www.sjog.org.au

Pomegranate JUL | AUG 09

Hospitality I Compassion I Respect I Justice I Excellence

WINTER 2014

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Pictured above: Dr Michael Ragg outside the new 17 bed, four ambulance bay emergency department in Geelong. Left: A new rehabilitation pool helping patients to get back on their feet.

Archbishop of Perth, the most Rev Timothy Costelloe, blessed St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital

3 Eight new jobs created at Murdoch as part of Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

5 Group CEO visits all Divisions to announce group-wide Strategic Priorities

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The first private emergency department in Geelong has opened at St John of God Geelong Hospital, as part of the hospital’s $65 million redevelopment, and is already taking pressure off the existing public emergency service operated by Barwon Health.

Emergency specialist, Dr Michael Ragg, who heads up the new department, said they treat patients whose medical conditions were too severe or complex to be managed in general practitioner rooms, including patients who need to be admitted directly into St John of God Geelong Hospital.

He said major trauma patients would still be taken by ambulance to Barwon Health.

Geelong Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Roberts said the opening of the Geelong emergency department capped off a period of rapid expansion at the hospital since building works started in 2012.

“This has been a fantastic project for our community,” he said.

Emergency care for Geelong

“Despite the very challenging nature of the extensive redevelopment we have been able to continue to achieve outstanding patient satisfaction. These results are a true testament to the commitment of the Geelong team to excellence in care.”

In just two years the hospital has added many new facilities including 64 more patient beds, three extra operating theatres, a post anaesthesia care unit, a six storey medical centre, a chapel and three levels of underground car parking to support the increase in patients and visitors coming to the hospital.

A new rehabilitation service has been welcomed by the community and hydrotherapy and gymnasium facilities are already well utilised by patients recovering from surgery or injury.

St John of God Health Care also operates private emergency departments at its Ballarat and Murdoch Hospitals. Both services successfully complement what’s provided by state governments.

Last year St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s emergency department was rated the best private emergency department in the country in a Press Ganey survey.

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During the month of June I had the wonderful opportunity to visit most of our Divisions and Group Services areas throughout Australia to present to our extended leadership teams our new Strategic Priorities for 2015-2019.

I delivered presentations which reached just over 500 of our leaders. This was the first time in my 12 years as Group CEO that I had done such an extensive roadshow and based on the very positive feedback I received I intend to ensure I get out and about visiting Divisions whenever I can so that everyone knows where the organisation, as well as all Divisions and Group Services areas, are heading.

Our Strategic Priorities were described by those who attended the sessions as transforming, exciting and aligned with the work that was already being undertaken in Divisions and Group Services areas. I am delighted that we have already included a number of activities deriving from the Strategic Priorities in our FY15 Group Operational Plan. In our FY15 Budgets we have committed $6m to furthering our progress towards the specific, stretch outcomes we have described we want to see in 2019.

Over the last three years we have committed a significant amount of our resources, capital and people’s time, to various large building projects. With most of these now at, or coming to an end, the focus naturally turns to what we do inside the buildings. It was very exciting for me when I visited Geelong as part of my roadshow to see the new rehabilitation ward, emergency department and medical ward in full swing. The same is true for the wonderful new completed developments at Burwood, Bunbury, Christchurch and Murdoch. With the overnight beds and the operating theatres opening at Murdoch in early August we can now definitely move our focus at all these sites, and all others, to being an even more attractive service provider of high quality health care that anticipates and meets community need and provides a distinctive care appropriate for a major Catholic Church ministry.

For me, the hard work of the last few years with the facility enhancements now gives us the freedom, scale and financial wherewithal to invest heavily in achieving our Strategic Priorities. It is right that we now move our focus more to what happens inside our facilities whether they be hospitals, laboratories, Social Outreach settings, and Group Services and home nursing offices and work areas. The aim to be the recognised leader in the Australian health care sector for the provision of high quality care applies universally to all of what we do.

Dr Michael Stanford Group Chief Executive Officer

GROUP UPDATE

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Blessed at Mt LawleyIn the words of the Archbishop of Perth, the most Rev Timothy Costelloe, the ceremonial blessing of St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital marked the continuation of Catholic health care in the proud Western Australian hospital.

The event on Friday 6 June saw the coming together of the Sisters of Mercy with the Sisters of St John of God and many of the lay people who have followed in their footsteps to continue the delivery of health services.

It acknowledged the historical significance of St Anne’s Hospital and the role the Sisters of Mercy played in welcoming and sheltering the Sisters of St John of God when they arrived in Perth in 1895 from Ireland to help care for the sick.

In the welcome to country, traditional land owner Karen Jacobs spoke of the important

role of women in Aboriginal culture and the significance of the hospital to all women as a major obstetric service provider in Western Australia.

MercyCare board member, Maureen Colgan, spoke of how the Archbishop the most Rev Prendiville on opening the hospital in 1937 declared it would provide maternity services.

This was unbeknown to the Sisters in charge at the time, who then converted their own accommodation into a delivery room and to this day, the hospital is highly-reputed for its obstetric care.

St John of God Health Care Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Stanford, made a commitment to continue the rich Catholic traditions and to bring the strength of the St John of God network to the hospital that had operated as a stand-alone hospital under the operation of MercyCare since 1999.

The lighting of candles symbolised the transition of the hospital from MercyCare to the trusted hands of St John of God Health Care. Music provided by MercyCare staff member, Brenda Lee and the Santa Maria College Year 11 group entertained over 100 guests in attendance.

