Caring & Sharing Issue 3

Issue 2 | 2023

Caring & Sharing The newsletter of the St Vincent's Foundation Queensland

Your support assists staff to improve patient and resident care.

St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland 411 Main Street Kangaroo Point QLD 4169 P: 1800 161 197 E: helpstvincentsqld@svha.org.au

Can you believe that it has been one year since the launch of the St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland!

What a year it has been. Your support has helped deliver over $120,000 worth of equipment and educational scholarships to staff across our 4 areas.

That does make a huge difference to our patients and residents.

Here is how your support does make a difference Recently we reached out to our supporters and asked for their help during our Tax appeal to make a difference in our hospitals. New equipment and much needed renovations were needed to keep our patients and residents safe and cared for. The response we received was fantastic, with donations and lots of positive messages.

And I am pleased to let you know that heartwarming support has enabled all areas to be assisted.

• A new blanket warmer at Toowoomba has been purchased.

• Our beloved Giovanni chapel renovations have started at Kangaroo Point.

• Four pieces of bariatric equipment were purchased for Northside.

On behalf of our staff and hospitals, thank you for the support.

But…there are still more things needed for each area and we do ask for your continued support. Our work can only continue when the community joins us in wanting to keep the care and compassion we are known for today, into the future.

A Sabbath Prayer We cannot merely pray to you, O God, to end war; For we know that You have made the world in a way that people must find their own path to peace within themselves and with their neighbours.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation; For You have already given us the resources with which to feed the entire world, if we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice; For You have already given us eyes with which to see the good in all people, if we would only use them rightly.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease; For you have already given us great minds with which to search out cures and healing, if we would only use them constructively.

Therefore, we pray to You instead, O God, for strength, determination and will power, to do instead of just pray, to become instead of merely to wish.

(Jack Riemer)

Th ank y ou Gregory Potent Foundation Manager

Carmel Seng Mission Executive St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba

Caring & Sharing - Issue 2 | 2023

Your support assists the education of our staff The purpose of the St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland is to support all our staff so they may continue to provide the care and compassion we are known for.

The best way to continue that legacy is to ensure continued education of our staff, so they can be aware of industry best practice and continue to provide the highest level of care.

That is why we had the pleasure in recently awarding 25 scholarships named in Elizabeth Fraser’s honour.

Elizabeth Fraser was a person with much love and appreciation of the work that our staff do every day. She had a long association with St Vincent’s including she and her late husband being patients of St Vincent’s and eventually residents in St Vincent’s Care, witnessing the care and compassion given daily she left a bequest that helped form our Foundation.

The scholarships were offered to staff from all areas provided the outcome of the education was the improvement of patient or resident care. It was important to the Foundation that regardless of what area they worked in, staff had an opportunity to apply.

Nurses, food services workers, office workers and allied health staff applied, and 25 applications were granted. I would like to tell you about one of those applications.

Jacoba Reimert from St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba works in the Allied Health team as a physiotherapist. She identified that most of her team required training to practise independently in the Intensive Care Unit. The training required is a Management of the Critical Care Patient course provided by St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. But with 12 staff needing to attend, the cost and logistics to make that happen was prohibitive.

Jacoba thought outside of the box and so to say, rather than “going to the mountain”, she suggested “bringing the mountain” to Toowoomba. Jacoba applied for funding to cover flights and accommodation for the trainers to deliver the course locally. Obviously, this was a much cheaper alternative that will provide a positive outcome to the team and to the hospital.

This is the type of application we had the pleasure of approving.

Now the sustainability of physiotherapy services in Toowoomba is strengthened by increasing the number of physiotherapists competent to practise independently in ICU, by standardising high-quality care.

Patients will experience improved quality of life and physical function, a reduction in hospital-acquired complications such as pneumonia and ventilator-required days, and overall improved safety and health outcomes.

