Murdoch Monthly June 2023

MURDOCH Monthly

June 2023

Security Superstars! page 4-5

HBF RUN FOR A REASON

page 12

THE MONTH OF MILESTONES FOR DA VINCI

page 15

RECONCILIATION WEEK

page 16

CAREGIVER NEWS FROM ST JOHN OF GOD MURDOCH HOSPITAL

A message from the CEO Acting

Welcome to the June Murdoch Monthly.

Hospital Activity Update

While Endoscopy and Same Day procedural activity are performing well, there has been less overnight activity this month compared to previous months. This means we need to be diligent and flexible with staffing levels and manage cost where we can to stay on track to meet budget.

The school holidays are also coming up, which means although our activity is expected to stay healthy, those with excess leave should definitely speak to their managers to take some well-earned time off.

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week commences on 2 July, and the theme this year is ‘For Our Elders’. NAIDOC 2023 invites the nation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national

heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians.

On Tuesday 4 July, Murdoch will host the Wadumbah Dance Group as they perform to celebrate NAIDOC Week with Caregivers in the Function Rooms at 2:30pm. I encourage you all to attend, if you can!

Research Week

Research Week begins on 24 July, and at Murdoch, we are excited to be hosting a number of sessions and presentations, for the first time.

Murdoch events will be held on:

• Wednesday 26 July

• Thursday 27 July

Murdoch is also hosting a Sundowner for Researchers across Murdoch, Subiaco, and Midland on behalf of St John of God Health Care.

Research week sees presentations

taking place onsite and via WebEx at Subiaco, Murdoch, and Midland Hospitals for anyone interested in attending. More information about where you can register for sessions will be coming soon. Murdoch Ball 2023 – Tickets on sale now

The Dust & Diamonds Murdoch Ball is coming up on 16 September and tickets are now on sale! This year is on track to be the most attended Murdoch Ball ever, so make sure you don’t miss out on a night filled with western elegance.

You can get you ticket via the link, using the reference code provided to your table coordinator: https:// bit.ly/dustanddiamonds

Thank you to all caregivers for your continual commitment to the care of our patients.

Michael Salter

CDS Corner - Winter is coming…

With the cold weather well and truly arriving, the Clinical Documentation Services team have a Pneumonia focus this month.

The goal of the education is to ensure the doctors document the type of pneumonia, the bug causing the pneumonia (if known), documenting radiology findings, contributing factors and if the patient has respiratory failure.

They gave out care packs to the doctors that included tissues, lip balm, soothers, and a tea bag.

There was education on documenting different types of pneumonia, and as always, there will be a quiz for nurses to complete and win on the ‘Documentation Daily’ board in the Caregiver Dining Room.

 Dr Bart DeKeulenaer & CDSPneumonia

Reflection

God grant me the serenity

To

Several weeks ago, I was in a meeting where one of the participants referenced the well-known Serenity Prayer. It was offered as a message of hope for those present, talking through the pros and cons of a complex and potentially stressful situation. Since that meeting, I have been thinking about the way in which these brief comments provide inspiration and a focus for persistence and perspective.

The Serenity Prayer is a prayer that asks God to grant acceptance, courage, and wisdom for things in our life we can't control. It is one of the most well-known prayers in circulation today, especially the shortened version.

It was written by Reinhold Neibuhr, an American Theologian in the 1930s, and has been printed, typed, texted, stitched, and written countless times to and from millions of people. I doubt there is a more popular fridge magnet or Facebook meme. In the early 1940s, the self-help group Alcoholics Anonymous, began to use the prayer in their twelve-step program, and it’s easy to see why. Change is hard, frustrating, and tiring, so being encouraged to refocus our energy on that which we can control does provide a sense of mastery and competence. Wisdom is the key to helping us discern whether we can influence the changes that surrounds us, or whether the change has to come from within us, by way of acceptance and openness.

