Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service · THE nursing team at Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service facilities has received a boost, with an additional 52 post ... to her family incurring

Bright new WaveTHE Wide Bay Wave launches in a new format today and will now publish fortnightly.

Reborn as a scroll-through publication, it will chart a new digital destiny that reflects the importance of online communication. Our audience of 8000-10,000 readers per edition will grow.

Every two weeks, key executives will report to more than 3000 WBHHS staff and community opinion leaders.

Help us keep you better informed. Feel free to submit material to [email protected]

Mathew Nott Media & communications director

Thinking out of the box

Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service

Improving health, together

MORE than 200 people involved in mental healthcare joined in some innovative thinking at the Out of the Box conference in Maryborough on April 1-2.

The Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service was a principal sponsor of the conference, which brought together clinicians, consumers, carers and NGOs involved in the mental healthcare sector across the Wide Bay.

WBHHS Chief Executive Adrian Pennington was among the presenters, and took part in a panel alongside the Commissioner for Mental Health, Dr Lesley Van Schroubroeck, and leading consumer and carer advocates.

The WBHHS Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service sponsored the

clinical component of the conference, which saw neuroscientist Professor Max Bennett present a keynote address and a workshop. Prof Bennett founded the Brain Mind Institute, which is associated with the University of Sydney in NSW.

“Out of the Box was a great opportunity to collaborate on innovative approaches to developing mental health, alcohol and other drug services within the Wide Bay community,” WBHHS MHAODS executive director Robyn Bradley said.

“The Wide Bay community leads the way in ensuring those working in the sector have the ability to identify issues and work together to ensure resources are best utilised to meet the needs of consumers and carers.”

April 2015

Participants at the conference and, inset, WBHHS Chief Executive Adrian Pennington and Commissioner for Mental Health Dr Lesley Van Schroubroeck.

News from across the WBHHS

We’ve taken a liking to FacebookTHE Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service made a dramatic entrance on the social media stage with the launch of its Facebook page as Cyclone Marcia rolled across the state in February.

The page picked up more than 800 followers over the first two days and quickly showed its potential to help us reach out to the public and staff via the popular social network.

One post, informing the public of the cancellation of some services, had a total reach of 59,300 Facebook walls, attracting 7000 clicks and 1700 likes.

Since its launch, the number of followers has grown to almost 1000.

Facebook manager John Parker said the move to social media was an important next step in communication with the community.

“For many in our society this is a primary means of communication with the wider world,” he said.

“Whether we love or hate Facebook, it’s a space where many of our clients gather, so it’s important to have a presence to help us listen to and interact with them.”

Riding The Wave

WIDE Bay Hospital & Health Service joined in the fitness fun at the inaugural Stockland Bay Break in Hervey Bay on April 11.

The Stockland Bay Break is Hervey Bay’s newest fitness event, with organisers reporting about 500 participants.

One of the event organisers, John Bone, said the aim of the Bay Break was to make the activities accessible to as wide a range of people as possible.

“We are trying to get people to get up off the couch and have a go” John said.

Hervey Bay Hospital emergency department registered nurses Rose Pittard and Jason Lambert were out and about from early in the day, offering free blood pressure and blood sugar checks to members of the public at a WBHHS marquee set up next to the Hervey Bay Surf Club.

Dozens of people turned up for the checks and a friendly chat, despite early cold and wet conditions.

The event was a positive for WBHHS community engagement and just one of many where we will have a presence across our regions throughout the year.

Bay Break participants make the most of the free health checks and (inset) John Bone.

April No Falls Month a timely reminderWITH statistics showing that more than 30 per cent of over 65s will have a fall this year, April No Falls Month is an ideal time to raise awareness of falls prevention.

Chairperson of the Statewide Falls Injury Prevention Collaborative, Associate Professor Paul Varghese said falls were the top reason for injury-related

hospitalisations in people aged over 65.

“Every day, 133 older Queenslanders have a fall requiring medical attention, even though falls are mostly preventable,” he said.

“Falls have a big impact on mobility and independence, so it’s worth taking some time to focus on prevention.”

