and support a number of Aboriginal specific ceremony to accept a didgeridoo donated by the • Won an ISLHD Quality and Innovation Award prevention project. The funding received as standardised across ISLHD training and cadetship programs. family of local man, the late Mr Ray Smith, which now proudly hangs above the doorway in Karinya as a symbol of ongoing reconciliation.

Regional Representative Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, Julie Booker accepts the Statement from Chief Executive, Margot Mains and ISLHD Board Chair, Prof Denis King

Judy Pickard, Psychology Professional Head, Mental Health Services and Associate Professor Vida Bliokas, ISLHD Head of Psychology David Berry Director of Nursing, Karon Stalgis; Director Aboriginal Health Strategy, Pauline Brown; and Chief Executive, Margot Mains

NSW Minister for Mental Health, Pru Goward joins staff and executives from the Black Dog Institute and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District in announcing a trial of the LifeSpan suicide prevention project in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region Kerry Bloxsome, Jean Turner, Lena Bloxsome and Pauline Brown in front of the Boomerang Gardens

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Ambulatory & HEALTHPATHWAYS … Primary Health Care PAVING THE WAY TO BETTER Ambulatory and Primary Health Care provides a range of services to ensure that our HEALTH CARE health system is focused on keeping people well and able to participate in life and work. We also aim to ensure good clinical care extends across the boundaries through Paving the way to better enhanced coordination between the primary health care sector, acute care sector and social care sector. health care KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / Program extended across the entire District, • Process improvements at our Access and A partnership between the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and HIGHLIGHTS providing patients and their carers with Referral Centre have seen management of access to appropriate care in their home. This referrals on the same day increase to 100% COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, the HealthPathways • Ambulatory and Primary Health Care service is run in partnership with Palliative Care with 95% of these occurring immediately maintained accreditation through the second Services, South Western Sydney Local Health program recently celebrated its first anniversary. year review under National Safety and Quality District and Silver Chain • Construction commenced on a new Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and also community based health facility on the successfully completed accreditation with the • In conjunction with the South Eastern grounds of the former Kiama Hospital site What is HealthPathways? Most Popular Pathway: already improving patient flow at the Liver Clinic. Australian Aged Care Quality Agency NSW Primary Health Network (PHN), with commissioning of the Centre planned for Chronic Hepatitis C The Liver Clinic Team (below) are directing GPs COORDINARE, an easy to use and secure early 2017 HealthPathways is an on-line information to this pathway to guide their management of • Completed rollout across the District of the electronic referral process (Eas-e-referral) portal for health professionals across Illawarra The Chronic Hepatitis C pathway is chronic HCV patients in the community. Community Health and Outpatients Care was trialled for GPs to refer clients to our • Achievements against the NSW Health and Shoalhaven about how to assess, manage currently the most viewed pathway on the Healthy Children’s Initiatives also continues to (CHOC) component of electronic medical Diabetes Services and receive electronic and refer patients to local healthcare services. HealthPathways site, with an increase in visits illawarrashoalhaven.healthpathways.org.au records (eMR). This allows clinicians to view communication in response. Feedback shows be strong with: It is underpinned by evidence-based practice particularly in the last 6 months, following inpatient and community records in the one this has improved the timeliness of treatment - Over 80% of all schools in the Illawarra and is being replicated throughout Australia changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits place. In addition, mobile computing has and Shoalhaven participating in our Live and New Zealand. Scheme (PBS). been implemented to allow for simultaneous • The National Health and Medical Research Life Well @ School program with regular recording of patient notes and access to Council funded the BEST (Balance Exercise The program is based on a highly successful The pathway outlines a new model of care training and network meetings with school diagnostic results Strength Training) at Home falls prevention model created by Canterbury District Health which enables GPs to safely prescribe canteen staff research project, run in conjunction with the Board in New Zealand, which was established to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to eligible • Growth of HealthPathways project that aims University of Sydney and The George Institute - Over 80% of all Illawarra and Shoalhaven enhance the way hospitals and general practice patients via remote consultation with the to enhance integrated care across the health for Global Health. The project investigates the pre-schools and day care centres share the care and management of patients. Liver Clinic. Clinical Associate Professor Dr care continuum with over 180 care pathways value of home-based exercise to reduce falls participating in the Munch & Move Jennifer McDonald has led the way in actively now active. This website provides General and prevent pain in the shoulder region Program with regular training programs encouraging GP assistance to assess and Practitioners (GPs) and other clinicians Pathways addressing movement skills, healthy manage eligible chronic HCV patients in with information and resources regarding • A NSW Health Translational Research Grant The website, which launched in 2015 with of over $560,000 was received to investigate eating learning experiences or food the community through the provision of accessing appropriate care across a wide 45 localised pathways, has now expanded the utilisation of mobile phone text messages requirements in care HealthPathways educational sessions. range of clinical specialities in the Illawarra to include more than 180 pathways. Our to modify lifestyle risk factors and improve Shoalhaven region - Ongoing strong enrolment into General Practitioner (GP) Clinical Editors, Dr The availability of community prescribing of diabetes self-management for people with Wollongong Hospital Liver Clinic Clinical the Go4Fun Targeted Healthy Louise Delaney and Dr Bronwen Spalding are DAAs combined with the use of HealthPathways • Care packages provided through the Palliative type 2 diabetes Nurse Specialists, Pauline Carlon, Micaela Lifestyle Program for children as a vehicle to drive this change in care, is Extended and Care Home (PEACH) Support significant contributors to HealthPathways, Lucas and Adele Hampson above a healthy weight publishing clinical and referral pathways in collaboration with ISLHD specialists and other health professionals. Recent localised pathways include: cancer More than More than More than screening, cardiology, diabetes, drug and alcohol, mental health, neurology, palliative 180 2900 46,000 care, pharmacology, respiratory and surgery. The team is currently working to localise and publish pathways in acute services, infectious diseases, maternity, mental health, oncology, Current number of Health professionals Web pages have been pain management and women’s health. localised pathways have visited the site viewed since the site went live

