THE NEWSLETTER OF ST VINCENT’S HOSPITAL MELBOURNE ISSUE 1 2017 The Font

4 6 11

High flying Pie Meet our Getting cancer returns to support new graduates patients back Scrubs Run on their feet Message from the CEO Contents

3 Autumn Appeal – New years are about new St Vincent’s and Collingwood share Revolutionising the way we beginnings, and as I welcome you a special bond, stretching back to the to the first edition of the Font for very beginnings of both organisations, treat neurological diseases 2017, we also welcome hundreds which were established only a year of new medical interns, graduate apart in the 1890’s. In the early days, 4 H igh flying Pie returns nurses and allied health graduates St Vincent’s staff cared for injured to support Scrubs Run who are starting their careers players, while Collingwood organised practice matches to raise much at St Vincent’s. 5 T he impact of your giving – needed funds for the hospital. meet last year’s highes fundraisers We have an enviable reputation for St Vincent’s has a remarkable heritage nurturing the talents and skills of our and extraordinary potential. I am 6 Meet our new graduates clinical staff, a reputation that attracts excited about the year ahead look the best and brightest graduates forward to sharing more stories of 8 Prague House gets to St Vincent’s. We are delighted to what we achieve together in the Font. welcome them to the St Vincent’s furniture makeover community and inside this edition of I hope you enjoy this edition of the Font. Congratulations to our top the Font, we introduce you to half a Graduate Nurse for 2016 dozen of our newest staff members. We know that in their time with 9 O ur important donors: us they will come to display the Vale David Mackintosh Susan O’Neill excellent and compassionate care Remembering a tragedy that sets us apart. This excellent Chief Executive Officer and compassionate care is displayed St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne daily by our staff, including our own 10 Leadership team appointments Professor Mark Cook, who has led a clinical trial delivering medication 11 Inspiring Giving directly into the brain of epilepsy Getting cancer patients patients for the first time. back on their feet It is also shown by Emergency Department physician Dr Neil 12 T hank you for your Cunningham and the countless staff generous donations in 2016 who demonstrated composed and dedicated care during the tragic events in Bourke Street in January. In March, our staff and supporters will team together to celebrate the care we provide and raise money for the hospital at the annual St Vincent’s Scrubs Run. In an exciting development, Collingwood Football Club has come St Vincent’s Hospital on board as an official supporter, Melbourne is proud to be rekindling a relationship going back part of the St Vincent’s Health almost 125 years. Australia group, which is the second largest health and aged care provider in the country. SVHA’s mission is to bring God’s love to those in need through the healing ministry of Jesus. We are guided by the values of compassion, justice, integrity, and excellence. INSPIRED BY YOU 3

240,000 Australians suffer from epilepsy

‘The procedure has had a dramatic effect on Natalie, it’s been surprising how effective it has been,’ Professor Cook says. ‘The side effects are manageable and we are all ecstatic with how things have gone.’ Autumn Appeal – Revolutionising the way we treat neurological diseases

