A SPLASH OF COLOUR

PAGE 6

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU

FOLLOW US: @NTHSYDHEALTH

RNSH TURNS 130

PAGE 3

ARTS ON PRESCRIPTION

PAGE 10

NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

NSLHDO

CTO

BER

201

8 /

ISSU

E 9

NORTHERN BEACHES TRANSFER

PAGE 4

FROM the Chief executive It has been an historic week for our health service with the opening of the world-class Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest. After many years of planning and hard work over 700 staff from Manly and Mona Vale hospitals moved across to the impressive, new hospital to begin the next stage in their working life.

More than 100 patients were transferred to the new hospital during a two-day, carefully planned operation involving staff, ambulance crews, police and transition co-ordinators. It was a truly remarkable example of team work and I am incredibly grateful to the hundreds of people who helped ensure our patients arrived safely at Northern Beaches Hospital. The care and commitment demonstrated by our staff was extraordinary.

The transition marked the end of an era for Manly Hospital after 122 years of exceptional care. I am certain, however, the deep commitment to high quality patient care will transition with our doctors, nurses and support teams to the new hospital.

At Mona Vale Hospital, it has been a time of mixed emotions, with the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Mona Vale Hospital will continue to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community, with more than 250 staff delivering rehabilitation, urgent care, community health, palliative and aged care services.

I would like to acknowledge the remarkable leadership of Northern Beaches Health Service general manager Frank Bazik, who is retiring after 38 years in health. Frank has led the health service

during an unprecedented time of change, and I would like to express my deepest thanks to Frank for his incredible dedication.

This week also marked a major milestone for our oldest hospital, Royal North Shore, which celebrated its 130th birthday.

The much-anticipated commemorative photographic book was launched by Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson MP during an event celebrated with our patients and volunteers.

Former leukaemia patient Sharon Frazer brought many to tears as she told how RNSH had saved her life. Sharon, who now visits patients dealing with the same diagnosis, thanked the hospital and our staff before extending birthday wishes on behalf of all patients.

Our longest-serving volunteer Graham Whittaker (more than 52 years – an amazing contribution) wished the hospital happy birthday from all the volunteers. Graham and Lauren Cassidy (nurse from 8B) led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday.

Birthdays are marked by cake and ours was no exception – RNSH executive unit staff member Nompumelelo Mpande (a professional cake maker in her spare time) designed, baked and decorated the most amazing cake modelled on the hospital. It was enjoyed by all.Deb Willcox Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District

NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 20182

FOLLOW US @nthsydhealthTWITTER

FOLLOW our hospitals for all the latest NEWS

Facebook

We know our staff do amazing things and we want to hear about it.

Share your news, achievements, events with your District colleagues.

Contact Corporate Communications on 9463 1722 or email NSLHD-media@health.nsw.gov.au to submit your news.Publication is at the discretion of the editor and items may be edited for length, style and quality.

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Northern Sydney Local Health Districtyoutube

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU 3WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU

RNSH turns 130RNSH’s 130th birthday went off a treat with touching speeches, fascinating historic displays, and an incredible birthday cake made by a very talented staff member.The week of celebrations kicked off on 29 October with an open day and the launch of the commemorative photographic book which is now on sale at the ASB front desk, the volunteers’ shops, and at Dymocks at Chatwood.The next day saw honorary archivist Dr Cate Storey explain the genesis of RNSH’s Foundation Day – 30 October – before the hospital choir and the crowd gave a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. Then it was time for the star of the show – the amazing hospital-replica cake made by RNSH executive unit staffer Nompumelelo (Nom) Mpande.

RNSH GM Alison Zecchin, our longest-serving vollie Graham Whittaker, former patients Sharon Frazer and Daphne Dunne, NSLHD CE Deb Willcox, Trent Zimmerman MP and Felicity Wilson MP at the book launch.

Alison and Amanda Harriss, who heads the Arts and Heritage Committee, cut the cake.