32 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 33 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW Medicine The Division of Medicine oversees the provision of services by Critical Care nine medical specialties from facilities right across the District. RENAL The Critical Care Division provides KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS Specialty services provided by the Division include; general Haemodialysis Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health • Treatment and care of more than 150,000 treatments: 20,615 District residents with access to medicine, renal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, people that attended our Emergency Home Haemodialysis quality emergency treatment. gastroenterology, infectious diseases and respiratory medicine. treatments: 3,034 Departments and Urgent Primary Care We provide care through the Centre over the last year; this equates to around 400 people per day Emergency Departments at • More than 90% of Intensive Care Unit KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ • Wollongong Hospital achieved • Increased endoscopy services available from Wollongong, Shellharbour, patients transitioned to hospital wards HIGHLIGHTS accreditation as an Acute Thrombolytic Shellharbour Hospital. Construction also Shoalhaven and Milton Ulladulla • Anaesthetic Services provided support to Centre under the Agency for Clinical commenced on the endoscopy specific suite Hospitals, plus the Bulli Hospital • Introduction of primary percutaneous Innovation’s program of Early Access at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital the Operating Theatres, Obstetric Service, coronary intervention on patients to Stroke, which allows for those with Urgent Primary Care Centre, three Radiology, Mental Health, Endoscopy and the • Introduction of Structured Interdisciplinary who attend the Shellharbour Hospital ischaemic stroke to potentially be treated Acute Pain Service across the District Emergency Department and Bulli Hospital Bedside Rounds (SIBR) - a new patient / Anaesthetic Departments, two with clot-busting drugs at the Hospital • So far this year, 44 people donated their Urgent Care Centre family centred model of doctors’ Intensive Care Units and an Organ • The ISLHD Renal Service improved rounds which involves a number of organs or tissues to people in need. This • Completion of the second cardiac peritonitis rates of patients being treated different healthcare providers, such and Tissue Donation Service. is a testament to our dedicated and catheterisation angiography laboratory at with peritoneal dialysis in their homes as nurses, occupational therapists We continually work on ways to compassionate staff who work in very Wollongong Hospital through a structured home visit program and physiotherapists challenging circumstances to identify improve our services to ensure that potential donors and start the important • Creation of a loan pool within the and additional staff education • Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic our community is offered the best conversations with loved ones Northern Illawarra with non-invasive • Development of renal satellite unit and is now operating at full capacity and ventilation machines for patients to model of care for renal service at Milton the infectious diseases consultations possible experience during what is • Wollongong Hospital is one of 26 hospitals start therapy at home while they wait for Ulladulla Hospital. Dialysis for patients will (inpatients and outpatients) hit a record- often a particularly stressful time. across the country selected to take part their own machine to be delivered. The commence early 2017 high number this year in work to further increase community commencement of acute non-invasive awareness of the organ and tissue ventilation support for inpatients at • Continued growth of the care provided • Infectious Diseases research activities donation process Shellharbour Hospital has also resulted in for people with chronic respiratory grew and the Infectious Diseases • Co-Director Critical Care, Dr Michael Davis fewer transfers to Wollongong Hospital disease, including the Illawarra in-home Department is participating in two major support program for people who have had Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases named a finalist in the NSW Health Awards several hospital admissions for chronic studies – CAMERA and MERINO - Collaborative Leader of the Year category lung conditions

Cardiac Rehabilitation sees a range of #ENDTHEWAIT ON THE PULSE WITH THE measures used to help people return to an active and satisfying life and to prevent JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN ORGAN DONOR ILLAWARRA HEART HEALTH CENTRE recurrence of cardiac events. The heart failure service aims to help patients maximise their REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! mobility and manage their symptoms for a The Illawarra Heart Health Centre better quality of life. provides care for patients who’ve Patients attend education sessions covering had a recent cardiac event through topics such as healthy eating, sleep and stress There are currently more than 1,500 Australians waiting for a outpatient services for cardiac management, physical activity planning, life-saving or life-transforming transplant. During this year’s understanding heart health, and goal setting. rehabilitation and management of This is complemented by a personalised, DonateLife Week, our Organ and Tissue Donation Service heart failure. exercise program, which usually runs for six asked our local community “What are you waiting for?” weeks. The program is supervised by the Centre’s Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Nurse and encouraged people to join the Australian Organ Donor Consultants and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Register online. Referral can be made to support services for lifestyle modification, such as a Dietitian. Registration is important - figures show that 91% of families agreed to donation when their loved Patients scheduled to have an elective cardiac one had signed up as a registered organ donor. This falls to just 52% when the deceased was not procedure are encouraged to link-in with the Centre prior to being admitted. This can help registered and the family had no prior knowledge of their donation wishes. patients and their families or carers prepare If you want to be an organ donor, register online and talk to your family and loved ones about your physically and emotionally for the procedure and decision. Registration of your donation decision leaves your family in no doubt and, in doing so, could even help them make a faster recovery. To register as an organ donor provides comfort they are upholding your wishes. Emotional wellbeing and mental health are either visit donatelife.gov.au also important parts of recovery from a DID YOU KNOW? - or scan the QR scanner code cardiac event and the program helps patients In NSW, you can no longer register a donation decision via your driver’s licence. Even if you through this journey, providing them with skills previously registered your decision via your licence, you still need to register your decision on the and knowledge to continue working towards Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR). keeping themselves healthy. 34 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 35 ACCESSING THE ILLAWARRA DEFINITIONS • What is an inpatient service? • What does acute mean? SHOALHAVEN HOSPITAL NETWORK Inpatient services are those provided The term ‘acute’ means a short-term in one of our hospitals. You become illness or disease that is often rapidly an inpatient when you are admitted progressive and in need of urgent care. to hospital. The Right Care in the Right Place • What is a community health • What is an outpatient service? Services that are not The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local During your care, or the care of a loved one, for example, you might need more specialised service? Services performed in a necessarily attached to our hospital Health District extends about you may receive services from any one of the treatment or access to more complex diagnostic medical setting without an overnight network and are provided from other 250km along the coastal strip from hospitals within our network, depending on your services. That means even though your care hospital stay, for example renal dialysis. facilities or out in the community, for Helensburgh in the north to Durras specific clinical needs. People often have an may start in one hospital, you may need to be example drug and alcohol support and idea of what hospital they’d like to be treated transferred to other hospitals in our network child and family services. in the south. The District manages a in, especially if it’s close to home. However, the as your needs change. This ensures that you network of nine hospital sites across hospital nearest to you may not always be the or your loved one is receiving the best possible three main hubs and a range facility that is right for your particular needs; care, in the right place, at the right time. of community health services. Northern Illawarra HUB HOSPITALS Southern Illawarra HUB HOSPITALS 1. WOLLONGONG HOSPITAL 4. SHELLHARBOUR HOSPITAL Emergency, Medical, Surgical, Intensive Care, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Emergency, Acute Care, Mental Health and low-risk surgical operations Maternity, Neonatal, Renal and Cancer Care LOCATION: 15-17 Madigan Boulevarde, Mt Warrigal LOCATION: Loftus Street, Wollongong PHONE: 4295 2500 PHONE: 4222 5000 Onsite parking available. Surgical and Medical wards visiting hours from 11am-8pm Drop-off zones are located at the Hospital’s main entrance (off Loftus St) and outside the Shellharbour Hospital is a 197 bed, busy acute care facility. It has aged care, medical, surgical, mental Emergency Department (off Darling St). Paid parking is available within the multi-storey car health and acute medical assessment inpatient beds, plus a Day Surgery Unit. The hospital provides parking station on the Hospital campus and timed on-street parking is available on surrounding emergency services, elective surgical services, general medical, antenatal and primary family health streets. Visiting hours vary depending on the Hospital ward/department and on weekends care, satellite renal dialysis, as well as adolescent and adult mental health services. The Operating Wollongong Hospital is the Illawarra and Shoalhaven’s major referral and teaching facility and has Suite performs mainly low risk general, laparoscopic, gynaecological, ophthalmic, dental and minor 561 overnight beds. The campus, which incorporates the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, provides a orthopaedic surgery. comprehensive range of inpatient, medical, surgical and outpatient services.

