March 2017 the Second edition Pulse Get ready for your new look Pulse - going digital soon! Champion of the people passes

Former WSLHD Community Council founding member and Blacktown Mount Druitt Cancer Patients and Carers’ Support Group Greg Long spoke at the opening of Blacktown ’s Clinical Services Building last year. He was the man who entered Blacktown Hospital as a patient, and became one “fortunate” to be treated by - asked Mr Long to set up and chair the Blacktown of its fiercest advocates. Mount Druitt Cancer Patients and Carers’ Support Group. “I was happy to get involved,” Mr Long later said. Greg Long – a foundation member of the WSLHD Consumer Council – spent, in his own words, much of 2007 “taken up with chemo and radiotherapy, major He proved to be a vital connection between aspiring clinicians and the patient surgery and mop-up chemo”. experience.

His experience at Blacktown Hospital, in the hands of “caring, dedicated, “On a few occasions, I sat down with medical students to tell them about my professional, cheerful people”, changed his life … and because of his experience, journey with cancer, to remind them of the very human aspect of a cancer the lives of many who have been patients at WSLHD since. Mr Long sufferer,” he once said. died on Tuesday after a life that helped transform the way WSLHD works with its community. WSLHD Community and Consumer Partnerships manager, Dr Mr Long ultimately joined “nine or more” committees, mostly involved in the Coralie Wales described him as “a beloved consumer representative champion”. refurbishment of the old building at Blacktown Hospital, but also in the building of Stage 2. “His ability to consider issues and bring balance and depth to the discussions around the table at council meetings over the last two years revealed him to be He admitted he had to “sit down and think hard about how to manage my time, a kind, gentle and intelligent man,” she said. to fit some of these in”, but never regarded his commitment to the hospital as a chore. “I have become so involved in the past couple of years, that I now consider “He could think in new ways while accessing the wisdom that comes with Blacktown to be “my hospital,” and have thoroughly enjoyed all the involvement,” experience. “He was a driving force in the way the council operates today. “I he said. will miss him very much.” Mr Long was treated for bowel cancer in Blacktown Hospital by Professor Peter Zelas. Dr Coralie Wales said Mr Long would always be remembered. “He will be sadly missed by members of the WSLHD Consumer Council and by our staff who knew Prof Zelas is a man Mr Long regarded as both “kind and compassionate” and was and respected him,” she said.

www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au News from across WSLHD Now you’re speaking my language WSLHD Health Care Interpreter service (HCIS) provides more than 110,000 interpreting sessions per year to clients, their families, and health professionals.

There are people who interpret the “top five” languages - Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Persian and Dari.

And there are the people who interpret in less common languages such as Uyghur, Rohingya, Fullah, Lingala and Twi.

WSLHD HCIS is one of five HCIS in NSW, providing services in 120 languages by 57 staff interpreters and 320 contractors, catering to more than 140 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in western Sydney.

WSLHD Health Care Interpreter Service manager Gordana Vasic said the service was recognised as a world leader in community interpreting.

“NSW HCIS services are structured to ensure 24-hour coverage in all public health facilities in NSW,” she said. WSLHD Health Care Interpreter Service manager Gordana Vasic, Mandarin interpreter “Interpreting is done face-to-face or over the Yi Zhu, Dinka interpreter Anna Malual, acting Call Centre co-ordinator Laith Serhan and phone, and is crucial in supporting our clinical Arabic interpreter Doha Younes. services,” she said. “WSLHD HCIS is proactively working with The remaining 11 per cent is used by WSLHD “I urge all health professionals to book an a number of clinical services on identifying community based services. interpreter through us and decline offers from inefficiencies and reducing the wasted time. family members to interpret for their loved To book an interpreter call us on 9912 3800, ones as it breaches the NSW Health policy.” “HCIS is also exploring alternative ways of email [email protected] or fax providing more cost effective services such as 9840 3789. “85 per cent of interpreting is done face-to-face video interpreting and phone interpreting.“ and 15 per cent over the phone,” she said. This year NSW HCIS will be celebrating a Within WSLHD, Westmead is the largest user of significant milestone - 40 years of serving the “As the demand for interpreters is growing it is the service (63%), followed by Auburn (14.4%), culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) necessary to utilise their services efficiently.” Blacktown (9.4%), and Mt Druitt (2.2%). communities of NSW. WSLHD Quality Awards coming soon..... The 2017 WSLHD Quality Awards are fast approaching, so get your teams together and start thinking about your project ideas.

Last year’s event went off with a bang and a record number of entries were submitted.

We hope to make this year’s event even bigger, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement.

Showcases will be held at each facility in July and August and the glamourous cocktail celebration at ANZ stadium will be a big highlight for September!

Submissions open on April 10, so stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

To view the 2017 WSLHD QA promotional video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k- AXG2UTUuM&feature=youtu.be

The Pulse | March 2017 2 News from across WSLHD Dementia patient sings Elvis tunes for therapy Meet John “Sean” O’Malley – the King of Blacktown Hospital.

The 78-year-old Elvis-mad dementia patient is living proof that music can heal.

When Sean arrived at Blacktown Hospital, his dementia often made him angry, distressed and, sometimes, violent.

But once his favourite Elvis tunes went on, he became calm and easy to interact with – just ask his fellow patients and staff, who have been rocking around the dementia ward with him!

