South West Hospital and Health Service
OCTOBER 2020 EDITION From the Board Chair 3 Our teams 14
From the Acting Chief Executive 4 South West HHS staff celebrate a year of achievements 15
Operational Staff Week celebrations 17 Our communities 5 What’s in the toolbox? 18 South West First Nations COVID-19 response update 5 Hidden sugars and your health 19
Telehealth Week celebrated across the South West 5
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Our services 19 Officers and Health Workers 6 Preparing for emergencies across the Take time out for mental health 7 South West 20 Want to quit smoking or know someone CANs join for virtual 2020 Forum 8 who wants to? 21 Allied Health student placement – supporting our community through telehealth 10
After 40 years, Colleen says goodbye 11
Walking works wonders during mental health week 12
A USQ partnership under the microscope in Cunnamulla and Charleville 13
10,000 steps to healthy staff 14
Cover image: Kathryn Avery of St George Hospital was the recipient of the Jim and Jill Baker Award at the annual South West Hospital and Health Service Staff Awards held at the end of October.
1 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands across the South West. We also pay our respects to the current and future Elders, for they will inherit the responsibility of keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture alive, and for creating a better life for the generations to follow. We believe the future happiness and wellbeing of all Australians and our future generations will be enhanced by valuing and taking pride in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – the oldest living culture of humanity.
SOUTH WEST TRADITIONAL OWNERS
Augathella – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Quilpie – Bunthamarra (Bun-tha-mar-ra) and Wangkumara (Wong-ka-mara) Bollon – Kooma (Coo-ma) Roma – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee) Charleville – Bidjara (Bid-jara) St George – Kooma (Coo-ma) with Kamilaroi, Mandandanji, (Koun-yah) with other interests Cunnamulla – Kunya Bigambul and Gungarri interests (Coo-ma) Dirranbandi – Kooma Surat – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee) (Kong-ga-bull-a) Injune – Kongabula Thargomindah – Kullila (Coo-lee-lar) (Gon-gari) Mitchell – Gunggari Wallumbilla – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee) Morven – Bidjara (Bid-jara)
Mungindi – Kamilaroi (Car-milla-roy)
QUALITY COMPASSION ACCOUNTABILITY ENGAGEMENT ADAPTABILITY
This newsletter is produced by the South West Hospital and Health Service. All feedback and contributions are welcome to [email protected].
All published material has been approved by the Health Service Chief Executive.
2 PULSEPULSE October July edition | South West Hospital and Health Service From the Board Chair
“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed”.
Bob Riley – Governor of Alabama, USA from 2003 to 2011.
2020 has truly been the year of the health hero. Quality Award – Jade Vickers, Lead Wound Care Service All of us have been affected by the Covid-19 – St George pandemic and response in one way or another, Compassion Award – Vicki Graham, Pharmacy Assistant however perhaps none have been impacted more – Roma than those who work in the health care sector. Accountability Award – Alicia Murray, Executive Support Officer, Director Organisational Development – Roma Everyone in the South West HHS has had their work role changed this year – cleaners, laundry teams, catering staff, Engagement Award – Nicky McKellar, Nurse Practitioner administration officers, groundspersons, doctors, nurses and – Charleville other health professionals. It is you who have been on and remain on the frontline in this global pandemic. Adaptability Award – Melinda Brassington, Acting Service Director Director Primary and Community Care – Charleville Everyone has had to step out of their usual mode of operation to embrace the Covid-19 induced changes which have rapidly Community Engagement Award – Keith Codrington, impacted our places of work. This change response to CAN Chair – St George establish new processes to prepare and respond to Covid-19 The Jim and Jill Baker Award for supporting a culture of has been characterised by speed and flexibility, whilst at the excellence – Kathryn Avery, Community Nurse – St George same time, continuing with the many aspects of your role in a ‘business as usual’ mode. The Board Chair Award for outstanding service, dedication and commitment – Bruce Albeck, Groundsman – Wallumbilla. The recent Staff Excellence Awards held virtually on 26 October gave our service an opportunity to recognise the critical role Our South West hospital and Health Board members which all workers within the South West HHS have played in salutes our award winners and sincerely thanks every team keeping our local communities safe whilst at the same time, member for your contribution to the delivery of excellence in continuing with excellence in the delivery of our rural and compassionate care each and every day to the people of remote health services. South West Queensland. Thank you to all staff members who took the time to nominate fellow work colleagues for an award. It was a humbling experience to read the 70 nominations which outlined the Karen Tully outstanding contributions of individuals, teams and workplace Board Chair led initiatives that go ‘above and beyond’ to deliver the best health service and build a great place to work, whilst simultaneously remaining in a pandemic ready state.
The awards are structured so that that categories reinforce our commitment to the HHS’s five values. I would like to extend the board’s congratulations to the following staff members who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our values in their workplace and received awards.
3 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service From the Acting Chief Executive
As I write this month’s message, I am reminded again of how lucky we are to live and work in the South West surrounded by a stunning landscape and a resilient and dedicated workforce.
