South West Hospital and Health Service PULSE JULY 2019 EDITION
Steven Miles, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services with Brett Rosenthal, Watpac Project Manager at the new Roma Hospital Redevelopment site. We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the lands across the South West. We would also like to pay our respects to the current and future Elders who will inherit the responsibility of keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture alive, and creating a better life for the generations to follow. We believe the future happiness and wellbeing of all Australians and their future generations will be enhanced by valuing and taking pride in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – the oldest living culture of humanity.
South West Queensland Traditional Owners:
Augathella – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Mungindi – Kamilaroi (Car-milla-roy)
Bollon – Kooma (Coo-ma) Quilpie – Bunthamarra (Bun-tha-mar-ra) and Wangkumara (Wong-ka-mara) Charleville – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Roma – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee) Cunnamulla – Kunya (Koun-yah) with other interests St George – Kooma (Coo-ma) with Kamilaroi, Mandandanji, Bigambul and Dirranbandi – Kooma (Coo-ma) Gungarri interests
Injune – Kongabula (Kong-ga-bull-a) Surat – Mandandanji (Mand-an-dand-gee)
Mitchell – Gungurri (Gon-gari) Thargomindah – Kullila (Coo-lee-lar)
Morven – Bidjara (Bid-jara) Wallumbilla – Mandandanji (Mand-an- dand-gee)
Our Values
QUALITY COMPASSION ACCOUNTABILITY ENGAGEMENT ADAPTABILITY
This newsletter is produced by the South West Hospital and Health Service (South West HHS). All feedback and contributions are welcome to [email protected]. All published material has been approved by the Health Chief Executive. Contents
4 Board
6 Board out and about
8 NAIDOC 2019
8 Health Service Chief Executive
Our Communities
11 Bangarra dancers dazzle during NAIDOC
12 Footy boots head west
13 Jane Cosh - Injune CAN Chair
14 “Hello My Name Is” International Day
16 Keep diabetes in mind all year round
Our Teams
18 SWHHS visits USQ
19 #SWspirit
Our resources
20 Infrastructure & maintenance
21 High-tec consultations at home using Telehealth
22 New Roma hospital update FROM THE BOARD CHAIR JIM McGOWAN, AM Michael Walsh Director-General with Chris Small Acting Executive Director Strategy Performance and Governance inspecting the new Roma Hospital Development.
If not us, who? If not now, when Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try
(John F Kennedy; (1917-1963) and US President from 1961 until his assassination in 1963; a true statesman and world leader)
4 South West Hospital and Health Service You do extraordinary things every day. You save lives; you care for people who are ill; you comfort their loved ones; you assist people to make better life choices; you manage difficult situations; you educate; you inspire!!!
The presentation of our staff awards, which will be held in Roma on 28 October, provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work which you all do, as well as showcase excellence in the delivery of integrated person-centred care and innovative practices, which have been driven locally by teams and individuals.
Integrated person-centred care and innovative models of health care are the foundation on which the South West Hospital and Health Service’s vision to be a national leader in the delivery of health services to rural and remote communities, is based.
The awards will be assessed against our values of Quality, Compassion, Accountability, Engagement and Adaptability. These are encapsulated by needing to see the image of mothers and loved ones in the faces of the people needing our services. Some may see this as trite and superficial. I see it as the deep embodiment of all of our values. It is about doing the best that we can. It is an enduring challenge. To paraphrase (or perhaps plagiarise) the late US President, John F Kennedy in his inspirational “We choose to go to the moon” speech in 1962.
“We choose to [aspire to be a national leader in rural and remote health] not because it is easy, but because it is hard; because that goal will serve to organise and measure the best of our energies and abilities, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept…..” (Apologies to JFK).
Nominations for the annual staff awards will be called in the not too distant future and it is timely to consider nominating individuals or teams who you think have made a difference.
This year we will add a community volunteer award in recognition of how much we value the contribution of our Community Advisory Network members, who give generously of their time and often travel long distances to support you and their local communities. Again, I encourage you to nominate one of your CAN members for the inaugural Community Volunteers Award.
The presentation of these awards is a highlight of the year, and while I know it is often difficult for people to attend, I encourage you to attend if you are able.
The Pulse August 2019 5 FROM THE BOARD CHAIR OUT AND ABOUT
The South West Hospital and Health Board held its July meeting at the Mitchell Multipurpose Health Service.
Jim McGowan Board Chair takes time to catch up with community and Claire Alexander, Board Member and Samantha Edmonds, Executive staff members at Mitchell. Director Finance Infrastructure and Corporate Services.
