The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017
Message from the Chief Executive I’ve noticed the sudden drop in temperature over the last week, a reminder that the flu season is not far away. It’s time to start thinking about getting your flu vaccine before the season starts so that as many of us as possible are available when the community most needs our acute services. Every person that uses our services expects to leave us as well, or better than when they entered. The roll-out of Hourly Patient Rounding, initially on Medical Ward at Broken Hill Hospital is the start of a process to ensure that inpatients are safer in our care and their needs are better met. This builds on work already done through Yamirri Nharatji to improve the way we do things and initiatives supported through the Clinical Governance Unit. Drop by and see how it’s going on Medical Ward. The LHD plays a significant role in each of the communities we serve. It was great to hear about the snake bite education provided by the team at Ivanhoe. There was also promotion of the free Get Healthy program for residents of Ivanhoe. The Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Team participated with the team from Menindee at the Crossroads Camp, highlighting the important role we play equipping young people for their future. There’s more in this edition about great work being done across the LHD to engage with communities and support people to live their best lives. I was surprised to bump into John Keenan in the office on Wednesday this The FWLHD came together with a number of emergency agencies week, despite his having for Exercise Vas Onero — turn to page 2 for details. retired. Although everyone who knows John was sad to see him retire, I’m sure we’ll see him around. Trevor Dawson, who’d also been with the LHD in its various forms over the past 30 years also retired this month. Welcome to our new group of JMOs, who I’m sure will make a great contribution to our services and benefit from their time with us. Exercise Vas Onero was a state wide disaster exercise held just north of Packsaddle on the Tibooburra Road. The scenario involved a bus, a motorcycle and a truck full of livestock coming together. The health service along with all the emergency services participated, with the LHD sending a team to the site and testing systems for the triage, treatment, evacuation and receipt of patients from the scene. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and contributed to the exercise. I’m told that every agency learned from the exercise and identified opportunities to improve the way we work together and respond to emergencies and disasters. Working With Children’s Checks (WWCC) are now due for most people. If you are required to have a WWCC and do not have one, we are unable to allow you to work. To organize your check go to www.service.nsw.gov.au and complete your application, then take your application number to your local SericeNSW office, present the required identification and pay the fee of $80. It’s a relatively efficient process. Enjoy this edition of Far West in Focus. — Stuart Riley, Chief Executive
The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Exercise “Vas Onero” Far West LHD participated in Exercise Vas Onero a NSW State sponsored multi-agency, emergency management, training exercise, held at Packsaddle on Saturday 25 Mach 2017. With additional funding from the State Rescue Board the exercise focussed on testing the capacity of all agencies to respond to a mass casualty incident in a remote area. Following months of preparation and planning, the exercise writing team presented a mock scenario of a night time, head on crash between a bus and livestock transport, at the intersection of the Silver City Highway and Henry Roberts Road, 220kms North of Broken Hill. As part of the scenario, the LHD were requested to deploy a Health Response Team to the scene to support and work with the Ambulance Services in the provision of pre-hospital medical treatment. The UDRH Medical Students played the role of crash victims trapped in the bus. Complete with moulaged injuries the students did an excellent job with distressed screams and chaos only adding The Exercise in action (above) and our Health Response further reality to the exercise. Team deployed for the Exercise (below). The RFDS flew in, which created the opportunity for Roads and Maritime Services to test a night time set up of the recently completed Shannon’s Creek air strip. The Department of Defence also played with the provision of notional air support from a Blackhawk Helicopter crew for additional patient transport. Other agencies included the Packsaddle & Tibooburra volunteer Ambulance and SES crews, Local Land Services, who managed the live sheep at the scene, several Rural Fire Services crews, NSW Police and NSW Fire & Rescue who provided HAZMAT services. Approximately 170 people attended the exercise and all were accommodated in the Rural Fire Service Emergency Base Camp set up opposite the Packsaddle Road House. Thanks to all the LHD staff for their amazing efforts both in the prior preparation, attending and participating in the exercise. This is the first time we have deployed a Health Response Team into such a remote area and their performance was commendable, especially with the added