connection YOUR FREE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FROM PENINSULA HEALTH

Bold new era begins

Peninsula Health

Minister opens our landmark $81 million development

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ISSUE 2

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AUTUMN 2015

2015 Cancer Appeal Help us detect cancer sooner Farewell to dedicated volunteers Journey from Iraq

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Open Access have YOUR say on YOUR future healthcare

Peninsula Health invites you to help us plan for the future while learning more about what we do and how we do it. Join our Board, senior management and staff at this year’s community meeting. Get involved, share your insights and experience and help us to make a lasting difference. Peninsula Community Theatre cnr Nepean Highway and Wilsons Road, Mornington Friday 29 May 2pm-4pm RSVP essential by Monday 18 May Email corporate.relations@phcn.vic.gov.au Telephone 03 9788 1501

Contents Cover story Frankston’s expansion opens Inside your new facilities

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2015 Cancer Appeal

Help fund new equipment for cancer diagnosis

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ACE Volunteers in Emergency Everyday people helping patients in our busiest areas

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In Profile

Dr Kavi Mufti on her journey from Iraq

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Making a difference

Meet the Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers

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Getting there early

PACER mental health initiative expands to Rosebud

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Peninsula Proud

Our Community Advisory Group’s biggest GLBTIQ event yet 14

An outstanding effort

Dawn and Boyd Standing retire after 20 years of volunteering at Rosebud Hospital

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Cover: Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services the Hon Jill Hennessy MP is greeted by Jenny Abernethy, Operations Director Surgery, Anaesthesia Services and ICU at the official opening of Building A.

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, Hastings, 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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t’s an historic occasion when a healthcare organisation is able to open new facilities. Behind-the-scenes planning and processes are always intense but the outcome is always the same – to provide better facilities and services for patients.

In February, the Hon Jill Hennessy MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services formally opened our landmark $81 million development at Frankston Hospital. As you will see inside this edition our two days of opening events centred around the strong links Peninsula Health has with the communities we serve. The brand new Emergency Department and three new wards – Bass, Western Port and Port Phillip – have allowed us to take a big step forward. I’m also pleased that prudent economic management by our project team enabled us to deliver the development on time and under budget, and delighted that the State Government has allowed us to reinvest the savings into a new operating theatres project. The old Emergency Department is currently being gutted and will be refurbished as an outpatients facility with more than 20 consultation rooms. A staged refurbishment of older wards will improve patient amenity and comfort. This year, our May appeal is focused on raising funds for Endoscopic Bronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) equipment. An EBUS is a vital tool for lung cancer diagnosis and is able to diagnose other conditions including lymphoma and tuberculosis. An EUS is the most effective detection tool for pancreatic cancer. Once this equipment is installed at Frankston Hospital, patients can be assessed more quickly and closer to home. Our target is $500,000 and we’re hoping our donors and supporters will be as generous for these vital pieces of equipment as you were for the recent Special Care Nursery and Rosebud CT Scanner appeals. We exceeded our target of $30,000 to rejuvenate the Family Room and Lactation Room within the nursery, and our multi-million dollar campaign to install CT facilities achieved over $1.89 million including a generous private donation of more than $500,000. Community is at the heart of everything we do and hearing what you think about our services and programs ensures we remain connected and relevant. Open Access is the annual forum to do this and this year it will be held on Friday 29 May 2015 at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington. Our theme is The Future, based on our benchmark document the Strategic Clinical Services Plan which sets out the planning and provision of future public healthcare services across the Mornington Peninsula. Details on how to register your attendance are on the inside cover opposite. To stay up to date with our latest news and appeals please like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter or YouTube. I hope you enjoy this latest edition of connection. Sue Williams I Chief Executive Officer

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 Claire Polatidis Eliza Keck Greg Ford Jennifer Stewart Sue Montague

Layout and Design Powerhouse Design

PeninsulaHealth @PeninsulaHealth PeninsulaHealth CONNECTION I 1

HELP US

DETECT CANCER SOONER We know that cancer diagnosis and treatment needs to be fast and precise. Sadly, with more Australian lives being touched by some form of cancer every year, it is an all too familiar challenge. 2 I CONNECTION

At present, women and men living on the Mornington Peninsula need to travel far from home to access some diagnostic services. But with your help we can change that. An Endoscopic Bronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) machine is a vital tool for lung cancer detection and it is able to diagnose other conditions including lymphoma and tuberculosis. An Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) machine is the most effective detection tool for pancreatic cancer and other upper gastrointestinal tumours. These procedures offer much less invasive options for diagnosis, especially for frail patients. But both machines are expensive. That’s why we need to raise $500,000. By donating to our 2015 Cancer Appeal you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of people facing the challenge of cancer. You’ll be helping us to purchase these two machines to benefit the Mornington Peninsula community.