2. BULLI HOSPITAL 5. PORT KEMBLA HOSPITAL Aged Care and Urgent Primary Health Care for minor illness and injury only Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and Community Health services LOCATION: Hospital Road, Bulli LOCATION: Cowper Street, Warrawong PHONE: 4284 4344 PHONE: 4223 8000 Onsite parking available and visiting hours: 10am – 8pm Onsite parking available. Rehabilitation visiting hours are 1pm – 8pm weekdays and 11am – 8pm on weekends with a rest period between 1:30pm – 3pm daily. Bulli Hospital has 52 acute aged care beds and the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic which operates on Palliative Care visiting hours are 8am-8pm all week weekdays. The Bulli Urgent Primary Care Centre treats minor illness and injury only and is open from 7am-10pm every day (no appointment is necessary). Developments are currently underway to Port Kembla Hospital specialises in Rehabilitation, Aged Care and Palliative Care services. The facility transform the Hospital into an Aged Care Centre of Excellence to deliver contemporary integrated also provides a range of outpatient services including Drug and Alcohol and Sexual Health Clinics. health care for local patients (read more on page 43).

6. KIAMA HOSPITAL Kiama Council has purchased the Kiama Hospital site for the development 3. COLEDALE HOSPITAL of an aged care facility, so moving forward, Kiama will no longer be part of Rehabilitation and Aged care the District’s network of hospitals LOCATION: Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale LOCATION: 27 Captain Cook Drive, Barrack Heights PHONE: 4267 0111 PHONE: 4297 9440 Onsite parking available and visiting hours: 2pm – 8pm ‘Kiama Ward’ visiting hours 11am – 7pm Coledale Hospital specialises in rehabilitation and aged care services. It has a purpose-built unit to Earlier this year, the inpatient services at Kiama Hospital relocated to the ‘Kiama Ward’ at Shellharbour Private accommodate patients with dementia and awaiting nursing home placement. Hospital, where it continues to provide slow-stream rehabilitation to aged care patients. The District’s plan is for these beds to eventually relocate to an expanded Shellharbour Hospital campus. The District’s community-based outpatient services will continue to be provided from the Kiama site, with construction of ‘Kiama Ward’ at Shellharbour the Kiama Integrated Primary and Community Health Centre currently underway (read more on page 42). Private Hospital

36 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 37 DID YOU MOVING FORWARD KNOW? with the Shellharbour Hospital redevelopment MORE THAN 6.7 MILLION TOURISTS VISIT OUR DISTRICT ANNUALLY In September this year it was THE PARTNERSHIP APPROACH If, at the conclusion of these processes, announced that the Government The purpose of the partnership approach is to it is found that the proposals received do would investigate interest from non- see what established non-government health not exceed what the existing $251 million government redevelopment of the facility government operators to partner care providers can deliver over and above what has already been planned for the $251 million guarantees, then the Hospital will be with NSW Health in the delivery of redevelopment of Shellharbour Hospital. developed solely by the NSW Government. the new hospital. It is a requirement Non-government operators must: Staff are essential to a redeveloped Shellharbour for any public infrastructure project Hospital and, irrespective of which model of of more than $100 million that • Prove they can deliver more health services at Shellharbour project delivery is finally selected, there will be alternative procurement options are many more jobs at Shellharbour. • Demonstrate how they can meet current investigated to achieve the highest and future health care demand For the community, the benefits include more value for money for NSW taxpayers. • Show how they comply with existing services to be delivered locally to meet the quality and safety standards of NSW health care needs of a growing population. HUB HOSPITALS It is important to note that Shellharbour Health Shoalhaven Hospital will continue to treat public patients There is much work still ahead before • Guarantee that any public patient receives any final decision is made so, until then, in exactly the same way as happens today, treatment when they need it based on it is very much business as usual at 7. SHOALHAVEN DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL including if it is delivered by partnership with clinical standards Emergency, Medical, Surgical, Orthopaedic, Intensive Care, Renal, a non-government operator. Shellharbour Hospital. If you have any sub-acute Mental Health, Obstetrics, Paediatrics and Cancer Care For taxpayers the benefits of partnership questions about the project, please email us at The project will deliver on the needs of the fast include: [email protected] LOCATION: 2 Scenic Drive, Nowra growing local area (with a population growth • Delivery of more services, over and above or visit our website: islhd.health.nsw.gov.au above the NSW average) and will also ensure PHONE: 4221 3111 what is already planned We will continue to update you on this that Shellharbour plays a key role in supporting Visiting hours vary depending on the Hospital unit and on weekends • Shared costs of redevelopment, reducing exciting project in future editions of the other health facilities across the District. costs for taxpayers Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital is an 180 bed facility that provides acute medical and surgical Health in Focus. services as well as orthopaedics, intensive care, obstetrics and services for children under 16 Regardless of the outcome of the non- • Reinvestment of savings back into years of age. The Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre is located on the campus and provides medical government process, construction of the frontline health care services oncology, radiation therapy, allied health and support services. new hospital will commence in late 2018.

THE PROCESS A broad Expression of Interest (EOI) process was undertaken, seeking operators who may be 8. DAVID BERRY HOSPITAL interested in the design, construction, operation Rehabilitation and Palliative Care and maintenance of a new Shellharbour Hospital. The period for EOI submissions closed LOCATION: 85 Tannery Road, Berry in October and Health Minister Jillian Skinner PHONE: 4464 1001 recently announced that interest had been Visiting hours – Rehabilitation Unit: Monday to Friday 2pm – 8pm and weekends 11am – 8pm, received from non-government operators for Palliative Care Unit: 10am – 8pm Shellharbour Hospital. David Berry Hospital provides rehabilitation and specialist palliative care. The EOI submissions are now being reviewed and assessed, with the LHD involved in this process, which is expected to conclude in March 2017. After the EOI process concludes, a more detailed, Request for Proposals (RFP) 9. MILTON ULLADULLA HOSPITAL process will follow to ensure any proposal meets the high standards set by NSW Health Emergency, Medical, Oncology and minor surgery and the District. LOCATION: 104-106 Princes Highway, Milton PHONE: 4455 1333 Visiting hours are from 10am – 1pm and 3:30pm – 8pm Milton Ulladulla Hospital is a rural facility that provides emergency, general medical and minor surgical services, antenatal and postnatal services, ambulatory care and oncology services for the southern Shoalhaven. A new Renal and Palliative Care Unit is currently under construction at the Hospital (read more on page 43).