complexities of 41 degree heat, working in the dark in an unfamiliar and a somewhat chaotic environment. I also need to mention John Leehane, who was the duty HSFAC for the exercise. While John was not on site he still participated and received and processed all the information from the scene, back in Broken Hill, as would be expected if such a situation would present. The exercise was deemed a huge success with our objectives being achieved, along with identifying some key issues for improvement, captured by the exercise control team. The LHD will now collate the evaluation and feedback data with recommendations for the review and redevelopment of EM plans and procedures. We look forward to implementing the recommendations for improvements and planning our involvement in the next year’s exercise. — Brendan Hedger, District Disaster Manager
PAGE 2 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Medical Ward praised for Patient Hourly Rounding implementation Medical Ward staff members of BHHS were congratulated recently on the implementation of Patient Hourly Rounding — an evidence based tactic under Yamirri Nharatji. Congratulations were forthcoming from Ken Barnett, BHHS General Manager, Lindy Harkness, DON/M and Zandra Corey, Director of Clinical Governance, who joined the staff at a celebratory afternoon tea on 17 March. “The implementation of hourly patient rounding is a great achievement and the purpose of our afternoon tea is to recognise the achievement the medical ward staff made because I know they all had to work together to make this happen,” said Zandra Corey.
The trial for hourly patient rounding commenced on Medical Ward in December 2017. Patient hourly rounding is a practice which has been implemented in hospitals all over the world to improve patient safety by reducing falls, pressure injuries and increasing patient satisfaction. Call bell rates and falls on Medical Ward have been trending down since the implementation of hourly patient rounding. Ken Barnett also congratulated the Medical Ward Staff on this achievement. “Changing practice is always challenging and we are very proud of the way the staff on this ward have adapted and implemented this change. You are leading the way for the other wards who will also be implementing Patient Hourly Rounding” he said. Lindy Harkness, Director Nursing & Midwifery also offered her appreciation: “I’m very proud to thank the Medical Ward team for the difference they make to our patients every day”. The next steps are to continue to implement the competency assessment of staff on the rounding behaviours and talking to patients about their experience of hourly rounding. Well done, Medical Ward!
Get Healthy is ready to launch on April 3 Following successful launches across the LHD, Get Healthy is ready to kick off on April 3! Congratulations to everyone who has already taken the first step toward a healthier you. Last year, the Get Healthy program assisted 140 staff members to lose a total of 184.35kgs and walk 5.25 times around Australia's coastlines. This year, we want to achieve even more! We are focusing on you and your healthy goals. We will provide the tools, resources, education and support for you to achieve your healthy life. We will also subsidise 50% of the cost of the Global Corporate Challenge where your team competes with teams from across the world to walk the most number of steps in 100 days. If you have not yet registered or for more information, jump onto www.gethealthyfwlhd.com.au to register as an individual or a team today!
PAGE 3 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Snake bite and first aid education at Ivanhoe Thomas Cashion (RN at Ivanhoe Health Service) gave a fantastic presentation to the students and staff of Ivanhoe Central School this month about first aid relating to a snake bite. The junior and senior school children were introduced to the variety of venomous snakes that are present in the Ivanhoe region. We then spoke to the students about the DRSABCD first aid acronym: Highlighting the importance of checking for Danger, checking for a Response of the casualty, and then to Send for help. The senior students were provided with some further education on Airway, Breathing, Commence CPR and Ivanhoe students enjoyed the Defibrillation. A demonstration on how to snake bite presentation and apply a pressure bandage was the final practicing on each other their thing the students were shown before the pressure bandaging skills! practical began. During the presentation the children were all active participants, with a large number of great comments and questions being asked throughout. The children all had the chance to practice applying a pressure bandage to an ‘affected limb’ of one of their fellow classmates which was a very popular activity! Midwives catch a bit of Sunrise! The BH Maternity Unit midwives held a team building exercise this month which involved catching up with a Sunrise celebrity! The team met early on the morning of the 17 March and headed down to the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill where TV’s Sunrise celebrity Sam Mac was doing a live broadcast. The popular weather presenter was in the city for the big St Pat’s race weekend. The midwives (eight in total and a student) then enjoyed breakfast together before heading off to work.
