Issue 170 Winter 2009

Excellence. Everywhere. Everyday.

Professor John Olver Victor Smorgon Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine at

John Olver, the face of Epworth Rehabilitation for almost 30 years, has recently been appointed to the Victor Smorgon Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine at Monash University. His new position comprises dual relationships with Epworth HealthCare and Monash University incorporating Epworth Rehabilitation and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

It is the first academic Chair in the “His role over the next five years the academic aspects of rehabilitative Faculty of Medicine at Epworth is to foster excellence in research, medicine; giving students a better HealthCare and only the second time policy development and professional understanding of the topic; and that a Victorian University has selected activities while ensuring that all extending the role of Monash in the a Chair in partnership with a private rehabilitation medicine service Victorian health system. hospital group. commitments to patient care, “This is a new and very exciting teaching and research are maintained. Philip Williams, President of Epworth’s relationship that will foster Mr Williams said. Board of Management, is delighted improvements to clinical research with the news, noting that it is Professor Olver said he looks forward and to the care that doctors and the first in a series of professorial to working in partnership with allied health professionals can offer appointments at Epworth. Professor Steve Wesselingh, Dean patients undergoing rehabilitation. of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing We look forward to building on “John’s appointment reflects our and Health Sciences at Monash, and these ties with Epworth HealthCare,” commitment to post-graduate Epworth’s Group CEO Alan Kinkade, Professor Wesselingh said. teaching and research – and, in jointly setting the agenda in relation in particular, the quality of our Professor Olver’s main research to rehabilitation policy, services, research in rehabilitation.” interests include outcomes research and teaching. following acquired brain injury “As we all know, John is an “I am honoured that this position through an ongoing prospective internationally-renowned expert in was made possible by the generous long term outcome study, now Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation, financial commitment of the trustees in its 23rd year, conducted at who’s been a clinical leader at of the Victor Smorgon Institute for Epworth Rehabilitation. Epworth Rehabilitation since 1985. Education and Research”. He was a longtime adviser to TAC on their clinical panel and for more than Professor Steve Wesselingh said that 20 years, has mentored and trained the Faculty’s relationship with a leading rehabilitation doctors across Australia, hospital from the private sector will while more recently, in Malaysia. bring a range of benefits: strengthening Message • The Studer Program is being rolled from the out to enhance patient/customer service. Congratulations to the Group Chief Eastern team who have already Executive commenced the program, achieving a significant reduction in nurse calls, patient falls and a greatly improved patient satisfaction level. This month, 10 staff will attend the Program in Chicago to further assist with its application across the Group. • Our teaching hospital program is progressing well with our doctors committed and engaged in this program. Our clinical audit Epwords is a newsletter processes are being significantly for Epworth staff. All enhanced with improved quality contributions and ideas are of care expected over time. welcomed and considered. Winter is here and with it comes coughs, • The world renowned Cleveland colds and flu. I encourage staff to avail Clinic has entered into an affiliation Contact details themselves of our free flu vaccinations agreement with us, endorsing Epworth HealthCare and be vigilant with hand washing and our teaching and research 89 Bridge Road other protections. This is also the time initiatives. Initially this will provide Richmond 3121 of year when we reflect on the past 12 opportunities to develop a fellowship Mail Box: 12B months and what lies ahead. I believe program between the respective Phone: 9426 8816 08/09 has been remarkably successful organisations and expand our clinical Fax: 94266478 and I would like to thank you all and draw trials programs. your attention to some highlights: • Congratulations to Professor John Editors • For the first 10 months of the year, Olver who has been appointed we met our overall financial targets to the Victor Smorgon Chair of Media and repaying $24M in debt giving us the Rehabilitation Medicine at Monash Communications Team ability to invest further in our people University. This is the first academic Phone: 9426 6441 and equipment. Chair in the Faculty of Medicine [email protected] • Our Executive Leadership Program is at Epworth, made possible by the being launched this month investing financial commitment of the trustees Thank you over $1M in our people to further of the Victor Smorgon Institute for Education and Research. The Victor Thanks to the contributors of assist them in achieving their goals. stories, photos and ideas for Smorgon Chairs in Medicine and • $15M will be spent on equipment this issue of Epwords. Without Surgery will be advertised shortly this year. In May, we committed to them this edition would not and filled later this year. the purchase of a Jackson Operating have been possible. • Development applications for Table used primarily for spinal Richmond and Camberwell operations. This is the first time redevelopments are progressing Disclaimer such a piece of equipment has been well with approval expected in the available for use in adult surgery The views expressed in coming months and construction in . An additional 2.3M will Epwords are not necessarily to start in early 2010. These are purchase new camera stacks and those of the editors. two early initiatives that will provide drills for theatre. Reproduction in whole or in exceptional infrastructure for our part is not permitted without • A new PABX (telephone) system staff and doctors to work in. prior consent from the editor. costing over $1.6M will be installed 2010 is a major milestone for Epworth as The editor reserves the right to across the Group to improve it is our 90th anniversary. If you have any edit or condense a contribution responsiveness to our many callers. in order for it to fit inside the bright ideas on what we should do to limited space of the newsletter. • The doctor satisfaction and staff celebrate, please contact Susan Wardle engagement surveys gave us on [email protected]. satisfactory results and in some ways better than we expected given the substantial changes we have undergone. This information will be utilised to improve our performance, Alan R Kinkade working environment and delivery Group Chief Executive of exceptional care. We have so many reasons to say thank you. 2173 to be exact.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. At Epworth HealthCare we would like to recognise the vast contribution our nurses make in providing excellence in all areas of patient care. Our nurses are highly valued for the continued efforts in an often demanding clinical setting and our patients, families, staff and doctors are sincerely grateful for your care and hard work. Various celebrations occurred across the campuses to thank all our dedicated and talented nurses.