Pictured, top: WA Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton, SJGHC Chair of Trustees, Eva Skira, MercyCare Chair of Trustees Tony Wheeler, MercyCare Board Chair Dianne Bianchini, Archbishop of Perth most Rev. Timothy Costelloe, SJGHC GCEO Dr Michael Stanford, Traditional Land Owner Karen Jacobs, SJGHC Deputy Chair of Board Mark Bahen, MercyCare CEO Chris Hall.

Below left: Joining in the symbolic lighting of the flame were SJGHC Trustee Eva Skira and MercyCare Trustee Tony Wheeler.

Below right: Many Sisters of St John of God joined the Sisters of Mercy to take part in the hospital blessing ceremony.

WA MUM WINS NATIONAL PHOTO COMPETITIONNicola Spooner took out the St John of God Raphael Centre Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition with a photo of her husband Tom and eldest son Hamish titled 'On top of the world'.

The competition promoted positive images of men and a total of 169 entries were submitted from across Australia.

The judges found that Nicola's photo displayed a strong and warm connection between father and son, capturing a spontaneous moment where both appear to be genuinely enjoying themselves.

The photo was taken by best friends Jenelle Colley and Shaeden Browne during a family and friends outing to South Yunderup.

As a parent of three small children, Tom said the best thing about being a dad was having the opportunity to watch your kids grow up - to discover their personalities as they develop.

"You get to know them as their own little person, with their distinct character as it emerges."

Nicola has won an iPad Air and runners up, Kerry McGugan and Judy Fasshauer received a $50 Coles Myer voucher.

The Healthy Men, Healthy Minds competition sought to raise awareness of depression in fathers and promote mental wellbeing in men. Postnatal depression can affect the whole family with up to 15 per cent of men being at risk of developing depressive symptoms in the first year following childbirth.

The 10 finalists can be viewed on the St John of God Health Care Facebook page.

Pictured: The winning entry in the Healthy Men Healthy Minds photo competition.

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A collection to be enjoyed by future generationsA SJGHC Heritage Collection is being curated by newly appointed Heritage Coordinator, Jacqui Sherriff, who is working with the Divisions to ensure that our irreplaceable resources are kept for future generations.

Jacqui said heritage is much more than old buildings and bits and pieces in museums.

“Heritage is everywhere – it is in everyday objects, machinery, technology, buildings and landscapes, books, documents, photographs and artworks. And just as important as the items are the stories associated with them.

“Heritage can be intangible like expressions handed down from one generation to the next, oral traditions, folklore, language, rituals, festive events and commemorations, as well as the knowledge or skills to do things a particular way,” Jacqui said.

The SJGHC heritage needs to be identified and conserved if the diversity and complexity of the organisation is to be appreciated and enjoyed forever.

The SJGHC Heritage Collection will focus on the history and heritage of the ministry of health founded by the Sisters of St John of God and include items dispersed across the Divisions.

It will also include the history and heritage of those Divisions whose stories began before they became part of the St John of God Health Care group.

The SJGHC Heritage Collection will not include the congregational heritage of the Sisters as this is already included in the Sisters’ Heritage Centre at Subiaco and their educational and mission work which is housed at the Sisters’ Heritage Centre in Broome.

Five areas of focus will help to identify relevant material; people, health services and places where SJGHC operates, as well as governance and cultural life.

Jacque explained that anything that has meaning, or cultural significance, to SJGHC could potentially be included.

She said there is no prescribed age at which something is considered to be heritage.

Jacqui will be visiting all Divisions in the coming months to work with nominated heritage custodians to create a lasting collection.

Pictured: Jacqui Sherriff brings extensive experience in the identification, conservation and sharing of all types of heritage to a new role at SJGHC.

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A FACELIFT FOR BAILEY St John of God Ballarat Hospital’s Bailey’s Mansion is getting a facelift in time for a very special milestone.

Bailey’s Mansion was the site of the first St John of God hospital in Ballarat in 1915 and is being repainted and restored in time for the hospital’s 100th anniversary next May.

Facility services manager Matthew Lyttle said the building had undergone a four-year restoration that included replacing balcony timber, repairing iron roofing and washing, sealing and water proofing roof tiles.

“They’re currently stripping the old paint off and repainting it, and should be finished by Christmas.”

Matthew said the hospital had received many queries as to what was happening to the majestic Drummond Street North building.

Some interior restoration works, including painting and ceramic tile replacements, are still to be carried out.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Krieg said Bailey’s Mansion, was a Ballarat landmark.

“We had some trustees come through here yesterday and they said it is one of the most iconic buildings within St John of God Health Care,” Michael said.

“It is a significant event for any institution to turn 100. It’s also one of the iconic buildings in the town.”

Plans for the centenary celebration include a mass, a ball and community events.

Pictured: Bailey’s Mansion under restoration to be ready in time for a centenary celebration.

The tenacity of new recruit Tyler Coupland earned him a job on the Thomas Furlong Ward at Murdoch Hospital and three weeks into his job as a patient care assistant he has the whole ward smiling.

Tyler had been out of work for a year when he turned up to the information desk on St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s Open Day with his resume in hand asking for work.

Tyler said his plan was to “get off the disability pension and get into employment.”

“It’s always been my dream to be in employment and ever since primary school I’ve wanted to work in the health care field.”

He said when he faced up to the hospital on its open day his message was clear and simple; “give me a go.”

It was only a week later that Tyler got the call up from the busy Murdoch recruitment office to come in for an interview for a patient care assistant role and he’s been smiling ever since.