October was another very busy month across our health service. We celebrated several awareness days and weeks that are designed to help raise awareness of specific health-related issues, mobilise resources and celebrate achievements. The role of our volunteers – our Community Advisory Network Queensland Mental Health Week included Odd Socks Day and (CAN) – is invaluable in providing local perspectives and World Mental Health Day on 10 October, which saw facilities and pointing out areas and issues where services could be partners host breakfasts and events with the overall objective improved. Our annual CAN forum took the form of a two hour of raising awareness and mobilising efforts in support of mental virtual meeting in October and I’ve heard glowing reports health. October was also Breast Cancer Awareness Month and about guest speakers and the generation and sharing of some National Safe Work Australia Month. We also marked Telehealth excellent insights and ideas. Week, Operational Staff Week, our Community Advisory Network (CAN) Annual Meeting and, of course, and the SWHHS Annual To top off the month, the new Roma Hospital was opened! Staff Awards. Congratulations to everyone who helped make the move from the old hospital to the new one so seamless. We will be Across our facilities, celebrations marked many of these releasing a special edition newsletter on the new Roma Hospital awareness days and weeks – you can read about some the over the next month so please keep a look out for this keepsake. activities in this edition. Thank you to everyone who supported, celebrated and recognised the importance of these events. To each and every one of you – thank you again for all you do for the SWHHS. Our Staff Awards went ahead virtually this year and it was wonderful to see so many people join in from across our facilities. It was a worthy celebration of our staff and I would like Matt Boyd to extend once again my congratulations to all award recipients Acting Health Service Chief Executive and nominees. However, I also acknowledge that the winners do not achieve alone – we all rely on the help, encouragement and skills of our colleagues.
The new Roma Hospital lights up the night!
4 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service Our communities
SOUTH WEST FIRST NATIONS COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE
The South West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. in the final stages of recruiting four temporary front- The positions will comprise a team leader and three project officers to be based in St George, Charleville and Roma. line positions to support the COVID-19 response for First Nations people in the South West region. The team of four will oversee South West HHS’s First Nations Covid-19 response across the South West. These are ‘identified positions’ to be filled by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants, who will work closely with a range of key stakeholders – in particular, our local Aboriginal
TELEHEALTH WEEK CELEBRATED ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST
With the increasing demand on telehealth in 2020 “Mr Kim Ruru was so delighted to be the first telehealth patient due to COVID-19 telehealth services have increased and was amazed by the technology and the new hospital.” by 39% thanks to the hard work and resilience by Mr Ruru was supported by Janelle Lobb, CN Telehealth during Mr the telehealth team. Ruru’s appointment with Dr Gareth Ansell from the Mater Public.
South West HHS Telehealth and Connected Care’s CNC Please continue to champion telehealth across the South West. Telehealth Rebecca Crouch said telehealth has always been an invaluable resource to the South West and its rural and remote communities but in 2020 it became even more important for our patients.
“It has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us, both professionally and personally.” Rebecca said.
“Across the South West, we believe telehealth is quality healthcare anywhere which ties in with our overall vision for the South West HHS where we aim to deliver quality healthcare to rural and remote communities.
“And the outstanding persistence from our clinicians who had to adapt to using telehealth to continue their appointments throughout COVID-19 is reflective of this vision and dedication to our patients.”
Rebecca said it was very exciting that the first telehealth consultation was held at the new Roma Hospital during Mr Kim Ruru with CN Telehealth Janelle Lobb participate in the first Telehealth Week. telehealth session in the new Roma Hospital during Telehealth Week in October. “It was very timely that the first telehealth consultation in the new Roma Hospital successfully occurred during Telehealth Week.
5 PULSE SeptemberPULSE July edition | South West Hospital and Health Service ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER LIAISON OFFICERS AND HEALTH WORKERS
Each month, our Senior Indigenous Health Coordinator Rodney Landers introduces us to an Aboriginal staff member.
This month he’d like you to meet Donna Hooper, the Aboriginal Rodney asked Donna some questions … and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker at Dirranbandi. What do you on a day-to-day basis in your role? Born in Toowoomba, Donna is the eldest of seven children, I love that my role varies day to day. Some of my duties include so she knows a thing or two about families. She has two community outreach, hospital and home visits, following up with wonderful grown-up boys aged 32 and 29 and eight clients, supporting clients with Centrelink issues and housing beautiful grandbabies. application, supporting colleagues by participating in ward rounds, and taking clients grocery shopping and to medical Donna came to be a health worker around 15 years ago when and bank appointments. I approach each task professionally to she decided it was time for a change. Having worked in the make sure I am providing high quality and culturally appropriate retail industry for several years, she was ready to follow her service to Aboriginal community members. What I have learnt is heart and find a role that would make a positive difference. that everyone’s healthcare journey is different. I make sure I do Donna decided to move from Toowoomba to Dirranbandi, all I can to advocate for my clients so they feel supported. and into an Aboriginal health worker role. What’s the most exciting part of your job? “When I started in this role, I knew immediately that this is where I am supposed to be,” said Donna. “I am passionate Seeing people smile! about my job and love the work I do every day.” What is your proudest accomplishment? “The other great part to my decision is that I love living in Being a grandmother to eight beautiful grandbabies. Dirranbandi. It is a wonderful town and I’m really proud to be part of such a great community.” If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be and who would play you? Donna explained that it’s important that the community’s voice One day, when an elderly client saw me, he jokingly called is heard and valued. out “Not her again.” So, my movie would be a comedy called “Not Her Again!” Of course, Sandra Bullock would play me. “We need to be in conversations and involved in opportunities to design, or in some cases redesign, services so they meet Who have been your strongest influences in life? community needs. When this is done, we can achieve better 100% my Mum! social, economic and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” she said. Describe a scene of your vision for the future.
