CoWs on the MOOve at Auburn - Ministry of Health

Pulsethe April 2016

wwwwslhdhealthnswgovau

Blacktown residents create a stir with a flash mob for better health P5

Blacktownrsquos new clinical services building welcomes first patients P2

Determined staffer sheds 85kgs to improve health and wellbeing P7

CoWs on the MOOve at Auburn

Auburn Hospitalrsquos medical ward nursing staff Manisha Bista Jade Pavlovic Tapiwa Machiri and Bo Fu are the first to plug in a computer on wheels (CoW) FULL STORY P5

The Pulse | April 2016 2

Blacktown Hospitalrsquos new clinical services building welcomed its first patients on Monday 11 April

Clinical services for womenrsquos health and cancer care commenced in the new purpose-built facilities

Quakers Hill mum-to-be Bethany Thomson was one of the first patients in the womenrsquos health clinic which will provide a range of antenatal and post-natal care

The new cancer centre features a new chemo cafeacute and treatment area designed with the help of patients and carers to provide a welcoming open and friendly atmosphere for patients with cancer and blood disorders

First patient John Olson said the cancer centre and new building was ldquoout of this worldrdquo

The state-of-the-art facility which will officially open in May will provide

Out-of-this-world building now open

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital general manager Sue-Anne Redmond and registered nurse Anna Bubb congratulate first patient Bethany Thomson by presenting her with a cute teddy for her upcoming baby

Cancer patient John Olson with registered nurse Vanessa Domaoal

News from across WSLHD

Spread the LHD newsThe Pulse is a great way to share your project celebration initiative or event

Our publication is distributed to more than 10000 staff in Western Sydney Local Health District and our many stakeholders

To submit your story for consideration phone 8890 4564 or email wslhd-corporatecommshealthnswgovau

Publication is at the discretion of the editor and chief executive Items may be edited for length style and quality

April edition Graphic design and editorial co-ordinator Jenny Harrison

comprehensive care centres for cancer new wards for cardiac respiratory and aged care and new womenrsquos health clinics


Established in November 2015 the role of the Strategic Improvement Program (SIP) is to drive tactical and strategic improvement across the district by providing a co-ordinated approach that is supported by rigorous governance

These improvements are both clinically (eg ambulatory care and surgical care) and corporate focused (eg procurement and codingmedical records)

The SIP is currently in its first year of a five year lifecycle This year we have focused on setting the foundation for successful transformation of the districtrsquos core services

The SIP will ultimately grow into a function that supports the delivery of WSLHD services

Our first steps involved the SIP team mapping all the district improvement programs and projects the development of a standardised set of project management tools and reporting templates which is now being used by all project leads and sponsors

Aboriginal elder Uncle Greg performs the official smoking ceremony

Chief executive Danny OrsquoConnor during a presentation at Cumberland Hospital

On April 11 an Aboriginal smoking ceremony led by Uncle Greg and accompanied by the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo (played with great expertise by Brenden Moore) heralded that the new clinical services building at Blacktown Hospital was open for business

Uncle Greg spoke of the history of the land on which Blacktown Hospital is built and the importance of people of all cultures coming together and treating each other with mutual respect

He explained that the smoking ceremony has the symbolism of cleansing the space and setting a new path for the future

It was a significant cultural beginning for Blacktown Hospital with guests invited to have the smoke wash over them Therdquo open for businessrdquo is the culmination of more than 10 years of dedicated work by many people It is exemplar of the benefits of team work between clinicians management consumers and community supported and encouraged by government

Then with this as a base architects and project managers and builders have made the dream and vision a reality

There are many ldquofirstsrdquo in this project not least the Arts and Cultural Program which has encompassed the Aboriginal

From the Chief Executive

From the Deputy Board Chair

Executive Update

Opening the new Blacktown Hospital

Driving district strategic improvement

community (amongst others) and the many and varied ethnic groups which are so much part of the Blacktown community the hospital staff who contributed the most astonishing photos the RSL and the botanical gardens

This program suffises not only the Hospital Street but also the new clinical services building

It is something everyone is very proud of and many thanks must go to Marily Cintra who led and guided the development over the last three years Thank you heaps Marily

So when you are next at Blacktown Hospital please take the time to look and enjoy the many cultural artifacts especially the eels mosaic seats Aboriginal meeting space and the photos At the same time enjoy the colours of the Hospital

Professor Peter Zelas Deputy Board Chair

The Westmead Executive Area now hosts a visual Program Management Office (PMO) which displays the key tasks and deliverables of the 23 projects within the SIP

On a monthly basis the project teams visit the PMO to demonstrate their progress to the SIP team

I am the chair of the Priority Performance Review which receives monthly reports that drive project accountability and

transparency

We are in the process of completing a 2016 review and refreshing our objectives aligned to the 2017 district strategy

We will be issuing more updates in the future and encourage you to support the SIP For further information contact Finance on 9845 9914