For Natalie Kallelea, every day Natalie was referred to St Vincent’s ‘I would also love to be able to drive was a struggle. Natalie suffers Director of Neurology Professor Mark again, then in the long-term, hopefully from severe epilepsy and has Cook, who was looking for suitable Alex and I can start planning for a family. spent many years incapacitated candidates for a world-first clinical trial That has been one of the biggest issues, from multiple daily seizures. that will deliver medication directly into because of the amount of medication I the brain of epilepsy patients. was taking and how strong they were.’ Natalie’s seizures were so severe and In December 2016, St Vincent’s The next step for Professor Cook and unpredictable that she couldn’t walk neurosurgeons implanted a pump in his team will be to look at delivering to the letterbox or take a shower on her Natalie’s stomach that sends medication, different types of drugs in this manner. own. Natalie was confined to the couch through a tiny tube, directly into the brain. from the moment her husband Alex left ‘Some medications aren’t available in It is the first time that drugs medication for work, until he arrived home in the a form that patients can take orally as has been delivered in this way. evening. With time, Natalie lost her job a tablet, but may work very well for and her independence. Natalie is the first of eight patients to epilepsy, so if we can give them directly take part in the trial, with two more to the brain, it will give us another The 27-year-old from Numurkah had patients to undergo the procedure. range of drugs to treat severe epilepsy,’ exhausted every type of available anti- Although it is early days, preliminary Professor Cook says. epileptic medication with no success, results are encouraging that the new and five months ago phoned her The next step for Professor Cook and drug delivery system can control neurologist begging to try something his team will be to look at delivering Natalie’s seizures. new after experiencing eight seizures different types of drugs in this manner in one day. ‘The procedure has had a dramatic for other neurological conditions. effect on Natalie, it’s been surprising When a seizure occurs, Natalie is We can continue leading this world- how effective it has been,’ Professor suddenly dazed. ‘I scream, seize up and first research and if successful, other Cook says. ‘The side effects are fall to the ground.’ Natalie can stay in this conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, manageable and we are all ecstatic seized state for up to 10 minutes, holding Alzheimer’s, stroke and anxiety are also with how things have gone.’ her breath the entire time. Natalie can potential targets for this novel procedure. sometimes remain in an unconscious Natalie says she hasn’t experienced a To donate, please text ‘Neuros’ state for up to three hours. seizure since the night of the procedure. to 0400 807 807 (standard text ‘I am now excited for what the future ‘I said to him “I just can’t do this and data charges apply). may hold.’ anymore, you have to do something,’ For further information, Natalie says. ‘With the quality of life ‘I hope that I will be able to go back visit www.stvfoundation.org.au I had, I was willing to try anything.’ to work, even if it’s just a part-time job. I haven’t worked in two and a half years,’ Natalie says. 4 INSPIRED BY YOU

High flying Pie returns to support at Scrubs Run

High Flying Pie

As a former St Vincent’s staff member, Collingwood player Meg Hutchins is excited to attend the 2017 Scrubs Run and see some familiar faces. Meg worked as an Allied Health Assistant at St Vincent’s in 2016 and has fond memories of her time. Meg became an inaugural member of the women’s squad when she was picked up as a priority selection, and resigned from St Vincent’s to take on a full-time role as women’s football operations manager. ‘It was sad leaving, as I was Pull on the runners and If you can’t decide on a hospital leaving such wonderful people, exercise your fundraising skills – department, then we have made it but they were very supportive registrations have opened for the easy for you. Simply choose one of of me for the special opportunity annual Scrubs Run on Sunday, the following that have been identified I was given and a lot of them 26 March at Princes Park, as requiring urgent support: were there to cheer me on at the Carlton North. • Emergency Department first ever game against Carlton,’ Meg says. We are excited to announce that • Mental Health Department Collingwood Football Club will be After 15 seasons in the VFL • The Cottage (caring for supporting this great event. Players Women’s competition, Meg finally homeless patients) from the Men’s and Women’s teams has the opportunity to play the along with the Netball team will be in • The Good Samaritan Fund game she loves professionally. attendance as runners and walkers (providing small grants to assist ‘It’s pretty surreal, but for so limber up for the 3km, 6km and 10km our most disadvantaged and many people who have worked challenge. It’s an ideal time to bring vulnerable patients) tirelessly for so many years, it is along your autograph book or have a great reward to see the league your Scrubs T-shirt signed! If you’re not able to attend this year, up on the biggest of stages. We maybe you would consider donating All registrants will receive a $50 couldn’t be happier to know that or registering as a ‘virtual participant’ voucher from Active Feet to purchase people want to tune in, and want to support St Vincent’s Hospital, visit some new runners and winners on to come and watch.’ www.scrubsrun.com.au the day will receive prize packs from ‘When I was little, it was such a Lorna Jane. Register now – it’s more than a run! challenging time for my mum and Scrubs Run is a fantastic morning The Scrubs Run is a celebration of when she told me that I couldn’t full of activities to entertain the the St Vincent’s Hospital community play the sport I loved, I was whole family, while participants raise and a wonderful day to bring along devastated.’ Today no daughter money to support a specific hospital your friends and family to cheer on needs to be told that shattering department. You don’t even have to the walkers and the runners as they news. It’s so exciting to know run or walk to be take part in the fun. journey around Princes Park. There that girls and boys can now grow You can organise your own fundraising will be music, roaming entertainment, up thinking girls playing football to give on the day or make a one-off an egg and bacon BBQ and food vans. is normal.’ donation to www.scrubsrun.com.au Children are guaranteed to enjoy the Meg Hutchins will join jumping castle, magician, face painting teammates from the men’s Above: Collingwood player Meg Hutchins and kid’s crafts. It’s a diary date not and women’s team, as well as with St Vincent’s nurses Rachel Powell, to be missed for the entire family and the netball team at Scrubs Run Bodhi Mannix-Faiers and Drosis Stamboulakis. your furry friends. on Sunday, 26 March. INSPIRED BY YOU 5

