Keeping In Touch 29 October 2021
Welcome to this week’s bumper edition of Keeping in Touch. Lots of very positive news happening around our hospital at present as you will read about in this edition. We have some wonderful comments from our patients recognising great care. We have been able to acknowledge our Pastoral Care Team and the wonderful work they do during Pastoral Care Week, recognise the work of our Occupational Therapists during Occupational Therapy Week and take the time to think about those who have been impacted by breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We have continued to work on the design development for our Maternity Project to fit out the shelled space on Level 3 that was created when we redeveloped our CSSD last year. The project involves a number of elements and will see our Birthing Suites refurbished, will add additional private rooms and will deliver a contemporary environment for our maternity patients to meet the expectations of our patients. We look forward to bringing more updates in the coming weeks. We were delighted this week to have received a very generous donation from the Hospital Auxiliary at their AGM for $18,000. These funds will be directed towards specialised monitoring equipment for Coronary Care.
Upcoming Events: Lung & Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month November
Mask Fit Testing 1-5 November
Remembrance Day Thursday 11 November
World Antibiotic Awareness Week 18-24 November
International Volunteer Day Sunday 5 December
Keeping In Touch is a newsletter for you. We would like to invite all caregivers to submit ideas, stories, photos and feedback to share. We know you’re all doing fabulous work - tell us about it! It’s easy! Just drop an
Finally in closing, a huge pat on the back to our entire team email to: with our Patient Experience result sitting at just over 80 with but a couple of days to go for the month. This is a fabulous Tanjeela.chowdhury@sjog.org.au result and reinforces how important each and every encounter or with our patients is. Thank you so much for all you do. GLMarketing@sjog.org.au Rosetta Mirabile - 40 Years Long Service Award Recipient
Pastoral Care Week: 24-30 October
This week we acknowledge the amazing work of our pastoral care team who offer compassionate presence, promote healing by listening, responding to, and providing care for the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients, their families, and caregivers. With this year’s theme Advancing Spiritual Care Through Research the week has involved sharing ‘did you know facts’ to raise awareness about the importance of pastoral care in supporting positive health outcomes.
“Spiritual care is the practical expression of presence, guidance, and interventions, individual or communal, to support, nurture, or encourage an individual’s or group’s ability to achieve wholeness; health; personal, spiritual, and social well-being; integration of body, mind, and spirit; and a sense of connection to self, others, and a higher power” (American Nurses Association and Health Ministries Association, pp. 57–58, 2017). What patients are saying about our pastoral care service…
“I appreciate your visit, I haven’t been able to speak about these feelings for a very long time.” “It’s been good to have someone to talk to, that holistic care is so important.” “It was so lovely to receive this card (hope card on breakfast tray); the work you do is so important and I really appreciate you coming to see me.”
Occupational Therapy Week: 25-31 October
This week, October 25 through 31, is Occupational Therapy Week - a week to shine a light on and celebrate the dedication and professionalism of Occupational Therapists throughout SJG Geelong and internationally. Our OTs work with patients of all ages who have physical, social or mental health needs, and often assist with rehabilitation, pain management and equipment prescriptions, amongst other things. The theme for this year is: Participation. Inclusion. Independence. Our OTs represent this theme in everything they do while helping our patients reach their potential and making a difference to their lives.
Mini Field of Women
In honour of those who are currently fighting breast cancer, those who have survived cancer and in remembrance of those who have sadly passed away, we had a mini field of women display in the hospital foyer as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Hospital Auxiliary: Working tirelessly for a good cause..
We would like to sincerely thank and congratulate our Hospital Auxiliary for raising $18,000 to purchase new technology for the Cardiac Care Unit. This is a remarkable effort considering the Gift Shop has been closed for half the year and many of their usual fundraisers where not able to go ahead. In a challenging year, the Hospital Auxiliary has been able to adapt and introduce new means of continuing their important work. To help raise money for their new project - purchasing a cuddle bed for palliative care patients, the Auxiliary will be launching an online auction in late November, please support by bidding for an item/s that might be a great Christmas present for a loved one, or a well-deserved gift to yourself! If you wish to donate an item for the online auction, please reach out to Jade Bone, Volunteer Coordinator. Any support from our lovely team of caregivers is most welcome! Thank you again to our wonderful Auxiliary for their tireless fundraising efforts during these challenging times.
Geelong’s first Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Garden
Friday 15th October had marked Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and it was an even more significant day for Geelong as the Geelong Cemeteries Trust lauched a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Garden dedicated to local families who suffer pregnancy loss, in the hope that it will assist their grieving process. Mara McDonald and Megan Grant were invited to join the official opening of the Memorial Park. You can view the lauch video HERE.