Clockwise from top left: Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell: Epworth Richmond: Epworth Richmond: : Jacqui Sinnott, Wendy Moon, Bethany Morris, Lisa Phillipa Rait, Glenys Bowring, Ruth Watson, Narneet Grewal, Rodgers, Sheila Daly, Charles Bonavia, Maryann McCusker, Sue Richardson, Nimmi Zacharia, Liz Teiwaki, Kuldip Kaur, Sanjee DeSilva, Dana Hall, Deanne Prue Gent, Mandy Wang, Trish Russell, Justin Greenwell Campbell, Juliet Adams, Meredith Elliot, Leanne Larter, Gill Cartledge, Mich Christine Balfour. Seated: Annie Martin, Davids, Heike Raymer, Mary Durojaye, Epworth Eastern: Angela Wilkinson and Carmen Haydon, Madge Holcombe, Eril Harrower, Vicki Hoath, Karen the masseur is Robert Dalle Molle Jenny Dempster Bicknell, Ven Maizo,

Help the women close to your heart be better informed about heart health

Guests learnt that 10,500 Australian Epworth Medical Foundation held its 80% of risk factors are due to lifestyle women die of heart disease each second annual Women in Healthcare choices such as smoking, poor year and one in four women dying luncheon on Thursday May 7 at the nutrition and lack of exercise. Other within an hour of showing her very Atlantic on Central Pier, Docklands risk factors include high cholesterol, first symptom of heart attack. attracting 270 guests and raising high blood pressure and diabetes. $40,000 to purchase cardiology To check your health, A/Prof New equipment across the group. suggests measuring your waist Cardiovascular disease is the leading circumference. The optimum cause of death and disability for measurement is less than 90cm for the women in Australia and Channel average man and 80cm for the average Seven’s Lynda Kinkade led the woman. “Those with measurements discussion with a panel of Epworth greater than these need to start making HealthCare doctors – cardiologists healthier choices,” said A/Prof New. Dr Jennifer Johns and A/Prof Gishel Ms Janet Latchford, Deputy President New, cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr of the Epworth HealthCare Board of Silvana Marasco and GP Dr Diana Management who hosted the event, Bethell – with a heartfelt message thanked all those who attended from cardiac patient Christine Croker. contributing to the event’s success.

Top: Foundation’s Executive Director Stephen May has his waist measurement checked by Group CE Alan Kinkade and daughter Lynda from Channel Seven.

Left: Cardiac patient Christine Croker tells her story to Lynda Kinkade while cardiologist Dr Jennifer Johns watches on Pursuit of Excellence in Nursing Education

Evelyn Excels in Orthopaedics Evelyn Chingoma trained in UK Student Nurse South Africa and has been Placement at a valuable member of the orthopaedic team in 2LP at Epworth Eastern Epworth Richmond since Approximately 12 months ago the including theatre to observe a Robotic 2004. After successfully Nursing Education Department Prostatectomy Surgery and a Tram completing a Graduate Diploma at Epworth Eastern was contacted Flap, endovascular lab, endoscopy, in Orthopaedics at Victorian by a third year student nurse Sara ICU, and even use the Simulation University, Evelyn completed Dhanji from the University of Central Laboratory at Box Hill Institute as well a Masters in Orthopaedics in Lancashire requesting to come as working on the wards. December 2008. This year, to Epworth Eastern for a 12 week Evelyn completed her Certificate We soon discovered there were as many clinical placement in 2009 on IV in Workplace Training and similarities as differences in nursing our surgical wards. compiled a nursing information between the two countries. As well as booklet for patients with Following some discussions amongst working in the hospital Sara has also ‘Rotator Cuff Ailments’ with the team and with Louise O’Connor managed to fit in a bit of sightseeing Associate Professor Martin Epworth Eastern decided this was an around our beautiful state of Victoria. Richardson (an orthopaedics opportunity worth following up. So It has been an invaluable experience nursing information booklet). after a couple of months of negotiating for both Sara and the staff at via email with the university in Central Now a permanent resident of Epworth Eastern. Louise O’Connor Lancashire and sorting out the issues Australia, Evelyn expressed was fortunate to be able to visit the of visas, flights, and accommodation great interest in teaching in University of Central Lancashire the placement dates were set for orthopaedics and will assist earlier this year. As a result it is hoped February 23rd to May 15th 2009. with a short course later this we are able to set up an annual year. Congratulations Evelyn On Tuesday the 17th February Sara student placement between the on your achievements! arrived at Tullamarine Airport. Sara University and Epworth Eastern. commenced the following week at We would like to wish Sara good Evelyn Chingoma with Marlene Eastern. The main objective for Sara luck for the remainder of her course, Holcombe, AOD Leigh Place was to explore the differences in and hope that at some stage in the nursing here in Australia with the UK. future Sara may consider returning During her time here Sara has spent 4 to Epworth Eastern to work as a weeks on the Vascular Surgery ward registered nurse. 4Nth, and the remaining 8 weeks on the General Surgical ward 5Nth. During her stay Sara had the opportunity to Top: Suzanne Gilmore with student nurse Sara Dhanji observe several areas of the hospital,

Success for Division 2 Nurse Graduates 2008 at Eastern

Epworth Eastern is celebrating the graduate nurses have elected the graduation of its 2008 Division 2 to stay on at Epworth Eastern. nursing program. The graduation ceremony was The program is in its third year held on Tuesday the 5th of May in with the current group finishing on the Epworth Eastern auditorium. the 12th of April, 2009. Ms Louise O’Connor – Director of Clinical Services and the Epworth The Epworth Eastern education team Eastern executive team joined the have enjoyed working and observing Div 2 Nurses Graduate at Eastern – graduate nurses to present them Cara Christensen, Miranda Hewitt, the nurses progress over the past with there certificates and enjoy Suzanne Gilmore, Carolyn Thornton year. It is a great tribute to our nursing some afternoon tea. (absent Helen Linke) educators and staff that 100% of Graduate Nurse Program commences at Epworth Freemasons

