Message from the Chief Executivefwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/UserFiles/files/NewsLetters...LHD to fully, consistently and reliably implement the program over the coming year. On another

The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 8, Vol 6, AUG 2016

Message from the Chief Executive Over the past month or so a number of people have raised the launch of Yamirri Nharatji with me, and more

broadly the overall approach we have been taking to changing the way we approach our roles and delivering services. I thought it may be useful to use this space to explain both.

When we first began implementing what was referred to as Studer, I mistakenly saw it as something we could bolt on to what we were doing. Overtime it has become clear that if we are to see the full benefits of the approach it will require a commitment over another three to five years, and for the approach to be integrated with and owned by everyone in the LHD.

The LHD is committed to supporting and promoting the contribution that Aboriginal people and culture can make to the LHD and communities more broadly. Aboriginal staff within the LHD considered the overarching emphasis of the LHD’s application of Studer and identified Yamirri Nharatji, which means “This way, this direction together”. While the term is Barkindji and this is not the sole language group represented across the LHD, the approach to promoting Aboriginal heritage in naming and promoting programs across the LHD will ensure broader representation in the future.

Some people have asked why we are pursuing the program. When the LHD was established, there a range of issues were evident:

the workplace culture within the LHD was

poor;

there was limited confidence that poor

performance or bullying would be appropriately addressed if it was raised;

there was limited responsiveness to

addressing issues that affected the capacity of staff to provide high quality care;

the frequency of serious adverse clinical

incidents was comparatively high;

patient surveys consistently showed our

patients did not feel heard and were not engaged by us in decisions about their care; and

a significant proportion of patients were leaving either without care or against medical advice.

The focus on Yamirri Nharatji was intended to address many of these issues, and considerable progress has been made, particularly around workplace culture and most people within the LHD are committed to us becoming identified as a great organisation to work for, and a place to receive exemplary care.

If we are to perform to our capacity, everyone needs opportunities to identify thing that are working, recognise colleagues who do a great job, raise and discuss opportunities to improve aspects of what we do, and have the tools and resources to do their jobs well. Rounding is designed to ensure we are regularly focussed on each of these areas, the traffic light boards are designed to ensure we are addressing and that everyone can see if issues are not being addressed and hopefully everyone is experiencing increased recognition when they or their colleagues do a great job.

Everyone relies on their colleagues to do their job well so that we can be confident when we are doing our own job. A key component of the approach is ensuring we are accountable for doing our job to the best of our ability, that we contribute positively to the LHD as a whole, and that we treat our colleagues and patients with respect and compassion. Monthly accountability meetings are part of this, as are establishing and holding each other to account for behaving appropriately.

The AIDET and patient rounding components of the program are intended to ensure that every patient knows who is treating them, what is being done, why and what will happen following contact with a staff member. Patient rounding has been shown to reduce adverse events and increase patients’ involvement in their care. The hope is

His Excellency the Governor Mr David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley visited White Cliffs and Wilcannia this month to learn

about our remote facilities and the eHealth innovations helping us provide care to these communities. They are pictured here with

members of the White Cliffs Health Council , Bert Gale, Bill Hoskins, Randel Greene and Dick Wagner.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NSW Governor visits the LHD


PAGE 2

The Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit (SARU) was the award winning entry in the Partnering with Consumers competition for National Standard 2.

Despite hot competition from the OBU team who came a close second, the SARU team topped the table in June and demonstrated a great commitment to partnering with consumers and families. SARU staff had the highest overall rates of completion of the HETI Patient Centred Care module, AIDET, Sunflower Tools and Patient Stories.

Remember, working in close partnership with consumers and families has many positive benefits such as: Improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality, Less adverse events, eg infection, Better illness prevention, Improved adherence to treatment, Fewer readmissions, Reduced Length of Stay and Better experience for staff, patient and family.

When it comes to partnering with consumers and families, little things like these can increase their confidence in the health care they’re receiving and positively affect outcomes: Welcoming people to our service, Introducing ourselves to the person, Helping the person get orientated to their surroundings, Thanking people for their assistance/co-operation, Explaining to the patient about procedures, strategies, treatment regimes etc., Repeating information, writing it down legibly and succinctly, Providing patients with realistic time frames about how long things will take, waiting times, unexpected delays etc., Reassuring patients, Refraining from talking over the top of a patient to your mate and Refraining from criticising a colleague or your manager or the health system in front of patients/families.

