South West Hospital and Health Service PULSE OCTOBER 2019 Edition Contents

4 Board

We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the lands across the South 6 Board out and about West. We would also like to pay our respects to the current and future Elders who will inherit the responsibility of keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture alive, and creating a better life for the generations to follow. We believe the future happiness and 7 Health Service Chief Executive wellbeing of all Australians and their future generations will be enhanced by valuing and taking pride in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – the oldest living culture of humanity. 8 Where’s Linda been?

South West Traditional Owners: Our Communities

Augathella – Bidjara (Bid-jara) – Kamilaroi (Car-milla-roy) 8 How the South West stayed safe during Stay Safe Month

Bollon – Kooma (Coo-ma) Quilpie – Bunthamarra (Bun-tha-mar-ra) 9 South West strengthens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Voice and Wangkumara (Wong-ka-mara) 10 kids recognised at the Awards Showcase Charleville – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Roma – (Mand-an-dand-gee) 11 Community Advisory Network Roma Chair Profile - Heather Geary Cunnamulla – Kunya (Koun-yah) with other interests St George – Kooma (Coo-ma) with 12 Have your Say on the National Obesity Strategy Kamilaroi, Mandandanji, Bigambul and Dirranbandi – Kooma (Coo-ma) Gungarri interests 13 Dirranbandi celebrates its 33rd birthday

Surat – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee) – Kongabula (Kong-ga-bull-a) 14 ‘Testing our Health’ in the South West – Kullila (Coo-lee-lar) Mitchell – Gungurri (Gon-gari) Our Teams Morven – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Wallumbilla – Mandandanji (Mand-an- dand-gee) 16 South West partners with Health Consumers Queensland

18 Annual Community Advisory Network forum a great success FRONT COVER IMAGE: South West Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Linda Patat with 20 Everyone is a leader in the South West Health Consumers Queensland representative Cecilia O’Donohue and Cecilia’s carer Maria. 21 South West medical workforce goes from strength to strength

Our services

22 Working hand in hand with Primary Health Network to help our consumers

Our Values 23 Community Information Session updates residents on the new Roma Hospital

24 #SWspirit - Bruce Albeck - Wallumbilla Community Clinic

25 South West Hospital and Health Service Staff Awards 2019

QUALITY COMPASSION ACCOUNTABILITY ENGAGEMENT ADAPTABILITY Our resources

27 Roma Hospital Redevelopment update This newsletter is produced by the South West Hospital and Health Service (South West HHS). All feedback and contributions are welcome to [email protected]. All published material has been approved by the Health Chief Executive. The feedback from the Staff Awards Night on Monday 2019 has been excellent. Indeed, it was a great night; a bit upmarket from previous events thanks to the generous support from Watpac, the contractors for the new Roma Hospital.

I would like to add my personal congratulations to all finalists and to the winners. However, I am reminded that all of these people and teams do not achieve this recognition by themselves; they could not achieve these awards without a great deal of assistance, support and ncouragement from their colleagues.

The role of our volunteers, our Community Advisory Network (CAN) members, is invaluable in providing local perspectives which can point to areas and issues to improve our services. The annual CAN forum provides an opportunity for our CAN members to meet and discuss issues of broader interest. This year, the CAN chairs were encouraged to bring another member with them. While a formal report on the outcomes of this forum will be made available to the CANs and our staff, I am delighted that the forum also received very positive comments.

Our challenge is to ensure that next year’s events in Charleville build on the improvements of this year.

Every night the TV news bulletins carry stories of disturbing events from the Royal Commission into Aged Care. Everyone must appreciate that the Royal Commission will have implications for all who provide services to our aging parents, relatives and friends. Similarly, the new Standards are already causing us to critically rethink of service models and behaviours. I hope that we are “ahead of the game’ in the South West though our FROM THE BOARD CHAIR commitment to our behaviourally-based values of Quality, Compassion, Accountability, Engagement and Adaptability.

JIM Mc GOWAN, AM As I have consistently stressed, these are encapsulated by needing to see the image of mothers, fathers and loved ones in the faces of the people needing our services. If we all can hold true to this image, we will ideally be placed to meet the challenges arising from the new Aged Care Standards and the outcomes of the Royal Commission. I say this not to promote any complacency but to encourage our collective commitment to looking after I would like to add my personal those who have provided us with so much, socially, culturally and economically. We owe congratulations to all finalists and to the them a great debt. winners. However, I am reminded that all of The seemingly endless drought, which has exacerbated the impact of wild fires and which are affecting NSW and Queensland as I write this, make it important that we look out for these people and teams do not achieve this signs of distress in the people in the communities of the South West. Mental health issues recognition by themselves; they could not are often complex but support is available. In some occasions it just involves a shoulder to lean on or someone to just listen. If more clinically based interventions are needed, we achieve these awards without a great deal of should all encourage people to access the support which is available. assistance, support and encouragement from A couple of quotes to ponder. “Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility their colleagues. we have. Those who have walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.” (John Hoeven (b 1957). US Banker and Democratic Senator) Jim McGowan AM presenting Peter Bradford the Board Chair’s Award for 2019. “One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” (Jim Rohn (1930-2009). Author and Motivational speaker)