Volunteers out of sight but not out of mind
A shout to our Volunteers, who are patiently waiting and eager to return to their roles, when safe to do so. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated, supportive and compassionate group of people who add so much to our hospital. While our volunteer program is on hold, we are regularly checking in and keeping our volunteers informed about what’s happening at SJG. We encourage you to reach out to the volunteers in your team to let them know we are thinking of them. Our volunteers recently completed a satisfaction survey about their volunteer experience, when we asked “what do they enjoy most about volunteering at St John of God Geelong” this is what they said…
“Feeling welcomed”
“Helping people when they really need it”
“The work I do in the different areas of the Hospital I work. The staff I work with in those areas. The warm welcome I receive each day when I arrive. The variety of work I’m asked to do. The satisfaction and appreciation for what I do”
“Love caring for the patient and the connection with them. Feel very privileged to be able to volunteer”
“Taking the load off nursing staff, giving patients that little bit of extra support as we have time to do this. Contact around the Hospital in various areas”
“Having a purpose in retirement, helping staff and patients”
“Being part of the organisation, meeting people in all areas and actually seeing the difference I make during a shift”
“Volunteers make a difference, patients and staff are always happy to see us and that is a wonderful feeling” “Doing something worthwhile in the Geelong community”
“Feeling like you are offering assistance to the already busy staff by doing the “little” things that may make their day and their jobs flow a little easier”
“Making a difference to the patients”
We asked you, what do you enjoy most about volunteering with us?
“Meeting new people, experiencing new friendships, feeling like I am making a difference”
“I feel as though I’ve helped in some small way, but I feel I receive much more”
“The friendships I have made”
“Working with friendly staff and being appreciated for the work I do. Also love meeting people from all walks of life”
“Variety of work and the ability to use your own initiative”
“Everything”
“Meeting people, it has a good atmosphere, everyone is friendly and helpful, it is a very positive feeling”
Caregiver Photography Exhibition
A Caregiver Photography Exhibition is currently on display at the Wexford Gallery on Level 2. Patients and caregivers have expressed their joy at seeing the unique images that emerge, each with a story and sentiment of their own. The theme for this Exhibition is: The simple things
It is in the most simple things from which great appreciation grows. This week we also bid farewell to Greta Mawbey who has been on placement with her Masters of Art Therapy from Latrobe University. We are most grateful for Greta’s skills and enthusiasm towards the Hospital Arts & Health Program, especially in the absence of volunteers. We wish Greta the best for her studies!
Green Group: Update
Paper pill cups and other single use plastic containers such as kidney dishes, injection and anaesthetics trays were introduced early 2019. Over the last two years we have made a significant impact in reducing single use plastic items.
Tips for easing out of lockdown Many people are feeling unsure about going out into the world after lockdown, and that’s to be expected. Here’s some tips from Beyond Blue that might help you with easing back into things.
Support is available. Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service 1800 512 348 Lifeline 13 11 14 EAP 1300 687 327
Future health skills portal
We are excited to introduce you to a new learning initiative (Future Health Skills Project) that has been developed in collaboration with SJG Geelong, The Gordon, Barwon Health and Epworth which has designed 25 micro credentials to upskill existing workers in healthcare. These modules were designed by subject matter experts from all hospitals for both clinical and non-clinical staff and aims to assist with improving operational efficiency and effectiveness of workforce by providing free access to learning modules in the program. You can then directly access the FHS project via the links on the Zenworks window. We are currently piloting the FHS006 Principles of Customer Service Module with all the clerical front of house team. Please jump on board and enrol yourselves into the program and look at all the available courses.
Please contact Dinie MacRae for further information.
Professional development opportunities 2022
New Ways November
Back pats Malcolm said: 5 stars
Best hospital in Geelong!!
What our patients had to say about us this week... ED
Patient feedback Kate, the nurse who did the initial intake was outstanding. She showed sensitivity to our situation, compassion and kindness. As a nurse student she definitely showed me all the traits we are taught that produce an amazing, professional and kind nurse. SJGGH are very lucky yo have her. Thank you from my daughter and myself.
Day Stay
NPS 3 East
Patient feedback
Highly professional care, coupled with informal and friendly culture - and great meals!
CCU
Patient feedback
Patient feedback
Beautiful Kerry who admitted me on Level 4 and Ava on the Level 2 ward where I stayed overnight.
Nothing was left to chance and the nursing staff especially Bree couldn’t do enough. 10/10!!!