Staff Newsletter APRIL 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

COBRAM RENOVATIONS

Many thanks to Cobram staff for your patience as we work through ongoing internal and external renovations at Cobram Campus, the old Ambulance Bay is scheduled to be demolished on May 9 and 10 and this will impact access for visitors and x-ray and ultrasound patients during those days. There are also changes to internal access commencing, Please head to page two of this newsletter for an overview and reach out to your manager if you have any concerns.

BUDGET CUTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH

The Department of Health has flagged that Victorian public health services are facing significant budget cuts over the next three years. While specific details of these budget reductions have not yet been made available, we will need to take this into consideration when planning and implementing our departmental budgets and look at all expenditure decisions closely NCN Health has prepared and provided a plan to The Department of Health outlining a very early draft of ideas on how we plan to meet these requirements Initially our plan includes a number of non EFT efficiencies over a range of general expenditure.

I understand staff are eager to learn more about what these reductions mean for NCN Health and I will be meeting with managers across the three campuses in May to share what we know about the budget cuts so far, what our plan is moving forward and broadly what this means for NCN Health over the next three years. This information will then be made available to all staff.

There will be staff uncertainty as a result of these budget cuts, but it is important to note that NCN Health is in a strong financial position and while there will be changes they will be transparent, carefully considered and not made in haste.

LIFT THE LID

NCN Health is supporting Rotary of Numurkah’s upcoming Lift the Lid for Mental Health Walk. The walk is at the Numurkah Showgrounds from 9 30am on Sunday May 19, it will be a family friendly event and includes a presentation from The Unbreakable Farmer Warren Davies NCN Health Staff are invited to join for free and will also receive a T shirt on the day. Kids under 15 are free and pets on leads welcome! To register for the walk email ncncommunications@ncnheal th.org.au

COMMUNITY BUS LAUNCH

Rotary Club of Numurkah in partnership with NCN Health are excited to officially launch the Community Aged Care Bus with a celebration in Newman Square Numurkah on Saturday June 1st. The all abilities access bus was made possible following a swell of community support and fundraising and is an excellent resource for our residents and frail and aged community members

Thanks to this support NCN Health has enough funds to purchase a second bus which will be ready for use in the coming months All are welcome to attend the bus launch.

STAFF FLU SHOTS

Flu season is back and once again we are asking all staff to please book into the flu clinics. Simply jump on the intranet to make your booking and if you have any concerns please speak with your manager

Thank you for keeping our staff, patients, residents and community safe

Have a great month, Justin Sullivan Interim CEO

I tried to make up a joke about ghost but I couldn't. It had plenty of spirit but no body.

Stage Two Renovation Cobram Campus Update

Thanks to all staff in Cobram for your patience as we continue to work with the internal and external renovations at Cobram Campus

External

On Thursday and Friday 9th and 10th May the old Ambulance Bay will be demolished with Crow Construction pulling down the brick pillars and the roof and removing the rubble. On Thursday and Friday access to administration for visitors and for x-ray and ultrasound appointments will be via the Support Services corridor. Visitors and patients will enter through the gates on the O’Dwyer Ave side, cross the grassed area near the shade sails, in front of the staff room and enter the support services corridor via the automatic door. Afterhours access should not be affected, and we hope that it is finalized by Friday COB.

Internal

Internally, a hoarding bypass to access acute and urgent care is in place in preparation for further internal renovations. This bypass starts at the main reception waiting room, crosses over what was previously the triage room, across the hallway and into acute ward through what used to be an internal courtyard, this allows visitors and staff to move between reception and acute and urgent care areas

Parking

AM staff/day staff are all to park in the staff car park down Charles street (medical clinic/CRC Carpark)

PM staff are to also park in the staff car park down Charles street (medical clinic/CRC Carpark)

Security are on site at 2200 as people leave to this space

ND please park in the car park out front of Irvin House, Security are in the area from 2115 as staff arrive to allow safe entry

Urgent care/ Radiology and patient/visitors have very limited car parks so please DO NOT park Broadway St

Arrangements with managers have been made if staff finish late outside the security times above, please if you have any concerns around locations of parking for your shift speak to your manager or myself.

Maintenance Driveway Resurfacing

The driveway resurfacing is on track with the final concrete pour and line marking planned for the week of May 6. Staff parking remains closed in this area as Crow Constructions will be using this space to access the acute area for construction works.