This prayer is a reminder of the inevitability of change and the fact that much of the change that happens in our lives is beyond our control or influence. It reminds me of the work of Stephen Covey, author of the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He talks about each of us having a Circle of Concern - things we care about but can’t control, and a Circle of Influence - things we care about and can impact. Knowing where to focus our energy is the key to adapting to change and having less stress and anxiety in our lives.

Healthcare is a dynamic environment to work in at the moment with many challenges, changes, and opportunities. May this prayer continue to speak to us of the gentle hope that is ours when we accept what is before us as opportunity. May it remind us of the courage that lies within each of us to grow and adapt, and whisper deep wisdom to discern how and if we can influence or control that which surrounds us. And may serenity and peace always be our companion and guide.

Jenni Ashton

Our twelve caregivers of the months as well as two sneaky stand ins!

accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can And wisdom to know the difference.

Cover Caregiver Story – Security Superstars

The Murdoch Security Department is vital in the day-to-day functioning of the Hospital. They operate 24/7 to keep everyone safe.

As a department, Security are very passionate about physical and mental health, and pride themselves on helping others with the outlook that “a small positive interaction is all you need to make all the difference in someone’s day”.

They have all undertaken fire and evacuation training, violence and aggression training, have knowledge of and respond to Code Blacks, Code Reds, Code Orange, and external Code Blues (in the Clinics), provide personal escorts, manage the fire panel and isolations, and assist with Security and Parking enquiries.

Meet the amazing Security team who work around the clock to protect us all.

Ashlee Lewis - Manager Security & Parking

Seven years at SJOG Murdoch

Ashlee has 12 years of experience in the Security Industry, five years as an Armoured Vehicle Operator/CIT Officer, two years as a Hospital Security Officer and five years in Management.

Fun fact:

I had always dreamed of being an archaeologist/ palaeontologist.

Chris BoydSenior Duty Security Officer

Murdoch’s Code Red Champion

Nine years at SJOG Murdoch

Chris has 38 years of experience in the Security Industry. 28 years in the UK as a Fire & Security team leader in the Pharmaceutical industry. 10 years in Security within the hospital sector.

Fun fact: I love playing golf, supporting Manchester United, and walking my dogs on the beach.

Cornelius CollinsSenior Duty Security Officer

Seven years at SJOG Murdoch

Cornelius has 13 years of experience in the Security Industry. Six years in the Prisons, and seven years in Hospital Security.

Fun fact: I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Pete OldfieldSenior Duty Security Officer

Six years at SJOG Murdoch

Pete has 11 years of experience in

the Security industry, including five years FIFO in the Pilbara region of WA. Prior to his Security Office roles, he spent a total of 10 years as a Police Office in the UK before transferring to WA.

Fun fact: I once met the entire England International Soccer team whilst I was living in Oslo, Norway, when they came for a private training session at the military base I was working at. When they arrived to use the sports complex to escape media attention, I was one of only two people on duty at the complex that day. It was pretty cool for a young Englishman and soccer fan to meet the players he used to watch on TV each week. Pity they lost the international match to Norway the following day!

Irfan Nadeem - Senior Duty Security Officer

Six years at SJOG Murdoch

Irfan has 11 years of experience in the Security Industry, five years detention centres, transport and escorting officer in Domestic and internationally while working with Australian immigration, and six years in the hospital industry.

Fun Fact: I speak four languages, I have a pet bird named bubby, and I’m always up for a good Dad joke. You might not see me smile often, but I’m always smiling within.

Dylan SimesDuty Security Officer

Five years at SJOG Murdoch/ Midland

Dylan has seven years of experience in the Security Industry, which includes Hospitals, local government, and Corrective services.

Fun Fact: I have participated in a broom flying lesson... at the same spot where Harry Potter completed his first flying lesson!

Karl Ullrich -

Duty Security Officer

Three years at SJOG Murdoch

Karl started working in security in his twenties; at the WACA grounds, the Education Department, and later with Chubb/Prosegur doing armoured vehicle work. He also ran a martial arts school, served in the WA Police, taught salsa dancing, and wrangled cats at a cat boarding facility.

