COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS

QUALITY OF CARE REPORT FREE PLEASE TAKE ONE 2015

INSIDE JUDY’S STORY PRUE’S STORY 2015 RNH Quality of Care ReportFRED’S STORY1 The theme behind this year’s Quality of The team that worked on this Quality of Care Care Report is Community Engagement Report include Catherine Morley, Wendy which highlights the strong connection Walters, Kerry Seater, Belinda Billman and RNH maintains with each of its Peter Miller. communities. Photographs: Peter Miller, Wendy Walters, Many RNH initiatives are focused on involving Nicole Christian, Norma Decker, Sue Forsyth the community in decision making and Editor: Peter Miller direction. The award-winning Community Action Research Group is a prime example of This report is available to community members how RNH surveyed the community to uncover on Rural Northwest Health’s website www. what health services would be required in rnh.net.au or copies are available from the future. the Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Beulah campuses. Community members can contact The Beulah Hopetoun Advisory Group meet Rural Northwest Health on 5396 1200 and a regularly to keep RNH management up to copy of the report will be emailed on request. speed on community expectations of our Copies are also available at various businesses services. Our Community Health nurse and in Hopetoun, Beulah, Brim and Warracknabeal. her colleagues are constantly promoting health and wellbeing in the region.

In fact the philosophy of our board and management is that if we can find ways of keeping the community well at home, there is less likelihood they will need our services.

Front cover: The cover photo depicts a perfect example of community engagement when four RNH nurses toured along the Henty Highway visiting towns from Woomelang to Warracknabeal to promote exciting new services and programs that we now offer. Read their story on page 31. The nurses are from left, Natalie Ladner, Kathleen Poulton, Debbie Schilling and Katie Ramsdale.

Top: Physiotherapist Brett Boyle at work in the Beulah Campus Clinic Above: Nurses Mandy Osborne and Carol Marshall at the opening of Heath Street Hobby TIMELINE Farm in Yarriambiack Lodge. JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 2015 2016 Commence Accreditation for Family fun days Move into new AGM 24th Staff Christmas Party development of the Hopetoun campus aged Hopetoun and Community Health 125 year history story 17th new strategic plan for care Yarriambiack Lodge building telling 2016-2021 Launch Elli Martha fund New administration Present Wattle program Move into the new wing Regional consumer centre Is formed internationally in Boston in Yarriambiack Lodge engagement forum Fabaret with Woodbine Regional Consumer Commence new payroll LEAN final presentations Open new hairdressing Engagement Forum system with Kronos room in Yarriambiack Cathy Balding presenting Lodge on how to improve consumer engagement

2 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report CONTENTS

Welcome 4-5 New Banksia Wing 26-27

Top Nurse 5 Aged Care Marketing 28-29

About our organisation 6 Christine’s Story 30

Volunteering 6 Nurses On Tour 31

Special Program Pioneers 7 Consultation Improves Our Services 32

Jeff’s Heartfelt Thanks 8 Prue’s Story 33

Fred’s Story 10 Staff on Safari 34-35

Thelma Enjoys Respite 11 Tele-Health is here 36

Beulah Takes A Holiday 12-13 Cancer Resource Nurse 37

Judy’s Story 14-15 New Home for Day Program 38-39

Seasons Of Wellness 16-17 Fully Accredited 40-41

State Award for CARG 18 Hopetoun Home Renovation 41

Community Gardens 19-21 District Nursing 42-43

Wattle’s ABLE Model 22 Charts and Reports 44-45

Podiatry Overhaul 23 Pop-up University 46

Hopetoun To The Beach 24-25 Staff Service Awards 47

RNH Community Health nurse Julie Mills tests Karen Fuller’s blood pressure at the Warracknabeal Show with diabetes educator Leanne Huebner and occupational therapist Alison Dart. JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 2015 2016 Cafe Yarriyak opens Strategic plan finalised Open access board Stage 3 official opening Staff Safari 2016 Finalisation of annual Stage 3 commences in meeting to be held in at Hopetoun report Hopetoun Warracknabeal Strategic plan launched Move into the new acute RNH holds the inaugural Leadership program and urgent care wing staff awards graduation Official opening stage 2 Staff Safari 2016 Walk for Yarri Regional best practice forum showcasing best practice activities from across the region

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 3 WELCOME

On behalf of the Board of Management, financially viable. By having these goals we are members who engaged with us and discussed executive team and the staff at Rural Northwest focusing on clinical and inter-personal care. the gardens, the signage, the chair types and Health we are very proud to be presenting the This is a tall ask, but one that Rural Northwest sizes, the room layouts, the new brochures and 2014/15 Quality of Care Report. Health has achieved, as detailed in the stories website, the education packages, the quality of In the last year, Rural Northwest Health has contained in our report. the service we provide, the team attitudes and the changes we have made to the services we been reviewed and assessed on the 10 National The National, Community and Aged Care provide. We could not have made informed Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, Standards accreditation process provides decisions without you. the three Community Care standards and Rural Northwest Health the opportunity to 18 outcomes and the four standards and 44 validate the quality and safety system and The Board of Management worked with Dr outcomes assessed by the Australian Aged Care demonstrate that we are improving the quality Alan Wolff, our Director of Medical Services, Quality Agency. Campbell, Roland and Buetow of the health services that we are delivering to improve Rural Northwest Health’s clinical suggested that two principle dimensions of across acute and urgent care, the residential governance system. Key changes introduced quality care are access and effectiveness and aged care services and the large number of have been that the Board of Management that the service has to be effective across services that we provide in community care. hear a client story from an executive team the clinical care and inter-personal care member every month. The story details what components to ensure that they are providing In the last year, a key improvement we have we are doing well and what we could improve. high quality clinical care. undertaken is to ensure that we have heard the Topics discussed have included reviewing the voice of the community member, the resident, Rural Northwest Health has had 13 strategic quality and safety of medication management, the client, the relatives and the RNH team and goals in place for the last four years which palliative care services, improving meals for utilised the information to develop and improve align to this research and our vision of people on modified diets, community and the quality and safety of the services we deliver. ‘Moving together through change to provide residential services for people living with innovative rural health care’. The board and the A community and stakeholder engagement dementia and accessing urgent care. The Board executive team have worked hard to ensure that schedule along with the feedback that we have of Management state that these stories are a community members can access high quality received as part of the compliment, complaint powerful way to hear about our service quality care as close to home as possible. Along with and comment process has allowed us to clearly and how our team members can impact the this aim, the executive team were charged with ensure that all decisions exhibit that the voice quality of life of the community members with increasing the engagement and leadership of of the community member has been heard. whom we are privileged to work. all staff and ensuring that the organisation is We would like to thank all the community Key areas that the Board of Management has

RNH board chairman Leo Casey checks the building progress of the new Community Health wing with Horsham builder Warren Frost. The building was 4 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report completed in October 2015 concentrated on throughout the year to ensure • Attracting the right board members to Campus and the development of a new strategic that they are focusing on the quality and safety join Rural Northwest Health plan. The Board of Management and executive of the services we provide are: team are ready and able to minimise any • Attending community engagement risks that come our way and embrace every • Updating the Board of Management sessions and holding an open access opportunity that arrives at the door. position descriptions and orientation board meeting to hear directly from process the community members about what We look forward to working with all our is important to them community members and assisting everyone • Understanding the improved intake to work together through change to provide process for community clients accessing • Appointing an experienced team to lead innovative rural health care. podiatry services the strategic planning process and to • Financially supporting the new Cancer allow us to develop an innovative and Wellness Centre to be built in Horsham brave strategic plan. We would like to acknowledge and thank all our • Reviewing the services we provide and team and volunteers who have contributed to undertaking further analysis to see if we our success and thank them for embracing the can provide renal dialysis services changes that we have introduced and in many • Embracing the opportunity to develop cases the improvements that they have led. Leo Casey Chairman a model of care for a Nurse Practitioner Thank you to all our partners, the Department Aged Care of Health and Human Services, Primary Health • Attending conferences and board Network, Primary Care Partnership, Wimmera development sessions to increase Southern Mallee Health Alliance members, the knowledge and understanding of risks Yarriambiack Alliance, the community garden and opportunities groups, Latrobe University, Ambulance Victoria Catherine Morley CEO • Focusing on the culture and the and our General Practitioners who all assist us infrastructure to support us to attract to provide high quality services. the right staff to come and work at Rural 2015-16 is shaping up to be a wonderful year with Northwest Health the finalisation of stage 2 at the Warracknabeal

Rural Northwest Health, working both in the the many and varied programs introduced by Yarriambiack Lodge aged care facility and in the Ms Ramsdale, residents were much happier broader community. She has worked for many and psychotropic medications had reduced years in aged care and in 2011 she transferred to from 75 per cent to a low of just 10 per cent. the facility’s Wattle Crescent memory support Ms Ramsdale has orchestrated fundraising unit where she started her new position. events that have raised over $22,000 for Wattle The role is about keeping residents living with Crescent. dementia stimulated, rather than setting them In 2012, Ms Ramsdale organised the inaugural up to fail. She has helped develop a ‘use it or ‘Walk for Wattle’, a 60km walk from Rural lose it’ sequencer and has initiated several key Northwest Health’s Hopetoun campus to the programs as important drivers. Warracknabeal campus. Her walkers raised Ms Ramsdale transformed a storeroom near over $7000 which helped to erect a pergola the Wattle unit into a lolly shop where residents with heavy-duty vinyl blinds and a large roof fan Top Nurse living with dementia take it in turns to work in so Wattle Crescent residents could enjoy the RNH enrolled nurse Katie Ramsdale was the shop for an hour a day with the assistance outdoors in relative comfort. recognised nationally last year for her work in of outside volunteers. She also organised an Ms Ramsdale organised the ‘Walk for Wattle’ a unique new role and for her fundraising efforts. intergenerational program where residents attend again the following year, raising more than She was one of five finalists in the Individual Warracknabeal’s kindergarten and assist the $15,000. The funds were used to buy an outdoor Distinction category of the 2014 HESTA Aged children to read, paint and take part in other musical instrument to stimulate hearing while Care Awards at Melbourne’s Hilton Hotel. activities. the installation of raised garden beds and plants Ms Ramsdale has pioneered a unique role RNH Innovations and Continuous Improvement stimulated smell and touch which ensured as a cognitive rehabilitative therapist with manager Wendy Walters said that as a result of Wattle’s backyard was truly dementia friendly.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 5 VISION ABOUT OUR Moving together through change to provide innovative rural health care. ORGANISATION MISSION Rural Northwest Health will provide accessible, Rural Northwest Health is a Victorian public efficient and excellent care to our community sector health service created under the Health within the Wimmera Mallee Region. Services Act and responsible to the Minister for Health, The Honourable Jill Hennessy, MP.

