Executive message

As the weather warms up and the year draws to a close, I would like to celebrate the remarkable achievements ofConcord Hospital.

This year Concord Hospital celebrated its 75th Anniversary – our Diamond Jubilee. This was an important Anniversary and gave us an opportunity to reflect on the excellent servicesprovided to our community over the past 75 years of caring. There were a number of special events to mark the occasion, including the establishment of the Concord Hospital ‘Hall of Fame’. The Hall of Fame recognised those people who have made significant and long term contributions to the Hospital from its military days to the present. The display in the Conference Rooms was very well attended by patients, staff, visitors and members of the community and included information about the inductees, plans for the Hospital’s redevelopment andmemorabilia highlighting Concord’s role as a repatriationhospital.

This year the Hospital progressed plans for the redevelopmentof the campus, concluding schematic design and user groupmeetings earlier in the year. Health Infrastructure have receivedthe planning money allocated in this year’s State budget to review and further advance the redevelopment planningthe Hospital has undertaken to date. The final submissionto Treasury will occur before the end of 2016.

On 6, 7, 8 September 2016 the Hospital undertook PeriodicReview and achieved ongoing compliance with the National and EQuIP Standards, and was awarded three Met with Merits.The surveyors commented very positively on the work andinitiatives being undertaken at the Hospital. In particular the surveyors commended the hospital’s governance aroundsafety and quality indicators, and our work partnering withpatients and their carers to incorporate patient feedback and facilitate their participation in the analysis of safety and quality performance. They also noted the wonderful culture at theHospital which was evident in all of the areas they visited.Congratulations to all staff at the Hospital on this result,which is recognition of the high quality services providedto our patients every day.

In November 2016, the eMeds project at the Hospital was recognised in the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management, receiving the silver medal. The judges’ report noted that Concord Hospital had successfully undertaken a complex and innovative initiative in order toimprove medical accountability and patient welfare. A number of other NSW hospitals are now following the path pioneered

We want to hear from you!Does your ward or department have a story, event or staffachievement that you would like to share with the hospital?

Please e-mail peta.macfarlane@sswahs.nsw.gov.au ormonika.rzeppa@sswahs.nsw.gov.au with your story and pictures.

Front Cover Picture: A/Prof John Cullen, Winner of The Pride of Concord Award Photograph by:Produced by:

Design & Print by:

Audio Visual Services, SLHDMarketing and Community Relations Department,Concord Repatriation General HospitalPrint Rite Australia, email: sales@printrite.com.au

in our Hospital, as eMedsbecomes business as usual.

On Melbourne Cup Day the Hospital launched the 90 Day Discharge Challenge which will run over summer. The 90 Day Discharge Challenge is a research-based initiative whichidentifies the most effective ways for our patients to returnsafely from hospital to home. Developed by the Ministry ofHealth, the initiative looks at ways to improve discharge-relatedpractices where the patient is at the centre of planningand decision making. Thank you to the Cardiology andRespiratory Departments who will be the first departmentsto participate in the Challenge.

I would like to thank all staff for their efforts in improving the Emergency Treatment Performance (ETP) target which was a focus over the winter period. The ETP target requires the hospital to admit or discharge at least 81% of patients within4 hours of presenting at the ED. Approaching this target from a whole of hospital perspective, Concord has been able to achieve improved results and is one of the bestperformers in our hospital peer category. I have no doubt thatimprovements to patient flow through the ED are now wellembedded in our service delivery and will continue toimprove in 2017.

Now in its second year, the Pride of Concord Award is a prestigious honor which acknowledges and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of our staff in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavour. It recognises those people in our hospital and community whose strength of character, service and contributions have had the effect of making a significant difference. I was honoured to announce Dr John Cullen, Head of Department, Geriatric Medicine, as the recipient of the Pride of Concord award this year. John’s commitment to the Hospital is evident not only in his care for our patients, but also in his support of his colleagues. John is a superb, caring clinician, highly knowledgeable and skilled, who has developed Aged Care and Concord Hospital through his ability to engage others, to enthuse them and work with them to develop the highest quality services for our patients.

I would like to thank all of our staff for your unwaveringcommitment and dedication throughout the year. It is a great privilege and I feel incredibly proud to be the GeneralManager of this remarkable Hospital that is committed toproviding exceptional and compassionate care to our patients and carers. Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Dr. Tim SinclairGeneral Manager

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Calendar of Events 2017DATE TIME EVENT VENUE CONTACT

Concord’s consumer representatives, Concord Rotarians and members of the Marketing team enjoyed feeding the crowds at the Yaralla Festival.

Friday 17 February 12 noon Continuous Service Awards Conference Rooms 1 and 2 Peta Macfarlane 9767 6038Friday 17 March 7pm Trivia Night Concord RSL Peta Macfarlane 9767 6038Tuesday 21 March 12 noon Harmony Day On the Green Peta Macfarlane 9767 6038Sunday 26 March 8am – 12pm The Biggest Workout Rhodes Alice Kang 9767 8488Saturday 8 April 2pm Kapyong Service 113th AGH Memorial Chapel Alice Kang 9767 8488Friday 21 April 10.30am Anzac Day Service Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Alice Kang 9767 8488Monday 1 May 7am International Secretaries’ Day Conference Rooms 1 and 2 Alice Kang 9767 8488Friday 12 May 10.30am Centaur Service 113th AGH Memorial Chapel Alice Kang 9767 8488Friday 12 May 12 noon International Nurses’ Day On the Green IND CommitteeFriday 16 June 7pm Solstice Dinner (TBC) Angelo’s On the Bay Alice Kang 9767 8488 Tuesday 15 August 2pm VP Day Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Alice Kang 9767 8488Monday 21 August 10.30am Vietnam Veterans Day 113th AGH Memorial Chapel Alice Kang 9767 8488Thursday 7 September 9am – 3pm Spring Markets On the Green Melissa Puglisi 9767 7560Friday 6 October 8am – 5pm Clinical Day (TBC) Medical Educ Centre Winston Cheung 9767 6221Friday 6 October 7pm – 11pm Medical Staff Dinner (TBC) Rivendell Thomas Walker Alice Kang 9767 8488Wednesday 11 October 12 midday Tour de Concord On the Green Melissa Puglisi 9767 7560Friday 3 November 10.30am Kokoda Day Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Alice Kang 9767 8488Friday 10 November 10.30am Remembrance Day Service Front Lawn Concord Hospital Alice Kang 9767 8488Saturday 11 November 7pm Opera Dinner Rivendell Thomas Walker Alice Kang 9767 8488Monday 4 December 12 noon Volunteers Appreciation Lunch Conference Rooms 1 and 2 Melva Lindley 9767 5256Thursday 7 December 9am – 3pm Christmas Markets On the Green Melissa Puglisi 9767 7560Wednesday 13 December 12 noon Staff BBQ On the Green Peta Macfarlane 9767 6038

Concord Consumer Representatives and Rotarians lend a helping hand

The annual Yaralla Festival hosted by Sydney LocalHealth District was held on the 11th of September 2016,which provided members of the local community anopportunity to enjoy a day of live entertainment, healthpromotion stalls, tours of the historic estate and fundog competitions for the kids.