His self-confessed “cheeky” presence on the ward is keeping fellow caregivers on their toes and bringing joy to the patients he serves.

Quick to jibe his workmates Tyler has a tendency to ring the bell on the reception desk just to see the nurses come running.

Unit manager Tony Patton said supporting people with disability was

a real reflection of the St John of God Values and his ward was proud to lead the way in inclusive employment.

Tyler said his new goal was to turn his two day a week job into full time and hopes his work ethic will continue to bring reward.

Tyler is one of eight recent recruits employed at Murdoch Hospital under the Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP).

“We took advantage of the job opportunities created through the hospital’s redevelopment, to increase the number of caregivers we employ who have a disability, as an integral part of our workforce,” said Murdoch Director Workforce Leanne Merchant.

Group Coordinator Social Justice Advocacy, Neal Murphy, said Murdoch Hospital had initially earmarked four positions that could be filled by people with disability however the applicants put forward by the local Disability Employment Services were so strong that eight new roles were created.

“This ground breaking practice by Murdoch Hospital stands as an eloquent example to us that to include people with disability in our recruitment strategies does not diminish our expectation of excellence but actually enhances it.”

Pictured: Tyler Coupland (second from right) is happy to be a part of the Thomas Furlong team including (l-r) Nurse Manager Tony Patton, Registered Nurse Eden Aquino and Case Manager Lesley Brinkhuis.

Perseverance pays

St John of God Health Care’s Pinelodge Clinic is the first private psychiatric hospital in Australia to successfully achieve a double accreditation in health standards.

The 54 bed psychiatric hospital in Dandenong, Victoria was awarded the Australian Council of Health Care Standards (ACHS) National Mental Health Standards Certificate and the Equip National Accreditation Certificate in May.

The certification is the highest measure of quality that can be achieved by independent evaluation by a psychiatric hospital in Australia.

“We are proud to have achieved both

these standards without any recommendations from the accreditors to make any further improvements to our service,” said Pinelodge Clinic Clinical Risk and Quality Manager Amanda Ginger.

“We achieved 11 merits which indicate that our service is of an extremely high quality. Seven merits were for engagement with consumers and carers

which makes us very proud because this is about improving the patient experience.”

ACHS acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Lena Low and Board Member John Smith presented the two certificates at Pinelodge Clinic which now take pride of place in the entrance to the hospital.

St John of God Health Care also operates anther two psychiatric hospitals; St John of God Burwood Hospital and St John of God Richmond Hospital in New South Wales.

Pictured: ACHS Board member John Smith, Pinelodge CEO/DON Graham Cadd, Clinical Risk and Quality Manager Amanda Ginger, DDON Christine Iddles and ACHS CEO Dr Lena Low.

HIGHEST QUALITY CERTIFICATION FOR PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN AUSTRALIA

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SMALLER INCISION, LESS PAIN IN HYSTERECTOMYA study into laparoscopic hysterectomy at St John of God Subiaco Hospital has found that halving the size of the incision, and using a smaller endoscope, significantly reduced post-operative pain for patients.

Study author Dr Jade Acton was awarded for her presentation of the results at a March meeting of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society and has been invited to present again at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist Regional Scientific Meeting in June.

The randomised controlled trial examined the effect of using a 5mm incision and endoscope, against 10mm, on discharge times and patient recovery.

Patients in the study who underwent the smaller incision were found to be in significantly less pain on the first day after surgery, as well as the next time pain measures taken six days after the procedure.

Dr Acton said the second measure was particularly relevant because this was when patients were back at home and with less pain they were able to get back to normal living without discomfort or concern.

She said that the study findings verified that smaller endoscopes used in a hysterectomy provided better patient outcomes and would give doctors confidence in using the newer technology.

She said the latest endoscopes available at Subiaco Hospital had a better picture quality than previous versions of the equipment and that had contributed to its early uptake by the hospital’s specialists and the effectiveness of the procedure.

The study was co-authored by of Dr Stuart Salfinger and Dr Jason Tan also of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.

Going to hospital can be a stressful time for visitors and patients who may be worried about a loved one, or anxious about a procedure they are about to undergo.

The St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals’ interior is designed to minimise stress by ensuring that everyone who goes to the new hospitals feels welcome and can easily find their way around.

Clearly defined spaces and a combination of colours, symbols, numbers, letters and names will guide people as they navigate their way through the building.

Once inside the public or private hospital reception areas, people will see the pomegranate colour and symbol that represent the St John of God Health Care story and its Values, particularly Hospitality.

The remaining four floors are inspired by the geography and colours of areas within the hospital’s catchment, being the Swan Valley, the Avon Valley, the Helena River and the Darling Scarp.

The designated colour and symbol continues throughout each floor, in corridors and in wards around entrances, on walls and at nursing stations. Working in harmony with this will be a number of stunning art pieces with the theme of journeys.

“Our distinctive way-finding is complemented by our arts strategy, which will contribute to a climate of hospitality and healing for patients, visitors, caregivers and the wider community. They reflect the unique history of the site upon which the two hospitals are being built and the surrounding region and elements of the St John of God story,” said Director of Mission Martin Loney.

It is hoped that everyone who visits, as a patient or to work at the Midland hospitals, will enjoy the stories told on each floor that are inspired by past and present communities.

Pictured: This cross section of the building shows the colours and symbols that will guide people as they navigate their way through the new hospitals.

Every floor tells a story of Midland

MURDOCH STUDY HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EDUCATION ON PALLIATIVE CAREA hospital-wide, multidisciplinary study into staff perspectives on palliative care at St John of God Murdoch Hospital will inform the introduction of palliative care pathways and improved education.