High flying Pie returns to support at Scrubs Run

The impact of your giving – meet last year’s highest fundraisers

A group of dedicated nurses Every time the Brainiacs reached from 10 West raised nearly a milestone they celebrated and $10,000 for their department, momentum kept growing. The team becoming the highest fundraisers reached their target and recently for the Scrubs Run in 2016. purchased an ECG machine for our ward. Seeing a need for an ECG machine, the staff banded together ‘We had been sharing one ECG to form the ‘Brainiacs’, a team of machine across the 10th floor so fundraisers who set about raising having our own has made a big money to buy the much needed difference, providing quicker access piece of equipment. to equipment, earlier intervention and better outcomes.’ ‘No donation was too small and we accepted everything,’ says Nurse ‘The patients are at the core of Unit Manager Kathryn Connor. ‘The everything we do. We care for bulk of our supporters were friends patients and their families at the most and family who donated to our team vulnerable times in their life and it’s a and our fundraising page was shared privilege. Our role is to provide high through our Facebook pages. Our quality care to our patients in their neurosurgeons donated as well as time of need. This is what drives our patients and relatives.’ us. I am very proud of what we have achieved.’

Below: Nurse Unit Manager Kathryn Connor (centre) with Brainiac team members from 10 West and their ECG machine. Sign up for St Vincent’s Scrubs Run today! Date: Sunday 26 March 2017 Time: From 9.30am Venue: Princes Park, Carlton North Cost: Adults $30 (includes a Scrubs t-shirt), Students $25. Children free. Register: www.scrubsrun.com.au or call 9231 3287 6 INSPIRED BY YOU Meet our new graduates

Why did you choose St Vincent’s?

‘The family environment that St Vincent’s is renowned for is part of the reason why I chose to do my intern year here. I also know that there is a huge emphasis on teamwork at St Vincent’s, which is very important not only in helping patients, but also in building strong networks between colleagues so that we can help each other achieve common goals.’ Dr Clinton Hoxhallari Medical intern

Why did you choose St Vincent’s?

‘My older brother worked here as a doctor and he always talked about how all the staff are compassionate towards their patients. He seemed he really loved his job and I wanted that as a doctor. What are you most looking forward to this year?

‘I’m looking forward to finally starting work after so many years of studying and reading textbooks.’ Dr Jocelyn Shan Medical intern

Why did you choose St Vincent’s?

‘I chose St Vincent’s because my experience as a St Vincent’s Clinical School student was just great. I also know St Vincent’s cares for the disadvantaged and it is one of the few Victorian hospitals who take care of prisoners as well. So it is nice to know there is a real culture of generosity and kindness as these are nice qualities to have as a doctor.

Dr Janaka Lovell Medical intern INSPIRED BY YOU 7 Meet our new graduates

What have you enjoyed about St Vincent’s so far?

What’s really great is that I have both a mentor who I can catch up with whenever I want and I also have a senior grade 1 physio who is helping me with the transition from student to full-time work, which has been very helpful. Why did you choose to become a physiotherapist?

‘I chose physiotherapy because Erin McArthur I’m really interested in the human body and I wanted a career where Graduate physiotherapist I could combine that with working with people face-to-face, rather than a desk job.’

Why did you choose St Vincent’s?

St Vincent’s was my top choice, but I was offered a position through the Aboriginal Graduate Nursing Program. The program offers support, mentorship and cultural study days. Firstly People had told me St Vincent’s is so supportive, so I did a bit of research and noticed that the has won a lot of awards, including the People in health Award, and their graduate Kaely Kennedy program had a really good reputation. Graduate nurse

Why did you choose St Vincent’s?