Jim

4 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 5 FROM THE BOARD CHAIR FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OUT AND ABOUT LINDA PATAT

I write this message following an amazing night at our Team will be receiving their training in relation to the Annual Staff Awards. I thoroughly enjoyed our time new tool in the first week of December, and we will share with those who could attend (about 120!); it was such a further information with you in December to help start privilege to reflect and share on a ‘Year in Review’ and the rolling this out. people who choose to work with us and live our values every day (and the dancing!!) I anticipate to be sharing announcements in relation the two Executive positions I am currently recruiting The evening was followed by our Annual CAN Forum, to (Executive Director Primary and Community Care, which again, is always such a rich source of insights and Executive Director Strategy, Performance and and feedback into how we are doing, and what we Governance) prior to the Christmas break. need to focus on next. We have committed to looking into how we schedule and communicate Oral Health The work we are progressing in relation to Healthy visits; regularly share how our Medical Workforce levels Communities, strong Primary Care through our Celebrating at the 2019 SWHHS Staff Awards are are going; and prioritise the DON backfill and relief Healthcare Home Model, strengthening our Aged Care (front from left) Russell Bowles, Julie McNeil, Jim arrangements. Standards across residential and MPHS sites along with McGowan AM, Linda Patat, Loretta Johnson and Ray Chandler; with (from back), Kathleen Rogers, Dr Tim community services, and building maturity in our clinical Smart, David Sinclair and Sam Edmonds. This month we received the high level results of the governance systems will continue to be a focus for us Queensland Staff Opinion Survey, and in the coming all in the coming months. I look forward to sharing next weeks we will share these with each area. You should month’s Pulse with you, which will focus a celebration expect to have a discussion with your Team Leader or of a ‘Year in Review’ to acknowledge the amazing work Manager about the results before the end of November, that has occurred throughout 2019. The end of the year and be part of sharing ideas and suggestions regarding is drawing near quickly, and I am looking forward to what what actions we will progress to continue to improve. the year ahead brings us all.

I’ll be sharing our results and our action plans through Until then, I remain yours in service, my regular All-staff HSCE Messages. I’m committed to L continuing to do everything I can to support the heart and soul of our organisation. It’s not our name, or where we work, but our unique culture that we want to not Board Chair Jim McGowan AM addresses the audience at the annual Naomi Poole, Director Consumer Partnering from the Australian Safety and Community Advisory Network Forum held recently in Roma. Quality Healthcare Commission with South West CE Linda Patat at the CAN only attract the very best, but also nurture and inspire Forum held recently. everyone here to bring their best selves to work.

As part of this continuous improvement, and commitment to being our best, we are also building our own unique model of leadership - a leader landscape that will work specifically for South West. We’re not adopting another model, but tailoring our own that is purpose- built and a purpose fit for what we need to succeed in the South West. This framework is built on the fundamental belief and principle that everyone is a leader - either of self, teams, services, or the organisation.

Board Member Ray Chandler, A/Executive Director Primary and Community CAN Chair Roma Heather Geary, CAN Chair Injune Jane Cosh, CAN The most exciting part about this framework is a new Care Julie McNeil, Executive Director Finance, Infrastructure and Corporate representative St George Mareea Lochel, A/DON St George Sheila CDLA! We will have a new process and approach that SWHHS CE Linda Patat with Watpac’s Queensland Business Services Sam Edmonds and Bridgette Price at the CAN forum held recently. Marshall, A/Executive Director Nusing and Midwifery Jeff Potter and Board Development Manager Ross Jarden (left) and Watpack’s Project Manager Governance Officer Donna Burke at the CAN forum held recently. works through authentic and regular conversations that Brett Rosenthal. 6 South West Hospital and Health Service are meaningful to both parties. The Senior Leadership The Pulse October 2019 7 WHERE’S LINDA BEEN? SOUTH WEST STRENGTHENS

RIGHT: Guess where Linda was in ABORIGINAL AND October 2019?

Send your guesses to SWHHS_ [email protected] TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER LEADERSHIP AND VOICE

