Connection Issues 1 Summer 2014

connection YOUR FREE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FROM PENINSULA HEALTH

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ISSUE 1

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SUMMER 2014

Louise and Max Inside our Special Care Nursery

Celebrating Research Health Minister David Davis launches our research recognition program

Pinkies at the top Multi award winners

Peninsula Health

Volunteers get intensive Our ICU volunteer

Follow us on

Opening February 2015 Frankston Hospital

Peninsula Health

Contents Cover story Mighty Max Our Special Care Nursery appeal

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Stage 3 set to open Frankston’s new ED

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Celebrating Research: Health Minister David Davis launches our program

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Better health Reconciliation Action Plan is launched

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Walking ‘The Beat’ Mental Health clinicians team up with Victoria Police

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Pinkies at the top Multi award winners

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Heartfelt Meet our Director of Cardiology Philip Carrillo

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Caring for the Homeless Peninsula Health a winner

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Volunteers get intensive Our ICU volunteer

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Peninsula Health acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional people of this region, known as the Myone Buluk of the Boon Wurrung language group of the greater Kulin Nation and bestows the same courtesy to all other First Peoples, past and present, who now reside in the region.

This magazine is distributed across our campuses at Frankston, Mornington and Rosebud, and mailed to our volunteers, supporters and donors.

You can also download it from our website.

To subscribe or be removed from the mailing list please contact us below

Welcome

Connection is a free quarterly publication from the Corporate and Community Relations group at Peninsula Health.

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or more than 80 years Peninsula Health has been caring for residents of the Mornington Peninsula and early next year we open a landmark new building at Frankston to enable us to provide even better care for you and your family.

The $80 million development will deliver a brand new Emergency Department that is two and a half times bigger than our existing facilities plus three new wards with 92 beds, as well as a new location for Medicentre. The building’s design references the bathing boxes of the Peninsula and presents a bold new face to Hastings Road.

Once the new ED has opened we’ll be progressively refurbishing older clinical areas and relocating other services into these more modern facilities … and our loyal volunteers will be on hand to smooth the way and help patients find their way to appointments.

More details of the changes will be published on our website peninsulahealth.org.au as we get closer to the big opening.

In early November the Premier Dr Denis Napthine and Health Minister the Hon David Davis visited Frankston to inspect progress and announced that our prudent financial management of the build had realised $8.1 million in savings. This money will be reinvested to fund additional cardiovascular diagnostic facilities and a kitchen upgrade to support the increased beds and wards.

Rosebud Hospital is also undergoing works to renovate and expand dental facilities and a new medical imaging area is being constructed for the hospital’s first CT scanner. This will ensure local residents can undergo treatment and diagnostics closer to home, rather than having to travel to Frankston.

Inside this issue we take a look at the care and comfort our dedicated staff provide in the Special Care Nursery for the 500 unwell and/or premature babies born each year. We’ve also recently launched an appeal for this area and details of how you can donate are inside.

Did you know that Peninsula Health has over 800 volunteers? These selfless women and men are integral to all that we do and our Pink Ladies were recently recognised by Premier Napthine at a special event at Cruden Farm.

I am also delighted to announce six volunteers will be admitted as Life Governors for 10 years service at our Annual General Meeting on 21 November. Congratulations!

The first two weeks of November sees Peninsula Health Celebrating Research and our strong links with Monash University. We were delighted Minister Davis officially launched our program and met with the students and staff.

Finally, you can also keep up with new stories and features by liking our Facebook page which is gaining quite a following, and also follow us on Twitter. Whether it’s in print or digital I hope you enjoy staying up to date with Peninsula Health.

Sue Williams I Chief Executive

Corporate and Community Relations Peninsula Health PO Box 52 Frankston Vic 3199

Director, Corporate and Community Relations Andrew Heslop

Telephone 03 9784 7777 peninsulahealth.org.au

Editor Sue Montague

Words and Photography

PeninsulaHealth

Eliza Keck Lucy Wilby Caitlyn Sherriff Jennifer Stewart Yanni Dellaportas

@PeninsulaHealth Layout and Design Powerhouse Design CONNECTION I 1

Brand new Emergency Department set to open

The Frankston Hospital Emergency Department will

Frankston Hospital’s Stage 3 complex is almost at hand over stage

be moving in February 2015

Words I Caitlyn Sherriff Photography I Caitlyn Sherriff

A scurry of work has been happening to get the building ship shape for its opening in February 2015.