‘I know a couple of people who have worked at StV’s and have said the atmosphere is great and everybody is really nice. The hospital is also well known for providing a high level of care to patients and I wanted to be able to contribute to that. What aspects of Physiotherapy do you most enjoy?

I enjoy working in Acute, on the wards with the patient who have just had surgery. I enjoy getting them up Jayden Saunders and moving again and watching them Graduate physiotherapist progress so they can go home to their family. 8 INSPIRED BY YOU

Prague House gets furniture makeover

Since 1976 Prague House has been Prague House Manager, Tina Melrose, one of the few providers of aged was overwhelmed by the positive care to people who come from a feedback from residents, visitors and background of homelessness. staff on the impact of the furniture. Our specially trained staff ensure ‘The support of Ian Rollo Currie Estate Prague House is a friendly and Foundation was fantastic,’ Tina says. comfortable home to people ‘At Prague House we ensure our who cannot be accommodated residents are treated with the greatest in mainstream aged care or do respect and give them a sense of pride not have the ability or finances in their surroundings.’ to live independently. ‘The new furniture along with In recent years, the furniture at Prague the purchase of additional storage House had become worn and shabby cupboards for the activity area and in desperate need of replacement. and extra chests of drawers for The Foundation applied to Ian Rollo our female residents has been Currie Estate Foundation, managed met with enormous gratitude.’ by Perpetual Trustees, who have been On behalf of all the residents and a generous supporter of St Vincent’s staff at Prague House, we thank the Hospital over many years. To our delight, Ian Rollo Currie Estate Foundation for the Foundation received a grant to making our lives a little easy through replace all chairs and couches including their generous grant. the 45 individual resident’s rooms. Congratulations to our top Graduate Nurse for 2016

Ida nursed in the First World War as part of the AIF delivering care in Egypt, England and France, achieving a Royal Red Cross for her devotion to duty. She was the inaugural President of the St Vincent’s Hospital Graduate Nurses Association. The prize, proudly sponsored by our Graduate Nurses Association is awarded to a Graduate Nurse who encompasses: • knowledge and thorough nursing skills • commitment to the nursing profession at St Vincent’s • behaviour reflective of our values, Graduate Nurse Rebecca The Ida O’Dwyer Prize was originally • confidence to think ahead and act Jackson has been awarded the awarded to a graduating nurse at accordingly, and 2016 Ida O’Dwyer Prize for her St Vincent’s when nursing training exceptional commitment to was completed in hospitals. Today the • willingness to work effectively within nursing at St Vincent’s. Graduate Nurses Association is proud a team and support colleagues to support this tradition by offering the The prize is $1,000 and a copy of Rebecca was presented the award prize to a St Vincent’s Graduate Nurse. by President of the Graduate Nurses the book: “A Professions Pathway – Association Maureen Milton and last Ida O’Dwyer left her home in Bendigo Nursing at St Vincent’s since 1893”. year’s winner Natasha Tabone at a to commence her nursing training at ceremony held on 27 January. St Vincent’s Hospital and graduated in 1902. INSPIRED BY YOU 9

Our important donors: Vale David Mackintosh

We were saddened by the young man in his early 20s, who had passing of Mr David Mackintosh been a Rheumatology patient since the on 2 September 2016. David and age of 3, having continuous hospital his wife Kathy, have been friends admissions all of his life. David and and benefactors of St Vincent’s Kathy gave the young man a family for many years, for which we are holiday, a chance to enjoy life away deeply grateful. from his medical care. As a successful businessman from A very generous man, David was a regional Victoria, David brought his champion of St Vincent’s, making it his ‘can-do’ approach to not only his mission to offer his time and financial own ongoing care, but also to the support to ensure the hospital’s growth. organisations he cared about. His Donations towards Rheumatology generosity extended to the St Vincent’s helped to rebuild the Department Private Hospital in Fitzroy; an animal with a new facility, providing a basis shelter, as well as supporting the for research, training and for leading- Victoria Police activities with young edge patient care. people in the Yarra Valley. David and Kathy also made significant David’s lifetime can be measured contributions to the Cancer Centre, by the positive and powerful impact Anaesthetics Department, 8 East Family he had on the lives of those he David’s lifetime can be room and purchased many pieces of helped both directly and indirectly. measured by the positive equipment, such as a dialysis machine. David is no longer with us but and powerful impact he David was a man who led by example. his spirit endures. He will be long had on the lives of those On one of his many visits to the remembered at St Vincent’s. hospital, he once asked if there were he helped both directly any young patients he could assist. and indirectly. This led to a conversation about a