Donna has combined passion for her job with a commitment To work for as long as I can and make a genuine difference. to her community, and embraced opportunities where she can What would you change if you could? move words into actions. Donna has recently been appointed I’d get rid of cancer. as a member on the Queensland Clinical Senate, a member of the South West Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership What is your most used emoji? Advisory Council and is part of SWHHS’s COVID-19 First Nations It has to be the smiley face Command Cell for the Incident Management Team. What was the worst choice you ever made? Smoking BUT now I’m smoke free!
6 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service TAKE TIME OUT FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Everyone’s mental health is important. This year in Please support wider efforts to boost mental wellbeing particular has had a huge impact on people’s mental in Queensland communities by promoting mental health discussions, raising awareness of mental health issues, health all over the world. This was why Queensland reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek support. Mental Health Week 2020 was a priority. Whether it’s your personal life or what’s going on at work, or Busy lives can get in the way of us caring for our mental health a combination of the two, South West HHS is committed to as can the fear of feeling vulnerable should we reveal our supporting your health and wellbeing. mental health challenges. These issues combined with the changes to our daily lives caused by COVID-19 have made it Confidential, face-to-face or telephone counselling and online more important than ever to raise awareness of mental health resources are available free of charge 24/7 via our Employee and encourage people to take care of themselves, and focus Assistance Provider, Lifeworks by Morneau Shepell. Services on wellbeing and recovery in our community. are available to all staff and have been extended to immediate family members. Across our South West HHS facilities, we celebrated and recognised Mental Health Week, which also included Odd Please visit the department’s EAS page and search for South Socks Day on Friday 9 October and World Mental Health Day West for further details. on 10 October – both aimed at raising awareness of mental Any community members who are concerned about their own health and wellbeing. or a loved one’s mental health are encouraged to speak with This year’s theme for Mental Health Week remained the same trusted support services, such as a GP or a counselling service. as last year’s: Take time – for mental health.
The Queensland Government’s Dear Mind initiative shows there are six simple actions we can take to improve our Wyandra moods, build resilience, and boost our mental wellbeing: Community Day
1. Take time to get healthy – being active and eating well is
Please join us for our Queensland Mental Health week event! good for your mind and body. Luncheon 2. Take time to keep learning – learning new things can be
fun and boost confidence.
3. Take time to show kindness – practising small acts of Anglicare is joining with Qld Health - When - to help remote communities connect Tues 27 October 2020 .30pm together and learn some new skills. 12 Open to people of all ages. Come and - Where - kindness, volunteering time, or simply helping a friend in th October enjoy some craft activities, a free lunch Wyandra Community Hall 14 and socialise. Information about support Wyandra services and free give aways. - Time - Wednesday 10.30 to 2.00 need can help you feel more satisfied with life. Talk Bookings essential for catering call 1300 114 397 or email [email protected] - Oasis Motel Health - Cost - – Librarian/Health Wellbeing Free Event location- Luncheon and
Event details - Diane Montgomerie/2020 4. Take time to connect – spending time with other people is P 7/10/ Event contact . RSV - 46218094 important to everyone’s mental wellbeing and can be done Officer
while carefully observing social distancing.
5. Take time to take notice – paying more attention to the Graham Andrews Park present and the world around you can help you relieve Mindfulness Walk stress and enjoy the moment. 6. Take time to embrace nature – connecting with the outdoors and taking care of the planet is the best recipe for world wellbeing.