Gary Birkett, Mitchell CAN Member takes the opportunity to speak with (from left) Kerry Crumblin (CEO Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for local Police Sergeant Adam Robertson and Dr John Scott, Board Member. Health), Stuart Gordon (CEO Western Qld Primary Health Network), Linda Patat (CE SWHHS), Sheryl Lawton (CEO Charleville and Western Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health) and Matthew Cooke (CEO Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service Limited t/a Nhulundu Health Service) 6 South West Hospital and Health Service Kimberlee Clunn Stephanie Alimin
Jenna Nunn
Donna Inwood
Rebecca Greenway Community and Allied Health Service Director Charleville with Jim McGowan Board Chair, Kimberlee Clunn and Jenna Nunn from the Charleville Community and Allied Health team and Donna Inwood, Acting DON Augathella
Loretta Johnson Executive Manager South West QAS Network with Steven Miles Minister for Health and Ambulance Services along with Michael Walsh Director-General when he visited Roma. Michael Walsh Director-General visited Roma and were delighted to catch up with staff at the Nuriyn Centre.
Kate Field Mitchell DON and some of the team members and Toni Dorin Donna Inwood, Acting DON Augathella with Jim McGowan, Board Chair Mitchell QAS meet up with Jim McGowan Board Chair in Mitchell. and Rebecca Greenway, Service Director Community and Allied Health Charleville.
The Pulse August 2019 7 NAIDOC 2019 VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH. (LET’S WORK TOGETHER FOR A SHARED FUTURE)
It is evident from the theme of NAIDOC WEEK 2019 the The formal acknowledgement of the Mural was importance of working and connecting with each other launched by the Honourable Mayor Mr Richard Marsh, to build a healthier, safer and stronger community for a SWHHS Board Member and Deputy Mayor Mrs Fiona shared future. Gaske and Mrs Robyn Brumpton A/Service Director, St George Community & Allied Health. Barry RAINMAN And this was on show at the St George Hospital during Boland, Leslie Gordon Lister and Johnny Lee Tattam who NAIDOC Week in July. are descendants of the Kamilaroi Yuwulaaraay /Euahlayi St George Hospital hosted the town’s NAIDOC Week clan of Kamilaroi /Goomeroi nation were recognised for Celebrations for the day. More than 50 community their work in the creation of the mural. members including traditional and Community Elders The importance of connection and engagement in as well as hospital, community and allied health staff developing and nurturing relationships which create and Balonne Shire Council representatives attended the better holistic health, social, emotional and wellbeing day. for all residents of St. George and outlying communities The main feature of the day was the mural that was throughout the region was a key driver of the St George designed and painted by three local indigenous artists Hospital campus hosting the NAIDOC Celebrations. in the last year. The mural is painted along the walkway It is hoped that the activities that were delivered will that connects the hospital to the community and allied enhance relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres health building. The mural tells the local yarn of the Strait Islander communities and hopefully increase local indigenous connections and history with the participation in going forward as a community and Balonne River. region. The traditional welcome and acknowledgement was delivered by Aunty Daisy Brown, a traditional owner and elder of the Kamilaroi ( Goomeroi ) and Yuwulaaraay nations.