Fun fact: My passions are running, reading, and an obsession for endlessly experimenting with the latest health gadgetry!

Raymond HendersonDuty Security Officer

Two years at SJOG Murdoch

Raymond has six years of experience in the security industry. He was head doorman for four years working in night club venues and the Burswood Casino. He also has six months in personal protection as a body guard, and two-and-a-half years as a security team leader/acting manager role for Stirling Counsel.

Fun Fact: I was once held captive by pirates in Thailand.

Mitch LeahyDuty Security Officer

One year at SJOG Murdoch

Mitch worked for WA Police for over eight years, and has worked for 12 months in the security industry at SJOG Murdoch.

Fun Fact: I am one of 46 grandchildren in our family.

Daniel Adamov–Duty Security Officer

Four months at SJOG Murdoch

Daniel has 12 year of experience in the security industry. He worked for seven years in Assistant In Nursing (ICU and Dementia Unit), three years in Aviation security, three years Detention centre (Management) and six years

Hospitals/Mental Health Security. Daniel also has Bachelor of Criminology from the University Of Western Sydney.

Fun fact: I carried the Ramsay Healthcare Flag to Everest Basecamp in 2011.

Charles Owens – Duty Security Officer

One year at SJOG Midland/ Recent addition to Murdoch!

Charles has been working in hospital security for the last three years, and is looking forward to continue doing so!

Fun fact: I am currently studying to be an accredited engineer.

Patient Experience Matters

Murdoch patients are saying:

Comment 1: CANCER CENTRE

The three weekly visits to the cancer clinic is always tops. Staff are friendly, informative and caring. It takes the stress out of life for another day.

Comment 2: ST MICHAEL WARD

Everyone I had interactions with was amazing - always a smile and a personal introduction. Great place and great people. Nothing seemed too much trouble and very attentive.

Comment 3: ST FRANCIS WARD

Fantastic nurses. They just couldn't do enough to make sure I had all I needed and was comfortable.

heros

Caregiver of the Month

Rose Radomiljac: April 2023

Nominated by a patient

“I’d like to nominate Rose for the tremendous work she did getting funding for me through the NDIS. It was a lengthy battle with many road blocks and obstacles, but Rose never gave up. She fought for me, and because of that, I now have somewhere to live. Rose was by my side the whole way - she was a truly wonderful and professional social worker. Thank you.”

Crazysocks4docs Day

On Friday 2 June, Murdoch raised awareness for the mental health of doctors and all healthcare workers by wearing crazy socks. Crazysocks4docs Day is so important because it normalises conversations around mental health and breaks down the stigma faced by all health workers.

The Crazysocks4docs movement came out of the responses that the founder Dr Geoff Toogood

(who suffers with Mental Health Challenges) experienced when he happened to wear odd coloured socks to work.

The talk behind his back was that he was failing again. In reality, he was well, and his socks (apart from the last two odd socks that he was wearing that day) had all been eaten by his new puppy.

Rather than start a discussion about whether he was ok, there was whispering behind

the scenes. As a result of this experience, Geoff established Crazysocks4docs Day as an attempt to address the stigma around mental health in doctors, and to make it ok for a Doctor not to be ok.

This year was the second year that St John of God Murdoch recognised this very important day.

Remember #Itsoktonotbeok

NPS Team Rewards

St Catherine Ward received scores >80 for February with a patient commenting that they were treated with “care and comfort and kept informed at all times. The friendly and efficient staff made my short stay stress free.”

Fantastic work, St Catherine Ward!

The Second Floor North Wing celebrated a NPS score >80 for March and decided to gift their winning in the form a $400 donation to Djaalinj Waakinj. A patient said the “care given by nurses was first class, polite and caring.”

Incredible effort, Second Floor Caregivers!

The Security department received their ‘Pay It Forward’ reward of Pizza & Doughnuts gifted to them by the Cancer Centre.