The population for Yarriambiack Shire was 7088 (ABS, census 2011). Rural Northwest Health covers the northern part of the Shire and shares the southern part with Dunmunkle Health Services. Between our three campuses at Warracknabeal, Beulah and Hopetoun, we provide a comprehensive range of acute, aged and primary health services to the local community. MALLEE The key focus of Rural Northwest Health is caring and supporting people to be healthy and living a full life. Our logo represents this by the carer reaching HOPETOUN out and embracing its community over the broad horizon. Our staff provides BEULAH care and programs that offer wide-reaching community support and a warm and comforting approach. VICTORIA Rural Northwest Health is committed to achieving the best health for the Wimmera Mallee community. We recognise our clients / residents’ total needs in order for them to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. We believe WIMMERA WARRACKNABEAL that our clients/residents are entitled to quality health care that respects their dignity, beliefs and rights, regardless of their cultural, spiritual or socio- economic background. VOLUNTEERING Please complete and return this form to Rural Northwest Health, Dimboola WHAT AREA ARE YOU INTERESTED IN? Rd, Warracknabeal, 3393 or contact our volunteer coordinator Kylie Zanker on 5396 1200. Representing consumers on hospital committees Family Name or working groups

GIven Name Participating in CARG or focus groups Address

Volunteering in Aged Care

Post Code Volunteering in Planned Activity Phone email All of the above

6 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report SPECIAL PROGRAM PIONEERS

Left: Link nurses Bronwyn McIntyre, Caroline Croke and Katrina Fallon. Bottom: Link nurses Kathy Poulton, Debbie Schilling and Hayley Smith.

Rural Northwest Health has been privileged “We are doing everything we can to support advance care planning education.” a unique opportunity to pioneer a program this program because it is crucial that residents Ms Walters said the program was already that is adding to the comfort of its aged care are made as comfortable as possible and that proving a noble and successful venture. residents on their final pathway. all requests are acted on,” she said. “It’s something that all the staff are quite The Link Nurse program was developed “The majority of our trained aged care staff passionate about being done right,” she said. from the receipt of an $80,000 grant from attend two days of training on palliative care Decision Assist in December 2014. Decision and advance care planning and the link nurses “Our Link nurses hold case conferences with Assist is a consortium funded by the Australian help coordinate the program.” the residents and/or their families or significant Government to enhance the provision of other, to discuss the resident’s wishes and RNH has six link nurses including Katrina palliative care and advance care planning care needs. Fallon, Carolyn Croke and Bronwyn McIntyre services to the aged, nationally. at Yarriambiack Lodge in the Warracknabeal “This is also the perfect opportunity for RNH Continuous Improvement and Innovations campus and Kathy Poulton and Hayley Smith advance care plans to be completed or manager Wendy Walters oversees the program. at Hopetoun campus. They work under the updated. She said RNH was rewarded for the tactical direction of Link Nurse coordinator Debbie “Audit results have shown that residents’ quality of its submission. Schilling. wishes have been met and residents have “Only a handful of health organisations Ms Walters said RNH had improved an advance care plan in place. throughout Australia received this grant to communication and partnerships with the “Palliative Approach protocols have also been improve palliative care – in fact it was less than Wimmera Health Care Group and Grampians developed and implemented.” 20 nation wide,” Ms Walters said. Regional Palliative Care Consortium and the Link nurses had attended “Our team had planned and strategised with a placement day with a deliberate detail to make sure we submitted a Wimmera Hospice Care project that was worthy of this grant,” she said. working with the registered “This is such a worthwhile project and it’s nurse. testament to our team and our previous “The Link nurses had further achievements at RNH that we were given education with Grampians the nod among so many great organisations.” Regional Palliative Care Ms Walters said the aim of the program was Consortium on responding to improve palliative care at RNH residential to emotional cues,” she said. aged care facilities. “They have also completed 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 7 JEFF’S HEARTFELT THANKS FOR OUR SERVICES

Kellalac farmer Jeff Krahe likes to keep in across his chest. Jeff’s appointment with Dr Franklin just good shape and his favourite form of exercise Jeff realised he might be experiencing angina happened to coincide with the quarterly visit is on his bicycle. pain so he stayed off his bike. A couple of to Warracknabeal of a Ballarat cardiologist, so But a recent scare has left Jeff singing the weeks later he paid a visit to his GP Dr Franklin Dr Franklin squeezed him into an appointment praises of local health services and counting Butuyuyu at Yarriambiack Medical Clinic. for the end of the day. After consultation, the cardiologist was concerned his lucky spokes that he’s alive and still able Dr Franklin sent Jeff next door to ride. “It just goes enough to book Jeff into St John to Rural Northwest Health’s to show how of God Hospital in Ballarat for an Like most farmers, Jeff works steering his Urgent Care unit to see nurse angiogram. tractor around undulating paddocks but when practitioner Mandy Morcom who important it the weekend comes he likes to steer his bike performed an ECG and took a is to get any A fortnight later, Jeff was at the along the district’s roads. His average trip on blood sample for testing. When pain checked hospital getting the ink injection that would confirm his condition. any Saturday or Sunday is 30-40 kilometres Jeff returned to Dr Franklin the properly.” at a healthy pace. next day, he was told the blood The resultant angiogram revealed a 90 per cent blockage to a main Earlier this year, after a short break from riding, tests were okay and then sent him next door once more for an X-ray of his artery and a stent was immediately inserted Jeff climbed back in the saddle but this time it to clear the way. was different. He was experiencing tightening chest in RNH’s radiology unit. When Jeff returned home the following day, Wimmera Health Care Group’s cardiac nurse Susie Ellis contacted him to organise a rehabilitation program. Jeff went to Horsham for a fitness test where he was told that the remainder of his rehabilitation could be completed at Warracknabeal, using RNH clinicians and Telehealth video link-up to Horsham. His rehabilitation included advice from RNH’s dietitian on avoiding saturated fats and lowering cholesterol as well as support from RNH physiotherapists and exercise physiologist to get him strong enough to return to his cycling. Jeff said he felt lucky because things fell his way. “The fact the cardiologist only comes to Warracknabeal every three months but he was there that day and was able to squeeze me in at the end,” Jeff said. “I was lucky because he flies to Warracknabeal but his pilot’s licence is only for daytime flying so it was all a bit rushed,” he said. “If I had waited another three months to see him, who knows. If I had a heart attack on the farm, I’d doubt I would be able to receive help in time. “It just goes to show how important it is to get any pain checked properly.” Jeff said his initial attitude was that of a typical bloke. “When I started having the angina attacks Jeff Krahe exercises under the control my first thought was that I didn’t want to of RNH exercise be troubling any medical staff over a little physiologist Annabel Askin and nursing pain,” he said. student Ellie O’Connor, 8 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report left. “I just didn’t take it seriously enough but now if I had pain I would ring triple zero straight away.” Jeff was full of raise for all the medical attention he received on his journey to recovery. Everyone has been so fantastic and attentive. The RNH clinicians have explained everything to me thoroughly and I feel very comfortable about it,” he said. “It’s been a real eye opener for me because I had no idea that RNH had so many different clinicians on staff.” Jeff summed up his heart episode with a plumbing analogy. “It was like someone was slowly turning the tap off and then all of a sudden the tap was opened again.” To contact our exercise physiologist Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 5396 1238 Cardiology service a ‘first’ for Warracknabeal Rural Northwest Health, with the support of was a ‘first’ for Warracknabeal. cardiologist,” she said. Ballarat Cardiology, now provides a cardiology “We are very fortunate to be able to provide Ms Morley said patients can only see a practice in its medical clinic. this service to the region,” Ms Morley said. cardiologist if they have a referral from their Ballarat cardiologist Dr Joshua Martin is flying “It is saving our local heart patients having GP. All appointments need to be directed up from Ballarat to provide quarterly visits. to travel to Ballarat or Mildura to see their through Ballarat Cardiology. RNH CEO Catherine Morley said the service

Jeff Krahe and Annabel Askin sit in on a Telehealth video meeting with Wimmera Health Care Group’s cardio respite group. 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 9 STEPPING OFF THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE Fred is a grateful mentor

Fred Isabirye feels very lucky and privileged to Australian wicket keeper Tim Paine. to me.” be working as a kitchen assistant and cleaner Fred was coaching cricket at an international Fred said becoming a health and wellbeing at Rural Northwest Health’s Hopetoun campus. school in Uganda when he met a young mentor had been a real eye opener. Fred might be a little over-qualified for the Australian teacher. Hopetoun’s Mikala Roberts “It has been very useful and it has opened up role but he is just appreciative to have the noticed Fred was reading Glen McGrath’s my mind,” he said. opportunity. In his home country of Uganda, biography and a conversation of curiosity Fred obtained a Degree in Regional and Urban blossomed into a romance that took Fred to “The biggest thing I have learned is that we Town Planning but unfortunately for the other side of the world. often create our own issues. The things we him, that degree is not recognised “Every complain about are usually small issues that He came to Australia with Mikala cannot positively change this world. in Australia. day I am in December, 2013, and started But he is not one bit phased by that. working work at the Hopetoun campus a “What I have noticed since living here is that few months later. He is also playing Australians in general need to appreciate “Every day I am working in this in this what they have.” country I feel it is a privilege,” Fred country I cricket as a wicketkeeper-batsman said. for the Hopetoun team. Fred said he would definitely recommend feel it is a the course to others. “Each day when I come to work, I privilege,” Fred is a self-declared go-getter. don’t see an aged care centre. I see When RNH advertised internally that “It will open up their mind and show them a five star hotel,” he said. it was looking for motivated people how to accept change. Change has to happen to become health and wellbeing mentors, he and we have to give it a chance,” he said. “In hospitals back home, all I see around me immediately signed up for the course. is people dying and there is little chance for “I find the program is very useful in my general them to survive.” “I’m always aiming for the highest,” Fred said. job. It helps you to understand and be more aware of what goes on around us. Fred was born on the shores of Lake Victoria, “I like to try and open my mind and look at just a healthy walk from the start of the River how I can improve my CV,” he said. “Everyone in my group would speak openly Nile. “I may be comfortable with my situation at and we would challenge each other to help strike a balance.” As a teenager, he travelled the world playing the moment but I am always looking for the cricket for Uganda. He represented his country next challenge”. Fred said he loved his group and he loved in the under 19 World Cup against future “I was keen to get involved in the program. his work. international stars such as England captain I read up on it and it looked a very good “I love the people I work with and I love coming Alistair Cook, English batsman Ravi Bopara and program. I was confident it would be of use into work and helping people to smile.”