Sean is a success of Blacktown Hospital’s Music & Memory program – an Arts Health Institute Blacktown Hospital’s dementia patient John “Sean” O’Malley - The King of Blacktown Hospital. initiative - which was implemented at the hospital last year. “When he first came into hospital, I kept getting “Music makes your brain light up – but when phone calls and I would have to rush in to settle you get a response like Sean, it’s amazing,” she Dementia staff are seeing great results from him down,” she said. said. personalised playlists for patients – the music calms, making it easier for doctors and nurses to “But with Elvis playing, there was a sense of ease; “This is the most alert and alive I’ve seen him – treat and families to interact with them. you could tell the difference straight away.” and all for the cost of an iPod.”

Sean’s daughter Trish Scerri said she couldn’t Blacktown Hospital clinical nurse consultant To view the video, visit: https://www. believe what music had done for her dad. (dementia) Katie Conciatore agreed, noting the youtube.com/watch?v=AqTKOOtW_sA program had been ground-breaking. Clinical leaders graduate from latest CEC program ’s acting deputy director of nursing and midwifery Danielle Levis and WSLHD haematologist Dr Helen Crowther graduated from the Clinical Excellence Commission’s (CEC) Executive Clinical Leadership Program recently.

The program attracted senior clinicians from across NSW public hospitals. These graduates are the clinical leaders who will guide the health system over the next decade.

They entered the program with the support of the district and a desire to achieve improvements in how they, and their colleagues, care for patients.

As part of the course, each graduate identifies an area where they feel improvements could be achieved and presents a clinical improvement project as part of their final work.

Westmead Hospital’s acting deputy director of nursing and midwifery Danielle Levis’s project was titled “Culture Change”. Westmead Hospital’s acting deputy director of WSLHD haematalogist Helen Crowther. nursing & midwifery Danielle Levis. “I graduated from the Executive Clinical Danielle said. “Measurement for improvement will definitely Leadership Program recently and the program be a focus for Blacktown Mt Druitt Cancer gave me insight into my own leadership style, WSLHD haematologist Dr Helen Crowther’s Services in 2017,” Helen said. enahnced skills and helped me develop further project was titled “Making and Taking Time - in this area. improving outpatient haematology clinics at For further information about the Clinical Blacktown Cancer and Haemataology Centre.” Excellence Commission Quality Improvement “The speakers during the course were amazing programs, visit: http://www.cec.health.nsw. and motivated me to think differently in my “The program gave me the opportunity to gov.au/quality-improvement/improvement- workplace. explore some interesting ideas in leadership. academy/qi-academy-curriculum

“I would recommend this course to all those “I’ll be using clinical practice improvement wishing to develop their leadership skills,” processes in other projects moving forward.

The Pulse | March 2017 3 From the Chief Executive New technologies in a real-time health service We are in the midst of an unprecedented These digital platforms will allow us to rapidly opportunity to improve our services and integrate research findings into clinical care and position ourselves for the future. improve quality and safety.

Our opportunity comes from the huge We want to be a real-time health service, i.e. investment being made in the Westmead being able to provide real time data to managers Precinct and the Blacktown Hospital so that we make management of resources and redevelopment. the flow of patients through our facilities easy.

It also comes from the information and We want technology platforms that allow the communication technologies that are now fast development of apps so we can continually available. improve patient and staff experience.

Digital technologies are disrupting all industries ITS and Deloitte are currently working to define (think Uber and AirBnB and internet-of-things) how we will re-architect our ICT environment and health is no exception. We want truly integrated care with our GPs, to meet our aspirations and this work will be Westmead Children’s Hospital and other finished by April. These technologies will allow us to realise our providers. vision for digital health. We will be making a very large investment in We want seamless connectivity with our technology and, as with the investment in bricks We want to be truly patient, not provider, University and research partners. and mortar, the benefits will not be realised centric. without the energy and engagement of staff at We want to provide staff with true mobility – all levels and I know this is often of top of your We want to provide patients with mobile access to information anywhere, anytime – and ‘day job’. applications that give them access to collaboration tools to support clinical care, information about their care, book relevant research and education. But the opportunities are too good to miss! appointments on line, have ‘virtual’ consultations, and access to monitored home We want the digital platforms that support Danny O’Connor care where appropriate. personalised medicine (using genomics) and Chief Executive target preventive care. RACE to help older patients get home faster A new Westmead Hospital program has helped physiotherapists, social workers and doctors, more than 100 elderly patients avoid a hospital along with community nursing and home stay and get better in their own homes. support services, would then visit the patient once they arrived home from hospital, offering The three-month pilot program, which ran them treatment and support, along with access out of the hospital’s , to in-home mobility devices. aimed to offer elderly patients presenting to emergency, an alternative to hospital Dr Cabela said RACE offered a different admission, enabling suitable candidates to be approach to patient care. discharged for in-home treatment. “The program really focused on offering a more The results of the Rapid Access to Care and person-centered model of healthcare for older Evaluation (RACE) project, which wrapped up patients,” he said. earlier this year, are now in - and they showed a Westmead Hospital patient Kathlyn Watson reduction in hospital stays for RACE patients. “Many patients treated under RACE would with Dr Raymond Cabela and physio Shalinie have had to be admitted to hospital if it wasn’t Balram. Westmead Hospital geriatric medicine head for the program; this way, we’ve been able everybody was great; I couldn’t take time off to Dr Ray Cabela said of the 114 patients treated to treat them in their home, where they are be there all the time but the RACE team kept me under RACE, 100 were diverted from admission, comfortable, and offer them follow-up in-home regularly informed.” allowing them to be treated in their own home. support.” The Westmead Redevelopment is transforming He noted many patients were also discharged in RACE also proved a hit with patients - of the health infrastructure and services across the less than five hours, freeing up vital emergency people surveyed, 80 per cent rated it highly. Westmead precinct, including the spaces and beds quicker. services used by elderly patients. Patient Subramaniam Rajaratnam came into The project ran from the hospital’s newly HOPE after falling in his bathroom. The 83-year- Members of project user groups (PUGs), renovated Healthcare for Older People Earlier old was discharged under the RACE program including a HOPE PUG, have been involved in (HOPE) unit, which was refurbished as part of and treated at home. Mr Rajaratnam’s daughter planning a 12-unit bed for older people for the the Westmead Redevelopment. Kiri Thabapalan said the program was fantastic. new hospital building.