Concord Hospital consumer representatives Kevin Longand Jan Bell together with Concord Rotarians and

members of the hospital’s Marketing team cooked up a storm at the recent festival, feeding and watering the crowds. The fabulous weather and tantalising waft from the BBQ attracted a big crowd at the stall. The family fun day was filled with glorious sunshine and a wonderful atmosphere and offered a chance to ensure everyone in the community knows about this piece of the country in the midst of the city that is theirs to enjoy all year round.

I am the pride of Concord

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Concord Clinical Day 2016

Pride, Passion, Purpose... the Pride of Concord Recipient is announced

Congratulations to A/Professor John Cullen, Clinical DirectorAged Care, Rehabilitation, General Medicine, Chronic and Ambulatory Care who has been announced as the recipient of this year’s Pride of Concord Award. A/Prof Cullen has been associated with Concord Hospital for over 35 years, starting his career as a medical student in 1975.

John’s commitment to Concord Hospital is evident not onlyin his care for our patients, but also in his support to hiscolleagues. He is well respected by all who work with himwithin the whole Local Health District, spanning all areasof care from acute to chronic, inpatient to community.He has been a coach and mentor to so many throughthe years.

As quoted from his nomination forms, “Dr Cullen has been a leading light at Concord Hospital for many years andexcels in the values of respect, integrity, collaboration and service. His work is always driven by the overwhelming

Concord Clinical Day 2016 was held on the 21st October and combined all the previous Concord Clinical Week events into one day. The day was started with a thought provokingtalk on the role that loss plays in the development ofcreativity. The morning provided us with insights into thefuture of faecal transplantation for colitis, non-surgicalinterventions for the management of obesity and the roleof gut microbiota.

The Great Debate tackled political correctness, andwhether the concept of Great Debate should continue inthis day and age. Concord 3MC highlighted the work of

philosophy that all patients deserve respect and highquality, equitable health care. It is this philosophy that has made him instrumental in fostering and developingnumerous innovative practices including ResidentialOutreach, Geriatric Medicine Telehealth and the GeriatricMedicine and Aboriginal Medical Service collaboration,to name a few”.

“It is a privilege to work with John and I marvel at whathe has achieved for Concord and for his dedication andpersonal involvement with individuals and issues.”

The Pride of Concord Award is a prestigious accolade thatacknowledges and celebrates the outstanding achievementand contributions of those staff who have providedoutstanding service and made a significant contributionto the Hospital.

Concord Hospital would like to congratulate A/Prof Cullenon this wonderful achievement.

Jan Bell, Volunteer pinning the 9ct gold hospital logo badge on A/Prof John Cullen. Tim Sinclair, General Manager presented A/Prof Cullen with Pride of Concord award.

(1) The Great Debate participants.(2) 3 Minute Thesis Competition winner Dewn Wahl

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many of our scientists and researchers. The ANZACResearch Symposium provided food for thought regardingthe possible harms of modern medicine, with a focus onchanging the way in which we diagnose and prescribefor various medical and psychiatric conditions.

Concord’s Clinical Day 3 Minute Thesis Competition winnerDewn Wahl was awarded a prize of $500 proudlysupported by Concord Hospital Medical Staff Council.

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The annual dinner of the Medical Staff Council (MSC)was held at Rivendell on Friday 21st October. This year’sguest speaker was Prof. Bruce Robinson. As chair of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce, Prof. Robinson was able to portray the strengths andweaknesses of the MBS system, and the challenges with the review. The Taskforce recognizes the commercialimpact that changes to the system may create and theneed to engage with the colleges on the way of managingthese impacts, even where changes are appropriate. Prof. Robinson also discussed the importance ofrecognizing the value of the GPs as gatekeepers inthe system.

Dr Charlie MacDonald again entertained and charmed as the MC on the night. He introduced the newlyappointed specialists, noting the strongly positivebalance this year (multiple new appointments with no retirees). Prof. Kritharides, as chair of the MSC,recognized the achievements of a number of clinicians. This included Prof. David Le Couteur for his contributions to Medical Research at Concord and on his receiving an AO; Assoc. Prof John Cullen for his contributions toGeriatric Medicine, as Clinical Services Director and his being awarded the Concord Medal for 2016. Prof Mark Cooper for his contributions to the Division of Medicineand the Academic life of the Concord Campus, Drs

Sandhya Limaye, Anthony Linton and Clarissa Susantofor a hugely successful year in the basic physicianstraining exams.

A/Prof Winston Cheung was also ackwnoledged forhis commitment and successful rejuvenation of theclinical week/day program; and Dr Matt Rickard for his contributions to the hospital as surgeon and his longstanding contributions to the clinical week debate. Alice Kang was thanked for her great success in coordinating the MSC dinner, the Concord Hall of Fame and the 75th Anniversary Dinner.

The Silver Prime Minister’s Award Goes To Concord

We are thrilled to receive the 2016 Silver PrimeMinister’s Award for Excellence in Public SectorManagement on the 9th of November, presentedby Senator The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO CabinetSecretary.

The Sydney Local Health District was awardedfor implementing the Electronic MedicationManagement (eMeds) across the hospitals.The eMeds project went live from May 2015 after a long run of testing by clinicians across a range of disciplines. Currently all inpatients benefit fromthe smarter and safer medication managementenabled by eMeds

The award represents the hospital’s high level ofinnovation and collaboration of initiatives to createbetter practice.SLHD was awarded Silver Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management

for implementing eMeds.

Medical Staff Council Dinner

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US Consul General and Dame Marie Bashir at the ceremony.

Kokoda Day

Students from St Patrick’s College, Strathfield at the Kokoda Track. Wreath laying ceremony

Service personnel at the ceremony.

The Australian flag was raised together withthe flag of Papua New Guinea at the KokodaTrack Memorial Walkway on the 3rd ofNovember to mark the anniversary of KokodaDay. The ceremony acknowledged thelegendary Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles who carriedhundreds of wounded and sick Australiansoldiers to safety through a muddy track andadverse conditions during the Pacific War.