Danny OrsquoConnor Chief Executive



You Can Make a DifferenceThe new-look 2016 Quality Awards are coming soon and will feature an

exciting awards evening at ANZ Stadium to celebrate the innovative ideas

of our staff

A roving showcase will be hosted at all WSLHD facilities from July

25-29 where staff and the public will have the opportunity to view the

projects meet the teams and vote for the Community Choice Award

We want to see your ideas for quality and innovation in healthcare so

donrsquot miss your chance to submit a project Nominations open on May 15

2016 Nominations close on June 19 2016

Submission workshops will be held in May to assist staff with their entries

Registration is essential For registration information contact details or

general Quality Awards information please visit

the WSLHD QA intranet page at

httpwslhdintranetwsahsnswgovau2016-Quality-Awards

WSLHD Quality Awards2016

Workshop DetailsCumberland Hospital 2 May 2pm-330pm Training Room 2 Building 64 Wirrabilla

Auburn Hospital May 3 2pm-330pm Conference Room 4

Westmead Hospital May 4 2pm-330pm Tutorial Room 3 Education Block

Blacktown Hospital May 5 2pm-330pm Erella Macauley Room Level 3 Main Hospital


Seniors HOPP to it for flash mob Shoppers in Blacktownrsquos WestPoint centre got a surprise this morning as dozens of seniors showed off their moves in a flash mob aimed at encouraging older people to stay active

Participants converged outside the shopping centre and Blacktown Library to demonstrate several strength and balance exercises all choreographed to John Paul Youngrsquos hit Love is in the Air

The flash mob was designed to raise awareness of the importance of regular exercises for older people with participants showcasing movements like heel raises half squats knee lifts and walking sideways

The exercises are all part of the Healthy Older People Partnership (HOPP) project aimed at increasing the number of older residents completing strength and balance exercises

WSLHDrsquos Centre for Population Health deputy director Christine Newman said the HOPP project aimed to keep older people healthier

ldquoTherersquos strong evidence to indicate that improving strength and balance helps

Blacktown was taken over by a flash mob moving to the tunes of John Paul Youngrsquos Love is in the Air

Partnering with TAFE NSW to create healthy campuses

WSLHD acting chief executive Sue-Anne Redmond South Western Sydney Institute associate director Debra Jolley Nepean Blue Mountains LHD chief executive Kay Hyman TAFE Western director Kate Baxter South Western Sydney LHD health promotion director Mandy Williams and Western Sydney Institute associate director Susan Westbrook

WSLHDrsquos Population Health service in conjunction with Nepean Blue Mountains and South West Sydney local health districts has extended its innovative healthy living partnership with TAFE NSW for a further three years The partners focused on creating a healthy environment for students at TAFE NSWrsquos Western Sydney South Western Sydney and Western institutes introducing initiatives like smoke-free campuses free drinking water and healthy food and drink choices

WSLHDrsquos Centre for Population Health manager Christine Newman said TAFE believed the partnership was an important ingredient in achieving student outcomes

ldquoThe partnership provides an opportunity to reach large numbers of people living working and studying in greater western Sydneyrdquo she said

ldquoMany are from cultural backgrounds which have an increased risk of lifestyle diseases or are starting careers in industries with a high prevalence of lifestyle diseasesrdquo

older people stay healthier and living independentlyrdquo she said

ldquoAll the exercises are designed by falls prevention specialists and are ideal to ensure older people have good strength

and co-ordination to avoid falling in their homerdquo

For more information on HOPP contact HOPP co-ordinator Trish Nove on 9840 3603

TAFE NSW Mt Druitt College service and support manager Kylie Mosca agreed noting the institutes had been making changes to encourage students staff and visitors to improve their health

ldquoSupporting the health of our students and staff is important to us at Mount Druitt

Collegerdquo she said

ldquoWe are committed to encouraging healthy behaviours by providing opportunities for people to be activerdquo

For more information visit gethealthynswcomau



Myer Parramatta BCI Sunflower Clinic receptionist Barbara Dunne with Westmead BCI director Associ-ate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan


WSLHD tuberculosis co-ordinator Neil Heron with Parramatta Chest Clinic registered nurse Kate Smith and Infectious Diseases physician Dr Scott Chapman

Taking action to reduce high TB rates

Shopping can save your life Matching bra shopping with breast screening has proved popular with Myer Parramatta customers as the Westmead Breast Cancer Institutersquos (BCI) Sunflower Clinic located within the store last month celebrated becoming one of the busiest breast screening sites in NSW

The service has screened more than 65000 women since its launch in the intimate apparel department of Myer Parramatta in 2009 making it one of BreastScreen NSWrsquos most successful clinics statewide

The Westmead BCI Sunflower Clinic was a world-first concept created to offer women seven-day-a-week access to free breast screening mammograms in a comfortable environment ndash a department store

BCI director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan said the institute was thrilled that thousands of women had taken advantage of Myer Parramattarsquos Sunflower Clinic

ldquoIt is wonderful to know that so many women have made the time to undertake

a 20-minute breast screen which could potentially save their liferdquo she said

ldquoItrsquos vital for women to have regular mamaograms one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimerdquo Myer Parramattarsquos Sunflower Clinic is located

on level 2

It offers a range of appointments including Thursday evenings and weekendsWomen aged 50 ndash 74 are encouraged to call 13 20 50 for a free screening appointment

