Quarterly newsletter of peninsula health • Issue 4 • summer 2012

In this issue

Nurse Practitioners – the changing face of nursing in Multi-storey car park for Frankston Adolescent violence – a growing problem across New lease on life for aged patients

Service • Integrity • Compassion • Respect • Excellence welcome Mark Williams – Australia’s first Nurse Practitioner for Hospital in the Home

Peninsula Health is proud to acknowledge one of our very own as a pioneer of the changing face of nursing in Australia.

Mark Williams is Australia’s first Mark commenced his nursing Hospital in the Home (HITH) Nurse career that very year and became This issue introduces you to three Practitioner. His accreditation will involved with the inception of HITH talented nurses who are pioneers provide for a more flexible and timely transferring from the Trauma Unit at in their specialties and the future approach to patient care. the Royal Hospital. of nursing. They have all recently HITH is an initiative of in-patient Since then, he has taken the next received accreditation as Nurse management outside the traditional step in career development, having Practitioners, a role that enables hospital setting. It is a flexible service received his Masters in Nursing them to exercise greater clinical that allows for patients with particular from Latrobe University, then being responsibility in caring for their conditions to be treated in the sponsored as a Nursing Practitioner patients. Nurses play an integral role comfort of their own homes. for HITH at Peninsula Health. in all services provided by Peninsula Health. Their hard work, dedication Mark and his Peninsula Health “My drive was to help improve and contributions to the wider colleagues, Julie Chimyong and Jody our service to patients across the community are to be commended. Holmes from Renal Services (see next Peninsula,” said Mark. page for feature), recently completed “I completed my Masters over one There have also been some major a vigorous course of study to achieve changes at our major sites. The and a half years. Then it took me their Masters degrees and Nurse Rosebud ‘Health Hub’ is now six months to seek funding for the Practitioner accreditation. complete with the new Mother project and another six months to get Baby Unit and Community “Enabling patients to be treated in endorsement. So I was working seven Rehabilitation Gymnasium opening their own environment for particular days a week for a few years! late in February. At Frankston conditions is not only safer, but is “Nonetheless, it’s been very Hospital the expanded Maternity more convenient,” said Mark. rewarding,” he said. Ward is busier than ever and work “It’s particularly beneficial for the Mark’s new Nurse Practitioner status is about to commence on the first elderly who are less mobile and may stage of a 568 space multi-story allows him to work in collaboration be more susceptible to car park and a 90 bed expansion. with doctors and consultants to Nurse Practitioners Mark Williams and Jody Holmes. and delirium. New mothers can also Work is also about to start on a provide a timely and flexible service benefit from the service without the project that will double the capacity to patients. stress of being separated from existing of the Mornington Centre. family members.” Mark (together with the 60 to 70 other Nurse Practitioners in the “The ability for nurses to step in and “There is an array of departments The ongoing efforts of our generous “Plus, the food and beds are always state), is able to prescribe to perform their roles in an extended that would benefit from having Nurse donors and volunteers continue better at home!” to benefit patients and clients at patients, has admittance and discharge capacity is not only beneficial to the Practitioners. HITH was introduced to Peninsula privileges, and authority to order every site across the Peninsula. patients but to the health service. “Emergency Departments will Health’s Frankston Hospital in 1994 pathology and diagnostic tests and Contributions from the Frankston “Being endorsed as a Nurse definitely reap the rewards, along with – one of the first pilot programmes write up medical certificates. Pink Ladies, Esso and BHP Billiton, Practitioner is just another step for and Mental Health. Virtually initiated in Australia. It now Southern Peninsula Woodworkers “Medicine and Healthcare is rapidly any nurse who wants to develop any department would be better off accommodates as many as up to 35 Guild and the Friends of Carinya changing,” said Mark. their career in a clinically based having nurses with these advanced patients at one time. Auxiliary are all featured in this issue. environment,” he said. qualifications.” It is a good read. I hope you enjoy it. Dr Sherene Devanesen Chief Executive “My drive was to help improve our service For more information on a career in nursing at Peninsula Health to patients across the Peninsula” and the services available to nurses seeking Nurse Practitioner accreditation contact Sharon White on 9784 8264.

