Issuu

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

On Wednesday November 20, NCN Health, together with the fourteen member health services in the Hume Region, transitioned to a new Patient Administration System (PAS) called PAS Connect. The outgoing PAS system was end of useful life and presented a significant risk for all public health services who were using it. This PAS replacement project has been a very complex and I congratulate the NCN Health PAS implementation committee who worked in partnership with Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) and NCN Health staff to ensure a smooth transition to our new system

The implementation of Hume PAS Connect marks a significant step forward in delivering integrated care across our region. This newer, more modern PAS will contribute to patient safety, streamline clinical workflows, and improve connectivity. All staff who require access to the new PAS will have received their Log-ins via email If you have any concerns please speak with your manager in the first instance. A reminder that there are many resources on the staff intranet to help you learn about the new PAS including Quick Step Guides

There are also a list of staff super-users who have been trialling the new system for some time and can provide support For all this and more, head to the intranet.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NCN Health held the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for year 2023-2024 at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus on Wednesday, November 27th. The meeting was well attended by staff, volunteers, consumer group representatives and the NCN Health Board of Directors. Board Director Chair Tricia Quibell presented the Annual Report and Quality Account acknowledging the contribution of consumers, staff and support of the Board throughout the year A highlight of the Annual General Meeting is the presentation of the staff and volunteer awards. These awards celebrate many achievements and improvements across the health service, and acknowledge any staff or volunteer who has been with the health service for 10 years or more.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, your contribution to local health has had a significant positive impact on our community Thank you.

CHRISTMAS BBQ LUNCH

With Christmas fast approaching, we invite all staff, who are able, to join together at each campus during December and share in a BBQ Lunch. Lunch will be at Cobram on Tuesday December 17, Numurkah on Wednesday December 18 and Nathalia on Thursday December 19.

Have a great month.

Mark Ashcroft CEO, NCN HEALTH

Hume PAS Connect Is Here!

Patients can now access better integrated care across the Hume region NCN Health and Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) are proud to announce we now have a fully consolidated Patient Administration System across the fourteen member health services in the Hume region. Building a single, integrated Patient Administration System across fourteen health services is a giant leap forward in our digital health journey to achieve our vision of better connected patient care. The new system introduces a region- wide patient identifier to improve the continuity of care

This has been one of the most complex implementations of the i PM Patient Administration System ever undertaken.

As Mark Ashcroft, Chief Executive Officer of NCN Health says, “The implementation of Hume PAS Connect marks a significant step forward in delivering integrated care across our region. The advanced system will contribute to patient safety, streamline clinical workflows, and improve connectivity.

“This initiative brings fourteen health services together under a unified system, fostering enhanced collaboration for the benefit of patients and staff across our region. Hume PAS Connect reflects our commitment to leveraging technological solutions to enhance healthcare outcomes, reduce operational risks, and enhance the overall patient experience.”

Hume Rural Health Alliance Chief Information Officer, Neelu Kaur says, “HRHA is pleased that we could deliver a connected Patient Administration System for the first time in the region’s history. This is a great achievement which has been earned through collaboration. We thank all the health services’ teams for their support for this major transition, and the activity in the years leading up to this. As always, we are looking towards the future investments in digital health to bridge the healthcare gaps in our regional communities.”

Hume Rural Health Alliance has trained approximately 2,500 staff across a 40,000 square kilometre region to prepare for the introduction of the new Patient Administration System The following health services have been involved: Albury Wodonga Health, Alexandra District Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Mansfield District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Seymour Health, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health and Yea and District Memorial Hospital.

The broad scope of HRHA’s Hume PAS Connect initiative brings together multiple digital health projects to enable health services in the Hume region to connect to state and national eHealth initiatives, to support patient safety and the flow of clinical information both in our region and more widely. It reflects our health services’ joint commitment for better integrated patient care across the region

Stage 2 & 3 Renovation Cobram Campus Update

The Cobram Campus Urgent Care and Acute Ward Redevelopment is in its final stages of construction and is on track to be completed by the end of the year. The redevelopment started in February 2023, with the new Urgent Care Centre Opening and operational in March 2024.

Ongoing Works

The front car park is currently being resurfaced

Internal and external renovation continues with the remodeling of 2 patient rooms and ensuites, a new ultrasound room, a new reception desk area for the acute ward entrance and additional office and staff space.

The front façade of the building including the original ‘Lisieux’ signage is being rendered in part and retouched

New firewalls are currently being installed and main reception will be refurbished to compliment the renovations. This includes new flooring and repainting.

Signage will also be erected internally and externally around the Cobram Campus and landscaping plans to finish the redevelopment are being reviewed and finalised.