WSLHD has the highest incidence of TB in NSW with 373 cases recorded between 2012 and 2014The figures prompted WSLHDrsquos Parramatta Chest Clinic to draft a TB strategy to identify ldquohotspotsrdquo in the community and devise specific interventions to reduce the risk of infection TB is a serious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis It is spread through the air when a person with TB

coughs sneezes or speaks

Symptoms include a cough that lasts for more than three weeks fevers unexplained weight loss night sweats loss of appetite and blood-stained phlegm

WSLHD TB co-ordinator Neil Heron said World TB Day celebrated last month was an opportunity to dispel misconceptions about the disease particularly that diagnosis means

a death sentenceldquoMany people believe contracting TB is not curable and most people who are diagnosed with TB are not infectious - those that are infectious usually become non-infectious after two weeks of treatment and can resume normal activitiesrdquo he said

For more information contact the Parramatta Chest Clinic or the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or visit wwwhealthnswgovau



Welcome WSLHD mental health staff who launched their careers at hospitals and community health centres across the district The staff will rotate through the district working in mental health community health and drug and alcohol nursing roles

Mental and community health nurses

WSLHD staff Shalamah Tautaiolefuersquos remarkable transformation is shown in this before and after photo of his healthy and amazing transformation

Determination and discipline equals success

ldquoIrsquove been urged multiple times by staff members to submit my story in the hope of helping to motivate others who may be struggling or have yet to venture on the path of living a more healthier lifestyle

My name is Shalamah but most people know me as Lamah within the District

Irsquom 25 and Irsquom situated within the Specialist Medical and Dental Recruitment Unit on the grounds of Cumberland Hospital

Irsquove successfully lost 85kg by implementing incremental habits

The main habits include drinking water becoming more active and then finally working on my relationship with food

Prior to the June 30 2014 I weighed a staggering 197kg The biggest reason I decided to change my lifestyle (aside from all the health risks and implications my weight had on a day-to-day basis) was being able to

fit into a seat on an airplane fly off to New York City and see my favourite Japanese group in concert Crazy right But crazy worked and it became a huge incentive

I lost around 15kg to 20kg before I flew off to New York City could just fit into a seat on the plane and had an amazing time

In the first year I lost 69kg and have currently lost 85kg altogether If I can do it anyone canrdquo - Shalamah Tautaloefue



Elvis has left the building after hospital stay

Westmead Hospital patient Stanley Kingham serenades nursing staff from D4A with Elvis classics

Westmead Hospital staff were recently treated to the musical talents of Stanley Kingham - an 82-year-old sheep shearer amp crooning Elvis impersonator

Stanley from Parkes spent nearly a week at Westmead Hospital being treated for cancer in his spine

Despite his condition Stanley was in good spirits and kept the nursing staff highly entertained with regular Elvis serenades and sing-a-longs

Check out the video below for Stanleyrsquos touching rendition of You Donrsquot Have to Say You Love Me

httpswwwyoutubecomwatchv=79CjDJoFoGo

Auburn Hospital staff TSU nurse manager Vidya Chand acting emergency deparment clinical nurse educator Helen Zaouk Clinical Practice nurse consultant Gift Mutsonziwa OPD nurse unit manager Ernestine Ryan maternity services nurse manager Hazel Simeon Medical Ward A clinical nurse specialist Bo Fu Medical Ward C nurse manager Dianne Ford Medical Ward A clinical nurse educator Manisha Bista F and ITS Business Analyst Fahad Khan

Auburn Hospital goes paperless

Auburn Hospital went live with eMR2 earlier this month making it the second hospital in WSLHD to go lsquoPaper-Litersquo

This means much of the paper records are now in electronic format The biggest changes have occurred in how staff interact with patients and their families with mobile technology and computers on wheels Staff have already considered how this

new technology will improve patient care including better information at the bedside

A great deal of preparation by Auburn Hospital staff has enabled them to be ready for the Paper-Lite to go live

This included ensuring sufficient IT hardware such as computers on wheels (CoWs) and laptops were availble for staff to access patient

records anywhere anytime

Auburn Hospital Paper-Lite project lead Browyn Merritt said the levels of engagement of staff at Auburn were to be commended

ldquoThey have proactively worked to change business processes to improve how patient care is delivered and support the Paper-ite systemrdquo she said


Doonside Community Health CentreDoonside Community Health Centre is one of three centres located in the Blacktown Local Government Area that form Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospitalrsquos Community Health

Community Health services across the Blacktown LGA provide a range of child amp family health and complex aged amp chronic care services

In 2014 Doonside CHC secured $15 million from the Ministry of Health through the HealthOne Program for an expansion of the centre

The capital works project included the refurbishment of eight clinicalconsultation rooms large paediatric therapies space and group room

The centre re-opened in June 2015 and has since doubled its capacity and demand

Doonside CHC mainly focuses on child amp family health and is the base for HealthOne

HealthOne provides care and assistance to at-risk and vulnerable families who require additional support through the GP Liaison Nurse

In the Spotlight will celebrate community services improving our health in every Pulse