Barry Boland - indigenous liaison official didgeridoo playing Aunty Daisy Brown - opening memorial at the St George cemetery
8 South West Hospital and Health Service L-R: Barry Boland, Gordon Lister & Johnny Tattam - the mural artists Barry Boland conducting smoking ceremony at NAIDOC opening
Barry Boland giving boomerang lessons St George NAIDOC march Robyn Brampton, Mrs Daisy Brown (Elder), Fiona Gaske & Richmond Marsh opening NAIDOC week celebrations at St George Hospital
Acknowledging the local artists’ painting of the St George Hospital Mural St George NAIDOC march
The Pulse August 2019 9 FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE LINDA PATAT
This month we have started to prepare the ground contribution, you can rely on me to take this forward and work for a year ahead which will focus on better not lose effort or energy in relation to its’ importance and priority. I encourage you all to take a look at the Clinical ways of caring for you in the workplace. Senate’s website, and liaise with members of our own Clinical As clinicians, I know we are trained to problem solve and Council and Management Teams to promote a whole-of-health focus on the care of our patients. In doing so, your own health service approach to staff safety and wellbeing. As your Chief and wellbeing can take a back seat, and I believe it is the role Executive you should be able to rely on me for this, and I truly of teams and the organisation as a whole to ensure we don’t believe a healthy, happy workforce is an essential ingredient lose focus on supporting our people and ensure we change for high quality outcomes for our patients, and a necessity for our conversations around clinician wellbeing. Many of what our sustainability. can be done is quite simple and doesn’t require complex or As Jim has highlighted, our Annual Staff Awards are an expensive solutions – Dr Alex Markwell, Chair of the Statewide important annual milestone to celebrate and acknowledge Clinical Senate shares that simply smiling and being civil to the amazing work that you all do each and every day. This year a colleague and starting a conversation are some of the most is looking to be the best year yet, and I look forward to the effective elements of a safe and productive work environment. opportunity to catch up socially and share this celebration In line with this priority, I have commenced several actions with you. Taking time out to connect and reflect on the to inform our way forward, with an important focus on getting achievements you have made is a key part of caring for each started: other, and creating the type of culture where everyone knows their contribution matters to someone. • Dr Adam Coltzau, Chair SWHHHS Clinical Council will lead a discussion with the Council and draw on discussions Thank you in anticipation for getting behind our wellbeing with clinical teams to provide advice to me in relation to initiatives and creating a safe and healthy workplace through clinician health and wellbeing – I envisage this will range integrating wellbeing activities into your local workplace. from simple to more complex interventions, and both But above all, thank you for practicing civility, empathy and immediate and longer term actions kindness. I personally am looking forward to bringing more joy into the workplace and supporting our Village Connect • The Senior Leadership Team (60 leaders from across and Village Green initiatives which are designed to establish every site of our services) have all commenced a targeted meaningful connections between staff and across teams in development program to progress a positive health and your local workplaces. wellbeing culture through a focus on how we communicate and lead and support our teams Please continue to blend humanity into your professional behaviour – to care, to be relational, and to connect on a • Working with Lawrie Usher and the team to maximise personal level is all important to our wellbeing. It is okay to access to wellbeing resources and activities– some think the best of each other and to remember what you have already in place, and several new initiatives which I look accomplished. You are valued, and the work you do means the forward to sharing with you in the coming months world to someone each and every day. • Working with our leaders to enable systems to support I remain yours in service work-life flexibility and integration - we understand that at times our load can affect our family lives and L other interests and we need to understand ways of acknowledging we are human, and recognising burnout that may be having an impact on your capacity to feel motivated or purposeful at work • Progress our Village Connect and Village Green initiatives at each local site to create environments and processes that establish meaningful connections between staff and across teams • Progress different ways to recruit for kind professional behaviour • Commit to Leader Rounding across the organisation at all levels of leadership to help staff to feel their work is valued and recognised • Determine better ways of measuring and reporting on Guess where Linda was in Where was Linda in June wellbeing using validated instruments so we can measure July 2019? 2019? how we are going and continuously improve. This is work we will all have to do together. However, I know Send your guesses to Linda was at a creek crossing through talking with many of you I have your full support SWHHS_Communications@ at Tinnenburra, outside to back me and be a part of this important work. For my health.qld.gov.au Cunnamulla.
10 South West Hospital and Health Service BANGARRA DANCERS DAZZLE DURING NAIDOC
Last week was NAIDOC week in Charleville and the Charleville’s Rekindling program from the start, when community’s celebrations were made extra special the students visited Mt Tabor, the property Keelen when Charleville State High students performed manages on traditional Bidjara Country, back in 2016. traditional dances, under the direction of Bangarra Dance Theatre. As well as performing three beautifully expressive dances last week, the students dazzled their audiences These students have participated in Bangarra’s three- when they spoke in Bidjara language. year Rekindling Program since 2016 and last week saw the culmination of hard work and creativity. They helped SWHHS’s HOPE Program was instrumental in bringing celebrate NAIDOC with performances at local schools Bangarra’s Rekindling Program to Charleville in 2016 and a gala dinner to celebrate CWAATSICH’s 25 years. and the HOPE Team recently learned that they’ve been successful in securing Rekindling for Cunnamulla, The students worked all week with Bangarra’s starting in October this year. Rekindling Team – Sidney Saltner, Patrick Thaiday and Chantal Kerr (I’ll get back to you) – and with Bidjara Elder Keelen Mailman, who shared traditional knowledge and stories and also taught the students some Bidjara language. Keelen has been involved with
Charleville State High Bangarra dancers with Bidjara Elder Keelen Mailman
The Pulse August 2019 11 FOOTY BOOTS HEAD WEST
The efforts of two young brothers, Harry and Clancy Taske, have seen a huge donation of sporting gear delivered to the outback Queensland towns of Charleville and Cunnamulla.