The Kokoda Day address was delivered byProfessor The Honourable Dame MarieBashir, AD, CVO, followed by a wreath layingceremony. The highlight of the service was a video presentation which unfolded the storyof 1942, accompanied by ‘Meeting the Sun’ by Elena Kats-Chernin. At the conclusion of the service The Papua New Guinean and Australiananthems were performed in the memory of Australian soldiers and Papua New Guinea wartime carriers.

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Remembrance Day

The 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-WWI-war years. As a mark of respect to those who have suffered, a service was held at the CentenaryGarden, led by Fr Graeme Malone and Rev PaulWeaver. The service observed one minute’ssilence in memory of those affected by theimpacts of war.

At the conclusion of the service poppies were placed near the Tri-Service Badge in memory of loved ones and comrades who died in time of war. The tradition to wear red Poppies onRemembrance Day has its origins. Despite the devastation caused by the war to towns and landscapes, thousands of red poppies were among the first plants that bloomed in spring.

Soldiers had it that the poppiesrepresent the vivid red fromhaving been nurtured in theground absorbed with the bloodof their comrades. The red poppysoon became widely acceptedthroughout the allied nations asthe flower of remembrance.

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Congratulations to Concord staff forOutstanding EQuIP NationalAccreditation ResultsConcord Hospital has achieved ongoing compliancewith the National and EQuIP Standards whichcomprised of the National Standards 1, 2 and 3and the ACHS mandatory criteria from standards11,12,13,14,15. All Recommendations from the EQuiP2014 survey were also closed out.

In the Hospital’s 75th year, the surveyors wereimpressed and congratulated us on the highstandards of performance we set for ourselves andour positive, professional and caring culture.

The Hospital met all standards and achieved 3 Metwith Merit in the following areas:Standard 1Criterion 1.2.1 Regular reports on safety and qualityindicators and other safety and quality data aremonitored by the executive level of governance.Standard 2: Partnering with Consumers achieved2 Met with Merit: Criterion 2.4.2 Action is taken to incorporateconsumers and/or carers’ feedback into publicationsprepared by the health service organization fordistribution to patients.Criterion 2.8.1 Consumers and/or carers participatein the analysis of organisational safety and qualityperformance.

The surveyors also positively commented that:

• Closemonitoringandpriorityactionsforsafetyand quality were identified through business plans, clinical indicators, audits, external expert committees, risk profiles and reviews against external standards and performance data.

• Activitiesandactions takento improvequalityand safety are regularly and effectively communicated to staff, patients, consumers and the community.

• The hospital continues to develop and use its information management and review reporting systems to drive review and performance.

• Substantialdevelopmentofthedigitalhealthrecord through the progressive implementation of the Electronic Medication Management (eMM) program was evident. The provision of antibiotic information by email was noted as a useful function.

• There is a well-developed and sophisticated consumer and community engagement strategy and operationalisation of the involvement of consumers in review, decision making and change

and improvement.

• Educationand learning forall staffandvolunteers remains a priority and promotes the growth and development of contemporary clinical and non-clinical services.

• Patient Rights and Responsibilities (PR&R) are proactively promoted via a range of media.

• Patient Information Services provide efficient management of the Hospital’s health records in accordance with relevant Australian Standard and CRGH policy.

• Comprehensive assessment tools are in use for physical, spiritual, cultural, psychological and social needs. Care plans and management is patient centred and involve the patient / carer in goal setting.

• ‘Respecting Patient Choices’ is firmly established and includes the Advance Care Directive (ACD) and My Wishes program. ‘End of Life Care’ is managed with a great deal of compassion and sensitivity throughout the facility.

• Integratedservices(e.g.palliativecare,ageingand rehabilitation services) have been consolidated and extend into the community.

• Extensive work has been undertaken to standardise and consolidate policy formation and dissemination.

• Executive engagement in the Quality and Risk system was evident in all the quality improvement strategies throughout the hospital such as the clinical redesign of the Drug and Alcohol Unit as well as Skin reduction project in Burns Unit and the reduction in length of stay in the Orthopaedic Unit.

• There is a strong commitment to regular review, monitoring, audit and assessment at all levels of the infection prevention, surveillance and control with good buy-in of the hand hygiene program.

• Cleaningstaffaretobecomplimentedforworking within challenging facility conditions in some locations.

This was a fantastic result and it was through greatteam work and dedication from all staff that theorganisation was able to achieve this great outcome.Congratulations to all staff.

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Concord staff aim to get fitand improve health

As part of the annual Ride2Work Day, ConcordHospital’s popular Tour de Concord event held on 12thOctober 2016 once again saw our keen cyclists pedaloff from The Green for their scenic lunchtime ride.

Our cyclists aimed to spread a motivational messageto get fit and improve health by riding during theirlunchtime break, as cycling can reduce the risks ofobesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Team leaders from the Physiotherapy department and Concord Centre for Mental Health led cyclists on a thirty minute journey down Concord Road over

Ryde Bridge through Meadowbank, Rhodes and back to Concord Hospital via the John Whitton Bridge

Upon their return, our cyclists joined their colleaguesfor a staff BBQ lunch to celebrate the hospital’soutstanding accreditation results and 75th DiamondJubilee Anniversary. Dr Steevie Chan, Director MedicalServices thanked all hospital staff for their hardwork in preparing for the recent accreditation andinvited everyone to enjoy in the day’s festivities. Lightentertainment provided by a talented guitar duocreated a prefect harmonious spring atmosphereand a great time was had by all.

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Domestic Violence Routine Screening inConcord’s Emergency Department

Public Health Forum: Anxiety inAdolescence and Youth

A Public Health Forum was held in the MedicalEducation Centre in October 2016 with a focus onanxiety in adolescence and youth. The panellists were heavily engaged in conversations about the challenges young adults face in our modern society.

The informative session was carried out by a panel of experts from Concord Centre for Mental Health, Dr Madeleine Maguire, Psychiatric Registrar andMr Paul O’Keefe Nursing Unit Manager, as well asMs Lil Vrklevski, Director of Psychology from SydneyLocal Health District.

Parents and families tuned in to listen about thenew challenges young people face when theytransition from childhood to adulthood. It can be

a time of excitement and growth but also a time of turbulence and uncertainty, as young adults striveto find their own sense of independence andindividuality amid a range of physical, hormonal,and developmental changes that can be stressfuland anxiety-provoking. The discussions led on to findout how to offer best support and foster resiliencein our young people as they navigate the challengesof adolescence.