Chair of Nursing at Murdoch Hospital and Notre Dame University, Professor Leanne Monterosso, said the study highlighted the need for greater understanding of palliative care.

“We found there was varied knowledge amongst a large proportion of caregivers about palliative care and referral processes,” Prof Monterosso said.

“It is a common misconception that palliative care is only for those who are dying, which today is known as

end-of-life care, usually in the last week or two of a person’s life.”

Palliative care is a much broader term and its focus today is on the management of symptoms and maximising quality of life for patients with a life-limiting illness at any stage of their illness.

Palliative care as a medical specialty has evolved in recent years and there is now understanding amongst health professionals, patients and and families that patients should receive good supportive or palliative care throughout their illness. This can occur while patients are undergoing active treatment for any life-limiting illness.

“Some patients will transit in and out of palliative care throughout the duration of

their illness. The increasing recognition that many conditions other than cancer require supportive or palliative care is also very heartening particularly since cancer only accounts for 40 per cent of all deaths.

“Our study identified some barriers to referral of patients who would benefit from a palliative approach and we hope that through education, we will enable a smooth transition from hospital to palliative care services either in the community or in a hospice setting,” Prof Monterosso said.

The study results will be presented in Hong Kong in July at the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Congress.

Health workers at Dili’s national hospital have received vital wound management training from visiting St John of God Health Care caregivers to prepare them to become trainers in Timor Leste.

The training was delivered to 13 nurses at the Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) and six representatives from the National Institute of Health (INS) and Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL).

Lessons focused on the practical aspects of wound management with a required competency in the Aseptic Non Touch Technique.

“I am so happy and proud to have taken part in this program. It gives me a deeper knowledge so I can become a more professional nurse, following the right techniques,” said HNGV outpatient nurse Juliana Almeida.

Four SJGHC nurses trained and assessed the

health workers to ensure a sustainable and ongoing wound management program was delivered hospital wide. Once training was complete, trainers delivered the program to the hospital staff with the support and encouragement of the SJGHC team.

“The wards have limited facilities and supplies, yet the demand for wound care is high and many of the patients require daily dressings,” explained Health Choices operations manager Mary Lou Hagebols.

“My secondment and time with the Timorese staff and international health team will long be remembered as a positive and enlightening experience,” she said.

The trip helped Jenny Pattison, Clinical Nurse Specialist at SJG Bendigo Hospital, realise just how much can be accomplished in such a short time.

“The most surprising aspect of the trip was what the Timorese nurses are able to accomplish with such limited resources,” she said.

For Maureen Myers, Clinical Improvements and Project Coordinator at SJG Bunbury

Hospital, the highlight was seeing the Timorese nurses making changes that reflected the training.

“It was challenging to work with a translator but it was so rewarding to see the Timorese absorb the information and then realise it had been properly understood as we watched them put it into practise,” she said.

The team was led by Jenny Tait-Robertson, International Health Project Officer in response to a needs-analysis conducted in 2013.

Pictured: (l-r) Maureen Myers, Jenny Pattinson, Lance Jarvis, Jenny Tait-Robertson and Mary Lou Hagebols.

Training the trainers in Timor

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CHILD PROTECTION ADVISORY ROLE FOR YOUTH SERVICES MANAGERA new Ministerial Advisory Council on Child Protection is being established by the Government of Western Australia and Michael Board, Group Manager Youth Services in Social Outreach and Advocacy Services, will be leading the committee as its inaugural chair.

The council has been charged with three main tasks: to review legislation to meet current requirements; provide a wider whole of community response to the growing issue of child protection in WA; and act as a sounding board for the wider community.

“This is a great honour for Michael and is a worthy reflection of the esteem in which he is held by the state government,” said Anne Russell Brown, Group Director Social Outreach and Advocacy.

“Michael brings a wealth of experience, particularly from the community and government sectors, and I have no doubt that he will make a significant contribution.

“The appointment also provides a wonderful opportunity for our services to be recognised and for us to enhance our role in improving the welfare of children and families throughout WA.”

Pictured: Michael Board will advise government on child protection.

With great conviction in the new strategic direction for St John of God Health Care over the next five years, Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael Stanford took to the road in June to make 14 presentations across Australian Divisions and Group Services to share with caregivers the recently announced Strategic Priorities for FY15-19.

Michael used the face-to-face opportunity to enlist caregivers in delivering the five bold new Strategic Priorities that will shape the organisation over the coming five years.

He challenged those who attended to take responsibility for their individual actions to position the Group as the leader in the Australian health care sector for the provision of high quality health care by 2019.

He said if we achieve this critical priority then we would be delivering on the Vision laid down by the Trustees, particularly in delivering excellence in care.

Michael said there was a gap in the Australian health care sector for an iconic leader in the delivery of high quality health care and saw a future where SJGHC will be reputed as the leading voice in the industry and an important partner of its key stakeholders.

He said in order to get there, the Group Management Committee (GMC) and Board had agreed four enabling Strategic Priorities, including a significantly increased investment in information, analytics and technology.

One of the targets within the priority of

information, analytics and technology that resonated with many caregivers attending Michael’s presentations was the intention to implement clinical information systems in all 16 of our hospitals by 2019.

He said we cannot achieve excellence in care without access to clinical information. We want to be able to access data on every patient in our care and follow them through the entire patient experience. With strengthened analytical capabilities we can support education, research and ultimately shape the delivery of high quality care.