(2) (3) Renal Dialysis Nurse “The first semester was the hardest,” Practitioner Julie Chimyong she said. with patient Graham White. Multi-storey car park “My family has always been very supportive, but we had a lot going on for Frankston Hospital in our household at the same time. “Amidst me taking out time to complete my accreditation, my husband started his plumbing apprenticeship and we also had our eldest son Kai starting school around the same time. “It all went really fast though,” she said. All three say the support offered at Peninsula Health were pivotal to their success. “Peninsula Health was fantastic in supporting me with post-grad study leave,” said Jody. Frankston Hospital is building Hospital, site has a new temporary “I knew that one day a fortnight a $12 million multi-storey home just a short distance away at could be put aside for study and I car park that will create 431 Delacombe Park in Frankston South. The changing face of Nursing in Australia was able to make the most of it. additional car spaces for “Frankston City Council, the Air patients and visitors. Jody Holmes, Julie Chimyong “There’s a common sense of “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s Julie was offered the same options at Ambulance division of Ambulance and Mark Williams are community down here in Rosebud. worthwhile doing it,” said Julie, who Frankston. “Parking problems are the biggest Victoria and Peninsula Health have all the future of nursing. As a local girl, I find that more is based at Frankston Hospital. “The hospital was great,” said Julie. cause of complaints at Frankston agreed that the area directly behind often than not, I have some sort of Hospital. The new structure will the Frankston South Recreation They have obtained their Nurse “Things have changed a great “I had a lot of support from doctors connection to the patients. Either make it easier for patients and Centre in Delacombe Park is the Practitioner accreditation and deal since we started. I have gone to school with one of and advanced training support. visitors to find a car space,” said best location for the temporary will play a pivotal role across their relatives, or I run into them in “People didn’t know what a Nurse Brendon Gardner, Executive helipad. It has the necessary amount various Peninsula Health sites. “There were so many people willing the local supermarket. It’s nice to Practitioner was, and it was very to help. Sharon White, Frankston Director Frankston Hospital. of space, road accessibility and is Nurse practitioners take on maintain those relationships,” she said. difficult to obtain funding.” in close proximity to Frankston Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, The new car park will be built in two greater responsibility and add an Hospital,” said Mr Brewin. There are 10 nurses across Peninsula Jody and Julie completed their studies was instrumental in providing me stages directly outside the hospital extra dimension to providing the Health who are currently in the whilst working full time and raising their with support, particularly in planning where the existing visitor car park and “On average, there is less than best possible care to patients. process of obtaining their Nurse families, but they both persevered. around study commitments and helipad area are currently located. one flight a week transferring Nurse practitioners must achieve Practitioner accreditation. work rosters. I also had three doctors critical patients and extremely “I found it very difficult at the “The construction plan has been a Masters degree and undergo mentoring me throughout the entire ill babies to city . “It’s great that nurses are increasing start. I had to keep working the purposely split into two stages so extensive clinical training. process.” their qualifications,” said Jody. same amount of hours to be able that available car parking space is “The infrequent nature of the Upon accreditation, practitioners to support myself and my (then) Jody and Julie were also part of a maximised and minimal disruption flights means that there will be “In our busy periods, Nurse are able to work autonomously to teenage daughters,” said Jody. will be caused to those visiting the minimal disruption to neighbouring Practitioners could essentially take Nephrology Nurse Practitioner write some prescriptions, interpret hospital,” said Simon Brewin, Executive schools, sports grounds and over one third of the patients “The hardest bit was getting collaborative. This was made up of pathology results and seek some Director Planning, Infrastructure homes,” said Mr Brewin. and treat them very efficiently. back into those study habits after other nephrology Nurse Practitioner additional tests for patients. and Information Technology. such a long period of time. candidates from across the state. Construction of the temporary “There is a great need for Nurse Jody and Julie work in the Renal The collaborative provided support, “Once construction on the new helipad involved building an access Practitioners to gain qualifications Julie also battled with the demands Dialysis departments of the Frankston education and feedback whilst they complex is complete, Frankston road and additional infrastructure with a broad approach so that of working full time whilst attending and Rosebud Hospitals. They began all went through the gruelling process Hospital will have close to 900 to make the area safe for the they can work in high traffic flow to the needs of her young family. their journeys for Nurse Practitioner together. public car spaces available to Air Ambulance to land. areas such as Emergency and accreditation together in 2008. visitors, patients and staff, creating Elective ,” she said. “The study group was the best thing The helipad will return to the greater traffic flow and accessibility “Dialysis appealed to me as it gave me Julie and I were involved in,” said Jody. Frankston Hospital site after to the site,” said Mr Brewin. the chance to build rapport with my For more information on a career in nursing at Peninsula Health the first stage of the car parking “Everyone helped each other and patients and their families,” said Jody, and the services available to nurses seeking Nurse Practitioner Whilst construction is underway, the complex is completed in late 2012. were really friendly,” said Julie. who is based at the Rosebud Hospital. accreditation, contact Sharon White 9784 8264. Ambulance Victoria helipad, which is The entire project is expected to currently located on the Frankston be completed by August 2013.