Patients treated in the unit were assessed for “This treatment process is much better. If he “We are using the Westmead Redevelopment RACE – if their injury was deemed manageable was in hospital, it would have been harder on planning process as a prism through which we from home, they were discharged. everyone – he’s in his home, his environment, look at everything we do and how to improve where he feels comfortable, she said. experiences and care of patients,” Dr Cabela A multi-disciplinary team, including said. Westmead Hospital’s occupational therapists, “He had so many staff coming to see him,

The Pulse | March 2017 4 News from across WSLHD Why you shouldn’t buy your undies on LHD account We’re an honest mob at WSLHD. That’s the official verdict from our senior investigator and corruption prevention officer Ken Lingard – but it doesn’t mean he hasn’t encountered some, well, “unusual” workplace practises over the years.

In one case, an employee was buying their socks, undies and shoes on the LHD account.

In another, a manager approved a contract they didn’t have delegation to sign. It turned out the company was connected with the employee’s partner.

The CE has endorsed the promotion of a major survey in partnership with Griffith University that will give all WSLHD staff the opportunity to have their say about fraud or corruption in the workplace, and the way managers handle it. WSLHD senior investigator and corruption prevention officer Ken Lingard. Whistling While They Work is part of a ground- place that provide excellent controls,” he said. to substantiate or refute any allegation. breaking study by Griffith University, and WSLHD is one of 30,000 organisations across “But the major factor is the honesty of the vast If there is evidence of fraud or theft, managers that will take part. majority of our staff. They won’t tolerate others should report it to their local Security stealing and they’re prepared to stand up and Department. If the suspected thief is a staff They survey can be found at: https://prodsurvey. speak out.” member, the incident should also be reported to rcs.griffith.edu.au/cfsls/index.php/42375/lang- Internal Audit. en?UI=w680113 So, what’s the process if you think a colleague is doing the wrong thing? First, discuss your “WSLHD takes these matters seriously and deals It’s a chance for you to provide information on concerns or suspicions with your immediate with them appropriately,” Ken said. your personal experiences and suggest better supervisor, or their manager if you’re concerned ways of doing things. about your immediate manager. (This is “I hope the survey will identify where the district an important step, Ken said, because often should concentrate its resources so people can Given the complexity and size of WSLHD, fraud something might appear to be wrong but is part report wrong doing with confidence and no fear.” and corruption is rare, Ken said. of a bigger picture you might not know about.) If you suspect fraud or corruption in your “Opportunistic theft – where people might If you are a manager, evaluate the information work area, you can organise a confidential submit fraudulent timesheets or claim a sickie you’ve been given, make some preliminary chat by contacting Internal Audit (WSLHD- or steal a box of pens - does happen from time enquiries, and look at what evidence is available [email protected]). to time, but there are good systems and rules in Chief Executive delivers digital ideas at Healthcare Week WSLHD was in the spotlight at Healthcare Week 2017 (8-9 March), with our redevelopment projects on show.

The program included presentations by Danny O’Connor, chief executive WSLHD and Peter Rophail, director of operational design at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.

This was an opportunity for Danny and Peter to discuss WSLHD redevelopments with members of the healthcare and government sector.

Both presentations demonstrated the significant work undertaken by the WSLHD, particularly in relation to consumer and community partnerships and engagement WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor. and significant transformation of patient- centred care and experience through digital 2020-2030 will be very, very different to the The Westmead Redevelopment team also technologies. experience of healthcare today,” said Danny. ran a booth at the annual Healthcare Week conference at the new International Convention Danny O’Connor highlighted the importance of The conference was attended by more than Centre in Sydney. our digital capability as our hospitals grow. 4,000 members of the healthcare industry. Attendees included hospital managers and Find out more about the conference at: “In western Sydney we must ensure that our executives, clinicians, GPs, government http://www.austhealthweek.com.au/ digital health capability matches our world- and administrative staff, architects, hospital class physical capital renewal, and recognise construction companies and suppliers of Audio of Danny O’Connor’s presentation can be that the experience of healthcare in the decade healthcare goods and services. downloaded here: goo.gl/s1aQZE

The Pulse | March 2017 5 News from across WSLHD New wellbeing program about you Thousands of you – the amazing employees of WSLHD - dedicate your lives to making people healthy. Now WSLHD is flipping the focus onto … you.

The WSLHD employee wellbeing program has been developing quietly behind the scenes and now it’s time for your input.

• Vote on one of three logos proposed for the employee wellbeing program; • Suggest a tagline to go with it. Be as cheeky as you like; just remember the program is all about mental and physical wellbeing; • Tell us what’s going on in your patch that could be included in the WSLHD wellbeing calendar.

You’ll be able to have your say at wellbeing pop-ups at our hospitals, or through the WSLHD intranet.