Let them eat cake! The birthday treats were a hit.Brilliant cake maker and staff member Nom with her work.

4 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2018NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2018

Historic time for healthcare on the beaches More than 20 years after plans were first mooted, the new Northern Beaches Hospital has welcomed its first patients.

The nine-storey, world-class hospital has treated hundreds of patients in its first days of operation.

Many of the patients were transferred from Manly and Mona Vale hospitals in a two-day exercise, involving hundreds of staff, ambulance crews and

transition co-ordinators. It was an extraordinary team effort to safely transfer more than 100 patients.

Staff from Manly and Mona Vale hospitals are now working in their brand new building, with the latest equipment and resources.

NSLHD Chief Executive Deb Willcox thanked staff for their wonderful dedication.

“I am tremendously proud of you and would like to acknowledge the invaluable part you’ve played providing care to our local community,” Deb said.

“Your commitment has been remarkable, not only in these recent months, but over many years.”

“I wish you every success for the next chapter in your working life.”

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU 5

NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 20186

A splash of colour Member for Hornsby Matt Kean officially unveiled a specially-designed mural created for Bungee Bidgel Aboriginal Health Clinic, located at the Hornsby GP Unit.

The mural was designed by Aboriginal artist, Jessica Johnson, who explained to Matt the significant meaning of the painting, which was brought to life through the assistance of a grant from the NSW Government’s Health and the Arts program.

The brightly-coloured painting adorns the wall that is the entrance to the GP Unit and signifies the many pathways people take to an Aboriginal health service, featuring an Aboriginal flag and a dingo offering protection.

The GP unit’s director, Dr Elizabeth Marles, and Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mary (Molly) Florance, of the Aboriginal Health Service, gave Matt a tour of Bungee Bidgel, which opened in mid-2015 following consultation between the NSLHD Aboriginal Health Service, the Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander people of Northern Sydney, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital GP Unit, Community Health, Northern Sydney Primary Health Network (formerly Medicare Local).

Speaking at the event, NSLHD Chief Executive Deb Willcox said it was important for the local Aboriginal community to know they had a safe place where they could access health care and services without fear or prejudice.

“Bungee Bidgel is a great example of what we are trying to achieve,’’ Deb said.

“The work that our Aboriginal Health Service does in its endeavour to address social determinants and provide health services.‘’

The name, Bungee Bidgel, means “I’m better” in the two Aboriginal languages local to the area. Patients attending the clinic have access to GP services six days a week through the GP Unit, as well as access to dental health, mental health and allied health services within the LHD, and Legal Aid advice.

Trevor Danos, Jessica Johnson, Dr Elizabeth Marles, Deb Willcox, Brad Goodwin, Donna Lynch, Matt Kean, Molly Florance and Paul Weir

Member for Hornsby Matt Kean with Molly Florance and Paul Weir of NSLHD’s Aboriginal Health Service

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU 7

Dubbo hospital honours Dr Ian Locke RNSH ED admin staffer Jennifer Locke and her family (pictured above) made a bittersweet return to Dubbo this week to see the hospital’s refurbished maternity building named after her late husband Dr Ian Locke.Ian was Dubbo’s first paediatrician and his sudden death in 1992, aged just 46, shocked the local community.His youngest son Hayden travelled from London with his family for the special event.Jennifer, who served two terms as Dubbo’s deputy mayor, told the gathering the city had been significant in the life of the

Locke family.“But when Ian died it was actually very painful because it was so unexpected and it was difficult to come back,” she said.“To know that the community of Dubbo hasn’t forgotten him after 25 years is just the most wonderful, but emotional, experience for all of us and we really thank the community for honouring him in this way.“Thank you for remembering my darling husband, and father to my children and grandpa to grandchildren he’s never even seen,” Jennifer said.

2018 Premier’s Awards finalistsOur District’s run of stellar results looks set to continue with three nominations in the upcoming Premier’s Awards.

The Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program and the Back and Neck Pain Triage Physiotherapist Service were both nominated in the improving service levels in hospitals category, as was the Big Red Kidney Bus, a joint project between Royal North Shore Hospital’s Renal Department and Kidney Health Australia.

Recipients of the 2018 Premier’s Awards will be announced on 7 November.

For the full list of finalists, visit: www.publicserviceawards.nsw.gov.au/finalist/2018-finalists.

NSLHD finalists

Big Red Kidney Bus

Matthew Williams - Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program

Trish Schlotfeldt - Back and Neck Pain Triage Physiotherapist Service

Mental Health MonthStaff celebrated Mental Health Month during October with activities across the District.

This is our inpatient unit team on the final day of a very successful week. Well done to all the teams on a great week and month.

8 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2018

RNSH’s Elayne Forbes awarded the Buchanan Prize Royal North Shore and Hornsby hospital ED doctor Elayne Forbes (above) has claimed the Buchanan Prize for her performance in the Fellowship Clinical Examination. The Buchanan Prize is awarded to the candidate achieving the highest score in the objective structured clinical examination.Dr Forbes not only achieved the top marks for this exam but has done so with a toddler at home and all while pregnant with her second child. When asked about any advice she would have to those in a similar position to herself she said that “it is all possible”.“Just know that it is possible and it doesn’t stop you,” she said. “I think we’re very lucky, certainly with the hospitals I work in that they’re very supportive of both new mums and expectant mums, and I think that helps a lot.”She was initially surprised to hear that she had received the prize but was ecstatic with the news. “I was a bit shocked when I got the email to be honest with you, absolutely delighted but a bit shocked,” she said.“I think anyone sitting this exam just wants to get through it. It’s the mountain at the end of your career.”She credits her success to a lot of practise, hard work and dedication, as well as an invaluable support system around her.

Insurance award triumphRoyal North Shore Hospital has claimed a top gong at the recent iCare awards.

The project, SPC Traffic Lights, won the Risk Reporting and Intelligence category at the 2018 Insurance for NSW Awards.

The submission came from data scientist Helen Ganley (RNSH), medical director Dr Philip Hoyle (RNSH), clinical analytics information manager Angie Pang (NSLHD) and clinical reliability and effectiveness manager Janine Carragher (NSLHD).

SPC Traffic Lights: Stop on Green and Go on Red integrates and applies statistics, risk management, and quality improvement processes to any performance measure.

“Our systems are usually very variable, and SPC makes it easy to work out what is expected, versus unexpected by analysing and comparing data against targets, and gauging process stability or reliability,” Helen said.

“The reports we produce use concise, graphic and easy-to-understand reports and combine dashboard or ‘traffic light’ approaches and trend analysis.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Statistical Process Control (SPC) and SPC Traffic Lights, please email Helen Ganley (Tues to Thur) at helen.ganley@health.nsw.gov.au to register for an introductory session for your team/department/committee.

Janine Carragher, Dr Philip Hoyle, Helen Ganley and Angie Pang

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU 9

Northern Sydney steps upAs the dust settles on another Steptember campaign, Northern Sydney has emerged victorious in the battle of the districts.NSLHD topped three categories in 2018, including most teams, most steps and most funds raised.The District also claimed third place nationwide for steps, taking just shy of 246 million steps behind Telstra and Australia Post, while beating the likes of Healthscope, Coca Cola and Mars.That’s 187,330 km or almost five times round the equator.Almost 1.4 million of those steps came from Miroslav Markovic who claimed the top individual stepper award.

