Staff News May 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Hello and welcome to Winter! This will be my last Interim CEO message as we welcome Mark Ashcroft to the role of NCN Health CEO on June 17.

Mark has a strong commitment to innovation, quality care, health, social and economic development of the staff and community. He began his career as a Registered Nurse at GV Health before moving on with additional qualifications in Critical Care and Midwifery whilst working in Regional, Metropolitan and Interstate hospitals. In 2002 he joined Alpine Health as Health Services Manager. Over the 14 years with Alpine Health he had multiple stints as Acting CEO, led numerous projects and partnerships and completed a 12-month secondment to the Scottish NHS overseeing the rollout of the first Virtual Ward. Mark comes to us from Beechworth Health where he has been CEO since 2016. I am confident he will be a great fit for our team and we look forward to welcoming him to NCN Health in June

NUMURKAH PIONEER MEMORIAL LODGE

The redevelopment of the Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge is well into planning stage.

Given the size and scope of the project, the Victorian Health Building Authority or VHBA (who are an arm of the Department of Health) are leading this redevelopment. This is different to some of the smaller projects that NCN Health have completed where our organisation manages the build.

The VHBA have put a team together to develop the new Lodge, this is an extensive team including; Victorian Health Aged Care, architects, project managers, service engineers, quality surveyors, civil and structural engineers, traffic engineers, landscape design and building surveyors. These team will work with myself as Director of Operations, Operations Manager Bronti O’Connor, Numurkah Maintenance Manager John Fothergill and Nurse Unit Manager Raj Kumahr to move the project forward and consult on detailed design This group will have input and assistance from an Advisory Group of staff and consumers to inform the final design of the redevelopment We currently have a draft design of the new Lodge which outlines all the features we have to include under the National Aged Care Design Principals.

Next, will move into a detailed and final design with consultation from all groups. These should be completed by September 2024 with the build to start by mid-2025. We expect the build to take 18 – 24 months.

COVID AND WINTER ILLNESS

We have seen a number of COVID outbreaks across NCN Health. Many thanks to the staff for your diligence in managing these outbreaks and the increased demand that comes with wearing additional PPE. A reminder to all staff if you are feeling unwell with symptoms of COVID, even if you test negative, please stay home until your symptoms resolve. If you do test positive to COVID, please tell your manager ASAP so we can properly manage any potential exposures to staff, residents and patients.

Thank you to the leadership team and all staff for your support during my time as Interim CEO it has been a challenging and rewarding few months and I have enjoyed working with you all.

Justin Sullivan Interim CEO

What do you call a Magician who has lost their magic? Ian.

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

Internal and external renovations are continuing at Cobram Campus as we move through stage two of the project.

Internally, a hoarding bypass to access acute and urgent care is in place 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

Line marking has been completed on the new driveway and it is looking fabulous. 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.

Thanks again everyone for your patience and team work.

Carolyn Hargreaves Director of Clinical Services Cobram

PEOPLE AND CULTURE Staff Movement

Welcome to our new CEO Mark Ashcroft who starts at NCN Health from June 17.

Congratulations to Michelle Wyatt who has accepted the role of Nurse Unit Manager at Nathalia.

We also welcome Nikki Vidler to the role of Infection Control Coordinator across NCN Health.

Mikayla Foster

Rachael Hooper

Manju John

Dona Poochalil Jose

Gracie Shephard

Jenny Anderson

Debra Barnes

Tracy Gadbury

Kristen Jorgensen

Morgan Lee

Sunil Surendran

Janet Withers

Kings Birthday Weekend

Please note that due to the Public Holiday falling on the Monday after the pay period ends, we advise that PAY will be finalised on WEDNESDAY

12TH JUNE 2024

Please ensure you notify your bank if you have any direct debit payments due earlier.

We also remind all staff to set direct debits to occur at the earliest Thursday or preferably Friday following the pay period end

If you are salary packaging, you may also have a delay receiving your payments into your nominated bank account or packaging card.