How to donate Make a secure online donation www.peninsulahealth.org.au or return the coupon on the inside back cover to us. All gifts over $2 are tax deductible.

Frankston’s new Emergency Department open for business At 7am on Thursday 19 February, signage for the new Emergency Department at Frankston Hospital was unwrapped when the new facility began accepting patients for the first time. Take a look inside our landmark $81 million development for the Mornington Peninsula community.

Kirra Tickell of Cockram Constructions unwraps the new signage

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Better care Landmark building officially opened Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Greg Ford

“This major expansion will ensure local residents, as well as the many tourists who visit the area, can receive high quality and timely care closer to home.” – Minister Hennessy

The Hon Jill Hennessy, Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, officially opened the $81 million expansion on Tuesday 17 February to applause from more than 400 guests. Community representatives and volunteers such as our renowned Pink Ladies and the Assistance and Care in Emergency (ACE) team joined the Minister and Peninsula Health Chairperson Nancy Hogan to mark the occasion. “The opening of this new building marks an important milestone in Frankston Hospital’s proud 74 year history. The last five years have seen more than $150 million invested in capital works for critical care, emergency medicine, and general medical services,” Ms Hogan said. Ms Hogan, Minister Hennessy and Chief Executive Officer Sue Williams visited some of the first patients in Western Port Ward including Jeanette Murphy (pictured).

Chief Executive Officer Sue Williams, Minister Jill Hennessy and Chairperson Nancy Hogan

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A boost for healthcare on the Mornington Peninsula Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Greg Ford

The opening of Frankston Hospital’s new Emergency Department has provided a major boost for emergency healthcare on the Mornington Peninsula.

Headed by Dr Shyaman Menon, the new Emergency Department comprises 49 general treatment cubicles as well as specialist treatment rooms and consultation areas.

As part of the $81 million expansion, the new development has an Emergency Department two and a half times larger than previously plus three new wards, which include a specialist Coronary Care Unit.

The three storeys above house new wards named after the main bodies of water surrounding the Peninsula Health catchment area. Level 2 Coronary Care Unit is named Western Port, Level 3 is Bass, and Level 4 is Port Phillip.

Chief Executive Officer Ms Sue Williams said the four-storey addition, known as Building A, addresses acute health needs across the fast-growing Mornington Peninsula region.

Separate lift wells enable faster transfer of patients from Emergency to Surgery or the Intensive Care Unit.

“Emergency presentations at Frankston Hospital exceed 65,000 each year, making it one of the busiest Emergency Departments in Victoria.

The new wards are designed with patient care and dignity in mind. Each has single or double rooms with ensuites, lots of natural light and communal areas for families and carers.

“The new Emergency Department brings major changes to the way patients are seen and treated to reduce wait times. Not only is the set up and equipment among the best available, quality of care from a patient’s perspective remains at the heart of this project,” Ms Williams said. CONNECTION I 5

Frankston’s paperless future Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Greg Ford

Advances in technology are changing the way emergency services are delivered to patients at Frankston Hospital. Chief Operating Officer Brendon Gardner explains, “Tabletstyle devices and swipe card access will assist medical staff to monitor the patient’s health at the touch of a button. New digital security measures ensure multiple staff can access this information while patient confidentiality is respected. “The new Emergency Department has separate radiology facilities including CAT scan, and computers at every bed and treatment area.” Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine Dr Shyaman Menon said the design and technology makes it easier for medical staff to access the equipment they need. “Patients will feel more comfortable and less likely to be overwhelmed as the treatment areas are bright and uncluttered.” The resuscitation and treatment areas have mobile pendants with examination lights, cardiac monitors, and power and gas supply for critical care equipment. “We can move these highly sophisticated devices around a patient’s bedside, enabling staff to work together at the same time to provide better care,” Dr Menon said. Minister for Health Jill Hennessy discusses the new technology with Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine Dr Shyaman Menon.

