August 2014 www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Bed raising project gives back to the community

The Parramatta District Men’s Shed recently celebrated the completion of a community project which is empowering patients, visitors and staff. Full story - page 9

Inside this edition

Chris Bath to attend WSLHD Annual Public Westmead Hospital nurses take part in the Share Some Love launches at Westmead Meeting - page 3 Amazing Race - page 4 Hospital - page 6

The Pulse August 2014 1 Message from the Chief Executive

August marked a busy achievements at Executive month for Western Sydney In other news, 2013/14 and Board level. If you iden- Local Health District, with highlighted an increase in tify any additional savings or increased activity throughout demand and activity and quality strategies then please all hospitals, placing an enor- confirms we are in for an- talk these through with your mous amount of pressure on other big year. This growth manager! you all. I acknowledge the is a significant driver of our fantastic work and effort you business case for expansion It is imperative we are able put in to ensure our patients of services at both Blacktown to live within our funding are receiving the best care and Westmead. This will also envelope this year as this possible. help us prepare for the in- inspires confidence for our crease in population predict- campus redevelopments and In addition to our busy ed in five to ten years. allows us to invest into our Danny O’Connor, month, we signed the people and essential clinical Chief Executive Service Level Agreement be- In the meantime, this growth equipment. Danny O’Connor, tween WSLHD and the Min- places additional pressure Chief Executive. istry of Health. The Service on us to ensure that every I look forward to working Level Agreement outlines our dollar we spend is effective with you all to continue our commitments to each other and considered. I ask you journey of our success from and our community. It also to evaluate opportunities to 2014 into 2015. contains the amount of mon- reduce waste and duplication ey the Ministry will purchase whilst maintaining or improv- Danny O’Connor for our services. In addition ing patients care. Chief Executive to funding, the State has set additional saving targets WSLHD is committed to that each organisation must achieving its Efficiency achieve as a contribution Improvement Targets (EIPs) towards overall public sector this year and we will be efficiencies. reviewing progress of these

Message from the Board Chair

Money can’t buy you love, means that the search for our position of confidence but without it you’re in trou- inefficiency that can be with the Ministry. We must ble! corrected continues. We are find cleverer ways of work- looking for a little over $20 ing to maintain our service In recent weeks the LHD million in savings this year profile. Thank you for your executive team have been in out of a total budget of over continuing support. intense discussion with the one billion dollars. NSW Health Ministry about Professor Stephen Leeder our budget for next year. The current climate in Can- Board Chair The Ministry recognises that berra and hence in Sydney is we are doing more work and austere and we must recog- an allowance has been made nise that reality. We have Professor Stephen to cover a portion of that. not been treated unfairly and Leeder, Board Chair But our agreed position we must respond to maintain

Roadshows wrap up for 2014

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Executive Roadshows have reached the final stop on their jour- ney with Blacktown Hospital wrapping up a produc- tive and fruitful month. Conversations ranged from staff parking to key infrastructure developments, giv- ing staff from all levels of the organisation a chance to engage key decision makers like chief executive, Danny O’Connor. The great feedback has been col- lated and mechanisms are now being developed to respond to all ideas via our Intranet page. WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor speaks to staff at an Executive Roadshow

The Pulse August 2014 2 Renowned MARK YOUR DIARY journalist Chris WSLHD Annual Public Meeting & Quality Awards Tuesday October 14 2014 Bath keynote Westmead Hospital, John Loewenthal Auditorium, Westmead Education & Conference Centre Level 2 speaker at APM 2.30pm – 4.15pm RSVP and more information: One of the most recognisable faces [email protected] or phone 8890 4564 by Tuesday September 30 in Australian media, Chris Bath, will be delivering a keynote speech at this year’s Annual Public Meeting at West- High School. mead Hospital on Tuesday October 14. A strong supporter of progress in western Sydney, Chris Bath is an am- The Sunday Night host has been bassador of the Fair Go For The West working as a journalist and news campaign, led by the Daily Telegraph reporter since 1988, and has been the and NewsLocal. live anchor for Seven Network’s rolling coverage when news breaks from Chris is also a proud ambassador floods to earthquakes, elections and for Westmead’s Children’s Medical even Royal weddings. Research Institute and also the Stroke Foundation. Bath’s relationship with western Sydney goes back 47 years - she was The WSLHD Executive Team looks born at Auburn District Hospital, raised forward to welcoming Chris to the stage at this year’s Annual Public in South Wentworthville and attended Channel Seven’s Chris Bath will deliver the keynote Ringrose Public School and Holroyd address at this year’s Annual Public Meeting Meeting – be sure to RSVP your seat at the event! Vote for the Blacktown Hospital leaps into the NewsLocal future with Paper-Lite Community Award Blacktown’s Paper-Lite initiative is devices, from any location. NewsLocal has received more than now live across the hospital, following 500 votes for the WSLHD Quality a successful project launch. The next stage will include scanning Awards Community Choice Award of residual paper records, including and is still counting! The hospital-wide roll-out follows the patient records, and is scheduled to culmination of 12 months of hard work start later this year. The change to The WSLHD Quality Awards rec- by the I.T. team in partnership with electronic records is a permanent, ognise healthcare innovations that the hospital’s clinical services, project one-way change ahead of the opening benefit our carers, families, staff team and executive. of the new clinical services building in and the community— more than 2015. 900,000 people across western “Paper-Lite is about the transition Sydney. from written to electronic documen- As part of WSLHD’s partnership tation for the majority of inpatient re- with NewsLocal, 16 outstanding cords,” said BMDH general manager finalists have been showcased in Andrew Newton. the media across our region. “We’re delighted to be the foundation The Community Choice Award hospital for this technology and to see winner is one of the 11 categories those plans now coming to fruition.” in WSLHD’s prestigious Quality Awards program. The new electronic systems allow cli- nicians to capture and access patient Voting closes on September information at the point of care. 12. To view the full list of Quality Awards finalists and to cast your Forms for observation charts, pro- vote, visit: gress notes, theatre bookings, diet orders, pathology, imaging, assess- http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ ments, operation reports and dis- WSLHD Information and Technology Services newslocal/parramatta/health-workers- charge summaries are now all elec- Director Lyn Packer and B41 Surgical nursing team in-western-sydney-are-set-for-the-rec- tronic. at Blacktown Hospital on go-live day. ognition-they-deserve-at-the-quality- awards/story-fngr8huy-1227041243243 The technology also allows staff to ac- cess records securely from their own