Deb Barnes Retires after 39 years

Congratulations and thank you to Deb Barnes - District Nurse Unit Manager. Deb has retired from NCN Health after an impressive 39 years working across Nathalia and Cobram campuses.

Deb completed her first 12 months of nursing at the Sherbourne in Shepparton (now known as the Shepparton Private Hospital). Deb then worked at Cobram Hospital before accepting a position at Nathalia Hospital in 1995. Deb has worked in District Nursing and has been the team leader of DNS and Social Support Group for many years.

Deb has left a lasting legacy within NCN Health and particularly the Nathalia community and we will endeavour to do her proud. Congratulations on 39 years at NCN Health!

Farewell Tracy!

Tracy Gadbury finished up with NCN Health on May 9. We thank Tracy for her work in the Employment Relations and Training space

Pictured with Deb are her husband Alan and daughter Lisa, who has recently joined the District Nurse team at NCN Health.

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.

Well done to the following people on their amazing years of service and thank you for your hard work and dedication!

May

Michelle Johansson, 15 years

Jeanette Florance, 42 years

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

Cobram Maintenance Team - Maintenance / Cobram

I'd like to nominate the Cobram Maintenance Team. A community member was in for their exercise session and was having difficulty with their walker brakes and new handgrips Ben, Tammy and Jason were quick to make this a priority and came over within 5 minutes to assist with this and to make sure the walker was safe for the client to continue to use. It made the client's day as she didn't have anyone who could support her with this. A small gesture goes a long way. This displayed respect and accountability as well as fostering a very meaningful relationship with our community member Thank you Maintenance Team.

Brodie Hickey - Acute / Numurkah

I received a phone call from a patient who wished to provide feedback on his recent stay. He said that care from nurses was good, but one nurse in particular was excellent he said that Brodie went above and beyond in caring for him and all patients and that she also mentored other staff. In particular he said that Brodie gave him "the gift of time" and sat down and spoke to him as a person Additionally he felt that Brodie was very helpful to other staff

Kerry Forge - RN / Numurkah

Kerry always advocates for her patients and treats them with dignity and respect when they are at their most vulnerable. She has stayed late to ensure safety for patients and staff members

Dani Perri - Ward Clerk / Irvin House

Dani's excellent communication skills and compassionate demeanour make a substantial difference in the experience of our residents, their families and fellow staff Thank you for your hard work, commitment and the positive attitude you bring to our team each day.

UniformRollout

The NCN Health yearly uniform rollout will commence in June. Keep an eye on emails for details about ordering and entitlements.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

The NCN Health Social Club Billy Barrel Cash Prize winnersforAprilandMayare...

April

KayCole

RachaelHitchcock

RachelMuirson

MelissaNeal

May

NadeneDonnelly

JacquelineGeisler

Ann-MarieMunro

RobynSprunt

Please organise to collect your $30 cash prize from Numurkah reception. You have 6 months to collect your winnings!!!

NCNSwellWalkThisWaychallengehas steppedoffinabigway!With40staff membersregisteredthereissomefierce competitionacrosstheleaderboard. Todateparticipantshavewalkedacombined 6,657,362steps!HolyMoly!

WeeklyPhotoCompwinnershavebeen:

Week1-SandraSimpson

Week2-TonyBrown

Week3-JacquieHughesandKerryn Powlesand. Withthreeweekstogo,youcanstilljoinin!If youregisterandemailSwell,we’lladdyouto theteamandyoucansyncyourstepsupyouneverknowyoumightendupwinning thewholething!

WeeklyPhotoPrize

Highestnumberof stepspercampus

Highestnumberof stepsoverall.

StartDate EndDate : : May13,2024 June16,2024

Tosignupregisterforan accountat 10000steps.org.authen email ncnswell@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

Chelsey.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au

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

Staff Profiles

Caitlyn Lewis Caitlyn Lewis

Meet Caitlyn Lewis - one of NCN Health's resident Dietitians. We sat down with Caitlyn for a chat (and a Coffee) to learn more about her.