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Minister Hennessy and Peninsula Health Chairperson Nancy Hogan with staff and guests at the opening of Building A, Frankston Hospital

Colourful zones transform care One of the most striking features of the new Emergency Department is the use of bright colours. As Dr Shyaman Menon explains, “The colours represent zones for specialist patient care, grouping services together so patients can be seen more quickly but also in a more private setting.” The zones cover the speciality areas of Paediatric, Women’s Health, Bariatric and Mental Health Services. Children make up nearly 20 per cent of emergency presentations at Frankston Hospital. Now, young patients can be treated in the bright and colourful paediatric zone, which will be more comfortable for them and less stressful for their families. Each zone has easily accessible equipment storage areas, and in every patient cubicle there are lifting devices and trolleys with general dressings and IV equipment.

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Frankston Hospital Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Greg Ford

A ceremony to acknowledge and respect the traditional people of the region was held as part of the opening ceremonies for the new building at Frankston Hospital. On Monday 16 February, members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Peninsula Health staff and volunteers joined Carolyn Briggs, Senior Elder and Traditional Custodian Boon Wurrung Foundation who welcomed the audience to the land on which the hospital is built. Ms Briggs explained the long and proud history of the Boon Wurrung people and the impact of European settlement on their lives and culture. “It is good to have this new hospital building which will help to provide culturally safe healthcare for Community�, said Ms Briggs.

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The Smoking Ceremony performed by Elder Dean Stewart gave an insight into ancient tradition for welcoming visitors to Country, a ceremony which traditionally can take several days to complete. Gum leaves were shared by each guest and symbolically placed into the smoke. Frankston Hospital has the highest percentage (42%) of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hospital admissions in the Southern Metropolitan Region. Major public entrances to the hospital now display representations of Bunjil, the creator and spiritual leader according to Boon Wurrrung tradition, and new Womin Djeka (Welcome) messages help to create a culturally welcoming environment.

Eddie Moore, Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit; Carolyn Briggs, Senior Elder Boon Wurrung Foundation; and Alex Karr, Barpa Construction

ACE volunteers in Emergency

Front: Jenni O’Sullivan with (L-R) Carol Mead, Connie Borg, Lily Warren and Faye O’Hara

Everyday people volunteer to help patients in our busiest areas Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Claire Polatidis

Assistant and Care in Emergency (ACE) volunteers are easy to spot in their white shirts either at the Volunteers help desk or at the side of patients, families and carers. ACE Volunteer Convenor Jenni O’Sullivan said, “A sense of humour is a must and you need to be a good listener.” Jenni is one of a hard-working team of around 50 people rostered at both Frankston and Rosebud hospitals and a number of new recruits are expected to join them soon. “It is such a rewarding role. Most people are grateful and will give you a thank you or a smile, and that makes it all worth it. We see all ages and stages of life through these doors. “With the new building it is a good time to become an ACE volunteer. ACE volunteers are rostered in small teams for typically three-hour shifts a couple of times a week. Some are able to volunteer a bit more and some a bit less; it depends on their commitments. “It takes a special kind of person to volunteer in the Emergency Department. Our volunteers vary greatly, from retirees through to university students keen to build on their experience in the hospital sector.

Prospective volunteers have an interview, a number of training shifts with experienced volunteers, and serve a probation period. “ACE volunteers know how much they’re needed and that they are making a difference - they are very dedicated”, added Jenni. There are also other ways to support the new Emergency Department. Knitting guilds are calling for new stuffing for their handmade emergency teddy bear gifts. Paper, pencils and other stationery is always welcome for children in the waiting area.

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

New Medicentre location Medicentre is an independent After Hours GP Clinic located in dedicated rooms within the Emergency Department in Building A. It is ideal for people with

Medicentre is open: Weeknights: 6pm-10.30pm

non-life-threatening illness or injury. Pensioners,

Saturdays: 12 noon – 10.30pm

healthcare card holders and children under 16 years are

Sundays and public holidays 9am to 10.30pm

currently bulk-billed. There is a fee for non-concession

Building A. Level One

cardholders and Medicare rebates are applicable.

Enter via Gate 2 Hastings Road

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In Profile

Recounting the horror of war ICU specialist Dr Kavi Mufti’s inspiring International Women’s Day talk Words I Andrew Heslop Photography I Andrew Heslop

When 350 people sat down to breakfast at the Mornington Racing Club in early March no one could have expected to start their day being equally saddened and inspired by a personal story of triumph. But they were, as one of Peninsula Health’s leading ICU consultants, Dr Kavi Mufti, spoke frankly and passionately about her family’s arrival in Melbourne 20 years ago this September, fleeing the brutality of Saddam Hussein. Born in Kurdistan in northern Iraq, Kavi graduated from the University of Mosul Medical School in 1990. With her husband Darsim, whom she met while studying and married after graduating, she moved to Erbil after the 1991 Kurdish uprising.