In March Epworth Freemasons Division 1 Nurses to Freemasons. Preceptors commenced the 2009 Graduate • Ground East – Navneet Grewal • Ground East – Kuldip Kaur and Nurse Program and were and Kathy Kong. Maggie Liu. delighted to welcome 13 graduates into the Epworth • 1 East – Bohwa Kim, Cherrie Lam • 1 East – Giselle Ciavarella, Freemasons fold. and Esther Waithaka. Kim Koay and Ada Miranda. • 1 West – Amy Crow and Tugba • 1 West – Lauren Cooper and Demirez. Meagan Leslie • 2 East – Stephanie Driver, Sharon • 2 East – Sara Ramsdale, Singh and Shirley Thorneloe. Rosemarie Hutton and • 2 West – Anna Brady, Ada Ko Serena Keast. and Morag Marjoribanks. • 2 West – Melanie Bellislo, Pru Ratcliffe, Jane Drumbrell, An important feature of the program Jess Davies and Margot Norman. is the preceptorship program who do a fantastic job of mentoring our graduates as they move through the course. We would like to recognize and thank the following Amy Crow, Shirley Thorneloe, Navneet Grewal, Sharon Singh, Preceptors for their important work Cherrie Choi and Ester Waithaka they do with our Graduates.

International day of the midwife International midwives day 4LP advances with occurs on 5 May each year 4 Post Graduates and is one of the oldest professions in the world. This day offers us an opportunity to Back L–R: Nicole Fatchen, Jess Pace, celebrate and remind everyone Suzanne Allen, Marlene Holcombe Jade of the important and unique O’keeffe. Front: Vanessa Cascone role that midwives play.

Throughout 2008, 4 members of and intensive management of Midwifery care is unique in the staff from 4 Leigh Place successfully neurosurgical patients. The course way it can influence the health completed the post graduate allowed them to complete time of future generations through certificate in clinical nursing, in theatre, a rotation through ICU giving new parents the physical specialising in neuroscience. This and visits to other organisations well-being, confidence and was the first year that Epworth joined including Royal Talbot spinal unit. self-esteem that arises from the Australian Catholic University to a positive birth experience, These girls recently attended enable Epworth’s neuroscience nurses through breastfeeding support their graduation ceremony at the the opportunity to further their studies and parenting education. Town Hall. Marlene in this field. One of the ways we celebrated Holcombe (AOD), Juliet Adams the day was by providing the Jess Pace, an ANUM from 4 Leigh (4LP NUM) and Jess Pace staff with 5 minute head and Place, completed the role of Lecturer (4LP ANUM) along with proud neck massages. in Charge. The course consisted of 2 family and friends enjoyed this on-line core subjects and 2 specialty night with the girls. Since completion subjects. The specialty subjects were of the course each staff member completed here at Epworth hospital has successfully obtained clinical and covered both neurological and nurse specialist status on 4 Leigh neurosurgical nursing. The students Place. Congratulations and well gained specialist knowledge in done girls! advanced assessment skills, care of complex neurological patients, Learning on the Agenda at Mid-Term Report Dinner

The annual Mid-Term Report to Epworth HealthCare VMO’s was held on Wednesday 20th May. Alan Kinkade, Group Chief Executive, Epworth HealthCare, presented the 2009 Mid-Term Report to an excess of 140 doctors held in the surrounds of the State Library of Victoria. The evening began with drinks in The Queens Hall of the original library, before the group moved to Experimedia; a room that blends the original façade with modern sections of the library.

Just as the state library pays the two guest speakers for the With only 32 hours to go until tribute to its heritage, incorporating night being Professor Peter Brooks his final exam, Dr Tom Treseder, forward thinking and modern and Dr Tom Treseder. Orthopaedic Registrar at Epworth design, Alan Kinkade presented HealthCare, shared his “Registrar Professor Brooks, Executive Dean on the continued evolution of training experience within the private of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Epworth HealthCare, its financial hospital setting” with the group. the University of Queensland, and an performance, redevelopment plans Dr Treseder discussed the benefits Epworth HealthCare Board member, and divisional initiatives. The exciting on both a professional and personal presented the challenges and development of Epworth HealthCare level training in the private hospital opportunities that lie ahead with his as a teaching hospital and its setting, as well as delivering an presentation, “The Health Learning new affiliation with the Cleveland insight into the areas still to be Agenda: What Epworth has to offer”. Clinic will all contribute to a strong developed by this program. Professor Brooks highlighted the future for Epworth HealthCare. future of medical training in Australia The Mid Term Report Dinner As master of ceremonies, Mr Peter as it relates to the private sector 2009 was a successful and Dohrmann kept the meeting flowing and the positive outcomes resultant enjoyable evening. fielding questions and introducing of this, generating active discussion in the room.

Orthopaedic Registrar First to Pass Fellowship Exam

Epworth HealthCare is delighted ‘Tom is the first accredited registrar to announce that Dr Tom Treseder, from Epworth’s new training program the SET 5 Orthopaedic Registrar at to successfully pass a final Fellowship Epworth Richmond has successfully exam and has made a significant completed his final Fellowship contribution already to Epworth examinations for the Royal Australasian HealthCare’ said Richard de Steiger, College of Surgeons. Tom sat both the Chairman, Musculoskeletal Clinical written and the clinical examinations Institute, Epworth HealthCare. and was notified of the good result on