Congratulations, Security!

The Housekeeping department received Caregiver Dining Room Vouchers for the team as their ‘Pay It Forward’ reward that was gifted to them by the Cancer Centre.

Enjoy, Housekeeping!

St Luke Ward received NPS scores >80 for three months and chose Coffee & Cookies along with two lots of Caregiver Dining Vouchers for the team.

Wonderful job, St Luke Ward!

Thomas Furlong celebrated three months of >80 scores with a ‘Pay it Forward’ to Allied Health, Coffee & Cookies, and Dining Room Vouchers. A patient

commented that “the staff are the stars of the show. Nothing was too much trouble.”

Well done, Thomas Furlong Ward!

ICU/CCU received three months of >80 NPS scores and received a double dose of Coffee & Cookies, and Caregiver Dining Vouchers for the whole team! A patient commented: “All the nurses were fantastic, kind, and I felt safe.”

Awesome effort, ICU/CCU!

Surgicentre chose Coffee & Cookies to celebrate their >80 NPS score for April. A patient praised Caregivers and said they were all “friendly staff, very caring, and I felt safe and well cared for.”

Amazing job, Surgicentre!

St Emilie Ward received an impressive >80 NPS score for April and chose Dining Room Vouchers for the whole team! “My sincerest thanks to all the staff from St Emilie Ward who cared for me. Their care was exemplary.”

Remarkable effort, St Emilie Ward!

St Rose Ward chose to celebrate their >80 NPS score for April with

Dining Room Vouchers for the team. A patient commented: “I felt very safe and looked after while under the care of the team at St Rose.”

Fantastic work, St Rose Ward!

Coffee Vouchers and Cookies were how St Francis Ward chose to be rewarded for >80 NPS score for April. “I was in St Francis ward and the care I got there was excellent. This was my first experience at St John of God Murdoch and I couldn’t fault it,” a patient said.

Outstanding effort, St Francis Ward!

Endoscopy celebrated their >80 NPS score for April with Dining Room Vouchers for the whole team! A patient said, “The staff in Endoscopy were friendly and personable.”

Well deserved, Endoscopy!

The Cancer Centre received massages for the whole team to celebrate their >80 NPS score for April! “Everyone in the Cancer Centre was so kind and friendly”, a patient said.

Wonderful work, Cancer Centre!

Thomas Furlong

St Francis Ward

St Rose Ward

St Emilie Ward

Surgicentre

Second Floor North WIng

Endoscopy

ICU

Cancer Centre

Housekeeping

Security Department

St Catherine Ward

St Luke Ward

OHS Update Staying Active in Winter

In winter, it can be harder to get out of bed or get outside to exercise, and we often indulge in comfort foods which can be high in fat, sugar and salt. While there is never a bad time for a delicious hot chocolate, we need to make sure we are maintaining some form of physical activity to keep that balance in check.

Doing regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise on most days of the week, can do wonders for your mood, physical health, and help support your immune system to fight off winter bugs.

Here are some tips to help keep you physically active and feeling great through winter months.

• Create a home gym - You can easily set up a great workout area in your living room or basement and buy some inexpensive equipment such as stretch bands, dumbbells, and a stability ball. You can get fit while you watch your favourite TV show or listen to music.

• Fitness Apps - Try searching online for fitness apps to find exercise routines to follow along with and get yourself moving. Apps can help track your progress and motivate you to reach your goals.

• Get outside when you can - Not every day of winter is unbearable. Try to go outside on a mild winter day and exercise when it is safe to do so. Soaking up some sun and getting fresh air can also help reduce stress.

• Find new activities with an exercise partner or group - As the seasons change, explore new activities to get yourself outdoor in the winter sun such as hiking, bush walking, or trail running. Exercising with a partner or group can provide social support, camaraderie, and distraction from bad weather.

• Look into local sports – Put a team together with your friends. Indoor soccer or netball are great ways to have a run around with friends and fuel some healthy competition regardless of the weather outside.