Dr Kavi Mufti and Chief Executive Sue Williams at the International Women’s Day Breakfast

“It was a hard time but it was lovely and challenging and fulfilling and rewarding … but it was also difficult,” said Kavi. “Life wasn’t safe there and we had a one year old child so we decided to leave and go to Iran.” After an arduous and at times dangerous journey, they reached Iran and were ultimately granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees - enabling Kavi, Darsim and their son to eventually apply to begin a new life in Australia. “My experience … made me a better person and it made me understand my patients better because when you work in difficult circumstances and you are actually living it as well, it is impacting your own life. “You are suffering with them.”

“After completing my internship we worked in the mountains, using basic equipment and scarce medical supplies to help landmine victims. As well we practised acute medicine, basic paediatrics, general surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics,” remembered Kavi.

The poverty, the danger, the struggle and the worm-infested food they experienced with their son in order to flee Iraq is a long way from their new life on the Mornington Peninsula.

“But it was the first Gulf War and a frightening time.”

The International Women’s Day breakfast was organised

The challenges of providing urgent medical services in a war-torn country were many, yet Kavi and Darsim bonded with other like-minded young women and men passionate about providing critical care to innocent people caught up in armed conflict.

by Rotary Clubs Frankston North, Frankston, Peninsula 2.0 and Mt Eliza.

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“You know that life is not predictable. Things may change, and that’s why you don’t take it for granted.”

Watch an interview with Dr Kavi Mufti youtube.com/PeninsulaHealth

Supporting women in their maternity journey Pilot Koori service making a difference Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Yanni Dellaportas

A dedicated Koori Maternity Service is now available at Peninsula Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Karan Kent, Koori Maternity Service Project Officer, works with the Women’s Health Unit and Community Health staff to provide a culturally safe and supportive environment of care during and after pregnancy.

“This collaborative approach involves women supporting women through consistency of care, relationship building, trust and understanding. It empowers women and their families to engage with the program, gain information and begin to understand the endless parenting questions, fears and issues that may arise with their growing baby,” Ms Kent explains. Kate Brown, Women’s Health Unit Manager, added: “With an Aboriginal community worker like Karan and a midwife working together, patients receive the best possible care as all their social and emotional wellbeing and clinical needs are being met.” Early indicators for the Koori Maternity Service show an increase in the number of women attending antenatal appointments. Nurses, midwives and allied health staff report the initiative has enhanced their understanding of cultural differences.

This 12 month pilot is funded by the Department of Health in Partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

Left: Kate Brown, Women’s Health Unit Manager with Karan Kent, Koori Maternity Service Project Officer

Special Care Nursery thanks you

The 2014 Special Care Nursery Appeal exceeded its target with $31,165 in donations to transform the Family Room and Lactation Lounge into a more welcoming environment for parents, carers and families. The nursery has purchased new furniture and local group Sew and Sew has donated colourful children’s furniture and toys for siblings. CONNECTION I 11

Dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Claire Polatidis

Helen Bnads and Lisa Coppe, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, help people understand and respect the needs of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people to ensure a culturally sensitive experience at Peninsula Health. “We are here to help. We listen to the issues that people are facing and support them through their healthcare journey. Some patients prefer us to speak with clinical staff on their behalf and some simply need help understanding the options available to them,” Ms Bnads explained. “There may be different care choices available and our role is to help patients connect with the services or treatments that best suit them. It may be a hospital-based treatment or a service in their local community.”

Why it is important to identify When you come to Peninsula Health, we will ask if you are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. We understand it is not reliable to decide if a person is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander based on looks alone. The only sure way to find out is to ask so we can offer you culturally specific services.

Helen and Lisa also work with hospital and Community Health staff to promote a better understanding of respectful

Your answer provides important information

relationships. “We encourage staff to ask patients if they are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background, so we can help with those linkages,” Ms Bnads added.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison service is one of the ways Peninsula Health is demonstrating a commitment to the reconciliation process. Increasing the learning opportunities for staff through such initiatives help us to respond with culturally sensitivity to the health needs faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and improve health outcomes.

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that will help improve healthcare for across Australia, and for all Australians. The Department of Health requires Peninsula Health to collect this information.