Monday 25th May 2009. Right: TOM TRESEDER PRESENTING AT THE MID-TERM REPORT DINNER AMT partners Friends of Epworth Epworth’s The Friends of Epworth auxiliary has organised several Golf Challenge fundraising events this year. Committee member Valda Cuming kindly opened her Teams prepare for the Epworth Golf Challenge home in Brighton as a venue for a pre-loved goods stall on April Advanced Medical Transport was In addition to magnificent weather, 24 raising $2,800 for the group. the major sponsor of Epworth rolling fairways and manicured Other calendar events include: Medical Foundation’s group charity greens, players were treated • A lunch at the William Angliss Golf Day at the prestigious Victoria to a light lunch and on-course Institute of TAFE – specialising Golf Club on Wednesday April 8th. refreshments. The day culminated in hospitality, tourism and in a sumptuous three-course meal Twenty-three teams participated in culinary arts – on Tuesday in the clubhouse with entertainment the18-hole Ambrose event organised May 26 at $60 per person, and by the Lab Creative who penned by the Golf Committee in conjunction a song especially for the day. • A day at the races at Moonee with the Epworth Medical Foundation. Valley on Saturday June 20 Joining AMT were hole sponsors Congratulations to Optus for taking at $75 per person. Advantage Salary Packaging, home the Epworth HealthCare Optus, Princes Laundry and Slade perpetual trophy, PCI Contact Centre For further information call Chemmart and team sponsors Solutions as runners-up and Epworth the secretary Ronda Jenkins Corporate Express, Data Agility, Eastern for coming in at third place. on telephone 03 9386 5031. Deloittes, Eastern Property Services, Individual prizes were awarded to Gallagher Bassett Services, Hudsons Warwick Brown for the longest drive Val Cuming and friends at Coffee, Maquet Australia, Melbourne and Patrick McKenna for nearest the pre-loved stall Pathology, Olympus Australia and PCI the pin. Thanks to our corporate Contact Centre Solutions. friends the event raised $50,000 for Epworth HealthCare.

Maureen almost died of fright

She jumped out of bed and ran Maureen had suffered a rare screaming into the family room and heart condition called takosubo collapsed. Fortunately Maureen’s cardiomyopathy. The condition husband, John was home. He talked is named after a Japanese to her. Maureen did not respond. balloon-shaped vessel, similar to the shape the heart takes when He dialled 000. The emergency suffering severe shock, rendering response team were quick to arrive. it totally dysfunctional. They took Maureen to the nearest public hospital. Maureen was in Within weeks Maureen was back a critical condition. She needed home leading a normal life again. intensive care and fast. No public “The intensive care unit at Epworth intensive care bed was available. and the specialists there saved my When someone says they It looked like there was no hope. wife’s life. It’s as simple as that,” nearly died of fright you don’t Then someone rang Epworth. says John Davidson. expect them to be literal. An intensive care bed was available. Maureen has agreed to tell her When Maureen Davidson says she Maureen was transferred safely story in the Epworth Medical nearly died of fright she means it. into Epworth’s care. Within minutes Foundation’s mid-year appeal One windy night in June last year she was connected to life support, which hopes to raise $200,000 for Maureen went to bed early. Minutes including a heart-lung machine urgently needed equipment. later a branch crashed outside her which she remained on in an bedroom window. induced coma for over a week. Above left: Maureen and John Davidson Thinking cap on… what name would you choose? Every 6 weeks

A project is underway to replace our current disparate Finance/ Every six weeks our It’s what you don’t know that Supply systems (i.e. iBA/ intervention saves the life can hurt you. We have access FinanceOne), however one of a client, but much of to the Epworth’s renowned thing is missing – a name. We’re our work is in having a medical facilities, which we use seeking staff assistance to come positive influence on the to screen for physical and up with a meaningful project people and organisations psychological wellbeing. This name as the project will be around we partner with. enables our clients to maintain for at least the next 12 months. a high level of productivity. The speed at which we live our The name needs to encapsulate By identifying potential areas lives often means that it is easy Epworth whilst at the same time of concern early, our doctors to overlook our own health, visibly represent the meaning of can make a difference. until you are in a medical crisis. these two systems. The systems We are offering a 20% will be combined into one and HealthCheck is an executive health discount on all HealthCheck’s will cover some of the Group’s screening service. We provide booked before August 30th core shared services functions comprehensive preventative 2009 for Epworth staff only of procurement, general healthcare for busy professionals ledger, accounts payable, wanting to maintain a healthy To make an appointment or accounts receivable, contract lifestyle, improve their health and to discuss what program is and vendor management those that want the reassurance appropriate please contact and prosthesis management. of a complete and thorough us on 9426 8888, email medical health screen. [email protected] or There will be a prize for the visit us at www.epworth.org.au/ winning submission. Please direct healthcheck HealthCheck’s your suggestions to Michelle start from $1100.00 Martin, Project Manager via email [email protected]”

Bruce sees volunteering as “a service ‘dog tired’ because of the stress Volunteering that the average person can take part involved, it would have been easier it’s all about people! in whether they are multi millionaires or fighting a fire. Combating fire can be pensioners. It is a way of returning the as part of a team in front of computers benefits of your – life, work, schooling, analysing, monitoring and planning experiences, family history and the love or transporting supplies to fire fighters, that was given or perhaps not given at other times spraying water on flame to you. Some volunteer for the glory or red hot coals or talking to residents. and notice, others need to be needed. Both Volunteer jobs are important to To Bruce volunteering is a pleasure Bruce because of the worry eased, the because he can talk the leg off an impact a smile can bring to someone iron pot and keep going until all the unsure of themselves and the need legs have disintegrated”. Volunteering many people have to give in return at Epworth offers the experience of for the life they have survived and or meeting people, friends, friends of enjoyed. Volunteer work is or can be friends, people who know people; very rewarding and equally devastating Volunteer Services is proud to others are encountering the last step in what one has to do or see. introduce Bruce Dudon, a Patient of life while the majority are taking the Support Volunteer at Epworth next step back to reality. On behalf of Epworth Healthcare Richmond, a Country Fire Authority I would like to thank Bruce for the Bruce’s other volunteer job is as Volunteer who was involved in the fires compassion, acceptance and respect a member of the CFA where he is and working in the Whittlesea area that he shows our patients. Bruce is involved in recruit training, public during February’s Black Saturday fires also a great support to me and friend education, and team work. Many and most importantly a nice bloke! to other Richmond Volunteers. ask “Did you fight the fire at XYZ?” In 2004, Victorian country born and “What was it like?” I respond “Yes,” Frances Yucedag bred Bruce commenced volunteering but when you say fight the fire it isn’t Volunteer Services Program Manager with our Leigh Place patients, mainly always like that. I remember ‘guarding’ on our Neuroscience ward, where a town in the Blue Mountains of NSW Left: Patient Mr Terence Hulme who he was once a patient following the where I sat and did nothing all day and was in for a spinal fusion receives removal of a benign tumour. at the end of the day felt absolutely a visit from Bruce Dudon New Payroll System