PAGE 4 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Crossroads Camp at Copi Hollow Meet ROB Year 11 and 12 students from Ivanhoe Central School and Menindee Central The HR team would like to School attended the bi-yearly Crossroads Camp at Copi Hollow. announce an exciting new Crossroads is mandatory course designed to help senior students address issues recruitment system, ROB. of health, safety and wellbeing at a time when they face significant changes and Designed by eHealth challenges in their lives. specifically for NSW Health, ROB FWLHD MHDA Service and Menindee Health Service, along with representatives will be replacing the current from the Barrier Local Area Command, Menindee Central School, Mission Australia eRecruit system in November and Royal Flying Doctors Service, engaged the students in a variety of workshops 2017. such as: Safe travel, mental health and wellbeing, sexual health and identity, personal Communication around the identity, drugs and alcohol and relationships. implementation of the system will be distributed throughout the year, so keep an eye out.
Social Work Student, Holly Wilson, and RAMHP Coordinator, Marie Kelly, shown delivering an activity as part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing workshop with students from Menindee Central School and Ivanhoe Central School. Youth Health Forum: ‘School Refusal — the Tip of the Iceberg’ A Youth Health Forum was held on 8 March at the University Department of Rural Health with a range of professionals from the education, health and non-government sectors. The topic of the day was ‘School Refusal – The Tip of the Iceberg’ and the following topics were covered: “Nuh, not even for a million dollars” Understanding the Causes and Impact of School Refusal; Early indicators and responses to education neglect; Pathways to reengagement; School refusal: everyday counts and A parent’s and a young person’s perspectives. There was also a panel discussion. Youth Health Forum (YHF) is a series of community health education seminars which provide regular opportunities for hospital, community-based workers and education professionals, young people and their families to meet, update knowledge and skills, exchange information and strengthen the youth health network, in order to provide the best possible support for young people in NSW. Future forums themes and dates: Wednesday, 23August 2017 – Young people and ICE (and other drugs) and Wednesday, 29 November 2017 – Supporting young people through family change and conflict If you would like to attend, please contact FWLHD School-Link Coordinator, Cary Rogers – [email protected]
PAGE 5 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Kidney Health Week promotion Tibooburra Outback Public popular with visitors and staff School’s Education Expo Broken Hill Health service Renal and Dietetic Departments Tibooburra Outback Public School facilitated an t teamed up this month to promote Kidney Health week. Education Expo on 9 and 10 March with the aim to Kidney Health Australia’s national awareness week for the first increase awareness and access to services / agencies in time also aligned with World Kidney Day (9 March). Community Far West NSW for students, families and wider community. members and staff alike came along to have their blood pressure, Students, blood sugars and BMI checked to look at their kidney disease risk family and factors. community The stall was very popular with 45 kidney health checks members from performed in the two hours the stall was up and running. Many Tibooburra, community members made a special trip up to the hospital White Cliffs and specifically to attend the stall, others used it as an opportune surrounding chance to have a check-up whilst here on other health business. areas attended. Some staff members got quite competitive with their numbers, Students participated in a aiming to get the best BP’s and BGLs within their department – a variety of sign this year’s Get Healthy Challenge may be hotly contested! activities FAST FACTS: Obesity and Chronic Kidney Disease including You can lose up to 90% of kidney function before experiencing cooking with any symptoms dieticians, • 63% (or 2 in 3) Australian adults are overweight or obese fitness, Aboriginal • Overweight people increase their risk of developing kidney Social Work Student Holly Wilson, Child disease by 1.5 times painting and and Family Support