Keeping In Touch April 5th 2023

Keeping in Touch

April 5th

Welcome to this edition of Keeping in Touch. It has been a very busy few months with lots happening in the hospital. Last month we celebrated St John of God Day and the Caregiver of the Year Award. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved as these days don't just happen, lots of hard work and planning went into ensuring the day was the success it was. You can read more about the day later in the newsletter.

Our renovations on level 3 are progressing well. We have refurbished and opened rooms 301 - 307 and so far we have had fabulous feedback from all patients who have used these rooms about how bright and fresh the rooms feel. The look and feel of these refurbished rooms is something we will start to introduce to rooms in the rest of the hospital once we have finished on level 3 later in the year.

As communicated earlier this week, we will be working through a period of transition in the coming weeks where we will be interchanging 2 East and 2 North. This will see our rehab unit resized to 18 beds from 24 and will achieve an increase in the number of private rooms across the two units by converting some double rooms into singles, ultimately improving our patient's hospital experience. A small project team will be assembled and will work through this transition.

We will aim to have Keeping in Touch out towards the end of each month moving forward so please send through any good news stories from your departments that you would like to share.

Wishing everyone a Happy and safe Easter.

Upcoming Events:

Good Friday

Friday 7 April

Easter Sunday

Sunday 9 April

ANZAC Day

Tuesday 25 April

Heart Week

Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May

International Midwives Day

Thursday 5 May

International Nurses Day

Thursday 12 May

Caregiver of the Month

A big congratulations to the recipients of our Caregiver of the Month Award!

November 2022

Bianca Olsen, Surgery Centre

Bianca goes above and beyond for others in our department, has a heart of gold and creates a supportive and comfortable environment for us. Bianca is such a valuable member of the Surgery Centre Team. She cares not only for the patients but for staff and volunteers. She organises collection of gifts for those who are going through tough times. She demonstrates excellence in patient care along with respect and hospitality.

December 2022 & January 2023

Leigh Young, Allied Health

Leigh is the rock of Allied Health. She is always supportive and available to help, no matter how busy she is She is an excellent teacher and leader. No ask is every too big for Leigh. She also makes great snacks! Leigh is always around to help out on the Ward, despite always having the largest patient list. She also takes on students each year who always give feedback about how supportive she has been.

February 2023

Belinda Agustsson, Patient Services

For the past 3 month Belinda has filled in for Melanie. She embraced this role with such dedication and compassion. Her daily commitment and patience whilst managing the ever changing roster has been truly remarkable Belinda has displayed a true understanding of all the St John of God values - but most noticeably respect, justice and excellence

Caregive of the year 2022

Damian Deppeler

ED can be an overwhelming experience for many, but most particularly, the children that present to the department can feel particularly upset by being in an unfamiliar environment.

There have been countless interactions between Damian and his patients, most of which are children Damian has been recognised for the hard work and empathy displayed to all he encounters. He is respectful, kind and considerate, we couldn't tell you how many compliments we have commending him for his wonderful bedside manner and for creating an environment where our younger patients feel welcomed and at ease.

Feedback has been passed onto him many times for his work, and he brushes it off, showing he genuinely offers his hospitality and sees this as nothing but normal to any interaction of patient care. The compassion Damian shows for these patients and their carers is a testament to his character and deserves recognition. He is welcoming and kind to other caregivers, provides assistance and mentorship in areas he is more confident in, and creates a safe environment for others to seek assistance.

St John of God Day - Wednesday

8 March

Earlier this month we celebrated St John of God Day. It was a day full of celebrations in recognition of the incredible work and commitment our caregivers demonstrate while continuing the legacy of St John of God.

A huge thank you to our caregivers who helped make St John of God Feast Day a success! It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the Spanish fiesta with live music, donuts and paella brought in, especially for our caregivers!

Some Caregivers also joined in for Mass and the presentation of the St John of God Geelong Hospital Caregiver of the Year award was presented to Emergency Department Nurse Damian Deppeler in recognition of his outstanding work and incredible commitment to the hospital and the wider community.

Latest News

UPDATE - 3 West - Maternity Unit Redevelopment

The refurbishment of our Maternity Unit is well and truly underway, the team has worked hard to create a space that has all the comforts of home while maintaining the requirements of a clinical setting.