(4) (5) In late 2011, Bethany and 260 members Cruising 4 Charity of the Boosted Falcon Car Club, of ‘Nurse on a stick’ makes life easier which she is a member, took to the road The National Seniors advanced electronics. In conjunction to raise money for Peninsula Health. Peninsula Health Operations Assistant Bethany Bieleny’s day-to-day Foundation is again taking care with good nursing skills, the monitor life involves supporting the busy lives of several of our Operations Bethany, along with her partner Pete, of needy seniors. Their donation can assist in early recognition and single-handedly coordinated the club’s Directors. However, Bethany’s kind heartedness and determined of $2,695 has helped to purchase management of age-related illnesses annual Boosted Falcon All Ford Cruise 4 a new vital signs monitor for the such as pneumonia,” she said. dedication to helping others doesn’t stop at her job. Charity which raised $7,064.60 towards Mornington Centre. “Nurses are now able to wheel the return to driving services offered by The Vital Signs monitor, affectionately the new vital signs monitor to Peninsula Health’s Golf Links Road site. known as ‘nurse on a stick’, wherever the patient may be, so the The services that the donation checks a patient’s vital signs very location of the patient is no longer will be going towards consist of quickly and can be moved around an issue. The monitor is fast, easy, comprehensive cognitive screening easily from ward to ward. convenient and non-invasive.” tools, assessments and therapy that “The monitor uses electronic sensors The Mornington Centre has an aged determine if a person is safe to drive. to measure common observations, such and high risk client population. The new “The services are used for people as pulse and blood pressure,” said Karen vital signs monitor will assist in offering who want to return to drive after Bull, Operations Manager at Peninsula improved timeliness of care and faster having an accident, or for the elderly Health’s Mornington Centre. diagnosis for patients. who may have had a stroke,” said “One of its functions is shining a light “A big thank you goes out to the Deidre Morgan, Senior Occupational onto a finger, which measures the President of the National Seniors Therapist at Golf Links Road. proportional amount of oxygen in the Frankston branch Mr Roy McLaren for Bethany and the Boosted Falcon Nurse Wendy Vetesi taking patient ‘Peg’s’ bloodstream. The monitor performs nominating Peninsula Health for such a members hope that next year’s vital signs at the Mornington Centre. observations rapidly because of its generous donation,” said Ms Bull. event is just as successful. “This is the third time the event has been held and the biggest turn out yet. We were so overwhelmed by everyone who came out to support Bunnings to the horticultural rescue the cause and we are so excited Boosted Falcon Car Club members Bethany Bieleny and Pete Tant presenting the donation to to make such a contribution to Bunnings Warehouse have come wheelbarrows, spades, hose, weedkiller, Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Services Dr Mary Lou Leach and Occupational Therapist Elizabeth Collins outside the Golf Links Road Rehabilitation Centre. Peninsula Health,” said Bethany. to the horticultural rescue and BBQ tools, gardening gloves, hand spread some community spirit forks, trowels, sprayers, and more. at Michael Court Residential “The raised garden beds really benefit Aged Care Hostel in Seaford. the residents through horticultural decided we could raise the money including bank and pool. Our ‘head In February this year, volunteers therapy,” said Mr Sinclair. Emergency ourselves,” said Sharon. chef’ Ruairi Lean has never missed a from three Bunnings stores banded “Horticultural therapy helps with the week,” Sharon said. together as part of their community mental and physical health of our Since setting up shop Sharon and involvement program, and worked snags Kristi have raised close to $4,000 from Both Sharon and Kristi could not be residents. The raised beds bring the through the rain to build four raised garden up closer to the residents who their snags and have already made more appreciative of all the support garden beds at the Hostel. their first purchase. they’ve received so far. can tend to them without bending over.” Every Sunday, dedicated Staff volunteered their time and For just $3.50 hungry visitors and staff “We just want to say a big thank you A horticultural therapist visits the hostel Emergency Department Patient resources to replace the garden beds once a week to work with the residents, Services Assistants (PSAs) are able to get a roll with a sausage, to all those who have helped us out so for the residents at Michael Court. onions and handmade coleslaw. far,” said Kristi. exploring and developing their skills. The Sharon Thomas and Kristi David Sinclair, Unit Manager at Michael vegetable produce that will be grown Wakenshaw set up shop at the Selling anywhere up to 350 snags a “We have a major goal of purchasing Court Hostel, says, “Michael Court’s in the raised beds will form part of the Frankston Hospital entrance and week it’s no wonder that the ladies an additional paediatric resuscitation raised gardening beds are well-loved, but residents’ healthy diet. The vegetables sell snags to the masses - all in are on such a ‘roll’. trolley,” said Sharon. sadly they are getting old and need to that they grow can then be cooked in the name of charity. “We’ve had a lot of help and interest So if you happen to be hungry and at be replaced.” their unit kitchens. The snag station, which has now been from the PSAs in other areas too,” Frankston Hospital on a Sunday head Bunnings went above and beyond “The raised beds are a beautiful running since November, raises money said Sharon. down and say hello to Sharon, Kristi for the project donating not only addition to our much loved gardens. for additional equipment for the “The Emergency Department and the team. the raised beds but also filling them They will produce hours of pleasure Emergency Department. Assistance and Care in Emergency If you are interested in joining the with drainage and good compost. for our residents. We would like “We saw the need for some additional (ACE) volunteers often help as well as snag station as a volunteer contact Bunnings donated plants and loads to thank the Bunnings team for equipment for the department and PSAs from other areas of the hospital, Shirley Kohn on 9784 7496. of garden tools including two their help and time. It means a Bunnings team member Tammy McCauley great deal to us,” said Mr Sinclair. constructing the garden beds.