RNH’s Health and Wellbeing mentors are Leanne Huebner, Sharron Taylor, Katie Ramsdale, Cheryl Reid, Fred Isabirye, Hayley Smith, Kimberley Decker, Nadine Peters, Carol Ricketts, Doug Matheson, Gary Bellis, Barb Ryan, Jade Taylor, Allison Hondow and Michelle White.

10 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report THELMA ENJOYS

Thelma Werner calls out Bingo after winning a fun game during RESPITE Yarriambiack Lodge activities.

Thelma Werner is realistic about her future. The meals are wonderful and even the students because my mobility is getting worse and Cec Thelma and husband Cecil had been enjoying who help with the meals in the evening do a is not always going to be able to help me but retirement from their Dimboola farm when magnificent job,” she said. when the time comes, I will accept it.” four years ago she developed lymphoma which “They are all very friendly and helpful. I have Thelma said she enjoyed the activities in left her with damaged nerves. She could no no complaints whatsoever.” Yarriambiack Lodge. longer walk without support and simple tasks Thelma’s stay extended a week after Cecil “I enjoy the variety of activities they have and like getting out of a chair required Cecil’s help. developed a cold in Melbourne and his doctor I seem to regularly win at bingo. So now when Cecil needs a break, he organises suggested he needed more rest. “You’ll be up in your room and they’ll say respite care for Thelma at Rural Northwest Thelma is aware that the time will come when ‘Bingo’s on, you’d better come down’. Health. Thelma completed her most recent her stay will be a permanent one. visit during August and could not speak highly “It’s a lot of fun.” enough of her experience. “Cec won’t be able to keep caring for me When at home, Thelma still helps her husband forever but when the time comes for me to “Cec was due for a well-earned rest from prepare evening meals. She is restricted to make the permanent transition to aged care, helping prepare vegetables and drying dishes caring for me so he went to Melbourne for I know I’ll be comfortable doing it,” she said. a couple of weeks,” Thelma said. and she knows her limitations. “I hear others talking up the street about how She also knows what must be. “I went into the new respite room in they dread aged care but I think they need Yarriambiack Lodge and it was just wonderful,” to come and experience it for themselves. “When I come in for respite care, I don’t have she said. to change my routine at all and I always enjoy “I think getting your back up about it would my time and then I go home again. “Everyone who came to visit me were just only make it worse for everyone. amazed with the room and I was able to settle “But when that day comes that I will be here in straight away. “I think you should work with your family permanently, I will be ready.” because they don’t’ want it to happen either. “The nurses looked after me so well and the They are just helping you to do what is best and care seemed even better than the last time.” where you’re going to be most comfortable To enquire about respite care Thelma was also full of praise for the meals and given the best attention. Email: [email protected] and the support staff. “I know that I have to do that in the future Phone: 5396 1270

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 11 Clients of the Day Program at Beulah Campus “But perhaps the biggest highlight for everyone have been enjoying little trips away, which in at Port Macdonnell was enjoying fish and recent times have become more like mini chips on the jetty,” she said. HAPPY holidays. The latest of these has been a trip to “There’s nothing like it and certainly it’s a South Australia’s tourist ‘favourite’ Mt Gambier. rare experience when you live in the Mallee.” The holidays usually precede the football Sue said the feature of the holiday for many season while the weather is still warm so this was the space and volcanic film. HOLIDAYS sojourn also took in a day trip to the seaside town of Port Macdonnell. “It was basically like a sound and light show and it was just quite spectacular,” she said. Beulah Day Program team leader Sue Forsyth FOR planned the trip with colleagues Robyn Gregor “But even the trip home from Mt Gambier and Britney Sanders. The trio took 11 of the provided another special moment when Day Program clients on their resident bus for we stopped off in Penola at the Saint Mary four days and three nights. MacKillop Centre. BEULAH The trip started with a stopover in Horsham “It was like a museum and it had some great and then Coleraine where they found a nice history lessons.” little shop selling homemade chocolate. They Sue said the clients loved every minute of arrived in Mt Gambier later in the day and the holiday. GROUP checked into their motel where they enjoyed “It’s the only opportunity for many of them cooked breakfasts and dinner each evening. to have a holiday so they really look forward HIghlights in Mt Gambier included a visit to to it each year,” she said. the Umpherstone Sinkhole with its magnificent “The smiles and the excitement are very real. hanging gardens and fauna, the Main Complex Interactive Space and Volcanic film and the “They are already asking about the next one Cave Garden which is in the city centre. and I think Warrnambool is looking the likely Naturally there was a stopover at Blue Lake destination at the moment.” while on the way to Port Macdonnell. Once they got to the seaside town, they visited To enquire about Beulah’s Day Program the Maritime Museum and stopped off at SA’s Email: [email protected] most southern point. Sue said a few clients also took the opportunity to have a splash Phone: 5396 8224 on the beach. “At one stage, a water fight broke out between Robyn and Ian ‘Sport’ Fisher which we all got a laugh watching,” Sue said. Opposite Left: Jenny Fischer wades along the beach with Irene Nikkelson-Jones. Opposite Right: Cornelis Witte admires a farm display Top Left: Britney Sanders and Robyn Gregor with Ian Fisher Jr. Top Right: Jenny Fischer and Ian Wurfel enjoy the gardens.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 13 JUDY MAKES THE MOST OF HER ORDEAL

Warracknabeal’s Judy Drage has become a for a lumpectomy and axillary clearance. months because Horsham were far too busy voice for western Victoria’s health industry “Dr Liu had told me the results of the to fit me in. following her recent battle with cancer. mammogram and ultrasound suggested it “The last three months were weekly treatments The retired manager knows she is one of the didn’t look good,” she said. and I was able to have them at Horsham.” fortunate to have survived and now she wants “Things happened very quickly thanks to Dr Judy said she tried to keep her life as normal as to make sure other cancer patients have the Liu and the surgeon Mr Tobin and health possible while she was undergoing treatment. best possible support during their treatment. professionals in Ballarat. “Many people never realised at the time that I Judy said she had always been a healthy person “I was then referred to Ballarat oncologist, had been sick because I only told a few really but that changed dramatically in August, 2013, Professor George Kannourakis, who is so well close to me,” she said. during a European holiday with husband known to many cancer patients in this region. Graham. “I was wearing a wig during chemo but it was “He assessed all the results and recommended very similar to my real hair so many never “I noticed a lump under my arm and I had a six-month precautionary chemotherapy realised.” been getting tired during the trip so I was program. concerned that it may be cancer,” Judy said. Judy said the most brutal part of the whole To contact our Cancer Resource Nurse “The day after we returned I went to my local experience was the chemo. GP Dr Liu and he found a further lump in my Email: [email protected] breast,” she said. “It took me well over a year to get over it,” she said. Phone: 5396 1200 “He made appointments in Horsham for a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy “There is so much associated medication for the next day.” that you take with the treatment. To contact our physiotherapist Judy said that within a week she was in St. John “Professor Kannourakis arranged my Email: [email protected] of God Hospital in Ballarat undergoing surgery treatments in Ballarat for the first three Phone: 5396 1238

14 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report A VOICE FOR OTHERS

Since surviving cancer, Judy has become an “I was concerned about the referral system advocate for other cancer patients. She has when I was needing physiotherapy at the end spoken at CARG meetings and was on a panel of my treatment,” she said. for a Consumer Engagement forum on health “At the time RNH was looking for a second held in Horsham. physiotherapist and I wasn’t prioritised properly As a former RNH board member, she had but as soon as they became aware of my always maintained an interest in the region’s situation, things were changed very quickly. health issues. But her experience with our “I couldn’t speak highly enough of the health services had been extremely limited. physiotherapist treatment. She was wonderful “When you have a chronic illness you really and very thorough.” are dependent on so many of the services,” The fact that Judy raised concerns around Judy said. case management instigated changes at RNH. “There were a lot of services available which Community Health manager Ngareta Melgren I was never made aware initially but the said Judy had confirmed issues that had already appointment of a cancer support nurse to been of concern to her. the region I think has fixed that problem,” “We’ve now improved our intake system so she said. that we can prioritise each individual case from “I personally had great family support but the first point of contact,” Ms Melgren said. during my journey I was listening to other “We have a process in place now to ensure patients who didn’t have that support and people are seen by the right person at the right struggled financially with the costs of treatment time, based on their needs for our services.” outside the region. Judy said RNH and Dr Liu were absolutely “The new oncology unit planned for Horsham fantastic throughout her ordeal. can’t come quick enough really because that will help so many in that situation.” “I was treated with respect, dignity and privacy both at the medical clinic and at RNH,” she said. Judy said she also had administration problems with bookings. “I can’t speak highly enough of the staff there.” Judy speaks about local health services at a CARG meeting.