• Get Swimming - Find an indoor swimming pool. Swimming boosts your physical strength and heart health. Plus, being active in the water is a comfortable way to ease into exercising again if you haven’t been active for a while.

• Join a Gym – Find a gym close to work or home. St John of God Caregivers receive 35% off selected memberships at GoodLife Gyms which are located all across Perth. Check out the offer on CORA. ……Or be Like OSH Josh and start training for a half-iron man!

St Mary Ward celebrated St Mary, Our Lady of Help of Christians, on their Feast Day, 24 May. Our Lady of Help of Christians is also known as the Protector of Australia, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Engineering Department celebrated their Feast Day for St Ferdinand III on 30 May. St Ferdinand III is aligned with great building and is an inspiration to engineers.

Endoscopy celebrated their Feast Day for St Erasmus of Formiae, or St Elmo, on 2 June. St Elmo is the patron saint of intestinal medicine, and those suffering from abdominal pain or cramps.

The Feast Day for St Francis Caracciolo was celebrated on 4 June by the Catering Department. St Francis Caracciolo is the patron saint of chefs and cooks.

St Mary Ward

Engineering

Endoscopy

Catering Department

A New Caregiver Dining Room Menu Takes Flight!

On 6 June, the Catering Department introduced an updated Caregiver Dining Room menu with new cuisines such as Asian Glaze Veg stir-fry with Tofu and Cashew, 4 Cheese Arancini

HBF Run for a Reason

On Sunday 21 May, caregivers from across St John of God Murdoch, along with their friends and families, participated in the HBF Run for a Reason!

Did you know that St John of God Health Care was named the largest corporate team in the event? As a result, HBF donated $1000 to the St John of God Foundation.

Congratulations to all of our caregivers who ran, jogged, wheeled, or walked the 4km, 12km, or half marathon! Absolute legends!

with Napolitana Sauce, Beef and Guinness Pie, and Chicken and Leek Lasagne. These new flavours are coupled with some old favourites, including Butter Chicken, Fried

Fish and Chips, and Beef Burger and fried onions.

The fresh ‘Make Your Own Poke Bowl’ station is already an instant Caregiver favourite, open for lunch meals Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays).

Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship recipient paves the way for nursing advancement

St John of God Murdoch Hospital Clinical Nurse Specialist Ashleigh Murray has been selected as one of 24 recipients of a scholarship to further her education.

Ashleigh, who works in the Hospital’s colorectal and general surgery ward, is using the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education to study a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) at Edith Cowan University Australia.

“I have always loved the colorectal specialty and had wanted to do the stoma course for years, but it was very expensive,” she said.

“I received the Bridget Clancy Scholarship in 2022, and it took the financial burden off the study to a manageable amount.”

The scholarship, which was first offered in 2021 in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Sister's foundation, seeks to continue the legacy of the visionary and courageous women who founded St John of

God Health Care in Australia.

The scholarship was open to female caregivers undertaking studies focused on leadership development or related to women's health.

Ashleigh has worked at St John of God Murdoch for the past 14 years, and found her passion for the colorectal specialty after working throughout the hospital on different wards as well as in the Emergency Department.

“I started at Murdoch in 2008 as a graduate,” she said.

“I had the opportunity to step into the Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist role part-time in March 2020, and was made full time in June.

“I did my post grad in Wound Ostomy and Continence last year, and this year started my Master Nurse Practitioner in Stoma and Colorectal.

“I love being a support for my bowel cancer patients, from diagnosis all the way through their treatment and educating patients, family, and staff on

A Thoughtful Surprise

St Mary Ward received a lovely surprise from Centrepoint Church – some lovely hampers to say thank you for all of their hard work. They were also given a hamper with some notes and little words of encouragement.

One note said: “I hope you know you are so valued and your work is so important! Thank you for not just caring for people but loving them even when it’s hard!”

bowel cancer.”