Worker, Bonnie Le • Obese people double their risk of developing kidney disease cyber study. Compte, School-Link Coordinator Cary They Rogers and RAMHP Coordinator • One third of kidney disease cases potentially relate to being investigated the Marie Kelly. overweight or obese RFDS simulator • Obesity puts a strain on the kidneys as they have to work and spoke with police, ambulance officer and SES harder to get rid of volunteers. toxins—over time Whilst the students were busy at school, the wider this can damage community participated in workshops around positive the kidneys’ filters parenting, western land care, community support skills, and cause kidney building committees and legal aid. disease RAMPH Worker, Marie Kelly, facilitated workshops about Mental Health and Mental Illness. • Obesity also The workshop was designed to increase awareness of worsens other key recognising the signs and the impacts of stress. It gave kidney disease risk participants the skills to have a conversation with factors, such as someone they are concerned about and information about diabetes and available services and self-care. hypertension. School-Link Coordinator, Cary Rogers, in partnership with Child and Family Support Worker, Bonnie Le Compte, and Social Work Student, Holly Wilson, facilitated a positive parenting workshop focusing on emotion coaching. The Kidney Emotion Coaching is a parenting technique that helps Health Week stall children understand their feelings. When parents emotion was very popular coach, their children learn how emotions work and how to with visitors to react to feelings in healthy ways. the hospital and The Education Expo was enjoyed by students, health staff. families and wider community. Congratulations to Tibooburra Outback Public Schools on the success of the expo!
PAGE 6 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017
Operation Art Children’s artworks brighten up Kids Ward
The Paediatric Ward at BH Hospital has been brightened up considerably after accepting a donation of eight artworks created by children as part of Operation Art. Operation Art is an initiative of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in association with the NSW Department of Education, which involves school students — from Kindergarten to Year 10 in all NSW schools — creating artworks for Operation Art handover: Peter Dougherty (Department of Education) and Lisa Van Den Dolder (Operation Art children in hospital. It is an Project Officer) presented the art works to Karen Harding-Smith (Paediatric Ward NUM), and Lucinda Moore annual art competition (Paediatric Ward RN) with Mayor Darriea Turley officiating. attracting over 850 entries, of which 50 are selected to tour regional galleries and join the permanent art collection at The Cameron Corner donation Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The tour for Operation Art 2017 was featured at the Broken Hill The Cameron Corner store Regional Gallery. has donated money to the Operation Art aims to promote the benefits of Tibooburra Health Service to buy art in health, by featuring children’s artworks that equipment. are bright, colourful and appeal to other children Combined with money from on the walls of our hospital. Research has shown our eCTRA account, a new Welch that an optimistic outlook reflected in art can help Alleyn Vital Signs Monitor was improve a child’s wellbeing and play a vital part in purchased for $4,500. the recovery and healing process. At the Cameron Corner store As the tour visits different galleries around donations are collected via NSW, the organisation likes to donate artworks umbrellas suspended from the from Operation Art to Paediatric wards in the local ceiling which apparently received hospital. a great deal of attention this past The Hospital’s Paediatric Ward NUM Karen year raising money for our service. Harding-Smith and RN Lucinda Moore attended Pictured is Fenwick Miller, the presentation and accepted the donation of the having his vital signs checked on artworks, which had featured in previous years of the new equipment. Fenwick, Operation Art. along with his wife Cheryl, Karen expressed her appreciation and thanked collected the money for our Operation Art on behalf of the Health Service and equipment. assured everyone the artworks would have pride The Health Service is very of place in the ward. appreciative of the donation and everyone who contributed.