Over the past 12 months Epworth • Providing alignment to recognised What does this mean to have invested in its commitment to industry best practice accounting our employees? upgrade the current payroll system. standards; Essentially, on the whole there should This initiative is now gradually • Meeting internal audit be no impact to our employees as gaining momentum and coming to recommendations, and there are minimal visible changes fruition following approval of the expected. The biggest change will be project’s Business Case by the • Re-enforcing Epworth’s commitment to our current payslip format as this Finance Committee on 19 May, 2009. to becoming an Employer of Choice will no longer be produced in-house. for all staff. The current system has become This change will not take place until outdated and can no longer Implementation of the payroll system the system is fully implemented and meet business requirements or upgrade will commence shortly with further communication will be provided support our growing employee a projected completion by the end in the coming months which will population. In addition to this, of 2009. In the meantime the project include a step-by-step guide as to other key business drivers are: team, consisting of Payroll, Human how to review your new payslip. Resources and Finance resources, • Ensuring that Epworth can For any further information will continue to work towards ensuring continue to meet its core please contact Michelle Martin, the business’s needs are achieved. commitment to its employees Project Manager via email by paying them for their work; [email protected]

Results are in for Employee Engagement Survey

In February 2009, Epworth • 47% of respondents are Thank you for your valuable thoughts HealthCare launched the first Optimistic about our Future. and suggestions. They will guide our ever group wide Employee actions moving forward. It is evident • 55% want to improve the way Engagement Survey. A total of from your responses to the survey things work at Epworth, which 2167 employees (69%) shared that we have made a good start on means that more than half of their feelings, thoughts and our journey to become an Employer our workforce are wanting to suggestions about working with of Choice but there is still some make things better than they Epworth HealthCare – which is way to go before we can be viewed currently are. a fantastic result given we are as a truly great employer. We look such a large organisation. • The top Attraction Factor to work forward to working with you as we in Epworth is our Reputation. continue on this exciting journey. The Executive Team were briefed on our survey results in early May, • 80% of respondents would You will receive further information and given the amount and pace of recommend Epworth to their directly from your Division in the not change we have experienced over family and friends as a good too distant future. Upon digesting the past 2 years we are pleasantly place for them to work and the the information in the reports each surprised by the results. Some best place to be if they required division will communicate their of the highlights across Epworth the care we provide. I believe this survey results and devise an action HealthCare include: demonstrates the sense of pride plan to address the key issues. employees have with Epworth. The results of the survey will be used • 42% of respondents are engaged to assist us in shaping the future of with the organisation … i.e. 42% Of course there are always things Epworth HealthCare to improve the of our people are going with the for us to work on, and the key issues working life of our employees and organisation. This is the average that arose themed around staffing provide an outstanding customer in the not-for-profit sector. levels, workload, customer service service experience. and how all levels of management • 52% of respondents believe are managing their employees. Again thank you for your contribution Epworth is a Truly Great Place to to our success and for your Work and respondents nominated feedback through the survey. the ‘The People’ are what make it Truly Great. $3M equipment A New Day Recovery at injection to theatres Epworth Freemasons Epworth is in the process of updating some major theatre Turning an old and tired pool area equipment, introducing new at Epworth Freemasons into a new camera stacks across all sites. Day Recovery has proved the old To date, 3 companies have trialled adage ‘vinegar into wine’. The new their equipment over the last 4 Day Recovery area is surrounded months. The decision to upgrade by natural light and a lush courtyard ensures Epworth HealthCare that enhances the new space has current generation digital and provides for a more pleasant technology which will offer outlook for patients. increased image quality and recording capabilities across With 8 new chairs, new carpet the Group. The consistency of and screening curtains, patients one brand will further facilitate now have a far roomier and more improved service outcomes pleasant environment in which to for each theatre complex. This recover from their surgery. Combine is a $2.3 million investment. that with a dedicated staff and easy access to the theatres and it is not of the space and have patients Theatres will also see the surprising that the response from who have reported delight at the updating of orthopaedic drill both doctors and patients has been new makeover. systems across all sites. A roll out very positive. Specialists from such of large and small bone drills is areas as , ENT, plastics, Above: Ground East Staff star as planned shortly and will coincide gynaecology, patients in the newly renovated with the upgrade of the camera and orthopaedics are regular users Day Recovery Area stacks. The expenditure on the drills is just under $1 million.