The Pulse August 2014 3 bstreetsmart drives the road safety message home Last month, more than 20,000 teenag- ers went to Sydney’s Allphones Arena to witness dramatic car crash re-en- actments and listen to real-life stories from young car crash survivors at the bstreetsmart road safety forum.

As part of this year’s event, students also spent some time visiting a num- ber of interactive displays including our very own DonateLife stall.

The event has had such a strong impact, the NSW State Premier, Mike Baird, who opened the event, an- Westmead Hospital director of nursing, Jo Edwards, executive medical director, Dr Ros Crampton, NSW nounced that the State Government Premier, Mike Baird and trauma coordinators, Julie Seggie and Stephanie Wilson will fund bstreetsmart for an additional four years. services, volunteers other organi- youth on the road,” said Ms Seggie. sations who donate their time to put Westmead Hospital trauma nurses together this comprehensive injury and cofounders of bstreetsmart, Julie prevention program. Seggie and Stephanie Wilson, said that the event would not be possible “Education is the key to reducing the without the support of the emergency number of injuries and fatalities of our Westmead Hospital nurses take on the Amazing Race We officially have reality TV stars amongst us! Ryan Thomas and Daniel Little from Westmead Hospital’s intensive care unit are competing in Channel Seven’s Amazing Race.

Labelled “the hot male nurses”, the duo is currently using their ability to work under pressure to navigate around the globe and win the race.

Ryan and Daniel, who met six years ago while working at Westmead Hos- pital, claim their strengths as remain- ing calm in intense situations, main- The “Hot Male Nurses” are taking on the Amazing Race taining high level of communication, their charm and sense of humour. already won in the sense we’re on amongst ten countries, six continents a crazy adventure flying around the and will travel over 90,000km. They both love to travel and value this world, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list Good luck Ryan and Daniel, we’ll be experience as a once in a life time kind of thing!” said Ryan. cheering you on from western Syd- opportunity. ney! For the first time in the Amazing Race “We’re here to have a great time,” history the competition will be pitting says Daniel. against two countries, Australia and New Zealand. There are teams of two Ryan adds, “We genuinely feel we’ve and five from each country will race

The Pulse August 2014 4 Capital Works

reason all user group members are www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ West- User groups encouraged to consult broadly with mead-Hospital-Redevelopment hard at work on their colleagues,” Shaun said. Staff members not involved in a user Westmead Hospital group can contribute by speaking to their unit’s user group representative. redevelopment “Functional briefing can seem to be a detailed and tedious process for The Westmead Hospital those who are impatiently waiting for redevelopment is progressing construction to start, but it’s a criti- Emergency well thanks to a dedicated team cal step and will be well rewarded,” Shaun said. of more than 200 people. Department and “The more detail we can provide to “User groups with a total of 210 hospi- the architects now, the better the Urgent Care Centre tal staff have met to start planning the result will be for patients, carers and first stage of the redevelopment,” ex- staff at the end, so now is the time to officially launched plained Shaun Drummond, executive contribute your energy and ideas. director of operations at Westmead “If you’re not directly involved in a Hospital. user group, you can still have your say through your user group repre- “In the user groups, planners work sentative,” Shaun said. with our staff to determine exactly what they will need in the new facil- Information from the user groups will ities based on the models of care in be presented as a preliminary busi- the draft clinical services plan.” ness case to Government for review in September, before proceeding to a Medical, nursing, allied health and final review in late 2014. support staff describe everything from the flow of patients to and from their Inside Mount Druitt Hospital’s new Urgent Care Centre “If all goes to plan we hope to start service to the types of support servic- early works in 2015, including a new es that patients and carers require. car park which will free up the land Mount Druitt Hospital has launched Groups also assess the need to needed for hospital construction,” the expanded Mount Druitt Hospital co-locate related services and see Shaun said. Emergency Department and new how models of care can be accommo- Urgent Care Centre. dated to address expected changes Concept plans for the wider health in population growth, chronic disease precinct are available on the website, The Urgent Care Centre provides a and demand. or pick up a copy of the project update ‘fast track’ service for patients who from the reception desk in the main need minor procedures such as “The process results in a functional entrance foyer. stitches, fracture management and brief, a written document that is used plastering. It is adjacent to the main to design the facility, and for that Emergency Department and provides nine extra spaces to efficiently and conveniently treat patients with minor injuries or illnesses in a timely way.