Out and about at Bay Break


Improving health, together 2

Easter Bunnies deliver delight to kids

WIDE Bay Hospital & Health Service staff were put to the test in February as Category 5 Cyclone Marcia made its way towards Queensland.

The Emergency Operations Centre was activated to support health service delivery and co-ordination across the region as the threatening cyclone approached the Wide Bay.

WBHHS Chief Executive Adrian Pennington said the commitment of WBHHS staff ensured there was minimal disruption to health services.

“This is something we can all be proud

of,” Mr Pennington said. “The attention to detail of our storm preparedness co-ordination, led by chief operating officer Debbie Carroll, meant we were ready for any contingency.

“Planning had to be supported by staff action and it was. Faced with the approach of a Category 5 cyclone, the dedication and professionalism of our staff was of the highest order.

“The continued access to health services for Wide Bay residents was our top priority and staff were undaunted and delivered in excellent fashion.”

Top response to cyclone Rural maternity experience surveyTHE Bundaberg Family Unit is reviewing its models of care, including opportunities for women in rural areas to access antenatal care by midwives and general practitioners locally.

It is seeking feedback through a survey of rural women who have birthed in the past 12 months.

The survey has been sent by mail and is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ruralmaternity


It was all smiles when the Bunnings Easter Bunny delivered some fun to the Hervey Bay Hospital paediatrics ward. We found Zara-Jade Thiel, 5, having a giggle with the big bunny. The youngsters in the ward had a second treat when another bunny hopped across from Woolworths. Nurse unit manager Di van de Velde is pictured with the team from Woolies (inset).



https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ruralmaternity



Bigger say for communities

Big push on school vaccinations

THERE are new faces around the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service, with 2015 clinical and non-clinical interns and graduates now working at local health facilities.

A total of 31 intern medical graduates have started operating out of Bundaberg Hospital under the supervision of district director of clinical training Dr Tim Lloyd-Morgan.

“The enthusiasm these interns have to join the Bundaberg Hospital team is a great reflection on the reputation of the hospital and its staff within the broader medical community,” WBHHS Chief Executive Adrian Pennington said.

“The Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service’s workplace culture, support of senior staff and opportunities for professional development are all reasons that graduates are choosing to work at Bundaberg Hospital.”

The WBHHS has also broken new ground with the 2015 Health Management Internship Program, which will see two management interns work across a broad scope of roles in the WBHHS.

“The WBHHS management internships are great opportunities for these graduates to gain practical management skills and experience,” Mr Pennington said.

PEOPLE will have a greater say in planning, delivery and evaluation of healthcare across the Wide Bay through a new network of community groups being set up by the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Board.

The board’s decision to create the Community Reference Group network is behind its public release of a discussion paper outlining how the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service will engage with patients, consumers and communities.

“The CRGs will refresh, strengthen and broaden how the WBHHS consults across the Wide Bay,” WBHHB Chair Dominic Devine said.

“The CRGs will provide our communities with a stronger network to permit input and feedback around our planning,

design, delivery and evaluation of local health services.”

From July, the CRGs will replace the existing Consumer Advisory Networks and Community Consultation Committees.

The discussion paper examines issues such as the number of CRGs, the frequency of meetings, reporting mechanisms, support from WBHHS staff and the general responsibilities of the CRGs.

Mr Devine said membership of the new CRGs would be thrown open to the general public through an expression of interest process that would close on May 15. More Information and EOI forms are available at www.health.qld.gov.au/widebay.

A TARGETED campaign encouraging parents to take advantage of free school vaccinations has been run across news media, in TV ads, online and on Facebook.

This year the program sees Year 8 and Year 10 students receive a free booster against diphtheria, tetanus and

pertussis (whooping cough) and Year 8 students also receive vaccination against chickenpox and human papillomaviruses (HPV).

The first round of vaccinations has ended and the campaign will now focus on the next two rounds, which are vital for completion of the HPV vaccine.

Interns bring a fresh face to WBHHS facilities

WBHH Board member Rowan Bond with Chair Dominic Devine at the CRG announcement.




52 nurses join the team

THE nursing team at Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service facilities has received a boost, with an additional 52 post graduates appointed across the service at the start of 2015.