These young Brisbane boys share a strong social conscience well beyond their years, having previously been involved in donations of backpacks for kids escaping domestic violence.
Their outback sporting gear drive was inspired after the brothers saw a documentary about a guy who’d collected 300 footy boots for disadvantaged kids. They decided to do something similar. another problem, but South West Hospital and Health Service’s HOPE Program stepped in and contacted Followmont Transport, who came to the rescue.
When Followmont learned about the boys’ amazing efforts they delivered this huge shipment to Charleville and Cunnamulla free of charge!
HOPE Program’s Sue Eustace-Earle said she was blown away by Followmont’s generosity.
“It’s just wonderful when good people get behind such The boys took to social media and rallied friends at a worthwhile initiative, especially one like this brought their schools and across sporting clubs in their local about by two great kids.” Brisbane area to seek donations. This led to two pallets of sporting equipment including dozens of footy boots, Harry summed it up perfectly when he said, “I think a balls, cricket gear, backpacks, socks, shorts, jerseys lot of kids are going to be pretty happy when they get all and a whole lot more. this stuff”.
Clancy and Harry wanted this gear to go bush because, as Clancy said, “They don’t often get anything because they’re too far out”.
Emily, the boys’ mother, put up with boxes upon boxes piling up in her dining room.
“Even though we could hardly move, I’m so proud of my boys and what they’ve managed to achieve”, she said. “My dining room looks like a loading dock”!
Getting the boxes to Charleville and Cunnamulla posed
12 South West Hospital and Health Service JANE COSH INJUNE COMMUNITY ADVISORY NETWORK (CAN) CHAIR
Ensuring health needs “We are community driven under the auspice of are continually met in Queensland Health and over the many years since the her community and Injune CAN started we have been able to significantly surrounding area is of improve health outcomes. utmost importance to Injune’s Community “Our members include ambulance, police, state Advisory Network school, kindy, local care services, representative, (CAN) Chair Jane community representatives and Queensland Health Cosh. representatives.
With almost 40 years’ “Some of the issues we are working through at the experience in the moment are with the Maranoa Council and our town health industry, Jane house numbering for easier emergency service access Cosh’s passion and and also possible solutions for the town’s zero interest in community health started not long after her availability of public transport.” family moved to a property 30km west of Injune in 1980. Jane is very proud of the proactive work the Injune CAN “I was appointed as a soul practitioner Registered achieve. Nurse with Blue Care in 1983 and held this position for 30 years,” Jane said. “Thanks to the CAN, we have a very workable and supportive doctors’ rotation within a very busy medical “My interest in community health needs practice and our Multipurpose Health Service is a very busy hospital with an increasing outreach of nursing definitely came about because of this and care services now available,” she said. position as I was seeing far too many “We, as a group, really appreciate the support we get unmet health needs in our district.” from Linda as the Chief Executive of the South West Hospital and Health Service and the Board. In 1998 Jane was appointed to the Roma and District Health Board, a State Government appointment. “We thank them for always listening and acting on any This was at the same time the Health Advisory [HAG] of our issues where appropriate.” Groups were formed by Queensland Health in all their hospitals. Jane is looking forward to the Injune CAN continuing to have input into Injune’s community health outcomes Jane became part of the HAG in Injune as the Blue Care well into the future. representative. These groups later became known as the Community Advisory Networks.
“The CAN’s focus is to provide a forum for any issues deemed to be health related - which is nearly everything that happens in a town/district,” she said.