(6) (7) “If I had stayed with either of my Natasha never gave up on her son. She “After he moved away I started ex- husbands they would have was determined to see him achieve seeing a counsellor at a Family “My son broke my ribs”... Natasha’s killed me,” Natasha said, “I was his best and complete his VCE when Relationship Centre in Frankston, scared. I had to run for my he repeated it the following year. But it was there that I was referred children physically abusing parents story… boy’s safety and my own.” the six month gap between her son to Peninsula Health’s ‘Out of dropping out and starting afresh was a growing problem across Victoria For a most of her son’s life Natasha Bounds’ support program. the worst time of Natasha’s life. She Every day, Peninsula Health’s Peninsula Drug and Alcohol Program has been a sole parent. She studied Natasha is a 41 year old was the victim of horrific physical “I didn’t even realise that those (PenDAP) & Youth Services deals with the immediate and longer term and worked hard so she could provide passionate, strong and and verbal abuse from her own son. sorts of services were available impacts of violence across all age groups. For PenDAP & Youth Services the best life she possibly could for her independent woman. She is a to women in my situation. It Program Manager Jo Howard, the increase in violence by young people son. They lived peacefully together “He just turned into a different well-established local sculptor was so good just being able to between 10 years and 18 years against family members is a worrying trend. and a loving and caring mother. making the best of what they had. person. He was mixing with the wrong go and talk to other women people and got involved in stealing and “We were best friends and shared and know that I wasn’t alone. The number of adolescents physically Currently, PenDAP is receiving funding Right now her relationship with her selling stolen goods. His attitude and everything,” she said. “We worked abusing family members in the home from the Legal Services Board and 19 year old son is good. He’s just behaviour just turned 180 degrees, he “They really taught me not to together and respected each other. has risen sharply across Victoria, with with involvement from Victorian Legal finished his VCE, has got into the just flipped out all the time,” she said. blame myself and that violence police reporting an 11.3% increase from Aid and City of Greater Dandenong. course he wanted at university and “One day that all changed, he can happen to anyone, it doesn’t “I tried to get him to stop, but I 2,831 in 2009/10 to 3,252 in 2010/11. Peninsula Health is looking at how lives in harmony with his mother. had just finished recovering from matter if you’re rich or poor, kept finding out he was still involved Intervention orders taken out by police services, including the police and courts, glandular fever which made him However, life and her relationship in crime. We would have the most educated or uneducated, it against adolescents to protect parents can more effectively support family miss a lot of school. Whilst he with her son hasn’t always been so terrible arguments, he was just so can really happen to anyone. and family members have also risen members who experience the violence was sick he became very lazy and and the young people who use it. easy for Natasha, whose name has out of hand. He would yell and swear “One of the best things from 47 in 2009/10 to 76 last year, a been changed for privacy reasons. his attitude started to change. and smash the whole house up. about the program was being 16% increase. Most incidents occur in The aim of the project is to go ‘tough’ In 2009, when her son was 17 their “When he started year 12 the the outer suburbs and regional Victoria. on the use of violence, rather than “One day he turned on me, I ran to able to support the other relationship took a horrific turn next year [2010] his attitude still tough on adolescents. It is hoped that my bedroom to hide. I had no lock mothers. We all learned that Ms Howard explains. “In Frankston, as for the worse, ultimately leading hadn’t changed. He was skipping increased collaboration across police, on the door so I couldn’t keep him we could open up without in similar metropolitan and regional to violence and complete break and missing a lot of school and courts and community services will out. He burst in and started pushing, being afraid,” Natasha said. areas, adolescent violence in the home down between the two of them. then dropped out in the middle result in greater support for the family shoving and hitting me, my own son. is a growing problem. Most adolescent members who experience this violence Natasha is no stranger to domestic of the year,” said Natasha. It was not only Natasha that violence is by sons against their mothers. and the adolescents who use it. violence. She endured two “That was one of the worst days attended counselling, but her son It can range from verbal intimidation marriages that ended resulting of my life. I ended up calling the as well. Through the different and abuse to physical violence, including “If we can intervene early and in her fearing for her life. police because I couldn’t cope with support they both received extensive property damage and assault. support adolescents who use violence him anymore. They handcuffed they were able to eventually “Many parents live in fear. They are at against family members, we may be him and took him to the police return living together in a their wits’ end and don’t know how able to prevent an ongoing cycle of station but could not charge him harmonious environment. to stop the violence. Young people violence in adulthood, particularly because he was not 18 yet. against women,” said Ms Howard. “He came home in November themselves may be dealing with a “The policemen suggested I [2011] it was like he was his old range of issues including mental health Tackling the issue from all sides, Peninsula take out an intervention order self again. We had no dramas, he issues, school drop out, and substance Health is also the on him, I didn’t want to but if I helped out around the house, use. Many have experienced family only local state-funded provider for the hadn’t I would have gone insane. there were no arguments and violence themselves. Some become ‘men’s behaviour change services’ for homeless as a result of their violence. men wishing to explore non-violent I had already gone through so we did didn’t fight. It was like much, any more and I would have Parents report high levels of violence solutions and keep their families safe. he had come 360 degrees since broken down,” said Natasha. including broken bones and injuries the beginning,” said Natasha. requiring hospital admissions.” Natasha did end up taking out an intervention order against her son, but her story doesn’t end there. “For nine months my son lived with some very close friends of mine, we were both able to get our lives back on track. He started school again and ended up doing really well in his VCE,” said Natasha.