The post graduates are split evenly across the WBHHS, with 26 based on the Fraser Coast and 26 appointed to Bundaberg and the rural facilities.

“It is wonderful to welcome our new post graduates as they become part of the WBHHS nursing team,” WBHHS Chief Executive Adrian Pennington said.

“Our nurses are a vital part of the clinical team across our various sites and their respective wards.

“It is the WBHHS nurses who are front and centre of ensuring Wide Bay patients receive high-quality healthcare and are well looked after while at our facilities.

“I hope the post graduate nurses settle into their roles and I know they will

become valued members of the WBHHS team.”

The post graduate nurses have staggered commencement dates, with 30 already working within the WBHHS and the remaining 22 starting in the coming months.

“Our new post graduate nurses are showing plenty of enthusiasm as they start work across the WBHHS,” acting executive director of nursing and midwifery Fiona Sewell said.

“It is great to have post graduates bring their passion and their skills to our nursing team.

“I know our experienced nursing staff will be bolstered by the post graduates and will also pass on their valuable skills and experience to our new staff.”

There is the possibility of further post graduate nurse appointments by the WBHHS during a mid-year intake.

From front row to back row: Roselea McHale, Ashlynn Andreoli, Vitaia Kamenloff, Hannah Royle, Jane Johnstone, Stephanie McGarry, Tayla Rolfe, Kristen Wick, Julie Spargo, Stephanie McKinley, Jacqueline Bayer, Elizabeth Evans, Joshua Richardt, Shanice Baly, Adenelle Antolin, Fleur Myers, Stephanie Bayntun, Hayden Rogers, Stephanie Iseppi, Richard Culey, Shellie Greber, Jessica Faithfull.

THE Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service’s great relationship with the community came to the fore when a call went out to help a young girl in need of a lung transplant.

Jess Irving, 12, was staying at Hervey Bay Hospital before being transferred to a Melbourne facility to undertake the highly specialised transplant surgery.

The transplant requires Jess to stay close to the Melbourne facility afterwards, leading to her family incurring the costs of breaking a lease, transporting their belongings and establishing themselves in a new home.

The abundant generosity of the Hervey Bay community was called on when the staff at the Hervey Bay Hospital paediatric ward joined forces with the Fraser Coast Chronicle to find help for the family .

Help came in quickly and over the course of a weekend a cleaner and pest controller for the home and mechanic to service the car put up their hand to help.

Numerous individuals and groups also donated money to help out.

Staff reach out to find help for young Jess




WIDE Bay Hospital & Health staff have been doing their bit to raise money to fight cancer by joining in the World’s Biggest Shave.

We caught Patsy Richards, Brandy Johnson and Kym Pointon in the act and shared the pictures of their big adventures on Facebook for all to enjoy.

This iconic event is one of Australia’s biggest and most popular fundraising events.

Three decades of dedication

Dr Williams with her celebratory cake.

Foundation keeps giving to patients

“Bundaberg Hospital and its staff have faced challenges, but have come out of them much stronger in the end, it’s been a privilege to work here.”

THE Bundaberg Health Services Foundation is a local charity which raises funds to spend on Bundaberg Hospital and community-based health projects.

Its mission is to make a difference and improve the comfort of patients at Bundaberg Hospital while complementing the dedication provided by the medical professionals.

Manager Maria Burnet said the foundation’s return to the hospital in non-government funded equipment has continued to increase, from $48,000 in 2011-2012 to $91,544 (2012-2013) to $110,417 (2013-2014).

“This has helped has helped empower our hospital staff in their roles of enhancing patient care in the wards,’’ she said.

“Government funding provides essential health services, but it cannot pay for everything.”

The Foundation’s role is to provide those extras that will help patients to receive the finest healthcare possible and support hospital staff to have the best working environment to provide it.


Clinical governance director Jeremy Van den akker applies the finishing touches to clinical governance facilitator Kym Pointon’s close shave.

Staff shape up for shave

THE 30 years of service provided to the Bundaberg community by Dr Judy Williams was recognised recently at a special celebration at Bundaberg Hospital.