We are excited to announce that 7 refurbished rooms were opened this week and are available for our new families to enjoy. We anticipate the southern section incorporating one refurbished birth suite, 6 new patient rooms, a staff room and support areas to be completed towards the middle of May.

Latest News

Have you seen Benjamin around the hospital?

Benjamin is our resident Therapy Dog who visits the hospital every second Sunday with his owner Vicki. So far patients have loved meeting Benjamin who has brought that little bit of joy to those who might need it. Make sure you get to know him and be sure to give him a pat if you see him on your next shift.

Hospital Auxillary Easter Raffle

The Auxiliary Easter raffle has started! The Easter hampers is displayed in the main reception foyerhave a sneak peek at all the goodies that have been assembled by our wonderful Auxiliary team. Tickets are available for purchase at Exec Admin $2 each or 3 for $5. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.

All money raised goes toward medical equipment for the hospital.

Raffle drawn Wednesday 5 April

Latest News

Twilight Breast Cancer Education Session

We had a great night for the Breast twilight education evening.

Our guest speakers were Melissa Crone: she spoke about the services and procedures that are provided at both Geelong Breast centre and Breast screen, she also spoke about the importance of the breast care nurse role and what emotional support and follow-up they offer.

Barb Cummins (SJOG Geelong Breast Care Nurse) Barb spoke about her role, she spoke about what she does within her role and how she supports her patients and how all staff can support her patients. She also spoke about procedures that are performed here at St John of God Geelong.

Dr Kimberly Prince spoke about hookwire and magseed. Two different techniques used to identify/locate breast lumps prior to surgery. How the two techniques differ and the importance of these procedures prior to surgery.

Dr Trish Banks spoke about the oncological, hormonal and immune treatments used when treating different breast cancers. She spoke about identifying what types of cancer that patients have and how to select the best treatment plan for each patient.

Thank you to everyone who joined in on the session.

Patient Experience Matters!

Congratulations to everyone for doing such an exceptional job in caring for our patients and reaching their NPS targets. Hope you all enjoyed the donuts!

Patient care was outstanding. My nurses were so kind and caring, gentle and understanding...one of the best hospital stays I have ever had.

I was treated with compassion, empathy and respect

I found the care I received was professional, with empathy and caring

SJGGH February 2023

Doctor was brilliant, excellent communication, very thorough and caring bedside manner.

80.9

I felt cared for all the way through my ‘journey’

Excellent treatment from nurses and doctors. A special mention to the volunteer checking on my welfare and providing sandwiches and coffee.

Excellent care by all staff help at hand and always given with a smile

Honestly I had the best experience giving birth at SJOG. By the time I left I felt as if they were my family. So caring and comforting, and always listening to my every concern

All the staff were super nice and caring, it really makes a difference when you’re feeling anxious and stressed

NPS Score

Influenza Vacinations

It's time to start planning your flu vaccination before the season hits. Please see the dates below for our upcoming vaccination clinics, there is no need to book just show up. Attached is the consent form to be completed prior to attending.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol Rosevear.

FluVaccinationClinics

Monday17thApril

Thursday20thApril

Monday24thApril

Wednesday26thApril

Wednesday26thApril

Friday28thApril

Monday1stMay

Monday1stMay

Wednesday3rdMay

Friday5thMay

Monday8thMay

Monday8thMay

Wednesday10thMay

Friday12thMay

Monday15thMay

1000-1200hrs Educationroom

1400-1500hrs Educationroom 1100-1300hrs Educationroom 1000-1200hrs Theatre meeting room 1300-1500hrs Educationroom

Pleasenote

ThevaccineisprovidedfreetoallSJOGemployeesandMedicalstaff(VMO’s) Thecosttoothersis$10,pleasepayonthedayorletmeknowwhoshouldbeinvoiced ThankyouCarol

AFLFOOTY TIPPING COMP

Footy Tipping

It has been a great start to the footy tipping comp this year! With already lots of changes to the leaderboard after only 2 Rounds and Toby Vague picking 7 this week to take the top spot!

Our week 1 and 2 prize winners were Sarah Williams and Darren Britt It's not too late to get in on the action and join the tipping competition with weekly prizes up for grabs