Another enabling priority was to be agile. Michael called on all caregivers to take on this priority personally. He said decisions need be able to be made quickly at every level of the organisation which will be achieved if we truly support the Catholic Church principle of subsidiarity - where decisions should always be made at the lowest level capable of making the decision. Standardisation of all that should be standardised will also assist us to be an agile, responsive organisation.

The Strategic Priorities recognise that as an organisation we don’t work in isolation, we partner to deliver excellence in care with other Church agencies, doctors, professional bodies, consumers (including patients and clients), health funds, governments, universities and communities. Deeper partnering with key stakeholders is one of the enabling Strategic Priorities.

Michael said as the Sisters of St John of God leave St John of God Health Care in the hands of lay people it is of even greater

importance that we are more connected with the broader Catholic Church.

“We can facilitate the greater formation of our workforce, contribute actively to the life of local Catholic communities and as a leading health care figure we can help to ensure a vital, dynamic Catholic sector into the future.”

With such ambitious plans it was perhaps with some trepidation that caregivers who attended the presentations remained focussed on the final enabling Strategic Priority – capital optimisation.

Michael was candid about the limited availability of capital as a non-profit operator in a capital-intensive industry. However he said the next five years would see a shift away from the recent cycle of high cost developments into equipping caregivers with the tools necessary to deliver on the Strategic Priorities.

Caregivers came away from the nation-wide presentations invigorated and enjoyed the opportunity to consider the part they will play in the bigger picture of St John of God Health Care.

Pictured above left: GCEO Dr Michael Stanford visited 14 divisions to deliver the Strategic Priorities 2015 – 2019.

Pictured above right: St John of God Pathology caregivers included Dr Michael Ragg, Andrew Shaw, Laura Polkaposki, Jodii Anderson, Michael Courtney, Dr Geoff Davey, Warren Shrimpton, Mahtab Mianai, Dr Michael Stanford, Scott Wilkinson and Jenny Grant.

GCEO Roadshow sets the direction

Soldier On has opened a Centre in Sydney for armed forces personnel who have returned to Australia with physical and psychological injuries and St John of God Richmond Hospital will be a critical partner in delivering mental health care.

The Michael Fussell Sydney Reintegration and Recovery Centre was opened on June 26 by his Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove and the parents of the soldier that the centre is named after, who was killed on deployment to Afghanistan in 2008.

At the opening Mrs Madeline Fussell said her family was honoured to have the Centre take Michael's name as he proudly served with Australia's Special Operations Task Group.

She highlighted the impact that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have on the lives of service men and women and the families who support them, as well as the physical injuries that soldiers can suffer.

St John of God Richmond Hospital will provide counseling and reintegration activities including exercise programs that have proven clinical benefits in the treatment of PTSD.

In the next year Richmond Hospital will continue to work with Soldier On to deliver early detection and intervention services to prevent more serious mental health problems developing amongst returned service men and women.

The Michael Fussell Centre is located in Milsons Point on the Sydney Harbour. It provides a physical location where wounded soldiers living in Sydney and its surrounds can go for support.

Pictured: Richmond Hospital caregivers at the opening of the Centre: Strephon Billinghurst CEO, Jae Lee Director of Allied Health, Cathy Scott Director of Mission, Zachary Steel Prof Chair for Trauma and Mental Health, Natasha Garwood Deputy Director of Allied Health, Sean Fitzgerald Nurse Unit Manager.

Partnership to help returned soldiers

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New appointmentsClaire Allman

Claire Allman joins the St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals project team as Director of Workforce. In this role Claire is leading workforce development, including rolling out the recruitment strategy that will see job offers made to over 1,000 people. Most recently Claire oversaw the development, initiation and consolidation of human resources and industrial relations for the non-clinical workforce at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Samantha Elder

Sam Elder has joined St John of God Health Care as Group General Manager Finance and will be based at the Finance Shared Services Centre in Osborne Park, Western Australia. Sam has held multiple finance roles and comes to St John of God Health Care with over twenty years of financial and operational management experience. Most recently, Sam was the Australian Chief Financial Officer for SGS Australia. Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts (Business Studies) and is a Certified Practicing Accountant.

Mal Kendrew

Mal Kendrew has been appointed to the newly created position of National Manager Corporate Services at St John of God Hauora Trust. Mal has held multiple project management roles with a specific focus on quality control and risk management. He has also led continuous improvement and change management projects in the implementation of LEAN manufacturing.

Andrew Lovick

Andrew Lovick has joined the St John of God Geelong team as Director of Finance. Andrew most recently worked as Acting Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Barwon Health, and has also held finance roles for packaging company Amcor and metals and mining corporation Rio Tinto. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Certified Practicing Accountant.

Dr Allan Pelkowitz

Dr Allan Pelkowitz has taken on the role of Regional Coordinator Medical Services, Perth Northern Hospitals. In this role Allan will oversee aspects of medical services that will benefit from a multi-divisional approach. This includes clinical services planning, coordination of medical training and mentoring of senior doctors, particularly in relation to Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators qualifications. Allan is also assisting with the integration of our newest hospital, St John of God Mt Lawley while he continues his substantive role as Director of Medical Services at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals.

Mahtab Minai

Mahtab Minai recently joined the Victorian St John of God Pathology team as Laboratory Operations Manager. In this role Mahtab will be responsible for ensuring that all pathology collections are safe, of the highest quality and done in the quickest possible manner for doctors, specialists and patients. Mahtab has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) and a Master of Business Administration.