Three decades of work in the paediatrics ward was honoured with a plaque presented by Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service Chief Executive Adrian Pennington and chief operating officer Debbie Carroll.

Both Mr Pennington and Ms Carroll spoke about the significant contribution that Dr Williams has made to the paediatrics ward, the respect her colleagues have for her and the impact she has had on countless Bundaberg families.

Dr Williams reflected on her time at Bundaberg Hospital and the colleagues she has worked with during her time at the paediatrics ward.

“I have seen Bundaberg Hospital grow through infancy to childhood, and now the hospital is functioning as an independent adult,” Dr Williams said.

“It has been rewarding to see how the hospital has grown and see the absolute dedication and commitment of the staff.





Special gift for grieving parents

raise the money in less than a week.

“I really appreciated the generosity of the community as they got behind the fundraising effort and supported the purchase of the cuddle cot,” Mrs Tangikara said.

Nurse unit manager of the

Hervey Bay Hospital family unit Kerri Green said the hospital would benefit from having a cuddle cot available to parents.

A cuddle cot is a cooling system that fits in a small cot, allowing for babies who have passed away to remain with their families so that they are not required to be cooled in a mortuary environment.

FAMILIES who lose a baby during the birthing process will have the option of spending more time with their baby thanks to the generous donation of a cuddle cot to the Hervey Bay Hospital family unit.

Hervey Bay mother Jodie Tangikara raised $4500 towards the purchase, which was motivated by her own experience of losing a baby.

“The cuddle cot enables parents to spend as much time as possible with their baby without the baby needing to be cooled in a traditional mortuary,” Mrs Tangikara said.

“Parents are given the reassurance that they can spend as much time as they like with their baby.”

Mrs Tangikara raised funds for the cuddle cot by holding an online auction that saw bidders from the Hervey Bay community and elsewhere

IT takes a very special reason for all the local HSIA staff to gather together but March 26 was one of those rare occasions.

Steve Rye (manager HSIA central service delivery unit) and Peter Heath (manager WBHHS infrastructure management division) presented service certificates to HSIA staff.

Russell Larsen and Lisa Roberts were presented with 25-year certificates. Jason Luhrs and Trish Costello received 20-year certificates. Andrew Murray and Jeff Downing received 15-year certificates. Shirley Plath and Trudy Reid received 10-year certificates.

Wide Bay team members have an average length of service in QH of 14 years, but with many employed by QH after many years in the wider ICT industry, the average years’ experience is even higher.

Jodie Tangikara presents a new cuddle cot to nurse unit manager of the Hervey Bay Hospital family unit Kerri Green and Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen.

WIDE Bay public patients are now receiving ophthalmology treatment locally thanks to a historic public-private partnership.

In early January, the first patients received specialist outpatient appointments and surgery thanks to the partnership between the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service and CQ Eye. Before the agreement, patients went on lengthy waiting lists for specialist appointments and then surgery at Brisbane health facilities.

“It’s fantastic to have patients seen locally, ending the long waits to be treated at a Brisbane facility,” Wide Bay

Hospital & Health Board Chair Dominic Devine said.

“The long waiting lists and difficulties involved in travelling to Brisbane for treatment of eye conditions led to many people having their eyesight deteriorate further.

“Having a pathway for referrals and surgery locally is a real win for providing public ophthalmology patients with an improved level of care locally.”

The agreement will see up to 350 patients treated before June 30, 2015 and provide for up to 1000 patients a year after that point.

First patients see the benefits of local ophthalmology service

HSIA staff recognised


Donation puts more in poolOral health is a reason to smile

WHEN 14 Wide Bay residents reported salmonella gastroenteritis after a school principal conference in Brisbane, Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service public health unit director Margaret Young moved quickly to reassure the public that it is not commonly spread from person to person.

While the salmonella gastroenteritis incident at the conference grabbed headline attention, infections due to salmonella are relatively common, with 1600 cases across Queensland so far this year, including 81 in the Wide Bay area.

Humans generally contract salmonella through the

consumption of contaminated food of animal origin especially poultry, eggs and meat. People can also be infected with salmonella through the consumption of vegetables that have been contaminated by manure, and by handling pets.