Nurse loves helping mums with the hardest job in the world

WSLHD disaster manager Caren Friend

Doonside Community Health Centre is located at 30 Birdwood Ave Doonside

In the Spotlight

Meet Doonside Community Health Centrersquos child and family health nurse Louise Richards

Louise has been working at Doonside CHC for two years and has worked across the LHD in a similar role since 2000

Louise and her colleagues provide advice and guidance for western Sydney mums with babies and toddlers ranging from 0 to five years

ldquoMany of the issues mums face with their babies include unsettled behavior and the need to establish better sleeping patternsrdquo Louise said

ldquoBreast and bottle feeding problems maintaining adequate weight gain and teething issues are also a concern for many mothersrdquo

ldquoI love my job because I am making a difference by helping mums feel better in themselves regain some confidence and

help prepare them for the hardest job in the world - being a mumrdquo

ldquoIrsquom a good listener and often help mothers who have postnatal depression

ldquoI build a rapport with the families and they come back regularly to discuss their concerns and their babyrsquos development

ldquoThe majority of our clients are newly settled families who are not aware of the services available to them they are refugees or from low-socio economic families and need our assistancerdquo

Having a background in also nursing premature babies Louise has a heavy heart when premmie babies visit the clinic and feels fulfilled when she uses her skills to nurture these special infants

The Doonside CHC drop-in early child health clinic operates every Friday from 9am to 2pm with appointments available on other days

For further information enquiries or to make an appointment contact Doonside CHC on 8670 3300

Doonside CHC provides a range of services including

bull Child and Family Health Nursing including home visits for new parents and early childhood health clinics

bull Counselling and support services for children families and adults

bull Speech pathology for childrenbull Occupational therapy for children

bull Birdwood Occasional Childcare Centrebull Antenatal clinicsbull Drug amp Alcohol Cousellingbull Needle amp Syringe Program

We are are keen to bring services closer to our comunities and would be delighted to have discussions with any interested service providers For further information or appointments contact us on 8670 3300

Doonside CHC nurse Louise Richards



Profrsquos services to Spain recognisedProfessor Pablo Fernandez-Penas Department Head of Dermatology at Westmead was recently awarded the Order of Civil Merit (Officerrsquos Cross) by the Government of Spain

Professor Fernandez-Penas received his award from His Excellency Mr Manual Cacho Spanish Ambassador to Australia at an official ceremony in Canberra

The Order of Civil Merit (Spanish Orden del Meacuterito Civil) was established by King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1926

The order recognises the civic virtue of officers in the service of the nation as well as extraordinary service by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain

ldquoI am humbled to receive this award which I can only assume is for my services to Spain and for being an example of what Spain has to offerrdquo Prof Fernandez-Penas said

ldquoThis includes my appointments as Professor of Dermatology at The University of Sydney Department Head of Dermatology at Westmead Hospital Head of Research at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia Chair of the NSW Faculty of the Australasian College of

Dermatologists and member of a number of scientific committees in the Australiasian College of Dermatologists

ldquoIrsquove organised an International Training program for Spanish medical students and registrars which has been running since 2011 This is a very successful program and we have rotations booked to March 2018

ldquoBeing recognised with this award gives me motivation to continue my role as a teacher researcher and clinician at Westmead and to enhance the relationship between both countries

ldquoI hope this award will help other scientist and clinicians with their activities

ldquoWe have rewards during our daily jobs but also lots of frustrations Awards like this helps to sweeten those and they can appear when you donrsquot expect themrdquo

Westmead Hospital dermatology Head Professor Pablo Fernandez-Penas was awarded the Order of Civil Merit by the Spanish Ambassador His Excellency Manual Cacho in Canberra

News from the WSLHD Board Research Development Committee

NSW Health received a flood of applications for the new Translational Research Grants Scheme - 338 in total of which 41 were from WSLHD

Five were asked to provide a full application and a further 16 were asked to resubmit in the next round

Dr Kerry Chant noted the high level of enthusiasm and wide range of novel ideas The proposals asked to proceed to the full application stage focused on critical issues had rigour in the research design and methods and also provided evidence of good collaborations with research teams

Congratulations to

bull Dr Clara Chow SupportMe Text messaging support for patients with chronic diseasebull AProfessor Vitali Sintchenko and Prof Jonathan Iredell Translating pathogen genomics

into improved public health outcomes Prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of genome sequencing-guided investigation of outbreaks

bull Elizabeth Parker Investigating two different refeeding formulations to improve safety and efficiency of hospital management of young adults admitted with anorexia nervosa

bull Dr Nicole Gilroy Prevention of hospital acquired infections (HAI) and Infectious Diseases of High Consequence (IDHC) The use of video reflexive ethnography (VREth) to educate train and promote healthcare workers (HCW) compliance with transmission-based precautions

bull Professor Alison Jones SMS SOS Effectiveness of SMS text messages in improving survival and rehabilitation rates of deliberate self harm patients and reducing re-presentation of DSH patients to hospital