BUY A BRICK FOR TIMOR An innovative fundraising campaign driven by caregivers at St John of God Pathology WA will help to renovate and fit out a new pathology collection centre at the Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares in Dili, East Timor.

Known as the ‘Buy a Brick for Timor Campaign’, it invited caregivers to buy a virtual brick for five dollars, then emblazoned the brick with their name and added it to a virtual ‘wall’.

St John of God Pathology Director of Mission Mario Bugna explained that a building progress update for the virtual wall was emailed to all caregivers each week and many sent it on to friends and family who also contributed bricks to the wall.

“It was a huge display of generosity and it also released many stories for the people who bought them,” Mario said.

“They shared stories of life, love and death, memorials, marriages, family, grandparents, grandchildren, pets, football teams, work teams, adoption and long distance friendships.”

Tracey sponsored a brick in memory of her very special brother in-law who had recently passed away.

“It was a great way to help fund raise and every time I received an update on the wall it brought special memories and allowed our family to remember a much-loved man,” she said.

Josie bought a brick in memory of her father who worked in Indonesia for many years, teaching mechanics in a large logging company, and she said she’d always felt a special bond with the country.

Ros’s brick is named ‘8 angels’ which is the phrase she coined for her eight healthy grandchildren that she considers to be blessings in her life.

Di named a brick after her sponsor child in Bali, Melyani, and Elle and Ben’s brick reminds them of their new beginning as a newly married couple.

The Campaign raised $2,000 and the monies raised are now being used to complete the renovation of the pathology collection centre in Dili.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital post natal midwife and lactation consultant Lisa Black was recently named the ‘Johnson’s Baby Midwife of the Year’ for Western Australia.

The ‘Johnson’s Baby Midwife of the Year’ is a joint award between the Australian College of Midwives and Johnson’s Baby, with one winner selected from each state.

Lisa was nominated by her patient Eun Young Chae for her compassion and empathy during all stages of her postnatal treatment at the Subiaco Hospital.

“She is gentle in her touch, she made me and my child feel safe in her capable hands. She kept me informed of my situation, offered invaluable advice and constantly offered her service whole heartedly. Her compassion and empathy touched our heart. She shared my pain and lifted my soul,” Eun said.

Lisa completed her post graduate diploma in midwifery at St John of God Subiaco Hospital in conjunction with Edith Cowan University, graduating in 2002.

When asked about her personal work ethic, Lisa stressed, “I like to believe however big or small an interaction is with a family it leaves a lasting and positive outcome. You should make every encounter count.”

Lisa demonstrates a commitment to the service ethos, and ensures every encounter is an opportunity to exceed patient expectations.

This is the second year in a row that a Subiaco Hospital caregiver has been awarded the state title for ‘Johnson’s Baby Midwife of the Year’ for Western Australia, with Michelle Stedman taking out the prestigious award last year.

Pictured: Lisa Black, St John of God Subiaco Hospital post natal midwife and lactation consultant, has won the ‘Johnson’s Baby Midwife of the Year’ for Western Australia.

PAELLA, PAMPERING AND PINSA massive paella fit for the Spanish namesake of the organisation and all his followers rounded-off a week of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital.

It was 2004 when St John of God Health Care took over operations at the then named, Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital.

Back then, the stated intent of St John of God Health Care was to improve the range of services and the quality of care and invest in new facilities for the benefit of the rehabilitation patients.

The hospital has since grown from 56 to 69 beds, in 2013 it treated 1,600 inpatients and conducted more than 37,000 outpatient sessions with outpatient rehabilitation services continuing to grow.

The 10 year milestone was recognised with a high tea for past and present caregivers that included the sharing of stories from those who’d been on the 10 year journey with the hospital. The Most Reverend Peter J. Elliott also attended.

Fun was had when caregivers donned the colours of the pomegranate logo of red, orange and green for a day and enjoyed pampering, fruit baskets, goodie bags and competitions.

Chief Executive Officer, Sally Faulkner gave every caregiver a pomegranate pin to commemorate the anniversary. Sally had brought the pins back for her caregivers from her pilgrimage to Granada, Spain in 2013.

Pictured: Frankston allied health caregivers enjoying a Spanish paella lunch.

‘Midwife of the Year’

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WARRNAMBOOL HELPS REDUCE PUBLIC PATIENT WAIT TIMESSt John of God Warrnambool Hospital has started providing public elective surgery to patients in south-west and western Victoria, as part of a new contract with the Victorian State Government.

Public wait listed cases in orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear nose and throat surgery and ophthalmology are being referred to the hospital from South West Healthcare, the adjacent public area health service for the region.

St John of God Warrnambool Chief Executive Officer, Glen Power said indications were that the new contract would see 70 patients operated on by June 2014.

“We are very excited to have completed nearly 70 per cent of the contracted public patients, and are able to make a significant contribution to reducing the waiting list for elective surgery across our region,” Dr Power said.

One of the first patients to receive surgery, Nikita Moutray of Warrnambool, said she was delighted to get the call regarding early surgery after a 12 month wait for surgery.

“It was great to get the phone call last week to tell me I can have my surgery next week at St John’s – awesome,” she said.

The Competitive Elective Surgery Initiative agreement with the State Government and South West Healthcare allows for a renewal of the arrangement in 2014/15 in the event of ongoing funding commitment by the Victorian Department of Health.

Photo caption: Public patient Nikita Moutray was grateful to finally have her elective surgery after 12 months on a wait list pictured here with Division one nurse Rosemary Green.