Chief Executive Stuart Riley presented the National Standard 2 winners SARU — represented by Gerald-

ine McGettigan (left) and Janet Daley — with their certificate and gift card.

Congratulations to DDPC volunteer Lesley The Broken Hill City Council Volunteer of the Year Award was held on 3 August at the Central Football

Club. Many community volunteers were there to enjoy an evening of acknowledgement and recognition of the wonderful work they do for our community.

Among those present were representatives of Far West LHD volunteers who were finalists in the Awards. Far West LHD volunteers attending included the Kiosk Executive and Day Supervisors representing the Kiosk Auxiliary Team; Gail Turner and Betty den Haan the volunteer Tai Chi Team and Carrie Oakley in the individual award category.

Lesley Sumsion (pictured) was nominated in the individual category for her work in the Dementia/Delirium and Palliative Care Team. As Lesley was unavailable to attend the awards, I had the honour of representing her and when her name was announced as the winner in the Health & Social Services category it was a pleasure to accept the award on her behalf.

Our volunteers were pleased to be finalists and they were very gracious and congratulated the winners from other organisations. Far West LHD is extremely proud of all our finalists and extends our congratulations to Lesley for winning the award in the Health and Social Services category.

Message from the CE

that these initiatives will ensure that every patient, on every occasion they have contact with us will feel respected and involved in their care.

We are in the process of recruiting to a full-time position to work with all staff to progress Yamirri Nharatji. Hopefully, everyone can agree that the issues we are trying to address are important and work with LHD to fully, consistently and reliably implement the program over the coming year.

On another note, it is with considerable sadness that I have received Dr Kath Atkinson’s resignation. Kath has been lured by the stimulation and opportunities that her role as NSW Director of Rural Generalist has provided, and will be increasing her commitment to this role. She has also decided to take on a senior role with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Fortunately she will be remaining in Broken Hill and we will be able to continue working closely to improve interaction and integration between the LHD and RFDS.

Kath will change roles at the end of September, and arrangements for a send-off will be finalised soon. Kath has made an enormous contribution to the LHD in the two years she has been with us.

— Stuart Riley, Chief Executive

From the front page

Dr Kath Atkinson

SARU on a winning formula


PAGE 3

The Broken Hill Health Council conducted a successful Share the Dignity Drive this month with a Gala Day held in conjunction with the AFL Broken Hill. Share the Dignity aims to provide women who are in less fortunate circumstances hygiene products to allow them a sense of dignity at a time when they need it the most.

This was a major project by the BH Health Council and teams from all four football clubs supported the Gala Day, as well as local businesses. Sanitary products, money and goods and services to raffle was donated on the day. Donations stay local and will benefit the local charities that service Broken Hill, Menindee, Tibooburra, Wilcannia and surrounding area.

Share the Dignity Drive AFL BH teams and local businesses got right behind the Share the Dignity Drive (from left) Frankee Baldwin, Erica Wilkins, Priscilla Mahoney,

Britt Tangey, Stacey Toohey, BH Health Council Chairperson Karen Gosling, Pharmacist Alex Page, Shannon Oates and Kacee Milnes. (Photo supplied).

The LHD is extended its best wishes to three of our nurses who have been selected as finalists in the 2016 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

The Awards recognise and publicly acknowledge nurses and midwives for their excellence in practice and for the significant contribution they make to their professions, their teams and the community.

The Far West LHD finalists and their award category is:

Carrie Barlow – Dareton Primary Health – Excellence in

Nursing and Midwifery – Registered Nurse.

Glenys Dayman – Broken Hill Health Service –

Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery – Enrolled Nurse.

Alexis Lenton – Broken Hill Health Service – Excellence

in Nursing and Midwifery – Assistant in Nursing. The Awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 7

September in Sydney. Congratulations to each of the finalists and we wish them

the very best in the Awards.

Staff at Ivanhoe Health Service have been praised for their response to an ambulance rollover on the Cobar Road on 24 August.

The ambulance was travelling from Cobar to Ivanhoe, with two ambulance officers, who were to deliver training at Ivanhoe for local ambulance volunteers. This was training for locals to drive and operate the ambulance that is stationed at Ivanhoe. The rollover occurred about 30kms from Ivanhoe.

Senior Nurse at Ivanhoe, Fiona McCoy and Hospital Assistant Aileen Clark responded to the scene in the Ivanhoe ambulance with other Ambulance Officers in their vehicle. The two accident victims were brought back to Ivanhoe for treatment and evacuated by RFDS, one to BH for treatment and the other to Adelaide. They are both reportedly doing well. The training session to be held at the Fire Station was cancelled.