(8) (9) At 69, Barry Hughes suffered a severe stroke that left the entire left Slowly but surely Barry regained what Barry’s story hand side of his body paralysed. independence he could. But it was still uncertain if he’d ever be able to return home and get back on the greens. After first being admitted to the Epworth known to be seen out and about on Hospital, Barry was recommended to the Phillip Island Golf Course up to four Barry’s biggest turning point came Peninsula Health Golf Links Road site for times a week. when Occupational Therapist Bethea Fregon took him and his son Travis his rehabilitation because of its expert “Barry really loves his golf. It keeps him stroke rehabilitation services. down to a local driving range to hit a active and he enjoys the social side of few balls. On leaving Golf Links Road, Barry’s it too,” said Anne. health and mobility were not where he Although he was still wheelchair bound “After Barry had a heart bypass 18 and using the club with one hand, wanted them to be. He was restricted months before his stroke, it was also to a wheelchair and was dependent on Barry was able to have a hit with his the best way for him to keep healthy son and return to a sense of normality. full time care and support for things as and active and follow the doctor’s normal as getting out of bed. orders of ‘keep walking’. “It really showed Barry and his family In September 2011, following his stay what he was capable of and what “He really took to it after that,” Anne he could become capable of in the at Golf Links Road, Barry entered the said. Peninsula Health Transition Care Program future,” said Bethea. (TCP). Through the program Barry saw Barry spent 10 weeks in one of the “He thought it was the ant’s pants,” the light at the end of the tunnel. He program’s beds at Regis Shelton Manor. said Anne. “Even the pros were was determined to get his life back and Whilst he was there he undertook the amazed. They all came up and said return home. full gamut of services offered to him well done. by the Transition Care Program. Each “We were so happy with the care that week that Barry spent there saw him “It was like he was living his normal life. Barry received,” said Barry’s wife Anne. become that little bit stronger and He was able to spend some time with “I’m honestly not sure how we more determined than ever. his family, have a beer and play some golf,” Anne said. would have got on without the “The TCP team kept saying ‘you must Transition Care team.” have a goal Barry, you must have a After 10 weeks in the program Prior to his stroke, Barry had lived a full goal’. His only response was ‘all I want Barry had a new lease on life that he and happy life in his Phillip Island home to do is play golf’, so that’s what they wouldn’t have had otherwise. with his wife Anne. An avid golfer, he was set out to do,” said Anne. He was now able to complete tasks, including independently dressing his upper body and manoeuvring his electric wheelchair, that he wouldn’t The program has up to 61 patients have been able to even think of doing New lease on life for aged patients in either home or residential based before he entered the TCP. care at one time and saw over 400 Thanks to the program Barry was Frail and aged patients are getting Now in its sixth year, the program patients successfully complete the able to return home to Anne. The club gave him a standing ovation. It was of a long-term care plan organised a second lease on life thanks to not only provides patients with program in 2011. program not only helped Barry on his really heart-warming,” said Anne. by the Peninsula Health program. Peninsula Health’s Transition Care access to a full team of Allied Health “We have a multidisciplinary team of road to recovery and independence, In addition to regular visits to the golf It is safe to say that without the effort Program (TCP). professionals but also has links to healthcare professionals who provide but also supported Anne in becoming club Barry keeps his social life active by and support of the Transition Care Sally Church, Transition Care the Peninsula Health Community a full set of Allied Health and clinical a home carer by providing the dropping into the Phillip Island Angling Program team that Barry would not be based services to patients within the Program Manager, explains: “we have Rehabilitation Centres and outside necessary equipment and training Club every Friday to catch up on the living the life he is today. His progress is program,” said Ms Church. had great success in helping those community groups and organisations. required to get Barry home. latest fishing news. a true testament to the important role By providing these links TCP can that were destined for permanent All patients entering the program are “They helped us organise all the “Barry has always been a keen the program plays in enriching the lives of individuals who otherwise would care in an aged care facility the ensure that the patient’s longer term provided with their own case worker right equipment and made sure it fisherman but once he started playing not have the opportunity to live their opportunity to regain their care needs are met so that they can and have access to services such as was all set up properly at home,” golf that really became his passion,” lives to their full potential. independence.” maintain their independence after occupational therapy, physiotherapy, said Anne. “It was really good just said Anne. finishing the program. speech therapy, and “In some cases patients who are having people help you and show “He’s definitely always keen to Over 12 weeks, program participants dietetics and nursing services where you how to do things right”. initially referred to an aged care they are needed. see what’s been caught and to facility are able to return to a receive care either in their own Now that he is home Barry still enjoys catch up with the rest of the relatively normal life in their own home (if applicable) or in one of “The program is really all about heading down to the golf club and club though,” Anne said. home with only minimal support the programs’ residential beds at continuing patients care post having a beer and chat with his mates. hospitalisation and helping them At home Barry is still reliant on Anne’s left in place after completing the Corowa Court in Mornington or reach their maximum functioning “Even though he’s not playing, he likes care, but is now also supported by a program,” said Ms Church. Regis Shelton Manor in Frankston. capacity so that they can live a happy to go and socialise and know what’s local Transition Care Program provided functioning life,” Ms Church said. happening. When he first returned, the by Bass Coast Regional Health as part