Maintenance Driveway

Staff parking remains closed in this area as Crow Constructions will be using this space to access the acute area for construction works. You will see that Meals on Wheels continue to collect meals from the driveway between Medical and Dental and CRC.

HybridHero

What is HybridHero?

HybridHero is our desk booking system which enables staff who work across campuses to make sure they always have somewhere to sit.

How do I book a desk?

Booking a desk has never been easier - simply jump onto the Intranet and select Desk Booking from the front page. You will need to enter your username (staff email) and password.

Once you have logged in and set up your profile you have access to the desks to book what you need.

Watch the video below to see how to book your desk and check in.

How often do I need to book a desk?

You only need to book a desk if you are working at a campus that you don’t normally work from and need to sit in a new location.

How do I know if a desk is available?

When booking in the desks that are available will be able to be selected. If you can’t select a desk, it has already been booked by someone else.

What if my work plans change?

If you are no longer in need of a booking, please adjust your bookings as soon as you know. This allows someone else to use that desk.

ICT REQUESTS

TO SUBMIT AN ICT REQUEST TO HRHA PLEASE USE THESE DETAILS:

Email: Service.Desk@hrha.org.au

Phone: (Internal) *4742

Phone: (External) (03) 5825 9990

Please alert your direct manager if you feel the request needs escalating. They will escalate to the Business Services Manager if required for escalation with HRHA. In this instance you will need to give your manager and the Business Services Manager the job number associated with your IT issue.

Staff Service Awards

Recognising years of service to the organisation. Life Governor Awarded at 30 years.

Each month there are a number of staff reaching significant milestones, don’t forget to congratulate them on their achievement.

Well done and thank you for your hard work and dedication!

November

Wendy Gilbert, 15 years

Naomi Morton, 15 years

Kathryn Davies, 10 years

Julie Dennis, 10 years

Lyne Hodge, 25 years

Lynne Peterson, 15 years

Kerryn Leslie, 20 years

Ali Beatson, 20 years.

Riya Chacko Mathai

Febin George

Mitch Heaton

Meg Hopkins

Raylene Miliado

Jeanette Moore

Janie Salibio

Welcome Back Mitch!

Remia Ferreira

Megan Hoyle-Monckton

Johnsy Pellissery Johnson

Abhilash

Poovathumkuzhiyal

Abraham

Lee-Anne Stewart

Mitch Heaton, Workplace Trainer and Careers Advisor, has commenced in this role. Some of you may remember him from past roles with NCN Health in Food Services at Cobram and as the WT&CA previously. He is excited to be back and looking forward to working with all Non-Clinical staff providing essential training and assessments as well as designing and developing learning programs.

If you need assistance with any training related concerns please reach out and he will assist you in finding the right pathway to resolve for your query. He is making his way around the campuses and meeting with department managers, but do not hesitate to contact him before such time.

Mitch is working towards developing a training and skill gaps analysis with a plan for roll out in 2025. Mitch is looking forward to catching up with you all as he travels around the campuses.

Mitch can be contacted via email MitchelHeaton@ncnhealthorgau

Farewell Margaret Templeton

Last week the Cobram Medical Clinic’s fabulous Margaret Templeton retired from NCN Health. Marg has been a force within the CMC team, having been the face that greets the patients for 16 and 1/2 years! Thank you for your dedication to Cobram Medical Clinic and for all the time spent supporting patients throughout the years. We wish you well in retirement and are sure we will see you around!

Annual General Meeting

NCN Health held the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for year 2023-2024 at the NCN Health Nathalia Campus on Wednesday, November 27th.

The meeting was well attended by staff, volunteers, consumer group representatives and the NCN Health Board of Directors.

NCN Health CEO Mark Ashcroft chaired the meeting and Board Director Chair Tricia Quibell presented the Annual Report and Quality Account acknowledging the contribution of consumers, staff and support of the Board.

Mark Ashcroft presented the Staff and Volunteer Reward and Recognition and Service Awards at the Annual General Meeting.

“A highlight of the Annual General Meeting is the presentation of the staff and volunteer awards. These awards celebrate many achievements and improvements across the health service, and acknowledge any staff or volunteer who has been with the health service for 10 years or more.”

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, your contribution to local health has had a significant positive impact on our community. Thank you.”

LIVING THE VALUES

SHEREE LAWLESS NATHALIA

CAROLYN HARGREAVES

COBRAM

TRUDY HARRIS NUMURKAH

CUSTOMER SERVICE

International Nurse Spotlight

Meet Abitha Balachandran

Abitha recently relocated with her young family to Cobram to take up a position in Acute and Urgent Care as part of our International Nurse Recruitment Program.