“Every year local hospitals and GPs have patients present with salmonella gastroenteritis, so it is important people realise it’s a common disease which tends to peak at this time of year,” Dr Young said.

Symptoms can include abdominal cramping, fevers, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, nausea and less commonly vomiting.

THE health benefits of hydrotherapy treatment will be available to more people in Maryborough thanks to a donation from a community group.

Maryborough Artisans raised funds to buy a $2675 bariatric water wheel chair through its annual CraftFest in 2014.

Maryborough Hospital’s hydrotherapy program offers rehabilitation for injury management, increasing strength, movement and physical abilities.

A water wheelchair has been available, but only for patients weighing up to 100kg. The new chair supports patients up to 200kg, allowing them an easier entry to the water.

Maryborough Hospital aquatics physiotherapist Bernardine McLean said the new chair was a win for the community.

This year’s CraftFest will take place from November 5-7.

ORAL health patients had plenty to smile about for World Oral Health Day, on March 20, with the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service offering reduced waiting times and expanded services.

Just two years ago, Wide Bay patients had waited up to 12 years for a general dental appointment, but now there is no one waiting beyond the clinically recommended two-year wait time.

This has now been the case for nearly a year, with the oral health team continuing to reduce waiting times at each of its clinics.

In the upcoming months new oral health clinics will open at Hervey Bay and Bundaberg, doubling the number of dental chairs and enabling further reductions in wait times.

Maryborough has also reduced waiting times thanks to the new 14-chair clinic that was finished last year.

Monto has had dental services return to the area as a travelling oral health team began regular visits to the town’s clinic to see patients.

WBHHS moves to reassure after conference salmonella cases

Maryborough Hospital senior physiotherapist Quentin Sims and aquatics physiotherapist Bernadine McLean receive the donation from Maryborough Artisans president Judy Allen and secretary Lesley Mason.




Bariatric stretcher lifts transport options

THE opening of a redeveloped mental health unit at Maryborough Hospital has been hailed a win for patients, their families and staff.

The $682,000 overhaul has delivered an open, spacious feel, a new nurses’ station and a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment in both high and low dependency areas, as well as two outside courtyards.

Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service director Vicki Kilborn said the development had an emphasis on providing a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on nature, fresh air and exercise.

A NEW level of care has been introduced for Bundaberg’s mental health consumers, with community care units now finished and welcoming residents.

In total there are 20 residential units alongside a single-storey administration building which will house support staff to assist the people living in the units.

“The Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service community care units will help people live independently in the Bundaberg community while being supported by onsite staff,” Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Dominic Devine said.

PATIENTS weighing up to 300kg can now be transported in the Bundaberg area thanks to an agreement between the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service and the Queensland Ambulance Service.

The agreement, the first of its kind in Queensland, will see a bariatric stretcher installed in the WBHHS Patient Transporter, enabling patients up to 300kg to be transported.

“The new PLS Plus Stretcher will enable the WBHHS and QAS to deliver improved patient transport services and

emergency ambulance transportation to bariatric patients,” WBHHS Chief Executive Adrian Pennington said.

“This is really great news for bariatric patients and will improve the level of care provided as they are transported to, from and between medical facilities.”

WBHHS and QAS staff are undertaking training in how to use the new bariatric stretcher before it is used in the transporter.

“While the new stretcher will be provided

via the WBHHS patient transporter, the agreement will provide both the WBHHS and QAS with the ability to offer the bariatric stretcher for patients when the need arises,” Mr Pennington said.

“The WBHHS works closely with the QAS every day and this agreement is the result of the strong relationship the two organisations have developed.”

Previously the patient transporter and local ambulances have been equipped to transport patients up to 220kg.

Mental Health unit upgrade Community care units

QAS director of Wide Bay LASN Rony Sapir, WBHHS nursing director of family and community services Carol McMullen and acting patient transport co-ordinator Janet See with the new bariatric stretcher.




AS we draw toward the end of a third year as a HHS I wish to congratulate every member of staff within Wide Bay.