Contact For more information email the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit atsihealth@phcn.vic.gov.au

L-R Helen Bnads and Lisa Coppe, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers

PACER’s Mental Health Clinician Maureen Flynn (centre) attends call-outs across the Southern Peninsula region

Getting there early PACER team expands to Rosebud Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Jennifer Stewart

The successful Frankston PACER (Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response Team) program has expanded to Rosebud. The program reduces the number of mental health presentations to the Emergency Department. Chief Nursing Officer for Mental Health Fiona Reed explains, “PACER is about supporting people experiencing a mental health crisis.” PACER’s mental health clinician travels with a police officer as part of a secondary response unit to see people in their homes or wherever they may need support. The police unit has found the presence of a clinician extremely helpful. “Police officers have reported they have a better understanding of how mental health conditions affect people and this has a positive impact on clients and their families,” Ms Reed said. At the scene the PACER clinician is able to make a mental health assessment and provide support such as a treatment plan or referral to an external service. “Research supports early

intervention to reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes such as harm to self or others and reduces the severity of symptoms that people may experience.” Rosebud’s trial PACER program is proving successful, with 57 clients seen in the first three months. Most of these interventions provided at the site have avoided transfer to the emergency department by police car or ambulance. With funding from the Frankston-Mornington Peninsula Medicare Local the PACER program is being trialled across the Southern Peninsula until 30 June 2015.

Helpline If you or someone close to you is in crisis and requires assistance regarding mental health issues contact Peninsula Health Mental Health Service Triage on 1300 792 977 – 24 hours a day 7 days a week. CONNECTION I 13

Julian Conlon, Chair of Peninsula Health’s GLBTIQ Community Advisory Group, with one of the artworks at the Peninsula Proud exhibition

Celebrating rainbow relationships Community-led event showcases diversity Words I Sue Montague Photography I Gary Sissons, Mornington Peninsula News Group

More than 200 people recently attended Peninsula Proud 2015, an art show and celebration event held as part of Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) culture. Our third Peninsula Proud event since its launch in 2011, it was organised by Peninsula Health’s GLBTIQ Community Advisory Group supported by Frankston City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Frankston Headspace. Cube 37, next to the Frankston Arts Centre, showcased 27 artworks from community members, pieces from Living Positive Victoria’s recent ENUF exhibition, and six memorial AIDS quilts.

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Keynote speaker Tony Briffa JP, human rights activist and former Mayor of the City of Hobsons Bay, delivered an inspirational speech, ‘World’s first Intersex Mayor – Out, Proud and Loud’. “Peninsula Proud isn’t just a celebration of our community; it helps raise awareness of lots of the issues GLBTIQ people face, and allows important discussions to take place,” he said. “That you manage to do this in such a fun, vibrant way is incredible.” Jason Ball, Aussie Rules footballer, gay rights activist and ambassador for beyondblue, spoke about homophobia in sport and the importance, more broadly, of educating young people about discrimination. An active group of local community members the GLBTIQ Community Advisory Group volunteer their time, skills and life experience to work with Peninsula Health to break down barriers, provide more GLBTIQ-sensitive healthcare and improve inclusion.

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

Don Clifton, one of many Rosebud Hospital donors, takes a look at the new CT scanner

(L-R) Operations Director Alison Watts and Assistant Dianne Kitchin

Little envelope, big surprise

Community rallies to our Hospital Appeal

Anonymous donation will make a real difference

New technology now available at Rosebud

Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Eliza Keck

Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Liz Sonntag

When Dianne Kitchin opened an envelope addressed to Rosebud Hospital, she got the shock of her life.

Residents of the Southern Peninsula can now access diagnostic imaging services such as CT scans closer to home thanks to the success of the Rosebud Hospital Appeal.

“In the envelope was a card that simply read ‘For services rendered’. But inside the envelope was $20,000 in cash!” “I quickly got another staff member to count it with me. It’s incredible that someone wanted to anonymously donate that much money,” said Ms Kitchin, who is Assistant to the Operations Director. The anonymous donation will make a huge difference for patients and staff at the hospital according to Operations Director Alison Watts. “We have a wish list of equipment that we turn to when we get a donation like this. “We are really grateful to all of our Peninsula Health donors. No matter the amount or how frequently we get a donation it’s always so touching. It’s someone’s way of saying ‘thank you, keep up the good work’ and it helps us do just that.”