Abitha moved to Cobram in June from the United Kingdom. Working in the hospital system in the UK and based in Southport for the past three years, Abitha and her family decided a new adventure awaited on the other side of the globe. With Australia always being a place that she was keen to live and work in, a change to life in Cobram seemed like a good fit.

Abitha was looking for a quiet place to live that could provide a great work/life balance and easy access to areas of the country to travel and explore.

Since joining NCN Health Abitha has found the team here to be incredibly supportive and great to work with. The transition from the UK to Australia was made very easily and comfortably with the aid of the recruitment program and the NCN team.

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

Lisa Foster - Environmental / Nathalia

Lisa uses her initiative and asks if she can assist others regularly. She is always helpful and positive. Thanks Lisa.

DECEMBER 17 | COBRAM

DECEMBER 18 | NUMURKAH

DECEMBER 19 | NATHALIA

Dental Discount for NCN Health staff located at Nathalia and Numurkah

10%

Staff must be in uniform or show their Staff ID Photo Card at the time of the appointment to receive the discount. Can only be used at the Numurkah practice. No discounts will be given post appointment

PALLIATIVE CARE VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Interested community members and NCN Health volunteers from across Moira Shire completed the Palliative Care Volunteer training recently. NCN Health ran combined sessions with Yarrawonga Health over three mornings. The training covered the Palliative Care Victoria Training Toolkit covering 9 modules from role of volunteer in palliative care, grief and dying, diversity and spirituality, self care and more. We thank Nurse Practitioner Steve Pitman for coming to explain his role, and the clinical role and the importance of volunteers as part of the Palliative Care team. The participants have a broad range of experience along with life experience to support clients and their families in their own homes.

Families from across Moira Shire from Yarrawonga to Nathalia will be supported by these volunteers over the years to come.

OH&S Report

Departmental safety inspections:

The monthly inspection audit tool has been amended to include a more detailed guide for HSRs and Managers to use when completing their safety inspections HSRs will conduct inspections not only in their own designated work group but other departments as well. This will support in ensuring a comprehensive review with a fresh perspective and oversight

Our OHS team will also be conducting random inspections with HSR’s at each campus, with the aim to assist HSR’s navigating their way through a thorough inspection while gaining confidence in understanding the value in performing a systematic inspection

Drills:

Currently fire drills are scheduled throughout the year at all campuses 2025 will see a change in the way we conduct drills with the addition of drill for all emergency codes. Some drills will be a practical session while others will be an around the table discussion using various scenarios and working our way through what would be required in a critical incident. These type of discussions allows all staff the opportunity to participate in group discussions, offer suggestions and engage in a proactive approach to manage emergency incidents.

Training:

Dementia Australia provided a facilitator to run two OVA de-escalation training sessions. This was well attended where 30 staff participated in a 3 hr education session Staff provided positive feedback on the training and were hopeful of additional sessions being available. Our OHS team will investigate opportunities for further training but we would encourage participants to share their learnings via department huddles, handovers and at team meetings.

OVA Trainers will be participating in an annual refresher session with an external training organisation in December 2024. Following this session a review will be completed on existing OVA training provided to all staff with relevant updates and changes implemented

Manual Handling and Emergency Role Response training – final training session will be held on 12 December 2024 at Nathalia Campus. Enrolling for this session can be done through Kineo, Classroom Bookings.

HSR training – Congratulations to Tania Clarke, Susan Njenga and Kerrie Jeffries who have completed their WorkSafe approved 5-day HSR training

OH&S Training Calendar

Emergency Response Role TrainingChief Warden Warden

Area Warden

12 December 2024

1400 hrs – 1445 hrs

Nathalia Campus Harbison Centre

Manual Handling

Occupational Violence & Aggression [OVA]

12 December 2024

1330 hrs – 1400 hrs Nathalia Campus Harbison Centre

12 December 2024

1100 hrs – 1300 hrs

Respiratory Fit Test

As per appointments available on the booking sheet

Nathalia Campus Harbison Centre

Cobram Campus –Theatre Office Numurkah Campus –Hub Building

Enrol via Kineo Classroom Booking system

Enrol by contacting our team directly at NCNOHS@ncn health.org.au

Book an appointment via the NCN Health Intranet page under People & Culture/OHS

Respiratory Fit Test

Is your N95 Mask the correct one?

Did you know that you need a new fit test done at least every few years? You may need one sooner if you have had any changes.

WHEN DO I NEED A NEW TEST?