We now have the shortest waiting times across all nine categories of wait within Queensland, and probably Australia, and have achieved full accreditation of all health services, while maintaining a balanced position.

We employ more clinical staff than at any time in our history and our oral waiting times remain below two years, which will reduce further when new oral/cancer centres open in a few months.

In Bundaberg, the new mental health community care unit is open and we have further bids in place to extend the Hervey Bay emergency department and Maryborough emergency department, as well as more mental health beds. Later this year we will also see the opening of the new palliative care unit in Maryborough.

We need to now ensure all staff are offered training to practice safely for themselves, those they work with and the people they serve. Occupational health and safety incidents are costing $8 million a year in insurance premiums, which could be spent on improving the

health of our community.

Next month we will launch a healthy lifestyle program for staff, which will include partnerships with external parties. Walking, running, gym access and events are all planned. Dietary advice for weight loss and training will be provided, as will extended programs relating to smoking cessation.

We are planning to get a large number of entries into the Cane to Coral run in Bundaberg and we’re looking at future involvement in an event in Hervey Bay. Next year we will add cycling to our get-fit agenda.

I ask that all staff ensure they introduce themselves to members of the community at every opportunity. To simply state my name is, I am a, I am here to, goes along way to improving our relationship with the community.

I would also like to acknowledge Greg Treston, who recently left our

organisation. The foundation he built in the Bundaberg emergency department will ensure we continue to excel.

Finally, I ask all staff to contribute to the Queensland staff survey. With your feedback we can strive toward improving the organisation further.

In July we become a prescribed employer, with all staff transferring from Queensland Health to the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service. We will explain more on this in the near future.

I remain confident that Wide Bay will become the best public health provider in Australia and each month we move a step closer.

From the Chief Executive

HERE we are in April already and I would like to provide a brief update on what has been happening.

We have achieved zero long waits for elective surgery categories 1-3 for the past 4 months. I acknowledge and thank all clinical and non-clinical staff who have been involved in this success. Work to reduce the outpatient clinic long waits has also been occurring, with significant improvements made.

Oral health and cancer care buildings are progressing well and are on track for commissioning in July, and the Cancer

Care Strategic Plan has been developed and will be launched soon.

Bundaberg Hospital is consistently achieving the 90% NEAT target and Dr Treston (Director of DEM), who recently resigned, should be commended for his leadership skills. I also recognise the exceptional efforts of Hervey Bay and Maryborough staff as the activity levels

remain constantly high. We continue to look at ways to improve patient flow.

There will be significant changes in rural facilities as both Rural DON Sara Shaughnessy and Dr Tim Lloyd Morgan are leaving in the next month. I thank them both for their leadership and significant contribution to WBHHS. They will be missed.

I would also like to congratulate the Monto Hospital on commencing care of low-risk oncology patients, which is a great credit to the Monto team.

Red hot reports from the WBHHS

IN our new-look editions of The Wide Bay Wave we plan to include regular reports from key areas of the service.

This will give departments a voice and help us all to understand what is going on and why it’s important.

We hope you’ll enjoy this new feature in the following pages.

About hot reports

Chief Operating Officer’s report

ADRIAN PENNINGTONChief Executive

DEBBIE CARROLLChief Operating Officer






Project Management Nursing & Midwifery

THE impact nursing has on healthcare outcomes is demonstrated by the measurement of a suite of workforce and patient outcome indicators known as Nurse Sensitive Indicators (NSI).

Statewide NSI reports capture a number of categories, which are currently reviewed at a state, HHS and hospital level.

The data for these indicators is sourced from systems such as DSS, CHRISP and PRIME.

The latest results for these metrics are: Indicator

State Av

Peer Av WBHHS BBH HBH MH

Falls 4.93 3.31 3.05 3.08 0.62 5.22

Pressure Injuries 0.65 1.85 1.46 1.94 1.23 0.98

Medicationadministration 3.57 2.09 1.52 1.62 1.64 0.98

Nursing sick leave 2.91 3.35 3.23 2.80 3.04 3.55

Nursing agency usage and nursing vacancy

5.17 1.69 2.12 0.22 5.87 0.00

In comparison to the WBHHS Peer Average, the NSI data demonstrates that the WBHHS nursing and midwifery stream is performing better than the state average in falls and medication errors.