His team, the Teddy Bear Steppers, also sewed up first place for highest stepping team with members Miro, Natalie McNamara, Kay Little and Cathy Maxwell with 2.8 million steps.Completing the places in the individual category for highest steps were Leone Wood with 831,256 steps and Christine King with 82,347.The Dialysis Divas of Leone Wood, Christine King, Laurie Barducci and Kerrie Wheeler claimed second with 2.5 million steps, while The Beta Cells of Lena Lim, Suzi Wilson, Sharon Youde and Shihab Hameed finished third with 2.1 million.In the fundraising stakes, Celia

Miller went back-to-back, raising $3232 in the individual category while her team Lollylegs2 took the team category with a total of $3703.The DoSA Data Dashers ($2183) and The Stryderz ($2021) rounded out the places in the team stakes, while Carly Nissen ($1403) and Sarah Orchard $1265) claimed the podium in the individual category.NSLHD is also in fifth spot for funds raised nationwide with more than $75,000 raised for children with cerebral palsy.However, with fundraising open until 31 October and fourth placed Healthscope in hot pursuit – it’s not all sewn up yet.

Anthony Dombkins, Director of Nursing and Midwifery accepts the Steptember award from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Steptember representative Lisa Strudwick

RNSH Smart Salary representative Ekta Desai with top stepper Miroslav Markovic

Researcher helping victims of warKolling-based researchers are helping victims of war in countries such as Syria recover from their injuries through innovative web-based software.Professor Lisa Harvey, senior researcher at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, and Sydney physiotherapists have teamed up with an IT expert to create web-based software to enable physiotherapists to prescribe exercises for their patients. Lisa and her colleagues recently received funding from the International Committee of the Red Cross to further develop their software to include exercises for amputees. Due to a

lack of physiotherapists and the volume of people with injuries, physiotherapists in Syria are unable to provide face-to-face treatment for their patients. Instead, they wanted to use Lisa’s software to provide their patients with home-based exercises.“The International Committee of the Red Cross could see the potential to use our freely available exercise-prescribing software to provide their patients with comprehensive home-based exercise programs,’’ Lisa said. ``The software is now available in 10 different language including Arabic. It is very nice to see our software being used around the globe.”

Lisa and her team began developing the software 18 years ago when she was herself a physiotherapist at Royal Rehab in Ryde. There are now 1450 exercises physiotherapists can prescribe for their patients who are suffering from a range of conditions and injuries including spinal cord injuries, burn-related injuries, amputations, and orthopaedic conditions.The John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research is based at the Kolling Institute and focuses on research and education in rehabilitation and injury-related disability. It has a particular focus on severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, musculosketal injury and ageing.

10 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2018NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2018

Arts on Prescription was originally pitched as part of round one of the Innovation Program by Bronwyn.Although she wasn’t successful on the night, the skills she learned helped her gain the funds required to see the project become a reality.Applications for the 16 November event may be closed, but Bronwyn encouraged everyone to head along. “It’s definitely worth coming along and having a look at the pitch presentations, it can be really enlightening and as someone who has done it – there’s great support through the process,” she said.Head along to the Kolling Auditorium, level five of the Kolling Building at the Royal North Shore Hospital campus on 16 November from 3-5pm.

National Carers WeekFor Paula Behm, her husband John’s battle with a brain tumour was just the beginning.

The 67-year-old Cremorne resident is one of the 2.7 million unpaid carers across Australia who provide almost two billion hours of unpaid care per year.

In 1988, John was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

“We were in shock and disbelief,” Paula said.

“’How can my husband have a brain tumour?’ I remember saying to myself.”

It was the start of an arduous journey for the parents of two then-young girls.

After an initial operation in 1989, John was reluctant to have radiation treatment but began in

1992. Around the same time, the former lawyer was learning to walk again, all the while completing two masters degrees.

However, strokes in 2004 and 2008 left John non-verbal and with very high care needs. He required full time care from Paula with minimal support.

A year later Paula, a teacher, faced the stress of finding the right facility for her husband while still providing care as only a loving wife can.

“I am grateful to the staff who work at the facility who have the values and respect for our family members who rely on them for care,” she said.

“Most days I arrive around 8am and leave around midnight. Some nights I stay with him and sleep on a camping bed. I am concerned

about him because of his complex care needs.”

October 15-21 is National Carers Week. It recognises and celebrates the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation.