Remembering a tragedy

The terrible events in Bourke Street came in from annual leave and some in January sent shock waves around stayed on hours beyond the end of Australia and the world. Such a tragic their shift. All staff were selfless and What was it like in our ED during event on our doorstep sparks many completely focused on supporting their the Bourke Street Tragedy? emotions; grief, distress and concern colleagues and caring for our patients. Hear it first-hand from Dr Neil for loved ones, to name a few. Cunningham, the doctor in At this sad and tragic time for Melbourne, charge of our ED that afternoon. It is reassuring to know that at times of we want to acknowledge and pay a crisis there are well trained specialists heartfelt tribute to those victims, their youtu.be/CjJ7JdyV9BY who can remain calm, professional and families and all the emergency staff who extremely caring when dealing with worked so selflessly at this critical time. patients with severe physical trauma. It’s often said that there is something These qualities were demonstrated special about St Vincent’s Hospital by our unflappable, level-headed and we saw that ‘something special’ Emergency Department staff. in action on Friday. Well done everyone, thoughts Hospitals practice for multiple trauma When considering your next go out to all who were working on cases, always hoping these skills and donation, please give to our that day. You are so lucky to have preparations will never be needed. Emergency Department so that this a great leader in Neil Cunningham During this terrible event, we exceeded service can be maintained. Please working for you. What a great all expectations. As soon as the Code Text ‘ED’ to 0400 807 807, to give man and doctor. Brown alert was raised, we saw un- to this most worthy cause. Andrew Adams rostered staff report for duty, others 10 INSPIRED BY YOU Leadership team appointments

We would like to welcome new Executive Directors who will be joining our leadership team in 2017.

Maria Egan Chris Roussos Martin Smith Executive Director of Mission Executive Director of People Executive Director of and Corporate Support Integrated Care Services Maria joins us from Villa Maria Catholic Homes, where she was the Director of Chris Roussos is a highly experienced Martin joins us from Eastern Health, Catholic Identity and Mission. Maria has Human Resources professional who where he has held a variety of senior extensive experience in a variety of roles has held leadership positions in the management roles since 2005. Martin within the Catholic community, including Victorian health sector for 15 years. has been an Associate Director of teacher, consultant and educational Medicine and Sub-Acute and of Surgery Chris was previously Executive leader, and was previously Director Programs and more recently he was the Director, Human Resources & of Mission at Calvary Health Care. Chief of Clinical & Site Operations at Box Communications with Eastern Health, Hill Hospital and Program Director of Born and raised in Melbourne, Maria where he implemented a number of Surgery at Eastern Health. has lived and worked in a refugee camp projects and services. These included in Malaysia, a teacher training college a new service to provide HR advice and Martin’s key program responsibility in Pakistan and for RMIT in China. information for 8,500 staff, a Workforce at Box Hill was overseeing the $447m Maria believes in working alongside Sustainability Unit to improve employee redevelopment of the Hospital. In individuals and to look for ways of management and delivering OH&S surgery, Martin oversaw significant providing opportunities for them to improvements that met or exceeded improvement in timely access for explore and grow in their own faith regulatory requirements. emergency patients and a major and personal spirituality. reduction in patient waiting times.