This unit will be used for patients who need short term observation but don’t need to be admitted onto wards. This means we will be able to free up more cubicles in the new Emergency Department and get patients into beds quicker.

Over the past few months we have had hundreds of workers on the building site at one time. They’ve been busy plastering, laying vinyl, putting in wires, computer systems, cabinetry and everything else you can think of to get it ready for the grand opening.

The additional space from the new building has given us as an opportunity to give some TLC to our older wards as well.

Following the move into the new building one ward will be left temporarily empty so that it too can be refurbished. Once it has been completed we will cycle the older wards through it so that we can give them all a much needed face lift.

To help you get to know the new Emergency Department and see how it works, Frankston Hospital will be holding a family open day on Sunday 15 February 2015. There will be opportunities to take a look inside the new Emergency Department, entertainment and plenty of kid’s activities on the day.

HASTING Stage 3 and new Emergency Department

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Our clinical staff have been hard at work preparing to move staff and wards to the new building and creating new specialist areas in the older wards. One of the most exciting additions will be a 30 bed medical assessment unit in one of the old wards.

YUILLE STREET

The Emergency Department will be moving on Tuesday 17 February 2015 – so mark it in your diaries! All patients brought to the Emergency Department from this day will need to use the new building on the opposite side of the hospital on Hastings Road.

To keep up to date, like us on facebook.com/peninsulahealth

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Nursing staff working in a ‘mock up’ of the new Intensive Care Unit cubicles

Louise Combes and son Finn cuddle Max as they prepare to take him home for the first time

Max’s mighty journey Baby Max’s time in the Special Care Nursery at Frankston Hospital Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Yanni Dellaportas

Baby Max Combes started life tough when he arrived in the world seven weeks premature.

For his mum Louise Combes, ‘Mighty Max’ was not quite the mid-October birth she expected.

“Max was born on August 26th at 32 weeks, which was quite a shock after my three previous babies were all born at full term,” she said. “Because of his early arrival, he had a number of medical issues that needed attention in the Special Care Nursery at Frankston Hospital.

“Having a baby and then not taking that baby home with us was extremely hard to cope with. I never imagined I would have to leave my son in the care of people I had never met.

“But from the moment we arrived in the nursery and every time after that – sometimes five times in one day – my partner and I were made to feel welcome,” recalls Louise.

“As a parent I know how important it is for bonding to be hands on as much as possible, and this was encouraged by the wonderful staff. We always felt that we were caring for our son with the help of the nurses, not that we were bystanders watching on.”

Family time Louise loved how her other children were also made to feel welcome when they visited Max during the month he spent in the Special Care Nursery.

“The Family Room was great.

It gave our kids a place where they could relax and move about without disturbing the other babies or getting under the feet of staff.”

With ‘Mighty Max’ now home safely with his family, Louise is pleased that their ‘Special Care Journey’ is over.

“We will always be grateful to the team of competent, kind and caring nurses for the amazing care and compassion we received.

We can’t thank them enough.”

This article first appeared on our Facebook page. To keep up to date, like us on facebook.com/peninsulahealth

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Baby Max with Mum, Louise, and brother, Finn

Baby Max resting in the Special Care Nursery

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Help us to care for our smallest patients Peninsula Health launches Special Care Nursery Appeal Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Yanni Dellaportas

Frankston Hospital is reaching out to the community to make life more comfortable and homely for our premature and acutely ill newborn babies and their families.

The Special Care Nursery Appeal aims to raise $30,000 to rejuvenate the Family Room and the Lactation Room. which cares for more than 500 sick and premature newborn babies each year.

Proceeds from the appeal will help create a more welcoming and inviting environment for families, explained Alison Conroy-Joyce, Special Care Nursery Nurse Unit Manager.

“We care for more than 500 sick and premature newborn babies each year, and it is important that the surrounding environment for mums, partners and babies is one of comfort and support,” she said.

Family Room

“Currently, the Family and Lactation Rooms are uninviting spaces that could easily be transformed into relaxing and warm spaces with a lick of paint, new lighting and furniture.”

The Family Room is open 24 hours a day to families with an ill newborn

“For families, it is especially important in the first few, fragile days of their baby’s life to have a space where they can come together for some private time with their sick child or on their own,” Alison said.