The South West Hospital and Health Service Chief our ability to work in true partnership to prioritise the ABOVE: Where was Linda in September 2019? Executive has welcomed Rodney Landers Senior to the specific health needs of our communities continues to Linda was at the new Pub. position of Senior Indigenous Health Coordinator as part require us to value the knowledge and experiences of of the Executive Leadership Team Structure. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Born and bred in Roma, the Mandandanji Traditional Rodney, who is known for his approachable and Owner and Community member is also the Chair of the down-to-earth attitude, is looking forward to his new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Advisory responsibilities and building and maintaining networks HOW THE SOUTH WEST Council. to further develop and implement strategies which aim to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal and South West’s Chief Executive Linda Patat said that as part Torres Strait Islander peoples. STAYED SAFE DURING STAY of the SWHHS Strategic Plan, the Board had set a very specific direction for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “I have a good understanding of my community’s needs. health for the South West, with a strong mandate to Growing up in Roma I’ve been schooled, played sport SAFE MONTH implement strategies to improve cultural awareness and and worked in the area it is in these roles that I gained an cultural competency of our workforce and our services. intimate knowledge of issues, concerns and interests of Safe Work Month is the annual awareness month, my people.” held in October, that encourages all working “Rodney will assist our Queenslanders to come together and build healthy, organisation to continue safe and productive working environments. This to strengthen relationships year the Safety and Wellbeing team from the SWHHS and partnerships with local concentrated on Chemical Safety in the Workplace, Aboriginal and Torres Strait as all workplaces have large amounts of chemicals Islander communities, that they use daily - that have been assessed and Aboriginal community- managed to be the safest possible options for the controlled health services workplace. Each workplace was supplied a variety and elders, through of resources to implement and support their safe partnerships that are work culture. sustainable and of mutual benefit. Mungindi’s Workplace Health and Safety Representative - Valerie Clay provided this photo “Access to good health of her display board which included a variety of care that is culturally the supplied resources offered by the Safety and appropriate and evidence- Wellbeing team. based is the right of all Mungindi staff celebrated Safe Work Month with a poster wall our local Indigenous which included key information about how to stay safe in the South West CE Linda Patat with Senior Indigenous Queenslanders work hard and it’s important we all go workplace. community members, and Health Coordinator Rodney Landers Senior. home at the end of the day safe.

8 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 9 CUNNAMULLA KIDS CAN CHAIR PROFILE: RECOGNISED AT AWARDS HEATHER GEARY - ROMA

SHOWCASE The Roma community will always hold a special place in Heather said it was a real honour to be the community’s Heather Geary’s heart. representative as the CAN Chair. The Cunnamulla P-12 State School were finalists in In 2010 Heather’s home in Roma was flooded and when “The fact that I can help ensure the healthcare needs the Queensland Education the insurance declined to help her, it was the Roma are met in my community is an honour and I feel very Showcase Awards in community that helped her through the difficult time. privileged that I am the community representative for at the end of October. them. “The community spirit shown to me during 2010 when South West HOPE program’s my home was flooded was incredible,” Heather said. “I love that I can give back to my community through the Sue Eustace-Earle said it Community Advisory Network. was wonderful to see the “I almost lost everything in my house but my work mates Cunnamulla students up and community members helped me through it. They “And it is extra exciting now with the new Roma Hospital there so proud of their cooked, cleaned, checked on me each night and kept me build all happening. The community is thrilled about achievements. going and some local tradies rebuilt my home with little having a new state of the art building which should make input from me. the patient journey much more pleasant, not to mention “We had a big contingent all of the staff being collocated will be fantastic for them from the South West “This community spirit is what keeps me going. I feel communication and team wise.” supporting the kids including like I need to pay the community back which is why my South West’s Chief Executive passion for helping and supporting them through my While Heather isn’t busy working or helping the Linda Patat and South West’s position with the Community Advisory Network (CAN) is community with their healthcare needs she does love Board Chair Jim McGowan so important to me.” to garden, travel, walk her two border collies, visit her AM. Representatives from Cunnamulla P-12 State School at the Queensland Education Showcase Awards in Brisbane recently with South West’s CE Linda Patat and South West’s Board Chair Jim McGowan AM and HOPE’s Sue Eustace-Earle. As Roma’s Community Advisory Network Chair with the models for designing, funding and evaluating placed- South West, Heather knows just how important these “It was very exciting based/whole-of-community initiatives at a workshop with networks are in each of the communities across the South for them to not only be Health Futures Managing Director and Westpac West. finalists but to come Social Change Fellow Dr Shelley Bowen,” she said. second in the Rural and “I had previously worked for Queensland Health for 26 Remote Category.” “Dr Bowen shared her insights from her extensive years. I held positions all over the state including with experience developing and implementing the Healthy , Mt Isa, Sunshine Coast, and Sue shared her insights Together Victoria model – the Victorian Government’s Roma,” she said. from work in Charleville all-of-systems initiative to improve healthy eating and and Cunnamulla as part physical activity in children’s settings, workplaces and “I knew Leanne Patton, who has been an Acting Director of a panel discussing communities.” of Nursing at the Roma Hospital from my days with Place-Based initiatives in Queensland Health and she knew of my passion for not Queensland. Sue said Dr Bowen also talked about how she founded only the community but also for its health and wellbeing. HOPE’s Sue Eustace-Earle with Dr Shelley Bowen. Health Futures Australia as a new not-for-profit to drive “Health and Wellbeing Australia’s healthiest communities in a movement to “So when she asked me to become a member of the Queensland invited activate community, sectoral and civic leadership to fight Roma CAN I knew it was a wonderful opportunity to help government departments obesity. repay the community from all the support they had given to examine emerging to me.”