For enquiries about topics on the Public HealthForum calendar for 2017 please contact Alice Kang, Director, Marketing and Community Relations on 9767 8488 or email alice.kang@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

A combined Social Work and EmergencyDepartment project was one of the winning entries in the inaugural SLHD Child Protection Week and Wellbeing Awards of 2016. Thisaward was presented to the teams forpromoting the safety and wellbeing ofchildren and their families by implementing adomestic violence program.

The Domestic Violence Routine ScreeningProgram is an early identification andintervention strategy used to spreadawareness of the impacts of domesticviolence and the safety of the victims alongwith their children.

The project began in June 2016, followinga pilot in August 2015 and is a joint initiativeby Concord Hospital’s Social Work and Emergency Departments. Whilst DomesticViolence Routine Screening of all female cli-ents/patients 16 years and over has beencarried out in antenatal, drug and alcohol,mental health and early childhood servicesacross NSW Health since 2003, this is thefirst time it has been implemented in anEmergency Department in Sydney LocalHealth District.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics’Personal Safety Survey found that of those women who had experienced violence by a current partner, 54% had children in their care

at the time of the violence and 31% of the children had seen orheard the violence. Of the women who had experiencedviolence by a former partner, 61% had children in their care at thetime of the violence and 48% of the children had seen orheard the violence.

This project recognises that staff in Emergency Departments come into regular contact with women and children who are exposed to violence in the home and that they are ideally placed in helping to identify victims of domestic violence and, consequently, offer them helpful responses as well as assist in the provision of timely, relevant and supportive interventions. This initiative demonstrates what close collaboration between departments can achieve for the welfare of our patients.

L to R: Sharon Taylor, ED CNC, Anastasia Biris, ED Social Worker, Trish Howard, Senior Social worker, Aged Care and Michele Horgan, Head of Social work Department was presented with the award by Michelle Maiese, Director of Child Protection, SLHD.

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Psychology Department promoted ‘Ways to Thrive’ for a happier live

Perioperative Nurses Weekcelebrations 9th -15th of October

There was a hype of activity during Perioperative Nurses Week highlighted by Nurse Manager MichelleSkrivanic’s theme for the celebrations ‘Keepingyourselves healthy so that you can give your patientsthe best of care’.

The week commenced with the walls of the receptionarea in the operating theatre being creativelydecorated by NUM Victoria Cran with articles fromAustralian College of Operating Room Nursesmagazines. Highlights included:

- Workshops where specially selected exercise programs for perioperative nurses were conducted by Brendan Dunn, Co-ordinator of Manual Handling.

- CEO of EQ Consulting Chelsea Pottenger, generously donated her valuable time to present an extremely productive presentation on ‘Taking Care of Ourselves in a Stressful Environment’.

- Jan Bell, former CNE, Operating Theatres, Concordian and tireless volunteer, enthralled all

with her historical and informative account of ‘Perioperative Nursing at CRGH’.

- A ‘Healthy Food Stall’ challenge was organised with all six teams involved producing some truly yummy and healthy food.

- The week also promoted membership at CRGH Gymnasium and our professional body the NSW Operating Theatre Association.

The fun and celebrations continued throughout the week, with a display in the ground floor foyer of thehospital, where Concord’s perioperative nurses‘unmasked’ to hand out gifts of lollies and gloveballoons to visitors.

There were many other activities including anamazing celebration cake made by RN Fiona Kuyster,an enthusiastically supported ‘Step Challenge’ as well as an “Obsolete Instrument’ guessing competitionco-ordinated by CNS Cathie Montgomery and anincredibly popular ‘Anatomy Colouring in Corner’organised by RN Stanley Shing.

National Psychology WeekThis year a number of the Clinical Psychologists who work at Concord Hospital and Concord Centre for MentalHealth took part in the National Psychology Week byhosting a day of activities in November.

National Psychology Week is an annual initiative from the Australian Psychological Society that aims to increase public awareness of how psychology can help peopleand communities lead healthier, happier and moremeaningful lives. The theme for this year was ‘Ways toThrive’.

A display and information stall set up on the day was kept busy with visitors and it was great to get the word outthere and provide people an insight into what servicesClinical Psychologists provide, as well as distributinginformation to staff and patients on Ways to Thrive. 11

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Opera Night at Rivendell –A Grand Affair

Opera Night at Rivendell continues to feature as a highlight on the hospital’s calendar of events and this year was no exception. It was with a heavy heart that the decision was made to retire the outdoor concert, however the opera and fine dining event provided guests with not only a resplendent dinner, but also an intimate and exhilarating concert in the Great Hall.

Soprano Kathryn Zerk, tenor Warren Fisher, baritoneJavier Vilarino and newcomer mezzo soprano Caitlin Hulcup entertained and delighted guests with their wonderful performance of arias from a variety of operas from the likes of Mozart, Puccini, Bizet and Donizetti, accompanied by pianist Bradley Gilchrist.

A highpoint of the evening was the presentation of$20 000 to our ANZAC Research Institute by theRotary Club of Breakfast Point and an anonymousdonor. There was excitement in the air in the lead upto the drawing of the raffle on the evening as themajor prize up for grabs was a beautifully bottleddouble magnum 2016 vintage Hunter Semillon fromTintilla Estate, containing an exquisite 0.52 caratbrilliant cut diamond.

Congratulations to our winners:

1st Prize: Diamond Indulgence - Virginia Walker (Virginia has attended the Opera Night event for many years and incidentally is a relative of the Thomas and Eadith Walker family).

2nd Prize: Technology Savvy - Dr and Mrs J. Szasz

3rd Prize: Entertain in Style - Michelle Skrivanic

Many thanks to our sponsors Canada Bay Club,Tintilla Estate, City of Canada Bay, Cranbrook Careand Print Rite for their generous support. All funds raised from the evening will go towards the ANZACResearch Institute at Concord Hospital.

To view full photo gallery of event please visitwww.operanightatrivendell.com.au

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Carers Week High Tea

Cares High Tea in recognition of the care carers provide

Concordians Annual Dinner

On Friday, 25 November 2016 the conference rooms rang with the happy voices of at least 80 past andpresent employees of Concord Hospital, who joined in a night of camaraderie, nostalgia and information sharing.