Ashleigh said the most enjoyable part of working in healthcare is the people she has met along the way.

“The beautiful friendships I have made with fellow caregivers and the mentors I have had, and the patients that are at the centre of everything. Hearing their stories and journeys and helping them navigate their way through is so rewarding,” she said.

World Continence Week 2023: Belinda’s Story

My name is Belinda. I’m 50 years old, and this is my story…

On the 7th of June 2023, I underwent Laparoscopic End Colostomy surgery and while it is a big adjustment and living with a “bag” is a lot to get used to (I’m still learning and adjusting). I feel that for the first time in about 3 years, the runaway incontinence train is finally back in the station, and I am in control… or getting there.

For many years, I have struggled with urinary urge incontinence together with voiding difficulties that caused recurrent bladder and kidney infections. Selfintermittent catheterisation became “normal” for me, and like most things, I got used to it and got on with living.

In mid-2020, I began having worsening episodes of urinary incontinence, as well as bowel incontinence. Coupled with chronic diarrhoea, this became more and more of a challenge for me.

I was referred back to my Urogynaecologist in November 2020 (my favourite specialist of all - she is an absolute legend) who ran numerous tests and referred me to a Colorectal surgeon to investigate the bowel issues.

Both specialists recommended me as a very good candidate for a Sacral Nerve Stimulator (SNS) implant, and after a successful trial, I underwent permanent placement of the SNS implant in August 2021.

The implant has been fantastic

for urinary incontinence. I no longer have any bladder “leakage” or accidents, and I would recommend looking into this for anyone with similar issues. Unfortunately, it had no effect on the embarrassing “bowel problems” for me, although for many people, it is very effective.

For most people, when your body sends the message that it needs to have a “poo”, you have more than sufficient time to find a nearby toilet, wait your turn in a queue if necessary (what is it with ladies loos that there is ALWAYS a queue!), and get yourself comfortably seated before the “business” gets underway. All neat and tidy in the loo as expected, with sufficient loo paper to complete the “paperwork”.

Unfortunately for me, the time between the message being received and bowels opening, gradually got shorter and shorter, and what started out as just a “slight leak” caught in a sanitary pad, progressed to flood gates opening with total loss of bowel control all through my clothes.

Of my worst experiences one would have to have been coming back on the train from Mandurah and realising just before my stop that I was in trouble, only to find the toilet at the next station locked.

By the time I managed to get to my car to drive to a nearby toilet, it was too late, and it was everywhere. The second, was realising I needed to find a loo in a hurry and being told there was no public toilet in the store (staff only), and that I could

check at the vet practice next door if I could use their toilet. No luck there either – the toilet was for clients and staff only, and despite literally begging and explaining my incontinence problem (humiliating as that was), I was told I could find a public toilet in the Bunnings store around the corner.

Needless to say, by the time I got in my car and drove around to Bunnings, it was too late, and I was in too much of a mess to even get out my car. Phoning home in tears to say “please leave an old towel outside for me” so I could get myself inside with a little bit of dignity and get straight in the shower, was no longer unusual.

As you can imagine, over time, with the thought of getting caught in traffic and unable to get to a toilet, and with the constant anxiety of having an “accident” at work or out in public, I became more and more reclusive, spending most of my time home with family (and my Labradors). I stopped going into the office and nowadays only work from home.

Fortunately, my boss was incredibly understanding of everything as I was very honest about my circumstances. I also became very careful to control my eating if I knew I had to go out for something specific. If I didn’t eat, there would be less risk of needing the loo, and I have gone whole days with nothing to eat or drink until dinner time when I could comfortably be back home (just

in case). It was probably an eating disorder in the making! Along with my team of specialists, including a specialist dietician and a continence physiotherapist, I have tried exercise and dietary changeslactose free, gluten free, low fibre, thickening diet, you name it. I have tried medications - Gastro Stop, Psyllium, Codeine, Creon, Cholestyramine Lite, again, you name it! It has all been like putting a band aid on a cut that required 300 stitches and a blood tranfusion!