RNH pledges its support to oncology unit Rural Northwest Health has made a six-figure illness and the closer cancer patients can find Cancer Centre Fundraising Sub-Committee pledge to the Wimmera Cancer Centre appeal treatment, the better for everyone,” he said. meet their minimum target of $1 million. to build a $3-million oncology unit in Horsham. “It wasn’t until we appointed a cancer resource Mr Williams said the donation was an example RNH donated $50,000 in June 2014 to help nurse last year that the real picture has of how health care groups in the region work kick-start the appeal and assured a further emerged. together to ensure the community has access $50,000 will be provided the following year. “Every week in Warracknabeal alone there is to the best health care services available. RNH Board of Management chair Leo Casey another resident diagnosed with some form of “Rural Northwest Health’s donation will help said his organisation’s support of the cancer cancer so that’s way too many people having the communities in their service area so they centre was a pragmatic decision. to travel to Ballarat or further. can be treated closer to home and hopefully “We need this cancer centre as much as “The sooner we can get this centre built in avoid travelling further along the highway,” any Wimmera community and our board Horsham, the better.” Mr Williams said. is passionate about contributing to such a Wimmera Health Care Group Board of “The Wimmera Cancer Centre may be in necessary project,” Mr Casey said. Management president Mark Williams said Horsham but it will service the entire Wimmera “Our communities have been affected as the contribution was extremely generous and and Southern-Mallee so it is wonderful to much as anywhere with the traumas of this would go a long way to helping the Wimmera have this kind of support.”

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 15 Author Paul Noble also gave an important “The message on wellness from Johanna was address at the program’s Hopetoun launch. a very positive one,” Ms Melgren said. SEASONS OF Yarriambiack’s new health and wellbeing “Johanna talked about relationships both campaign was launched in Hopetoun and between family and couples and she helped Warracknabeal in May. The Seasons of Wellness people reflect on their relationships,” she said. WELLNESS program centres on a series of events and “She also had an important message for people activities to keep the Hopetoun, Beulah and with mental health issues. Warracknabeal communities well at home. “Johanna was a very good speaker and those IS YEAR Projects to date have included road shows, who attended took away some great wellness Community Health strategies and a pop-up tools that will contribute to their health and university. wellbeing. We had people attend from as far ROUND The organisations facilitating Seasons of as Birchip and Horsham just to hear Johanna. Wellness are Yarriambiack Shire, Warracknabeal “She was certainly the ideal person to launch Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre, Former the Seasons of Wellness in Warracknabeal Hopetoun’s Gateway BEET, Hopetoun District and so was Paul Noble ideal for Hopetoun.” Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House and Rural Northwest Health. Author and Southern Mallee Cooperative student Johanna parish pastor Paul Noble spoke at the The program was borne out of community Hopetoun launch on the importance of Parker delivered consultation during the Community Action health and wellbeing. Research Group study that was governed by a strong message Rural Northwest Health and La Trobe University. Pastor Noble talked about embracing the of health and emotional and spiritual dimensions as a holistic Ms Parker is a life coach, counsellor and approach to wellbeing. He believes strongly in wellbeing at speaker based in Melbourne. Her interactive health needs being addressed not just from presentation challenged the crowd to assess a physical perspective. the Seasons of their key values for decision making and to Wellness opening uncover what was most important to them “It’s about having a balance between a spiritual, in a relationship. physical and emotional wellbeing,” Pastor in Warracknabeal Noble said. Rural Northwest Health Community Health earlier this year. manager Ngareta Melgren said the audience “And when I say spiritual health, I am not were actively involved in the presentation. necessarily referring to religion,” he said.

Paul Noble opens Seasons of 16 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Wellness in Hopetoun. “I’m talking about what is spiritually right for you. “You may be the type who likes to sit on a mountain top and enjoy a beautiful sunset. “That’s a spiritual moment and a healthy place to be.” Pastor Noble has led a fascinating life which was documented in his first book Noble Spirit, released a few years ago. His story began in an Adelaide boys home and included a brief stint in prison. He learned a trade as a gas welder and ended up a specialist in his field. He also worked for several years in disability services. But right when many are starting to consider a retirement plan, Paul got the urge to join the ministry. Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House manager Karen Fuller said she was looking forward to future events planned on the Seasons of Wellness calendar. “The openings were a great opportunity to hear inspirational speakers and a terrific way to launch the Seasons of Wellness in both communities,” Ms Fuller said. “I’m looking forward to the events planned and I want to remind people to register with us so they can be informed of these upcoming events,” she said. “They can email us here at Neighbourhood House.” The address is: [email protected] The Seasons of Wellness program will centre on a series of events and activities to keep the Hopetoun, Beulah and Warracknabeal communities well at home. Projects will include road shows, Community Health strategies, a pop-up university and countless other activities. Events planned for the near future include an RNH road show announcing new programs available, beginning in Woomelang on June 1 and includes Hopetoun, Beulah and Warracknabeal, the COMMUNIversiTY weekend in Warracknabeal on June 13 and 14, an Arthritis Victoria presentation in Warracknabeal on July 14 and Hopetoun on July 15 and a Prostate Cancer session at Giants Football Clubrooms, Hopetoun on July 2.

Top: RNH dietitian Tessa Cornwell hands a pamphlet to Thea Jarvis of Beulah. Middle: Johanna Parker, centre, with Karen Fuller and Ngareta Melgren Bottom: Hopetoun student Sibin Matthew addresses the crowd

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 17 STATE AWARD

RNH board member Janette McCabe with CARG committee member Wendy Hewitt, FOR CARG John Aitken and Professor Jane Farmer after receiving the award. Rural Northwest Health’s Community Action Mr Aitken said after the awards dinner that “With RNH staff and La Trobe Rural Health Research Group has won a prestigious state it was great recognition for the RNH region. School researchers all part of the conversation, award from the Victorian Health Association. “It’s a great honour because we have been cost-effective solutions and direct action Warracknabeal pharmacist and CARG leader chosen by our peers in the health industry, quickly occurred,” she said. John Aitken and CARG founder Professor Jane those being the delegates at the conference,” “Importantly, this involved local people leading Farmer from La Trobe University accepted the Mr Aitken said. initiatives. This is about local people linking award from Victorian Minister for Health David “We’re getting external recognition and that with those running their health system. Davies during a ceremony at Melbourne’s Hilton reflects well on RNH and the three campuses,” “Benefits have included greater health literacy on the Park. CARG governance committee he said. for local people, stronger relationships and member Wendy Hewitt and RNH board Mr Aitken said RNH was at the forefront of understanding between healthcare staff and member Janette McCabe also attended the ‘the community’ and a much more seamless event. the consumer engagement process and that’s where healthcare wants to go. relationship between the service and citizens, The award is the VHA Health Services Members rather than ‘them and us’.” “The better relationship you have with your Award for the Improving Community Health Professor Farmer said the project had already through Participation and it was one of two community, the better the health outcomes that can be achieved,” he said. seen major mental health and aged care forums presented on the evening. There were five held, the introduction of community gardens finalists for the award and each made a Mr Aitken was part of an RNH delegation that supporting intergenerational socialisation and brief presentation to a packed room of VHA presented results from the CARG studies at plans to forage friendly gym equipment set conference delegates. the Leading Age conference in Nashville in up in community spaces to promote exercise Mr Aitken spoke on behalf of the research October 2014. The event is America’s largest for older people and those with a disability. aged care conference. group during the on-stage discussion which was “These community priorities are now part of hosted by ABC Radio National host Dr Norman The delegation also included RNH chairman RNH strategic management planning and will Swann. The Community Action Research Group Leo Casey, CEO Catherine Morley and La Trobe be on-going,” she said. was formed as a community-driven project to University’s Kaye Knight. “This project shows how effective the improve the health and wellbeing of Hopetoun, Professor Farmer, is an internationally Beulah, Brim and Warracknabeal residents. combination of community working with acclaimed rural health researcher. She said researchers and health providers can be. In March, 2013, RNH partnered with Professor the aim of the CARG project was to get local Farmer who was head of La Trobe Rural Health people involved in identifying their health “The concrete outcomes that have flowed School. They appointed Warracknabeal and wellbeing priorities, using evidence and on for residents are low cost , improved pharmacist John Aitken to head the group uniting community members with its local participation and knowledge in community as a study for a PhD. Under the school’s health services provider to devise key actions health and wellbeing and moving beyond supervision Mr Aitken convened a series of residents and services could progress. a traditional approach to healthcare, to one where the community drives and gets public meetings to discuss the community’s “Speaking with around 650 people from all health and wellbeing. completely involved in, determining their different backgrounds, in workshops, ‘chat’ health future. The information has been recorded and sessions and visual mapping of issues and documented so the data can be used to help ideas, it was clear that mental wellbeing, “Properly engaging the community like this, establish the most likely future health needs intergenerational health and better access is something we would like to see rolled out for the region. to services for older people were biggest across the country.” community concerns,” Professor Farmer said.

18 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report FROM LITTLE THINGS... A seed planted in the form of a mere suggestion at a Community Action Resource Group meeting has blossomed into a massive community project involving three towns.

A seed planted in the form of a mere “All three communities have developed their Warracknabeal is progressing nicely but more suggestion at a Community Action Resource own design but they have all followed a similar funding would make it easier and Hopetoun Group meeting has blossomed into a massive premise by which to govern their gardens,” has a nice little spot to garden but could really community project involving three towns. Ms Martin said. do with a few more people to get involved. With the backing of Rural Northwest Health, The basic guidelines are that the garden will If you would like to get involved in any of the a dedicated and passionate group of people provide intergenerational opportunities, that community garden projects, just ask whoever in Hopetoun, Warracknabeal and Beulah have they are edible gardens to provide fresh food you see there at the time, or phone Kerrie launched community gardens in each town. to the region, and there is a ‘pick some leave Baxter at RNH on 5396 1238. RNH project manager Jo Martin supported some’ policy to product distribution. Main Pic: Jo Martin at the site for Hopetoun’s committees to form in each town to get the “Beulah has made the most progress to date community graden ball rolling and all three are progressing healthily and got in early for some funding which has at varying degrees. helped things along

2015 RNH hopetounQuality of Care Report 19 beulah

Beulah Day Program manager Sue Forsyth checks young fruit trees with Ian Wurfel of Beulah.

Ian Wurfel, left, and John Gahan of Beulah with cabbages they helped to plant in the Beulah community garden.