Ivanhoe HSM David Edmonds said everyone pulled together and worked very well in responding to the emergency.

“NSW Ambulance have thanked and praised our staff for their response and the treatment provided to their officers — it was very well done!”

Ivanhoe response staff praised Best of luck to our finalists


PAGE 4

Dental Health Week 2016

This year’s Dental Health Week focused on Women - specifically the significant way in which hormones can cause havoc on a woman’s oral health!

Many women are unaware that various life stages have a significant impact on the health of their teeth and gums. Events such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause dramatically affect the state of your oral health.

The Morgan St dental clinic staff held a stall in the hospital foyer on Friday 5 August and had available information to women on how to take control of their oral health and provided fluoridated toothpaste, dental floss and sippy cups for children.

The Morgan St dental clinic staff greatly advise that all pregnant women get a dental health check, and women in all stages of life get a dental check if they notice something like blood on their floss or toothbrush, loose teeth and dry mouth.

Hollie Day, Manager Oral Health (right) with Sarah Farrell, Oral Health Therapist at the Dental Health Week display in BHHS foyer.

Our new recruits travelled far and wide to get to Induction this month run by the HR Department. It’s a lovely time of year to be in Far West LHD and just as we move into the warmer spring months, there was a definite spring in the steps of our new staff members! Standing (L to R) Vallentia Hlekane, Senior RN, BH Intensive Care Unit, Paul Mackinder, Casual Assistant in Nursing, Acute Care in BH, Indira Sharma, RN Paediatrics in BH, Geraldine Kaczmarek, Casual Enrolled Nurse in BH and Regan Bent, Casual Clerk in BH. Seated: William (Bill) Brown, Team Leader, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol in Dareton, Maree Roberts, Hospital Assistant in Menindee and Melanie Press, Registered Nurse in Menindee.


PAGE 5

Dareton Primary Health (DPH) staff teamed up with the Wentworth Shire Council to provide a Men’s Health Day for Shire workers. The day was run using the Pit Stop program which relates a man’s health check to a vehicle check. The participants received a Work Order which they took with them to various stations.

Oil checks (blood pressure), chassis checks (waist measurements), exhaust (smoking), fuel additives (alcohol), duco and spark plugs (skin and testicular cancer), as well as mental health, bowel cancer and gearstick (sexual and reproductive health) were carried out on 35 Council workers from the indoor and outdoor staff.

Once the check was over, participants had something they could take to their GP where something was identified. Staff were able to make GP appointments on the spot for some of the men.

Health staff got into the theme of the day, dressing in hardhats, hi-viz and work boots. Feedback has been extremely positive about the activity. Another benefit was that the day identified some health knowledge deficits that can be the subject of further health promotion.

LEFT; Wentworth Shire CEO Peter Kozlowski and

Bill Drumond with Margie Murphy and Raelene

Gibson from DPH.

ABOVE: DPH’s Tanyia Brown and Margie Murphy

decked out for the Men’s Health Pit Stop.

LEFT: Liz Buffon with one of the Shire’s outdoor

staff, Kieran Payne

Shire workers get checked out at Men’s Health Pit Stop


PAGE 6

“I don’t have colleagues, I have a family”

Farewell from Sim Gulati, Psychiatry Trainee When I was told on the phone that I was going to Broken Hill for my first

placement as a psychiatry registrar, I said yes.

My job is based in the Northern Sydney network, so I thought to myself, "Well, how rural can it be?" It was not until I opened up the map and looked where Broken Hill was, I realised how far away from everywhere I was going.

At that time I was working at a hospital in Melbourne as a surgical resident and Mental Health was a completely new field for me. So I was going to start a new job, in the middle of nowhere where I didn't know a soul, miles away from home (Tasmania) and in a completely new field of medicine. I must confess, I was anxious, very anxious.

I drove from Melbourne with my mum, and after we crossed Mildura, there was nothing, we passed one car on the way and saw some goats, emus and a

couple of dead kangaroos. When we reached Broken Hill, it was hot, dusty, and quiet (as it usually is on a Sunday afternoon). I was not very hopeful.

But my first day at work changed everything. As soon as I entered the hospital, it felt like home. Everyone was so nice and welcoming that I forgot that I was ever anxious coming to this place.

As for Psychiatry, I found one of the best psychiatrists as a teacher who helped me find my feet and moulded me into what I am today. I was allowed to take baby steps and was given very limited responsibility initially, due to which I gained confidence and was able to cope with everything. And the staff at the hospital is so wonderful that I can say that I don't have colleagues, I have a family.