The Mount Druitt Emergency Depart- ment has also been expanded into the former main entry area, and the main entry has been moved to a welcoming new entrance.

“In the new Urgent Care Centre, less critical patients can be quickly assessed, treated and discharged, reducing waiting times and freeing up critical care beds in the main Emer- gency Department,” said Katushka Saint-Clair, Emergency Department nursing unit manager.

Westmead Hospital redevelopment project

The Pulse August 2014 5 Beds go electric at Westmead Hospital

Health Minister Jillian Skinner recently Many of Westmead’s beds have been visited Westmead Hospital to see the in use for 35 years. difference more than 60 new state- Mr Issa said: “These new beds will as- of-the-art electric beds are making to sist Westmead’s hardworking nurses patients and nurses. and staff, helping to reduce the risk of injury from manually adjusting beds.” The NSW Government provided $260,000 to purchase 64 beds to be installed in high dependency and aged care wards.

Mrs Skinner was accompanied by Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee, Member for Granville Tony Issa and Liberal candidate for Seven Hills Mark Taylor.

“I am very pleased these electric beds will benefit not only patients but our hard working nurses,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The new beds have greater capacity to accommodate bariatric patients - with a safe working load of up to 250kg - and significantly reduce manual-handling risks to staff,” Mrs Sharon Eather, acting nurse unit manager (E3C), Tony Issa, member for Granville, Geoff Lee, member for Skinner said. Parramatta and The Hon Jillian Skinner, NSW health minister, Mark Taylor, Liberal Party candidate for Seven Hills and Jo Edwards, director of nursing & midwifery, Westmead Hospital visit a patient resting on an electric bed.

Patients & visitors ‘Share Some Love’ at Westmead Westmead Hospital is hosting the main entrance will pulse with a visual and research at Westmead Hospital. first-ever ‘Share Some Love’ digital display of heart messages to say fundraising campaign thanks to the congratulations; get well; I love you; or For more information about the cam- Westmead Medical Research Foun- thank you to staff. paign, visit www.wmrf.org.au or call dation (WMRF) team. 1800 639 037 to find out how you can This innovative fundraising initiative help Share Some Love. Launched this month, the campaign means people who walk through our features a live ‘heart screen’ in the doors can be greeted with messages main foyer and three smaller heart of care and hope. kiosks throughout the campus. The nine metre long, three metre Money raised from the campaign goes high ‘Share Some Love’ wall in the directly to fund equipment, services,

Share Some Love digital screens at Westmead Hospital

The Pulse August 2014 6 Excellence through Discovery Research & Education http://mscu-web10/Research-Network/default.aspx

All those with an interest health care. picture of our activity as we in research and education move to commissioning the have been documenting their A submission to NHMRC is new Blacktown Mt Druitt achievements for a submis- likely to come from a federa- Hospital and plan the West- sion from the district to the tion of WSLHD, Sydney and mead Precinct. This is very NHMRC, the principal re- Northern Sydney LHDs. encouraging! We are high search funding agency, to be achievers! accredited as an advanced The work of documenting centre for health research what research everyone has Professor Stephen and its translation where done and is doing is helping Leeder, Board Chair possible into more effective us gain a more complete

Congratulations to Professor Lindley and team By Claudio Russo Congratulations to Professor Richard most severe stroke. The findings also found that if stroke Lindley and the Stroke Unit Team at sufferers could be treated within three Westmead Hospital for their role in Richard Lindley, Professor of Geriatric hours, benefits were twice as large the largest meta-analysis undertaken Medicine at Westmead Hospital, and compared to those treated three to to investigate the use of alteplase, a study co-author said, “These results four and a half hours after the stroke which was just published in one of demonstrate that upper age limits in onset. the world’s leading general medical clinical trials can inadvertently lead journals, The Lancet. This individual to the elderly being excluded from an Of the 179 Australian patients includ- patient meta-analysis provides clear effective treatment. These new results ed in the third international stroke trial, data to guide stroke thrombolysis tell us that the elderly should be treat- 16 were from Westmead Hospital. protocols for the future. ed with the same urgency as younger patients… We’ve successfully gotten The meta-analysis showed that rid of the age limit for this treatment, alteplase, given promptly after stroke, which is important because a third of reduces long-term disability even in people having strokes are over 80.” older people and in those with the