A three day training seminar at St John of God Subiaco Hospital in June helped clinicians from across Australia to be armed with the skills to deal with serious and life-threatening obstetric emergencies.

Organised by Subiaco Hospital Head of Obstetrics, Dr Michael Gannon, and Sydney Obstetrician Dr Rahul Sen, the Management of Obstetric Emergencies and Trauma (MOET) course is highly regarded by senior clinicians Australia wide.

Senior Obstetric Anaesthetist at Subiaco Hospital, Dr Nolan McDonnell, was also one of the trainers.

The MOET course attracted Obstetricians and Anaesthetists from New South Wales and South Australia, as well as a local cohort. Four Subiaco midwives were also able to attend as observers and provided invaluable support to the faculty and candidates.

The format included a package of didactic teaching, scenarios, skills drills, small group workshops and demonstrations to teach and reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired by the candidates. There was continuous assessment of skills during the course and a final examination.

Pictured: L to r Dr Michael Gannon, Head of Obstetrics with midwives Tracey Lindsay, Tracy Lindford, Jenny Gasiorowski, Jennifer Speirs and Dr Nolan McDonnell, Senior Obstetric Anaethetist.

Training in obstetric emergencies at Subiaco

CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERSFormer Chair of the Hauora Trust Governing Board, Garry Donnithorne, has been awarded the Papal Cross of Honour for his distinguished services to the Catholic Church and the Pope.

The medal is the highest accolade that can be awarded to a non-ordained member of the Church and was presented to Garry by current Chair of the Hauora Trust Governing Board Bevan Kilpatrick on behalf of Pope Francis I.

Garry oversaw the growth of the St John of God ministry in New Zealand from residential and respite support in Halswell, Christchurch, to a coordinated organisation that now also includes a Trust Office in Christchurch, residential and respite support in Wellington and youth support at Waipuna.

Garry was presented with a golden medal and ribbon of the Vatican’s distinctive white and yellow, along with a certificate containing the official seal and signature of the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State.

The Papal Cross of Honour was originally established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.

Pictured: Papal Cross of Honour awardee Garry Donnithorne with members of the St John of God Hauora Trust Governing Board Marion Cowden (SJGHT Trustee), Joanne Hope National Manager Mission, Jacquiline Killick, Bevan Killick (SJGHT Chair), Sarah Mather (SJGHT Trustee), Garry Donnithorne (Former SJGHT Chair), Sheryl Donnithorne, Moana-o-Hinerangi (SJGHT Trustee).

Papal Cross of Honour awarded to former NZ Chair

Across St John of God Health Care we stopped to celebrate and thank our hard working volunteers who help ensure that our patients and their families are as comfortable as possible in our care.

The National Volunteering Week celebrations in May included a morning tea at Murdoch, Subiaco and Frankston, a high tea extravaganza at Berwick, and a Geelong National Wool Museum tour and lunch for Geelong volunteers.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital sponsored the excellence in volunteer management award at the annual gala dinner hosted by Volunteering WA.

Long-time volunteer at Berwick hospital, Trish Nicholson, said she was proud to be able to give back to the community and help others, because St John of God Health Care does things differently.

“I have volunteered for many organisations over the last 30 years, yet what attracted me to the hospital’s volunteer program was the caring approach of the caregivers,” Trish said.

St John of God Health Care relies on its 1,444 volunteers who come from all walks and stages of life, including retirees, students, full-time and part time workers who have the common desire to give back to the community through the act of volunteering.

Pictured: Some of our amazing St John of God Subiaco Hospital volunteers enjoying a visit to the Western Australian Museum.

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CPE GRADUATES FROM ACROSS VICTORIAGraduates of the most recent Victorian St John of God Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program included internal recruits from St John of God’s Pinelodge Clinic and Berwick Hospital as well as the Dandenong Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.

The first CPE program to be hosted by Pinelodge clinic demonstrated how St John of God’s mission as a ministry supports the community in formation of pastoral practitioners as well as providing a sustainable succession plan for its own pastoral caregivers.

CPE Centre Director Bernadette Wurlod coordinated the program with Andrew Somerville, Pinelodge Pastoral Services Manager.

The graduation ceremony was attended by many of the people who were instrumental in establishing the first Victorian St John of God Pastoral Practitioner traineeship incorporating CPE.

CPE is education involving the action-reflection process. It requires sensitivity to people in vulnerable circumstances, spiritual assessment, the ability to work as part of the clinical team and articulation of clinical evidence to support pastoral practice and its place in holistic care.

Pictured: Back (l-r) Tracey Burton, Isabelle Neil, Beverly Davis, Andrew Somerville, Shibu Varughese, Graham Cadd. Front (L-r) Bernadette Wurlod, Mary-Lou Henderson, Sr Josephine Carroll, Sr Rosarii Carroll.

LIVE WELL, WORK WELL COMPETITION WINNER

The lucky winner of the group-wide wellness program naming competition, Bridget Wadling, has used her $500 Rebel Sport gift voucher prize to keep her family fit and healthy.

Bridget, a Human Resources Coordinator at St John of God Richmond Hospital, was ecstatic that her submission ‘Live Well, Work Well’ was selected as the official title for the St John of God Health Care wellness program introduced this year.

Bridget has a track record for encouraging employee wellbeing. She spearheaded a campaign two years ago to help encourage caregivers to use up their excess annual leave and have a well-deserved break.

“Wellness is important to me as it creates a healthier and happier workplace and benefits everybody in the organisation, I am very excited that my idea was selected as the new name for the wellness program,” Bridget said.