Broken Hill is a wonderful place and it’s the people here which make this place so great. I used to think that the people in Tasmania are the best people in the world and after living here I have realised that people in Broken Hill are the same. I have met so many amazing people who are going to be lifelong friends. I have been to Trivia nights, Frisbee Sundays, St. Pats races, Copi lakes, Mutawintje, Silverton, Mundi Mundi, The Big Chair, The Big Picture, The Silly Goat, The Mulga, The Palace, Bell's Milkbar... And yes, I've even been to The Night Train.. (not proud of it). I have done so much since I've been here that I didn't even realise how time flew and it's time to go.

I can proudly say that Broken Hill has helped me grow as a doctor and as a person. I will recommend coming here to anyone and everyone. I have collected so many great memories here that they will last a lifetime.

As for the future, all I can say is: "I'LL BE BACK!”

A friendly reminder to all staff that if you are directly contacted by universities who are seeking clinical placements for allied health, nursing or medical students in FWLHD facilities could you please direct them to the Student Program Team at the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health on 08 8080 1241 or 08 8080 1202.

This will enable the Team to ensure there is capacity to place these students in your location, that accommodation is available and that students are compliant to enter NSW Health facilities.

Many thanks to everyone for your support in ensuring a coordinated approach to student placement activity.

— Deb Jones, Director Primary Health Care, Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health.

Occupational Therapy, Orthoptic and Speech Pathology students on a recent placement in the Far West LHD.

Direct university inquiries for placements to the UDRH

Dr Sim Gulati, Psychiatry Trainee has thoroughly enjoyed his placement in FWLHD


PAGE 7

Dareton promoting sexual health

Hepatitis and Sexual Health was the focus of health promotion at Dareton this July.

World Hepatitis Day was celebrated on 28

July with a local display in the

waiting room of the Dareton Primary Health Centre. Yo-yos, drink bottles, pencils and pens with the “No Hep” message provided something for clients to take away and the display attracted plenty of interest. Next step was a radio interview on local ABC to discuss World Hepatitis Day and what people should know about hepatitis, its transmission and its treatment.

The rest of the day was spent at the local Coomealla High School where Aboriginal Health Worker Tarina Sailor and Clinical Nurse Specialist Anita Erlandsen spoke to just over 100 students about their sexual and reproductive health, STIs and blood borne viruses, in particular Hepatitis. Hepatitis was the focus in a sexual health promotion conducted at Dareton this month.

July saw another successful move2music in Dareton with approximately 80 people

attending. While this session did not entertain a specific theme, the room was definitely

decorated brightly to provide a ‘POP’ of colour for a bitterly cold winter’s day. Participants

loved the music and interaction provided by Dave Routledge who has contributed greatly

to m2m and was a great entertainer for the day. Feedback from attendees and service

providers has

been

exceptionally

positive, with the

hugely popular

therapeutic

program set to

continue in 2017,

if funding is

approved. The

move2music

team would like

to thank the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club

for their ongoing support.

Dareton’s move2music a resounding hit!

The Broken Hill Heritage Committee has invited the community to commemorate Miners’ Memorial Day on Sunday, 9 October 2016. This significant event will take place annually on the Sunday closest to the 8th October; the date on which Leopold Campbell and Thomas Jordan were killed on the Central Mine in 1902; their bodies were never recovered.

A Community Heritage Art Exhibition will be held in the Trades Hall together with a Heritage Picnic at Sturt Park from 11am. There will be children’s activities, a wheelbarrow race and other activities throughout the day.

Groups and Organisations are encouraged to provide food/drinks stalls at Sturt Park as a fundraiser for their respective organisation. The theme of the stalls is limited only by the imagination! Take a step back in time to the early 1900’s and provide some turn of the century themed food such as pasties and home-made confectionary which were certainly popular one hundred years ago. In 1915 Pellew & Moore’s had a soda & nut sundae bar! A Stall Holder participation form together with the terms and conditions can be obtained from Council’s Events Unit.

This event commemorates the most important aspect of our history. We look forward to having your group / organisation join us in making it a significant event for our city.

For more information contact Council’s Events Unit on (08) 8080 3321.

District Accommodation Upgrade

The Wilcannia staff quarters and attached flat have been undergoing major facility upgrades. With only a few weeks left for last minute touches, the flat and staff quarters received their new furniture and equipment.