10 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 11 HAVE YOUR SAY ON DIRRANBANDI CELEBRATES A NATIONAL OBESITY ITS 33rd BIRTHDAY Every year on 18 October, the Dirranbandi Hospital staff sorts of stories about the STRATEGY join to celebrate the birthday of the hospital. rd good old days. “People had their babies there, lost Opened in 1986, the hospital heralded a new era in health loved ones, had x-rays, Overweight and obesity is an issue affecting our whole Epidemic in care services for the community. bought in their sick kids community. Take action and join in the consultations on Australia (2018) -sometimes even pets,” she a national obesity strategy. You can be a part of creating a and a National Dirranbandi’s Director of Nursing and Facility Manager said. healthier future. Obesity Summit Jane O’Shannessy said the community love to share in 2019. flashbacks from that day. “They recalled all the staff What’s happening? The Council of Australian that have come and gone. Governments (COAG) Health Council has committed to Why? More “The local butcher used to volunteer for the ambulance It was wonderful. I love that developing a national obesity strategy. than 14 million and he said he remembered the day clearly. In particular, people have a history with people in when he had to help two patients move from the their health care facility.” All interested members of the community are invited to Australia are overweight or obese: 2 in every 3 adults, and hospital. He remembered it took a lot of people to help help inform the strategy. A range of ideas and options 1 in every 4 children. make the hospital operational,” Jane said. have been developed and are in the consultation paper. If the current trend continues, 18 million Australians, or This year staff from the Dirranbandi Hospital and the These ideas are based on information gathered through more than three-quarters of the projected Australian Multipurpose Health Service residents joined for lunch evidence and practice reviews, and the outcomes of population, will be overweight or obese by 2030. and birthday cake. BELOW: Celebrating Dirranbandi’s 33rd birthday are (from the Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the Obesity left) Donna Hooper, Heather Lindsay, Sue Burnett, Jo Government leadership and a whole-of-society Jane said during the lunch long-term staff recalled all Burke, Caroline Dent and Kimberly Clark. response through a national obesity strategy will help in preventing overweight and obesity in our communities. What should a How can I get involved? To share your views and ideas:

1. Complete an online survey. There is a long and national obesity short form survey to choose from.

2. Take part in a community consultation session

strategy for 3. Participate in the national webinar.

The consultation closes at 11.59pm, Sunday 15 Australia say? December 2019. For more on how to get involved, go to the national obesity strategy consultation hub at Have your say on a https://consultations.health.gov.au/population- national obesity strategy health-and-sport-division/national-obesity- strategy/

Attend a community forum Location:12 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 13

Time & date:

consultations.health.gov.au TESTING OUR HEALTH IN TESTING OUR HEALTH IN THE SOUTH WEST THE SOUTH WEST

The South West has recently created a focus on helping and physical activity checks. The Chief Health Officer for Queensland’s recommendation for daily consumption of vegetables individuals and nourishing the places and communities report - epidemiological transitions and and legumes/beans from healthy foods, compared with 3.8% of adults aged 18-64yrs we live in. “These are all conducted by trained nursing staff and emerging patterns of disease - creating these health checks can be delivered to a target audience pressure on health services South West’s Community Nutritionist Rohan Ballon said of over 30 individuals in an hour, with instant feedback ACTIVITY this focus had come to fruition because of the impact being provided. HEALTH that social relationships and social networks have on our o 13% of South West adults were inactive health and wellbeing. “It really is a great way to help community members o 63% of Australians aged 18 and over are overweight or maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce risk of development HEALTHY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE obese Rohan said that every community is different, with a huge of longer-term diseases” variance between the rural and remote communities Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the easiest method of o 50% of Australians have a chronic condition and these compared with cities. The South West Healthy Communities team recently preventing chronic diseases and long term illnesses. This conditions are responsible for most deaths undertook a health check for community members from does not mean forcing yourself into intense regimes of “As health professionals we need to focus on community across the South West at the annual Community Advisory physical activity and diet. o More than 4 in 5 Australians aged 15 and over rated needs and be responsive to the different needs in each Network Forum on 29 October, 2019. their health as ‘excellent’, ‘very good’ or ‘good’ in 2014-15 community. Communities are an indispensable resource This means finding activities that are fun and enjoyable for improving health and wellbeing. “It was great for those in attendance to see first- hand for you, trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and DIET how quick and easy the testing is. This was a great way to surround yourself with encouraging people that will help “By recognising and understanding the importance of start getting the message of the health checks into our you improve. o Queensland children and adults are choosing foods health care needs in communities we can help them build communities through their CAN representatives,” he said. and drinks that are highly processed, energy–dense and resilience, trust and ultimately lead to better health and nutrient–poor, instead of the nutrient rich five food wellbeing. Rohan said the health check kits and planning tools are groups from healthy food sources and necessary for a available for staff to host health checks in facilities across long and healthy life. “It is about co-designing solutions for healthy lifestyles the South West. for our consumers and cultivating an environment where o More than 1/3 (37%) of daily total energy intake is communities can come forward with ideas.” Please give the Healthy Communities a call if you would coming from unhealthy foods across all age groups from like them to visit your facility to test your work unit. the very young to the elderly He said one way of identifying early signs of health issues was o 0.6% of children aged 5-17yrs met the by conducting regular health checks in every community.