How to donate If you would like to help build a healthy community make a secure online donation at www.peninsulahealth.org.au or complete the form on the inside rear cover. All gifts over $2 are tax deductible.

Raising more than $1.89 million dollars the 3,000 plus donations enabled Peninsula Health to begin building and equipping the new imaging centre in September last year. It opened for business in mid-December and in only three months more than 600 scans have been performed. CT technology gives doctors and surgeons access to more detailed information to help understand and treat diseases or traumas to the body. A CT scan provides a very accurate picture of a patient’s internal structure, including arteries, veins, the smallest of bones and surrounding tissue. Operations Director of Rosebud Hospital Alison Watts explained how the imaging facility enables people with referrals to be seen locally and provides an important service to patients of the hospital. “In the past Rosebud Hospital transferred up to 1,000 patients a year for CT scans and ultrasounds to other providers, including Frankston Hospital. Most of those patients had conditions that could have been safely managed here at Rosebud. With the new service in-house, we are saving time and reducing stress while offering our patients and their families greater convenience.” Rosebud’s new CT scanner provides local imaging services seven days a week. Just before it ‘went live’ a number of donors toured the imaging area to see firsthand how their contributions have made a real difference. This article first appeared on our Facebook page. To keep up to date, like us on facebook.com/peninsulahealth

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Dawn and Boyd Standing

A Standing ovation for volunteers Dawn and Boyd

During water restrictions, the Standings would come to the hospital at 5am to water the plants. These days, there is a watering roster over the warmer months to share the work. Dawn and Boyd’s gardening group will now be headed up by Jim Martin. Together with his wife Kate and other keen volunteers, Jim will ensure that Rosebud’s grounds will continue to bloom.

Twenty years of volunteering to keep Rosebud’s gardens beautiful Words I Claire Polatidis Photography I Jennifer Stewart

Celebrating Volunteers

After more than 20 years of tending to the beautiful gardens of Rosebud Hospital, Dawn and Boyd Standing have packed away their secateurs.

More than 800 volunteers help Peninsula Health

At a small ceremony on Wednesday 3 March, fellow volunteers and gardening friends farewelled the pair, who were founding members of the Gardening Group.

skills and experience to benefit patients, families

“Back in 1994 the surrounds of the hospital were quite barren. Dorothy Houghton instigated the project and together with the help of a few keen gardeners our group was born,” Dawn remembered.

provide a better healthcare experience. People across the Mornington Peninsula share their time, and carers. Each year during National Volunteer Week, we hold our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to celebrate their dedication. To all our volunteers this National Volunteer Week 11-17 May 2015 – Thank You!

“At the start all we had to work with was rubble, but we made some good friends and worked hard.” The fledgling team worked tirelessly to brighten the gardens around the hospital and internal courtyards. Monthly working bees and regular maintenance ensured that “patients had something really nice to look at.” 16 I CONNECTION

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 donations $15,000 and over: $15,000 | from Estate of Dorothy Merle McMinn for Rosebud and Frankston Hospital We have received generous donations from: Mrs Ada Wilson for Rosebud Hospital Mrs Janette Norbury for the Haemodialysis Unit Miss Mary Wilson for Rosebud Hospital

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

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

$5,000 | from Dromana Dee’s for Rosebud Hospital’s Oncology Unit

$1,000 | from Proudly Frankston for Frankston Hospital

We have received the following donations $2,000 and over:

$1,000 | from Mrs Frances Moore for Frankston Hospital Emergency Department

$3,860 | from the Sorrento Women’s Action Team for Rosebud Hospital

$1,000 | from Mrs Fay Kitching for Frankston Hospital

$3,004 | from the Rotary Club of Rosebud - Rye’s Rocking Horse Raffle for Rosebud Hospital

$1,000 | from St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School for Palliative care in the name of Mr Steven Pettigrew

$3,000 | from Nilsen Australia for Frankston Hospital’s Stage 3 Development

$1,000 | from Mr Brett Hopkins In memory of Mavis Hopkins $1,000 | from Peninsula Boys Car Enthusiasts for Rosebud Hospital

$2,000 | from the Southern Peninsula Uniting Church Op Shop for Rosebud Hospital $2,000 | from All Saints Anglican Op Shop for Special Care Nursery Appeal

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

You can make a secure online donation at peninsulahealth.org.au or complete the form below Names/s

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Peninsula Health thanks you for your support. Tick here if you do not wish to receive any further information from Peninsula Health

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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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