20 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report warracknabeal

Warracknabeal community garden member Bruce Hein shows the progress of the first planting to Wendy Richards of Batchica and her mother Barb Richards of Kyneton.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 21 WATTLE IS ABLE TO ACHIEVE

Rural Northwest Health is receiving recognition like and more homely to support memory “The change in behaviour is self-evident but nationwide and worldwide for its innovative and enhance abilities. the model has improved the residents’ lives ABLE model of person-centred care. “Residents are encouraged to choose their and we believe we also have evidence that The ABLE model, conceived and developed meals from a servery in the dining room and it has improved people’s cognitive ability.” by RNH Innovations and Continuous the outside garden has become an extended The success of the award-winning ABLE model Improvement manager Wendy Walters, is living space with a pergola, a shed with tools has given endorsement to RNH to further designed to improve the lives of RNH residents and an old car, a chicken coop, raised garden expand the program. It has been introduced living with dementia. It is primarily utilised in beds, seating and a barbecue,” she said. into the Heath Street high care unit and RNH the Wattle unit of Yarriambiack Lodge. Ms Walters said the elimination of psychotropic now employs a community-based cognitive The model focuses on (A) Abilities and medications in Wattle was also a key to the rehabilitative therapist to work with people capabilities of the resident; (B) Background program. living with dementia in their own home. of the resident; (L) Leadership, organisational “In 2011, 75 per cent of the unit’s residents To enquire about aged care culture change and education; (E) Physical were on psychotropic medication and now Email: [email protected] environment changes. there are none,” she said. Phone: 5396 1270 Ms Walters said the ABLE model provided a supportive environment where specially trained staff could assist residents to undertake Top: Wattle residents Pat and Dot in the meaningful activities and social roles that garden reflected each of their individual interests Bottom: Abby Sleep helps Lil with the cooking and skills. “The aim is to help extend and retain residents’ abilities and maximise their quality of life,” Ms Walters said. “Activities are modified for each resident to ensure they succeed,” she said. “Daily activities might include drying dishes, helping make beds, folding serviettes and setting the dining tables, gardening, ironing, polishing shoes and making tea and coffee. “There are also group reading sessions and some residents visit the local child care centre to read and play games with the children. Ms Walters said environmental changes were also carried out to make the unit less hospital-

22 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report PODIATRY OVERHAUL

A new initiative for treating podiatry clients improvement on the quality of care. has proved a big success for Rural Northwest “I want to thank everyone for their Health’s Community Health team. understanding and patience during the change,” The demand on podiatry services had Ms Melgren said. exacerbated by the start of this year and “It has proven to be a good move and everyone podiatrist Amandeep Pall was dealing with a has happier with this system,” she said. long procession of clients. So a new process was trialled where Amandeep could concentrate Anyone concerned about their foot health on high-risk clients while foot care nurses should call Community Health on 5396 1200 were introduced to provide basic services. Amandeep said the adjustment was not To enquire about podiatry and foot care about shuffling low-risk clients down the list Email: [email protected] but streamlining the service better so that RNH podiatrist Amandeep Paul treats Phone: 5396 1238 Maureen Thornton of Hopetoun at the everyone received fair treatment according Hopetoun campus clinic. to their medical need. “RNH has supported me by appointing two specialist foot care assistants who look after more basic foot care treatments such as cutting toe nails,” Amandeep said. “That way I devote more time to the high risk clients and those that need urgent podiatry care,” he said. “These clients are constantly under risk of amputations because of the seriousness of their conditions and once there is an amputation, other risk factors come into play.” Amandeep said the Podiatry department had developed a triage system for new podiatry patients and it had proved a winner with both patients and clinicians. “This is preventing high risk patients slipping through the net and ensuring we give equitable care to all depending on their clinical need,” he said. “This has also improved our education of podiatry. If we can educate people on the importance of foot care, we can prevent being overburdened with avoidable foot problems.” Amandeep said new patients seeking podiatry treatment now completed a form that had been developed by the Podiatry department. “Once they complete the form we can process it to determine their risk factor and provide the appropriate level of care,” he said. “This way we are managing the caseload better and assuring everyone receives the best level of treatment.” RNH Community Health manager Ngareta Melgren said the new service was a vast

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 23 Just ask 95-year-old Hopetoun aged care Organiser and RNH activities coordinator resident Thelma whom despite being Marilyn Clancy said the trip included walks wheelchair-bound, was able to enjoy a splash to a shopping centre, restaurant meals and BEACH in the sea recently on a holiday organised by even a trip to the pokies. dedicated Rural Northwest Health staff. “We went out for Chinese tea one evening and Thelma put her feet in the water at Torquay that was great but the highlight for everyone TRIP with the help of staff who helped her down was to simply to sit at the windows sipping on to the water’s edge. She said she enjoyed a cup of tea, watching the waves roll in and the opportunity and loved experiencing the the ships sail by,” Mrs Clancy said. PROVIDES sounds and smells of the sea once more. “It was just a beautiful place to be and the A convoy of two buses and a car shuttled a residents loved it,” she said. group of Hopetoun campus residents and one “The smiles on their faces were like magic NEW resident from Warracknabeal’s Yarriambiack to the staff. It was hard work at times but so Lodge campus on the five-hour trip to a luxury rewarding to us all. beach house in Ocean Grove. They were accompanied by seven RNH staff members “When we got back they were already asking MEMORIES us about what the next trip might be.” who volunteered their time to ensure the residents were able to make the most of their Beulah resident Betty Turnbull was invited A recent holiday seaside experience. along to escort her husband Allan who is a to the coast is The holiday included a visit to Jirrahlinga Koala resident at Hopetoun. and Wildlife Sanctuary at Barwon Heads which Mrs Turnbull said she never thought she would proof that living in boasted a wonderful array of native animals be able to holiday with her husband again. aged care doesn’t including seals, snakes, dingoes and threatened “It was just a wonderful holiday and I wondered mean you can’t still species such as the hooded plover. what jobs the staff might have for me but Four residents also visited Portalington they didn’t want me to do anything,” Mrs experience life’s company Perfect Again which is a manufacturer Turnbull said. special moments. producing breast forms. The business was “They just wanted me to enjoy the trip with established by cancer survivor Julie Brand Allan,” she said. who used to be a regular visitor to Hopetoun where she took leadlighting classes. “There was plenty to do but we had enough

24 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report free time as well. “The staff were just amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them.” Hopetoun campus manager Natalie Ladner said the trips were a wonderful opportunity for the residents but a lot of dedication made them happen. “We are very fortunate to have such caring staff willing to devote their time to these projects,” Ms Ladner said. “Last year they took the residents to Swan Hill and they had a ball so it’s just great that they provide this opportunity and that it is supported by RNH management,” she said. “It’s amazing to think what has been achieved.”

Opposite: Thelma dips her toes in the ocean one last time. Top: RNH activities worker Norma Decker with Nancy. Bottom: The Hopetoun beach trip crew.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 25 OUR NEW HOME TAKES SHAPE

Two sections of Rural Northwest Health’s $10-million stage two redevelopment are now open and the remainder of the work is on target for completion by the end of this year.

26 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Residents of the Banksia wing in Yarriambiack was necessary to close a few beds,” she said. services of many local and regional contractors Lodge moved into their new accommodation “But the opening of Banksia completes the and site manager Scott Bond said he couldn’t in June. Work on the former Banksia wing work in aged care and we’ve returned to full be happier with their efforts. will develop the section into the new acute capacity for Yarriambiack Lodge.” “I’m extremely happy with the quality of the and urgent care wing. Ms Morley said the new wing offered workmanship that has gone into the project RNH CEO Catherine Morley said renovations wonderful intimate living spaces and a new to date and everyone has worked hard to were also complete on the former Landt enclosed courtyard that featured interrelated keep to our time frames,” he said. building which housed the day respite program garden themes. “It was the local contractors who were putting as well as the education room and new board in the long hours last week to ensure we room. The protected outdoor space has been designed with gardens suggested by the finished the Banksia wing on time.” “Everything is running on time and to residents and they look wonderful.” Mr Bond said the redevelopment remained expectations which is very pleasing,” Ms on target for completion at the end of the Morley said. Work is continuing on the main section of the redevelopment which is the new Community year. A celebration and official opening for “They also have a new purpose-built kitchen Health wing and Medical Clinic at the front of the stage two redevelopment is planned for to ensure they enjoy their dining experience the Warracknabeal campus. Ballarat building March, 2016. with us so much more and there is a new firm Nicholson Constructions has utilised the easy-access ramp and entry.” Ms Morley said the Banksia residents were excited about their new accommodation. “I think it’s always exciting to move into a brand new building and they are extremely happy with their rooms,” she said. “We gave the residents and their families a preview tour before they moved and everyone was delighted with the new wing.” Ms Morley said the opening of the wing had re-opened five new beds and increased the number of single beds in aged care. “While the building was happening, we weren’t able to operate at full capacity so it

“The Landt building renovations look wonderful and we have a very happy group of day respite clients who have a completely new area for their activities,” she said.

Opposite Top: Rhonda has a cuppa with visitor Beverly Cain Opposite Bottom: Roger Collins visits John in the new lounge.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 27 FRIENDLY FACES TO SELL OUR SERVICES

RNH residents have been the faces of an organisation-wide campaign to promote our aged care facilities. The marketing strategy is primarily focused on RNH’s aged care facilities as part of a statewide drive initiated by the Victorian Healthcare Association. RNH Continuous Improvement and Innovations manager Wendy Walters has piloted the strategy. Ms Walters said marketing initiatives for the strategy had included the publication of new aged care booklets and brochures as well as video footage and photo shoots of staff and residents. “The very first step for our marketing program was to come up with a new slogan to go with our logo,”Ms Walters said. “Our events and marketing coordinator Peter

28 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Miller came up with ‘Centred on You’ which is themed around the peer recognition for our excellence in person centred care,” she said. “It also references the fact that we are focused on our residents, our staff and our community.” Ms Walters said hours of work went in to photo shoots with residents and staff. “A lot of staff worked hard to help make this happen,” she said. “We had staff making up faces of residents so they looked their best for the camera while others were styling hair and dressing them up for the occasion. “It really was a big job and it had to be done twice so that the photos taken at both campuses were as good as each other. “We were concerned it might have been a bit much for some but the residents had a ball and really enjoyed getting all spruced up for the cameras.” Ms Walters said a great deal of planning and work went into the strategy. “It’s been a big effort by all but the end result is very pleasing,” she said. “The publications have been well received by all and the website will look very professional and extremely easy to navigate.” To enquire about aged care Editor’s note: The new website can now be Email: [email protected] viewed at www.rnh.net.au Phone: 5396 1270

RNH staff Jaqui Laney and Raelene Fay spruce up residents for their photo shoot. 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 29 Top: Christine Gumpula, centre, checks her work documents with, from left, CHRISTINE GETS JOB SECURITY RNH support services manager Ross Wheatland and Woodbine staff and clients Jo Tobias, Phil Cass, Karen Lienert RNH WOODBINE JOB DEAL and Liz Henderson.