“Through staying in touch with the communities and running early checks can help maintain a health lifestyle while also reducing the risk of developing longer-term disease.

“These checks include blood pressure, blood cholesterol blood sugar, smokerlyzer, diet

14 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 15 HEALTH CONSUMERS QLD KITCHEN TABLES BRINGS THE CONCEPT CONTINUED....

KITCHEN TABLES TO SOUTH The South West Hospital and Health Service will introduce What a perfect way to get back to basics, to let the new ways of engaging with its communities so that it has conversation flow and really understand what is in place the greatest opportunities to gain feedback from important to communities. WEST QUEENSLAND all members of the community. The Kitchen Table opportunities will be endless. We will When we think about the concept of the Kitchen Table be looking to introduce the Kitchen Tables concept to A highlight of the forum was the Kitchen Tables interview discussion with up to 10 community members living in it is more than a flat surface, it is the heartbeat of a enable meaningful engagement to occur connecting by Reema Naresh from Health Consumers Queensland the neighbourhood / local , and send in a summary family, the centre of activity where memories are made, consumers who we may not have touched in the past. with Cecilia Donohue, a consumer who has been a host of the conversation. meals prepared, support provided, information shared, for Health Consumers connections nurtured and maintained. It is a place of This will be an evolving process as consumers become Queensland in It can be at someone’s home, the local café wherever bringing family and friends together. more involved and provide a strong and effective voice conducting Kitchen there is a relaxed and informal setting where people can across the full spectrum of health issues. Tables. open up, feel respected and speak from their heart about what is important to them. It’s as easy as that! Cecilia is very passionate about There is growing evidence of the importance of Donna Burke, Maria (Cecilia’s carer), Cecila Donohue and Reema Naresh at the CAN forum health services in rural partnerships with patient-centred care recognised as an recently. communities and element of high quality healthcare in its own right with this interest started significant benefits ie. clinical quality and outcomes, the as a result of her own experience of care, and the business and operations of disability. Cecilia has delivering care. had Rheumatoid Arthritis for past 45 Momentum is gathering with a greater interest and Naomi Poole from Health Consumers years and now has focus on healthcare by consumers and the at the CAN forum held recently. carers seven days a Hospital and Health Service will continue to build week. effective partnerships, allow consumers to be involved to the extent they choose, encourage the participation of The Kitchen Table segment commenced with Ann Curtis, consumers in healthcare processes and support them as Engagement Consultant, Health Consumers Queensland there are significant benefits to be achieved. delivering a pre-recorded interview on the power of the Kitchen Table discussion. Kitchen Table discussions are community conversations led by local people for local Reema Naresh from Health Consumers Queensland addressing the audience at the CAN forum. people.

They allow individuals and small groups to participate in discussions at a time of day, and in a place, that suits them. The discussions enable health consumers, carers and community members who do not ordinarily participate in healthcare consultation to have their say in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. A host will plan, coordinate and facilitate a once-only 90 minute