Internet httpwwwwslhdhealthnswgovauResearch---Education

Intranet httpwslhdintranetwsahsnswgovauResearch-and-Education-NetworkREN-home

WSLHD Chair of the Research Development Committee Professor Jeremy Chapman

- Professor Jeremy Chapman WSLHD Chair of the Research Development Committee


Meet the teamCorporate Communications

Corporate Communications Print manager Cheryl Leclere

Hi Ilsquove worked for Western Sydney Health for 29 years in the printing industry starting out as a printer Shortly after I was promoted to assistant print manager then became the manager of Hosprint

In this time I have been through many changes from managing a printing department with 10 staff who worked four printing machines a finishing section a warehouse of stock forms and graphic design to a department of one

My role changed significantly when I became the Print Management Service for the district responsible for the ordering design and management of hospital forms

My department has doubled in size and productively with the appointment of my right-hand lady and assistant Sandra Cuneo who is an asset to me and the organisation


Old beds find new homeWestmead Hospitalrsquos old beds are being put to good use ndash in the Philippines

Orderly Services manager David Horne recently arranged for 105 used working beds to be donated to the Burwood Rotary Club who then sent them over to a town on Mindanao a large island in the south of the Phillipines

The beds then get sent to several other towns across the island to be used at hospitals and birthing centres

The beds filled two 40-foot containers and required several strong pairs of hands to load

David said the Rotary club were extremely grateful for the donation

ldquoItrsquos great to see ageing infrastructure being used again by someone who really needs itrdquo

Sweet TweetsWith Sia Anthopoulos

Itrsquos been a great couple of weeks on social media for WSLHD

Read on to see what our lovely followers have been tweeting about us

Liverpool Hospital livhosp

WestSydHealth Good to see our colleagues at WestmeadHospital in action on ABCTV KeepingAustraliaAlive

BMDH Project BMDHProject

Project staffer Sonia was starry-eyed when she saw her design in the mosaic seat at Blacktown Hospital Opens Monday

Pink Lady loves helping others at Blacktown

Blacktown Hospitalrsquos Pink Lady volunteer Carola Caruana loves helping people

he said ldquoItrsquos nice to know our old beds are helping someone in another countryrdquo

David was recently presented with an award from the Burwood Rotary Club for his efforts

Meet Blacktown Hospitalrsquos Pink Lady volunteer Carola Caruana

Carola has been volunteering at Blacktown Hospital for more than two years and loves interacting with patients and visitors

ldquoI really enjoy helping patients staff and working with other volunteersrdquo Carola said

ldquoWe have a great bunch of volunteers at the hospital that support each other and I look forward to coming to work every week

ldquoDancing is my passion and I find working at the hospital helps me maintain my fitness levels as I work across 10 wards

ldquoIrsquom responsible for transporting patient records within the departments and enjoy taking the snack trolley around to the wards to tempt those patients who are feeling better

Many of the Pink Lady volunteers have supported Blacktown Hospital for more than 30 years The Pink Ladies volunteer more than 400 hours of volunteer services each month

For further information about the volunteer service or to apply to be a volunteer call 8670 5159 or email JaniceLowhealthnswgovau

Alex Paton awpaton

Blacktown Hospitalrsquos new cancer treatment clinic a blessing for patients to stay local httpgooglxjHtk4

Burwood Rotary Club members and Westmead Hospital staff with the delivery truck



Patients at our Riverview unit blew bubbles for World Bipolar Day

Strengthening western partners The Western Sydney Health Partnership is a collaboration between WSLHD WentWest and Sydney Childrenrsquos Hospital

Led by the Chief Executives of these organisations since 2012 the partnership aims to improve the health of western Sydney residents

In recognition of the unique health challenges for the community that can only be overcome with an integrated healthcare system the partnership has focused on the most significant health challenges for our local community

The six priority areas of the partnership are bull Aboriginal Health bull Aged Carebull Chronic amp Complex Diseasebull Child and Family Healthbull Mental Healthbull Population Health Community engagement forms the foundation of partnership as it seeks to address these priority areas to improve the experience of care reduce waste and improve the health outcomes for the communities of western Sydney

The Partnership Advisory Council oversees the work undertaken by the partnership relating

WSLHD chief executive Danny OrsquoConnor Childrenrsquos Hospital at Westmead acting chief executive Dr Michael Brydon and WentWest chief executive officer Walter Kmet

A big blow of bubbles for bipolar Patients at WSLHDrsquos Riverview mental health unit marked World Bipolar Day on March 30 by blowing bubbles

Bipolar Australia encouraged the community to spread the word that recovery from bipolar is possible by taking time out to blow some bubbles

Bipolar disorder is a serious life-long condition that affects more than 450000 Australians along with their family and friends

World Bipolar Day is celebrated every March 30 - the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh who was widely believed to have suffered from bipolar disorderThe event is co-ordinated annually by the International Bipolar Foundation on behalf of participating organisations across the globe

For more information visit wwwbipolaraustraliaorgau

to the six priority areas and meets every three months

Other representatives attend including people from our boards planning teams integrated care programs and managers