Parents and families use the space to quietly come together and regroup

“That’s why we want to create a more inviting, warm atmosphere in our Family Room.”

New lighting and furniture will complement new paintwork and blinds to give the room a more welcoming feel

Funds from the Appeal will also go towards renovating the Lactation Room.

The new Family Room will provide a warm and relaxing environment

Lactation Lounge The Lactation Lounge is a sit down area with special breast pumps for new mums to express for their unwell newborns The room is also used for breast pump education sessions and breastfeeding advice

“At the moment, our Lactation Room also has a rather clinical feel,” Alison said. “We want to be able to create a private, more comfortable room where new mums can come and express milk in comfort, away from other activity.

“Having a child in the Special Care Nursery can be a stressful experience for families. Our aim, with the help of the community, is to take away some of those stresses, even if it’s just for a moment.”

How to donate If you would like to contribute to the Special Care Nursery Appeal, call 03 9788 1284 or visit www.peninsulahealth.org.au

The updated Lactation Lounge will have new paintwork, improved privacy curtains, and new furniture The new Lactation Lounge will provide a supportive, calming space

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Precious premmies Life as a midwife in the Special Care Nursery Words I Kylie Hoskings Photography I Eliza Keck

Some of my midwifery colleagues who thrive on the challenges and breakneck pace of the Maternity Unit think I’m a bit crazy for working part time in the Special Care Nursery. Others think I do it because it’s slower paced (you get breaks for morning tea and lunch, everyday!)

My reasoning is much simpler. I love babies! It will be a long wait until I become a grandparent (my oldest is 12). But until then, my job enables me to satisfy that deep maternal instinct to be with beautiful new babies. I love being ‘Aunty Kylie’ to the babies in the Special Care Nursery, and helping their parents.

Frankston Special Care Nursery is what’s called a ‘Level 2 Nursery’. This means our babies need us to keep a constant eye on them. Our main task is to make sure they are safe, are growing and have appropriate developmental care for their gestational age if they have been born early.

When babies first come in they often need to be stabilised. We make sure they are breathing okay, their temperature is okay, and they are managing to maintain their blood sugars. These three important things are called ‘the triangle of babies’ health’.

Once they are stable it’s important for parents to have the opportunity to bond with their babies.

This often comes in the form of kangaroo care, or ‘skin-to-skin’.

Baby wears a nappy only and is tucked against Mum or Dad’s bare chest. Both are snuggled under warm blankets or clothing.

Current research shows that babies who have lots of kangaroo care have more settled breathing, heart rates, temperatures, and sleep periods.

Because of this they gain more weight and tend to go home quicker.

There are benefits for the parents too, as it helps with breast milk supply and bonding with baby, and gives them some feeling of control in a place where things often seem out of their hands.

Kylie Hoskings with prem baby Hugo

This is an edited excerpt from Kylie Hoskings’ latest Peninsula Health blog. To read the full story visit www.peninsulahealth.org/author/kylie-hosking To keep up to date with all our bloggers follow Peninsula Health on Facebook or Twitter.

PeninsulaHealth

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@PeninsulaHealth

I love looking after these very small babies during kangaroo care time – you can see the positive benefits of these special bonding periods unfolding before your eyes.

At the end of my shift at the Special Care Nursery, it’s been a good day if I’ve been able to include and empower parents in the care of their babies – particularly if it has included kangaroo care!

Cardiologist Jamie Layland, Research Coordinator Cameron Green, Sue Reaper from ICU and Minister for Health the Hon David Davis at the launch of Celebrating Research.

Minister for Health launches Celebrating Research 2014 Celebrating Research, Peninsula Health’s official research recognition program, was launched by the Hon David Davis MLC, Minister for Health in early November.

Words I Caitlyn Sherriff Photography I Yanni Dellaportas

Addressing more than 80 clinicians and community guests at Frankston Hospital, Minister Davis said recognising the sometimes unacknowledged work of researchers was critical to enhancing Melbourne’s expanding global reputation as a research hub.

“It is an honour for me to open the 10th annual Celebrating Research. Research is integral to the continuous improvement of the care that the clinicians at Peninsula Health provide to the community,” Minister Davis said.