Our sick leave rate is higher than the state average and lower than our peer group.

We still have some work to do to ensure our pressure injury rate comes below the state average and it’s anticipated that our current recruitment strategies will see a marked decrease in agency usage.

While we aim to keep improving, we also need to celebrate these results. Well done WBHHS nursing and midwifery stream.

What’s next for NSI? A project team are in the process of implementing an NSI report for ward level, so watch this space!

FIONA SEWELLActing Executive Director of Nursing

CHRISTINE ILETT Clinical Nurse Consultant Redesign

THE Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service includes three major hospitals and eight rural hospitals, each serving distinct needs in their communities and responding to unique challenges.

So, when considering process improvement and waste elimination, it is important to have an organisation-wide culture where staff at our various facilities can help drive performance, ensuring the patient journey is as smooth and timely as possible.

The WBHHS has fostered an organisational culture that is conducive to change. This culture has been developed over the past few years, where we have done some really hard yards to lift performance. In doing so, we have built an environment receptive to the philosophy of lean thinking, with a staff that understands the importance of continuously striving to improve.

We have a strategic plan to guide the organisation through the next three years, which includes fi ve pledges, to which we align all future organisational decisions.

These include:

1) Delivering a sustainable, patient-centred quality health service2) Engaging with our community and partners3) Developing and empowering our workforce4) Encouraging innovation and excellence5) Delivering value for money.

With these foundations in place, it is an opportune time for our staff to undertake the lean training run by LEI Group Australia in partnership with the AHHA.

We are excited at the potential that will come from the course, which includes a group of about 50 of our employees across three groups currently undertaking Yellow Belt training, and a further 12 employees undertaking the more in-depth Green Belt training. The Yellow Belt training will provide staff members with an overview of the basic lean principles and tools to support the Green Belt participants both in identifying lean opportunities and implementing major projects within WBHHS facilities.

I am sure there will be a variety of projects to come out of the training, with many positive overlaps and fl ow-on effects trickling through the organisation.

Part of empowering employees is giving them the tools and techniques necessary to be leaders within the workplace; that’s one of the reasons that this lean training is being undertaken.

We are confi dent that it is the right way to continue to drive improvement across our facilities and their varying caseloads.

parkerjb

Typewritten Text


Education and Training reportTHE skills of the future Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service workforce need to evolve constantly to sustain quality health services in the face of demographic and technological change.

To keep up with these changes, the WBHHS developed the Education and Training Strategic Plan 2014-2017: Developing and empowering our workforce.

The health system is changing and the way in which we educate and train our workforce must also change - the needs of patients and the public must be served by a workforce with the skills and knowledge to provide safe, effective and compassionate care at all times.

The continuing success of education and training for the WBHHS is dependent on partnerships with higher and further education. Many educators undertake cutting-edge innovation that underpins healthcare improvements.

Education and training are important in translating new developments and technologies into practice, to exploit the potential for quality care and innovation through the integration of clinical,

research and educational functions.

Administrative Officers’ Employee Training and Development Education Incentive Fund

Administrative Officers Level 3 and Level 4 may apply for funding assistance to attain an Australian Qualification Framework certificate relevant to their role. Line managers are to assist employees in identifying suitable qualifications through the Performance Appraisal and Development process. One hundred and fifty places a year will be offered across Queensland Health.

Operational Officers’ Employee Training and Development Education Incentive Fund

Operational Officers OO3 to OO5 may apply for funding assistance to attain an Australian Qualification Framework certificate relevant to their role. Line managers are to assist employees in identifying suitable AQF qualifications through the Performance Appraisal and Development process.

One hundred and fifty places a year will be offered across Queensland Health. We are awaiting advice that all Hospital Health Services have been given funding to support the extension of the EB agreement and a new round of allocations for the 2015 financial year. Please submit your EOI and we’ll be in contact when we know funding is available. For more information, contact the program coordinator: [email protected]

Clinical Governance reportTHE Clinical Governance Support Unit is here to provide support and advice for all staff in relation to clinical governance matters.