Two of the Wimmera’s biggest community- agency and visa requirements,” Mr O’Connor formal notification that Christine can remain based organisations combined their resources said. indefinitely in Australia,” he said. earlier this year to provide security for a Mr O’Connor was then encouraged by a “The WDA were wonderfully prompt and Warracknabeal immigrant. Melbourne Herald Sun article outlining immediately recognised the need for Christine’s Warracknabeal disability service Woodbine and Yarrambiack Shire’s aspiration to promote skills to be retained in the region. Rural Northwest Health worked in partnership itself as an immigration destination. Ms Gumpula said she loved to allow Indian-born Christine Gumpula the “I began calling employers to assist with Australia and was very happy “She opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship. compiling a position to benefit people living and working at RNWH immediately Ms Gumpula has a swathe of qualifications needing support as well as local community and Woobine in Warracknabeal. understood including diplomas and certificates in disability, members,” he said. “Warracknabeal people are great. the need for community welfare, aged care, Home and “On just my second call I received an They are most welcoming and Christine’s Community Care and alcohol and drugs. She enthusiastic response from RNH CEO friendly,” Ms Gumpula said. range of skills also has a bachelor of Physiotherapy from Catherine Morley. India’s NTR University of Health Sciences which “It is a calming soothing place and to be kept in she hopes to have recognised in Australia. “She immediately understood the need for I am treated like family,” she said. the town and Christine’s range of skills to be kept in the “Woodbine is such a blessing, the we went about Ms Gumpula has worked at Woodbine and town and we went about devising a plan.” RNH sinced she moved to Warracknabeal in residents are great and the staff devising a April, 2013. Woodbine CEO Bernie O’Connor Mr O’Connor said there was a long and involved are always encouraging. plan.” said Ms Gumpula’s qualifications and skills were process with the Wimmera Development “I could easily see myself working highly regarded and so was her work ethic. Association, an immigration agent and the here the rest of my life.” Department of Immigration and Border “We have been very happy with Christine’s Control. Ms Morley said the region needed to do all work but the problem for us had been finding it could to encourage health workers to the enough hours of work for her to meet both “We were finally rewarded recently with region.

30 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report NURSES ON TOUR

A team of specialist nurses from Rural was a wonderful initiative. grant funding provided by the Grampians Northwest Health went on a road show “The reason it came about was because we Region Palliative Care Consortium. For further along the Henty Highway earlier this year to had all these wonderful new services available information on how to take advantage of spruik the latest health services available to to our communities and people either hadn’t any or all of the new services, phone Rural the communities. known they were available or knew very little Northwest Health on 5396 1200. The four presenters gave an insight into new about them, Ms Walters said. technologies and services available. The healthy “They are mostly free services and we are To contact our Cancer Resource Nurse tour began at Woomelang Multi-Purpose lucky to have them available to Email: [email protected] Centre on June 1 and finished in our remote communities so we Phone: 5396 1200 Warracknabeal on June 5, taking “We are here. We have the really need to take advantage of To contact our cognitive rehabilitative in Beulah and Hopetoun them,” she said. services, so therapist The RNH team of nurses “Our communities need to utilise Email: [email protected] use us.” presenting includes cancer these services and save a lot of Phone: 5396 1200 resource nurse Kathleen heartache and in some cases, To enquire about advance care Poulton who provided details on her new money.” role, cognitive rehabilitative therapist Katie planning Ramsdale explained the new memory support Ms Walters said the services are all relatively Phone: 5396 1200 services, nurse Debbie Schilling discussed the new services that were developing and growing. To enquire about Tele-health services importance of advance care planning and “I guess the simple message that we had in our Phone: 5396 1200 Hopetoun campus manager Natalie Ladner promotion was ‘when the road is tough, we’re explained the effectiveness of Tele-health. Ms here’ and that’s what we want the community Ladner also talked about the organisation’s to know,” she said. newly qualified RIPERN nurses and the role they “We can support you through whatever your can play in triage procedures and prescribing crisis may be and there will most likely be some medications. no charge. Not exactly Abbey Road but these nurses RNH Innovations and Continuous Improvement “We are here. We have the services, so use were at least on tour, from left, Kathy Poulton, manager Wendy Walters said the road show Katie Ramsdale, Debbie Schilling and Natalie us.” The project was supported by small Ladner.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 31 CONSULTATION IMPROVES SERVICE

A series of luncheon meetings and morning and community members to be up front about generally very happy with our overall service,” teas with clients and families has helped to anything that has concerned them with our Mr Silcock said. improve services at Rural Northwest Health. service,” she said. “Improvements suggested have The gatherings are in line with RNH policy “The meetings are generally “The luncheon been minor adjustments but we to engage with the community as much attended by the appropriate meetings and still consider them important as possible to ensure services continue to managers and key team community if they are going to add to a improve. members as well as our CEO morning patient’s comfort,” he said. Leo Casey and other board RNH CEO Catherine Morley said Community teas are a “For example, we had one members.” Action Research Group meetings and more direct patient suggest he was bored community meetings were implemented Acute and Urgent Care while in care so we have now initially to uncover any imperfections or manager Scott Silcock said approach to organised a video so patients underperforming areas. his department had bi-monthly what has been can watch movies.” “The luncheon meetings and community meetings with clients and their a successful Community Health staff also morning teas are a more direct approach family. consultation meet with clients at a relaxed to what has been a successful consultation “What we have mainly process” morning tea to uncover how process, Ms Morley said. uncovered from the meetings their services can be improved. “They have provided the opportunity for clients so far is that people are

32 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Everyone should take a genuine interest in the she volunteered as a manager of the Beulah health services available in their community Business Information Centre for almost six PRUE FINDS because we will all make use of them at one years. time or another. She was invited to join the reference group SATISFACTION Reedy Dam farmer Prue McCredden is one last year and has found the role a ‘real eye person who has taken that credence to another opener’ but totally satisfying. IN level. Prue is a member of Rural Northwest “I now have a greater understanding of the Health’s Beulah/Hopetoun reference group health system and how it works,” Prue said. who meet bi-monthly to deliberate on health COMMUNITY issues raised in her community. “And a better understanding of the depth of community that surrounds RNH,” she said. Raised on a sheep farm in southwest Victoria, Prue moved to Melbourne as a 19-year-old “It’s been astonishing to learn of the millions ROLE of kilometres travelled by people from our and eventually became a relieving manager for Medicare. A weekend away with friends shire for various health appointments. landed her in Beulah in 1992 and that’s when “It’s been a good learning experience but she met husband Frank. I’m a sponge for information so I’ve really They married in 1996 and have lived on the enjoyed learning.” farm east of Beulah since. Prue worked at Prue described the region’s health services the Beulah Pioneers Memorial Hospital as as phenomenal. a domestic when she was first married and “To think that in a small community like ours you can get your bloods done three times a week and there are clinical services available like physiotherapy, podiatry and counselling,” she said. “And then there are the wonderful things that the Day Program group do for our seniors.” Prue has also involved herself in Beulah’s community garden which resulted from discussion at RNH’s Community Action Resource Group meetings. She thoroughly enjoys her role on the committee and often finds herself in conversation about health services. “I talk to people in the community about their health service all the time,” she said. “It might be at a sporting event or up the street but they always tell me they are happy with how things are going.”

Beulah/Hopetoun Reference Group members are Beulah: Prue McCredden Hopetoun: Ross Cook, Barb Hallam, Daryl Burdett

33 The Staff Safari crew, from left, Ngareta Melgren, Natalie Ladner, Wendy James, Peter Miller, Catherine Morley, Ross Wheatland and Kerry Seater pinning down their fearless hunter Wendy Walters.

FIRING STRAIGHT AT THE FOUR I’S

Following the ultimate success of last year’s The safari setting took on a jungle atmosphere The Staff Safari team who produced the Compliance Cruise, Rural Northwest Health with walls of dense scrub and inflatable animals event and worked full time through each staff managed to take inclusion, interaction, while presenters, made up of RNH executive session set Innovations and Continuous involvement and inoculation up a notch in members, dressed as various animals to dance Improvement manager Wendy Walters as 2015 with its Staff Safari. into the room and present their topics. CEO safari leader Captain Ricochet, Community As with the Compliance Cruise, the purpose Catherine Morley was a lion, Support Services Health manager Ngareta Melgren as Ngarilla of the Staff Safari was to update staff on manager Ross Wheatland a giraffe, Hopetoun- the gorilla-riding native, events and marketing organisational procedures and Department Beulah campus manager Natalie Ladner an coordinator Peter Miller as ostrich-riding native of Health requirements in a relaxed, light- elephant and Warracknabeal campus manager Gronyadongalonga and quality and education hearted atmosphere. Wendy James was a zebra. officer Kerry Seater as Coco the monkey.