Celebrating Research recognises the valuable research undertaken by clinicians across the Mornington Peninsula at our campuses at Frankston, Mornington and Rosebud in partnership with Monash University.

“The joint appointment of Dr Virginia Plummer between Monash University and Peninsula Health has been integral to the linking of research projects with facilities and clinicians,” Minister Davis said.

As a teaching health service, links with Monash have contributed to the growth of Peninsula Health’s research program through the relationship they’ve held for more than 20 years. Since 2007 more than 550 clinicians and students have participated. This relationship will be further enhanced following the recent endorsement by the Board for the development of a dedicated research plan.

Peninsula Health Board Chair Ms Nancy Hogan said the plan will foster strong links with other research bodies as well as provide strategic direction and scope to the research capabilities of the organisation.

“Medical research underpins innovation and continued improvement of patient care,” Nancy said.

“The research being undertaken by our staff is an integral part of improving the medical technology and the quality of healthcare we provide.

“Our research plan will enable us to undertake different research in new ways and specifically target areas that need it most.

“The Mornington Peninsula has an ageing population with an escalating incidence of chronic disease, including cancer. As the provider of public health facilities we need to ensure our services plan is in line with the needs of our communities.

“Ensuring tomorrow’s leading clinicians have the resources and facilities to undertake research into the key areas of care for residents is a key priority for Peninsula Health,” Nancy said.

“Medical research underpins innovation and continued improvement of patient care”

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Peninsula Health commits to better health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Dean Stewart performs a smoking ceremony at the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan

Peninsula Health’s Reconciliation Action Plan links with the shared aspirations of the Traditional Custodians and Community Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Jennifer Stewart

A major plan to address the factors that contribute to poor health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the Mornington Peninsula has been launched by Peninsula Health.

Chief Executive Officer, Sue Williams, said the Reconciliation Action Plan is an important collaborative document which outlines how the entire organisation will make healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples more accessible.

“In partnership with the Traditional Custodians and endorsed by our Board of Directors, we have identified how Peninsula Health can improve our services and programs to be more culturally appropriate and to better meet needs of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” Sue said.

“Frankston Hospital has the highest percentage (42%) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hospital admissions in the Southern Metropolitan Region1. Together, our hospitals at Frankston and Rosebud account for 56% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presentations to an emergency department in the region.

“We know that poor health outcomes are having a detrimental effect on the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the Reconciliation Action Plan is an important step forward as part of the broader national response,” Sue said.

Carolyn Briggs, Senior Elder and Traditional Custodian Boon Wurrung Foundation, said Peninsula Health’s Reconciliation Action Plan links with the shared aspirations of the Traditional Custodians and Community.

“Peninsula Health understands that demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an important part of the reconciliation process,” Carolyn said.

Over 60 people gathered at Peninsula Health’s Mornington Centre to celebrate the launch.

1. Koori Health Counts! Victorian Aboriginal hospital data 2011-12.

Department of Health, 2013.

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This article first appeared on our Facebook page. To keep up to date, like us on facebook.com/peninsulahealth

Sarah Coffey, Mental Health clinician Peninsula Health, and Sergeant Patrick Hayes, Victoria Police provide care and assistance for people experiencing a mental health episode

PACERs reduce emergency call outs Partnering with Victoria Police and Frankston-Mornington Peninsula Medicare Local to support mental health Words I Caitlyn Sherriff Photography I Yanni Dellaportas

A new program on the Peninsula is reducing the number of mental health presentations to Frankston Hospital’s Emergency Department and reducing Police call out times.

Sarah Coffey is one of two Peninsula Health Mental Health clinicians working with local Police to respond to mental health related call outs.

Sarah and her colleague Dwight Smith are members of the PACER Program (Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response). They work collaboratively with Police and Ambulance services to assess and treat people experiencing a mental health related crisis in the community.

“Essentially, we act as a support to Police units when they are attending an incident where a person may be having a mental health related crisis,” Sarah said.

“By placing a Mental Health Clinician in the peak of the crisis means that nine times out of 10 we are able to defuse the situation and treat and support clients in their own home.

“Because we provide an on-the-spot response, we are often able to avoid having to transfer the person to the Emergency Department by Police or ambulance,” Sarah said.

“We have attended 175 call outs since April and only 24 of those needed transport to Frankston Hospital,” Sarah said.