PAGE 7 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Staff undergo NSW MoH Activity Based Funding portal training Representatives from the NSW Minis- try of Health ABF (Activity Base Fund- ing) Taskforce trav- elled to Broken Hill in March to conduct training sessions on the NSW MoH ABM Portal. Susan Dunn (ABF Workstream Manag- er) and Tony Hutton (ABM Portal Applica- tions Manager) pre- sented information on the recent upgrade of Staff training included (from left) Susan Thomas, Stephanie Bria, Tony Hutton (ABM Portal Applications Manager), the AMB Portal to Lindy Harkness, David Inglis, Bonnie Tavian and Diana Ferry. Broken Hill Clini- cians, including JMO’s, Allied Health and Administration Staff over a three day period. Together with Sarah Wang (FWLHD Clinical Costing An- alyst) data from the 2015/16 DNR (District Network Return) was reviewed and discussed. A number of ABM Portal Champions will now be available to answer any questions staff may wish to raise regarding the functions of the ABM Portal. Data from the period July 2016 to December 2016 will be loaded into the ABM Portal in May.
Our JMOs also took part; Standing: Dr Adrian Boscolo, Dr Rod Lambert - Locum DMS, Susan Dunn (ABF Workstream Manager), Dr Aliza Heywood, Dr Richard Lin, Yeshan Jayasekera- Medical Student, Dr Yujin Ko, Amanda Zhou - Medical Student. Seated: Dr Michelle Yu, Dr Elizabeth Richardson, Dr Satilla Zafreen, Dr Yvette Etherden and Dr Mee-Jin Lee.
PAGE 8 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017
Far West LHD Chronic & Complex Care Service
During 2016, the Chronic and Nurse Manager: Georgina Drewery Complex Care team has worked Nurse Practitioner: Under Recruitment very hard in establishing Clinical Nurse Consultant: Kathryn Wallace themselves across the local Clinical Nurse Specialist: Jane Cain health service and the district. During this time we have Musculoskeletal Coordinator: Kishen Bundhoo used tools associated with Yamirri Nharatji, Advisory Board and both the strategic and local teams values and visions to If you would like any further information on the Chronic help assist us to create a logo. The uniform logo aim is that and Complex Care Team please do not hesitate to contact the team will be easily identified by staff, patients and one of the team members or through our central intake line families. 0408 920 588. One of the key principals of our team is the provision of holistic care, and the promotion of wellness and self-management to our clients and staff. The emblem shows the team as the hands that surrounds the person as a whole and ensures that all elements of care are being looked at and that the staff, patient and their families feel supported. The slogan “Promote wellness to all” was established to show that we care not only for our patients but we are supportive and caring to all team members and staff to ensure that everyone in our team can function at a high level knowing that they have each other’s support and care. Although the Chronic and Complex care team are not required to wear a uniform, have chosen to purchase uniforms to help establish them as a team across the district. The team (from left) Jain Cain, Kishen Bundhoo, Kathryn Wallace and Georgina Drewery. The members of the team are: Lindsey awarded Dr David Bowler scholarship Congratulations to Lindsey Ball for being awarded the 2017 David Bowler Memorial Award $5,000 scholarship. Lindsey (pictured) has always dreamed of becoming a Midwife and is very grateful the bursary will help her fulfil that lifelong dream. She began her Midwifery degree last year at University of South Australia and for the next three years will be juggling studies, clinical placements and raising her young family of two daughters (aged 2 and 5) with her husband. “I’ve wanted to be a midwife since I was 15 years old!” she said. “Helping bring life into the world is such a beautiful honour and midwifery is an extremely privileged career.” The David Bowler Memorial Award, sponsored by the Far West Local Health District and Broken Hill City Council, is an annual grant that commemorates the name and work of the late Dr Bowler, who was a highly-respected paediatrician at Broken Hill Health Service. The Award is a $5,000 lump sum payment to a student pursuing a course in a health- related discipline at a recognised tertiary institution. It is designed to provide financial support to a local student by helping pay for the costs associated with that study. Lindsey said she and her family are extremely grateful to the family of the late Dr David Bowler, the Far West Local Health District and BH City Council for the scholarship.