You can request a Respiratory Fit Test at any time - particularly is you have:

Significant weight loss or gain

Facial trauma/surgery

Scarring or cosmetic surgery/cosmetic procedures such as fillers

Extensive dental work including extractions and new dentures

Any concerns about the respirator you were previously fitted

HOW DO I BOOK A TEST

Appointments can be scheduled via the Intranet under the People and Culture tab.

D-ESC WORKSHOPS

OH&S arranged Dementia Australia to visit the Cobram and Numurkah campuses to run two D-Esc workshops. The training provides virtual reality training for a behavioural emergency, designed for participants working in health care, caring for people living with dementia.

Both sessions were at full capacity with 30 staff across NCN Health attending. The sessions were highly regarded with overwhelming positive feedback highlighting their value and insightfulness.

LIFE AT KARINYA

November was a busy month over at Karinya, with the races bringing an air of excitement to the residents. We celebrated Melbourne Cup, and then Oaks Day with picnic boxes that were lovingly put together by Teruko - with homemade sausage rolls and sandwiches. The residents also dabbled in Ice Cream making and enjoyed the fruits of their labour.

CONSUMER STORY

Gwen Wridgway lived in the Gwandalan Court Retirement Village for approximately 7 years before moving into Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge (NPML). Gwen had previously lived in Tatura but came to Numurkah to be closer to family members who reside in the area.

Gwen said due to some health issues she had come into NPML on respite 2 or 3 times, before deciding to make the move permanently. “I had a slight turn and came into the Lodge for respite. I could not have had better attention from the staff.”

Gwen enjoyed living at Gwandalan Court and despite being fit and healthy, some health considerations, including suffering a serious fall, pushed her to make a change.

“I was in the midst of organising my 90th birthday in January 2024 when I moved to the Lodge. The staff helped me celebrate and I had a party for friends and family at the Uniting Church.”

Gwen said she noticed a big difference in her health and wellbeing after the move.

“The staff take great care of me and ensure I am taking my medication regularly and eating properly, which I probably wasn’t doing as well on my own.”

After many years of independent living and moving around Australia, Gwen says she has settled into the Lodge lifestyle.

“I enjoy the entertainment and activities and I try to get involved as much as I can, when I want some peace I will sit and do a jigsaw puzzle. My family can come and go and take me out for coffee, most of the residents are very friendly, I would say I enjoy 90% of the meals, I am happy and healthy and I love the outlook from my room. It is bright and cheerful.”

CONSUMER STORY

Gwen said when she has become unwell, she really appreciated the extra support the Lodge provides.

“I had another turn earlier in the year and ended up in hospital for 5 days. I received great care from both sides (The hospital and the residential aged care). I also had COVID in the middle of the year, I felt dreadful and had a throat full of razor blades. The staff were excellent, I didn’t want for anything. That is the great thing about being here, the support is there if you need it. The staff can help with showers, personal hygiene and clothing (getting dressed).”

She said another added benefit was she felt she could talk to the staff and the Nurse Unit Manager about any concerns.

“Raj (Nurse Unit Manager) is very easy to talk to and that is important.”

Gwen says her previous neighbour from Gwandalan Court is so impressed with how well Gwen is doing, she is planning on putting her name down for the new Lodge once it’s built.

Congratulations to the following Prize Winners fromtheChristmasPartyCelebrations:

Billy Barrel Winners for November, December, January:

AshWebb

TerukoSmith

NaomiHopkins

RhondaHicks

LisaAquilina

SusanHolland

NadeneLucas

CatherineChurch

CatherineSmall

TammyWarren

AnneO’Riley

BarbCrawford

SusanHuffer

Carolyn Hargreaves

LaurenNye

KylieDarcy

JustinSullivan

JacquelineGeisler

SheriDavies

AmandaSmith

MajorPrizeWinners

$400Visa-LaurenHennessy

$200Visa-DianeJohnson

LuckyDoorPrizes:

RosieHicks

TanyaFothergill

RachelODwyer

TammyWarren

Please arrange to collect your prize from Numurkah front reception, you have6monthstocollectyourprize! You can have another staff member collect your prize, or contact ncnsocialclub@ncnhealth.org.au

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Join Chelsey and Angela for free fitness classes at the NCN

Health Numurkah CH&W Gym

Our Programs

Cardio & Strength Circuit

Les Mills Body Balance

HIIT Tabata

Les Mills Body Combat

Metafit Boxing

MetaPWR

HIITSTEP

Numurkah Community

Health and Wellbeing Gym

Chelsey.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

Meryula Clinic @ Numurkah

SERVICES

The Meryula Clinic is a free and confidential service run by GV Health and supported by NCN Health. The clinic is for all individuals within the region and is run by experienced nurses who specialise in sexual and reproductive health