Thanks again everyone for your patience and team work.

Carolyn Hargreaves Director of Clinical Services Cobram

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Best of luck for the future to staff leaving us, and a warm welcome to all our new staff across NCN Health The following report reflects staff movement for March

Jenny Anderson

Mary Bangariah

Robyn Forge

Sarah Fothergill

Wendy Inness

Andrea Johnson

Amanjot Kaur

Mary Poulose

Neetha Regi

Caterina Snelling

Rejpreet Swatch

Farewell Cathy!

Cathy has been part of the Cobram Administration Team, working in Cobram Administration support on the Acute Ward, and also in Finance – Accounts Payable prior to NCN Health merge.

Cathy had the following to say about leaving NCN Health.

“I have had 12 years in various positions at Cobram District Health and NCN Health, I have really enjoyed my work and the great people I have met Thankyou to all my work colleagues for your friendship and support”

Best of luck Cathy, we will miss you

Hayley Benson

Sheryl Chew

Kylie Hall

Therese Kogelman

Ashley Paul

Louise Power

Yi-Ping Wang

Catherine Wright

Staff Service Awards

Recognising Service at the organisation for years of service from 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 etc. Life Governor Awarded at 30 years.

The Communications Team would like to apologise to the staff who received service awards in February and March as they were accidentally left out of the newsletter.

Well done to the following people and thank you for your hard work and dedication!

February

Genevieve Nielsen, 25 Years

Stephen Carey, 25 Years

Rhonda Hicks, 30 Years

March

Fiona Currie, 20 Years

April

Karen Loe, 40 Years

LIFTTHELID 5KWALK

NUMURKAH SHOWGROUNDS

SUNDAY MAY 19

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

Niamh Smith - Dietitian/Cobram

Niamh has been participating in the education for our Group Exercise Programs by providing valuable information regarding their eating behaviours. Niamh speaks clearly and makes sure that everyone can hear her (we do have a few hearing impaired clients). Niamh is patient, caring and compassionate and takes the time to sit and talk with these clients to make sure they are getting the best education possible. Thanks Niamh for your time and dedication to our clients and community members.

Bre Czech - Associate Nurse in Charge/Irvin House

Bre embodies exceptional care for residents, families and staff through her warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Her caring nature extends beyond mere professional obligation, she has a genuine drive to make a meaningful difference in Aged Care

Whether it's comforting a resident in distress, lending an empathetic ear to a staff member experiencing challenges, or going the extra mile to ensure everyone's needs are met, Bre consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence. Her compassionate presence creates a nurturing environment where residents and families feel valued and supported, and staff members feel empowered to thrive.

Hayley MacFayden - Nurse in Charge / Numurkah Acute

Hayley demonstrates to the most vulnerable of people a true compassion and understanding, she is present where that person is at, she consistently undertakes her role/duties with expertise, kindness and true empathy. Thank you Hayley you do yourself, your profession and our organisation proud.

Rachel Hitchcock - Clinical Support Nurse / Education Cobram

Rach is an integral part of the Education Team, managing students, staff support, graduates and clinical education. Rach is always approachable and willing to help anywhere! Thank you Rach, we're grateful for your support

Julie Mathewson - Clinical Support Nurse / Education Numurkah

Julie is ever reliable, approachable and meticulous with her work. Our staff education, students and grads are all in good hands with Julie and she is an extremely valuable member of the Education Team.

Alysha Goldsack - Occupational Therapist / CH&W Cobram

Alysha is great at looking at problems from all angles and working with her clients she is able to identify the best options to improve the outcome for her clients. She often goes over and above for her clients!

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

Brodie Hickey - EN / Acute Numurkah

Rendering assistance to a Complex Patient who had a fall on their way into the health service. Using the lifting machine from Acute Ward Brodie not only got the patient back on his feet but reassured the patient

STAFF PILATES CLASSES

TheSwellcommittee haveemployedPilates instructorstoleadstaff sessionsacrossNathalia, CobramandNumurkah Campusesstartingin May.

NUMURKAH - FROM MAY 6

5PM, PAG ROOM NATHALIA - FROM MAY 14 5PM. ROOM TBA COBRAM - FROM JUNE 25 5PM. CRC GYM.

