2017 Annual Review

Annual Review 2017 COMPASSION INNOVATION Above: Professor Chris O’Brien; front cover: Dr Brindha Shivalingam with patient Lisa; nurses post fundraising headshave; Arterie art engagenent program; Professor Henry Woo, Professor of Robotic Cancer Surgery; Martin Hynes, Technical Of- ficer, at the cryotanks; Day Therapy nurses Lifehouse in numbers 2017 Chris O’Brien Lifehouse was established by cancer clinicians to bring new comprehensive cancer treatment models to Australia. Providing holistic patient care through clinical care, specialist multidisciplinary teams and supportive care, the work of Lifehouse is underpinned by academic programs and patient-focused clinical research. International studies confirm the comprehensive care model improves patient outcomes by 5-15% at five years. Over 30,000 Over radiation 300 robot therapy operations using appointments the Southern Hemisphere’s 5 Linear Over first dual Accelerators operating 170,000 10 console robotic theatres episodes of Approximately surgical system patient care 8,000m2 Over 6,000 of clinician surgical and clinical procedures research space Lifehouse has Over 7,000 the only flexible admissions hystereoscopes Planned in Australia 48 further growth chemotherapy of 25% over and rapid the next 12 months assessment chairs 125 7.5 million Over 20,000 inpatient beds dollars chemo and More than raised this day therapy 20,000 130 volunteers year appointments bed days 1 Our vision Transforming cancer treatment for Australian cancer patients through an environment thriving on discovery, research and uncompromising care. Our mission To improve the quality of life for Australian cancer patients, carers and their families by advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, care, cure and prevention of cancer. Our model of care Lifehouse combines cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, complementary therapy, research and emotional support in one facility. Our integrated model of care allows specialist cancer services to be delivered by a multidisciplinary team, as much as possible under one roof, eliminating the need for patients to navigate a complex series of appointments at different locations. Professor Chris O’Brien AO MS MD FRCS (HON) FRACS (3 Jan 1952 – 4 Jun 2009) Chris O’Brien was a man of leadership, vision and courage. He inspired people, both through his work as a cancer specialist and through his own three-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour. Chris transformed his personal adversity into a national opportunity, using his experience to fight so much harder for cancer patients and their families. Chris’ vision was for an integrated cancer treatment centre, where patients will no longer have to navigate their way through all the different elements of dealing with their illness alone. His vision was realised with the opening of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to patients on 19 November 2013. 2 Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Annual Review 2017 Patient Advocate As well, the role has brought gifts and surprises. For instance, I have learned Gail O’Brien that sometimes a patient just wants to be heard. I offer a listening heart to support as needed and escalate if required. Occasionally, a young medical trainee As 2017 draws to a close, it marks one year will seek me out for a coffee and a chat, wanting to know more of how we came since I started in my new role as Patient to be and the vision behind Lifehouse. Advocate at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. It’s a Despite the role’s title, my advocacy frequently goes two ways as I try to welcome moment to reflect on and review support staff and clinicians both in their needs and to do their best work. the last 12 months, and what that time has Finally, I have come to realise that my both brought and taught. presence on the wards creates a direct and daily link to the Lifehouse vision. Each day as I meet with our patients, I carry in my heart the memory of my husband, Chris O’Brien, who, 11 years ago, was thrown into the situation they themselves are now facing. That cancer does not discriminate is self-evident as I visit some of the sickest people in the state. They are young and old, rich and poor. As an independent, benevolent hospital, I am proud of our egalitarian model that gives all people equal access to world-class care, regardless of their health insurance status. I believe this is our invisible destination: a hospital dedicated to a holistic understanding of healing in an environment of medical excellence and scientific discovery. Some days it feels like we’ve arrived. On others, it seems far way. I know this all too well. But of this I am sure - that the individuals and teams with whom I have been Throughout the year, I have witnessed tremendous courage in our patients and their privileged to work over the past year, from loved ones, despite the fears and uncertainty of what they face. I have been privileged caterers and maintenance, to volunteers to work with dedicated staff whose values directly align with the Lifehouse vision of and fundraisers, to managers and uncompromising, compassionate care, imbuing it throughout this busy integrative, executives, to nurses and clinicians, are the comprehensive cancer centre. stewards of our journey. The role of Patient Advocate was conceived to work with and among these myriad The Irish poet and former priest, John moving parts to enhance our vision of a patient-centred approach. It was created O’Donohue, wrote a rich blessing for the to address a clear need in our patients and families for in-hospital support, rather threshold of a new year which ends with: than relying only on their treating medical teams. It is an extra check on the patient experience, and provides patients with a quick and clear channel to address issues that We bless this year for all we learned, may arise in their care. For all we loved and lost The role needed to be filled by someone a patient could trust during periods of And for the quiet way it brought us acute vulnerability, someone who could not only sympathise but also empathise with the liminal state inherent in a cancer diagnosis. Someone who could speak on their Nearer to our invisible destination. behalf, should a patient need it. Without a background in health and an experiential While those words can be applied understanding of the personal calamities that our patients and families might face, I universally they seem especially fitting could not have fulfilled these needs. for all of us at Lifehouse. Intersecting, Throughout 2017, I have assisted and advocated with respect to a vast range of needs influencing and enhancing one another, that might arise for a cancer patient and their family. From the practical - navigating the we navigate together towards our invisible hospital system, alleviating stress, a shoulder to cry on; to the complex - clinical matters destination. This year has brought us closer and issues of care; to the most profound end of life situations. There have been moments to it. of joy, angst and heartbreak. Yet through each one, it has been my privilege to be invited to be involved in people’s lives at such very personal times. 3 Chairman’s Message Doug Snedden The opening of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse for outpatients in November 2013, followed by the opening of the hospital for inpatient services in March 2015, began the operational phase of a vision to establish a comprehensive cancer centre in NSW that was modelled on leading institutions in the USA and England. I am pleased to report that the underlying principle of a benevolent institution, run on All this has happened in four short years. private sector lines with a focus on cancer services, has proven successful. The flexibility Led by CEO, Eileen Hannagan, founding of this model enables us to continually improve the quality of service and reinvest Director of Medical Services, Michael surpluses back into the institution. Boyer, our clinicians, researchers, nursing and allied health professionals, and with As Lifehouse matures as an organisation, so too our financial position continues to the continuing involvement of Gail O’Brien improve. Our contract to provide cancer services for public patients via the Sydney as Patient Advocate, Lifehouse has realised Local Health District ensures access to local residents, with a limited number of referrals many of its objectives. for specialist work. As our scale of activity and our reputation increases we see an improvement in commercial arrangements with health funds. In short, hospital services But, even as we build on the successes are profitable and our balance sheet is improving. and learnings to date, and knowing we still have much more to accomplish, as Importantly, our underlying mission of placing the patient at the centre of all we do Chairman it makes me proud to know that and having patient care as our primary purpose, has created a caring and supportive our patients, staff and stakeholders see the organisation. There have been countless examples of doctors, nurses, other health vision of the late Professor Chris O’Brien professionals, volunteers and members of the public devoting personal time and funds to AO, his colleagues and supporters come to help build both capacity and capability. fruition. The Lifehouse model of care is attractive to donors and supporters who give to support our initiatives. Our generous philanthropic community has enabled us to extend the number of specialist services on offer, provide Lifehouse with the latest technologically advanced equipment, and undertake research programs and clinical trials that provide access to the latest treatment and contribute towards a future without cancer. The Lifehouse community is given even more colour and creativity through our innovative art engagement and music therapy programs, which bring enjoyment to our patients in what can be an otherwise challenging experience.

Load more