These include: • Consumer feedback and engagement • Clinical incident management • Quality improvement initiatives • Clinical audit • Clinical risk management.

We have a range of resources on our intranet page at: http://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/scwbhsd/html/serv/clinical-gov-

default.htm. If you can’t find what you are looking for or you would like to chat with one of the team, please call us on 4184 1824 or 4303 7560.

Some of the things we’ve been up to: • Development of the WBHHS Clinical Governance Framework. • Implementation of the new reports and reporting structure to assist teams to monitor and act on their own indicators. • Working closely with OH&S to share ideas and ensure we can build a culture of safety that will jointly benefit both patients and staff.

• Integration of the OH&S and organisational risk registers. • Development of the 10 Safety and Quality Committees to embed the National Safety and Quality Standards into everyday practice. • Sitting with and supporting staff when they are calling consumers to provide feedback.



http://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/scwbhsd/html/serv/clinical-gov-default.htm





The Wide Bay Hospital and Health BoardThe Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board was appointed in May 2014. The members were appointed by the Minister of Health. The Chair Dominic Devine was appointed for a four year period. Other members were appointed for periods ranging from one to three years. The Board meets monthly and has four sub-committees: Executive Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, and Safety and Quality Committee.

Board Members are Chair Dominic Devine, deputy chair Mrs Barbara Hovard, Mr Gary Kirk, Ms Joy Jensen, Pastor Paul Dare, Mr Christopher Hyne, Mr George Plint, Mr Rowan Bond, Professor Bryan Burmeister, Mr Ralph Coles.

Paul DareBoard MemberPaul spent six years working for Sikorsky Australia (Sikorsky is the manufacturer of the Blackhawk and Sea Hawk helicopters) as the ADF Customer Service Manager and Engineering Manager. In 2007, Paul studied to become a pastor within Queensland Baptists. As a result of this Paul is now pastoring the Mundubbera Baptist Church.

Dominic DevineChairDominic has served on numerous business, community and industry boards and has been a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors since 2006. Dominic is passionate about health, education and regional development.

Christopher HyneBoard MemberChristopher is semi-retired from an executive position with Hyne Timber. Christopher was born in Maryborough in 1945 and has lived in Ferney (15 km south of Maryborough) since 1980.

Professor Bryan BurmeisterBoard MemberBryan is the Director of Radiation Oncology at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. He was the President of the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group from 2007-2012 and is deputy chair of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of Queensland Cancer Council. He is President of the Australian and New Zealand Melanoma Trials Group.

Barbara HovardDeputy Chair Barbara has local and state government experience in the Wide Bay region. She has served as Mayor and councillor on the Maryborough City Council and was previously employed as manager of organisational services at Maryborough Hospital.

Gary KirkBoard MemberGary has almost 40 years experience in the public education system in Queensland as a school teacher and later as principal until his retirement in 2010. He has contributed to the community for nearly two decades, and for the past two years he has operated a small business in the tourism sector.

Ralph ColesBoard MemberRalph worked for the Wormald International Group for 17 years. He and his wife, Jill, moved to Hervey Bay in 1975 and established a marine retail business and sailing school. A qualified accountant specialising in management accounting and budgeting, Ralph is a Fellow of CPA Australia, Chartered Institute of Secretaries, and Governance Institute of Australia.

Rowan BondBoard MemberRowan recently retired as the Superintendent, District Officer, Bundaberg District. Rowan holds an Associate Diploma of Business (Justice Administration), a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management and a Diploma of Public Safety (Policing). He is a recipient of the Australian Police Medal and the Commissioner’s Award for Meritorious Service.

George PlintBoard MemberGeorge is currently the Service Director, Mental Health, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. Prior to his current position was the Executive Director of the Integrated Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service for the WBHHS. He has worked across a range of health settings associated with general and psychiatric nursing.

Joy JensenBoard MemberJoy has the unique distinction of having been the last mayor of the Perry Shire and the first mayor of the North Burnett Regional Council. Her background is in rural industry namely cattle and horses, and rural communities.

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