The Pulse August 2019 13 “HELLO MY NAME IS” INTERNATIONAL DAY
‘Hello My Name is’ International Day was celebrated compassion and quality care every single day. on Tuesday 23 July and also nearly marked to the day since it was launched in the South West as part of the We commit to providing exceptional care through open Compassionate Care Bundle. and kind communication
South West’s Chief Executive Linda Patat thought it We pledge that we will always welcome you into our was timely that the day coincided with the 12-month service anniversary of the Compassionate Care Bundle. We will always introduce ourselves so you know who we “The Compassionate Care Bundle is all about care that are and how we can help you is individualised, personal and keeps the client at the centre of their decisions at all time,” Linda said. We pledge to take the time to listen, genuinely hear you, and understand how to make your care the best it “Within the South West, compassion is one of our can be values, and we are truly committed to providing compassion within all of our services. We pledge to work with you to understand your cultural background so that you feel respected and safe “The South West Compassionate Care Bundle consists of open communication tools such as ‘Hello My Name We will work with you to jointly plan your care needs, is’. respecting your values and wishes
“This is a meaningful tool to make every We will make time to answer your questions, and to regularly speak with you and your loved ones person that walks into any of our services feel welcome. They are greeted by one of When it comes time for you to return home or to another care environment, we will prepare you and ensure that our friendly people with their ‘Hello My you have everything that you need Name Is’ badge on which is clearly visible We pledge to make you feel safe and cared for; the care and spoken to person-to-person.” we provide is compassionate and ensures your dignity
Please take the time to have read about how ‘Hello My Above all, we pledge to care for you with our hands Name Is was founded at https://www.hellomynameis. and our hearts. We will offer a hand to hold, a shoulder org.uk/ and we will be celebrating ‘Hello My Name Is’ to lean on and a compassionate ear, to walk with you by showcasing some of the wonderful people we have through your healthcare journey. You are our purpose working in the South West every day this week. and our passion.
Linda Patat wanted to share the pledge again, where by everyone in the SWHHS will continually provide
Photo caption
14 South West Hospital and Health Service The Pulse August 2019 15 KEEP DIABETES IN MIND ALL YEAR ROUND
South West clinicians are busy spreading the word diabetes is less common and must be managed with about diabetes awareness and prevention to mark the regular doses of insulin.’’ upcoming National Diabetes Week from 14–20 July. Symptoms for Type 1 can be remembered by the 4Ts: South West Hospital and Health Service Diabetes Clinical Nurse Consultant Kathy Snars said this year’s • Toilet – are you going to the toilet a lot? Diabetes Week theme – It’s about time you took the time – was to raise awareness of the signs and • Thirsty – do you have an unquenchable thirst? symptoms of diabetes to increase earlier detection and promote action. • Tired – are you more tired than usual?
Ms Snars said diabetes currently was the world’s • Thinner – have you recently lost a lot of weight? fastest-growing chronic disease and was already the sixth leading cause of death in Australia. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can include:
But for many the diagnosis was being made too late, • Frequent urination thereby putting them at risk of life-threatening or serious health issues. • Increased thirst
“Diabetes is the name given to a group of different • Always feeling hungry conditions in which the body cannot maintain healthy levels of a type of sugar called glucose in the blood,’’ • Feeling very tired Ms Snars said. • Blurry vision “The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, manufactured in your pancreas • Slow healing of cuts and wounds – a gland behind your stomach. • Numbness or pain in hands or feet “When your body cannot make enough insulin, or if the insulin is not working properly, it cannot break down • But there are often no symptoms at all in the early glucose into energy. stages.
“Glucose then builds up into high blood glucose levels Ms Snars said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander which can then cause diabetes. people were particularly at risk of developing diabetes and this genetic predisposition was compounded by a “Every day, about 62 Queenslanders are diagnosed range of other factors such as poor nutrition, obesity with the condition, including two people with Type 1 and lack of exercise. diabetes and 60 people with Type 2 diabetes. “If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person “Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes. it is almost four times more likely that you will have It can usually be managed by maintaining a healthy diabetes than will your non-Indigenous neighbour,’’ she lifestyle, with medication when necessary. Type 1 said.
16 South West Hospital and Health Service “If people with diabetes eat healthy food, have a healthy body weight, and are physically active they can be strong and healthy.
“If people with diabetes eat unhealthy food and are not physically active, their blood sugars will be high and they will be unhealthy.
“They will suffer complications like stroke; blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, foot problems and risk having amputations.’’
Some ways of managing diabetes if you have it, or to help you avoid getting it:
• Limit your intake of junk foods such as sugary drinks, sweets, cordials and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.
• Managing weight – If you are overweight losing weight is one of the best ways to improve your Learn the signs and symptoms of diabetes – good advice from South West Hospital and Health Service Diabetes Clinical Nurse Consultant blood sugars and health and reduce your risk of Kathy Snars. complications. Maintaining good portion control and limiting junk foods is the best way to keep your “The other thing about diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres weight in check. Strait Islander families is that it occurs at a younger age in Indigenous families. • Avoid saturated and trans fats: Foods high in saturated fats include butter, coconut milk and “It makes sense, therefore, for us to do everything cream, fatty meats, cream, cakes and biscuits and possible to reduce the rate of diabetes in all our pastry’s like pies and sausage rolls. communities, as well as to assist those with diabetes to self-manage so that they do not develop complications. • Exercise helps to manage blood sugars and weight as well as general health. “That’s why everyone should be aware of diabetes all year round and see your doctor or primary health care • Alcohol should be limited to no more than 2 centre if you have any concerns or symptoms. standard drinks per day and everyone should have regular alcohol-free days. “We also need to find ways to reduce both the overall rate of diabetes in our communities and the poor health • Attend regular check-ups, take your medications and people experience because of the complications of monitor your blood sugars as advised by your health diabetes. care teams. “This is something that many people can do for • See a dietitian for individualised dietary advice themselves. for healthy weight and managing and preventing diabetes. “Proper diet and exercise can help you avoid getting diabetes in the first place and can also help you manage diabetes if you do have it.