Together the partnership collaborates on shared problems identify opportunities to help make the healthcare system work

better for our community and build better relationships between our clinical services The council will next meet in May 2016 For more information contact WSLHD Strategic Partnerships manager Naomi Van Steel by email NaomiVanSteelhealthnswgovau

Your say is importantEveryone is encouraged to participate in the Public Service Commissionrsquos People Matter Your Say survey which will examine workplace culture across our organisation

Itrsquos important for all staff to take the time

to complete the survey as we need feedback to help us design positive change

The survey runs from May 2 until May 31 - further details will follow



Nurses share ideas with sister Indian hospital

Childcare children two year-old Emma Marshall with three year-old Charlie Zhang love drawing

Westmead Hospital nurses Cheryl Dickson Angela Berry and Daniel Williams have shared their experiences in healthcare with a hospital in India using annual trips overseas to establish a teaching program

The trio first visited Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Prasanthi Gram India in January 2014 as part of a teaching trip

They joined a team of cardiologists anaesthetists intensive care specialists and cardiac surgeons to visit the charitable hospital observing staff and sharing ideas

Since their first visit the group have travelled to India every year continuing to work with staff on vital hospital matters

ldquoWe have been working with them on policies and procedures work flows and accreditationrdquo Cheryl said

ldquoWe also meet with the hospitalrsquos administration team and provide them with a formal report after each visitrdquo

The trio have also established a regular teaching program with the hospitalrsquos CTICU team via Skype

ldquoWe share information with doctors and

Westmead Hospital nurses Cheryl Dickson Daniel Williams and Angela Berry had an eye-opening experince in India

nurses during clinical rounds teaching demonstrations case discussions and formal lecturesrdquo she said

ldquoEach time we return to India we can see evidence of progress with nurses and doctors who are keen to show us what they know or how they deliver care based on what they have learntrdquo

ldquoThe hospital is located in a desert region and patients will travel huge distances to access free treatmentrdquo she said

ldquoOne family sold their only livestock to get their mother on a train for treatment she travelled for more than 24 hours by train and arrived on the back of a wooden wagon drawn by a buffalo barely conscious and needing urgent intubationrdquo

Children bring life to construction shade clothDozens of youngsters from Westmeadrsquos two childcare centres have turned a plain shade cloth into a work of art contributing adorable drawings to the outdoor cover

Children from Westmead Hospitalrsquos Westmeadow Child Care Centre and the Childrenrsquos Hospital at Westmeadrsquos Child Care Centre got arty for the project which is part of the Westmead redevelopmentrsquos community art initiative

The projectrsquos early and enabling works contractor AW Edwards along with Health Infrastructure provided a colouring template for the children

The drawings were transposed onto the shade cloth which was erected over the construction fencing near the centres

Westmead redevelopment project officer Kirstin Shepherd said the drawings were a unique way to brighten up the construction work

ldquoThis is a great way to provide a better outlook for the children and staff from the two childcare centres while that work goes on and to give them an opportunity to be involved in the project rather than just

watching it go on around themrdquo she said

ldquoWe really want the community to be engaged in the redevelopment of the precinct and our art initiative is a perfect example of thisrdquo

Westmeadow Child Care Centre acting program manager Allison Simpson said the children were thrilled to see their drawings on such a large scale

ldquoThey had such a great time working on the drawings and they were really excited to see

them up on the shade cloth they loved itrdquo she said

Suzanne Smith Director of The Childrenrsquos Hospital at Westmeadrsquos Child Care Centre agreed

ldquoOur children really enjoyed being a part of this project and as construction work continues around the perimeter of the centre it is great that the children can see their own creations on such a big scalerdquo she said


Remembering loved onesMount Druitt Hospitalrsquos Supportive amp Palliative Unit recently held a memorial service for families and friends to remember those who have passed away in recent months There was a candle lighting ceremony songs of remembrance and doves were released into the sky The service which is held every four months was attended by around 100 people

Bereavement counsellor Kristin Brindley said the event provided families and friends with the opportunity for remembrance that is therapeutic and non-denominational

ldquoItrsquos about creating an opportunity for people to express their feelings and receive support and recognition of relationships that have been established between families and our staffrdquo she said

For more information about these services contact Mount Druitt Hospital on 9881 1555

New educators set to teach community men about FGM

Congratulations to the new Bilingual Community Educators who will educate men about FGM

The NSW Education Program delivered training to 10 men from six different communities to become Bilingual Community Workers (BCW) with the NSW Education Program on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

The communities included Ethiopian Egyptian Indonesian Sierra Leonean Sri Lankan and Sudanese

The menrsquos health program ldquoMenrsquos Health and Traditionsrdquo provides general health information to men from specific communities

It raises awareness about health services healthy eating male hormones the reproductive system harmful practices that


Creating a safe workplace through trainingWSLHDrsquos Education and Training service encourages all staff to participate in a new program ldquoCreating Safe Workplacerdquo that focuses on the identification of risk behaviours de-escalation techniques and how to manage physical aggressive behaviours in the workplace

The program was developed over 12 months by the Education and Training team in collaboration with the Risk Management unit and Workforce Services to address the increase in aggression and abuse reported across the LHD