A large amount of furniture was transported to Wilcannia and it was all hands on deck. Thanks to both BHHS maintenance department and contractors for making the trip. Wilcannia received new beds, communal seating, electronics, white goods and much more.

The building has been transformed with outstanding and professional work from our contractor and BHHS maintenance, and the facility will be open within the coming weeks.


PAGE 8

Balranald Men’s Shed During August 2016 the men from Balranald Men’s Shed travelled to

Dareton to visit the Dareton Men’s Shed as a return invitation, after Dareton visited Balranald earlier in the year.

During this visit the men shared a meal and exchanged many new ideas. The Dareton men showed the works they have in progress in their large shed. They also have a new kitchen set up, inspired after seeing Balranald’s kitchen.

It is intended that the Dareton members visit Balranald again later in the year and to include camping overnight.

This is a great opportunity for men to mix with others and enjoy themselves.

The men had a good look at the many projects at Dareton Men’s Shed

Invitation to Miners’ Memorial Day

commemoration activities

BH hosting Palliative

Care Conference

Palliative Care NSW is partnering with FWLHD Palliative Care Services and other sponsors to host the biennial state conference in Broken Hill on 13-15 October this year. The theme is “Transforming our Landscape” with local, state, national and international guest speakers presenting on a range of holistic, palliative care topics.

Health professionals who are involved in caring for patients requiring palliative or end of life care are invited to register via the NSW Palliative Care website https://palliativecarensw.org.au.


PAGE 9

Plans are well underway to continue with improvements of the accommodation facilities across the LHD.

Renovations are continuing at the BH staff quarters with many minor works being completed this month including New industrial covers for the air cooling units, internal painting of the first floor corridor, new linen storage room, new king single ensembles and commercial linen for six bedrooms.

Home improvements

World Breastfeeding Week celebration A group of mums and their children joined the LHD’s midwives to

celebrate World Breastfeeding Week!

A morning tea was enjoyed by all and helped promote the fact that breastfeeding significantly improves the health, development and survival of infants and children from birth. It also contributes to improved health and well-being of mothers, both in the short and long-term.

Broken Hill Maternity encourages the support, promotion and protection of breastfeeding in the community. Breastfeeding mothers and their babies need to feel safe and welcome in all public spaces and this was certainly the case at the celebratory morning tea.

https://palliativecarensw.org.au

https://palliativecarensw.org.au


PAGE 10

Broken Hill Hospital Auxiliary

Kiosk hold AGM The 2016 AGM for the Broken Hill Hospital Auxiliary Kiosk

was held on 8 August 2016 and was well attended by members of the Kiosk eager to hear about another successful year.

The President, Cheryl Meuret, welcomed the members and thanked them for their attendance and for their continued support. She extended a welcome to new volunteers saying it was pleasing to see several new volunteers being recruited each day to the Kiosk and looked forward to another successful year. Cheryl handed over to the Treasurer, Stephen Bennetts, for his report. Steven agreed that it was another successful year and advised that the accounts were with the Auditors

The meeting also appointed the new Kiosk Executive. The members nominated were unanimously elected to the following positions:

President — Cheryl Meuret. Vice President — Betty Sammut. 2nd Vice President — Robert Fulton. Treasurer — Stephen Bennetts. Assistant Treasurer — Charmaine Collins. Secretary and Public Officer — Dennis Roach. Assistant Secretary — Carrie Oakley. Purchasing Officers: Anne Bennetts, Charmaine Collins,

Elaine Johns and Colleen Pedler. The re-elected Executives and Kiosk members are looking

forward to the coming year and new challenges ahead.

Kiosk Cheeseslaw wins Silver The Kiosk Auxiliary were pleased to be a very close runner

up in both categories of the Cheeseslaw Competition on Saturday 13 August.

Dennis Roach encouraged Elaine Johns and Anne Bennetts to put in an entry into the competition on behalf of the Kiosk Volunteers. Elaine made her yummy version of Cheeseslaw and Anne made the Chicken and Cheeseslaw Pie that are proving extremely popular on Saturday mornings.

There was a strong field with many entries from the community. Elaine and Anne are hoping that this will be an annual event as they are confident that they will take the Gold next time!

Congratulations and well done everyone for flying the flag for the Broken Hill Hospital Kiosk Auxiliary.

Anne’s very popular Chicken and Cheeseslaw Pie!

Exercise and Mental Wellbeing It’s a no brainer. What would you say if

you were told that there was something than can make you feel happier, improve your memory, make you think more clearly, make you sleep better, reduce risk of illnesses like heart and lung disease, obesity, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and was low cost and available at any time. You would probably say that’s a no brainer sign me up.