Artist impression

38 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 39 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW MEDICAL SERVICES Information and

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE UNIT • Clinical Quality Systems Manager, Gaye Sykes • Partnered with our hospitals and services to was a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Awards - The Clinical Governance Unit (CGU) support safe staffing and rostering and to Communication Technology Improving Government Services category supports our District hospitals, services attract skilled medical staff to our District and divisions to promote patient safety and Information and Communication KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ • Implementation of the next stage of the clinical quality within our health system. MEDICAL WORKFORCE HOSPITAL SKILLS Technology (ICT) services are HIGHLIGHTS electronic Medical Records (eMR) Project KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ The Medical Workforce Unit is a Hospital Skills Program (HSP) training purchased as a shared service • Development of an ICT strategy in • Roll out of a Health Roster system specialised unit that provides end to is delivered to hospital staff across the HIGHLIGHTS arrangement from South Eastern consultation with key stakeholders • Implementation of wireless network across all end services to support the recruitment District using a blended educational • Our Diversity Health Coordinators presented at and appointment of medical staff. The design of simulation-based training, Sydney or directly from eHealth. • Migration of all staff member emails to the Hospital facilities with the next stage being the the Melbourne Health Literacy Seminar about Unit supports all clinical areas across the interactive workshops and e-resources. The newly appointed responsibility Statewide Infrastructure as a Service (SWIS) rollout of a guest Wi-Fi facility embedding health literacy into health systems District and has staff based in the Mental The HSP is a medical program developed program, which will allow employees to login • Development of a governance structure for and were also the keynote speakers at the of ISLHD Chief Information Officer Health Service, as well each Hospital Hub. at the Health Education Training Institute to any NSW Health approved computer clinical informatics, which is about providing ‘Building a Health Literate Tasmania’ Forum has been incorporated into the role (HETI) which delivers continuing or mobile device using the statewide better care to patients using technology • Implemented the Clinical Excellence KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ professional development to non- of the Director Corporate Services email address and user ID. This will mean Commission (CEC) Quality Audit Reporting HIGHLIGHTS specialist medical workforce. and has a strategic and governance improved mobility, resource sharing and System (QARS) that supports ward and • Merged the two separate services of Junior function, as well as project and collaboration for staff between Local Health hospital staff to monitor and report outcomes Medical Officer Unit and Senior Medical Officer KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/ Districts and non-health partners for a range of clinical practice audits change management for clinical Services into a single site HIGHLIGHTS • Together with the Information Management • Varied training including: Teams Trauma, and corporate IT systems, such as • Successful Health Education Training Institute Unit, we developed and automated quality Diagnostic Radiology, Paediatric Emergency electronic Medical Records (eMR). (HETI) Accreditation for Shellharbour, Bulli, and safety data dashboards for the Patient Medicine and use of Telemedicine when liaising Coledale and Port Kembla Hospitals to provide Safety and Quality Risk Report, Falls with the Newborn and paediatric Emergency pre-vocational training to Interns and Residents Dashboard, Pressure Injuries Dashboard and Transport Service (NETS) Complaints Report • Senior Medical Officer Services continued • A range of workshops with topics including co-ordinating the Visiting Medical Practitioner • Implemented the District Clinical Governance Emergency Medicine evidence-based updates, Quinquennium process Council and District Committees to monitor Geriatric Emergency Medicine, support of rural and support the National Safety and Quality • Redesigned the Medical and Dental medical staff, teamwork, and communication in Health Service Standards Appointments Advisory Committee to • Delivery of Emergency Medicine Hospital Skills • Recognition from the Clinical Excellence improve the way we interview and appoint eMR Program curriculum Commission for developing and potential specialists TAKING MEDICAL implementing a mentorship program to • Individual feedback and competency support the Clinical Practice Improvement assessment in essential emergency skills RECORDS TO A NEW LEVEL and Effective Leadership in Health Programs

Focused Assessment with Sonography The Electronic Medical Record (eMR) is an evidence-based practice, to improve on quality in Trauma (FAST) ultrasound technique electronic version of a patient‘s clinical and safety of patient care. is demonstrated information related to care received within hospital, as well as some outpatient and The eMR functionality developed covers patient community-based health services. Clinical safety oriented modules and includes a number records can then be easily accessed by staff of CEC initiatives such as Falls and Pressure Nursing staff on Port Kembla Hospital caring for patients by using an electronic Injury Risk assessments. Ground Floor Rehabilitation Ward using device such as a computer or workstation on a workstation on wheels (WOW) wheels (WOW). BENEFITS OF THE eMR2 IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT: The Electronic Medical Record Phase 1 (eMR) was implemented in 71 hospitals across NSW. In • Improved accuracy and legibility of clinical notes 2010, a business case was submitted to Treasury • More timely and improved access to to extend the eMR functionality driven by comprehensive electronic clinical notes eHealth and the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC). In 2012, this was developed in the form of • Improve and support better coordination of three new releases; A, B and C. patient care across the care settings The eMR Phase 2 (eMR2) Implementation • Increase consistency, safety and quality Project aims to extend utilisation of the existing of care through the provision of additional electronic medical record, providing electronic decision support tools clinical documentation into inpatient and some As part of the project rollout, more than 2400 outpatient settings, within Illawarra Shoalhaven. staff members have been trained, Wi-Fi has This progresses the NSW and District’s been installed across seven sites and more than David Berry Hospital staff: Janice Walsh, strategies and allows a further transition from 672 devices delivered to clinical areas across Linda Fleming, Hope Hattley and paper to electronic records. the District. eMR2 is now live in all our hospitals David Heywood The focus is the support of clinical service except Wollongong Hospital, which is scheduled redesign, innovation, clinical governance, and to occur later this year.