A magnificent buffet was prepared and presented underthe watchful eye of the Food Services team. The mealwas followed by presentations from two after dinnerspeakers. The first speaker, General Manager Dr. TimSinclair, provided an extremely detailed outline of thefuture of Concord Hospital, which left guests in no doubt that our hospital will be a truly magnificent centre ofexcellence in the years to come and furthermore, is in the best of hands. Our second speaker, Professor DavidGillett formerly Concord’s Head of Surgery, took us down the sometimes hilarious path of Concord’s past. Many of our former colourful characters were highlightedsparking many a memory and giving rise to muchreminiscing.

One of our oldest members present on the night recalledbeing here as a patient in 1942. He trained as a splintmaker post-war working here until his retirement,after which he remained for many years as a volunteerin the Physiotherapy Department.

The Concordians is a special group which was formed in 1993 as our Hospital prepared to move from itsCommonwealth role to be a proud member of the NSW Health System. Our President is A/ProfessorPeter Haertsch. Membership is open to all who have beenemployed, or are still employed at Concord Hospital.We hold an annual dinner in November, where dinner monies raised by raffle are donated to Concord Hospital.

Application forms for membership may be obtainedfrom the Marketing office located near The Green, inBuilding 8A.

The Social Work Department hosted a Carers Week High Tea on the 19th of October 2016. The event was celebrated in recognition of the outstandingcontribution carers make to our community. Through the support of a number of generous sponsors theconference room was transformed into an elegantdining venue with savouries, sweets and exquisite table settings. More than 50 carers attended the high tea which included music, trivia and prizes. Each carer received a bag full of gifts kindly donated by local companies.

In one carer’s words: “I attended the function with my dad (93 with dementia) and my mum (88 his carer). We were overwhelmed when we walked into the room, sobeautiful, we felt like we were attending a wedding. I was filled with emotion. The tea sets were amazinglybeautiful, the food delicious. The trivia was fun, it was good socializing. The prizes were so lovely. It was the best day we’ve had in a long time. Thank you. Please pass on oursincere gratitude to all of the organizers. We trulyfeel blessed.”

Concord Hospital would like to thank all those whogenerously supported the event. Due to the positivefeedback received, it is hoped the Carers Week HighTea will continue in 2017.

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Launch of Korean translated Caring for Carers DVD

Occupational Therapy Forum

Occupational Therapy Week was celebrated with the SLHD OT Week Forum held at Concord MedicalEducation Centre on the 17th of October with the focuson research and the integration into practice.Occupational Therapists from all sites attended,representing the hospital departments from mentalhealth, community aged care and paediatrics. Therewere 92 attendees, including Occupational Therapystudents and guests.

Various informative topics were presented by guest speakers Prof Anne Cusick from University of Sydney, School of Occupational Therapy, Prof Jenny Alison, SLHD/University of Sydney, Allied Health Professorial Unit along with Prof Peter Baldwin from University ofNSW, School of Psychology who discussed theHoarding and Squalor program. Joh Castle, Drug andAlcohol Occupational Therapy from Concord Hospitaland Jessica Allchin, Enable NSW project alsopresented on the day.

Overall topics covered facts on ImprovingEmployment Outcomes in Mental Health; Sensory Rooms in Mental Health; Enriched Environment (acute neurology); Music and Memory; Pressure Mapping; Lymphoedema PhD project and a panel presentation on the top five tips to embed research into practice.

These reflect the diversity of Occupational Therapypractice in SLHD and the extent of quality andresearch projects being carried out in the district.The event was enlightening and a great show casefor the quality and research activities being done bythe District’s Occupational therapy staff.

Monday 10th October 2016 saw the launch ofConcord Hospital’s Korean translated Caring forCarers DVD at Croydon Park.

Members of the Korean Society of Sydney were in attendance to hear Korean speaking social workerHannah Park provide information about the DVD, her role at Concord Hospital and details on how to access services at the hospital. Each attendeewas provided with a copy of the DVD, together withgeneral information about Concord Hospital.

The Caring for Carers DVD was first produced forcirculation in the English language and was translatedinto Korean as it has been identified there is agrowing number of Korean-speaking patients andcommunity around the hospital.

The informative DVD will assist anyone who is caringfor a sick or elderly patient or family member andprovides useful information and tips for Carers. Toobtain a copy, of the DVD, contact the Social WorkDepartment on 9767 6880.

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A Chaplains Reflection

Reverend Paul Weaver

It was nearly 14 years ago, in February 2003, that I commencedmy ministry as Anglican Chaplain at Concord Hospital. Overthe years I have made thousands of visits to patients andtheir families. I have sat with people; listened to them;sought to encourage and support them; provided guidancein times of uncertainty; read the scriptures and prayed withthem; shared Communion with them; and given simplepractical help from time to time. I have met families,carers, partners, neighbours and friends. I have been therearound the time a patient has died, guiding and supportingthose who were grieving. It has been a tremendous privilegeto be allowed to share the lives of people going through toughtimes, and a blessing to have a sense that my ministry hasbeen helpful to people.

Of course, there is more to being a Chaplain at ConcordHospital than my ministry to patients and their loved ones. I have been involved in preparing and leading many commemorativeservices. There have been other services in the chapel,particularly commemorations of staff and others who have died, as well as a weekly Bible Study. I have spent anhour each week with the lovely people at the Veterans’ DayCentre, and been a member of the hospital’s Health ResearchEthics Committee – preparing and meeting monthly with awonderful group of very professional people, who seek to encourage good research while protecting the well-beingof those who volunteer to participate in research projects.As a Justice of the Peace (as the Chaplains have customarilybeen), I have been able to meet and assist many staff whomight otherwise be passing faces.

As a Chaplain at Concord, I do not work on my own. I have worked with three Catholic Chaplains over the years. Father Graeme Malone taught me the ropes as I settled in, and after 7 years in other ministries he has returned to Concord, so that he will also see me out! He has been a wonderful colleague, anda devoted and gifted Chaplain. We also have a great team ofvolunteers, who have their own ministries, as well as guiding

the Chaplains to patients who would particularly appreciateour ministry. But I also work alongside the wonderful staff ofConcord Hospital, who have always been very supportiveof the work of Chaplains, ashave been the members of theExecutive.

I want to say what a wonderfulhospital Concord is! It is the people who make a hospitalsuccessful. The number of staffwho have worked here for decades is a testament to theloyalty engendered by thehospital. While nothing is perfect in this world, I seeConcord as a place with happy staff, who are both dedicatedand capable. And I meet so many people - patients andvisitors - who are full of praise for the wonderful staff.