The Pulse August 2019 17 SWHHS visits USQ
On Wednesday 10th July 2019 Katrina Robinson, the First Year Registered Nurse Transition Program Co-ordinator (FYRNC) was invited to attend the 2020 Graduate Nurse Employment Presentation Day at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), in Toowoomba. Katrina presented to 3rd year nursing students from the Toowoomba campus as well as the Ipswich campus who attended via videoconference. SWHHS showcased our University endorsed program and stories of nurses and the opportunities working in rural and remote areas can provide to the future USQ Graduate Nurses who may potentially uptake careers within our HHS. The presentation was also recorded for students that were unable to attend due to it being conducted during the semester break. SWHHS VISITS USQ
On Wednesday 10 July 2019 Katrina Robinson, the First Year Registered Nurse Transition Program Co-ordinator (FYRNC) was invited to attend the 2020 Graduate Nurse Employment Presentation Day at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba. Katrina presented to third year nursing students from the Toowoomba campus as well as the Ipswich campus who attended via videoconference. SWHHS showcased our University endorsed program and stories of nurses and the opportunities working in rural and remote areas can provide to the future USQ Graduate Nurses who may potentially uptake careers within our HHS. The presentation was also recorded for students that were unable to attend due to it being conducted during the semester break.
Patient Handling
Currently SWHHS have 7 patient handling lead trainers.
If no sessions are available in Learning on Line contact a Lead trainer to organise a patient handling trainer What’s required to become a or refresher session. A list of SWHHS Lead Train the Trainers is included in the “Additional Information/ Patient Handling Trainer Resources” tab on the course page. Patient Handling • Complete online SW-LOL modules Currently SWHHS have 7 Patient Handling Lead Trainers. Patient Handling Trainer • Enrol and attend 8 hour full course or 4 hour for annual refresher Line mangers are required to nominate potential If no sessions are available in Learning on Line contact a Lead trainer to organise a Patient Handling trainers and fulfil patient handling trainers to a 1:10 Upon completion of the course patient handling staff ratio within their facilities. Staff nominated within Trainertrainers have or the Refresher competency, resources session. and skills A tolist of SWHHS Lead Train the Trainers is included in the “Additional their facilities complete the patient handling trainer provide patient handling fundamentals training and course. Information/assessments of all directResources health care ”providers. tab on the course page. Patient Handling Trainer Line Mangers are required to nominate potential trainers and fulfil patient handling trainers to a 1:10 staff ratio within their facilities. Staff nominated within their facilities complete the Patient Handling Trainer course.
What’s required to become a Patient Handling Trainer
18 South West Hospital and Health Service • Complete online SW-LOL modules • Enrol and attend 8hr full course or 4hr for annual refresher
Upon completion of the course Patient Handling Trainers have the competency, resources and skills to provide Patient Handling Fundamentals training and assessments of all direct health care providers.
#SWSPIRIT RECIPIENT KYM DUNCAN
Kym Duncan has been nominated for this month’s Nominated by her South West colleagues, Kym is #SWspirit award for always going above and beyond regularly mentioned by her colleagues as ‘someone in her role as an Allied Health Assistant with the St whose work aligns with the South West’s values and George Community and Allied Health Team. who is very much appreciated by her colleagues’.
The quiet achiever who never expects recognition for Kym, who was born and raised in St George, is always her job that she loves was completely taken aback willing to assist the team and support clinicians to when she found out she was the South West’s July provide compassionate care to all clients. She provides #SWspirit recipient. support to clinicians predominantly in the paediatric area but also provides support to the adult clients, including the pain management group.
Kym is regularly seen out along the St George riverbank, with the Heart Walking group encouraging clients with their heart walks three mornings a week.