Follow the signs along the Graham Andrews Park Paths
7 PULSEPULSE October July edition | South West Hospital and Health Service CANS JOIN FOR VIRTUAL 2020 FORUM
Since 2013 the South West Hospital and Health Associate Professor Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive Officer, Board has hosted an Annual Community Advisory Health and Wellbeing Queensland was invited to present to the meeting on key priorities for health and wellbeing and gave a Network (CAN) Forum with all 15 CANs, Board very informative and interesting address highlighting obesity Members, Executive Leadership Team and Senior statistics with 2 in 3 adults in Australia being overweight or Managers meeting face to face to foster strong obese and 1 in 4 children in Queensland living with overweight working relationships, discuss matters important or obesity. The top priorities for Health and Wellbeing to individual communities and ways to enhance Queensland are First Nations, Equity and Communities, Children and Schools and Clinical Prevention – health system. The key the consumer experience and meet the health enablers to make Queensland the healthiest state are research needs of communities and consumers across the and evaluation, policy, media and communications, digital / South West. Our CANs are our key stakeholders data reform, business and governance, community partnering and bring immense value to planning and strategy and health and wellbeing programs. Associate design of health services and strengthen the Professor Littlewood highlighted the obesity issue and its effect on health and wellbeing emphasising that it is important to do links between health services and their local things differently to address the issues which involves listening communities bringing a unique perspective. and working with communities to see what will work for them, learning, pivoting and continuing to make adjustments. There As we journeyed through the year and the COVID-19 are various health and wellbeing programs available which are pandemic changed our lives forever South West Hospital free to support healthy lifestyles along with a Boost your Healthy and Health Service (HHS) was determined that business Platform which can be accessed at: https://hw.qld.gov.au would continue and embraced virtual opportunities to meet with consumers and communities as well as delivering health services through virtual means. We understand how important the face to face forums have been in the past and the engagement in this medium has been a highlight however, in consultation with our CANs a shortened virtual session was held on Tuesday 27 October 2020 which included an address by Karen Tully, Board Chair, some key presentations and an open session. Due to the virtual delivery the invitation was extended to all members across the Network and over 40 participants were in attendance.
Board Chair Karen Tully welcomed all participants to the meeting highlighting how COVID-19 has shaped 2020 in unexpected and interesting ways and in particular, noting the impact on health workers and their heroic efforts to prepare and be ready to respond when needed in the South West. COVID-19 has made us all alter our approach and through the use of virtual mechanisms an advantage has been the ability to invite all members across our diverse South West area to participate. The Chair thanked the CAN members for being advocates in their communities promoting COVID messages to keep their communities safe and being a strong conduit between communities and their local health services. In keeping with the commitment to the 2019 CAN forum the Rebecca Greenway presents to the CAN members during the Chair provided an update on nursing and medical leadership annual CAN Forum in October. and oral health services.
8 PULSEPULSE October July edition | South West Hospital and Health Service Associate Professor Littlewood also praised the South West HHS Funding has also been received for the implementation of a for its healthy communities program and ways it is shaping and First Nations COVID-19 response which will involve the delivery building place based initiatives. of critical activities including communications, enhanced testing, treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and ongoing Rebecca Greenway, Acting Executive Director Primary and access to high quality and culturally safe healthcare for Community Care (EDPCC) presented on ‘Opportunities in First Nations people within the South West HHS area. Primary and Community Care – a transformational journey’ Improving health outcomes for our First Nations people highlighting the building and strengthening of relationships is a key priority for South West HHS. with key partners to provide meaningful and integrated services to our communities. Primary and community models We would like to sincerely thank our CAN members who of care have been realigned with contemporary practice attended and also thank our network for their amazing work models that will see the South West HHS as a leader in over the past 12 months and for the significant difference primary and community care. Projects like Healthcare Homes they make. The extraordinary times we have lived through and Health Pathways where a committed care team with a during 2020 has seen a growing interest by consumers and shared care plan can provide better access, flexibility and it has never been more important that we listen to the voice coordination for patients have significant benefits. The of consumers and how services can be delivered putting the success of these models has been demonstrated through the human experience at the heart of healthcare and where this COVID-19 journey and provide a great platform for the future. experience can continue to flourish. An important initiative of the primary and community care team has been translation of the Population Health Pyramid to uncover actionable patient lists focusing on the 15 – 25% of the South West population falling into a rising risk category. Of the 26,000 people in the South West approximately 4,000 have been identified as having at least one or more chronic diseases and we know that with improved knowledge, skills and self- management we can assist patients from further deteriorating and falling into the high risk category. Identification of this rising risk has presented an opportunity for us to change the life trajectory and address the life disparity of 15 years our communities currently face.
South West HHS has an exciting opportunity to promote and transform the primary healthcare landscape through innovative and flexible models, committed providers and population participation and we are totally committed to working with our consumers and communities to make the change happen.
Another interesting presentation was provided by Rodney Landers, Senior Indigenous Health Coordinator (SIHC) on ‘Improving health outcomes for our First Nations People’. The SIHC highlighted the key focus areas for 2020-21 including the provision of safe, visible and culturally responsive person-centred care, growing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, cultural capability Rodney Landers addressing the CAN members during the annual CAN Forum in October program up lift and review, continuing works on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Plan and working on the new targets for Closing the Gap.
9 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service ALLIED HEALTH STUDENT PLACEMENT – SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH TELEHEALTH
Allied health student placements offer a range of benefits for our organisation and future clinicians. Student placement opportunities offer development opportunities for the existing allied health workforce in supervision and leadership roles, and create partnerships between providers and universities.