I retire from full-time ministry in December. There will be new opportunities for ministry ahead for me, and a numberof things I hope to be able to do in the future. Anglicare, theorganisation responsible for appointing Anglican Chaplains,is in the process of finding my successor. I do not yet knowwho that person will be, but I am confident that the personchosen will be professional, caring and dedicated. He orshe will have their particular style and their own gifts to offer:I may be missed because I have been here so long, but mysuccessor will, I am sure, have a wonderful ministry here.

I am very thankful to God for the privilege of serving here atConcord, as I am thankful for so many people whom I haveserved, and with whom I have served. I pray that God willcontinue to bless all the work of the hospital, and the PastoralCare ministry in particular. Thank you so much all for yourcontributions, and thanks for the memories!

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A little rain did not dampen the exhilaration of getting a medal and raising money for a good cause.

75 Years On – Meeting ChangingDemands While Keeping SocialWork Values Alive

Concord Hospital’s Social Work Department held itssecond Social Work Conference on 28 October 2016 in theMedical Education Centre. Titled “75 Years On - MeetingChanging Demands While Keeping Social Work ValuesAlive” the conference was attended by more than 80social workers and social work students from hospitalsacross Sydney.

Attendees were warmly welcomed by Nadine Meredith,Director of Social Work SLHD. An Acknowledgementof Country was delivered by Concord Hospital AboriginalLiaison Officer, Alexis Joseph. A variety of papers werepresented by social workers from both Concord Hospitalas well as other services within SLHD and covered awide range of topics that encompass the manyclinical areas that exist throughout the district includingchild protection, domestic violence and mental health.

A highlight of the conference were two presentations, “Future Proofing Social Work in Health Care: Leadership,Innovation, Evidence” delivered by Kim Hobbs, ClinicalSpecialist Social Worker from Westmead Hospital and“NDIS…New Directions in Social Work” presented by LynHerd and Emma Sturgess from the Social WorkDepartment, Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle.

Feedback provided by attendees reported bothpresentations were inspirational, encouraging workers tocommit to further developing their practice.

Social work conference held in the Medical Education Centre

Kidney Health Australia is a not for profit organisationdedicated to helping those affected by kidney disease.The aim of the organisation is to assist in improvingoutcomes and quality of life for patients and familiesliving with kidney disease.

The staff of 4N and Dialysis at Concord wanted to gettogether in a fun and positive way to help raise funds for this cause that seeks to improve the lives of patientsand their carers. On September 18th twelve Nursing andAllied Health staff from Ward 4 North and the Dialysisdepartment joined together to complete the Blackmore’sSydney Running Festival 9kms Bridge Run.

The event started at Milson’s Point where participantswere waved off by Australian Olympic hurdler MichelleJenneke, who happily posed for pictures as they madetheir way to the starting line.

Some of the more competitive in the group set off at abrisk pace with Social Worker Dan Vallins, posting a veryrespectable time of 46.38 minutes. Others took a moreleisurely approach, enjoying a chat whilst they strolledalong the course, taking in the beautiful views of SydneyHarbour on a Sunday morning.

As the final members of the team crossed the finish line at the Royal Botanic Gardens, the skies opened howeverthat did not dampen the enjoyment or sense of achievementfelt by many. With the generous support of sponsors,Concord Hospital staff helped to raise $2,683 for KidneyHealth Australia.

Congratulations to Ward 4 North and Dialysis on thisgreat effort!

4N and Dialysis staff raise funds for Kidney Health

All smiles before the race.

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Departments of Respiratory Medicine and Nuclear Medicine receive Awards for ResearchContinuing Concord Hospital’s reputation for innovative,collaborative research and with support of an investigatorinitiated grant from Novartis, A/Prof Lucy Morgan fromthe Department of Respiratory Medicine led a project toinvestigate the effect of a new inhaled medication on the ability of the airways to clear secretions via mucociliary clearance (MCC).

This project required the development of a method of measuring MCC and software to analyse the pattern andvelocity of mucus as it was cleared from the trachea.The group discovered that mucus clears from the tracheain spirals rather than straight ladders towards the mouth.This has never been described before. The group alsodiscovered that this new medication (Indacaterol) increasesthe velocity of mucus clearance as well as opening upnarrowed airways. These results help to explain thepotential benefits of this medication for patients withchronic bronchitis and COPD.

The team comprised A/Prof Lucy Morgan and her registrarsDr David Abelson and Dr Alice Cottee from the RespiratoryDepartment and A/Prof Clayton Frater and Mr MarkPearson from the Nuclear Medicine Department where theimaging and software development was undertaken.

David was awarded Best Poster at the annual scientificmeeting of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New

Zealand in Brisbane, late 2015 for “The Effect of Indacaterolon Tracheal Mucus Velocity in Patients with SymptomaticCOPD” and Young Investigator Award for the NSWTSANZ for “Mucociliary Clearance in the trachea occursin spirals”.

Clayton was awarded Best Poster at the 2016 annualscientific meeting of the Australian and New ZealandSociety of Nuclear Medicine held in Rotorua NZ for“Mucociliary clearance in the trachea occurs in spiralsboth in health and disease”.

Dr Alice Cottee, Respiratory Registrar, A/Prof Lucy Morgan and Clayton Fraser

I am consistent I am the pride of Concord

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Walkers raise funds for cancer research

Drug Health Launch

Wentworth Point community staged their inaugural Black and White Ball onNovember 5 to raise funds for Concord Hospital’s world-leading blood cancerresearch and local community events.

Several hundred patrons joined VIPs and community members at ANZ Stadiumto celebrate Wentworth Point’s emergence as a viable mature community whichhas significant plans for infrastructure in years ahead.

Associate Professor Judith Trotman, Director of the Haematology Clinical ResearchUnit at Concord Hospital, said “We conduct world-leading, patient-centredclinical trials. Our patients from Concord and across NSW have access to thelatest cutting-edge and innovative therapies for leukaemia, lymphoma, myelomaand other blood disorders”.

“We are so grateful to the Wentworth Point Community for pledging its support forour important work through its inaugural Black and White Ball”.

Wentworth Point community Blackand White Ball raises funds forcancer research

Wentworth Point Community President BronwynEvans and Dominic Sullivan (Payce) presentfundraising proceeds from the evening toA/Prefessor Judith Trotman

October was a special month for Concord Hospital, which saw a tribe of Commonwealth Bank employees descend on site en route from Cabarita to Parramatta as part of their 21-kilometre Tour de Cure Australia CAN4CANCER walk.

The walkers presented a cheque for $10,000 to Professor David Handelsman, Director of the ANZAC Research Institute,which will help towards the purchase of a high speed multi-channel fluorescence intravital microscope.Haematologist Dr Vivien Chen said “We are very grateful for this support and funding that gives hope to all who areaffected by cancer’.