VISIT THE SWELL PAGE ON THE INTRANET TO BOOK IN.

STAFF MASSAGE

TheSwellcommitteehave employedmassagetherapists tovisitthecampusesandgive shortneckmassagestoall staff.

BOOK IN VIA THE SWELL PAGE ON THE INTRANET

COBRAM - MAY 6 & 16

12.00 - 3.00PM

STAFF ROOM

OH&S

The OH&S Team have been busy working to make OH&S information easily accessible for all NCN Health staff.

You can view the Educational series on the OH&S Intranet Page - which is found under P&C drop down menu.

We have included a couple below.

HSR/DHSR Resignations

Karen Edwards

Kerri-Anne Culton

Kylie Darcy

Sue Holland

Kirsten Jorgensen

Thank you for your contribution to the OHS Committee and supporting safety initiatives in your DWG.

HSR Appointments

Fiona Vuong

Jessica Bowden

Sue Rutherford

HSR’s have a crucial role to play when it comes to achieving healthy and safe workplaces. If you would like to join our committee and represent your DWG please discuss this with your Manager or contact our team at NCNOHS@ncnhealth org au

Psychosocial Survey

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey, your feedback is important to us and will assist us in managing the hazards you’ve identified. Our aim will be minimising the risk though planning and prevention programs and then regularly reviewing these control measures to ensure they remain effective. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you have any queries or concerns.

Respiratory Fit Test

The due date for your Respiratory Fit Test will be available on your Kineo profile, this will vary depending on the area/role in which you work. Non-Clinical staff will complete a Respiratory Fit Test in 2025

You may request a Respiratory Fit Test at any time, particularly if 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

Our team may request you repeat your fitting if there are supply issues with a particular respirator

Appointments can be scheduled via Intranet page under the

People & Culture tab

OHS page and locate booking sheet link

Bookings to attend practical Manual handling training and Emergency Role Response [Chief Warden, Warden and Area Warden] training is available via Kineo with sessions available across all campuses.

This ban aims to protect people from exposure to second-hand smoke and the aerosol from e-cigarettes/Vapes, reduce the presence of smoking and vaping in public places, and help those trying to quit. It also de-normalise’s smoking and vaping in the community. The more people see smoking and vaping in public places the more they will tend to think it is okay, rather than harmful.

Please review NCN Health’s Prompt for the below document:

Smoke Free Workplace NCN

New signage will be displayed across all campuses to include No smoking, Vaping or E-Cigarettes.

Quitline can support and provide counsellor assistance throughout your quit journey. Please follow the link below for resources.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

The NCN Health Social Club Progressive Dinner was a great success - the theme was OP SHOP! Lots of prizes and tastyfoodenjoyedbyall.

BILLYBARREL WINNERS!

The NCN Health Billy Barrel Cash Prize winners for FebruaryandMarchare….

Feb

SusanFarrant

RajKumahr

AngelaMitchell

AliBeatson

March

MarisaFriedrich

AdeleMcMaster

CarolynHargreaves

KellieKimberley

Please organise to collect your cash prize from Numurkah reception.Youhave6monthstocollectyourwinnings!!! Aprilwinnersannouncednextweek!

Follow Me Printing has landed at NCN Health

Follow Me Printing has been rolled out across all campuses. Each campus has a series of Super Users who can help you set up and troubleshoot your registration if needed

Important things to note when registering yourself with the Follow Me Printing system.

You will need to register at each campus using the associated campus key card. *note, this applies to staff who work across campuses*

Your printing pin is - 36+Your Employee ID (your employee ID is the number you use to clock on and off each day). for example, if your Employee ID is 1212 your printing pin will be 361212.

Once your registration at the printer has been completed, and UniFlow has been deployed and set up on your computer all you need to print is your campus access card

If you are using the printer to scan and send or photocopy, you also need your campus access card to use these functions.

Printing is defaulted to black and white, if you require printing in colour you need to remember to change this in the preferences when you send your items to print.

NCNSwellarerunningastepchallengethis MayandJune.

SteppingoffonMay13,walkyourway towardsprizes,gloryandbetterhealthover5 weeks.

Walkwithacolleague,afriendoryourself.

HowdoIparticipate?

Visit10000stepsandregisteryouraccount

Emailncnswell@ncnhealth.org.autoconfirm youhavesignedup.Wewillthenaddyoutothe challenge.