Considering the critical demand for ICU beds within the region, and the correlation between physiotherapy intervention and reduced ICU, and hospital length of stay, the financial benefits to the hospital and the broader Darling Downs community are significant.

Equipment, research, and education are important to the future of St Vincent’s in Queensland. Your support enables us to continue funding great ideas just like this which will benefit our patients and residents.

Caring & Sharing - Issue 2 | 2023

Todays work is only possible from the pioneers in our past.

We all understand that the work being done today with our patients and residents relates back to those who committed themselves towards the caring of those in need in years past.

This has been done in Queensland now for over 100 years.

Recently the St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland received a donation from the family of one of those pioneers, Sister Elizabeth Reardon. I think it is best if her family told you the story.

“Catholic Nuns, the unsung heroes in the care of our aged and terminally ill, have provided a great contribution to the work that still makes an impact today. Their foresight, years ago to establish their Hospitals, Hospices and aged care facilities, and to develop systems and procedures to carry out this work, included our own aunt, Sister Elizabeth Reardon.

A brief history of our dear aunt - Sister Elizabeth (Lib) - Born 13th August 1902, entered Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity in 1920 and professed in 1925. She spent time at Mt. Olivet and worked with a great team of nurses, doctors and staff, building up great friendships and trust in such a caring and difficult environment.

Sr Lib spent many years at Mount Olivet hospital at Kangaroo Point which was a trailblazer in palliative care. Today looking back at her faithful vocation, we as a family thought this is a great opportunity to honour and remember her life of service to her order, The Sisters of Charity, and an opportunity to recognise the incredible history and legacy left by this courageous order of women and of all orders of women for their dedication to this work.

In 1973, Lib had arranged for Mandy and I, together with our 2 children Timothy and Suzanne to visit and stay at Mt. Olivet, where we were so well looked after by the staff in so many ways, a memory we still all cherish. One special day, Lib came to us and asked that she take Tim (4 years old) on her rounds around the wards of the Hospital. We felt he was too young and may cause stress to the patients. But in her own special way, she gently assured us he will be fine. On their return, Caring & Sharing - Issue 2 | 2023

L to R: Sr. Elizabeth & her Sister - Sr. Mary Saint Denis in Black habit. Sr. St Denis was a school teacher; Sr. Elizabeth’s Nephews & Niece - Anthony, John & Pat Coyne and Maureen Evans; Sr. Elizabeth at St. Vincents in Melbourne

some 2 hours later, Lib was ecstatic at the reception he got and the friendly little comments such as, hope you get better soon were received with smiles and appreciation. He continued these visits each day for the rest of our stay.

We can recount many acts of true charity, kindness, and compassion for the people under her care and this was always most evident with all our families. Her writings, Prayers, offerings of advice were ever present. She helped and advised all the families during sickness and death. She was extremely supportive with my own dear mother Breda, Lib’s younger sister, ensuring she was nursed to the end in the hands of the Sisters of Charity at Caritas Christi Melbourne.

When she was in Melbourne and we had family gatherings particularly at Christmas, she would require one of the family to drive her around Fitzroy to allow her to administer injections, medication and solace to those unable to get to the hospital which was truly selfless and risky.

Sr Lib passed away in 1999, which was heartbreaking for our family. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Gerard Dowling a close friend who through his radio programme in Melbourne promoted the care of those least able to look after themselves and supported all Catholic nuns in their vocation.

Our donation is made in thanksgiving for the generous and faithful vocation of her work and we encourage other families to support as well in the memory of their loved one.”

Anthony, John & Patrick Coyne & Maureen Evans We thank Maureen, Anthony, John, and Patrick for their support. If you had a family member like Sr Lib, someone who dedicated their life to helping others, we would love to hear their story. We thank all the families of those pioneers who made the choice to serve others in God’s name.

What is palliative care and what does it mean to our pastoral carers?

When our loved ones are reaching the end of their lives, the number of things to consider is almost overwhelming. While it’s important to be prepared, you cannot account for everything during this tough and difficult time in your life. That is where palliative care pastoral practitioners can and will help you be as prepared and in control as possible.