Wellbeing pop-ups will be held on:

• Monday March 27 – Mt Druitt 10am-2pm, near the staff cafeteria. WSLHD Executives Helen Emerson and Natalie McDonald have signed-up to Fitness Passport. • Tuesday March 28 – Blacktown 10am-2pm, at hugely discounted rates and the Rethink Your work hard in jobs that can be stressful physically near the cashier. Drink initiative are both part of the employee and emotionally. • Wednesday March 29 – Auburn 10am-2pm wellbeing program. in the hospital foyer. “This program is all about making sure they feel • Thursday March 30 – Westmead 10am-2pm You’ll see more initiatives in the next few supported in the work environment,” she said. in the main entrance months. The winning logo and tagline will be unveiled at the Fitness Passport – which gives our staff access Executive director of People and Culture Helen formal launch of the WSLHD wellbeing program on to more than 400 pools and gyms across NSW Emmerson said our staff are incredible – they 31 May, along with other wellbeing initiatives. With a Fitness Passport, you will see these stereotypes So you’ve registered for Fitness Passport or are 6. The Chatter thinking you might. Don’t ask what The Chatter did on the weekend. You won’t have to – they’ll tell you. And how And, once 1100 eligible WSLHD staff have signed cute their dog is. And about last night’s chops. up, the program will kick off and you’ll have The Chatter is fit. Like, really fit. How else to access to more than 400 pools and gyms across account for the fact they can go flat strap on the NSW. So now’s the time to think about what bike for the bike for a full 60 minutes without kind of gym junkie you might become … and drawing breath? maybe the kind you want to avoid become. We’ve come up with a handy guide to help. 7. The Do It Anyway-er You ‘re the average Jo (or Joe) who has decided 1. The Gymstagrammer that getting fit is going to make you feel better Always in co-ordinated activewear, The and being healthy is a good thing. You dash to Gymstagrammer knows the importance of the gym before work, during your lunch time looking good. How else will you get the likes? or after work. You don’t worry too much about Must have: Crop top, high ponytail, clear eyes. how you look and you get it done. You see some And make-up. Lots of glowy, natural-looking quads. A little flex here, a little flex there. You of your work colleagues there (because we’re all makeup. can thank him later. in this together), and you celebrate small steps forward going a little further, faster or heavier 2. The Slacker 4. The Grunter - and most of all feeling the best you have in New gear? Tick. Twelve-month membership? The Grunter is putting in effort. A LOT of effort. years. Tick. Public announcement of intention to get Those weights might be heavy, but The Grunter Maybe this is you? fit? But what looked like a good idea in January can handle them. That final sprint uphill on the is now … not so much. Still, five minutes on a treadmill? You did notice … didn’t you? It’s not too late to register for Fitness Passport. slow treadmill and a gentle tug at the lat bar It will give you access to more than 400 pools qualifies as exercise, doesn’t it? And technically 5. The Hog and gyms across NSW at a fraction of the usual you did ‘go to the gym’. There’s a towel on the leg press. There’s a cost. water bottle on the weight bench. A set of Single membership costs just $12.95 a week, 3. The Peacock headphones are draped over the elliptical. and family memberships $19.95 a week. The Peacock is pleased with himself (and yes, The Hog is on a program and The Hog has needs. he’s always male). Why wouldn’t he be? Just And The Hogs needs are greater than yours. To register or for further information, visit: check out those pecs. Those biceps. Those Approach with caution. www.fitnesspassport.com.au/wss

The Pulse | March 2017 6 News from across WSLHD Miracles come in pairs Wi-Fi meals HealthShare NSW will rollout a new delivery More than 150 staff were treated to service model My Food Choice at Westmead presentations about inspiring women and and Auburn Hospitals in coming months. their achievements in health as part of International Women's Day celebrations at My Food Choice will improve every patient’s Westmead Hospital. hospital experience and provide more job satisfaction for Food Services staff. The hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology maternal fetal medicine Food Services staff will work in small teams specialist Dr Roshini Nayyar gave her insights caring for small groups of patients. on the mystery of twins, saying there had been a rise in multiple births. Staff will use new mobile devices to take patient orders and will send the orders to "There has been an increased trend to the kitchen by wi-fi. multiple births [attributed] to a rising maternal age, (normally over the age of 35 The same team will take orders, prepare the years) and by fertility treatment," she said. meals and deliver them to the patients. "One in 80 births in Australia are twins and This provides better service for patients and of these pregnancies, just 20 per cent are Westmead Hospital Women’s and Newborn Health Nelma Galas, more job satisfaction for staff. identical twins. general manager Andrew Newton, Quentine Wong, Julie Swain and Community Migrant Resource Centre ‘s Norma Boules. Food Services staff will spend more time "Twin pregnancies are at higher risk of interacting with people on the wards and complications, both to the mother and less time in the kitchen washing up. foetuses, so care is individualised, depending on the type of twins and maternal condition.” For further information about My Food Choice, contact WSLHD sector manager Chris Moss by emailing chris.moss@health. World Kidney Day nsw.gov.au