PAGE 9 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 The FWLHD treatment, tips for Sexual Health Team program is working in development and partnership with the more! health team at The free training YFoundations NSW sessions will be held to run ’Sticky Stuff’ - in Broken Hill on 23 sexual health training May and Dareton on for people who work 25 May. with young people. This one day training aims to increase the To find out more, contact Jessie Hunt on (02) confidence knowledge and skills of those whom work 8306 7908 or email with young people around sexual health. [email protected] This training includes: Games, tools and resources, Book online at Eventbrite: Up-to-date information, Local info on testing and tickystuffdareton.eventbrite.com.au
PAGE 10 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017
By Ben Harris
Security/Ward Services HETI Online has changed its name to ‘My Health Officer, BHHS Learning’. The only thing changing with HETI Online is the name, all records, courses and processes will remain Welcome to “Your Security” a regular feature the same. Existing links to ‘HETI Online’ will still work offering basic guidance to all staff on how they can improve their security and individual safety — and be redirected automatically to the new ‘My Health it’s not just aimed at the workplace, but also at Learning’ site. home. Our first article covers Situational The LHD processes and procedures relating to Awareness. ‘HETI Online’ will remain the same and be updated to Situational awareness Part 1 reflect the name change in the coming weeks. Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend the critical elements of information about PSA Trevor calls time at BHHS what is happening in your immediate environment, more simply it is being aware of what is going on around you. It is Trevor Dawson (PSA) has retired after working over 30 years at the not just for personal security but a fundamental building Broken Hill Hospital. block in the collective security of any environment. His work colleagues held a morning tea to congratulate him on his More Mindset than Skill retirement and wished him all the best. It is important to note that — situational awareness, Trevor began working at the hospital in the stores as a casual and being aware of one's surroundings and identifying potential then took on the role of porter. When the new hospital was opened in threats and dangerous situations — is more of a mindset 1999, he became a PSA. than a hard skill, it can be exercised by anyone with the will He said working on the wards had been an enjoyable time. “It’s been and the discipline to do so. very good most of the time and there’s always been good people Situational awareness is not only important for around to support you,” he said. Trevor says he saw many former recognizing personal safety threats, but it also serves to workmates come through the ward doors he would not otherwise have identify criminal behaviour and other dangerous situations. caught up with. He also enjoyed being a TEU representative for 20 The primary element in establishing this mindset is first years and the last five years with the SDA during his time with the to recognize that threats exist. Ignorance or denial of a health service. He wished all his colleagues the best and said fishing threat makes a person's chances of quickly recognizing an and travelling would be top of his priorities from here on. emerging threat and avoiding it highly unlikely. Apathy, denial and complacency can result in incidents. A situationally aware mindset understands the need to take responsibility for one's own security. The resources of any government are finite and the authorities simply cannot be everywhere and cannot stop every potential threat or other criminal action. The same principle applies to private security at businesses or other institutions. Therefore, people need to assist by looking out for themselves and others. Another important facet of this mindset is learning to trust your "gut" or intuition. Many times a person's subconscious can notice subtle signs of danger that the conscious mind has difficulty quantifying or articulating. Please consider taking the time to complete the Security Module (Course Code: WHS908) on HETI under category of WHS. This advice does not constitute legal advice, for further guidance please consult with local authorities, Security Staff and specific Policies, Procedures Retiring Trevor Dawson (second from left) is farewelled by his colleagues & Guidelines if required.