(10) (11) Peninsula Health Annual General Meeting Op-shop provides equipment opportunity The ladies of the Sorrento/ that is gently swiped over the The Peninsula Health Annual The meeting also announced The day also recognised 24 of Portsea Auxiliary have worked patient’s temporal artery area on the General Meeting was held Dr Andrew Tay as the winner of our dedicated and hardworking their fundraising magic yet again side of their face to measure their on 18 November 2011 at the Peninsula Health’s highly esteemed volunteers as Life Governors and raised a much appreciated temperature. Frankston Arts Centre. Jeff Wassertheil Medal for for 10 years service to some of $24,345 for Rosebud Hospital. Rosebud Hospital Operations Director Excellence in Emergency Medicine. the many volunteer groups and Keynote speaker Dr Sally This donation now brings the Alison Watts said: “We are so grateful The award recognises Dr Tay’s hard auxiliaries across the Mornington Cockburn, better known to the Auxiliary’s donation total to for the Sorrento/Portsea Auxiliary’s and innovative work in Emergency Peninsula. Peninsula Health holds public as Dr Feelgood, had the approximately $250,000 to the efforts to raise money for Rosebud Medicine and the Frankston its volunteers in the highest audience up out of their seats hospital since 1998. Hospital.” Hospital Emergency Department. regard. The time and effort they and laughing with her sharp sense give to us is second to none. The 14 member volunteer based President of the Sorrento/Portsea of humour and quick wit. Her Auxiliary operates a busy Opportunity Auxiliary Mrs Shirley Leach thanked all focus was care; care not only for Shop in Sorrento which benefits the the volunteers who donated their time. patients, friends, family and the Without their support Peninsula Health would Southern Peninsula community. community, but caring for yourself. “All the women are absolutely not be what it is today. The donation will be used to wonderful. The public was also introduced buy various pieces of equipment If you are interested in becoming to the four newest Peninsula for the Emergency Department, a volunteer at Peninsula Health Health Board members, Mrs Congratulations to our 2011 Life Governors Chemotherapy, Dialysis Unit and Day call Helen Wilson on 9788 1536. Marcia Coleman, Professor Treatment Centre. Henry Ekert AM, Ms Erica Wilke To make a donation to Rosebud Alma Newman Jan Anderson Sandra Clack The Emergency Department will and Mr Jonathon Tribe, for all of Hospital, call the Fundraising receive a temporal artery scanner, whom this was their first AGM. Jim Newman Marjorie Gillman Nuala Wood Department on 9788 1502. Jennifer Hennessy Lynne Emery Mavis Peet Shirley Leach, long-time President of the a non-invasive piece of equipment Sorrento/Portsea Auxiliary. Natasha Zolotarsua Mary Dyer Jeanette Betros Yvonne Smith Jean Matthews Maurice Stone Linda Walton Gwen Woods John McQuarrie Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies Life “Frankston Hospital’s Emergency Governors Gwen Woods, Mary Dyer Sonia Sach Molly Maughan Liz Marshall Esso and BHP Billiton donation contributes to and Lynne Emery with Board Deputy Department is one of the busiest in Chairperson Nancy Hogan. Betty Whitemore Helen Sutton Rita Kenney Frankston Hospital’s Emergency Department the State, with over 50,000 patients treated last year. The ongoing support Surgery can be avoided for some Frankston Hospital patients with from Esso and BHP Billiton gives an fractures thanks to a generous donation from Esso and BHP Billiton. important boost to our facilities and Frankston Hospital’s Emergency Shamala Jones, Operations Director the care we provide.” Department received $10,000 to Emergency Services, said: “It will David Anderson, Esso Long Island Point purchase an automatic pneumatic allow some patients who otherwise Plant Manager, said: “We are proud tourniquet system. This system enables would have to be admitted and stay to provide ongoing support to the manipulation of certain fractures overnight to return home following Frankston Emergency Department, in the Emergency Department, the procedure. Patients with certain and this demonstrates how a key eliminating the need for admission to fractures will be treated more quickly local industry can genuinely help the an operating theatre. and can return home sooner. community through the provision of additional equipment.” L-R: Shamala Jones Operations Director Emergency Services, Dr Helen Hewitt Clinical Director Esso and BHP Billiton have made annual Emergency Services, Dr Marcus Hirschfield Esso Medical Advisor, Medicine & Occupational Health, and David Anderson, Esso Long Island Point Plant Manager (on bed). donations to the hospital’s Emergency Department for over 20 years. Other items of equipment purchased with these donations include Continuous Positive Airways Pressure systems (CPAPs), which deliver humidified oxygen to patients with critical respiratory failure, special blankets to warm patients in shock, resuscitation equipment, critical care drug trolleys and equipment to diagnose and treat eye injuries in patients.