at Blacktown Spread the LHD news The Pulse will be changing its look and design by going digital! The Pulse is a fantastic tool to promote or share your project, celebration, initiative, success or event. This publication is distributed to Thank you to all more than 11,000 staff in Western Healthcare Australia consultant Surbhi Sydney Local Health District and our Singhal with BMDH Expansion project our volunteers many stakeholders. support officer Kristy Cuthbert. World Kidney Day (March 9) was recognised at To submit your story for Blacktown Hospital with an information stall, consideration, we require high- letting people know about the importance of resolution photos with captions and keeping our kidneys healthy, and a jelly-bean a minimum of 150 words describing guessing competition, hosted by Healthcare the story. Australia. For further enquiries, phone 8890 BMDH Expansion Project support officer Kristy 4564 or email Cuthbert took out the prize for guessing the [email protected] closest number of jelly beans - which was 734. Publication is at the discretion of the Chronic kidney disease is a progressive loss editor and chief executive. Items in kidney function over a period of months or years. Each kidney has tiny filters, called may be edited for length, style and nephrons. If the nephrons are damaged, they quality. can stop working. After prolonged damage, the nephrons that are left cannot filter blood March 2017 second edition enough to keep people healthy. Graphic design and editorial co- ordinator: Jenny Harrison, WSLHD Untreated kidney failure can be life-threatening. To celebrate NSW Health Volunteer Corporate Communications About one in 10 people have some degree of Appreciation Day (12 March) Blacktown Specialist. chronic kidney disease. Hospital’s Emergency Department volunteers Shavani and Thomas shared their love for Sub-editor: Anne Markey, WSLHD For more information about kidney health, visit: mints. We thank them for their commit”mint”, encourage”mint”, invest”mint” and Corporate Commnuications http://www.worldkidneyday.org/faqs/chronic- Integratation specialist. kidney-disease/ or see your GP. involve”mint”.

The Pulse | March 2017 7 News from across WSLHD Executive “walk arounds” - We hear you! In the last People Matter (Your Say) survey WSLHD staff rated the statement “I feel that senior managers listen to employees” in the bottom six responses.

Westmead and Auburn Hospitals General Manager, Andrew Newton, and Clinical director, Critical Care and Medicine, Dr Peter Landau are just two of our WSLHD Executives actively leading ‘walk arounds’ in facilities across the district.

These regular ward visits provide senior managers with a welcomed opportunity to listen to frontline staff.

A recent Journey Board meeting on ward D4C at Westmead Hospital provided staff with an opportunity to talk openly with the Executive about their achievements and challenges in actively planning and managing geriatric patient transfers as part of the Whole of Hospital Program. As a result of this program communication and leadership has been WSLHD Clinical director Critical Care and Medicine Dr Peter Landau speaks with Tricia Cimmins, Amit strengthened amongst the team and the benefit Gupta & Westmead general manager Andrew Newton and nurse Juli Thwaite. has been improved patient flow.

“I really enjoy the ‘walk arounds’ with staff. It’s a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening around the hospital and to work together to action any concerns”, said Andrew Newton.

To find out more about the People Matter 2016 results, visit: http://wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/news/2016- people-matter-survey

WSLHD Clinical director Critical Care and Medicine Dr Peter Landau with Westmead Hospital’s Trish Cummings, Amit Gupta, Jocel Guion, Timothy Goh, general manager Andrew Newton and Juli Thwaite. Research and Education Network Stephen Leeder, WSLHD Research and Education Network director You may have heard suggestions that sugar should be taxed. What would it be likely to achieve? And let's suppose a tax on sugar was linked to a tax on salt and fat and a subsidy for fresh fruit and vegetables?

Health economists and health policy workers published a paper recently: it came from Linda Cobiac, King Tam, Lennert Veerman and Tony Blakely form Melbourne, Brisbane and Otago. They used a mathematical model and information from observations of what happens in practice with each of these actions to estimate their potential effects in Australia. Very interesting!

They used in their model theoretical taxes and subsidies so that they had negligible effects on average weekly expenditure on food. 'The simulations suggested that the combination of taxes and subsidy might avert 470,000 [years of lost life due to death and suffering] in Australia'.

These measures would save about $3.4 billion in health costs. each year A sugar tax would save 270,000 years of disability-adjusted life, the salt tax 130,000 and saturated fat tax 97,000. Taxing sugar-sweetened drinks would save 12,000 years. The fruit and vegetables subsidy was something of a fizzer.

Of course, statistical models don't always stand up in practice. But they give us important clues. We can try out these suggestions in reality - that's research - and see if they help us combat the shocking epidemic of obesity and diabetes.

The Pulse | March 2017 8 News from across WSLHD Linkway end of era

Fiona Nelson (NUM CHW), Tony Turner (nurse, Westmead Hospital), Danny Cass (trauma specialist, CHW), Bruce Fasher (emergency staff specialist, CHW), Grahame Smith (urology surgeon, CHW) and Cheri Templeton (burns physiotherapist, CHW). Tuesday, 14 March, marked the end of an era – the closure of the original linkway connecting Westmead Hospital and The ’s Masters of Nursing students at Westmead Hospital. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and the opening of the new linkway.

Westmead’s Master of Staff from both hospitals, who worked across the Westmead precinct when the original linkway was built in 1995, joined Nursing program kicks off to mark the occasion. Professor Danny Cass, a trauma surgeon, worked at Westmead has welcomed the second cohort of Students based at the Westmead Westmead Hospital until 1995 when he moved to The students to undertake the University of Sydney's campus have access to a range of clinical Children‘s Hospital at Westmead. Masters of Nursing (Graduate Entry) course. placements across western Sydney, including Westmead Hospital, as well as “When the kids hospital was built in 1995, the linkway The 34 students visited the Westmead campus the same rural and international placement wasn’t constructed until months later. Before that, mothers on February 28 for an introduction and opportunities offered to students at the visiting their newborns in the NICU had to be wheeled orientation program and will officially start their Camperdown campus. along the footpath from Hawkesbury Road,” he said. classes in the coming weeks. The Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) All staff, patients and visitors can use the temporary linkway The students join last year’s 32-strong group, program is open to university graduates between 6am and 10pm. Outside of these times, access who are returning in 2017 for their second - and from any discipline – no prior health is by staff swipe card only. The temporary link will be final - year of the course. background is required. decommissioned in early 2019 as the new central acute services building will have two linkways - one for staff and one for the public. The University of Sydney has been offering the The degree is offered on a two-year full Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) program time or four-year part time basis. After The second part of the linkway, which runs into the at its Camperdown campus since 2006 but successful completion, these graduates Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), is under introduced the program to the Westmead will be eligible to apply for registration as construction but will be completed by April. precinct last year. nurses and enter the workforce. Welcome to our new Westmead midwives Westmead Hospital ‘s Women’s and Newborn Health recently welcomed 18 new graduate midwives who began their exciting new careers at Westmead Hospital recently, as part of the Transition to Practice Program.