“Before the PACER program started, all 175 incidents would have required transfer to the Emergency Department via ambulance with a Police chaperone. This means that there have been 151 fewer trips to the Emergency Department by the Police, and 151 fewer ambulances required to transport them.

While the program has helped free up emergency service resources, Sarah says that using this approach has also had a positive impact on the continuing treatment of patients and their families.

“In the situations we attend, people often feel they are ‘in trouble’ and that they have done something wrong because the Police are there,” Sarah said.

“By bringing in someone in a therapeutic rather than an authoritative role we can provide support for the individual as well as their families.

“Once we see a patient it is often a matter of de-escalating the situation, treating them, and then referring them into the most appropriate care pathway.

“We often work with people who have existing mental illness as well as those who are having acute one-off episodes.

“The follow-up care we provide can be anything from making contact with the person’s GP or existing case manager to admitting them directly into an inpatient mental health unit.

“It is better for everyone if we can treat people in a familiar environment where they feel safe, rather than taking them into hospital unnecessarily,” Sarah said.

The PACER Program is a Commonwealth Funded partnership serving the Mornington Peninsula as well as areas of the City of Casey.

Since introduction of the program in April this year there has already been a significant reduction in Police transfers to Frankston Hospital Emergency Department.

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Winners: Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies

Pinkies at the top Pink Ladies multi award winners Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Lucy Wilby

Famous for their warm smiles and the best sandwiches in Frankston, the Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary has been going for almost 50 years. In that time, the ‘Pinkies’ as they are affectionately known, have donated over $7.5 million for Frankston Hospital.

On 12 October, their commitment was publicly recognised when they were announced as the inaugural Volunteer Team of the Year in the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Awards 2014 (pictured above right). The award was made to the Pinkies for giving their time freely to enhance the lives of others.

The Premier of Victoria Denis Napthine presented the award to Pauline Ellerby, Pink Ladies President, who was at the presentation with 16 of her fellow Pinkies.

For many patients, staff and visitors the Pinkies are a ray of sunshine as they cheerfully serve food and refreshments from their kiosk, deliver newspapers to patients, and tend to patients’ flowers in the wards.

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“We try to brighten the days of people in the hospital and the friends and family who visit them,” Pauline said.

“The whole team is committed to serving the community, and we have a lot of laughs together. It’s nice to be recognised as a group.”

It has been awards all round for the Pinkies. The longest serving Pinkie, Shirley Wragge, was presented with a Good News award by local Member of Parliament Donna Bauer.

Donna launched the Good News Awards this year to highlight good news in the community.

Shirley has been a Pinkie for over 46 years and is the only original Pink Lady still working at Frankston Hospital.

“I was here the very first week the Pink Ladies group began in 1968.

“Being a Pink Lady is part of my life and I will do it as long as I can,” Shirley said.

This article first appeared on our Facebook page. To keep up to date, like us on facebook.com/peninsulahealth

Long serving volunteer Dorothy Tinney receives Life Governorship

Congratulations to our 2014 Life Governors Joan Bettess | Works as a distractor in Children’s Audiology and helps on the Volunteer Help

Ladies of life Dorothy Tinney is one of our 2014 Life Governors

Desk at Frankston Integrated Community Health Jennifer Carpinelli | Member of the ‘friends’ group who meet regularly to assist with administration tasks Ann Hopely | Worked in Cardiac Rehabilitation, the HARP

Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Jennifer Stewart

Looking after the flowers in Frankston’s wards has been a labour of love for Dorothy Tinney over the past 10 years.

A volunteer with the Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary, Dorothy is one of six dedicated and hardworking volunteers nominated for Life Governorship this year.

A Life Governor Award recognises volunteers who have given 10 years of service and who dedicate their time and effort to enhancing the work of Peninsula Health.

program and the Volunteer Help Desk at Frankston Integrated Community Health Gwen Osborne | Assists Community Health staff to run the Agestrong Group Myra Pier | Member of the

“As a flower lady at Frankston Hospital I take away dead flowers, give them fresh water, wash the vases, and rearrange the flowers to make them look lively again,” Dorothy said.

Pink Ladies Auxiliary and assists

“For me, the best thing is visiting the maternity ward. It’s always my first port of call. I love seeing the babies and I always ask what their names are.”