PAGE 11 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Health Volunteer Appreciation Day The annual Health Volunteer Appreciation Day Morning Tea has become a lovely tradition with the Broken Hill Hospital. Staff at the hospital cook, bake and donate delicious items for a morning tea and executive staff serves the morning tea to the organisation’s volunteers. Of the various celebrations and events we hold for our volunteers, this is one of my favourites as it’s delightful to see the staff’s enjoyment in thanking the volunteers and serving them morning tea. In turn the volunteers appreciate the fact that the staff take the time to prepare the morning tea for them and the chatter and laughter during the morning brings a wonderful warm collaborative spirit to the hospital foyer. Frank Cornelius, our volunteer pianist, who was scheduled to entertain the volunteers and staff with a selection of popular and classic music, was unfortunately called away at the last moment. Frank will be back to play his usual afternoon music sessions on GM Ken Barnett with Mrs Pamela Lord (Broken Hill Women’s Tuesday. Auxiliary RFDS Hospital Visitor) and Kiosk Volunteer Thank you to our fabulous volunteers for all that you do and to Josephine Peter who cut the celebratory cake. our equally fabulous staff who made this event such a special treat for our volunteers. — Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager.
St Vincent de Paul Volunteer Hospital Visitors Margaret and Stephen Mahoney with Volunteer Manager Mary Leehane (left).
Kiosk Volunteers Charmaine Collins, Elaine Johns, Shirley Gaylene Preston, Priya Ponmudi, Josi Shoobridge, Dot Hanley, Margaret Rouse, Cheryl Meuret and Meredith Farquhar. Grillett, Gail Turner and GM Ken Barnett
PAGE 12 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 The Hill’s Helping Hand in Nutrition After feedback from the 2016 Get Healthy staff health program showed Broken Hill staff were keen to know more about the foods they were consuming and have a better availability of healthy foods, the beloved BH Hospital kiosk is stepping up to the podium and providing exactly that. Student Dietitians Ash Thomas and Shannon Khull have been working on a project they have named ‘The Hill’s helping hand in nutrition’ to classify Kiosk foods into a ‘Podium system’. Ash and Shannon have been working with the Kiosk volunteers observing how their food is prepared and made in order to classify food items offered. The initiative harmonises with the Hill’s mining background, with the metals of Gold, Silver and Bronze helping to identify the best nutritional choices from ones we should only be consuming rarely. The project was launched on 16 March in the hospital foyer and the response has been good so far. The criteria for categorising food items are based on the following: GOLD — Gold standard foods are the healthiest choice and contain; The most nutritional value; Are lower in saturated fats and sugars; Are higher in fibre. SILVER — Silver items contain some valuable nutrients; May contribute to excess energy (kilojoules) intake; Contain moderate amounts of saturated fats added sugar or salt. BRONZE — Should be consumed rarely and are Our Community Dietitian Heidi Drenkhahn (left) with Student Dietitians Shannon high in energy (kilojoules); Are lacking in nutrients; Are Khull and Ash Thomas at the launch of ‘The Hill’s helping hand in nutrition’ high in saturated fat and have added sugar and/or salt. Community engagement with Wilcannia MPS Wilcannia boys learning life skills at Eagle Art in Wilcannia recently made Shepard’s pie for the elderly residents of the township, including the residents at the MPS. Harry soon put his sandwiches aside, while Kath was also happy to see the young boys trying their best.
PAGE 13 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017
The Far West LHD 2017 Innovation and Staff Excellence Ceremony will be held on Friday 4th August
This ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the work undertaken across our District to improve our services and recognise the many staff who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their field. This year there are two options for entries:
‘Ninja’ projects for small quality improvement activities usually undertaken over a few weeks or a couple of months, with some evidence of evaluation. ‘Phoenix’ projects for large improvement projects normally undertaken over many months and can be up to 1-2 years, with strong evidence of evaluation. Examples of Phoenix projects include Redesign and CEC Leadership Projects
You can also nominate your colleagues for early career excellence, customer service excellence, team excellence and leadership excellence. Entry forms and more information can be found on the Far West Intranet – Innovation Awards page
Entries can be submitted from now until the closing date of 30 June 2017. For more information email [email protected]
PAGE 14 TheThe FarFar WestWest LocalLocal HealthHealth DistrictDistrict NewsletterNewsletter EditionEdition 3,3, VolVol 7,7, MARMAR 20172017 MHDA bid farewell to John Keenan The Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol (MHDA) Service said a fond farewell to our colleague, John Keenan (pictured), who retired in February after a long and successful career. John has seen many changes since the days when he was the sole community Mental Health Nurse in Broken Hill and has plenty of stories to tell about some of the colourful characters he’s worked alongside, and some of the situations he found himself in over the past 35 years. His calm manner, great skills, knowledge and positive attitude will be missed by everyone he came in contact with, particularly the many, many people who come to the desk in Primary Health asking to see him. Best wishes and good luck in the next phase of your life John, but don’t get too comfortable; somehow we don’t think you’ve seen the last of us!