Well there is and it’s exercise. The physical health benefits of exercise are well known and

understood but its effect on our mental health is less so. However studies have shown that exercise is effective in helping fight anxiety and depression as well as reducing brain shrinkage and protecting your brain in the long run.

There is a strong relationship between physical activity and symptoms of mental illness. Studies show that regular physical activity is associated with better mental health, emotional well-being and lower rates of mental disorders, and the exercise doesn’t have to be extremely strenuous to provide a benefit. Even a brisk walk each day can make a real difference.

Regardless of whether we are pounding the pavement, clocking up laps in the pool or line dancing those who make a habit of exercise often say one thing that helps them stick at it is that it simply makes them feel good. Exercise makes you feel good because it releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood and the parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning. It can also help to reduce any feelings of loneliness and isolation by getting you out and about and putting you in touch with other people.

When it comes to exercise it’s not just about preventing poor mental health but promoting good mental health. Even if you do not have depression or anxiety or a serious mental illness that you want help managing, exercise can enhance your wellbeing and vitality and make you feel better.

It is recommended that adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical activity exercise at least five days a week. But it is not always easy to get the motivation to exercise and even harder to keep it up, and if it all seems a bit overwhelming there are some tips.

Start small and find something you feel good about doing. Set up a system for when, how, and where you are going to

exercise. Try to mix up your routine to include strength, flexibility and

aerobic based exercise, and if you find doing it alone boring check out some sports teams that you could join.

Be realistic about your progress. If it is too hard to find big blocks of time, break up your

sessions into two 15 minute or three 10 minute blocks. And maybe it’s time to treat yourself to that new sports outfit. And if you want to supersize, try combining your exercise with

better eating habits and consistent sleeping patterns.


PAGE 11

NSW Health Pathology is changing reporting units and ranges for its therapeutic drug tests. The aim is to standardise reporting across the state and help reduce the risk of clinical misinterpretation and errors.

This means reporting units will change from Molar Units (e.g. μmol/L) to Mass Units (e.g. mg/L or μg/L). Ranges and alert thresholds for critical risk will also change.

The changes will take place from Monday 5 September and some of the affected drugs will include Paracetamol, Salicylate, Digoxin and Theophylline. Anti-convulsants affected include Phenytoin, Valproate, Carbamazepine and Phenobarbitone.

For a list of drugs affected and what it means for you, visit the NSW Health Pathology website at www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au website and go to Latest news / Clinical Alerts.

For further information you can contact Dr Stephen Li or Dr Josh Ryan on 9845 7990.

Changes to Therapeutic Drug reporting and ranges

NAIDOC Week was celebrated throughout the District last month and the national occasion gives us the opportunity to proudly acknowledge and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our LHD.

Ivanhoe Health Service embraced NAIDOC Week and especially acknowledged and celebrated the commitment and achievements of Aboriginal staff members Aileen Clark and Brenda Brennan.

Aileen Clark - Hospital Assistant/Secretary

Aileen has worked at the health service and in Far West LHD for 20 years. Aileen is a proud Barkandji woman. She completed her schooling In Ivanhoe and has lived and worked there ever since. She is a caring mother and grandmother and a family orientated individual. She commenced part time work at the hospital in the role of a cook/cleaner in 1994.

Aileen assists in the health service with general cleaning, helping in emergencies, on call with the Registered Nurse five days per week and is available when needed at the top of the hat for an ambulance call. She helps with clinics, mans the phone and performs crowd control! Her highlights with the LHD has been learning and becoming more confident in using computers at work. She was present during a child birth at the facility in 2013 and loves going out to pick up the RFDS crew on clinic days.

“Since commencing work with the health service in 1994 I have gained many valuable skills that allow me to perform my job to the best of my ability and enable me to be a strong advocate for my community,” said Aileen. In 2007 she joined the local SES team, assisting the nursing staff whenever required and on many occasions needing to switch hats. Aileen completed training as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer in 2004. Aileen hopes to continue working in the great environment at Ivanhoe until retirement.

Brenda Brennan - Aboriginal Health Worker

Brenda has provided 17 years of local service to the Ivanhoe Health Service and the Aboriginal community. Brenda is a local woman from the Nyampa tribe, the traditional owners of the land where the health service sits. She has provided health care and support to her community since 1993.