Kym is not only passionate about her work but also about her community. She has been a valued team member of the South West Hospital and Health Service since 1992 and loves nothing more than at the end of the day knowing she goes home having had a meaningful day and has helped people around her.
“Being a local I know many people from our community. I know some of them have loved ones around them who are very lucky but there are also many of our clients who don’t have anyone at home,” she said.
“I want every one of them to know they are not alone. We sit and we chat for a little bit, just to be there to offer support. It is these little things that all make a difference that we all just do together as a team.”
Kym is a valued member of the St George Community and Allied Health Team and a very worthy recipient of this month’s #SWspirit award.
The Pulse August 2019 19 INFRASTRUCTURE & MAINTENANCE
On 17 July the new Augathella Multipurpose Health Service (MPHS) fire system reached practical completion in near record time.
Funding for this important fire safety project were provided by the Department of Health Capital Asset Services through their Priority Capital Program (PCP).
Construction commenced on a complete upgrade of the fire system so it would be fully compliant with the National Construction Code and all relevant legislation on 3 April.
Our Augathella staff and clients worked and lived alongside the project manager and contractor as trenches were dug for fire hydrants, a concrete slab poured for the pump shed and three big water storage tanks, facility roofing lifted and holes drilled in ceilings for fire sprinklers, detectors, emergency lights and fire hose reels.
Scheduled completion date for this project was 1 October. Due to the project team skills, engagement, and positive cooperation by everyone at Augathella MPHS by mid-June it was apparent the program was flowing smoothly and well ahead of schedule. A new completion date was set for 31 July, four weeks early. As it happened even this date was bettered by another two weeks with completion by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) of their final testing and commissioning on 17 July.
Thanks are due to the Capital Asset Services team for the funding, Building Asset Services (BAS) and Burkes Industries for their professionalism and skills. A very big ‘Thanks’ goes out to everyone at Augathella MPHS for never losing their stellar attitude while being in the middle of a building site.
20 South West Hospital and Health Service HIGH-TECH CONSULTATIONS AT HOME USING TELEHEALTH
St George Hospital staff are using telehealth to deliver St George speech pathologist Julie Rogan also has been services direct into rural residents’ homes, saving them using telehealth to deliver a regular service to clients the trouble of coming into the hospital or elsewhere for living several hours out of St George. the service. “I do visits to communities outside St George every It’s just part of the rapid spread and growth of six weeks or so, so I see clients face to face then, but telehealth throughout the SWHHS region over the past telehealth allows me to continue the contact between few years. physical visits,’’ she said.
St George Cancer Care Nurse Karen Brown has been “I generally work with young children and being able using an iPad to link palliative care and oncology to keep in contact with them on a weekly basis, even patients with specialist consultations from the comfort if remotely, allows me to keep the momentum of their of their own home. speech pathology practice going in between the face-to- face visits.’’ “For some of my clients, having to leave home and travel into the hospital to access a telehealth Ms Rogan said all a household needed was a home consultation can be pretty exhausting,’’ she said. computer and internet connection and they could then link with her for a speech pathology session through “So, I’ve been taking an iPad around to their homes Queensland Health’s telehealth portal. and sitting with them as they do their consultation through the tablet with specialists from Royal Brisbane “Telehealth makes it so much easier to deliver these and Women Hospital or Toowoomba Hospital direct services to remote and rural residents. It really is from their own living room or dining room, or even their amazing,’’ she said. bedside. SWHHS Telehealth Services Clinical Nurse Consultant “I started using the iPad to help a palliative care patient Jodie Turvey said St George was a pioneer in telehealth access their specialist consultation without leaving services that were now used widely throughout the home and it was so easy and convenient for the patient. South West. I’ve now started to use it for my oncology patients. “The South West’s first telehealth link was established “As well as often being exhausting for my clients at St George Hospital in mid-2005, followed soon after to leave home to come to the hospital for their by Roma,’’ she said. consultation, it can often be practically difficult as there is no public transport here and they must rely “In the first full year of telehealth operations in the on someone driving them in, which may not always be South West in 2005–06, just 64 outpatient telehealth possible. occasions of service were conducted, with 25 of them at St George Hospital. “I love telehealth, it’s really changed the “But by 2018, this number had exploded to 2884 way I deliver my service and it’s so much outpatient telehealth occasions of service conducted better for my clients and patients.’’ right across the region.’’
The Pulse August 2019 21 Ms Turvey said telehealth used high definition cameras “Patients can see and talk to a health professional to link medical specialists and other clinicians with without leaving the comfort of family and the familiarity patients in real time appointments through video- of their home town. That’s a massive saving in time, conferencing. convenience and cost.