Professor Richard Lindley has been congratulated on his recent study

The Pulse August 2014 7 WSLHD Mental Health driving clinical improvement By Nikki Woloszuk WSLHD is in the process of develop- invited to participate in an internal sur- Nereus Maranan ing a mental health clinical services vey; with over 55 responses received. Senior Health Planner, WSLHD Health plan (MH CSP) covering communi- A series of workshops will be held fol- Service Planning and Development ty-based and inpatient mental health lowing the surveys to explore WSLHD [email protected] services across the district. The mental health services and its service planning horizon for the MH CSP is to partners across the district and the Maureen Fitzpatrick 2026, in alignment with other develop- western Sydney region. Director, WSLHD Health Service Planning ing clinical services plans and is under and Development the executive sponsorship of Richard The next workshop will focus on child, [email protected] Chrystal, in consultation with Mental adolescence and youth mental health Health Service director Dr Senthil and will be held in mid-September. Muthuswamy. Enquiries about the MH CSP, can be directed to either: Dr Senthil Muthuswamy, director WSLHD Mental Health Services said Dr Senthil Muthuswamy the plan will take a broad view of need Director WSLHD Mental Health Services across the District with the aim of pro- [email protected] viding clear direction for future devel- opment of integrated and networked mental health services.

The MH CSP will be completed in two phases including the diagnostics of WSLHD mental health services (cur- rently underway, from May – Septem- ber 2014); followed by the finalisation of a mental health clinical services plan. In the current diagnostic phase, all WSLHD mental health services were A recent workshop

Smokers fined in WSLHD for lighting up in public places

A new state-wide ‘smoking hot spots’ areas where there is lower compliance blitz has seen 19 on-the-spot fines with smoking bans such as some train issued of $300 to people in western stations, public buildings and bus Sydney failing to comply with outdoor shelters,” he said. smoking bans. Our health facilities and grounds are “There is no safe level of exposure NSW Health Authorised Inspectors to second-hand tobacco smoke. recently visited 31 sites across 100% Smoke free Creating smoke-free outdoor areas WSLHD to enforce the Smoke-free can also support those who have quit Environment Act 2000. and trying to quit.”

The vast majority of fines were issued NSW Health inspectors reported 98 to people smoking outside public per cent compliance with the smoke- buildings and at public transport free legislation in WSLHD. settings such as bus stops and train station platforms.

Dr Stephen Corbett WSLHD director of Population Health said, most people want to do the right thing. When they are made aware of the We care about your health and legislation they put out their cigarette the health of those around you. and move on. New collateral throughout WSLHD promoting “WSLHD will continue to focus on the smoke free policy and subsequent fines.

The Pulse August 2014 8 Bed raising project gives back to the community By Jenny Harrison

Life, Leisure & Recreation nurse unit manager Margaret Bannister and Men’s Shed participants showcase the raised beds at Cumberland

The garden beds within the communi- dens are less mobile and have difficul- their hands and tools to build such ty gardens on the grounds of Cum- ty bending down or getting up”, said projects. berland Hospital have undergone a Ms Bannister. beautiful refurbishment. “We enjoy giving something back to “The raised bed enables people of the community”, said Mr Mackay. The Parramatta District Men’s Shed any age or disability to work, giving “It keeps us busy and allows us to be recently celebrated the completion them the satisfaction in knowing that active and maintain a healthy lifestyle of the community project, which has they were able to add to the sustaina- both physically and mentally”. seen the garden beds rebuilt so that bility of our garden. they are raised from the ground. The Men’s Shed has guaranteed they This project not only empowers our will be back at Cumberland Hospital Cumberland Hospital’s Life, Leisure patients, carers and staff, but instils a to do more work in the community and Recreation nurse unit manager sense of pride in our community.” gardens in the near future. Margaret Bannister welcomed the improvements. Parramatta District Men’s Shed pres- ident Doug Mackay said many of the “Some people who access the gar- men enjoy working outdoors, using Valuable visit from CEC officer The Clinical Excellence Commission’s result of pressure, or pressure in com- pressure injury officer, Maree Connel- bination with shear and/or friction. ly, visited Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals last month to speak to staff The cost for treating a pressure injury about the implementation of a pres- is not only a physical, emotional and/ sure injury prevention procedure, or financial cost for the individual but resources available and projects in also a significant drain on health sys- place. tem resources.