Brenda promotes health, provides education to clients and families, conducts home visits, participates in case management, arranges all appointments, develops client centred care plans and

conducts health checks. Her highlights with the LHD has been moving into the brand

new Ivanhoe Health Service, gaining her own office space and working for a great organisation whilst having understanding and supportive team leaders who allow flexible working arrangements.

Brenda’s achievements include graduating from Sydney University in 1997 with a Diploma in Aboriginal Health and Community Development. In 2010 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Health (Diabetes Management and Education).

Her future directions include continuing to improve Aboriginal health outcomes and being a good role model including encouraging younger people to study and gain employment within health.

Brenda said she will continue to encourage lifestyle changes that will assist in closing the gap and gain skills in palliative care: “This is to assist my people affected by cancer and I would personally love to reduce the statistics for Aboriginal people dying from many preventable illnesses, such as cancer. This can be achieved by greater increase in health promotion and a much higher focus on prevention.”

Congratulations to both Aileen and Brenda on your continued commitment to the Ivanhoe Health Service and your community.

Ivanhoe celebrates achievements of Indigenous staff members

http://www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au


PAGE 12

Musculoskeletal Coordinator

appointed for FWLHD Please welcome

Bonnie Tavian (pictured) as newly-appointed Far West Local Health District Musculoskeletal Coordinator.

Bonnie’s background includes working within the District as a Registered Nurse in Theatre, Medical and Surgical Ward. She transitioned into clinical nurse educator on both Medical and Surgical Ward before commencing an Acting Nurse Unit Manager Role on the Surgical Ward.

Bonnie finished her acting role in Surgical and commenced Acting as the nurse Unit manager of Sub-Acute Rehabilitation and Haemodialysis unit where she remained for 12 months before going on Maternity leave. Bonnie returned to the facility as a community nurse until becoming the successful applicant as musculoskeletal coordinator.

Bonnie’s new role will include working with all stakeholders to provide integrated, holistic patient centred care and a seamless journey for patients and their families.

The Far West LHD, Western NSW PHN and Broken Hill GP Services are combining clinical expertise and resources to implement the NSW Health Agency for Clinical Innovations Musculoskeletal Models of Care.

The Musculoskeletal Models of Care has been developed locally and involves multidisciplinary care teams working closely with General Practitioners. This is a 12 month temporary pilot program commencing within Broken Hill. Pending program evaluation there may be further scope for program sustainability to spoke effect to rural sites within Far West Local Health District.

The aim of the program is to reduce pain, increase functional capacity and quality of life of the program participants.

Bonnie will be networking with all stakeholders and distributing pamphlets with details of the program and contact details in the next couple of weeks.

The District’s Aqua Class volunteers and participants were thrilled to receive new weights to use in their Monday and Wednes-day aqua classes, courtesy of a donation by local businesswom-an Carrie Oakley.

The Aqua Volun-teers, Ann Millsteed, Eleanor Blows and Shirley Barnett said they were grateful for the donation of the weights which will be easier for the partici-pants to use, especially for participants who are unable to grip the conventional pool weights.

Carrie Oakley said: “It’s a pleasure to donate the weights. I think the Aqua Volunteers do an excellent job and their work enables the classes to be run free of charge for the Broken Hill community so I was happy make the donation”.

Thanks Carrie from the volunteers and the District.

Children in the kid’s ward at the Broken Hill Hospital will have more toys to occupy their time during their stay thanks to a generous donation by the former students of Broken Hill High School. The organising committee for the BHHS Class of 1966 Reunion (held on the June long weekend) had money left over from the event and decided to buy some items for the Kids Ward.

The committee spoke with the Nurse in Charge and with $680 to spend, purchased for the ward a swing set, four portable DVD players with headphones and DVDs, a push along scooter and an activity car. The group also donated $500 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill.

The health service is very grateful for this generous donation.

Pictured presenting the toys to the Kids Ward were (from left)

Judy Bevan, Cheryl Meuret and Joan Casey to Kids Ward

Registered Nurse Laura Sutherland.

Pictured with some of the donated items were

(from left) A/HR Manager Noni Inglis, Shirley Barnett, Ann Millsteed and Carrie Oakley at the Broken Hill Regional Aquatic

Centre.

BHHS Kids Ward donation

Aqua class volunteers very happy


PAGE 13

Do what you

can, where you

are, with what

you have -

Teddy

Roosevelt

Annual Promotional Plan


PAGE 14

July was

about

Standard 1 –

Governance

(focusing on

documentation) and

Standard 5 – Patient

Identification. Audits

during July focused on

documentation, which for the

first time also included

documentation within eMR.