16 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 17 must be embraced to deliver on the vision and values Following the lunch break the results were profiled to forum with our patients and communities at the very centre of attendees with varying results across the cohort. ANNUAL COMMUNITY everything we do. Reema Naresh, Engagement Advisor, Health Consumers Chris Houghton, National Disability Insurance Scheme Queensland gave an informative presentation on engaging ADVISORY NETWORK A (NDIS) Co-ordinator, Quilpie Shire Council gave an with consumers highlighting a myriad of ways to engage interesting overview of her role as the NDIS Co-ordinator consumers and how important consumer engagement is and provided some ideas to community members on across planning implementation, monitoring, evaluation and GREAT SUCCESS how to navigate the NDIS landscape. review and that good engagement commences in the very early stages. Rohan Ballon, Community Nutritionist, Kathy Morrow, On Tuesday 29 October 2019 the annual Community sessions regarding future Health Service Planning, the Healthy Lifestyles Co-ordinator and Helen Wassman, A range of different processes may be used to ensure a broad Advisory Network (CAN) was held in Roma. More than development of healthy communities, presentations Service Director gave a presentation on Healthy representation of consumers are involved. One process 60 people attended with Community Advisory Network by Health Consumers Queensland and the Australian Communities - local connections for positive change. highlighted and currently being used across the State to Chairs and representatives from across the 15 sites Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare. gather consumer feedback was the notion of Kitchen Tables, throughout the region joining the Board and Executive a method of going back to the grass roots where family and Members at the forum. Linda Patat, Health Service Chief Executive provided “The Healthy Communities friends gather around the table, are comfortable, sit close to an update on the health service planning process, the each other and share a conversation. South West Hospital and Health Service has truly 10 year vision for future service delivery and key areas initiative is about empowering embedded community partnership and engagement into identified through community input. Communities will be local communities and Naomi Poole, Director Consumer Partnering from the the way it does business and our CANs play an integral provided with the opportunity to review their snapshots Australian Safety and Quality Healthcare Commission was role being a voice for their communities influencing prior to finalisation of the plan. The Health Service Plan individuals to take care of their a key speaker at the Forum and presented on consumer and shaping the design and delivery of health services. will shape the Infrastructure Masterplan, future strategic own health and wellbeing partnerships and person-centred care. Also screened was Through such a process, each health facility receives direction and plans and ongoing local policies and the launch of the second edition of the Charter of Healthcare ongoing broad community input into the development of initiatives. across their lifespan.” Rights opening by Luke Escombe, a Consumer and Health services. Advocate. Jim McGowan, Board Chair addressed the Forum During the lunch break community and allied health Since their inception, the CAN’s have consolidated their highlighting the vision of the South West Hospital and staff undertook health checks covering cholesterol, role as the peak community and consumer advisory Health Service to be a national leader in the delivery of blood pressure, sleep, physical activity, diet and general “Community attitudes to health committee to the Board and have undertaken important health services to rural and remote communities and practitioner visits in the last 12 months. discussions with their networks and local communities that if we are serious about our vision and values, change are constantly evolving and about various issues concerning health services in our after extensive consultation the region. Our CANs provide a unique community and consumer perspective to all aspects of health service Charter was revised to reflect operations and healthcare delivery. what the wider community believe are their appropriate “The annual CAN forum is part healthcare rights in today’s of our engagement process landscape.” where partnerships are strengthened, key initiatives Developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, with an increased focus on person- and relevant topics are centred care the official launch was held on 8 August 2019 discussed and the voice of and encouraged people to actively engage in decisions about their care with their healthcare provider. The Charter communities is heard,” outlines what every person can expect when receiving care and describes seven fundamental rights including: access, There was an impressive agenda for the day with safety, respect, partnership, information, privacy and giving feedback. The Charter encourages consumers to speak up.

18 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 19 SOUTH WEST MEDICAL EVERYONE IS A LEADER IN WORKFORCE GOES FROM THE SOUTH WEST.... STRENGTH TO STRENGTH We can all be inspired by and affect the future of healthcare in our region. Across the South West, there has been a growing trend personal contacts, this year in terms of securing regular locums and recruiting networking with Clinical and non-clinical leaders from across the South The main session for the Forum was led by Strategic permanent doctors to the Health Service. training schemes and West, together with the Executive Leadership Team, Momentum Group’s Anna Waters and Katie Eckersley and trainees and doctors joined for the Senior Leaders Forum in Roma on Thursday was all about leaders giving their insight and input into South West’s Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Tim who have rotated to 3 October. developing the South West Leader Landscape. Smart, said they were hoping this trend continued into the precinct hospitals 2020 and beyond. as juniors from the This dynamic forum, which They talked about the importance of having a healthy Metro Hospitals or provides an opportunity for leader landscape, underpinned by an evidence-based “We hope to maintain this progress we have made in worked for us as our leaders to connect, share framework which they have been able to implement building and stabilising our rural workforce in the South locums,” he said. ideas, joint plan, problem successfully across other health services. West,” Dr Smart said. solve and develop, occurs “We work with GP every second month. For this to happen the leaders had to go through and Dr Tim Smart “We are now fully recruited to all our precinct hospitals Registered Training understand the key principles of this approach, embrace (Roma, Charleville and St George) with the appropriate Organisations, the workforce team at the Rural and Our Health Service Chief the South West’s future priorities, leadership standards advanced skills and skill mix required for them to function Remote Clinical Support Unit, regional hospitals and other Executive Linda Patat kick and the South West values. effectively.” representative bodies so we ensure that all junior doctors started the day by setting are on rotation with the South West. the scene that the South Time was spent reviewing the South West Leadership Dr Smart said the South West was very fortunate to have West was not just about Standards and Leadership Dimensions by breaking into permanent doctors at Surat and Mitchell as well. those in the room leading by groups and brainstorming. “The lifestyle afforded to them example but how everyone “We are actively recruiting to have a second SMO (Senior who works for the South Moving forward, the Strategic Momentum Group will in the rural , coupled Medical Officers) at each of these hospitals and at present West is a leader, that’s a present the final Leadership standards and dimensions we have a good candidate for Surat,” he said. with this satisfaction with their leader of self or a leader of and training for the new performance conversation tool others. to the SLF in December. work is very high on the list of “In our other hospitals, mostly single MO (Medical Officer) positions, we have been very fortunate to have the services the incentives for them to work Linda talked about the The knowledge and learnings from our Senior Leaders of regular locums. Some of these groups of regular locums importance of having a will filter through and enhance the South West. rurally.” have serviced the hospitals they work at for years, for strength-based culture and example at Injune and Hospitals. how if we, the South West, This Forum should also encourage all our future leaders, “Partner satisfaction, lifestyle opportunity, the opportunity were going to be national that as an organisation you will be supported to grow and to get meaningful work and the hospitality and inclusion “In 2019 we have additionally been successful in obtaining leaders in rural and remote develop while in the South West. of them in the communities is critical to the recruitment of regular locums for Cunnamulla, Mungindi and Dirranbandi healthcare then suitable doctors. and more recently an experienced locum who has worked the South West at Dirranbandi this year has asked to be considered for the HHS work place “We, in the South West strive to set the benchmark for permanent position there.” should be an environment where all staff improving health outcomes in rural and remote areas. feel safe, engaged, and driven to lead. Linda By connecting healthcare professionals, research groups, Dr Smart said it was excellent to see high levels of shared upcoming changes to the Capability Queensland Health, government bodies and local satisfaction with the doctors and their services in the and Development Learning Agreement communities at a human level, we enable the creation of communities where the regular locums have been present. (CDLA) tool and process and discussed the a shared vision that gives everyone the opportunity to strong consultation and engagement that understand, take ownership of, be inspired by and affect the “Very few of our senior medical officers (SMOs) are recruited had been occurring with staff to co-design future of healthcare in the region.” through conventional advertising but rather through and develop the new tool and process.