34 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Subjects covered included palliative care than 180 of the near-220 participants took all in the feedback from the surveys completed improvements, changing to the Kronos pay advantage of the opportunity. after each session.” Only two of the 220 staff system and SharePoint intranet, the new Wendy Walters said the Staff Safari was a members who took part had questioned approach to Aged Care promotion and the huge success and was right on target with its whether they found the safari worthwhile as new website as well as leadership programs goals. “We certainly achieved what we set out a training program. The rest were full of praise available to staff. Staff were also able to to do and with better results than we ever for the theatrical creativity and pleasurable complete their People Matters survey, Staff imagined,” Ms Walters said. “The staff danced, atmosphere. The overall consensus was that Declaration and Health and Wellbeing survey sang, played drums, played games and laughed the Staff Safari was both fun and informative and learn about bullying. The opportunity to their way through much of the session,” she and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve,” be immunised against the flu was also made said. “That’s not just me suggesting it either. It’s Ms Walters said. available at each of the 12 sessions and more

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 35 HOPETOUN’S NEW VISION FOR MEDICINE

A Hopetoun couple is urging fellow community specialist. Normally, such a treatment would no inconvenience whatsoever,” she said. members to take advantage of the latest require three visits to the specialist – an “Using Telehealth had no effect on the communication technology to save time introductory consultation, the colonoscopy consultations either because it was merely and money with medical treatments. and the review consultation. a discussion with the specialist Hopetoun West farmers John and Coral But Dr Rahim was able to each time. “What would Webster have both utilised the Telehealth change the two consultation “If he required any medical have been system in the past few months to communicate visits to a Telehealth link-up information, Dr Rahim was close with medical specialists in Geelong. Telehealth and the Websters’ long car two nine- by to assist.” is the name given to describe a consultation trip became a short drive to hour round with a clinician or medical specialist via a his Hopetoun surgery. Mr Webster said it wasn’t just trips became travel time that was saved. computer generated video link-up. Mrs Webster said she was simple little “Such a trip basically cuts out Mr Webster said he and his wife had saved even able to arrange the link-up tasks with no around $1000 in travel expenses and four consultations in her lunch hour. two days of work for each of us inconvenience and costs at least $500 in fuel days of wages by using the system. “It was wonderful because I whatsoever” and accommodation because Last October, Mrs Webster, who also works only had to drive around the it’s just not safe to try and do it in child care, was diagnosed with an iron corner and I avoided missing all in one day,” Mr Webster said. deficiency. any work time,” Mrs Webster said. “That’s also 18 hours that we haven’t spent on Hopetoun GP Dr Ahmad Rahim recommended “What would have been two nine-hour the road and not to mention all the parking a colonoscopy and referred her to a Geelong round trips became simple little tasks with

John and Coral Webster use the Telehealth service with Dr Ahmad Rahim.

36 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report issues you have when you get there,” he said. diagnosis came a lot easier than it would have “It’s just been a great revelation.” without the Telehealth service.” Mr Webster was also able to take advantage Mr Webster said the system had been such of the Telehealth system soon after, as he had a game changer for them that Coral’s father been having trouble with his hands, particularly Allan Turnbull used Telehealth for his last four with his fine motor skills. Mr Webster said his consultations. hands would often stiffen with no warning “Allan is a Parkinson’s sufferer in aged care and he was plagued with a burning sensation. here at Hopetoun and occasionally he has “During Coral’s last Telehealth consultation, Dr to visit a specialist in Ballarat and take a care Rahim took advantage of the opportunity to worker with him,” Mr Webster said. get an opinion on the condition of my hands,” Telehealth is available at all three campuses. To Mr Webster said. find out how you can take advantage contact …. “Coral’s specialist was then able to refer me to another specialist at Barwon Health and Telehealth is available at Hopetoun Beulah before I knew it I was having tests at his Kardinia House surgery,” he said. and Warracknabeal campuses. For details phone Warracknabeal on 5396 1200, Beulah “The result at this stage is suspected rheumatoid arthritis which isn’t ideal but the on 5396 8200 or Hopetoun on 5083 2000. Improved cancer support for region Warracknabeal, Brim Beulah and Hopetoun through an initiative of Wimmera Southern residents living with cancer will now have Mallee Health Alliance and Grampians their very own cancer resource nurse to Integrated Cancer Service. support them. Alliance member and RNH CEO Catherine Hopetoun nurse Kathy Poulton has been Morley said the appointment of a cancer appointed as the cancer resource nurse resource nurse was to ensure that those for Rural Northwest Health and she will be touched by cancer felt supported. available in Warracknabeal each Thursday “We want them to understand, be supported and Hopetoun on Fridays. to access, receive the best of care at the right Mrs Poulton will be able to offer time and as close to home as support, information and links “It can be a possible,” Ms Morley said. to community and specialist traumatic time “Kathy is the right nurse for cancer services to those in our the role,” she said. community who have been for so many affected by cancer. and this is a “She has worked at RNH for five years and is very dedicated In addition to her nursing role, great initiative into survivorship. to provide that to caring and supporting our Mrs Poulton will maintain a local community members to “It can be a traumatic time for so many and Cancer Information Hub for extra support” have access to high quality safe this is a great initiative to provide that extra the wider community to access and effective services as close support,” Mrs Poulton said. information on all aspects of to home as possible. cancer from prevention, screening programs, “Anyone who wants to contact me for an disease information and living well beyond Mrs Poulton said a diagnosis of cancer could appointment in Hopetoun or Warracknabeal, cancer treatment. have a profound effect on a person, their can phone 5083 2000 or email me crn@ family and friends and could continue to be rnh.net.au Cancer resource nurses are being appointed felt throughout treatment and well beyond at health services across the Wimmera Mallee “The service is completely free of charge.”

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 37 HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Clients of Rural Northwest Health’s Day “Serving lunches is much easier to do now with Day program is available at Beulah and Program are taking full advantage of the new the new kitchenette and bain marie, Tony said. Warracknabeal. It is designed to enhance community room for their activities. “They have better food choices now thanks people’s independence by promoting physical The refurbished community to the environmental services activity, cognitive stimulation, good nutrition, room was part of the first “It’s really just team,” he said. emotional wellbeing and social inclusion. installment of RNH’s $10.6-million like going out “It’s really just like going out for stage two redevelopment. It was for a counter a counter meal with a group of To enquire about our day programs completed in March, along with meal with friends and then having some Contact: Tony Wagenknecht the new look education room, fun afterwards. board room and cafeteria. a group of Email: [email protected] friends and Tony said the day program The climate-controlled room Phone: 0427 100 329 then having clients loved the new features a large activities community room and its easy some fun area, dining area, offices and access. a new kitchenette complete afterwards.” with wall oven, gas cooktop “It amplifies our clients’ and dishwasher. There is also independence and basically a secured courtyard that will becomes their daytime lounge include a garden. room and dining room,” he said. Day program team leader Tony Wagenknecht “The new entrance is so easy to access. There said the room was much more spacious and are no steps so it’s just like coming through suited to activities. their own front gate and in their front door.”

38 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Opposite Top: Warracknabeal’s Day Program team in their new room, from left, Jenny McGrath, Sandra Murray, Katrina Rosser, leader Tony Wagenknecht and Karen Miller.

Right: Jeremy Hartigan from Horsham Doors and Glass installs a reflector during building progress.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 39 FULLY ACCREDITED Rural Northwest Health achieved its full “I was told how our protected meal times Lodge resident. complement of accreditations at all campuses program had clearly demonstrated that the “One resident told an assessor that ‘if you after Yarriambiack Lodge passed its aged care world was a calmer spot during meal times and have to live in aged care then this is the place standards assessment late last year. that residents enjoyed going up to the Bain to do it’ and that’s meant more to us than RNH CEO Catherine Morley said all 44 expected Marie and choosing their own meal,” she said. anything else,” she said. outcomes across the four standards had been “The assessors listened to “It just makes you realise met by the Yarriambiack Lodge team. residents and families who “It’s just been that as a team we can make “It’s a significant effort and it rides on the back spoke positively about their a wonderful a difference to someone’s life of the great achievements reached recently by relationship with the staff and performance and the team are embracing the Community Health, Acute Care, the Hopetoun even those residents that had opportunities along the way to concerns felt that they had been from all and campus and Beulah campus,” Ms Morley said. I’m very proud be innovative and responsive to heard when they raised them a resident’s needs.” “It’s just been a wonderful performance from and that things had improved. of our staff all and I’m very proud of our staff members,” members” Rural Northwest Health she said. “The assessors commented had earlier achieved full positively on all of our “The Yarriambiack Lodge success was very accreditation from two major improvements and how audits. The organisation was audited for much a team effort involving clinical, leisure and extensive they had been. lifestyle, rehabilitative therapists, administration, National Standards and Home and Community environmental services, maintenance, quality “They loved all the sensory and environment Care and passed both with perfect scores. and management teams.” changes that we had made and how we were The audit on National Standards returned a managing the disruption from the stage two 10/10 result for all mandatory actions and a Ms Morley said she had heard wonderful redevelopment.” feedback from the residents and their families significant number of developmental actions. through the assessors. But Ms Morley said the best statement of the The HACC audit returned passes in all 18 assessment period came from a Yarriambiack outcomes.

RNH managers Wendy Walters, Wendy James and Irene Perry celebrate accreditation success with Marj. 40 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Ms Morley said she couldn’t be more delighted “They take responsibility for their actions be met,” he said. with the outstanding results. and they show a significant pride in being a “But 95 per cent is a brilliant result for an “The feedback from the surveyors and auditors member of the team. organisation going through its first National was so positive that several staff shed a tear “We are all grateful for the work they do and Standards survey so take a deep breath and of pride when the results were announced,” that’s right across the board.” enjoy the result.” she said. National Standards surveyors Mr Barber’s colleague Mary “Every staff member cares about their Peter Barber and Mary Simpson “Every staff Simpson said it was her fifth community and its health service and want announced the results to staff member cares National Standards survey for to do the best job that they possibly can.” and praised them for their about their the year and in comparison with RNH board chairman espoused Ms Morley’s efforts. community...” the others, RNH had performed views and noted that the ‘magnificent result Mr Barber said he was at RNH exceptionally well. showed the strength of our health service’. four years earlier and the “We do have some suggestions “It’s very difficult for small health services with changes in that time had been astounding. and recommendations but they are only going staff shortages and other issues,” Mr Casey said. “RNH is compliant in all 10 mandatory actions to build on the great work that has been done,” Mrs Simpson told the group. “But RNH has been particularly well-led, and in the breakdown of those 10 actions, exceptionally well-managed at middle you are compliant in 233 out of 255 actions,” “You should be really proud of yourself and management level and the staff share a Mr Barber told the staff. proud of your work.” collegiate devotion to RNH,” he said. “And work has already commenced to make The National Standards survey included all sure the other 22 developmental actions will three campuses at RNH. HOME IMPROVEMENT HEROES

The magnificent men in the RNH maintenance “If we are going to attract health workers and kitchen with new dishwasher and gas cooktops, team continue to prove just how handy they particularly families to the community, we have new tiling and plastering, new floorcoverings can be but their most recent work has elevated to provide appealing accommodation,” he said. throughout and every room painted. them further. “The house looks fantastic now and we had The RNH maintenance team might be small In between regular repair and installation a family move on almost immediately on but they have a variety of qualifications and jobs at the three campuses, the team has completion. talents that complement the requirements completely renovated a four-bedroom brick “It looks like a fresh new home.” of a busy and revolutionary health service. home at Hopetoun. Renovation work included a modernized The RNH-owned home is one of three used to house staff who move to the community. The campus often employs couples with young families and these homes provide a comfortable environment for the couple while solving accommodation shortage issues. The majority of the renovations were completed by Hopetoun campus maintenance supervisor Bill Wright and Warracknabeal campus’ Heath McGrath while colleague Jamie Horton provided his expertise with the painting. Mr Wright said a plumber and electrician were also used to complete regulated works. “The home was built in 1974 so the kitchen was looking very outdated and needed a complete makeover,” Mr Wright said.