Westmead Hospital’s Nurse Midwife Operations manager said these midwives face a rewarding and challenging year ahead as they learn to navigate their new roles and implement everything they’ve learned about being with women during pregnancy, birth and the mothering period.

“Our midwives will be able to practice in different models of care offered to women at Westmead, including the highly popular “Caseload Model of Care,” she said. Congrations and welcome to Westmead Hospital’s new graduate midwives. “The graduates will be provided with opportunities to consolidate their learning “Continuity of midwifery care is so important healthcare during what is essentially, a very and skills in a supportive environment. to our health system and midwives are vital normal and exciting life time event.” to improving women and their families’

The Pulse | March 2017 9 News from across WSLHD McGrath breast nurse Future health service leaders have arrived

McGrath Breast nurse Michelle Rosano.

Mount Druitt Hospital's Sunflower Clinic is home to a new breast care nurse, thanks to the McGrath Foundation. From left: Tash Seo (2nd year), Angus McDowell, (2nd year), Carole DuBern (program manager), Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz (2nd year), Jessica Youngberry (1st year), James Comerford (1st year), Megan Hart (1st year), Michelle Rosano has started work in Westmead Jimmy Dallimore (1st year), Christian Jansen (1st year) Absent: Lea Sugay (1st year). Breast Cancer Institute's Sunflower Clinic at WSLHD welcomes the latest, and biggest, team our leaders.” , where she is following of the Australasian College of Health Service her passion for nursing. Management (ACHSM) graduate management First year graduate Christian said the program was interns. a unique opportunity to understand how systems Starting her career as an oncology nurse at work. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Michelle Our nine interns will serve 4 six month placements developed a love for supporting people through in a variety of spaces, operational management, “At the end of the day, everything we do is for the their cancer journey. project management, redesign, integrated care, patient,” he said. finance, human resources, corporate/business When she took a role at Westmead’s Breast services, planning and information systems. First year graduate Jamie said the internship is Cancer Institute, Michelle’s passion grew and she a chance for me to look at the needs of a whole saw the profound impact having a dedicated Western Sydney is proud to have hosted the community of people accessing health care in breast care nurse could have on the lives of Graduate Health Management program for more Australia. women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. than 30 years. “I can build on my clinical training and forge a It was in her role at Westmead’s Breast Cancer Second year graduate Angus said, the allowed career that can affect change for the benefit of Institute that she met McGrath breast care him to gain experience in a variety of settings in patients, carers, and those dedicated to providing nurses from across Australia. WSLHD. quality healthcare,” he said.

“I was so inspired by the stories of those nurses “I’ve quickly learned how complex our For further information about the ACHSM that it drew me to apply when a position organisation is, and the increasing complexity of graduate management program, visit: became available,” Michelle said. the problems we will face as we move forward,” goo.gl/HkkdPb he said. “I love being able to reassure patients and Expressions of interest for the intake for 2018/19 families at a time when their lives have been “I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute will be publicised during June and July. turned upside down. to the solutions to those problems, and learn from

“It’s nice to see the relief on their faces when Popular program enables more midwives on board they realise they don’t have to navigate this on throughout a woman’s pregnancy, birth, and their own.” during the early postnatal period.

The role of a McGrath breast care nurse is It works around a woman’s schedule and varied and broad - from diagnosis, through to accommodates her preferred location – at her treatment and follow-up, McGrath breast care home or at the hospital. The popularity of the nurses provide emotional, psycho-social and program prompted the hospital to recruit the physical support for patients and their families. new midwives to meet demand, said Westmead Hospital’s Women’s and Newborn Health “I was drawn to the opportunity of setting up Midwifery Unit manager Carolyn Tranter. a new service for the community, and the area where the people here are really community- “The relationship that is established between a minded, and they watch out for each other. They woman and her midwife can build a woman’s really appreciate the services that are available Westmead Hospital’s caseload midwifery team self-confidence and reduce anxiety. to them.” Taylor Norton, Kate Pendlebury, Ashleigh Ryman and Crystal Peake. Caseload midwifery is available to mothers who Families in Mount Druitt, Blacktown and are in good health and planning to have a natural Four new caseload midwives have joined surrounding communities can reach out to birth with no unnecessary interventions. Westmead Hospital, bringing the total number Michelle directly without a medical referral on To access this service women are encouraged of midwives who provide one-to-one care to [email protected] to access to contact their GP and enquire about caseload expectant mums to 14. The caseload program the free service. midwifery as soon as they find out they are allows the same midwife to provide support pregnant or call 9845 9129.

The Pulse | March 2017 10 News from across WSLHD

New dedicated volunteers for our supportive and palliative care patients

Western Sydney Supportive Care Volunteer Service recently welcomed 16 new recruits to the district.

Following the completion of their training, 10 Supportive Care volunteers will soon commence their roles.