Concord Hospital would like to thank the organiser Tour de Cure and the Commonwealth Bank for their generous support.

The launch of the redesigned Concord Drug Health Serviceon the 20th of October marked the implementation ofsupport service for those who are on their way to recovery. This project enhanced offered services, allowing them to become more accessible, flexible and importantly linked with other providers.

Concord’s volunteer inpatient withdrawal unit offers a number of treatments to help patients detox. The ward assists with guided recovery with skilled teams in allied health, medical and nursing treatment. The treatment also involves recreational therapeutic activities and cognitive behaviour therapy to focus on mindfulness and relapse prevention.

To find out more about available services, please call the Intake line 1800 793 466 or email: SLHD.DHSIntake@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

Prof David Handelsman and Dr Vivien Chen were presented with a cheque whichwill go towards the purchase of a new microscope. Commonwealth Bank employees generously donated to ANZAC Research Institute.

Concord Drug Health Service launched a new program

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Wentworth Point Community President BronwynEvans and Dominic Sullivan (Payce) presentfundraising proceeds from the evening toA/Prefessor Judith Trotman

Antibiotic Awareness Week and the CASI cup

Dr Akshay Kamra (Orthopaedic Surgery) accepting the CASI cupfrom A/Prof Tom Gottlieb.

CASI the owl, who is the mascot for the Concord AntimicrobialStewardship Initiative (CASI), has been the symbol of good qualityantibiotic use at Concord Hospital. From 14-20 November, wecelebrated Antibiotic Awareness Week.

CASI’s goal is to engage clinical staff and patients with theappropriate use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). During Antibiotic Awareness Week, we engaged with our consumer representative to look at improving patient informationsheets, put posters all around the hospital and got everyoneinvolved through labelling the coffee cart disposable cups withCASI’s logo and advice to “ask your doctor about antibiotic use”.

Annually, the CASI gold cup for ‘excellence in antimicrobial use’ is awarded to the clinical team with high quality prescribing over the preceding 12 months. In 2016, this was awarded to Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr Akshay Kamra (pictured) and clinical nurse consultant Megan White, who accepted the award on behalf of Dr Peter Walker.

Thank you to all those who were involved in the planning ofAntibiotic Awareness Week and to the AMS team including Drs Tom Gottlieb, Elaine Cheong, Genevieve McKew, Timothy Gray, IndySandaradura, Shelanah Fernando and Michael Findlay. A specialthanks to the volunteers who put CASI stickers on coffee cups and especially to the wonderful Concord Marketing Department.

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Concord Continues to Connectwith our Veteran Community

Concord Hospital hosted its annual Veterans’Health Day on the 14th of October with anumber of educational presentations, which includedtopics on Diabetes management, PTSD and makingthe most of your medication.

Over 100 people who attended the event engaged insocial interaction and the informative presentations.General Manager Dr Tim Sinclair discussed theRusty Priest Rehabilitation and Aged Care Precinctthat will comprise the Defence Force Centre ofExcellence, rehabilitation facilities and Ageing and Alzheimer’s Institute. The centre will provide urgentlyneeded physical and mental health services forAustralia’s returned veterans and their families.

Guests were treated to a sit down buffet luncheon,proudly sponsored by Burwood RSL sub branchand were entertained by the dulcet sounds of theSunset Singers.

Tireless work of our Volunteers acknowledged The services of Friends of Concord, Patient Escort and Consumer Representatives working at ConcordHospital were acknowledged on Friday 2 Decemberat an annual luncheon held in their honour.

Volunteers provide invaluable assistance to our patients and various departments within thehospital. Activities have included escorting patients to various locations around campus, providinglaminating, collating, photocopying, folding andother administrative duties and guiding school and tour groups along the walkway. The courtesy cart has proved an invaluable service to patients andvisitors when they visit the hospital, providingtransport around the campus when mobility is aproblem.

The consumer representatives actively participate in a variety of means including participation in hospitalforums, committees, projects and working groups and offer very useful and constructive feedback onbehalf of the community they represent.

The event also provided an opportunity for thehospital to acknowledge International Day of People with Disability with the cutting of a celebratory cake.We would like to take the opportunity to thank allour volunteers for their tireless work and endlessenergy and look forward to seeing their smilingfaces around campus again in 2017.

Professor Andrew McLachlan presented an educational talk on medications

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Concord launches90 Day Challenge

On 1st November 2016, both the Concord CardiologyDepartment and Respiratory Department launchedthe commencement of the NSW Health 90 DayChallenge. This challenge was developed by NSW Health in partnership with the Department ofPremier and Cabinet’s Behavioural Insights Unit, theAgency for Clinical Innovation, the Clinical ExcellenceCommission and the Health Education and TrainingInstitute. The objective of the challenge is fordepartments involved to review existing processesaround discharge practice and work toward strategies to make this process more effectivefor their services, where the patient is at the centre

of planning and decision making.

The attendees celebrated the event opened byDr Kim Hill (Executive Clinical Advisor for SLHD) andwere surprised with a Melbourne Cup Sweepstakesponsored by the CRGH Marketing Department. Dr Kim Hill expressed her appreciation for bothdepartments taking up this challenge and discussedthe importance of effective discharge planning and the influence it has on all members of our communityboth inside and outside of the hospital.

We look forward to view the progress the departmentsmake and wish them all the best on this journey.

Concord’s Compliments Corner

Thank you to an angel who works at ConcordEmergency. Her and her sister were absoluteangels and helped when my father in law had some seizures. Thanks to these 2 angelsmy father in law is ok. Through their help,they also helped me and my husband toremain calm.

So once again a big THANK YOU and you should be proud to have such wonderful staff.

Kind regards

Name withheld

I would like to offer sincere compliments tothe nursing, medical and support staff forWard 1 East. My mother was admittedfor surgery and her recovery was managed by this team. What a wonderful cohort of healthand support people.

The kindness and care extendedto my mother gladdened my heart.Please extend my grateful thanksand appreciation to this team.

Thank you

Name withheld

I had a bunion surgery on the 25th of August andwanted to extend a big thank you to an amazinganesthesiologist called Gary on level 2 (daysurgery unit). I was so scared and balled my eyes out but Gary came by and explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease, he wasn’t even my anesthesiologist. I would not have been able to do it without the comfort of Gary!!

I can’t thank you enough Gary what you didwas so special and will never be forgotten!

Gary really needs recognition as he went outof his way to make me feel better. I would also like to make note of an amazing nurse that also worked that night, she was amazing and also needs recognition for the amazing work she does!