We Can Make a Difference

At Epworth Eastern we are months ago. She is an in-patient here I got any tablets by which time I would starting to see the success and having had a correctional procedure be in a lot of pain and the medications benefits of patient rounding for related to complications from her took a long time to work. The nurses both our patients and our staff. previous operation. rarely came in to see how I was unless I buzzed for them. The buzzers were one The ongoing talk about the benefits that When asked how she perceived her of the most annoying things. They never are witnessed through the results we care, this was her story… stopped day and night so it was hard to are seeing – such as increased patient “The nurses are absolutely wonderful. get any rest. I hated it there. One of the satisfaction, a decline in the frequency They come in every hour and ask things I’ve noticed here is that I rarely of nurse call bells and reduced patient me if I need any pain medication, hear the buzzers going off. In fact I incidents; in particular falls and if I’m comfortable, do I need help with don’t think I’ve had to press the buzzer medication errors, has spurred the anything & ask if there is anything once since I’ve been here. I never want staff to embrace the concept and move I want. I feel so safe. I think you must to go to [Hospital X] ever again and I’ve forward with each new development. employ the best nurses in the world.” told everyone how awful it was.” With the supervision of managers and When asked how her experience at This patient has been visited 2 more the executive team to aid in the success Epworth Eastern compared to the times and on each occasion she has and implementation, Epworth Eastern hospital she was admitted to previously praised the nurses highly. She also said has become visionary in its attempts to she replied. how polite and helpful the housekeeping achieve world class patient care. and food services staff all are. “In [Hospital X] where I had my first Epworth Eastern’s slogan “We can operation it was really hard to get hold This is one story that highlights the make a difference” is beginning to of the nurses. When I started to feel impact that patient rounding is having ring true and is evidenced in the in pain I’d press the buzzer. It always here at Epworth Eastern. compliments received by patients. took about half an hour before anyone Prior to patient rounding would we have During patient rounding on the 5th floor, would respond. Often a nurse would been considered similar to Hospital X? one of the patients told an interesting put their head in the room & say you’re story. The patient is a lady in her 30’s not my patient but I’ll see if I can find Lisa Edwards, Quality Coordinator and had a major procedure at a large your nurse. It would usually be about Louise O’Connor, Director of private hospital approximately 12 50 minutes from first buzzing before Patient Services Lord Mayor lunches at Epworth Richmond

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Service Below: The Right Honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle at the lunch Doyle spoke at a fundraising lunch at Epworth recently at the Awards invitation of Mary Cole and the Cancer Unit Auxiliary. Ceremony Councillor Doyle spoke of what Melbourne does well – cuisine and On Wednesday 13 May staff culture – and its fondness of laneway at Epworth Richmond and bars, cafes and good coffee! He also Corporate divisions celebrated spoke of the areas it needs to improve the first of three Recognition such as alcohol-fuelled violence, of Service Award Ceremonies. public transport and traffic. Hosted by Tracey Scott and Alan Kinkade, staff were “Melbourne is the smart city, the presented with certificates knowledge capital of Australia”, and a commemorative he said. “And with our major sporting lapel pin to recognise their events and arts precincts it is also service to Epworth HealthCare. a major tourist destination.” We had around 50 recipients He congratulated Epworth for receive awards for 5, 10, 15, its innovation in clinical care, its 20 and 25 years of service. commitment to research and education To make special mention and praised our volunteers who give of the following staff who freely of their time to benefit the celebrated 25 years service: organisation. Funds raised from the Curtis Boucher – Chef; Kim event will support the Cancer Unit Lian Chan – Peri-Operative at Epworth Richmond. Nurse; and Moira Corteling – Instrument Technician. We had their managers share stories about them Customer Service Initiatives with us that we would not have normally known. Patient Satisfaction Doctor Satisfaction Following the formalities, Survey Outcomes: Survey Outcomes: staff and their managers were Epworth has established customer Epworth HealthCare has invited to share an afternoon service or service improvement established the ‘Group Doctor tea with Alan and Tracey. teams to specifically address Satisfaction Team’ which will meet Each of our recipients has patient satisfaction issues identified monthly, commencing in early shown a commitment to the in the annual surveys. Epworth has June 2009 to provide leadership hospital and is greatly valued actively undertaken to meet our and support to the working and respected by their peers. patients’ requirements identified parties at each division and their We hope that they continue in the patient satisfaction survey development and implementation their careers with Epworth, undertaken in November 2008. of actions. This ‘Group Doctor as we commence our new Satisfaction Team’ will report These activities include the and exciting journey. progress to the Group Medical development and implementation Advisory Council, Medical Advisory Please stay tuned for our of the Epworth ‘Service Charter’ Committees, Patient Care Council, next Recognition of Service which identifies the rights and Customer Service Excellence Award Ceremony, which responsibilities of patients and Steering Committee and Super will be coming up in the its application by our staff to Nursing Advisory Committee. next couple of months. ensure excellent patient care is For further information, provided. At present Epworth is To this end, the divisions please contact Jason Bowers also committed to improving the have commenced working – Human Resources Advisor safety, comfort and satisfaction party meetings to discuss the on (03) 9426 6135. of our patients by a more development of action plans and proactive management of meeting their implementation process to patients’ needs in a timely and address areas of concern raised appropriate manner. by our Doctors. Sporting achievements

4 Penny G

On Friday 27 March 2009, The team trained over a period of “we feel extremely grateful that so a team of four walkers, led by 3–4 months, walking for 8 or 9 hours many of our friends and colleagues A/Professor Jeremy Hammond on a Saturday or Sunday, through have donated for this cause. We of Epworth Freemasons different parts of Victoria, including know that Oxfam’s vision to try and completed the Oxfam Trailwalk. the Dandenong Ranges, the achieve a better world and equality 100km in 48hrs to raise funds Mornington Peninsula, and along for all, and hopefully our efforts will for Oxfam’s global fight against the Yarra and Merri Creek trails. contribute to their aim”. poverty and injustice. The Walk commenced at Jells Park Donations can be made online, The Team comprised of in Wheelers Hill, through Upwey via www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/ A/Professor Hammond and his and past Puffing Billy to the heights Melbourne/team/558. Cheques can wife Jan, Dr Bill Varney, a GP of Olinda, then down to the Silvan also be forwarded to Suite 38, 166 from Aspendale and a younger Dam, thereafter continuing along Gipps St East Melbourne, made member, Michael Raffaele. Jan said the Warburton Trail, before the finish payable to Oxfam Australia and “we were motivated to attempt the line was reached at Mount Little Joe receipts will be issued. Oxfam Trailwalk in honour of our near Warburton. A support team met Finally, Jeremy said “we would friend, Penny Gorman, who was the walkers every 15km supplying like to thank all our colleagues at the Marketing Director for Oxfam. food, drinks, footbaths and a change Epworth Freemasons who have She was closely involved with of clothing and shoes as required. donated most generously, and the Trailwalk over several years. As Bill pointed out, the team would also thank Mr Damian Armour, Penny died last year from breast never have been able to complete Executive Director, for making a cancer. On discussion with her the walk without such support. donation from Epworth Freemasons, husband, Roger, we decided to raise Jeremy and Jan’s team entitled in support of our cause”. money for Oxfam in her memory, ‘4 Penny G’ was one of only 465 of by attempting the Walk”. the 715 teams to complete the walk ABove: Associate Professor with the team intact raising more Jeremy Hammond of Epworth than $15,000 for Oxfam. Jan said Freemasons with his wife Jan