Helen Wassman, Allied Health Professional Lead and Chief Experience Officer, believes that student placements can help create positive learning cultures and enhance organisational capacity. Additionally, rural and remote placements can offer Kate Ross (right) and Amy Saward, third year James Cook University (JCU) Occupational Therapy students on placement at the Roma unique learning experiences by exposing students to a wide Hospital visiting Surat during their time in the South West HHS. range of clients and models of service delivery, and provide opportunities for students to develop self-reliance, autonomy, clinical initiative, flexibility and time-management skills.
Occupational Therapy students Kate Ross and Amy Saward, on placement at the Roma Hospital, are currently being supervised by Helen Wassman.
Let’s meet the students – Kate and Amy – and gain a brief overview of their work.
Hi, our names are Kate Ross and Amy Saward and we are 3rd year occupational therapy students at James Cook University (JCU) on placement at the Roma Hospital. We both grew up in Mackay and left home to attend university in Townsville. JCU Kate Ross (right) and Amy Saward, third year James Cook University encourages students to complete a rural placement and when (JCU) Occupational Therapy students, visiting the Roma saleyards. we were offered Roma, we didn’t hesitate as we are passionate about learning from and giving back to rural communities. We have also been working with selected community Throughout our seven-week placement, we are creating members to help them regain their independence and improve two telehealth toolkits to help clinicians access telehealth their participation in daily activities, which we like to call resources. One of the toolkits will include paediatric telehealth occupations. This has been incredibly rewarding for us both resources and the other will enable occupational therapists and we can’t wait to continue to help people. to conduct home assessments via telehealth. To gain insight into user satisfaction and improvements for telehealth, we Outside of placement, we have made the most of what the have also been conducting surveys and interviews with service South West has to offer by taking road trips to Mitchell, Surat providers and service users who have used telehealth. When and Chinchilla and visiting the Roma Saleyards. So far it finished, our project will give back to the community by making has been an amazing experience and we can’t wait for more telehealth easier for both clinicians and service users to use. adventures in our final three weeks here in the South West.
10 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service Colleen Price with her colleagues from Injune Multipurpose Health Service at her farewell held in October.
AFTER 40 YEARS, COLLEEN SAYS GOODBYE
The good people at Injune Multipurpose Health “I am so thankful that I was hospital trained under such great Service were sad to farewell one of their longest nurses like Val Sherratt, who was the DON at Injune when I started. serving colleagues in October. “She always knew how to keep her team together and we all Having worked at the Injune facility for more than four decades, worked so well under her guidance.” Colleen Price has always considered it her second home. Colleen said she is looking forward to spending time with her “Over the years, I’ve met and worked with some wonderful husband, travelling in their campervan. people, most of whom became my friends,” Colleen said. “I will definitely miss the beautiful people from Injune, but For as long as she can remember, Colleen always knew she I am sure we will get to see them on our travels over the next wanted to be a nurse. few years.”.
“Being able to help people and be there for them is what drove Goodbye and good luck Colleen. me to nursing, and I must say that although there were some tough times, the good always outweighed the bad,” she said.
Colleen has been reminiscing about how much she loves “Over the years, I’ve met and worked Injune and the people from the area. with some wonderful people, most of “I will dearly miss the oldies,” she said. They really love our whom became my friends” company and enjoy sharing their stories.”
She also acknowledged some wonderful mentors from her early years.
11 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service WALKING WORKS WONDERS DURING MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
The team at CWAATSICH know that a good walk can Mindful walking simply means walking while being aware of do so much more than just burn calories. Getting each step, our breath and our bodies. Signs were positioned along the pathway in Graham Andrews Park to encourage out and about in nature brings a whole range of walkers to bring their minds to their senses – sight, hearing, benefits when it comes to mental wellbeing. smell, taste and touch – and to focus their awareness on the bodies and the surroundings. To help celebrate Mental Health Week, CWAATSICH organised an early morning river walk, starting from the new bridge, You can try mindful walking almost anywhere – it is a great way down to the Warrego River crossing and back again. Walkers to clear your mind of clutter and restore focus. were rewarded with a warm welcome and a cooked breakfast, all in a COVID-safe environment.
The physical improvements gained by walking goes a long way to improving mental health. Regular physical activity improves self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue. Physically active people have a greatly reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed recover.
The list of benefits goes on – for older people, staying active can improve cognitive function, memory, attention and processing speed, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Walking for mental health was also a focus for the Charleville Hospital Mental Health Team and the HOPE Program, who got together to create a Mindfulness Walk during Mental Health Week.
Ruby Russell follows the signs along the path at Graham Andrews Park
“The physical improvements gained by walking goes a long way to improving mental health.”
The CWAATSICH River Walk team welcomed SWHHS’s HOPE team at their Mental Health Week breakfast
12 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service A USQ PARTNERSHIP UNDER THE MICROSCOPE IN CUNNAMULLA AND CHARLEVILLE
Exciting things happened in Cunnamulla and Charleville when a team from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) came to visit.