“Through video-conferencing, telehealth allows a “The other major benefit is that we know a significant patient to receive the same quality of care closer to proportion of those patients simply would not home, reduces time away from home and makes it otherwise have accessed specialist services previously. easier for family or friends to attend appointments with them,’’ she said. “This is because the cost and disruption to their families of travelling meant they would not have kept “All consultations are private and secure. their appointment if referred to see a specialist in person in a large city. “And patients don’t have to worry about operating the telehealth equipment. “But now, they are able to keep their appointment using the convenience of a local telehealth link.’’ “Health facility staff will do that for you and help you as you see and talk to your doctor or other clinician.’’ Ms Turvey said the word about the convenience of telehealth was getting around and the health service Ms Turvey said telehealth was changing the face of was finding more and more people throughout the health service delivery in rural areas like the South South West were asking if they could have their West. consultations that way.
All 17 health facilities in the South West now are telehealth-enabled and telehealth services currently are offered in more than 40 different disciplines across the region.
“Telehealth is really opening up a whole new world for health care in regional and remote areas like the South West by providing specialist care without the need for travel,’’ Ms Turvey said.
“The benefits to patients in terms of convenience are just enormous and we’re still only just scratching the surface of its potential.’’
“The raw numbers of individual service events alone don’t reflect the actual scale of patient benefit that they represent.
“That’s hundreds of people throughout the South West who won’t have to travel outside our region, or too far away from home, when a telehealth consultation or follow-up may be clinically appropriate for them.
“It cuts down travelling time and provides ready access to many specialist and other services that are not St George Hospital Cancer Care Nurse Karen Brown with her travelling telehealth iPad. available at a particular facility.
22 South West Hospital and Health Service
Roma Hospital Project Update for Pulse CommissioningNEW Update:ROMA As construction of the new hospital progresses at a rapid pace, the Roma Commissioning Leads commenced work in July on their departmental Move Readiness Plans. These plans will outline what is requiredHOSPITAL to ensure that all functional UPDATE areas are well prepared for the move into the new hospital. This work will be refined over the next month and will form the basis of the Hospital Wide Move Plan. WorkCommissioning also commenced Update: on developing the move Constructiondependencies. Update This identifies which services need to move together as they are dependent on one another and when finalised will inform the “order of march” or As construction of the new hospital progresses During July, the following construction progress has whatat a rapid order pace, the the servicesRoma Commissioning will move Leads into the new hospital.been made. Thecommenced HHS workalso in obtained July on their licences departmental for MoveRevit zo, which is a 3D modelling software. Revitzo enables staff to Readiness Plans. These plans will outline what is • Works continued on the roofing and cladding to the take a virtual work through of all areas within the new hospital providing a realistic understanding of how required to ensure that all functional areas are well main hospital building. theprepared departments for the move are into theconnected new hospital. and This provide work a better indication of how spaces will look and feel. will be refined over the next month and will form the • Works progressed on the roof, cladding and basis of the Hospital Wide Move Plan. guttering in level 2 plant area. Construction Update Work also commenced on developing the move • Ceiling and wall partitions started to be installed (as Duringdependencies. July, Thisthe identifiesfollowing which construction services need progress to hasseen been in photo made. 1 and 2). move together as they are dependent on one another and when• finalisedWorks continuedwill inform the on “order the roofingof march” andor cladding• Services to the rough main in progressed Hospital throughout Building. the what order• Works the services progressed will move into on the the new roof, hospital. cladding andhospital guttering building in including level 2 mechanicalplant area. ducting, gas • Ceiling and wall partitions started to be installedservices (as and seenelectrical in cabling.photo 1 and 2). The HHS also obtained licences for Revitzo, which is • Services rough in progressed throughout the hospital building including mechanical a 3D modelling software. Revitzo enables staff to • The structural steel all erected onsite. ducting, gas services and electrical cabling. take a virtual work through all areas within the new hospital• providingThe structural a realistic understandingsteel all erect of howed onsite. the departments are connected and provide a better indication of how spaces will look and feel.
Main Hospital Interior
The Pulse August 2019 23
Photo 1: Main Hospital Interior Internal partitioning in the main hospital
Photo 2: Internal partitioning in the main hospital
Block work to the Services Building
Photo 2: Internal partitioning in the main hospital
Photo24 South 3: West Block Hospital work and Health to Service the Services Building
Photo 3: Block work to the Services Building