They will provide much needed companionship and support to patients on the Medical/Oncology ward, Infusion Therapies and Cancer Clinics at Blacktown Hospital.

The new recruits bring to total number of these dedicated volunteers to 35.

WSLHD Supportive and Palliative Care Services volunteer manager Kylie Clark said 28 volunteers work at Mt Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Unit as well as visiting clients at Welcome to our new Western Sydney Supportive & Palliative Care volunteers. home. “By having non-clinical staff who can sit and ongoing support is provided. “Patients and their families feel the volunteers’ spend time with patients or carer, bring a tea duties complement and enhance the care or coffee, run down to get paper will be of For further information contact the Volunteer being provided by the professional staff at the benefit for the patients and their families,” she manager, Kylie Clark on 0427 730 596 or email hospital,” she said. said. [email protected]

“Patients appreciate the volunteers being The service is always looking for with them to offer hand massages, a listening compassionate, understanding people who are Launch 7 habits ear and providing respite so carers can grab a able to dedicate up to fours hours a week to break and a cuppa.” help support patients and their families.

Blacktown Hospital nurse unit manager Volunteers need to be over the age of 18 Katherine Cox looked forward to the volunteers and no formal qualifications are necessary. joining the team. Volunteers complete four days of training and Refugee communities focus on health issues Auburn Multicultural Health, Blacktown We have listened to the stories of our WSLHD Women’s Health Clinic, the NSW Education Consumer Reps for two years and heard their Program on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) stories about their experiences of working with and the NSW Refugee Health formed together staff on committees. to present a comprehensive insight into issues impacting on cancer prevention, screening and We have developed a program based on these care on refugee communities in NSW at the experiences to develop our capacity as LHD staff members to engage with our consumer reps in recent Cancer Institute NSW Forum. highly effective ways. NSW Education Program on FGM senior We call this “The Seven Habits of Highly Engaged health education officer Linda George said the Committees”. audience consisted of cancer program leads, communication staff, clinicians and statisticians. The program has Seven short videos that unpack each of the “seven habits” to reveal what you can “The forum provided information on how to do – practically - to get the most out of working plan and provide appropriate health and cancer with your consumers. care services to this vulnerable population group,” she said. The program invites committee chairs and NSW Refugee Health Service B-Ann Echevarria, members to get on board with these habits, and Cancer Insitute NSW Visakesa Chandrasekaram “Emphasis was placed on the need to periodically the committee receives scoreboard understand the refugee experience, challenges and WSLHD Multicultural Health Auburn Irene feedback to help the team improve their of resettlement, those affected by Female Choo. engagement and optimise their scores. Genital Mutilation and the struggles some “We discussed other strategies including experience navigating our healthcare system utilising interventions of both media and The highest scoring teams will WIN PRIZES and as well as appreciating the influence of cultural education, engaging with Bilingual Community will be celebrated as models for other committees beliefs and attitudes towards cancer, prevention Educators, developing audio-visual tools, around our district. and screening.” developing less text-heavy reading materials, using 3D anatomy of human body models for You wont be on your own - Coralie and Tara in the “It was reiterated numerous times, the community education, demonstrating breast Consumer and Community Partnership team are importance of engaging with professional examinations, bowel specimen collection and here to help. To view these videos, visit: interpreters when providing care to clients with using teach-back when explaining preparation http://wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/Community--- Consumer-Engagement/the-7-habits low English proficiency. for colonoscopy.”

The Pulse | March 2017 11 News from across WSLHD All aboard new bus for Mount Druitt Hospital volunteers Mount Druitt Hospital’s hard-working volunteers have taken the first journey behind the wheel of their new transport service bus after it was officially handed over on March 14.

The 14-seat Toyota Hitachi commuter bus, which was one of several donations from Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation, which has been supporting western Sydney hospitals for more than seven years.

The volunteer transport bus service offers free transport for patients to doctors, hospitals (Mount Druitt, Blacktown and Westmead) and a variety of western Sydney health facilities.

The service has been operating for more than 15 years and is completely run by volunteers, including 18 drivers, five escorts and six office staff.

Mount Druitt Hospital general manager Sue-Anne Mount Druitt Hospital volunteer transport volunteers Ken Ross, John Vella, Robert Howe, Sargents Pies Redmond said the volunteers’ bus was in need of an Brian Andrews, Maragret Briggs, Vic Hooper and Pat Moir. upgrade. My Westmead Partnerships Manager Susie Saba said Additionally, Sargents’ funding has also provided vital equipment for the new skills and simulation “The old bus, which was acquired through raffles and the foundation was thankful for Sargents’ continued support. lab at Blacktown Hospital, where students donations by the volunteers eight years ago, had completing their HSC learn basic nursing skills. run up 300,000 km and was becoming increasingly unreliable,” Sue-Anne said. “Thanks to Sargents’ generosity, the bus was recently funded, making a difference to the nearly 300 patients To build on the success of the previously funded transported each month. exercise equipment for Westmead Hospital’s “This is an extremely valuable service to the Redbank House, this year, the introduction of community and we are so grateful for the Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation representative an exercise physiologist – generously funded contribution of the volunteers who give their time to by Sargents – will further develop the children’s make this service possible. Brian Andrews said the organisation was thrilled to be involved. ability to manage stress and anxiety both at home and at school. “Many patients who use the bus have no other mode “The Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation is pleased of transport to get to the clinics or facilities and often For information on how to support My Westmead rely on walking frames. to be able to provide this bus to make the work done by the volunteers who give their time to assist please call 1800 639 037 or visit: http://www.wmrf.org.au/ “The transport service is able to park close to patients in getting to their appointments on time buildings to drop off and pick up patients, minimising at the hospitals without the worry of an unreliable walking distance, and the driver also assists patients vehicle,” Brian said. to get on and off the bus.” Sweet Tweets Popular With Sia Anthopoulos