Maree also outlined the new policy “We were grateful that Maree out- directive pertaining to the prevention lined the resources available to help and management of pressure injuries prevent and management pressure which complies with national stand- injuries. The support and expertise ards. offered at a state level is appreciated and invaluable,” said Michelle Noon, A pressure injury is a localised injury Wound Care and Stomal Therapy to the skin and/or underlying tissue Clinical Nurse Specialist. Maree Connelly from the Clinical Excellence usually over a bony prominence, as a Sia Anthopoulos Commission recently visited WSLHD

The Pulse August 2014 9 Love your liver – Know your liver As part of World Hepatitis Day on Monday (28 July), Western Syd- ney Local Health District (WSLHD) encouraged the community to get to know their liver.

Westmead Hospital’s director of gastroenterology and hepatology Professor Jacob George said many people don’t realise the seriousness of developing liver disease.

“It’s difficult to estimate the actual number of people in western Sydney who are affected by liver disease, because it is often undiagnosed, how- ever we do know that our hepatitis B rates are among the highest in NSW,” he said.

“At Westmead Hospital we see more than 100 people through our outpa- tient clinic each week with all kinds of liver disease, while another 15 who are very ill are treated as inpatients.

“If people know they have hepatitis B they should be regularly monitored, even if they feel well.

“Left untreated 15-25 per cent of people with this virus will die from ad- vanced liver disease or liver cancer.”

The liver performs more than 1,500 complex biochemical functions and is one of few organs capable of regener- ating if it is healthy.

It keeps the body’s complex internal Professor Jacob George is encouraging the community to look after their liver. chemistry in balance and regulates

the level of sugar in our blood and scarring which in the long term, if not Prevention tips: manufactures bile which breaks down monitored and managed properly, can fats in the stomach. It also helps lead to liver failure or cancer. remove toxins, drugs and hormones • Maintain a healthy body from our bloodstream. “Regular health check-ups are key weight to preventing further complications • Eat a balanced, low fat diet There are many different types of liver associated with viral hepatitis,” Prof • Limit alcohol consumption diseases with the most common in George said. Australia being non-alcohol related • Exercise regularly fatty liver disease which affects ap- “We encourage everyone to speak to • Avoid blood-to-blood contact proximately 40 per cent of people over their doctor about having a general • Never share injecting equip- the age of 50. liver check-up and to enquire about ment, tattooing/piercing whether they are a candidate for a equipment, toothbrushes or The condition is frequently associated hepatitis B or C test.” razor blades with obesity, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. • Make sure you and your If detected early, it can often be re- family are vaccinated versed with sensible lifestyle changes. against hepatitis B • If you think you are at risk of However, viral hepatitis presents a hepatitis B or C talk to your different picture. Hepatitis B and C doctor about getting tested are viruses that are spread by blood- to-blood contact, with hepatitis B also being transmitted sexually. The viruses attack the liver cells causing

The Pulse August 2014 10 WSLHD Chronic Disease teams empower patients • A Translation Service through self-management support initiative • Strategic direction, consultancy, workforce development and pro- In July, we introduced you to sion in addition to; ject development Self-Management Support and three • In-reach support for patients • Multicultural Health Promotion of the Chronic Disease Services admitted to hospitals within the projects and programs sponsored by Connecting Care in the Local Health District Community Program. This month we The Multicultural Health Workers would like to continue showcasing “When we started RAC, it was just so are involved in the implementation more of Chronic Disease Services powerful… Our GP and Mary would of Self-Management Support having and its implementation of Self-Man- have conversations and work out recently completed training to facil- agement Support within WSLHD. the best next steps to take,” Marian itate the Stanford Chronic Disease Morris, RAC recipient. Self-Management Program which Respiratory Ambulatory Care (RAC) they will be rolling out to their CALD Service communities in October. RAC is a Local Heath District service that cares for patients living in the Mary said, after completing the facili- local government areas of Auburn, tators training for the Stanford Pro- Parramatta, Holroyd, Baulkham Hills, gram, she feels confident to bring this Blacktown, and Mount Druitt who suf- program to the Western Sydney Chi- fer from chronic obstructive pulmonary nese community. She truly believes disease (COPD) and other chronic that this program will be empower- lung diseases. ing for those suffering from chronic diseases and help them to improve RAC provides a range of services self-management and as a result, we including: A patient partaking in the RAC service hope it should effectively reduce the • Multidisciplinary assessment clin- rate of hospital re-admission. ics at Blacktown and Westmead For more information on RACs services please hospitals contact Mary Roberts, Clinical Nurse Consultant • Outpatient comprehensive pulmo- PH: 9845 6829 or 0408 490 371 nary rehabilitation [email protected] • Home based pulmonary rehabili- tation; Multicultural Health Unit • Single point of contact (Respirato- The Multicultural Health Unit works ry Hotline) / telephone support for with communities and health profes- patients and carers sionals to ensure all services and • Community outreach for patients programs within WSLHD are culturally identified as high risk for readmis- appropriate and accessible. Multicultural Health provides: Right to left Marta Menendez, Helen Li and Yan Li Westmead’s Aged Care team tackle dementia awareness As part of Dementia Awareness “Knowledge stations will also be Dementia Fast Facts Month in September, WSLHD will available offering staff the opportu- • Approximately 112,000 people in unite with Alzheimer s Australia to nity to improve their skills in caring NSW have dementia ‘create a dementia-friendly nation’. for confused hospitalised patients, • Dementia is the third leading as well as information on falls cause of death in Australia WSLHD is expected to have the awareness, discharge planning • There is currently no cure for the largest rates of people living with de- and course opportunities.” disease mentia by 2050. Through awareness • One person every six minutes is support for our community, the team diagnosed with dementia across hopes to reduce the burden of demen- Australia tia on healthcare facilities and enable those with dementia to live safely at Events at Hospital Main Entries, home for longer. September 2014: • Westmead: Friday 5 & 19 The 2014 Dementia Awareness Month • Blacktown: Friday 12 theme is Dementia Friendly Hospitals • Mount Druitt: Friday 26 Engaging with Communities. The community is encouraged to visit facilities across Westmead, Blacktown “Through increased awareness we and Mount Druitt for information on hope to achieve an improved patient dementia; how to seek advice if peo- and carer experience. ple have memory concerns or have been diagnosed with dementia; and “We will also be showcasing the Mind resource information for carers. Your Brain ‘BrainyApp’ training Appli- cation available for Android and Apple Westmead Hospital Aged Care clinical devices, along with videos on what Nurse Clare Drew is hoping to raise awareness nurse consultant, Clare Drew said, living with dementia is like,” she said. about improving the patient and carer experience