Dr Ashely Jones, who lectures in TV and radio broadcast within USQ’s School of Creative Arts, ran classroom sessions for school students around storytelling and identity. He also delivered sessions for teachers from Charleville’s School of Distance Education, helping them develop their communication skills using video and audio in the online classroom. Dr Ashley, Yvonne and their USQ colleagues came to Dr Ashley, who has plans to return to the communities next Cunnamulla and Charleville at the invitation of the HOPE year, is also very keen to develop community capacity around Team, who helped organise schedules and logistics for their local media and get more of the local voice on air. week-long visit. The good news is that Ashley and Yvonne have already made plans to revisit the communities at least I’d love to support a more effective use of local media in these once each school term, starting in February 2021. communities,” he said. “It would be great to work with kids beyond their schoolwork, on projects that tell local stories, value the local voice and create a conduit between the media and community.”
Dr Jones was joined by Senior Indigenous Engagement Officer Yvonne O’Neill from USQ’s College for Indigenous Studies, Education and Research, along with her team – two USQ science academics and two undergrad student ambassadors.
This remarkable team of experts arrived in USQ’s Discovery Van that was full of wonderful and exciting … discoveries! Students were given free reign with drones and solar powered cars. They participated in a ‘Patient Zero’ activity, learning
CPR and looking at cells through microscopes – especially Students from Cunnamulla P-12 State School build solar powered apt in the COVID era. They also had some messy fun following cars and check out amazing things a recipe for making slime!
Rather than pitch USQ as an enrolment prospect for high school students, the USQ team focused kids’ attention on the wonder and fun of science and communication.
“We just wanted the kids to gain an understanding of how various technologies can be applied to help people, reduce environmental impacts and be great fun!” Yvonne said.
The USQ team was also extremely generous and hospitable, hosting many barbecues at the schools and in community, and informal dinners for community members.
13 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service Our teams
10,000 STEPS TO HEALTHY STAFF
Congratulations to the 248 staff members across Our thanks to the Roma Men’s Shed for handcrafting the trophy, 22 teams who participated and completed the which is in the shape of an apple. It truly is a work of art. 2020 South West Hospital and Health Service Though the tournament period has now ended, staff have (HHS) Steps Tournament. Over the past month this reported that they are more aware of their individual activity committed group from across our health service levels and are finding ways to be more active as they go about have not only increased their physical activity their various roles each day. levels but have tracked their efforts with the aim of Although the formal South West HHS challenge has ended, taking out the South West HHS Steps Trophy. as a follow-up, Jenny Peacock from the HOPE Program, is leading another 10,000 Steps Challenge with teams from All up, our teams walked a total of 66.7 million steps over the three schools in Charleville. Let’s all keep walking! 28 days, or roughly the equivalent of walking the entire perimeter of Australia two and half times!
The average daily step count for our cohort was 9,930 steps per day, just short of the 10,000 steps target, but a fantastic effort and greater than the 2018 average of 6,680.
And the winner is ... the Mitchell Machines, who averaged almost 13,500 steps per day per person. This awesome group was led by team captain Anna Cross (A/DON Mitchell) and will be rewarded with a team barbecue and was presented with the winner’s trophy, proudly built by the Roma Men’s Shed, at the South West HHS Annual Staff Awards.
A huge shout out also to our Highest Individual Stepper – Diedre Williams – of the Warrego Walkabout (Cunnamulla) Charleville’s Mulga Marchers (from left) Sharon Young, April Smith, who accumulated a massive 1,080,552 steps across the Catherine O’Connor and Tegan Russell taking part in the South West HHS 10,000 Steps Challenge. challenge at an average of more than 38,500 steps per day.
The winning team, Mitchell Machines (from left) Kerry Cavanough, Janine Monagle, Hekoi Henao, Rose-Maree Bahre, Janelle Rook, Anna Cross and Celia Charlton. Presenting the trophy, left to right: Rohan Ballon, Helen Wassman, Alec Waldron from the Roma Men’s Shed and Michael Reddan.
14 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service SOUTH WEST HHS STAFF CELEBRATE A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Approximately 150 staff joined together online to “The staff awards recognise employees from all professions, and celebrate the achievements of colleagues at our it is a real accomplishment to be recognised by your work peers. annual South West Hospital and Health Service “The strong number of nominations is a clear indicator of (HHS) Staff Excellence Awards. the high standard of work being performed every day in the South West.” Although the awards celebration was a little different this year, the calibre of nominations was no different to previous Award categories and winners are as follows: years. Every nomination was exceptional and showcased our • Quality – We strive for excellence and do our best to commitment to continue delivering quality healthcare across deliver person-centred care South West Queensland, regardless of a pandemic and its unique challenges. Winner: Jade Vickers, Lead Wound Care Service, St George
We received nearly 80 nominations from across the health • Compassion – We treat people with the same kindness, service for the seven categories. respect and dignity as we would our own family.