Training has commenced with all emergency departments and security services Westmead Hospital emergency department director Dr Matthew Vukasovic has completed the program and supports staff

taking part in this training

ldquoMany of our staff too often deal with patients who are alcohol or drug affectedrdquo he said ldquoThis training provides staff with the knowledge skills and strategies to identify signs or symptoms and potentially eliminate or defuse dangerous or harmful situationsrdquo WSLHD Training and Education Services manager Ellie McCann said more than 400 nursing and clinical staff have completed the training this year and all staff are encouraged to attend ldquoWe want everyone to feel safe in their workplace and to be equipped to handle difficult situations and conversationsrdquo she said

For course enrolment visit hetionlinecithealthnswgovau or contact the Education and Training Services on 9840 3373

Mount Druitt Hospitalrsquos Supportive and Palliative Care Unitrsquos candle lighting cermony

effect health preventative measures for good health care the importance of exercise and mental health issues

The program also covers issues around child protection and laws in Australia that are very important for men to know

The BCWs are now skilled and ready to facilitate the program to men from their cultural backgrounds and are eager to invite them to attend the program which will be delivered in the participantsrsquo own languages

For more information or to engage one of the BCWs to facilitate the program please contact the FGM program on 9840 3768

District staff taking part in agression minimisation training


Decades of compassion and care

Mount Druitt Hospital volunteer Jan Martin has dedicated more than 21 years to the hospital

ldquoI became a volunteer after I was a patient at the hospital and thought the staff were marvellousrdquo she said

ldquoOnce I was back on my feet I applied for a volunteer position

ldquo21 years later Irsquom still here and will be here until itrsquos physically impossible for me to moverdquo

For more information about becoming a volunteer at Mount Druitt Hospital contact Yvonne Dickeson on 8759 3127

Are you one of the 2000


Grandmother-of-nine and great grandmother-of-six loves giving back to the community and looking after children

Jan Martin 75 volunteered at Mount Druitt Hospital as a volunteer for 21 years working in the childrenrsquos ward and across all wards as a flower lady

Even with continuing osteoporosis issues in her spine Jan is dedicated and returns twice a week to the hospital to help staff and patients

Top-of-the-line ambulances for patients

WSLHD nurses and transport staff (l-r) Jo Clarke Richard Noble Eberardo Banaag Andrew Hedges Drew Miller Fauster Mupedzi and Maree Mitchell

Western Sydney patients will now be transferred in style as five new Mercedes Benz Sprinters joined the hospitalrsquos ambulance fleet

The transport vehicles valued at more than $250000 each are state-of-the-art vehicles equipped with advanced patient-friendly technical equipment including hydraulic lifts and electric stretchers

WSLHD nurses and transport staff really enjoy coming to work to cruise around in these luxury ambulances

BreastScreen NSW is urging women who have not had their regular mammograms to get screened at BreastScreen NSW

There are 2000 women in NSW aged 50-74 who may have breast cancer and not know it

This is because more than 400000 women between the ages of 50 and 74 have not had their recommended mammogram in the past two years

To make an appointment call 13 20 50 or visit httpswwwbreastscreennswgovau



$2 A TICKET or 3 FOR $5

All funds raised go towards healthcare amp research at Westmead An initiative of Westmead Medical Research Foundation (ABN 89 050 329 925 CFN 16180)

The raf e will be drawn at the WMRF of ce on Tuesday 3rd May 2016 at noon

The winner will be noti ed via telephone

Buy tickets here or visit our kiosk near the food court

Elizabeth Arden Ultimate Pamper Hampervalued at $715 generously donated by Elizabeth Arden

Ipad Mini 2 wi 32GB Silver valued at $429

High Tea for Two at Hydro Majestic amp 12 issue Subscription to Australian Womens Weekly valued at $230 generously donated by Escarpment Group amp Bauer Media Group

Roses amp Modibodi Vouchers valued at $100 each generously donated by Nati Roses amp Modibodi

Pamper Style Hamper valued at $100generously donated by Pamper Hamper

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th Maggie Beer Hamper valued at $70generously donated by Maggie Beer

Motherrsquos Day


Thanks a bunchGrateful for the care receivedJust to say thank you to all people at Westmead Hospital who cared for me after a vehicle accident at Rylstone

It was a different experience for me To arrive at your hospital in the state I was in with no clothing no wallet no money no glasses or toiletries Itrsquos an experience I will never forget

It was my first time in an ambulance and my second time in my life in a hospital The staff at Westmead made my stay as comfortable as possible and I am - and will always be grateful and thank you

Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date

College of Surgeons presents Controversies in civil and military trauma ldquoA blast from the pastrdquo conference Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Saturday May 7 from 730am - 4pm

Download the program wwwsurgeonsorgmember-servicescollege-resourcesconferences

For more information call +61 3 9249 1260 or TRAUMALINKsurgeonsorg

Join us and meet the WSLHD board membersSchedule your diaries for the following dates and locations

Tuesday July 12 330 - 430pm Westmead Hospital E2 Westmead Executive Office

Tuesday September 13 330 - 430pm Blacktown Hospital

Tuesday November 8 330 - 430pm Mount Druitt Hospital Staff Cafeteria

NSW Organ and Tissue Donation ServiceAustralian Transplant GamesSaturday September 24 2016 to Saturday October 1 - Western Sydney