Right: Heath McGrath and Bill Wright install a new gate at the house. 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 41 Opposite Top: Adrienne Morcom treats Danny Reed of Warracknabeal Opposite Bottom Right: Leonie Saunders IN HOME helps Lorna Mills. CARE

Not everyone has to come into our health They play a vital role in keeping hospital treatment, administration and supervision service to experience our high level of care. admissions and readmissions to a minimum of medication, wound care, post-acute care, There are those from across the region who and ensuring patients can return to their own specimen collection, palliative care and can take advantage of our Disctrict Nursing service homes as soon as possible. The service is help with advance care planning. that provides trained nurses to support people available to all ages and referrals to a district The service is available seven days a week in their home environment. District nurses nurse can be from GPs, medical professionals, in the Warracknabeal region, three days a work closely with each client and their carers, community services, family members or you week in the Hopetoun area and each Monday GPs and community health services to provide can refer yourself. around Beulah. coordinated care in the home. District nursing provides in home nursing and

District nurses Leonie Saunders and Adrienne Morcom.

42 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Service contact details • Warracknabeal -7 day a week service - Phone 53961278 • Hours - 0800-1630hrs. Weekends and public holidays - 0800-1300hrs • Hopetoun- Mon, Wed , and Fridays Phone 5083 2020 (closed public holidays) • Hours - 0800-1630hrs • Beulah-Mondays 5396 8223 (closed public holidays) • Hours - 0800-1630hrs Fees • Some fees may apply. The fees are set by the Department of Health and is based on and individuals financial situation. This is discussed during your first visit.

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 43 CHARTING THE YEAR

RNH CCC / OFI 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 COMPIMENT COMMENT SUGGESTION COMPLAINT HAZARD

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

CLEANING AUDIT REPORT 2015

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0% JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

WARRACK ACUTE HOPETOUN ACUTE

HOPETOUN URGENT CARE WING STATE AVERAGE A clean report

A significant decline in pressure ulcers is the highlight of an improved report card for RNH staff in the past financial year. Falls have also decreased substantially. New methods and programs implemented by RNH management have helped gain these improved results. We are also pleased that we have maintained the high level of feedback experienced last year. This has resulted from encouraging staff, residents, clients and families to take more of an interest in their health service.

Our Environmental Services staff continue to Left: Environmental maintain a high level of quality demonstrated services worker Tineka Brymer cleans a basin at by the cleaning audit. the Hopetoun campus.

44 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report RNH PRESSURE ULCERS 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

RNH OH&S INCIDENT - INJURIES 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

RNH MEDICATION ERRORS 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

RNH FALLS 500

400

300

200

100

0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

2015 RNH Quality of Care Report 45 Rural Northwest Health collaborated with “It was fantastic,” Ms Morley said. La Trobe University to bring what is believed “We had people of all ages, farmers young and to be the world’s first pop-up university to old, people from all corners of the community,” ‘WORLD Warracknabeal last June. she said. Dubbed the Yarriambiack COMMUNIversiTY, it “There were people who only came for one proved a big success with total class numbers or two classes and there were others who climbing above 200 people. Classes were attended every class over the two days but FIRST’ held in three rooms at RNH’s Warracknabeal it worked out that more than 200 people campus where 16 professors, associate attended the combined sessions. professors and lecturers took over a dozen classes on a variety of topics. The event was “They came from all over the region including also supported by Wimmera Primary Care from West Wimmera and Hindmarsh shires POP-UP and they were really engaged in the sessions.” Partnership. La Trobe University’s Professor Jane Farmer, Ms Morley said there was already discussion who was the mastermind behind the pop-up around having another Yarriambiack university, said she was thrilled at the response COMMUNIversiTY next year as possibly an UNIVERSITY annual event. and the instant feedback from those who attended. “We had 20-40 people in almost every class “The professors and lecturers loved having and everyone was very happy so we have already started the discussion of running it the opportunity to present to people they again,” she said. wouldn’t normally teach and they felt like everyone was enmeshed in their particular “We certainly had the right topics, particularly subject,” Prof Farmer said. the interactive microbiology sessions, the Australian literature and poetry and the history “One of the professors told me ‘it was great to lectures on the Mallee and on Gallipoli. be speaking to people who weren’t constantly checking their smartphones’ so the enthusiasm “There was also great discussion on the best was certainly there,” she said. approach to improving our communities and there was plenty gained from that.” “And people were coming up to me after the classes saying how much they enjoyed the opportunity.” RNH CEO Catherine Morley said she was delighted with the level of attendance and interest.

46 2015 RNH Quality of Care Report Beryl Roberts and Dennis Mills with the milestone staff and board member Glenda Hewitt who presented the awards and CEO Leo Casey.

Julie Mills - 35 years Community Health Nurse Rosalie Stein - 30 years 40 YEARS OF DOUBLE Registered Nurse Marianne Heubner - 25 years DEDICATION Registered Nurse Denise Smith - 25 years Enrolled Nurse Two Rural Northwest Health staff members decade he has worked as a personal carer in have received special awards to recognise an Yarriambiack Lodge. Sharon Watts - 25 years Ward Clerk incredible 40 years of service. Mr Mills said it felt like yesterday that he started Karen Miller - 25 years Warracknabeal personal carer Dennis Mills work at the hospital and he still enjoyed his job Registered Nurse and Hopetoun cleaner Beryl Roberts were as much as he did from day one. His passion Deb Cook - 20 years honoured at RNH’s annual general meeting, for his work comes from his interaction with Enrolled Nurse along with 17 other staff members. the residents. Tony Wagenknecht - 20 years RNH CEO Catherine Morley said the number “You learn so much from the residents because PAG coordinator of staff honoured showed an incredible sense they have a lifetime of lessons,” Mr Mills said. Sue Sanford - 20 years of loyalty and dedication from them. Mrs Roberts worked as a nurse’s assistant for Nurse Unit Manager “There is a real sense of pride and a desire to five months and that led her into cleaning at Vicki McGee - 20 years provide a high standard of care among RNH Hopetoun Bush Nursing Hospital. Personal Carer staff in general,” Ms Morley said. She has tried her hand at other roles within Ione Richardson - 15 years “It’s these times of recognition that highlight the hospital including a stint in the laundry Enrolled Nurse that dedication,” she said. and the office. But she said office work was Debbie Glen - 15years “We had an amazing list of staff milestones not her go. Personal Carer this year with five staff achieving 30 or 35-year “I like cleaning,” Mrs Roberts said. Mandy Muller - 15 years Enrolled Nurse badges and eight staff getting 20 or 25-year “Mind you there was no training when I first badges. started,” she said. Simone Lindsay - 15 years Enrolled Nurse “But to think that we have two staff members “They just concluded that if you were a mother Sue Forsyth - 15 years who have given 40 years of service is quite and a housewife, you knew how to clean.” astounding.” PAG coordinator Other staff recognised for work milestones Michelle White - 10 years Mr Mills was asked to fill in as an orderly cleaner in 2014 include: Nurse Unit Manager at Warracknabeal and District Hospital and by 1974 was a permanent employee. In the past Angel Koenen - 10 years Environmental Services worker At Your Service

Rural Northwest Health provides a range of Warracknabeal Campus services and programs that the community is able Dimboola Road to access through in-patient, residential, home or PO Box 386 community based services including: Warracknabeal VIC 3393 Tel: (03) 5396 1200 After Hours Service Fax: (03) 5396 1210 Email: [email protected] GPs and nursing staff provide an After Hours - On Call service 24 hours a day 7 days a week at Warracknabeal and Hopetoun Beulah Campus Acute Care Cnr Henty Hwy & Bell Street Rural Northwest Health has 12 acute beds at the Warracknabeal campus and PO Box 2 4 acute beds at Hopetoun. Both campuses provide urgent care services. Beulah VIC 3395 Acute Medical Palliative Care Pharmacy Tel: (03) 5396 8200 Pathology Services Accident and Urgent Care Fax: (03) 5396 8201 Email: [email protected] Aged Care Hopetoun Campus Rural Northwest Health has 24 aged care places at the Warracknabeal Campus and 24 aged care places at Hopetoun. 12 Mitchell Place Hopetoun VIC 3396 Respite Care Cognitive Rehabilitative Therapist Memory Support Unit Lifestyle Program Tel: (03) 5083 2000 High and Low Care accommodation Fax: (03) 5083 2050 Medical Imaging Email: [email protected] X-ray and 4D Ultrasound are provided at Warracknabeal by Rural Northwest Health contractors. Important Telephone Numbers Community Health Emergency Call 000 Community and Allied Health services are provided across the three Nurse on Call 1300 606 024 campuses at Warracknabeal, Beulah and Hopetoun. Community Health 5396 1238 Ante Natal and Domiciliary midwifery services District Nursing 5396 1278 Asthma education and health plan development Occupational Therapy 5396 1262 Community Health nurse Freedom of Information 5396 1200 Diabetes education and health plan development District nursing services Health education and promotion Radiology 5396 1200 Hospital to home Psychiatric Services (Horsham Office) 1300 661 323 Day Programs (Warracknabeal and Beulah) Post Acute Care Memory Support Nurse Yarriambiack Medical Clinic 5396 1380 Cancer Resource Nurse Hopetoun Medical Clinic 5083 2080 Allied Health Beulah Medical Clinic 5396 8200 Tristar Medical Centre 5394 1880 Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy Podiatry Counselling Speech Pathology Dietetics Exercise Physiology Social Work Massage Therapy Support Services Please visit our new website: Carer Support Services Volunteer program www.rnh.net.au Specialties Ear Nose Throat48 2015Cardiology RNH Quality of Care Report