20 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 21 WORKING HAND IN HAND FORUM UPDATES RESIDENTS WITH PRIMARY HEALTH ON NEW ROMA HOSPITAL

NETWORK TO HELP OUR Residents joined for two community information sessions on how the $98.1 CONSUMERS million new Roma Hospital was tracking at the Cultural Centre in Roma recently. South West Hospital and Health Service, together in most areas of Queensland, with over 40 regions across with Primary Health Network Australia, New Zealand and the UK using this resource Those who attended and North West and Central West Hospital and Health currently. the information sessions Services, recently signed a Project Plan to jointly develop were treated to a photo HealthPathways for the Western Qld region. FEATURES slideshow, as well as a virtual walkthrough of the new HealthPathways is an online resource designed for use by Collaboration of WQPHN, NWHHS, CWHHS and SWHHS hospital prepared by the clinicians at the time of consultation. project architects. Will be available for all clinicians and health communities of An online HealthPathways portal contains localised Western Queensland inpatient wards, pathology, medical records and central South West’s Chief Executive Linda Patat said now that the pathways of care to assist GPs and primary care clinicians sterilising. scaffolding was being removed, Roma residents could see to make decisions in the assessment, management and Complements other initiatives (e.g. WQ Health Care Homes, more clearly the shape of our new hospital. referral of patients. Each Pathway is an agreement between Clinical Prioritisation Criteria) Additional facilities to be delivered include theatres, a primary and hospital services on how patients with mortuary, reception, administration areas, staff lounge, She said the information session provided them with a particular conditions or symptoms will be managed. Helps to direct patients to the RIGHT care at the RIGHT time training rooms, laundry, kitchen, a cafe and plant rooms. great insight into how the new hospital’s interior would look once completed. The content of each Pathway is tailored to reflect best Assists in decreasing variability in patient care Two new car parks are also included as part of the project practice and local management and referral/support which will provide over 220 free parking spaces for Ms Patat said the Roma Hospital project had been a options. HealthPathways will be used to publish Vehicle for distribution of health information e.g. health hospital visitors. driving force in boosting the local economy, employing Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC) and will support the alerts, emergency information more than 60 locals and injecting more than $4 million introduction of GP Smart Referrals. The construction works are being undertaken by Watpac. directly into the Roma community through engaging Next StepsWestern Queensland HealthPathways aims to local companies since major construction started last Local applications of HealthPathways are available already go live in mid-2020 with a set of localised pathways which The redevelopment is part of the Queensland year. will be continually Government’s $180 million Enhancing Regional Hospitals expanded over time. program and will create more than 340 direct and indirect Once completed, the new three-level Roma Hospital will Advice and input from jobs throughout the construction process, upskilling local provide 22 beds and two birth suites, with departments GPs, hospital clinicians workers and engaging with local industry. including emergency, allied health, medical imaging, and other health professionals working in western Queensland is vital to achieve HealthPathways.

FROM LEFT: Jane Hancock (CE Central West), Linda Patat (CE South West), Stewart Gordon (WQPHN CEO) and Lisa Davies Jones (CE North West).