Ivanhoe residents hear all about the free Get Healthy campaign The Registered Nurses at Ivanhoe Health Service were involved in educating the residents of Ivanhoe about the NSW Health ‘Get Healthy’ campaign. RN/Midwife Rona Garrie gave a brief presentation on the program explaining it is a free initiative allowing individuals to make positive lifestyle changes with a free confidential phone based service. The presentation emphasised lifestyle changes included healthy eating, being physically active, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption. Everyone there was given a Get Healthy pamphlet and many people were involved in discussions with nursing staff throughout the evening. Anyone interested in Get Healthy can call 1300 806 258 for information or go online at www.gethealthynsw.com.au to register for a free callback.
RN Rona Garrie (left) speaking about Get Healthy whilst nursing staff mixed with the Ivanhoe locals at the presentation.
Callers to the service have 24/7 access to an experienced New service offers helping hand team who can provide advice and referral to nurses and midwives on a wide range of health and wellbeing related issues. The for nurses and midwives service also offers support to nursing and midwifery students, Health support for nurses and midwives is only a phone call or educators, employers and concerned family members. The service click away, thanks to a new national service. is now available across Australia and is open to nurses, midwives, Launched on March 8 2017, Nurse & Midwife Support (NM students, employers, educators, concerned friends or relatives and Support) is the first national dedicated telephone and online the public. service that provides confidential advice and referral to nurses and midwives about their health and wellbeing. To access NM Support or for further information, call 1800 667 877 or visit www.nmsupport.org.au
PAGE 15 The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 3, Vol 7, MAR 2017 Sweet fundraiser for cancer services
Cancer services staff and volunteers partnered with the Y's Mens Club of Broken Hill to host a Pancake Day stall to raise funds for the Broken Hill and District Community Cancer Network. $252.50 was raised from the sale of delicious pancakes with decadent toppings. This money will support local patients with a cancer diagnosis who will receive a care pack on their arrival at Adelaide accommodation for cancer treatments or appointments. Melissa Cumming, Director of Cancer and Palliative Care Services thanked Marion Halliday (Volunteer), Barry Powell and Bill Fitzpatrick from the Y's Mens Club, and Garry Halliday (Psycho-Oncology Counsellor) who were pictured cooking and selling pancakes on the day! Policy Watch — PDs available on MOH internet The following documents have been published on the NSW Ministry of Health internet site http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ policies. These documents are official NSW Health policy. Compliance with Policy Directives is mandatory.
Title and Summary Doc No. Date Issued Improving Access to Primary Care in Rural and Remote Areas (s19(2) Exemptions) Initi- GL2017_005 16/03/2017 ative Accreditation of Pathology Laboratories in NSW Health PD2017_005 27/02/2017
This Policy Directive describes the accreditation of NSW Health Pathology Laboratories as required by the Commonwealth to meet uniform standards of practice, competently perform tests and examinations, and produce accurate and reliable results in order to attract Medicare benefits. Country of Birth and Preferred Language Classification Codeset Updates - Effective 1 IB2017_007 24/02/2017 July 2017
This Information Bulletin advises of updates to the NSW Country of Birth and Preferred Language codesets for the purposes of admitted patient, emergency department and other client registration data collections across NSW.
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Submissions can be sent to [email protected]. The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au