Carmina Preis | Member

As one of over 800 volunteers and auxiliary members at Peninsula Health, Dorothy signed up because she wanted to contribute to the community.

and assists in the Frankston

“I wanted to support my community, and volunteering at Frankston Hospital is my way of doing that,” she said.

“The other ladies who volunteer are lovely, and we often have morning tea together.

Volunteering is a great way to socialise and do some good for the community at the same time.”

Here’s to our volunteers! The time and effort they give us is second to none.

in the busy Frankston Kiosk

of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary Kiosk making sandwiches Dorothy Tinney | Member of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary as a flower lady and assists in the Frankston Kiosk

Volunteering If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Peninsula Health, contact Community Participation on 03 9788 1536 or email communityparticipation@phcn.vic.gov.au.

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“This is an incredibly generous donation by the Australian Legion of Ex-Service Men and Women”

Retired Defence personnel step up to help Rosebud New equipment set to make a real difference Words I Caitlyn Sherriff Photography I Jennifer Stewart

A large and generous gift from the Australian Legion of Ex-Service Men and Women – Southern Peninsula Sub-Branch has allowed the purchase of vital medical equipment for Rosebud Hospital.

The cheque for $50,000 was handed to Peninsula Health Chief Operating Officer, Assoc Prof Jan Child, during a ceremony in late October also attended by CEO Sue Williams.

Back row l-r: Natalie Mew NUM, Debbie Harris ANUM, Peter Spottiswood (President, Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women), Janice Spottiswood (Treasurer), Barbara Yates and Kenneth Yates.

Front l-r: Lawrie Pawley (Senior Vice President), Jan Child and Jackson Glenister (Vice President Victorian State Council).

The donation from the Legion has bought multiple pieces of equipment identified as high priority to benefit every area of the hospital: 8 | spot vital signs blood

pressure machines

1 | patient standing

and raising aid

4 | wheelchairs

1 | ultrasound trolley

2 | pressure mattresses

to prevent pressure sores

1 | ultrasound stool

2 | vein illumination handpieces

1 | ophthalmoscope

for eye examinations

Rosebud reaches out Words I Andrew Heslop Photography I Jennifer Stewart

Community is at the heart of everything we do across the Mornington Peninsula and we love how our communities help us to provide better care for you.

In late October CEO Sue Williams and Chief Operating Officer Assoc Prof Jan Child were guests at Rye for the Southern Peninsula Community Fund AGM which generously donated $504,836.80 for the Rosebud Hospital Appeal.

Opening in December, the funds have allowed Peninsula Health to install a CT scanner that will provide local imaging services seven days a week at the hospital. In total an amazing $1,885,995 was donated by generous local residents!

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Pictured are Sue Williams, SPCF President Graham Fitzgerald, Treasurer Bill Mace, Jan Child and Secretary Dorothy Mortlock.

Dr Philip Carrillo will be able to monitor a patient’s heart health with an iPad

Cardiologist has a heart for research Meet Dr Philip Carrillo, Director of Cardiology at Frankston Hospital Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Lucy Wilby

Cardiologist, Philip Carrillo, knows the importance of public healthcare and is keen to become a leader in heart failure therapy.

Philip grew up in Spain and worked internationally before moving to the Mornington Peninsula, which he describes as living the Australian dream.

Philip is the Director of Cardiology at Frankston Hospital.

He leads the department and is planning its future direction.

“I previously held the position of director from 2005 to 2010 but decided to come back into the role in March this year,” Philip said.

“I’m very excited for the new Coronary Care Unit and Cardiac Investigation Unit coming with the opening of Frankston Hospital Stage 3 expansion.

“It’s actually what led me to become Director of Cardiology again. It provides me with the opportunity to create a world class facility and make more procedures available to public hospital patients,” Philip said.

Part of his role is leading the chronic heart failure program at Frankston Hospital.

“Chronic heart failure patients require very close monitoring, like any chronic illness,” Philip explained.

“Like people who have diabetes have to do regular finger prick tests, people with chronic heart failure need to weigh themselves daily and if there are problems act quickly to prevent cardiac failure.

“The program allows us to remotely monitor our patients’ weight and detect problems early, preventing them from experiencing heart failure,” Philip said.

“I studied medicine at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom and was trained in the British healthcare system.

The program means clients will communicate their weight daily via telehealth technology, allowing clinicians to keep a close eye on their health,” Philip said.