40 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 41 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW

MILTON ULLADULLA HOSPITAL RENAL AND PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT Capital Works Construction continues on Milton Ulladulla Hospital’s new $4.6 million Renal and Palliative Care Unit. When complete, the new facility will include a dedicated Renal Unit with six dialysis chairs and a purpose-built Palliative Care Unit Works completed – with two beds and two family rooms. It is WOLLONGONG HOSPITAL anticipated the new facility, which has received We celebrated the completion of the significant community support and funding, will $106 million redevelopment and expansion of take its first patients early next year. Wollongong Hospital this year. The significant construction project included the Illawarra Elective Surgical Services Centre (incorporating new operating theatres, a new and expanded Intensive Care Unit, Recovery Unit and Central NOWRA REGIONAL CENTRE FOR Sterilisation Service Department); expansion of ORAL HEALTH the Emergency Department; new Ambulatory Work is currently underway on the $3.4 million Care Centre, Transit Lounge and internal Nowra Regional Centre for Oral Health; a new pedestrian access-way; and a new main purpose-built community based facility that entrance, linen stores, loading dock and food will enhance the delivery of comprehensive services area. A $30.5 million multi-deck car oral health services to eligible clients in the park extension was also delivered as part of the Shoalhaven region. The Centre will improve project, doubling the number of available spaces access to care and provide an increase in primary to 1400. prevention services. The new Centre is expected to be commissioned in February 2017. Construction underway KIAMA INTEGRATED PRIMARY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE In development Construction commenced this year on the BULLI HOSPITAL AGED CARE new $3.6 million Kiama Integrated Primary and CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Community Health Centre (IPCHC); a purpose- The schematic design for the $33.8 million built facility that will provide improved access to a transformation of Bulli Hospital into an Aged comprehensive range of primary and community Care Centre of Excellence was revealed this year, health services to the local community. giving the community a first-look at the concept plans for the new facility. The Centre will replace outdated facilities at Kiama Hospital and will deliver a range of The development is a new facility opposite services, from early childhood right through to the existing Bulli Hospital that will deliver aged care, including: oral health; violence, abuse contemporary integrated health care for and neglect services; occupational therapy; patients. The new Centre is planned to include: physiotherapy; diabetes services; audiology; speech pathology; podiatry; early childhood • Inpatient and aged care facilities service; women’s health services, aged care • Development of on-site clinical support services and multicultural health services. services

The Centre is scheduled to open in 2017. • Provision of a range of non-clinical support services • A primary health care centre, and SHOALHAVEN DISTRICT into an Aged Care Unit will also commence in the • A 60-suite IRT residential aged care centre MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MAJOR coming months. co-located on-site REFURBISHMENT It is anticipated that the majority of the ED NSW Health will provide $19.3 million towards Work started on a $1.8 million re-configuration works will be completed by the end of 2016, the hospital project, with an additional $14.5 and expansion of the Emergency Department delivering new waiting room and clinical spaces. million coming from the Restart Illawarra (ED) at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital; The remainder of ED works are expected to Infrastructure Fund. IRT will build and operate part of a $5 million revamp of the facility. The be finalised early next year, with the Aged Care the residential aged care component of the redesign of the ED layout will improve access Unit also anticipated to finish in the first half of project. Details on construction timeframes will to the Department and enhance the flow of 2017. Further, the $1.5 million construction of be available to the community once the planning patients through the busy area. Following an additional operating theatre suite, designed process is complete. extensive planning and preliminary works, the specifically for endoscopy services, was recently $1.5 million redevelopment of Medical Ward B completed and will soon be commissioned.

42 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 43 YEAR IN REVIEW

Each year, teams and individuals PREVENTATIVE HEALTH: A Truly Smoke Free from across the District present Mental Health Inpatient Unit their quality improvement projects Mental Health, Mirrabook – presented by Robyn as part of our Quality and Innovation McGregor Forum. A judging panel, made up COLLABORATIVE TEAM: Risky Business: of representatives from ISLHD’s Streamlining Chemotherapy Referral Sexual Health Service marks 2016 Executive and Board, formally ISLHD Cancer Care Services – presented by Amy evaluate each project to determine Haines and Lisa Cook the recipients of the Quality and HARRY COLLINS: Captain Zero special milestone ISLHD Innovation Awards. Wollongong Hospital Paediatrics – presented by Julie Haines and Janice Caldwell Quality and innovation projects are those QUALITY AND important responses to HIV and other sexually • Providing doctors with a fortnightly clinic to designed to improve clinical outcomes for SPECIAL AWARDS ISLHD’s Sexual Health Service transmissible infections, enhancing the clinical see HIV patients as these clients are now so patients. The judging panel assessed projects ZERO MOVEMENT PATIENT SAFETY AWARD: marked a special milestone this INNOVATION against criteria including: Let’s Talk About Drugs service provision with health promotion and HIV well they are rarely seen in hospitals year when it celebrated its 30th prevention activities. The Shoalhaven was not • How well the initiatives resulted in changes Wollongong Hospital Pharmacy – presented by • Providing lectures for the Graduate School of AWARDS anniversary. Clinical Associate forgotten as the service there commenced with within the organisation Claire Doyle and Fawn Birch Medicine at the University of Wollongong and Professor Katherine Brown has twelve hours a week the same year. CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT AND HEALTH medical students on placement • The extent to which the initiatives are able to been the Medical Director for 21 of be successfully transferred to other health LITERACY AWARD: HealthMoves The greatest asset of the sexual health service Our broader sexual health education activities services / settings Ambulatory and Primary Health Care – Healthy those years and led a celebration is its staff. From the pioneering nurses Heather People Stream – presented by Estela Gimenez in honour of three decades. Ever include lectures and workshops for Emergency • Evidence of improved outcomes for patients Gagnon and Marie Macleod and the doctors Department staff, pharmacists, school STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD: Gaye Sykes • Whether it is an original or innovative passionate about awareness, she Steve Davies and Ross Price (still stalwarts of the teachers and sexual assault examiners as well as District Clinical Quality Systems Manager approach to an existing issue even baked a special cake to mark sexual health world) we have had many talented contributions to national and international literature. SPECIAL COMMENDATION: Eas-e-Referrals doctors, nurses, counsellors, Aboriginal liaison • Demonstrated effective engagement the milestone. Ambulatory and Primary Health Care – Access officers and administration assistants. Each has through community consultation As we enter the next decade, I am sure we will and Referral Service presented by Lucia Apolloni contributed new ideas and dedicated service to see changes in the management of old diseases • Improvement in efficiency and productivity the many and varied clients who present with Katherine recalls how the Illawarra Sexual such as gonorrhoea which is now resistant to POSTER PRESENTATION – STAFF symptoms and signs, for prevention, treatment The Forum also included a poster presentation, AND VISITOR’S CHOICE AWARD Health Service has evolved over the past almost every antibiotic we have tried for it, and and advice. Our current Nurse Manager, Kylie where Staff and Visitor’s Choice Awards were given WINNERS 30 years… new treatments and preventive measures for out for the best poster in each of the categories: Strong, took on the challenge of bringing us HIV, some of which are already in development. CPI (Joint Winners): SAOE (situation, action, outcome and evaluation), In 1986, NSW Health provided the then Illawarra into a new phase of business activities as the Take a Break Have a Chit Chat Quality Activity; and Clinical Practice Improvement. Area Health Service with funding to start a Targeted Clinical Services team which includes Wollongong Hospital - Amanda Paloff and service at Port Kembla Hospital. It began with CHIEF EXECUTIVE AWARD Tracey Lee Women’s Health and Youth Health. This team is a 16 hours of medical cover, 20 hours of nursing joy to work with. A Truly Smoke Free Mental Health Inpatient Improving Peritonitis Rates and a full-time social worker. This was in the Unit – Mental Health, Mirrabook – presented by ISLHD Renal Services - Margreet Gutker, Anna early days of the AIDS epidemic, which recent Sexual Health is not just a clinical service. We Robyn McGregor Lee, Megan Brown, Margaret Wayne, Julee publications in the Australian media claim is are involved in a number of innovative research Clinical Associate Professor Katherine Brown Rajesh, Lisa Harris, Vanessa Minch, Angela Twist over! In many ways that is correct as HIV is no programs such as: shows off the special 30th anniversary cake CATEGORY WINNERS and Danielle Field PATIENTS AS PARTNERS: HealthMoves longer considered a “death sentence” and is now • EPIC – the NSW Health project aimed at QUALITY ACTIVITY: Improving Clinical Handover Ambulatory and Primary Health Care – Health managed as a chronic disease - although we’d preventing HIV through the use of daily Wollongong Hospital - A4 Surgery - Shoko Bunder Promotion Service – presented by Estela Gimenez still prefer people to avoid catching it! prophylaxis in high risk groups SAOE: Who Should I Refer? LOCAL SOLUTIONS: Aboriginal Foot Health Shellharbour Hospital - Banu Islek In 1988, soon after the commencement of • ADOPT - the program that provides Project the clinical service, we received funding for treatment to unseen partners for Port Kembla Hospital – presented by Alicia Burgess SELECTED TO PROGRESS TO an AIDS Coordinator and the Needle Syringe heterosexual-source patients with chlamydia STATE-WIDE AWARDS program as well as a Health Education Officer. • Education for GPs and nurses in the Nomination for NSW Premier’s Award – This was, and continues to be, one of the community and a special skills GP registrar Improving Governance Services Category: Risky Business: Streamlining Chemotherapy Referral Nomination for NSW Health Awards: Staff The Illawarra Sexual Health Service team celebrating the milestone Member of the Year and NSW Premier’s Award: Improving Government Services category Gaye Sykes, District Clinical Quality Systems Manager - Gaye was selected as a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Award Nomination for NSW Health Awards: Collaborative Leader category Dr Michael Davis, Co-Director Division of Critical Care ­- Michael was selected as a finalist in the NSW Health Awards Nomination for NSW Premier’s Awards: Improving Service Levels in Hospitals Category James Brinton, Clinical Nurse Consultant Surgical Services - James was selected as a finalist and the recipient of the NSW Premier’s Award (see page 13 for more) Nomination for ACI Rural Innovation Award: A Truly Smoke Free Mental Health Inpatient Unit – Mirrabook team