Five of the award categories are based on our service’s values Winner: Vicki Graham, Pharmacy Assistant, Roma Hospital – Quality, Compassion, Engagement, Accountability and • Engagement – We work effectively and inclusively with Adaptability. These were adopted in 2018 and have been the others. driving force behind the South West ‘leading the way in rural and remote healthcare’. Winner: (two winners), Nicky McKellar, Nurse Practitioner Charleville Two other awards – the long-standing Jim and Jill Baker Award presented to the employee or team who demonstrates • Accountability – We are reliable and own what we do excellence in their chosen field, and the Community Volunteer and do what we say we will do. Award presented to an employee or community member who Winner: Alicia Murray, Executive Support Officer, has gone above and beyond in helping and supporting our Office of the Director of Organisational Development health service.
Finally, the Board Chair’s award is presented for outstanding • Adaptability – We learn, change and grow. commitment and service to the South West HHS. Winner: Melinda Brassington, Acting Service Director, Charleville Primary and Community Care Board Chair Karen Tully said the awards event was a great opportunity to recognise both individuals and teams for their • Community Volunteer Award – Awarded to an employee, enduring dedication to providing quality health care. Community Advisory Network representative or volunteer who has gone above and beyond for the South West HHS. “It was a real privilege to witness staff faces full of pride and excitement as they accepted their awards and I’m sure their Winner: St George CAN Chair, Keith Codrington success has inspired their colleagues,’’ she said. • Jim and Jill Baker Award – Awarded to the employee or “Working in rural and remote settings, our staff have a very team who demonstrates excellence in their chosen field. special connection with their communities, and the entire Winner: Kathryn Avery, Community Health Nurse, South West can be very proud of all of their achievements. St George Hospital “This year has seen many changes and everyone across the South West HHS has shown resilience and dedication to • Board Chair’s Award delivering quality healthcare to our communities. Winner: Bruce Albeck
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the awards, including the winners, those who were nominated and those who took the time to acknowledge their colleagues by submitting nominations.
15 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service Charleville staff getting together for the virtual South West HHS Staff Awards held in October.
Melinda Brassington took out the Adaptability Award at the virtual South West HHS Staff Awards held in October.
Nicky McKellar was the recipient of the Engagement Award at the South West HHS virtual staff awards in October.
Charleville staff enjoyed a celebration cake as part of the virtual South West HHS Staff Awards held in October.
16 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service OPERATIONAL STAFF WEEK CELEBRATIONS
Operational services staff play an important role supporting the delivery of quality and effective healthcare within our hospital and healthcare facilities across the South West.
We rely heavily on these dedicated people, and have even more so during this year of the coronavirus pandemic, to make sure our work places and facilities are safe for our patients, staff and visitors.
Operational Staff Week in October gave us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate these professional staff members. The week was about promoting, recognising and raising awareness of the variety of services performed by our operational teams.
From our gardeners to our cooks, cleaners, wardies and all other operational services staff – you are instrumental in everything that goes on at every facility.
Our operational staff are hard-working people who are the backbone of every facility and help each and every one of us in everything we do every day – sometimes with us not even realising.
The healthcare we provide day in, day out would not be possible without you; you play a special role and contribute immensely to the success of our health service.
Mitchell’s Kerry Cavanough celebrated her 15 years with Queensland Health during Operational Staff Week. Congratulations Kerry.
Operational staff week cake from Mitchell
17 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service WHAT’S IN THE TOOLBOX?
October, the month when diehard rev heads congregate with their mates in rumpus rooms Here is a sneak peek at what each Toolbox Talk has to offer: around the nation to watch the Bathurst 1000, when lederhosen and dirndls become the dress Physical activity: Despite popular belief, the gym is code for pubs hosting their version of Oktoberfest, not the only way to incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle. Our resident exercise physiologist has is also the time when Australia acknowledges the developed a package of activities in this Toolbox to give importance of ensuring the health and safety of you some useful scores and tips to add more physical employees in the workplace. activity into your day.
Along with the rest of Australia, the South West HHS recognises Healthy Heart: There are many components that the importance of National Safe Work Month for all employees, contribute to our overall cardiovascular health. This which is why our Healthy Communities Team, in collaboration Toolbox will seek to obtain some key measurements from with the OHS Team, have been busy preparing for the rollout participants as part of a healthy heart check and explain of Toolbox Talks across our health service. the significance of each measure on the cardiovascular system through a virtual 3D tour of the heart. Originating in what’s affectionately known as ‘The Incubator’ room, the Toolbox Talks were initially piloted with the team at Healthy Eating – label reading: Have you even turned Flemings, a local welding company in Roma. The Toolbox Talks over a cereal box in the supermarket to read the label provided Flemings’ workers with information about their personal only to make neither head nor tail of the information? health including the effects of cigarette smoking on their bodies. This Toolbox will help you decipher crafty food marketing This resulted in some employees seeking advice about the steps and give you the skills to identify which foods are to quit. Following some glowing reviews from the pilot group, the healthy choices during your next shopping trip. Healthy Communities Team put on their thinking caps and used Healthy Eating – fill your bucket: While we often hear their clinical expertise to develop new and interactive Toolboxes about kilojoules (or calories) in our food, it can be to cover a range of common health topics. difficult to visualise what this looks like. With a bucket If you and your team are interested in hosting a Toolbox Talk representing your ‘food bank’ and water representing please forward your enquiry to the team at SWHHS-Healthy- ‘food money’, this Toolbox will help you understand [email protected] or call the team for a chat what can happen when we deposit more food money on 4505 1527. than we spend throughout the day.