Thank you

Name withheld

I am caring

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Professor Warwick Britton (right) presents the award toDr Gonzalo Perez-Siles for Concord Hospital Early Career Researcher 2016

Finalists in the Concord Early Career Researcher Prize (Non-Student category).From left to right: Konstantin Horas; Jinwen Tu, Sepehr Lajevardi and Royston Ponraj.

Professor Cheryl Jones (left) with winners of the 2016 Concord Student Research Prize, Jason Jeganathan and Sylvia Gasparini

Finalists in the Concord Early Career Researcher Prize (Student category).From left to right: Rosy Wang; Paul Lunney; Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis (Judge);Chris Naoum, Vincent Chow and Naseem Mirbagheri.

Concord Hospital Early CareerResearcher Prize

In August, finalists in the 2016 Concord Hospital EarlyCareer Researcher Prize presented their research work to an audience of their peers and judges. This annual award recognises young researchers early in their research careerand is judged in each of three categories: Early CareerResearcher (non-student); Student Researcher (Postgraduate)and Student Researcher (Undergraduate). The award is supported by the Concord Hospital Research Committee and the ANZAC Research Institute, with prizes of $1000 to the winners in each of the three categories.

This year saw entries from a wide range of areas whichreflect the focus of our current research endeavours at Concord Hospital. Applications were received forresearch into respiratory diseases, aged care, coagulation, cancer, coronary artery disease, bone biology, burns andinflammatory bowel disease, to name a few.

The Early Career Researcher (Student category) was judged by Professor Cheryl Jones, Professor of Paediatrics and Deputy Dean (Education) at the University of SydneyMedical School. Professor Jones commented on thequality of the research and the difficulty of short-listingfinalists from the entries received. After the finalists’presentation, the student prizes were awarded to Sylvia Gasparini, a PhD degree student at the ANZAC Research Institute, and Jayson Jeganathan, who is currently anundergraduate medical student.

Sylvia’s work looked at the physiology underlying the adverseeffects of high levels of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are used to treat conditions such as autoimmune disease, and

at high levels can cause adverse effects such as obesity,insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Sylvia’s work showed that male animals are more sensitive to excess glucocorticoids than females and that male hormones or androgens play a role in making the adverse effects worse.

Jason was awarded for his work studying medicationcompliance in young people with Inflammatory BowelDisease. He found that paediatric patients have goodcompliance in taking their medication which is maintainedas they transition into adulthood, while young adultsdiagnosed in the adult services are three times more likely to be non-adherent and have significant concerns over their medications. Pharmacist-led counselling is an effectiveintervention to improve adherence in these patients.

The prize for Early Career Researcher (non-student) was judged by Professor Warwick Britton, Director of Research Sydney Local Health District. The prize was won by Dr Gonzalo Perez-Siles for his work in developing a model to look at a genetic mutation which causes “Distal HereditaryMotor Neuropathy (DHMN)”. DHMN is a non-fatal butdebilitating disease in which there is degeneration and loss ofnerve cells in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness.

The mutation occurs in a gene which is responsible for transport of copper in nerve cells. Copper is an essential trace element and the correct transport of this metal in nerve cells is crucial for their functioning. Gonzalo’s work will be an invaluable basis for developing treatments for this disease in the future.

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Profile: Gulliver Tompkins

Profile: Enza Zagarella

Our CORE Ambassadors

Tell us a little bit about You:I am Enza Zagarella and I work in the Concord Financedepartment. My main role and responsibility is to co-ordinateall aspects of revenue collection and ensure the facilitymaximises revenue opportunities.

In your own words what is CORE at Concord about?CORE at Concord has been an opportunity to defineacceptable work place behaviour and to build on thecohesive culture already present at Concord.

What is your role as an Ambassador for CORE?My role as ambassador is to promote and introduceCORE values to my team. To run information sharingsessions and exercises to assist the team to identifyabove and below the line behaviour.

What did you think about CORE when you were first asked to participate and what do you think now?I was excited about this initiative and was confident thatit would be a useful team building tool for Finance.

From your perspective why is CORE important forConcord Hospital?CORE is important at Concord to improve on the workenvironment and interaction with all stakeholders. Itprovides a sound framework and guidelines on acceptablebehaviour and a benchmark for all to achieve.

How has your team responded to CORE?CORE sessions were well received by the Finance team.It opened many self-reflecting and honest discussions

about individuallimitations andsharing of ideasand strategies on behaviouralimprovement.

What changeshave resultedin your teamdue to CORE?A noticeable shifton how the teaminteracts witheach other and our cutomers. The team is more awareand mindful of the expectations set by CORE.

What is the most important piece of advice youwould give someone who is a CORE ambassador?Be attentive and listen to the feedback you receive fromthe team. It can help in your strategy on how you deliverand promote CORE in your area.

Finally, now you have finished rolling out COREwhat are you doing?CORE has become a topic of discussion at our regular staff meetings. We will continue to run CORE exercises and huddles and continue to promote open and all inclusive dialogue within the team regarding improved behaviour.

CORE Ambassador Enza Zagarella

CORE Ambassador Gulliver Tompkins (Physiotherapy)back night with his colleagues

Tell us a little bit about You:I am Gulliver, and I work in Aged Care. I have been workingat CRGH for 15 years.

In your own words what is CORE at Concord about?CORE is about us owning what we want to be and where we want to go as a hospital. It is an opportunity for us to own the change we want to make in our workplace.

What is your role as an Ambassador for CORE?Empowering the people and the process. Guiding andencouraging others to work more harmoniously in teams.

What did you think about CORE when you were first asked to participate and what do you think now?

I thought it sounded interesting but would be hard toimplement in the team I am in.

From your perspective why is CORE important for Concord Hospital?It gives the workers the power and ownership of the way we behave towards each other and the environment we are in. it gives us an opportunity to bring new people into our teams with the idea of who we are and what we stand for.

How has your team responded to CORE?Initially a bit stand offish but they have warmed to it. It gives us the ability to look at our team honestly and see what needs changing or adapting.

What changes have resulted in your team due to CORE?The team has become more open and there has been greater discussion from all members in group situations.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give someone who is a CORE ambassador?Be open to criticism and not be defensive about what the goals and methods of CORE are. The team needs to feel part of a group not being told by management what to do.

Finally, now you have finished rolling out CORE what are you doing?We continue to talk about CORE in staff meetings andsmall group discussions. We use the tools as ways ofreminding us how we are moving forward as a team. 23

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Concord’s Compliments CornerI am the pride of Concord