(12) (13) Seniors stepping out in style School girls’

The dedicated volunteers The Friends of Carinya Auxiliary quilt keeps from the Friends of Carinya has now been supporting residents Auxiliary have worked and looking after their well being memory alive their magic once again. for almost 20 years. The group of 10 consists of hardworking Thanks to the Auxiliary the Two young Dromana Secondary volunteers, some of whom are Carinya Residential Aged Care College school girls took it also Peninsula Health staff. Unit residents were able to upon themselves to show their celebrate the 2011 Senior Citizens Through regular fundraisers such appreciation for the Peninsula Week in true style and luxury. as raffles, shopping tours and an Health Unit in a annual dinner at Clover Cottage very unique way. As a part of the celebrations the in Berwick, the Auxiliary is able After the passing of her grandmother in residents of Carinya jet-setted to support the Carinya residents’ After the passing of her grandmother in about in limousine rides thanks Pretty in pink well-being throughout the year. late 2011, Stephanie Strongman along to the fundraising and support with her friend Shae Greber put their Pink is once again the colour provided by the Auxiliary. “We just like to help out whatever heads together and came up with the that is bringing smiles to the way we can,” said Ms Graham. idea to give thanks to the Unit by making faces of so many patients and Jan Graham, Friends of Carinya a homemade quilt. staff at Frankston Hospital. Auxiliary President, said “It’s a treat On a yearly basis the Auxiliary Stephanie and Shae (centre) with Palliative Care Unit Manager Susan Blashki, family members supports the residents by The girls sourced their inspiration from including Stephanie’s mother and grandfather (husband of Elisabeth), and unit staff. The Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies and a bit of fun for the residents providing birthday presents, the existing quilted artwork adorning the Auxiliary has donated an enormous that they wouldn’t normally have.” Easter eggs, Mother’s and Father’s walls of the unit. “We are so honoured and impressed by Stephanie and Shae’s quilt now provides $400,000 to the Hospital. The support of the Auxiliary during Day presents and Christmas Stephanie’s grandmother Elisabeth Reid the thoughtfulness of the girls,” said Susan warmth and comfort on the beds of 2011’s donation takes the grand Seniors Week also extended to presents, as well as providing some had spent time in the unit before her Blashki, Peninsula Palliative Care Centre current patients. total raised by the Pink Ladies providing mid week entertainment Nurse Unit Manager. to over $6 million since 1968. financial support for outings. passing and her family could not be more for the residents. Much delight was appreciative of the efforts made by all “The skill, time and effort put in by the “We often get requests from staff and “The Pink Ladies are the longest brought from an open air musical staff to make her stay as pleasant and Stephanie and Shae is a true testament running volunteer group and management as well,” said Ms Graham, performance by John Nicholson, as comfortable as possible. to Elisabeth’s memory,” said Ms Blashki. give by far the largest donation a roving entertainer who visited the “Over the years we have also the hospital receives each year,” Brendon Gardner, Executive Director residents one day during the week. built a pergola for Grevillea of Frankston Hospital said. The residents also enjoy regular Unit and sensory gardens for Hibiscus and Jasmine Units.” “It is no wonder they are so loved fortnightly music entertainment We are grateful to those in the community who by the community. Their efforts and which according to Ms Graham The support and generosity of choose to support the work of Peninsula Health achievements are truly amazing. They “is by far one of the favourite the Friends of Carinya Auxiliary are an absolute delight and I don’t activities for the residents.” continues to bring smiles to faces know what the hospital and also the and exciting opportunities for community would do without them,” said Mr Gardner. residents, such as those provided donate now I would like to help build a healthy community during Senior Citizens Week. This year’s donation will help to Mail to: Peninsula Health, Fundraising, PO Box 192, Mt Eliza 3930 contact: P 9788 1502 E [email protected] purchase a new Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) machine for the Carinya residents enjoying a limo ride during Senior Citizens Week. Names/s Contact number Operating Theatre. This new DSA Address machine allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures that do Postcode Email D.O.B (optional) not require open surgery, which will greatly benefit both patients and staff. I enclose a gift of $50 $100 $200 $ (gift of your choice) Mr Wai-Leng Chue, head of the Vascular Surgery Unit, is absolutely Debited from my Visa Mastercard OR I have enclosed a cheque/money order (Payable to Peninsula Health). thrilled with the Pink Ladies support. “We are so grateful for the Pink Ladies’ Card No. Expiry date efforts to raise money for the hospital. It takes someone special to willingly give up their time to help others. Name on card Signature “This new sophisticated technology Please send me more information Please send me more information Thank you for will help us further our efforts in about leaving a lasting gift to my about supporting my community providing the best care possible for community in my Will with a regular monthly gift your support. the community,” said Mr Chue. Peninsula Health respects your privacy and observes the provisions of the Privacy Act 2001. Tick here if you do not wish to receive any further information Your details remain confidential. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. ABN 52 892 860 159 from Peninsula Health