As part of the opening celebrations of the

games on Sunday September 25 staff are

invited to participate in the Dragon Boat

Hospital Challenge or the DonateLife Fun

Run to be held at the Penrith Regatta

Centre

For further information contact

1800 827 757 or visit www

australiantransplantgamescom

2016 Annual Public MeetingWe invite you to save the date for our 2016

Annual Public Meeting

Tuesday October 25

1115am

Bowman Hall Campbell Street Blacktown

All welcome

Further details to follow

For further information email WSLHD-

Corporatecommshealthnswgovau or

phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events

Do you know how to report a incidentHave you ever seen something you think is dangerous at work Have you been exposed to something dangerous and wish you had been warned earlier Anyone can report incidents (or near misses) online via the WSLHD intranet using the Incident Information Management System (IIMS

By notifying hazards and incidents you will

bull prevent major incidents or injuries

bull allow the Work Health and Safety Unit to identify hazards and incident trends and work with departments to implement strategies to minimise injuries to staff patients and visitors

What can you do to help to make your department safer

Report all incidents and near misses for example a box almost falling on you tripping over but not hurting yourself or when a patient or visitor is known to be aggressive Report these incidents as early as possible using the staff visitor contractor form on IIMS

You can submit an IIMS form by clicking on the Applications button on the WSLHD home page and selecting the IIMS Application For more information on how to notify an incident at WSLHD visit httpwslhdintranetwsahsnswgovauRisk-ManagementWork-Health---Safety

Spotlight on Dementia Western Sydney Local Health District in partnership with Alzheimerrsquos Australia NSW Community Care (Northern Beaches) Limited and Anglicare are inviting service providers and carers to attend a forum focusing on dementia

The forum will feature information sessions from health professionals and carers of people with dementia with a special appearance by comedian Anthony Ackroyd

WSLHD dementia specialist Sue Tolhurst said dementia rates in western Sydney were on the rise

ldquoOver the next 20 years we will have the highest increased ratio of people living with dementia in the staterdquo she said

ldquoApproximately nine per cent of Australians aged 65 and over have a diagnosis of dementia in people aged 85 years and older this figure rises to 30 per cent As Australiarsquos population ages the number of people with dementia is expected to increaserdquo she said

ldquoMost people are not aware that dementia can affect a personrsquos overall function and it does not discriminate by only affecting older people ndash it can affect younger people too

ldquoWe will be discussing a number of issues including apathy hoarding and elder abuse We will also be looking at the effect dementia has on carers including younger carers and male carers

ldquoThis is your opportunity to update your understanding of dementia and some of the more challenging issues that might developrdquo Sue said

bull To register visit httpswwweventbritecomau and search for lsquoSpotlight on Dementiarsquo

bull For more information about the forum contact Anne Tunks on 9767 5953 or email annetunkssswahsnswgovau

bull For information about dementia phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500


Blacktown Hospitalrsquos new clinical services building welcomed its first patients on Monday 11 April

Clinical services for womenrsquos health and cancer care commenced in the new purpose-built facilities

Quakers Hill mum-to-be Bethany Thomson was one of the first patients in the womenrsquos health clinic which will provide a range of antenatal and post-natal care

The new cancer centre features a new chemo cafeacute and treatment area designed with the help of patients and carers to provide a welcoming open and friendly atmosphere for patients with cancer and blood disorders

First patient John Olson said the cancer centre and new building was ldquoout of this worldrdquo

The state-of-the-art facility which will officially open in May will provide

Out-of-this-world building now open

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital general manager Sue-Anne Redmond and registered nurse Anna Bubb congratulate first patient Bethany Thomson by presenting her with a cute teddy for her upcoming baby

Cancer patient John Olson with registered nurse Vanessa Domaoal


Spread the LHD newsThe Pulse is a great way to share your project celebration initiative or event

Our publication is distributed to more than 10000 staff in Western Sydney Local Health District and our many stakeholders

To submit your story for consideration phone 8890 4564 or email wslhd-corporatecommshealthnswgovau

Publication is at the discretion of the editor and chief executive Items may be edited for length style and quality

April edition Graphic design and editorial co-ordinator Jenny Harrison

comprehensive care centres for cancer new wards for cardiac respiratory and aged care and new womenrsquos health clinics

















Executive Update











transparency








of our staff





















































on level 2






















































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events



































Executive Update











transparency








of our staff





















































on level 2






















































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events























of our staff





















































on level 2






















































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events























































on level 2






















































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events































on level 2






















































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events

































































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events


















































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events































In the Spotlight







































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events





































Congratulations to











































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events




















































Alex Paton awpaton
















































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events
































































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events










































































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events












































































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events




















































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events































1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th


Motherrsquos Day





Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events























Thank you always

Name withheld

Save the date















Centre






Tuesday October 25

1115am


All welcome




phone 8890 4564

Feedback amp Events



















Documents

CoWs on the MOOve at Auburn - Ministry of Health