44 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 45 MILTON-ULLADULLA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY Operational since: 1933 In memoriam: Sadly, Mrs Narelle Ober OAM, Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at President of the Auxiliary, passed away on 4 November Local Auxiliaries and Milton Ulladulla Hospital 2016 at the time of this publication going to print. Narelle joined the Auxiliary in 2000 and was awarded Main purpose: Fundraising for the Hospital a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2008 for Key activities: Charity and fundraising events and service to the community through a range of service Fundraising Groups activities including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, organisations, including Auxiliaries for almost 40 market stalls, raffles and BBQs years. Narelle will be long remembered for her tireless dedication to her community, the Auxiliary and the Contributions: The Auxiliary recently raised over Hospital and will be deeply missed by all. Interested in joining a local auxiliary or giving back to your community? We’re fortunate to have $200,000 towards the purchase of equipment for the Renal and Palliative Care Unit Members of the Milton-Ulladulla Hospital so many amazing Auxiliaries and fundraising groups supporting our health service and carrying out Auxiliary at their Annual General Meeting, led Contact: [email protected] fundraising activities to contribute to the purchase of equipment and other enhancements. We are by late President, Narelle Ober (far right) proud to highlight some of these amazing groups in this article and if you’d like to learn more about any of the following, please contact them and ask how you can get involved! ILLAWARRA CANCER CARERS FRIENDS OF WOLLONGONG PORT KEMBLA HOSPITAL Operational since: 1990 HOSPITAL AUXILIARY Operational since: 1965 Meetings: 11am – first Thursday of each month Current members: Around 290 SHELLHARBOUR HOSPITAL at Port Kembla Hospital Current members: Around 40 AUXILIARY Main purpose: To support cancer patients and their Contact: Secretary Grace Woods:4274 4323, Operational since: 1986 families and medical staff, assist in transport to/ Main purpose: Fundraising for Wollongong President Judy Duggan: 4261 6649, Treasurer from the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, supporting Hospital and providing volunteer support for Current members: 65 Sylvia Green: 4261 3520 patients residing at Alkira Lodge and investing in patients and staff Main purpose: To purchase equipment for the Cancer Research at University of Wollongong Key activities: Snacks, toiletries, newspaper Hospital Key activities: Annual fundraising event - and flower care trolleys, washing patient clothes, BULLI HOSPITAL AUXILIARY Key activities: Daily trolley service, book/cake Banquet at the Beach, market stalls, BBQs, Dolls administrative assistance, stalls, Christmas raffle stalls, regular market days, sausage sizzles Show, Christmas gift wrapping and baskets and kiosk at the Hospital Operational since: 1966 Contributions: Purchased more than $57,000 Contributions: Donated around $45,000 Contributions: Recent equipment purchased Main purpose: Raises funds for Bulli Hospital worth of equipment in the last year, including a worth of equipment in the last year, including includes an ECG machine, AccuVein finder and patient comfort neonate infant warming system, Wireless Spot an immobiliser system, blanket warmer, and sleeper chairs Key Activities: Over the last 12 months the Vital Signs Monitors, care chairs and two ECG contributions to Alkira Lodge Contact: President Sandra Adams: 4222 5696 – Auxiliary has raised funds by holding soup days, machines Meetings: Visit illawarracancercarers.org.au for a New members needed! BBQ’s, Christmas Twilight Markets, cake stalls, Meetings: 1pm - fourth Tuesday of each month full list of events / meetings Raffles and their annual luncheon Interesting fact: Sometimes referred to as the at the Senior’s Hall, Warilla Contact: President Ian Mackay: 4271 5989, pink ladies, membership is actually open to men and Contributions: Purchase of two portable Contact: President Lyn Thompson: 4256 1585 Secretary Audrey Walsh: 4229 8872, Treasurer women and the Auxiliary’s shirts are really lavender! Defibrillation Units worth $14,000, an electric or Secretary Wendy Cook: 4296 0048 - David Berry: 4271 3376. To join – contact Audrey height-adjustable patient anti-pressure chair New members always welcome! Walsh: 4229 8872 for an application form or apply worth $7,000 online at: illawarracancercarers.org.au Interesting fact: The Auxiliary celebrated its 30th COMMUNITY CANCER LINK Meetings: 10am fourth Thursday of each month at the Hospital Anniversary this year – with four of the founding Interesting fact: To date 100% of the $3.25 million Operational since: 2009 members still members today donations have stayed in the Illawarra Interesting fact: 2016 marked the 90th Birthday Main purpose: Fundraising of the Bulli Hospital Auxiliary Key activities: Craft stalls, trivia nights, pie drives,