Alcohol: Use the beer goggles to experience a realistic simulation of the effect alcohol has on completing seemingly simple tasks and learn more about the short- and long-term effects of alcohol consumption on your health.
Smoking: Measure the level of carbon monoxide in your body using a Smokerlyzer (even if you do not directly smoke cigarettes the results may surprise you!) and take advantage of the tips in the Toolbox to help you or someone you know begin the process to quitting.
The Toolbox Talk box!
18 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service Our services
HIDDEN SUGARS AND YOUR HEALTH
It’s becoming widely understood that consuming Here are Lisa’s six top tips to help reduce the effects of a too much sugar is really detrimental not only for high-sugar diet: our teeth but also for our overall health. Why then • At the end of every meal or each time you drink something do we still consume so much sugar when the other than water, immediately wash out your mouth with effects are clearly so bad for us? water to rinse away any sugars and acids. • Make high sugar foods ‘sometimes’ foods that you don’t Lisa Rippon, South West HHS Senior Oral Health Therapist, consume on a daily basis. has some suggestions. • Remember that certain medical conditions and medications Firstly, she encourages us to consider what we need to look for may reduce your salivary flow making you more susceptible when aiming to lower the amount of sugar, especially added to developing holes in your teeth or gum disease. This sugar, that we eat and drink every day. makes it even more important to limit the amount of sugar you consume and increase the amount of water you drink. “The major sources of sugar in our diets are table sugar, soft • Brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoridated drinks and energy drinks, flavoured waters and fruit juices, toothpaste is also best. The fluoride in the toothpaste and preserves like tomato sauce and ketchup,” Lisa says. helps keep your teeth strong, naturally reduces sensitivity, “We can cut lots of sugar from our diets by drinking plain water and also helps to kill the bacteria that causes decay and when we’re thirsty. We can also make it more interesting by gum disease. However, if only brush once a day, night-time adding slices of fruit for flavour, without adding much sugar.” is best as you clean off all the foods you ate during the day before sleeping. Lisa also reminds us that food packaging indicates the amount • Only use a mouthwash on the advice of an Oral Health of sugar in a product. Professional, and only use it for a short time. Remember, “The daily recommended allowance for adults is 6 teaspoons the best way to clean your teeth is with a toothbrush as per day,” she said. “But most people might be very surprised plaque needs to be physically removed. to learn just how easy it is to consume up to 20 teaspoons of • Visit your dentist regularly. sugar a day!” You can learn more about sugar by clicking the following links. Be aware that sugars have various names and come in many forms. Queensland Health: Hidden Sugars
Sugar by half
6 teaspoons per day
19 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST
South West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is currently reviewing emergency management plans and pandemic plans with relevant stakeholders to ensure we’re prepared for the severe weather events predicted over the next few months.
Our South West HHS Incident Management Team Leader Ninette Johnstone said no evacuation model is exempt from COVID-19 considerations and physical distancing is expected to be followed as is practically possible.
“Appropriate supply and access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during this planning is essential to ensure preservation of life and wellbeing,” Ninette said.
“Evacuation is an option of last resort; however, if this is deemed appropriate, we will be prepared and ready.”
Ninette also said because the South West was “unfortunately well practiced in this area,” learnings from past evacuations will be invaluable.
“We have packed PPE into 240L wheelie bins that will double as clinical waste bins in the event of an evacuation.
“We also want to ensure our residential aged care facilities are ready and well supported. Outbreak supplies have also been prepared in 24-hour allocations; the mapping done by KPMG has assisted with the allocation of supply.”
Ninette said the health service was very grateful for the support of external stakeholders (government and non- government) and partners at Queensland Ambulance Service for helping with storage areas across the region.
St George’s Jodie Turvey and Janice Sauer dressed in PPE at the COVID testing clinic in St George recently.
20 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service WANT TO QUIT SMOKING OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO?
One option is Quitline. Anyone living in the South West wishing to quit smoking can access the 12 week program that includes free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum and lozenges) and counselling.
What is Quitline? It is a telephone service dedicated to helping Queenslanders quit smoking.
How do you contact Quitline? Call 13 7848 or request a call from Quitline https://quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/quit- support/quitline/get-help-from-quitline/
What to expect from Quitline? • Expert advice and assistance • Tailored support to suit your individual needs • Encouragement and resources to help you quit • If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, an option to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander counsellor
Quitline counsellors can:
• Help you develop a quit plan with personalised strategies • Discuss how to manage cravings or withdrawals, as well as any other difficulties you may have • Chat about products to help you quit, like nicotine replacement therapy and medications • Send relevant quit support material by email, post or SMS • Answer questions about smoking, quitting and everything in-between. A quit plan does not have to be discussed if you’re not ready
21 PULSE October edition | South West Hospital and Health Service