The Pulse August 2014 11 Increasing physical activity through travel choices

Encouraging students and staff to choose active travel options to increase physical activity levels is a new focus for the partnership between Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health Districts and TAFE NSW - Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and Western Insti- tutes. The partnership was estab- lished in 2008 to address population health issues such as tobacco, phys- ical activity and nutrition for students and staff. Haggai Bocman, Roads and Maritime Service, Roads and Maritime Service Transport Access Guide Training, As a first step, WSLHD arranged for TAFE NSW Nirimba College. the NSW Roads and Maritime Service to conduct a Transport Access Guide Sydney Institutes attending. Both In- “It also optimises resources by (TAG) Workshop, for the three TAFE stitutes are now considering how best addressing health and sustainability Institutes. A TAG is a map of how to to develop TAGs across the institutes. priorities at the same time. A win-win reach a site or venue using low-ener- for all involved.” gy, active forms of transport – public “Working with these two institutes transport, walking or cycling. It in- has the potential to influence the Choosing active travel options is iden- cludes information like cycling routes, physical activity behaviours of more tified in the recently released Austral- nearest bus stops and information on than 127,000 students and 6,800 staff ian Physical Activity and Sedentary end-of trip facilities like bike racks, across 17 colleges. These include Behaviour Guidelines. More informa- showers and lockers. populations groups with significant tion: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ health risk factors; and apprentices or main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pu- The workshop was held at the TAFE future employees in industries where bhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines. NSW Nirimba College Green Skills employees are most at risk of chronic Hub with colleges from both TAFE disease”, said Christine Newman, NSW Western and South Western WSLHD Manager Health Promotion.

Community groups and local busi- Local community makes a difference nesses from across western Sydney came together to hand over 44 wheel- for a ‘wheelie’ good cause chairs to Westmead Hospital.

This was made possible thanks to a twelve month wheelchair drive by the Westmead Medical Research Foun- dation (WMRF) and the generous donations from participants.

WMRF executive director Mr Eric d’In- dy said we cannot achieve our goal of funding research and care at West- mead without the support of commit- ted local businesses and community groups who give their time and put the needs of our community first.

The Arab Bank Australia funded 15 wheelchairs, with managing direc- tor Joe Rizk on hand for the official handover.

More information about the Medical Research Foundation and how you can get involved visit www.wmrf.org.au

(L-R) Emma Daaboul - Marketing Officer, Arab Bank Australia, Mathew Noone – Director of Corporate Services, Westmead Hospital, Eric d’Indy – Executive Director, Westmead Medical Research Foundation, Raghida Younes - Senior Manager Retail Sales and Services, Arab Bank Australia and Joe Rizk – Managing Director & CEO, Arab Bank Australia at the donation presentation

The Pulse August 2014 12 Parramatta Lord Mayor recognises Westmead nurses

The Lord Mayor of Parramatta recognised Westmead Hospital nurses at a special ceremony