With a longstanding history of excellence in palliative care, St Vincent’s provides compassionate care that considers your loved one, and the needs of your family.

Recently we asked some of our dedicated Pastoral Care practitioners around Australia why palliative care is so important to them.

St Vincent’s Care Services Heathcote Palliative care is important to me, because is the opportunity to be with people suffering in the last days of life and with the grace of our Lord allow us to be inspire in the challenge time to our dear clients and comfort the family and friends.

Andres Figueredo Pastoral Care Practitioner St Vincent’s Care Services Heathcote

St Vincent’s Care Services Maroochydore Palliation only happens once. It’s not like a birthday or Christmas which comes around every year and where you can strive to improve on last year’s efforts. It’s a once-in-alifetime occurrence and therefor carries a sacredness that can never be repeated. We as staff should be well-equipped for this sacred time of farewells; farewell to loved ones, to life, to health, wealth and everything that is familiar. Palliative care is the last care a person will receive on this earth. We must make it count and get it right the first time. Every time!

NSW Pastoral Care Team I think as human beings we struggle to face suffering.

Having a focus on palliative care gives all of us the opportunity to face up to what will be inevitable and therefore allows the person who is palliating not to suffer alone, but to have those around them offer the emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual support they need, so that any unnecessary further suffering can be alleviated.

Maree Ataya NSW Pastoral Care Coordinator

St Vincent’s Care Services Carseldine I believe that Palliative care is a caring and compassionate way to extend respect and dignity to every person (no matter what background they come from) who is at the end stage of their lives. It is offering an opportunity for the person to enjoy some quality of life with emotional and spiritual support while ensuring suffering is minimized.

I believe it is a noble way to enjoy life in its fullest even amidst the prospect of dying.

I wish you an excellent day. Take care and go gently now and always.

Joseph Abad Pastoral Care Coordinator St Vincent’s Care Services Carseldine

You can hear the passion in the words of our pastoral carers for those in their time of need. Your support assists our staff in continuing to deliver this vital work.

Elani Maritz Pastoral Care Practitioner St Vincent’s Care Services Maroochydore Caring & Sharing - Issue 2 | 2023

New surgery tech for most common heart rhythm condition marks new era of shorter waiting lists and safer, faster treatment Main photo: New technology in action Left: A/Prof. Haris Haqqani

Mr Woolley was only recently made aware of the new technology

by Dr Walters and the fact that it was a lower risk option. “If you want to live to a ripe old age you look after your heart. I was told this was new technology, and I’m the type of person who’s happy to try anything new so long as the risk is no greater,” said Mr Woolley.

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside is leading the way in the use of innovative new technology to treat the most common heart rhythm condition - which most importantly is expected to cut waiting times and make surgery safer and faster.

In August 2023, Cardiologists and electrophysiologists A/Prof. Haris Haqqani and Dr Tomos Walters performed the first Pulsed Field Ablation procedures in a private hospital in Queensland using new technology to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) - one of the most common cardiac disorders currently affecting around 600,000 Australians.

Brisbane man, Tim Woolley, aged 80, was sitting up in a St Vincent’s Private Hospital ward bed just hours after the surgery, delighted that his procedure had gone very smoothly and elated that he would be going home the next day.

“I knew I was in good hands and never had a moment’s qualm about the procedure when I arrived at St Vincent’s for the procedure. Before I went in for surgery my heartbeat was very irregular but since I’ve woken up after surgery, it’s back to normal. I feel terrific – I have no pain now, so the result as far as I’m concerned is 100%. I’m looking forward to getting back to playing golf next week!”

To be able to trial these new types of procedures, it requires the combined efforts of the doctors educated to perform the surgery, the hospital to have the equipment required, as well as patients like Mr Woolley happy to trial it. Your support does help provide that education, the equipment required, and the comfort given to the patients in their time of need to do the operation. Your continued support may lead to more breakthroughs into the future.