Rehab’s Pocket Rocket

The staff at Epworth Rehabilitation Following on from this event Tamara Camberwell would like to pass only had an hour to recover before on their congratulations to the fronting in the 400 metre women’s fantastic effort of Exercise final. Tamara reported feeling Physiologist, Tamara Hamond exhausted after her 120 metre race at the prestigious Australia Post and did not have high expectations Stawell Gift over Easter 2009. for the 400. Starting in the middle After years of dedicated training of the field Tamara backed up her Tamara managed a very credible impressive run in the Gift to blitz fourth in the Blue Ribbon event the field and in an adjusted time of the Women’s 120 metre Gift 51.72 seconds. Tamara’s nearest rival Final in a super quick time of finished almost a full second behind. 13.872 seconds. Referred to as a “pocket rocket” on the One HD telecast, Tamara has made an excellent double achievement. Well done Tamara!

Right: Tamara Hamond crossing the 400m line Epworth Eastern and Surrey Park Panthers are kicking goals together

Marina’s Story On the afternoon of October 24, 2008 on the way home from her shift as a Food Service Assistant in the kitchen, Marina Mainelli accidentally fell onto the train tracks at West Richmond station. Thankfully Environmental Services staff Mohammed & Keith were able to save Marina from the path of an on coming train. Marina was rushed to where she spent a week as a patient, undergoing 2009 marks a new era for Epworth The numbers of teams grew 2 skin graft operations on her Eastern and the Surrey Park through the nineties, winning its hand whilst she was there. Junior Football Club as together first premiership in 1997. Today Marina was then transferred they strive to encourage the it fields 9 teams – 2 teams of to Richmond Rehab in ward youth of the local Box Hill area under 9 year olds and one in 3NC for 2 weeks. Marina still to embrace sport and health each age group from under 10s requires another operation in their leisure time. to under 16s. on her hand at a later stage. Epworth Eastern in just a few The Epworth Eastern logo is Marina attended Richmond years has built strong ties with the prominently displayed on the club’s for Rehabilitation as an community in Box Hill and as part playing jumpers, and every Sunday outpatient twice a day 2 days of our ongoing commitment to the 210 players will be proudly running a week. On the 18 March this local community we are sponsoring onto the ground to do battle…… year Marina retuned to work in the Surrey Park Panthers Junior though not all at once! the kitchen for 2 days a week football club for the next 3 years. The Surrey Park Panthers (4hrs each day) on a return The Surrey Park Junior Football clubrooms and grounds are to work plan, this has now Club was formed in 1993 by situated on the corner of Elgar and increased to 3 days a week. Charlie Simms who today remains Canterbury Roads, Surrey Hills. a spiritual leader. He started So if you are in the vicinity swing I, along with Marina’s with 1 team, building the club on by and watch a match – you can’t supervisors and work mates, foundations of solid values and miss the 3m wide perimeter sign have found her return to work respect, aiming to provide children on the fence, with the Epworth performance and attitude and youth the enhancement of Eastern logo and the message of towards life very inspiring. health and well-being through the ‘Epworth Eastern, a World Class Marina would like to thank playing of organised sport. Private Hospital in Box Hill’. all involved in her rescue and recovery, the staff at Elim Rehab, the nursing staff on 3NC and her Supervisor Joyce Dorgan who have assisted her back into the Epworth Richmond Staff BBQ work force. Andrea Hunter Richmond Executive team invited all staff to a free BBQ on Food Services Manager the 1st April 2009 to thank staff for their hard work and efforts and the acknowledgement for completing the Epworth Staff Survey. Thank you to all the staff that cooked and prepared the event. Above: Joyce & Marina working on Marina’s return to work plan. It was a positive turnout and we hope everyone had a great day. Hope comes from TLC