Westmead Hospital nurses were the Parramatta region: dedication to their line of work. one of twenty-three of the bravest Narelle Holden (Aboriginal liason and most honourable local front line officer), Jennifer Fitzsimmons, (nurs- “On behalf of the City, I congratulate service officers recognised at the Lord ing executive officer), Belinda Mitchell this year’s award winners who went Mayor of Parramatta Cr John Che- (clinical nurse educator), Rosemary above and beyond the call of duty, did’s Front Line Services Awards on Luczak, Zelka Popovic and Matthew and in particular, overcame fears in August 14. Han (nurse educators). order to protect the community,” Cr Chedid said. Located at Oatlands House, the spe- “The Front Line Services Awards are cial awards ceremony celebrated the a token of our City’s appreciation To review a full list of award recipients contribution of personnel from local for those who have gone above and visit the WSLHD Intranet page and go services including Police, Fire and beyond for the call of duty and have to ‘News’. Rescue NSW, Ambulance Service of faced dangers to keep us safe,” Cr NSW, the Royal NSW Lancers and Chedid said. our very own nurses from Westmead Hospital. “We are privileged to have such role models in Parramatta and it’s an Six outstanding staff were recognised honour to be able to recognise their for their contribution to healthcare in acts of selfless bravery, mateship and

Top administration staff awarded at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospi- inaugural ceremony tals administration staff were recently acknowledged and awarded for their dedication and contribution to deliv- ering high quality health care to the patients of Blacktown and Mount Druitt communities

Award categories included: Lead- ership Award; Above and Beyond, Good Samaritan, Higher Achiever, Most Improved, Peer Nomination, Rookie of the Year and Outstanding Attendance.

The winners included; Victoria Nuval, Frances Clarke, Vicki Stutchbury, An- nette Falzon, Wasantha Godagama, Joan Brown and Dylan Hudson.

Congratulations to all finalists and Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals administration award winners winners!

The Pulse August 2014 13 The Killing Fields in ‘action’ at Auburn Hospital

The Channel Seven production of The Killing Fields recently filmed scenes of a new series at Auburn Hospital.

More than 40 cast and crew were frequenting the Disaster Ward and unit base in the hospital car park, con- verting the hospital into a Hollywood movie set.

Blacktown celebrates the 2nd cupcake day for the RSPCA Staff were delighted to appear in above photo with Rebecca Gibney (centre), who is a producer and star of the series. Westmead Chaplains welcome extra denominations By Jenny Harrison Recently, Westmead Hospital’s tion including weddings, baptisms and Chaplains Department has welcomed special thanksgiving services over the a Hindu Chaplain to the team, along- years. side Muslim, Buddhist and Christian Chaplains offering multi-faith care to The traditional pastoral care functions our patients. of healing, guiding, sustaining, liber- ating and reconciling are practised Learning to work together as a mul- throughout the wards every day and ti-faith team and learning about each make their own distinct contribution to other’s journeys and faith has been the health of patients. an exciting new phase in chaplaincy Delicious treats up for grabs ministry. Westmead Hospital chaplains are available 24-hours a day, every day The front foyer of Blacktown Hospi- The Westmead Hospital Chapel is a of the week and can be contacted on tal was alive with the sweet smells place for reflection and quiet, to gath- 9845 5083 or email of freshly baked cupcakes for the er ourselves and to find faith allowing [email protected] 2nd annual cupcake day for the us to face the realities of life. The RSPCA fundraiser last month! Chapel has been a place of celebra-

Health Information and Record Ser- vice staff, along with their friends from other departments in the hos- pital baked up a storm - a whopping 600 cupcakes/muffins/slices were baked and donated for the event held on Monday August 4.

The event raised just over $1250 for the RSPCA.

Leanne Calthorpe, Health Informa- tion Manager and RSPCA cupcake day host, offered a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all who partic- ipated in the event - from those who baked to those who bought. It is greatly appreciated.

Westmead Hospital chaplains are offering multi-faith care

The Pulse August 2014 14 people over 65+years will double over New partnership the next decade. Students receive helps older “One of the major risks for this group MMR boost is a serious fall, which can have a people remain huge impact on an individual, their families and health services. Evidence independent confirms that the best way to prevent a fall is to improve a person’s strength More than 400 older people and staff and balance, which is why all of the of non-government and government programs in HOPP focus on these services are learning new ways of core skills.” staying active and healthy to remain living independently, thanks to a new Strength and balance programs are partnership. being run in aged care centres, retire- ment villages, community centres and Thirty five western Sydney agencies they also are made available for older Local high school students in year 10 for older people have joined together people, who can participate from their to 12 from 29 schools within WSLHD to form a Healthy Older People’s Part- own home. are receiving vaccination for measles, nership (HOPP) to build the capacity mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of older people to remain well, healthy For more information about the HOPP, of a NSW school-based ‘catch-up’ and living independently in the com- please contact Trish Nove on 02 9840 program, if required. munity. 3630 or email [email protected] So far, WSLHD Public Health Unit Project Coordinator, Trish Nove from has offered 27 clinics within the target the Centre of Population Health in schools and administered almost Western Sydney said the number of 2,000 MMR vaccines. WSLHD Public Health Unit director Dr Stephen Corbett said teenagers and young adults were at higher risk of measles because many missed one or both of their routine vaccinations as infants.