While other heart disease may be relatively on the decline due to awareness and health programs, AF is increasing (due to an ageing population as well as lifestyle factors) with around 2% of Australians having the common cardiac condition. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it may lead to complications such as heart failure or stroke.

“This new technology is worth its weight in gold and it’s fair to say it’s quite revolutionary. It is clear that it is safer and more efficient for the patient – which is important given that most of the patients who need this procedure are aged in their 60s, 70s and some in their 80s,” says A/Prof. Haqqani.

Tim Woolley

Caring & Sharing - Issue 2 | 2023

Janis ‘sang’ her way through an invisible illness, chronic pain Main photo: Redland Rhapsody Chorus Right: Janis and her family at home

One in five Australians live with some form of chronic pain.

While there are several definitions, chronic pain can be described as persistent pain which lasts more than three months. For Redlands mother Janis, back pain was a constant, yet most unwelcome companion for over 20 years.

“You might look alright and look healthy enough to people who meet you casually - but beneath the surface, you’re in constant pain and you’re always engaged with negative self-talk about your handicap and assessing whether any activity is worth the risk because it might trigger a flareup,” says Janis.

“I fell when I was ice skating in my 20’s and damaged my coccyx (tailbone) which later caused a degenerative back condition. The chronic pain started a few years after the accident when I had my first child, now aged 27, and it got even worse when I had twins, now aged 23.

Janis was referred to the Brisbane Centre for Pain Management at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane. Here we offer one of Australia’s most comprehensive range of pain management services and specialties in one location. The hospital has been running the Pain Management Program (a group program with some one-to-one sessions) since 2012 helping thousands of patients with a multi-disciplinary approach.

Dr Michelle O’Brien is a specialist pain medicine physician and anaesthetist also working at St Vincent’s with particular interests, including the importance of multidisciplinary team management for chronic pain. “It’s important that people who suffer from chronic pain know that there are medical experts who just specialise in managing pain. There are pain services with trained people who can help specifically in pain and there are numerous management options. Patients just need a referral to a pain specialist who can then assess the patient and then come to an agreement about the best approaches.” said Dr O’Brien.

psychological support and development of a personalised pain management plan to implement on completion. It can include follow-up sessions and ongoing support if required.

For Janis, that has meant a return to part time work and a far more constructive and positive approach to living her life. “The course was enjoyable, challenging, quite difficult at times and other times it was just plain confronting. They teach you how to manage pain or at least manage your pain better through body awareness, relaxation techniques and meditation.”

But for Janis, the greatest achievement was that it gave her the coping skills, knowledge and courage to try new things – most notably ticking off a big ‘bucket list’ goal of joining a choir – the Redland Rhapsody Chorus. She describes it as a ‘ladies’ version of Barbershop singing”, featuring 4-part harmony “acapella” - and Janis happily confesses she’d never been a singer until now!

The group had its finest achievement in May, when the performed at the prestigious Sweet Adelines International competition held in Brisbane where they won three medals, placed third in Australia, and were voted the Most Improved Chorus (the group’s best result in almost three decades).

“It brings me the greatest joy and there’s so much fun and friendship among the group of ladies from rehearsing and performing together,” says Janis. “Aside from having my twin boys, singing with the Chorus and being acknowledged with awards at the Sweet Adelines International event this year, is my greatest life achievement.”

We are so proud that this type of program has been running and it has helped so many people. Your ongoing support of our work helps people like Janis resume and enjoy their life moving forward, thank you.

The four-week, two-days-a-week program at our Brisbane Hospital includes a variety of sessions which cover physiotherapy, occupational therapy, movement, education sessions, Caring & Sharing - Issue 2 | 2023

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Th ank y ou

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO: St Vincent’s Foundation Queensland 411 Main Street Kangaroo Point Qld 4169 For further information please call us on 1800 161 197 or email helpstvincentsqld@svha.org.au