Logyourstepsdaily,alternativelyyoucanlog activityminutesandtheywillbeconvertedinto steps.Youcanalsodownloadthe10000steps app,connectittoyourhealthapponyour phoneanditwillautosyncsteps.

OPTIONAL:Joininthefunbypostingpicturesor videofromyourwalksinthestaffFBgroup,orby using#walkthiswayonyoursocialpostssowe canseewhereyou’vegone!(makesurethey’re public)

StartDate

EndDate : : May13,2024 June16,2024

WeeklyPhotoPrize

Highestnumberof stepspercampus

Highestnumberof stepsoverall.

Tosignupregisterforan accountat

10000steps.org.authen email

ncnswell@ncnhealth.org.au Prizes!!

Staff Profiles

Niamh Smith Niamh Smith

Meet Niamh Smith - one of NCN Health's resident Dietitians. Niamh has recently joined NCN Health after completing her University studies, and we are very lucky to have her on board. We sat down with Niamh for a chat (and a Coffee) to learn more about her.

? Being able to form relationships with others to promote dietary changes to help individuals to improve health outcomes and feel better

? The variety of things I do each day across outpatients, the acute ward and aged care. I love seeing such a range of patients for so many different reasons.

? Spending time with friends and family and playing netball.

? I’m currently reading the seven sisters book series and I always have some

podcast like Shameless on the go.

Local AFL Games!

Want a fun afternoon out, and feel like supporting your local AFL teams? Below is when Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah play each other! Nothing like a bit of town v town rivalry.

Cobram VS Numurkah – Saturday 4th May Cobram VS Numurkah – Saturday 4th May

Nathalia VS Cobram – Saturday 29th June Nathalia VS Cobram – Saturday 29th June

Nathalia VS Numurkah – Saturday 28th July Nathalia VS Numurkah – Saturday 28th July

Numurkah VS Cobram – Saturday 10th August Numurkah VS Cobram – Saturday 10th August

One of our highly trained Eziway consultants is visiting your location Book an appointment if you have any questions about Salary Packaging.

lHow does it work?

lDo I earn enough?

lHow

lCan

lHow

lDo

lHow

lCan

AROUND AROUND AROUND THE THE THE GROUNDS GROUNDS GROUNDS

What happened across NCN in April

NCN Health held three activity days across Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah during the April school holidays. Each event was a huge success with many community members in attendance, lots of fun had by everyone and the smoothie bike was a hit as always!

We’re looking forward to planning commencing on the 2025 Active April events.

ACTIVE APRIL WRAP UP

Move Moira - Get Active in April is a join initiative between Moira Shire Council, NCN Health and Yarrawonga Health. Aimed at bringing together the community and fostering activities to keep the community active all year long.

National Aged Care Provider Conference 2024

Slipa Thomas - Quality Coordinator Aged Carerecently attended the National Aged Care Provider Conference held in Adelaide. Slipa was there representing NCN Health. The conference aimed to prepare residential aged care for upcoming reforms in Australia's aged care sector, ensuring a personcentred approach and continuous improvement in delivering safe, quality care.

Banawah Planting Day!

Banawah residents along with Social Support Group clients gathered to pot up some plants and plant seedlings in spare pots found around Banawah We thank staff member Heidi for sourcing the soil and seeds along with volunteers Carolyn and Leeanne who helped the residents and clients along with Leisure an Lifestyle staff members Lyn and Karen. Some plants were propagated from existing plants in the garden and potted up as well. The residents, clients, visitors and staff look forward to bountiful colour in the months to come. The residents and clients look forward to more joint activities in the future.

Irvin House Resident and Family BBQ

Early in April Irvin house hosted the Resident, Family and Staff BBQ! Our awesome volunteer Andy donned the apron and the BBQ tools to cook up a feast for everyone! Thanks Andy and everyone who came along.

ANZAC DAY

A VISIT FROM MINISTER STITT

NCN Health Numurkah and Nathalia staff and residents met with The Hon. Ingrid Stitt MP (Victorian Minister for Ageing, Mental Health and Multicultural Affairs) Minister Stitt was visiting Numurkah Pioneer Memorial Lodge and Banawah Nursing Home, Nathalia to learn more about our health services. It was great to meet the Minister and we look forward to seeing more of her in the future.