(14) (15) The Southern Peninsula Woodworkers ‘Rock On’

Sitting in the foyer at Frankston Dr Helen Hewitt, Director of Emergency The amount of time and effort put into Hospital is a marvellous almost Medicine said: “With these funds we are cutting, sanding, glueing and painting this life size rocking horse in need of a now able to buy a paediatric oximeter for rocking horse shows in every detail from good home. Frankston Emergency Department. the embroidered leather saddle to the The rocking horse has been donated by The new equipment will help us measure beautiful long mane. the Woodworkers Southern Peninsula Inc. the oxygen saturation and pulse rate of “The horse is the result of about of Rosebud, and is valued at $2,500. children when they enter the emergency 50 hours of loving labour by the The rocking horse, is being raffled by the department. The whole process becomes Woodworkers,” Mr John Bayliss, President Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies, to raise less invasive and quicker for children, who of the Woodworkers of Rosebud said. funds for a piece of equipment, which will are often scared and overwhelmed.” said “The hardest part was the carving of assist in treating children in the Frankston Dr Hewitt. the horse to make sure all surfaces were Hospital Emergency Department. smooth. “There are 80 woodworkers in the club. We work hard to make and donate about 800 toys each year, which we distribute to local community and organisations. “We are very community conscious. Most of us have family and grandchildren who live on the . We wanted to give something back to Frankston Hospital.” If you would like to give this stunning horse a home, raffle tickets can be purchased for $2 from the Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies Kiosk at Frankston and Rosebud Hospitals or via phone on 9788 1506.

Thank you to all our recent major donors

Our Christmas Appeal has raised The Long Island Country The Flora & Frank Leith Charitable $35,775 to date for a Digital Club donated $8,220.60 to Fund has provided $5,000 to assist Subtraction Angiography the Special Care Nursery for a in expanding the Parent-Child (DSA) machine in our Theatre Thermal Neonatal Warming Cot. Mother Goose program. complex at Frankston Hospital. The Boosted Falcon Car Club The National Seniors Foundation The Collier Charitable Fund has donated $7,064.60 for return to provided $2,695 for a Vital Signs monitor at the Mornington Centre. provided $30,000 for Maternity driving services and programs Services equipment and $20,000 for the offered by Peninsula Health’s Golf The Karingal Bowling Club donated Pastoral Care Education program. Links Road Rehabilitation Services. $2,000 to the Paediatric Unit at Frankston Hospital for parent chairs.

PO Box 192, Mt Eliza, Victoria 3930 PH: (03) 9788 1501 For those outside the Melbourne Metropolitan Area PH: 1800 858 727 Contact us www.peninsulahealth.org.au