posts It’s been a great couple of weeks on The WSLHD Facebook page has reached social media for WSLHD. 9,328 members! Read on to see what our lovely followers have been tweeting about us: This post reached more than 98,620 people with more than 28,000 views and 929 likes: Amanda Novak @aenowak13 Blacktown Hospital’s first MUST WATCH | When John “Sean” O’Malley monthly consumers group arrived at Blacktown Hospital, his dementia ‘With These Hands’ busy often made him angry, distressed and agitated. creating fiddle mats @ We decided to play some Elvis songs for him, as katieconciatore part of our Music & Memory program. You won’t believe what happened next...... GM Westmead & Auburn @ gmwestmead To view this video, visit: https://www.facebook. The Corporate Communications multimedia com/WesternSydneyHealth/ A great night at @ team produced a video titled “A Better West - gscsydney awards. Well WSLHD Strategic Priorities 2017-2021. done Westmead Integrated WSLHD Chief Executive Danny O’Connor and Project Team!! senior directors and staff outline the needs of our population, the challenges we face and George Larcos @GeorgeLarcos what lies ahead. Banning sugary drinks at The website supporting this Better West video Westmead hospital, one of will go live end of March. the country’s largest public To view WSLHD YouTube channel and this teaching hospitals. Let’s video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/ hope the idea catches on... channel/UCFNqZkhr6AoT2ifPdh-eT_w

The Pulse | March 2017 12 Feedback & Events

Thanks a bunch Save the date

Join us and meet the WSLHD Hierachy thank WSLHD for timely work board members In my role as Ministerial Liaison Officer, Office of the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, I liaise with many Ministry and LHD staff across health on a regular basis. Schedule these dates in your diaries with I wanted to write to honestly tell you, that you have been outstanding among many of great LHD the below dates and locations: staff. ** Tuesday 14 March 3.30 - 4.15pm PARC I sincerely appreciate all your efforts to respond to all my requests above and beyond the call of duty. Building Cumberland Hospital You should be extremely proud of how you support the LHD and the Minister’s Office. ** Tuesday 9 May 3.30 - 4.15 pm Venue TBC Keep up the good work, and again – thank you! Auburn Hospital Office of the Hon Brad Hazzard I Minister for Health I Minister for Medical Research ** Tuesday 11 July 3.30 - 4.15pm Hospital Men wanted for new testosterone study Street Blacktown Hospital ** Tuesday 8 August 3.30 - 4.15 pm How does testosterone work in the liver to increase muscle mass? Conference Room Mount Druitt Hospital That’s the question researchers from Blacktown Hospital are currently exploring – but they need help ** Tuesday 10 October 3.30 - 4.15pm Venue from local men to continue their work. TBC Westmead Hospital The research team is on the hunt for healthy men, aged 60 – 75 years, with normal weight and proven WSLHD Nursing & Midwifery low testosterone levels to participate in the study. Research - Wine & Cheese Clinical trials manager Navneeta Ready said the study, led by Dr Vita Birzniece, was exploring the Evening effect of small doses of testosterone on protein in the body. Tuesday, 28 March 4.30pm - 6.30pm Blacktown Hospital University Building, “We want to investigate whether liver-targeted testosterone can increase muscle protein production, leading to an increase in muscle mass and function,” she said. Seminar Room RSVP to WSLHD-NursingMidwiferyExecutive@ “The results may help us to develop a novel, safe therapy to increase muscle mass in frail, elderly men health.nsw.gov.au and women.” WSLHD Integrated Healthcare Men willing to participate in the research would need to take a low-dose oral testosterone for two - moving to the future forum weeks and attend the Western Sydney University Research Centre at Blacktown Hospital twice over a two-week period. Wednesday, 5 April, 2017 8.30am - 4pm Rosehill Gardens, Rosehill Interested participants must also attend an initial screening visit. The screening, which lasts only an hour, involves a thorough explanation of the trial, along with routine blood work to check a person’s To RSVP, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com. suitability. au/e/health-integration-moving-to-the-future- forum-registration-32248698726 If men are suitable, they will then need to attend the centre for the two sessions.

Parking and meal vouchers will be provided. CIAP Evidence-Based Workshop Friday, 9 June, 2017 8.30am - 4pm For more information about recruitment, contact Navneeta Reddy on 9851 6152 or email Navneeta. [email protected] Lecture Theatre 4, Westmead Education Centre, Westmead Hospital There is no cost to NSW Health staff. The Westmead Association & Mr Andrew Newton (General Manager) presents the To register, visit: goo.gl/SLd90 OSCARS FILM FESTIVAL Westmead Women’s and In the last four years Westmead Hospital has produced more films Newborn Health Conference than Hollywood and Bollywood combined. Come and see a sample of the multi-million dollar talent Westmead is producing. - Celebrating success A night of delicious food, drinks and movie history - be there!! Transforming care: Foundations Date: Thursday, 6th April, 2017 Venue: Auditorium, Education Block for the future Time: 5.00pm food and drinks, 5.30pm films RSVP: [email protected] Friday, 5 and Saturday 6 May, 2017 John Loewenthal Auditorium, Westmead Education Centre, Westmead Hospital To register, visit: https://events.wmrf.org. au/WWNHC2017

The Pulse | March 2017 13