“Without vaccination, teenagers are vulnerable to rubella and mumps, as immunisation against the three conditions are administered via the combined MMR vaccine,” he said.

“For children not attending targeted schools and who have not had two doses of the measles - containing vaccine, free MMR vaccine is availa- ble from their local GP.”

The Healthy Older People’s Partnership is helping older people stay healthy

Nurse practitioners visit Westmead for education day

Last month, emergency nurse prac- The day was a great success, with titioners from all over New South positive feedback provided by the Wales attended the annual Emer- practitioners who attended. gency Nurse Practitioner Education Day on August 6 at the Westmead Education and Conference Centre.

The event, which ran for a full day, was coordinated by Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Jason Montgom- ery. It provided best practice case

studies, presentations on models of Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Jason Montgomery, care and discussion sessions. coordinated the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Education Day

The Pulse August 2014 15 IPM upgrade coming soon! Thank you

Information Technology Services is Look out for the next edition of The implementing a major upgrade of the Pulse for further updates. Patient Administration System, i.PM. The current version of i.PM will be If you require any further information upgraded to the latest version on new about this project, please contact IT hardware. Bejoy Cherian, Project Consultant, Strategy, Planning & Program Man- A project kick-off meeting was well agement, Information Technology attended on July 15 with various key Services, on 88602400 or via email business representatives. [email protected]

Information Technology Services would like to thank everyone who par- ticipated in the recent software audits. Your involvement has assisted us in the set-up of a more robust process for better license compliance and has aided us in moving forward to better Asset management.

Along the way, the information saves dollars at your cost centre level!

Shining example of workplace culture - Blacktown Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) By Sue Scott, Workplace Behaviour and Culture advisor I had the privilege to work with the Blacktown ACAT during a social awareness session in May.

The team displayed passion, collab- oration and an openness to embrace each other’s opinions and strengths. Even more compelling was the har- mony in the team - they knew and accepted each other through good and difficult times.

Clinical director Professor Gary Cheuk, is a fan, saying he is proud of their “professionalism and drive to do what is best for the patients and their families”. Thank you Blacktown ACAT for all your work.

The Blacktown ACAT Team

The Pulse August 2014 16 Thanks a Bunch

Women’s Health Mount Druitt Palliative Blacktown Hospital Care Unit

I recently had a where not only I was Management should Dear Doctor, with her, for the We thank you fall for week’s stay on the feeling terribly ill, be extremely proud entire time of her stay. what you have done women’s health ward but I was also away of the efforts of these We wanted to voice Your care went well for Mum and for us. at Blacktown Hospital from my children and three midwives in par- our appreciation to beyond that of her We very much appre- and I wanted to praise fiancé. ticular but also the rest you, your doctors and medical needs. The ciate it and will never the nursing staff for of the nursing staff in nursing staff at the dignity, respect and forget. the fantastic job they They were attentive, the Women’s Health Palliative Care Unit comfort of the level of did. In particular three polite and knowl- Ward at Blacktown. in your treatment of care for your patients Kind regards, midwives Greg, Victo- edgeable. Everything Zofia during her time and also, extended Zofia’s family ria and Kay. was explained to me Please thank them with you. to family and friends, so I understood and again from me for can only come from a These three midwives support was given ensuring I received Zofia was well cared for by everyone that genuine concern for made me feel safe when I was down and quality care. others. and secure at a time missing my family. came into contact

Any place can be judged volunteer Shirley, from I hope Governments Aged Day by its staff and at Rose- the good group of people will always support such wood you have the best – on Fridays to the Chef places. Service they make it an enjoyable Lina, everyone has that Rosewood day every week. From happy and friendly spirit Geoff Hinds Lesley Mann through to that makes it such a good Cottage the driver Alex Valich, place to be. from Aida Abdou to the

Save the Date

Wisteria Fete 2014 Annual Public Westmead BCI breakfast September 13, 14, 20 & 21 2014 Meeting and Quality October 25 2014, 8.30am – 11.30am Cumberland Hospital Waterview 1 Bicentennial Drive Awards Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park Stalls, arts, crafts and family fun. Tuesday October 14 2014, 2pm - 4.15pm Free entry. For women and men who have experienced breast cancer, their partners and supporters. Join us as we celebrate our achievements More information: 9840 3000 over the past year and learn about WSLHD’s Tickets $42 – bookings: future plans. RSVP not required. www.trybooking.com/EYLW RSVP: 8890 4564 or [email protected] RSVP 20 October – phone 98433176

Do you have a news story, event or staff achievement that you would like to share?

If you’ve got news worth sharing in The Pulse, we want to hear from you! You don’t have to write the story - we can do this for you. Email your news to [email protected] or phone 9845 8257. Note: Publication is at the discretion of the Editor and Chief Executive. Items may be edited for length, style and quality.

August Edition Editorial Coordinator: Sia Anthopoulos Design and Layout: Joshua Said

The Pulse August 2014 17