Sometimes we hope we can I have baked gingerbread for Easter, Thank you help someone who many years I also have made a sticky date pudding ago suffered a severe brain which I have never made before and 3LP injury. An accident can occur I made scones and really enjoyed Dear Lisa and the wonderful to anyone and this is what baking them and they turned out nice. team that is 3LP! happened to Glenys. I had a lovely Easter with family and hope you all did too. A twelve week stay in Epworth After hospital she then returned to live Richmond was one of the last with her husband and children near When Mark come home at lunch things I had planned for the Mildura. But years later there was a time and handed me the mail, I was beginning of 2009 but life has hope in her husband’s mind – that so thrilled and excited receiving all unexpected twists and turns. maybe she could still improve. This those beautiful and encouraging While no-one plans a hospital thought was confirmed by A/Professor messages from you all. I will stay like mine, it would be very John Olver. He suggested she come treasure them and they mean a remiss of me to not reflect down to our Transitional Living Centre great deal to me because they are on the experience I had and (TLC) for a burst of intensive therapy. from you all. I am able to embrace be so very grateful that I was She came, she tried and tried, and so my brain injury now because it placed in the care of 3LP. did the TLC team. The team did not would have been ‘catastrophic’ if give up and she improved. But how do I had of gone through life and not The care, support and we know this is so – just read her letter have met all my new ‘Best Friends’. understanding I received she sent to the TLC therapists. Yes, our Such amazing and inspirational are a credit to you all and hope and work did help Glenys return people who helped me learn so your profession. I very much to her life with her family. much about myself, them and life. appreciate the time staff spent with me, value their expertise, Dear Theresa, Amanda & Sue, LOL, to all the staff and all my thoughts and concern for my house mates. I just got home from seeing ‘Rosalie health and overall wellbeing my Psychologist’ and enjoyed talking Thinking of you all and smile with to aid a speedy recovery. The to her about my time at the TLC, she wonderful memories of an amazing informal chats and jokes always knows how much I loved it and enjoyed time in my life. helped to keep spirits high, even being there with you all. I am even able when some days were long. The New Glenys xxxxoooo to smile again which is feeling natural I believe I was fortunate to have again. You really are working miracles received the care of almost all in your job and I am missing being the nursing staff of 3LP during there and I also love being home with my visit however I would like to Mark and my children, the difference is mention the exceptional care not to get too overwhelmed without my and support of a few staff, who safety net and to just enjoy doing what in my experience, epitomise the I am able for my family. true essence of nursing, doing those little extra things that I will always remember. To the very special Adrianna, Jacinta, Elise and Jennifer, thank you so very Epworth much for all those little things that made such a big difference, BRW Blitz especially on the tougher days, On Sunday 1st of March, two and to the beautiful Sue and Epworth teams competed against Sue, and the wonderful Bill on 1,659 other corporate teams in nights that were often long - the BRW Corporate Triathalon. thank you for the special things that I will never forget. The boys led by physiotherapist Ben de Zoete and ably assisted Once again, my deepest by Sean Smee and Ben Bisset gratitude to all staff of 3LP for also from physiotherapy scored a excelled scoring the fastest female the outstanding care, and should remarkable sixth against 849 other swim time and the third fastest bike I ever need any orthopaedic male corporate teams. The girls and run times for corporate female. care in the future, I will be sure including Liz Moore, Tanja Barnes Well done to all. to come and stay with you. and Kathy Howley managed an Yours sincerely, impressive 14th against 189 other Above: Liz Moore, Tanja Barnes, Ben Kerrie Haynes female corporate teams. Liz Moore de Zoete, Sean Smee, Kathy Howley Team Epworth

New Partnerships Team Epworth is a staff discount card initiative taken by Epworth HealthCare management for the benefit of all personnel. Its primary purpose is to add value to working for Epworth HealthCare. The Team Epworth card entitles the bearer to discounts from car hire to restaurants, health and beauty to fashion, holiday travel to homewares. New businesses join the program regularly. Epworth HealthCare is pleased to introduce 3 new offers for 2009. • Futon • Image Eight • Victorian Fine Wine For further information Relax by the fire this winter with a glass of our beautiful about these organisations Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Merlot. and what they have on offer VictorianAnd for the white Fine wine connoisseurs Wine a Chardonnay, Riesling or our popular Yarra Valley Sparkling. plus details on our existing Team Epworth partners, Beautiful labelled boutique wines $100 per case ($8.30/bottle). please go to: Epworth Mixed dozens available. $90 ($7.50/bottle) for Team Epworth Card holders HealthCare intranet/ Staff plus free delivery in Metro Melbourne. Benefits and click on the For our full list of wines contact Sarah on 0411 750 700 or Team Epworth Card link. [email protected] Team Epworth Cards are given to new staff members in their starter pack. Please contact Human Resources if you have not received your card. The Team Epworth card must be used in conjunction with your Epworth HealthCare staff ID. Epworth HealthCare Annual GP Conference 29 & 30 August 2009

Epworth HealthCare will be hosting the 3rd Annual GP Conference on 29 and 30 August 2009 at the Novotel Creswick Resort, Creswick.

The conference program will • Respiratory Medicine Leading specialists in these cover a full day on Saturday and • Common Orthopaedic fields will present on topics within Sunday morning and include: Presentations each of these program sessions as they relate to general practice • Overview of Different Cancers • Screening for Cancer and everyday patient needs. • Women’s Health Issues • Cardiology If you would like to receive in General Practice • Emergency Medicine further information relating to Workshops (including • Stroke and Vascular Disease the conference, please contact accredited CPR sessions) • Common Problems in the Epworth HealthCare GP General Practice Liaison Unit on 03 9426 8504 or 03 9426 6553.

Spotlight on a Sponsor Advanced Medical Transport

Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) transport service to other is a private ambulance service departments booked the day prior. providing non-emergency patient In addition to metropolitan transport to a substantial area Melbourne, the company services of Victoria. much of rural Victoria including After 12 years as a paramedic with Gippsland, La Trobe and north-east Epworth Ambulance Victoria, Laurie Park regions of the state. It specialises established the business with one in Work Cover and TAC patients HealthCare vehicle and one support officer. but also supports Ambulance Fourteen years later the business Victoria and public and private Gala Ball has grown to accommodate hospitals within the state. 21 ambulances and 70 members Licensed by the Department of This year’s Epworth HealthCare of staff. Gala Ball will be held on Saturday Human Services to carry low, October 24 at Peninsula within AMT is the preferred patient medium and high acuity patients, the Atlantic Group on Central transport service for Epworth vehicles are equipped with Pier Docklands. HealthCare providing transport comprehensive resuscitation between hospitals within equipment, cardiac monitors, The event will attract 1000 the healthcare group and to emergency medications and first aid. supporters, suppliers and appointments with other healthcare Group CE Alan Kinkade said the staff to an evening of glamour, providers. Four ambulances service is top quality. “They recruit mystique and magic. are stationed at Richmond staff from the healthcare industry providing immediate response to If you are interested in so they understand our needs,” Epworth’s time-critical Emergency purchasing tickets, please said Mr Kinkade. provide Jayne Coates in the Department and an inter-hospital Epworth Medical Foundation Advanced Medical Transport with your name and payroll proudly sponsored the first group number and a deduction of Epworth HealthCare Charity Golf $120 per ticket will be arranged Challenge held earlier this year. closer to the day. Jayne can be contacted on 03 9426 6131 or Left: AMT’s Managing Director [email protected]. Laurie Park on the job