“I saw how good the public health system works over there and I’m keen to contribute to the best public health system at Peninsula Health,” Philip said.

Between leading cardiology services at Frankston Hospital and consulting at his private practice, Philip finds time to enjoy playing tennis and sailing his Flying 15 boat.

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Josh Pereira with General Manager Community Health, Margaret Martin, at the Ageing Well Expo

Making a song and dance about healthy eating Health Promotion Practitioner Josh Pereira urges people to eat healthy Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Nicole Hale

What we eat and its role in keeping healthy was the focus for this year’s Ageing Well Expo, which attracted over 1,000 local residents.

A key event on the community calendar, the Ageing Well Expo gives older people the chance to explore the many different ways in which they can age positively.

Highlight of the day was a performance by Josh Pereira, a Health Promotion Practitioner with Peninsula Health. Josh captivated the audience with his song about ‘eating across the generations’, which set the scene for his talk on making healthy choices for a healthier life.

Did you know?

50% of Frankston residents and 47% of Mornington Peninsula residents are overweight or obese.

52% of Frankston residents and 49% of Mornington Peninsula residents do not eat enough fruit and vegetables.

18% of Mornington Peninsula residents

“Healthy eating is so important for positive ageing,” Josh said.

drink soft drinks every day (1.5 times

“Poor eating habits have contributed to increased rates of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, poor dental health and osteoporosis. These issues combined represent the major cause of death and disability among Australians.

higher than the Victorian average).

“Over the years it has become increasingly difficult to make healthy choices with the growing variety of processed food products in our supermarkets,” Josh said.

There was plenty of other helpful information at the Ageing Well Expo to support the ‘healthy eating’ message, including advice from our Community Health Early Intervention and Chronic Disease services and a Cooking for One demonstration coordinated through our Community Kitchens program.

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Hot tips for healthy eating

1 Eat fruit as a healthy snack or a sweet dessert

2 Eat two serves of fruit a day 3 Eat at least five serves of vegetables a day

4 Drink water instead of sweet drinks

Better health for the homeless Peninsula Health project wins gold Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Victorian Department of Health

Peninsula Health’s Caring for the Homeless on the Peninsula project has walked out of this year’s Victorian Public Healthcare Awards triumphant with the Gold Award for Excellence in Service Provision.

The project provides a first point of care outside a traditional medical setting for homeless people seeking medical assistance. It is part of our Hospital Admission and Risk Program.

Project Care Coordinator, Ingrid Magree spends one day each week at the City Life café in Frankston supporting homeless people to access short term care coordination and appropriate healthcare.

The number of homeless people accessing healthcare with Ingrid’s assistance is growing steadily. Initial reports show that 60% of people would not have accessed healthcare without the program’s assistance.

The program has been running since February 2013. It was made possible with start-up funding from Frankston

(From left to right) HARP Manager Craig Wotherspoon, Peninsula Health CEO Sue Williams, Director Complex Services Bel Berry and Peninsula Health Board Chair Nancy Hogan with the award

Homeless Support Service, and is now fully funded through Peninsula Health.

Peninsula Health Chief Executive Sue Williams said the program fosters strong connections with homeless people on the Peninsula and encourages better health for this group.

“The Hospital Admission and Risk Program team worked in partnership with local welfare services to develop this initiative. It is a responsive approach to improving access to healthcare for the region’s homeless population.

“This initiative not only provides an alternative access point to healthcare, it helps them proactively manage their health needs. This reduces their risk of having to attend the Emergency Department with more severe health needs down the line.

“The Gold Award is tremendous recognition of the team’s innovative approach to addressing a major social issue,” Sue said.

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Dorothea Wagner getting ready to greet families entering ICU

Volunteers get intensive A calming presence in Intensive Care Words I Lucy Wilby Photography I Lucy Wilby

Dorothea Wagner is a calm and friendly face in one of the most high pressure wards at Frankston Hospital.

She is one of six volunteers who meet, greet and assist the families of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which cares for some of the most seriously ill patients. Last year, the ICU cared for over 1,000 people.

“Dorothea and the other volunteers in the team were carefully chosen for their skills and personalities. It is a role that requires very special people,” Sue Reaper, Nurse Unit Manager, said.