22 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 23 #SWSPIRIT RECIPIENT STAFF AWARDS 2019 BRUCE ALBECK Well, what a wonderful night was had by all at our Annual ENGAGEMENT AWARD Staff Awards evening on Monday 28 October, 2019 at Ella Carmody Described by his peers as a ‘highly valued and respected and is always busy planning his next project to ensure Roma’s Explorer’s Inn. Sally Gordon member of our staff and community at large’, is among the Clinic is maintained, cleaned and functioning to its … and the Winners of the Engagement Award - the many reasons why Bruce Albeck has been nominated highest standard. More than 120 staff, Community Advisory Network Indigenous Health Team - Patricia Morris and Barry Boland as October’s #SWspirit recipient. members and our key partners and dignitaries joined to AND Dr Sonya Manwaring He is practical in his ideas and resourceful in all his celebrate the wonderful work our colleagues do every Bruce is the man behind the beautifully kept Wallumbilla projects within our community and workplace. His day. ADAPTABILITY AWARD Community Clinic. unspoken motto of ‘Ideas into Action’ has really inspired Bollon Community Clinic Team so many of his colleagues and the community. South West’s Chief Executive Linda Patat said it was Rebecca Southern He creates and maintains the aesthetically pleasing always a pleasure to spend time together, to reflect on Community and Allied Health Administration St George - workplace for his colleagues and the community of Congratulations Bruce. You are a very deserved recipient the year that was, and to acknowledge and recognise the Robyn Smith and Tanya Lawson Wallumbilla, and Jackson and surrounds who of the #SWspirit as you have taken ownership of your committed, skilled and dedicated work our people are … and the Winner of the Adaptability Award - Jeremy utilise the Clinic. position and put our South West Values of Quality, involved in every day. Kunde Compassion and Engagement into practice every day. You According to one of his colleagues ‘Bruce is always happy inspire many by going above and beyond which is what “You truly make a difference in your local communities JIM AND JILL BAKER AWARD to help, never idle and generates a genuine conversation which is what delivering healthcare in the South West. - and it is now - in this generation - that we will turn the Karen Brown with anyone who walks through the Wallumbilla trajectory of the 10 year life disparity in the health of our Beth King Community Clinic’. local community members, and in doing so lead the way Bridget Dickinson in rural and remote healthcare in Australia,” Linda said. … and the Winner of the Jim and Jill Baker Award - “Bruce is an absolute pleasure to work with and has an Perioperative Services - Sharon Edwards and Annette integral part in the little Wallumbilla Community Clinic Each award category was heavily contested with over 70 Jensen team that offers great service in a lovely environment. nominations received. Below is a list of our finalists and winners for each category. And there are plenty more COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD “He is a highly valued and respected pics on the South West Facebook page! Ann-Maree Attwooll member of our staff and our community Keith Codrington at large,” his colleagues said. QUALITY AWARD … and the Winner of the Community Volunteer Award - Catherine O’Connor Bollon - Community Advisory Network - Alex Donoghue Bruce loves the community he lives and works in and Maryrose Baker and Jane Kirby will always go that extra mile assisting with community Dr Alan Richardson projects or helping those in need while asking for nothing … and the Winner of the Quality Award - Joanna Tutt BOARD CHAIR’S AWARD in return. Peter Bradford COMPASSION AWARD He makes himself available for all working bees around Karen Brown SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD town including the Wallumbilla Community Clinic Kym Duncan Dr Cameron Bardsley gardening projects, mowing lawns and assisting our Mental Health Team - Laura North and Kim Taylor elderly to help them maintain their gardens and enabling Natalie Leith To every nominee, and to our Finalists and Winners - them to stay home, be safe and enjoy their surrounds. He ...and the Winner of the Compassion Award - Charleville Congratulations! is happy to volunteer his own time to get a job done in his Home and Community Care Team - Judy Frousheger and workplace so as not to disrupt clinic hours. Carmel Pfingst Linda urged everyone to take a moment and reflect on the difference you all make, and the ultimate honour of He happily keeps the 90-year-old building and garden in ACCOUNTABILITY AWARD being held in the highest regard by your colleagues. the most impeccable order with never a blade of grass Bollon Community Clinic Team out of place and he is currently extending it with two new Kimberley Clark “Again, thank you everyone for your continued support garden beds. Bruce goes above and beyond in his role … and the Winner of the Accountability Award - Jeanelle and commitment to our mission. You are truly a talented Everitt group of people who I feel humbled and privileged to work for,” she said.

24 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 25 NEW ROMA HOSPITAL UPDATE Celebrating Commissioning Update Construction Update The focus of commissioning activities in October has been • The Emergency Department and Imaging Department to progress the Move Readiness Plans for all functional have had joinery and internal glass windows installed. South West areas. These plans provide the information from each department on their move requirements and any service • Works are continuing with a focus on internal services impacts that may arise during the actual move period. All and fit out works, works to plant rooms and cladding. staff awards 2019 functional departments now have draft Move Readiness Plans completed. • Rough in works continue to all available areas. Sheeting of walls and ceilings are ongoing and floor finishes have The other main focus has been on developing a final draft commenced. consult room schedule for Ambulatory Care services. This is a complex body of work that is being prepared in • The foyer ceiling has been installed. collaboration with the Commissioning Leads from Adult Health, Child Health, Mental Health and the hospital specialist outpatients.

Work has also commenced on reviewing operational procedures to ensure that existing procedures are suitable for the new hospital environment.

The regular site tours for staff have proved very popular with all tour dates completely booked through to Christmas. These have provided staff with the opportunity to visit all areas within the new hospital, many of which are now sheeted with services, cabinetry and flooring in place. Tours will recommence on Wednesday 8 January 2020.

Enclosed emergency room To book a tour please email [email protected]. au

Patient bays in Stage 2 Recovery Medical Imaging reception 26 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse October 2019 27