Ian Broadway Antony Tobin Simon Banting Chief Financial Officer Head of Medicine Head of Surgery Ian Broadway is a highly experienced Antony is well known to the St Vincent’s Simon began his medical career here Finance Executive whose most recent family, having begun his medical as an intern more than 30 years ago, role was Chief Financial Officer at career here as an intern nearly 30 and completed his surgical training at Austin Health, a position held since years ago. After years as an Intensive St V’s, and was awarded the FRACS 2005. Prior to this Ian held a variety of Care Registrar, he became Deputy from here in 1990. After time in the UK, positions in the private sector, and was Director of ICU and more recently Simon worked at several Melbourne Chief Financial Officer at the Victorian held the position of Clinical Director hospitals, including SVHM, Box Hill Workcover Authority, and health Cardiovascular & Respiratory Services. Hospital and the Austin. With a passion services including the North Western for medical teaching and training, he Antony’s career included time at supervised General Surgical Training Health Care Network. Monash Medical Centre, the Austin, at St Vincent’s for a period of time and Ian’s qualifications include a the Alfred, Peter MacCallum, the Royal currently chairs the Division of Surgery. Bachelor of Commerce and post- Melbourne and Northern Hospitals. Simon also has substantial research graduate qualifications in accounting. In addition to his clinical experience, credentials established over three Antony has held numerous teaching decades of research, during which he roles and is also a dedicated researcher. published and presented more than 70 research articles on clinical surgery and the development of laparoscopic surgery. INSPIRED BY YOU 11

Inspiring Giving Getting cancer patients back on their feet The St Vincent’s Foundation’s new Director, Judy Buchan, has one goal; she is keen to ‘inspire giving’ When Tony Flude talks about ‘The program also offers information so that St Vincent’s can maintain his battle against cancer, he and strategies for carers in their its outstanding reputation for understandably gets a little support of loved ones receiving care and innovation. bit emotional. treatment for cancer,’ Andrea says. Judy brings a wealth of ‘When I came out of hospital at the After two months of sessions, Tony experience in strategic philanthropy says the program has made him to St Vincent’s, most recently end of September, I had to be lifted in and out of bed,’ Tony says. ‘I’d been much fitter and he can now do most with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable of the things he did before treatment. Foundation and as a philanthropic receiving chemotherapy and got an consultant to a range of not-for- infection, so I spent a lot of time in ‘I’m almost back to normal, walking profit organisations. ICU. My body had wasted away.’ around, lifting weights. I’m almost doing now what I was doing before Leading the Foundation team, But Tony is determined to keep fighting. Now thanks to a new program I went in to hospital, but I still have Judy is working to develop a a little way to go.’ philanthropy model so potential at St Georges, Tony is well on his way donors know how they can best to regaining his independence. ‘I want to get back to doing the make an impact. The Oncology Rehabilitation Program practical things I was able to do, like catching public transport.’ ‘We want to ensure our donors is specially designed for cancer are acknowledged and feel survivors and their carers to build ‘The staff are particularly trained to connected with us. I’m also very strength, stamina and confidence my needs and we have been able keen to learn more about what to recover after treatment for cancer. to build a one-to-one relationship our donors would like to hear The eight week program is run by during the program.’ from St Vincent’s,’ Judy says. a range of health professionals, ‘The focus on exercise, education If you would like to speak including physiotherapists, and relaxation has helped me stay to Judy or someone from occupational therapists, dieticians, focused on regaining my strength the Foundation team about social workers and psychologists, and muscle mass.’ supporting St Vincent’s work, Project Manager Andrea Shone The pilot program has been please call (03) 9231 3365. says the program offers twice supported by a $100,000 grant from weekly exercise sessions as well The Victorian Cancer Survivorship as information sessions on topics Program and Department of Health such as healthy eating, dealing with and Human Services. the emotional impact of cancer, relaxation, managing fatigue and For enquiries and referrals linking into community services. please contact St Vincent’s Community Rehabilitation Services on 9231 2324.

Did you know? Our kitchen makes over 2,000 fresh homemade meals per day with 90 different menu variations to cater for our patients’ dietary needs. 12 INSPIRED BY YOU

Thank you for your generous donations in 2016

Your support was directed to the following areas:

30% 20% Hospital Cancer Equipment Services

20% 10% Patient Care Research

5% 5% Cardiology Capital

5% 5% Medical Aged Care Services

PO Box 2900 Fitzroy www.facebook.com/StVincentsHospitalMelb VIC 3065 Australia @StVincentsMelb (03) 9231 2211 www.linkedin.com/company/st-vincent’s-hospital-melbourne www.svhm.org.au @stvincentsmelb