NSLHD’s Carer Support Service provides free guidance and support to carers in the region.

“It can be a very lonely road and parts of it have been an absolute nightmare,” Paula said.

“The Carer Support Service and Barbara Lewis have been invaluable, they just get it, she just gets what I’m going through,” Paula said.

The Carer Support Service can be contacted on 9462 9488. More information can be found on the website by visiting www.nscarersupport.com.au

Arts on PrescriptionFor Arts on Prescription participants (an initiative by the RNS Older Peoples’ Mental Health Team), October was a special month as their art officially went on exhibition at an art gallery in Lane Cove.As part of the program, a professional artist provided by HammondCare teaches older people new skills in visual arts, artistic movement, drama, poetry and photography. Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, a not-for-profit gallery and arts centre, offered to host the lessons in its recently renovated studios.People referred to the program are often experiencing mental illness or cognitive impairment, social

isolation, anxiety, declining physical ability and have few opportunities to experience something new.Program coordinator and occupational therapist Bronwyn Fisher (pictured below) said the program had been well received by consumers, culminating with an exhibition at Gallery Lane Cove open to the general public.“They really enjoyed the program, coming in every week and getting to know each other as well as producing some really great artwork,” she said.“Everyone seemed to really enjoy the program, and I’m really hopeful we will be able to fund it going forward.”

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU 11

People Matter Employee Survey Results are hereThe reports that collate all of the feedback from the 2018 People Matter Employee Survey are here.

Northern Sydney Local Health District achieved a 14 per cent increase in participation from 2017 and our engagement is at 69 per cent, a great achievement.

Senior managers across the district are disseminating results

to their staff, and working together to create meaningful action plans and implement solutions to any identified problems.

The entire Northern Sydney Local Health District report along with reports for Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Beaches Health Service, Ryde Hospital, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service, Mental Health

Drug and Alcohol (MHDA), and Primary and Community Health (PaCH) are available for download from the Staff Engagement intranet page. To access these reports, simply click on ‘Workforce’ from the left menu on the NSLHD intranet and then click on the People Matter Employee Survey image or select ‘Staff Engagement’ from the left menu.

Electronic Record for Intensive Care officially landed at RNSHRoyal North Shore Hospital has improved ICU patient care with new clinical information system

The Electronic Record for Intensive Care (eRIC) has officially landed at Royal North Shore Hospital.

eRIC is clinical information system which improves patient care and safety and is part of the ongoing digital transformation of NSW Health.

The system has been introduced across all 58 beds of the hospital’s Intensive Care Units, meaning the wards are now paper-free with eRIC digitally integrating patient data from

bedside monitors, ventilators and other specialised equipment every minute.

ICU clinical nurse educator Nicholas Adam says a significant benefit of eRIC is its graphical representation of thousands of data points on a single screen, supporting rapid decision-making by providing a trend analysis of a patient’s condition.

“Changing workflows from smaller individual tasks to bigger picture analysis and confirmation of data is a major benefit that eRIC brings to the clinicians,” he said.

Registered nurse Hollie-Anne Morris

said eRIC will enable multiple clinicians to view a patient’s data at once, reducing the risk of paper transcription errors.

“ICU nurses spend significant time documenting each and every hour on paper, and eRIC will take some of this pressure away and give us more time for patients and their families,” she said.

eRIC is now enhancing patient care in 326 ICU beds across 15 NSW public hospitals, including Royal North Shore.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is one of the next in line to welcome eRIC.

L-R: Natasha Hendy, eRIC RNS change manager; Elliot Williams, eRIC RNS business analyst; Ray Raper, RNS senior staff specialist; Ashleigh Tracey, project lead, eHealth NSW’s eRIC Program; Alex Soutter, senior program manager, eHealth NSW’s eRIC Program and Robert Paino, program director, eHealth NSW’s eRIC Program

Mental Health Month is run by WayAhead - Mental Health Association NSW and supported by the Mental Health Commission of NSW