While in practice you may do

the task and provide the care,

if you don’t document it, it

didn’t happen as far as

anyone else is concerned.

Provide the care AND

document it.

August

was about

Standard 6 – Clinical

Handover and

Standard 10 –

Preventing Falls and

Harm from Falls. Results from audits completed

during August will be available in

the next edition of Far West in

Focus.

September audits will focus on:

http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhs-standards/

Random acts of kindness We are extremely lucky to work in an organisation and live in a community

where random acts of kindness are evident and often. Recently a volunteer from my old organisation in Melbourne was visiting Broken Hill. She and her husband had stopped off in Ivanhoe for lunch on Sunday at Café Rose and believed that they had lost their phone there. When I caught up with her for an early breakfast on Monday she told me about their difficulty. She said they were trying to find the number of the café but knew that it was closed on Monday. I offered to call the Ivanhoe Health Service to ascertain if they knew the name and contact details of the owner of the café, explaining that as it was a small and friendly community and I was sure I would be able to get the information.

Theresa Pippin, Administration Officer, at Ivanhoe was so helpful and located the owner’s phone number. She advised that as the RFDS were there at a clinic if the phone was located she would ask one of the nurses to bring it back to Broken Hill for me. I spoke to the café owner and he said he would search for it and get in contact with me.

It eventuated that the phone had been dropped in the car and had lodged between the two seats and was well hidden and was located later in the morning by its owners. A quick call was made to the Ivanhoe Health Service and the café owner to advise them that the phone had been found and to thank them for their kindness and willingness to help a stranger travelling through their community.

I am sure when my volunteer returns home to Melbourne she and her husband will be telling everyone about the kindness of Far West LHD staff and the community. — Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager


PAGE 15

Breadwinners’ Programme

applications now open Applications are open for the ‘Breadwinners’ Programme’

which provides an opportunity for Aboriginal people currently working in permanent employment for NSW Health to receive financial support to undertaken undergraduate tertiary studies at Sydney University.

The programme is specifically for Aboriginal people who have been previously unable to pursue tertiary education due to family and financial responsibilities as the breadwinner.

This Commonwealth Government funded initiative is in response to recommendations from the Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (the Behrendt Review).

It supports the Premier’s Priority for Driving Public Sector Diversity to double the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in senior leadership roles in the next ten years.

The programme is structured over four years and NSW Health supports participation by employees.

Applications are now open and close on 31 October, 2016. For any information regarding the enrolment process,

contact Tanya Griffiths, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Support Co-ordinator on 02 8627 8651 or email [email protected]

For more information on the programme contact Sandra Lange, Uni of Sydney, on 02 9114 0506 or email [email protected]

Fundraiser for BH Hospital Maternity Unit


PAGE 16

Hello competitors! With only two months left in the Get

Healthy Far West LHD program for 2016, it is exciting to see the changes in our team members, both inside and out.

If you’re anything like me, you will have been a bit slack these past few weeks, preferring to curl up in front of the heater than out exercising.

Well never fear, Spring is nearly here!

With a new season comes a new chance to make a new change.

Let’s shake off those winter blues and get back into the spirit of the competition, and Get Healthy!

Check out the leaderboard following this round of weigh-ins. Congratulations to everyone who lost weight! – but remember, weight isn’t everything.

We are focusing on those behaviours learned and sustained.

Keep up the amazing work everybody!

Did you know…You can continue to log your steps into GCC after the program has completed? Your 12 month access to GCC will continue so you can log steps, post on the community, see and continue your mini-league, and log your stats in GCC Nutrition and GCC Sleep.

Intensive Care Service Model — Where are we up to?

The Solution phase is now in full swing and with the help of the ACI Team; we have learnt a lot of techniques on designing solutions that will best support our issues. Your ideas and feedback is crucial for this process. We will be involving you where best and really looking for your ideas in order to develop, design and test the best solution for each issue. If you have any thoughts, ideas or would like to participate, we would love to hear from you: Kim Morley: [email protected] or Amy Milgate: [email protected]

Our Aim is: To improve the Intensive Care Services at the Broken Hill Health Service to provide safe, appropriate and

efficient care in a collaborative approach for patients as close to home as possible.

mailto:[email protected]





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.

PAGE 17

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

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies

Documents

Message from the Chief Executivefwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/UserFiles/files/NewsLetters...LHD to fully, consistently and reliably implement the program over the coming year. On another