DAVID BERRY HOSPITAL GREENWELL POINT HOSPITAL KIAMA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY bus trips, Christmas in July luncheon, fashion parades, major raffles AUXILIARY AUXILIARY Operational since: 1931 Operational since: 1973 Operational since: 1950 Contact: President Joy Lever: 4228 8853, Vice Current members: 18 Shoalhaven City & Shoalhaven President Ken Switzer: 4243 1501, Secretary Lions Linear Accelerator and Current members: 14 Current members: 27 Ingrid Vanderberg: 4228 1031 Main purpose: Fundraising for the Hospital Cancer Treatment Fundraising Main purpose: Fundraising for the Hospital Main purpose: Fundraising for Shoalhaven Key activities: Charity events including fashion District Memorial Hospital and supporting Committee Key activities: Street stalls, book sales, parades, raffles, Kiama Lady Golfers Charity Day patients through volunteer work luncheons, fashion parades and the Great and Easter stall CANCER OUTPATIENTS APPEAL A special mention also to the Shoalhaven City Chicken Day before Easter Key activities: Annual fundraising calendar OF MILTON-ULLADULLA & Shoalhaven Lions Linear Accelerator and Contributions: In the last year, purchased 10 includes cake stalls, fashion parades, garden Operational since: 2003 Cancer Treatment Fundraising Committee. Contributions: Donated $1500 to the Hospital in bedside cabinets, a large upholstered wheelchair parties, auctions, raffles, craft days and fetes. Other the last 12-months and a number of gel cushions totalling more than Main purpose: Fundraising for the Cancer Over the last 12 years, the group under activities include a trolley service, washing patient $9,000 (all equipment has moved to the new Services Centre and supporting its patients and its many names, together with the local Meetings: 12.30pm – second Monday of each clothes and making gifts for new babies. Regular ‘Kiama Ward’) their families community, raised an amazing $2 million month. Conference Room, David Berry Hospital donations are also received by local businesses towards the 10-unit accommodation facility at Meetings: 1.30pm, first Wednesday of each Key activities: Fundraising and charity events, Contact: President Marilyn Kellet: 4464 1774 or Contributions: During the 2015-16 year, Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre. month at Kiama Hospital – visitors welcome luncheons and activities, wig library, partnership [email protected] - Always looking for purchased a Welch Allyn Connex ProBP machine, with Community Transport Aid – complementary The fundraising group recently handed over its new members! Transportable Airvo 2 machine and Christmas Contact: Secretary Julie Stokes: 4233 1566 or transport for patients, support programs for last cheque (for a significant $750,000) towards presents and toiletry kits for patients [email protected] – new members welcome Interesting fact: They describe themselves as patients and carers the second linear accelerator at the Centre a group of ladies and men who fundraise while Meetings: 1.30pm – first Thursday of the month Interesting fact: Though in-patient services at (read more on page 16) and formally hung up Contributions: Funds raised contribute to having fun at Greenwell Point Community Hall Kiama Hospital ceased in September this year, the charity’s boots. the Auxiliary will continue to raise funds for the the Centre’s equipment and building / garden Contact: President Sandra Walter: 4447 1822, Thank you to all the members of the outpatient and community outreach services maintenance, support volunteers and the production Vice President Diana Metcalf: 4447 1602, 2nd committee, and community, who which will remain on the Kiama site of the Shoalhaven Cancer Services Directory Vice President June Innes: 4447 1255, Secretary contributed over the years and a very special Contact: [email protected] Donna Swan: 0419 206 730 – New members acknowledgement of the founding committee or visit canceroutpatientsappeal.org.au always welcome. Come along to a meeting or NOWRA/SHOALHAVEN HOSPITAL members, including the late Dr Ray Cleary, who contact one of the members. AUXILIARY Interesting fact: The appeal was instrumental in teamed up to bring cancer services closer to Contact: Shoalhaven District Memorial the establishment of the Milton Ulladulla Cancer home for Shoalhaven residents. Interesting fact: It is the longest operating Auxiliary in the Shoalhaven Hospital: 4421 3111 Services Centre

46 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 47 MEET THE AWARD WINNING PORT KEMBLA Palliative Care Volunteers Starting Kindergarten In addition to the many volunteers in our Auxiliaries, we have a number of generous individuals and groups donating their in 2017? time and energy into helping our patients and their families and carers. Rhys David getting ready to It takes a special type of person to be a volunteer went on to be named a finalist in the Volunteer In the hospital, the volunteers provide an start Kindergarten in 2017 and we are incredibly lucky to have so many Team category against many other wonderful average of 420 hours of service a month to FUEL GROWING BODIES AND MINDS people within our local community willing to organisations and were honoured to take out an average 250 patients each year. They work give something back. Amongst the groups of the award! The team was crowned winner for the every weekday including most public holidays. WITH OUR HEALTHY LUNCH BOX TIPS volunteers operating throughout the District are Illawarra region at the local award ceremony and Palliative Care volunteers help in the community the Port Kembla Palliative Care volunteers, who will go onto attend the NSW awards at the end of by offering respite to ease a difficult time for the were recently acknowledged for the outstanding the year. families and carers of people who are palliating Starting big school is an important, but sometimes daunting, rite of work they do. at home. passage - and that’s just for the parents! As much as some of us would Currently, 42 volunteers provide a wide range “I volunteer because I saw a need and it was The Port Kembla team was nominated for the of services both in the Port Kembla Hospital love to, we can’t be a fly on the wall at school to watch what our children something I could do to help people in troubled NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards by Volunteer Palliative Care Ward and increasingly out in get up to all day. But we do get to pack their lunch each morning and times,” said volunteer Helen Smith. Co-ordinator Cynzia Dei-Cont. The group the community. sending them off to school with a range of nutritious food is the best The role of volunteer is often a confidante or way to make sure they’ve got the energy they’ll need for the day. sounding board for distressed patients and carers who, for whatever reason, may feel more The first day of Kindergarten is the perfect opportunity to start your comfortable talking to a volunteer than a health professional. They are ready to listen or give a hug; child off on the right track with a healthy lunch and snacks. In fact, the their presence represents community support. start of any new school year is a great chance to think about what Congratulations to this outstanding team you’re putting in your child’s lunchbox. Check out some of our tips for a of volunteers! If you’d like to learn more healthy lunch box below: about Palliative Care volunteering contact Port Kembla Hospital Volunteer Co-ordinator, Cynzia Dei-Cont on 4223 8414.