“They are much more than a friendly face. They provide a calm and helpful service for the relatives of our patients who are often under a great deal of stress, and valued support for ICU staff,” Sue said.

Dorothea Wagner said volunteering in the ICU is the perfect role for her.

“After stepping back from full time employment I wanted to do something worthwhile with my time. Volunteering at Frankston Hospital was just what I was looking for.

16 I CONNECTION

“I have always been in the caring profession but had never thought about becoming a volunteer until someone suggested it,” Dorothea said.

“My favourite thing about being an ICU volunteer is the busy environment and helping people. Every day is different. For example, I might help a family member visiting ICU for the first time, give out written information, lend a hand in the waiting room, and make visitors a cup of tea.

“I especially enjoy being there as support for the relatives of patients. It is very satisfying when I know I have helped,” Dorothea said.

Volunteering If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Peninsula Health, contact Community Participation on 03 9788 1536 or email communityparticipation@phcn.vic.gov.au.

Thank you We are always grateful to those in the community who choose to support the work of Peninsula Health.

We have received the following donation $5,000 and over:

We have received the following donations $1,000 and over:

$10,000 | from Grosvenor Foundation to purchase equipment for our Falls Prevention for Elderly Patients Project

$1,800 | from Mr & Mrs Woods for Rosebud Hospital CT Scanner Appeal $1,973 | from the Heritage Tavern & Restaurant for Frankston Hospital

$10,000 | from Esso Australia Resources to purchase five transport bags and medical supplies for Frankston Emergency Department

We have received the following donations $100,000 and over: $450,000 | from the Pink Ladies Auxiliary for the DSA Machine

$1,155 | from the Rotary Club of Sorrento for Rosebud Hospital CT Scanner Appeal

$9,500 | for Palliative Care for the purchase of new sofa beds in memory of Barbara Armstrong

We have received the following donations $15,000 and over:

$1,000 | from the Inner Wheel Club of Mornington Peninsula for an oxygen saturation machine and a tympanic machine for the Gunnamatta Ward at The Mornington Centre

$6,500 | from the Lioness Club of Dromana to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$50,000 | Joe White bequest for the Rosebud Hospital CT Scanner Appeal $33,500 | Joe White bequest for Rosebud Hospital

$1000 | from the Lions Club McCrae to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$6,500 | from the Lions Club of Rosebud to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$15,500 | from the Collier Charitable Fund to purchase a bladder scanner for medical wards M5CC

$1000 | from the Lions Club of Boneo to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$6,500 | from the Lions Club of Dromana to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$29,500 | from the Collier Charitable Fund to purchase two lifting devices for Walker Ward and ED toilet refurbishment at Rosebud Hospital

$1000 | from the Lions Club of Boneo to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$6,500 | from the Lions Club of Rye to purchase a treatment chair for Chemotherapy Unit at Rosebud Hospital

$39,968.95 | from the Estate of the late John Murray White for Frankston Hospital Coronary Care Unit

$1000 | Margaret Ann Pearce bequest $1200 | from The Village Baxter Pleasant Sunday Afternoon event for Frankston Hospital

$6,000 | from Rosebud Hospital Pink Lady Group for Rosebud Hospital

$50,000 | from the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women SP sub-branch for Rosebud Hospital

$1000 | from Greg Shalit & Miriam Faine for the Rosebud Hospital Appeal

$5,000 | from Mrs Barton for Frankston Hospital

$15,000 | from the Collier Charitable Trust for Pastoral Care

$1000 | from Mrs Kitching for Frankston Hospital

We have received the following donations $2,000 and over: $2,000 | from Mr & Mrs Hartley to help purchase a heel raising machine for the Stroke Circuit

I would like to help build a healthy community

Mail to: Corporate and Community Relations,

Peninsula Health, PO Box 52, Frankston 3199 contact: P 03 9784 7777 E corporate.relations@phcn.vic.gov.au

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MEPACS

Your 24/7 emergency call system If you live independently, or have an elderly relative who lives alone, MEPACS provides peace of mind that help is always just moments away.

At the touch of a button we’ll respond quickly at any time of the day or night

and organise help straight away ‌ from a family member, a neighbour or an ambulance.

To find out if you qualify, or for more information, call us on 1800 451 300 or visit mepacs.com.au

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Peninsula Health Personal Assistance Call Service A service from Peninsula Health