Bridget purchased a cross training exercise bike for herself and her family, which is being used to keep them all active during the winter months.

The SJGHC Live Well Work Well Program is an integral component of the Occupational Health and Safety strategy, providing caregivers with the awareness and knowledge to manage their own health and wellbeing.

Pictured: Winning and working out, Bridget Wadling.

Congratulations to Winthrop Professor Kadambot Siddique who took out the Celebrate WA Day Professions Award, the category sponsored by St John of God Health Care, for taking Australia to the forefront of legume export around the world.

It is the seventh year SJGHC has been a major sponsor of the award that recognises excellence.

Prof Kadambot’s development and release of chickpea, lentil and grass pea varieties that have superior quality and yield has helped Australia to become a major exporter of grain legumes.

A member of the Order of Australia, Kadambot has had his research published in more than 250 scientific papers, review articles and books. He has also been instrumental in cultivating international collaboration in research and teaching.

The overall Western Australian of the Year Award winner David Flanagan was celebrated for his major contribution to the Western Australian iron ore industry, his philanthropic activities and work with Aboriginal communities.

Pictured: GCEO Dr Michael Stanford made the presentation to the 2014 Celebrate WA Professions Award winner Kadambot Siddique.

SJGHC Celebrates WA

Geraldton parents with young families are enjoying better sleep thanks to international child sleep expert, Emma Pollard, and St John of God Geraldton Hospital who co-hosted two sold out child sleep workshops.

Otherwise known as ‘The Goodnight Nurse’, Emma travelled from Busselton to conduct the workshops for 120 attendees and included topics like sleep cycles, day routines, tired signs and withdrawal techniques.

Mother of a 15 month old child, Tegan Booysen, said information about establishing a bedtime routine, the dangers of white noise and sleep potential for different ages was most valuable.

A raffle was held at each workshop with the prize of a one hour in-home consultation with The Goodnight Nurse. Proceeds of the raffles were donated to local charities, Midwest Charity Begins at Home and Midwest Disaster Relief.

Goodnight nurse engages Geraldton community

Pictured: Amy Ryan, Goldfields Midwest Medicare Local, Serena O’Brien St John of God Geraldton Hospital, Chris Dobson and Renee Doyle Midwest Charity Begins at Home, The Goodnight Nurse Emma Pollard and mother Tegan Booyson with daughter Ayla. Photo courtesy Geraldton Guardian.

DON'T LET A SLIP TRIP UP YOUR DAYIn the last year, slips, trips and falls were the second largest cause of injuries across SJGHC.

They resulted in a third of all lost time due to injury from July 2013 to April 2014, with ten people missing work because of injuries like fractures, sprains, strains and concussion.

The solutions to taking safer steps are simple; move things left on floors, fix uneven surfaces, dry wet floors, use handrails and lights and wear appropriate footwear.

Safety starts with everyone paying attention. If you notice and point out a hazard, it can be fixed.

An awareness campaign has been launched across SJGHC with new slips, trips and falls promotional materials distributed to all Divisions in

concurrence with new Division led safety initiatives.

All caregivers should be on alert to find and report hazards to their manager, supervisor or HSR representative to save a colleague, patient or visitor from injury.

Pictured: St John of God Murdoch Theatre orderly, Martin Buckland, takes the lead in managing a slip hazard identified in his work area.

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New approach to nursing and midwiferyThe St John of God Health Care Nursing and Midwifery Standards of Excellence have been renamed and have a new look and feel to better engage with the group’s 4,500 nurses and midwives.

They are now known as the Foundations of Excellence, and the seven identified ‘Foundations’ set the expectation for how nursing and midwifery care will be delivered at all St John of God Health Care facilities.

Group Director Nursing Kate Birrell explained that the Foundations bring together all that we know about clinical best practice and what we aspire to be as nurses and midwives.

“It’s a commitment by SJGHC to provide an environment that allows our nurses and midwives to do their best work,” Kate said.

“Over the past two years nursing and midwifery leaders have been using the Foundations to guide and prioritise action.

“An example of the Foundations in action is how nursing teams have used Foundation three, ‘We Participate’, as a guide to improving communication and engagement.”

“When the Foundations are realised then we deliver on our Value of providing excellence in care; for patients, our health partners and our caregivers.”

16St John of God Health Care Inc ABN 21 930 207 958 ARBN 051 960 911 (Limited Liability) Incorporated in WA.

St John of God Health Care is a leading Catholic health care provider in Australia and New Zealand, operating 13 hospitals, home nursing, pathology and disability services, as well as Social Outreach and Advocacy services reaching out to people experiencing disadvantage. Editorial submissions or mailing list changes for Pomegranate to tracey.roberts@sjog.org.au

www.sjog.org.au

WE LEAD THE WAYBuild strong and positive relationships. Inspire others. Achieve.

WE WALK IN THEIR SHOESSee the whole person. Invite participation and advocate. Remember every encounter matters.

WE PARTICIPATEHave your say. Be accountable for your actions and behaviours. Every contribution counts.

WE VALUE OUR RESOURCESTreat them responsibly and manage wisely. Accomplish goals. Protect the future.

WE DO THE RIGHT THINGS RIGHTCommit to a culture of safety. Deliver excellence in care.

WE COLLABORATE TO SUCCEEDValue and support each other. Work together. Cooperate across disciplines and departments.

WE SHAPE OUR FUTUREFoster professional growth and development. Model and educate. Recognise, reward and celebrate.

FOUNDATIONS OF EXCELLENCEBuilding excellence in nursing and midwifery