������ ���� ������ ���� �������� ������ ����? I’ve always found nutrition really interesting & I enjoy helping others achieve their health goals. I also love that Dietetics is an ever-evolving field, there’s always new information out there to learn.

? I’ve been working at NCN Health since July 2017, coming up 7 years ��������

? I love the small country town vibe, the people I work with are great & it’s a really friendly environment to be in. ��������

? My family! I love spending my time with my little girl & husband.

? I’m really enjoying the ‘Beyond the Bump’ podcast. It’s a common one I listen to on my way to work & very relevant to my life with a little one!

? Coffee! And some good tunes

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.

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

LGBTIQA+

INCLUSION SURVEY

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Access the survey here

Help contribute to the new NCN Health LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan 2024-2027 by answering a couple of questions to help shape our plan.

At the NCN Health, we are on a journey to enhance the experience of our LGBTIQA+ patients, consumers and visitors.

We are committed to being a great place to work and a great place to receive care in an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment.

AROUND AROUND AROUND THE THE THE GROUNDS GROUNDS GROUNDS

What happened across NCN in May

Along with meeting students and showcasing potential career pathways at the health service, one of our Physio’s Tom was interviewed on Shepparton’s community radio station - One FM. You can listen to his interview here:

Careers Day Out

On the 8th and 9th May our P&C Team headed over to Shepparton to showcase NCN Health at the Careers Day Out expo for school students.

Lodge Fashion Parade

The parade enlisted six very willing volunteer models who strut their stuff on the catwalk. Some models had their make up done, generously donated by Nay from ‘Little Tempus Skin and Beauty Clinic’ ready to front the A Listers – the very discerning residents and friends of the Lodge. The Auxiliary took on board feedback from the last fashion parade to ensure there was a male model too

Some pieces of clothing were snapped up by the crowd very quickly as the model paraded. We thank Heather, Rosemary and the Auxiliary committee for their work behind the scenes to make this happen, the very yummy afternoon tea and opportunity for the public to mingle with the residents afterwards

May 12 was International Nurses Day and Morning Tea was held across all three campuses on Monday May 13.

Thank you to our local bakeries for supplying such lovely cakes and slices for each campus.

Volunteers Week 2024

Volunteers Week 2024 was held from May 20 - 26. As part of celebrations thanking the amazing cohort of NCN Health volunteers Jacquie Hughes organised two bus loads of NCN Health volunteers to attend the Volunteers Week event hosted at ClubMulwala. The event was attended by volunteers from all around our region - with volunteers from Yarrawonga Health, Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre and MHA Care. With guest speakers talking about the importance of volunteering and community involvementMarissa Daly and Zoe Schweda

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

NCN Health, along with Valley Sport have been actively supporting the girls only lunchtime program at Numurkah Secondary College. This program brings girls together, in a safe supportive environment where they can explore sports, games and activities that they may not otherwise have experience with. Prior to launching the program the girls gave us a list of sports and activities they would be interested in trying. The girls are enjoying the lunch time activities and have commented on how nice it is to have this space just for them, without a competitive aspect or other students taking over.

World Bee Day at Karinya

Did you know that May 20th was World Bee Day?

Our Karinya residents were very lucky to have one of our NCN Health staff members - Bernie Cook visit with his Bee keeping kit and some home 'grown' honey for the residents to taste and learn all about Bee keeping.

High Teas and Bakery Pies were on the menu this month at Karinya.

The residents celebrated Mothers Day and Nurses Day with a High Tea. Some residents had an idea to have bakery pies one day - everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!

An amazing turnout for the inaugural Rotary Club of Numurkah Lift The Lid for Mental Health 5km walk. NCN Health was proud to support such a fantastic initiative. Many thanks to all the community members who came along. Thanks also the ‘Unbreakable Farmer’ Warren Davies for chatting to the crowd about mental health tools and resources and to the Scouts for catering.

Across Nathalia and Cobram campuses Angela Mitchell hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events for staff. Along with the yummy morning tea were games and raffles.