Front: Nikki Savas, Helen Smith, Crunch & Sip Acting Director of Nursing Suzanne Lide, Alma Carriage  Pack some veggie sticks or fruit Centre: Lola Flanagan, Russell McGhee, & water for a quick refuel Lorna Robertson, Maureen Thackray, Flora Fishbourne, Chris Atwill Back: Director Palliative Care Services Dr Greg Barclay, Deputy Director of Nursing Louise Morrison, Jenny Murray and Matilde Bannigan

YEAR IN REVIEW DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING We would like to thank the many organisations, • Individual donation of $45,000 towards community groups and individuals that Coledale Hospital contributed to our hospitals, facilities and • Veolia Mulwaree Trust donated $6600 to services over the past year. The Auxiliaries and Shoalhaven Hospital Intensive Care Unit hospital fundraising groups that support us contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to • Berry Community Activities Centre donated the health service each year and you can read $6212 to Shoalhaven Hospital Medical Ward more about them on pages 46-47. • HMAS Albatross donated $5128 to Thank you to those who have donated to the Shoalhaven Hospital Children’s Ward District over the past year and to everyone that put time, work and support into fundraising • GR Payne donated $5000 to Wollongong activities – every effort, whether big or small, is Hospital Children’s Ward a much appreciated contribution to what we do • Razorbacks Football Club donated $4750 to Morning Tea Lunch Drink and the community we serve. Illawarra Cancer Care Centre  Fresh fruit  Pick & mix with veg sticks,  Always pack water While there are too many to mention, some of • Macedonian Welfare Association donated the donations and fundraising dollars received $4130 to Illawarra Cancer Care Centre  Wholemeal crackers hommus & tzatziki  Light milk this year include: with cheese  Sandwiches & wraps with • Harley Owners Group NSW South Coast • Run Wollongong raised over $81,000 for the Chapter donated $4000 to Wollongong  Yoghurt tubs lean meats & salad fillings Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward (see Hospital Children’s Ward  Homemade muffins  Leftovers Co-Director Kids and Families Division, more on page 18) Jenny Claridge and Nurse Unit Manager Wollongong • Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia  Air popped corn Hospital Children’s Ward, Judy Ayre accept the • Dry July raised $40,000 for the Illawarra and (HCA) raised funds for the Humpty Dumpty  Boiled egg donation from Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Hitachi Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centres Foundation, which then purchased and Australia Construction Machinery Australia and A&T Excavations and Plant Services Pty Ltd • Illawarra Dialysis and Transplant Association donated an ECG Machine valued at $6,560 Inc donated more than $23,000 toward to the Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward 48 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS Renal Services and equipment SUMMER 2016-17 / 49 Our CORE Values NEW BREASTSCREEN SITE IN ULLADULLA Commitment Only 20 minutes of your time, every two years In the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Heath District we can best could save your life! achieve our Purpose of Healthy People, Resilient Communities Women in our District’s southernmost areas A launch event was held in early November, Aboriginal Women’s Corporation, Coordinare by living the CORE Values with each other. no longer have to wait for the BreastScreen where Robyn Schubert, Director of BreastScreen Primary Health Network, local breast care nurse mobile van to visit to have their regular screening South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra, and Peter and medical centre staff were also in attendance, mammograms. In November, BreastScreen Mundey, Business Manager South East Radiology together with local women who organise breast NSW opened a new permanent site in Ulladulla, (partnering organisation) officially opened the cancer fundraisers and a breast cancer survivor meaning that more women will have access to Ulladulla site. Representatives of the Local who shared her story of being diagnosed last free mammograms – all year round. Health District’s Women’s Health team, Local year through the BreastScreen NSW mobile van. WeJoin are us committedin committing to: to: Aboriginal Lands Council, Waminda South Coast It is recommended that all women aged 40 years and older have a screening mammogram every two years, which can detect breast cancer before caring for our patients, our communities and each other, providing a safe and a woman can notice any symptoms or changes in supportive environment for everyone their breasts. The earlier a breast cancer is found, Collaborators from BreastScreen and South East Radiology together communicating e ectively and ensuring that everyone has a shared sense of the better a woman’s chance of survival. with guests at the official opening of the new permanent Ulladulla site purpose and progress working together, sharing knowledge and resources, to achieve quality outcomes Women can book in for their free screening that we can all be proud of mammogram at BreastScreen NSW by calling interacting in a way that acknowledges that everyone's input, skills and 13 20 50. If you need a language interpreter you experience contributes to our success can call 13 14 50. No GP referral needed.

The new site is open now for appointments and is located at: Suite 2/15 Boree Street, Ulladulla communicating in a way that builds trust and embraces transparency (near Coles and Woolworths) being honest with one another and with ourselves, in order to get the best outcomes Other BreastScreen sites in our District are genuinely listening to what others have to say as we believe their feedback and located at: ideas help us to improve 299 Crown Street, Wollongong speaking up because we believe that what we have to say contributes to a better workplace Stockland Shopping Centre, Shellharbour 33 Berry Street, Nowra

looking after the safety and health of our colleagues because we are all important to someone creating a respectful workplace for all, where we treat each other with dignity and care appreciating each other and celebrating our e orts celebrating our diversity and acknowledging that our individual di erences make us better as a whole HEALTHIN Read me FOCUS NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL HEALTH SERVICE The cooler ensuring everyone has clear individual and team roles and accountabilities months are here WINTER 2016 HOW TO KEEP WELLHEALTH THIS WINTER IN encouraging and enabling decision-making at the local level online The other way BOTOX is changing lives TWITTER FOCUS taking responsibility and being accountable for delivering on our commitments You can read or NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL HEALTH SERVICE Did you know you can follow us responding to change, and striving for continuous learning and improvement Behind theSPRING 2016 scenes of surgery’s download the current HEALTHengine room IN OUR QUIT SMOKING on Twitter? @IllaShoalHealth and past editions of CRUSADER FOCUS- still kicking butt 20 years on Health In Focus online at NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL HEALTH SERVICE We use our Twitter feed to let the islhd.health.nsw.gov.au SUMMER 2016/17 community know about things such as: THE YEAR In this edition: • Our Statement of Commitment to IN REVIEW Aboriginal People • Put a spring in your step this season • How our Emergency Departments work • Upcoming events and workshops Be Summer• Meet the Friends of Wollongong Hospital Smart 2016 TOP ACHIEVERS • Local and state-wide health initiatives HospitalsOur working together • Public health notifications • Our innovations and achievements

50 \ HEALTH IN FOCUS SUMMER 2016-17 / 51 PUBLIC POOLS No smoking at public swimming pools

Section 6A of the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 makes a number of outdoor public places smoke free. Smoking is now banned within the grounds of all public swimming pools in NSW. This is because there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke and public swimming pools often attract large numbers of people, particularly families with children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412 or visit the NSW Health website: health.nsw.gov.au Non-English speaker? Please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 for assistance.