My Colorectal surgeon asked me earlier this year to meet with a specialist stoma nurse “just to explore my options” and in search of a better “quality of life”. My first response was “NO WAY! That’s for people with life

threatening bowel illnesses like cancer, Crohns, etc., not for me with “just” incontinence.”

I eventually agreed to chat with the stoma nurse, and it was life changing for me. The nurse was kind, knowledgeable, nonjudgemental, and full of empathy for my situation (so much so that I had to give her a huge hug afterwards).

I also joined several Facebook stoma support groups to gain better understanding from people actually experiencing life with a stoma. Turns out I’m not alone in going down this path for incontinence. There are many others out there for whom it has been a life changing-life saver.

So here I am today, having made a very educated and

well researched decision, with a Colostomy called “Piglet” (because who better to hang out with and support Pooh), and still taking one day at a time as I recover and adjust. So far, so good - a positive mindset is helping tremendously. One day at a time!

I am so blessed to have a huge amount of support around me through this journey and whatever the future holdsmy amazing husband who still thinks I’m gorgeous and sexy, stoma and all, and my two incredible kids. Also my extended family and closest friends (my chosen family), who are so supportive too.

I’m blessed indeed! And I’ve got this!!

The Month of Milestones for da Vinci!

May was a month of da Vinci milestones with Dr Arvind Vasudevan and Dr Ding Guo reaching a combined 300 da Vinci procedures on Friday 19 May, and Dr Abe Jacob completing his 100th da Vinci procedure on Wednesday 31 May.

Dr Vasudevan and Dr Guo only celebrated a combined 200 robotic procedures with da Vinci in May 2022, so have made great strides in 12-months. Both surgeons are looking forward to performing many more to improve the health and lifestyle of their patients with minimally invasive robotic-assisted technology.

Additionally, it was only September 2022 that Theatre celebrated Dr Jacob’s 50th da Vinci procedure, which was an achievement that took 18-months from his first case in March 2021. In half that time, Dr

Jacob has now reached his 100th procedure.

Not only does Dr Jacob use his rapidly developing skills on the da Vinci system to treat his own patients, but he will regularly make himself available to provide General Surgery support to Urological and Gynaecological surgeons during their complex robotic procedures.

St John of God Murdoch is extremely proud to offer such a multidisciplinary robotic service that is currently unrivalled in Western Australia.

The da Vinci robot arrived at Murdoch in November 2019 and is used for a range of different surgeries including urology, gynaecology, colorectal, and bariatric.

In June 2023, Murdoch is on track to reach a new milestone of 1000 cases of robotic surgeries across these specialties.

Reaching milestones like this is a remarkable achievement for all involved. Congratulations to everyone on the massive accomplishments!

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week began at Murdoch on 29 May, and the theme this year was ‘Be a Voice for Generations’.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, so that all of us might live in safety and security, with opportunities that enable us to reach our true potential as human beings. This year, we were privileged to hear from Dr Corey Dalton who shared his lived experience of working in the Aboriginal Medical Service and explained how we might journey with Aboriginal people towards real reconciliation in the healthcare setting.

Thank you, Corey, for sharing your story with us.

View Dr Corey Dalton’s talk at: https://bit.ly/aboriginal-healthin-focus

For more resources, see the links below:

• Home - Uluru Statement from the Heart

• Keating's Redfern Park Speech 1992 (commongrace. org.au)

• Sorry, Kevin Rudd's Apology to "The stolen Generation"Bing video

• 'My people die young in this country' speech - Bing video

On Friday 2 June, caregivers were also treated to macadamia nut crusted barramundi with a lemon myrtle butter sauce in recognition of the tasty contribution of Indigenous foods. Murdoch will also be incorporating a new email signature that includes the identification of Whadjuk Country in our address line, a more descriptive acknowledgement of Country and a visual banner of the artwork that was gifted to us in recognition of our collaboration with Djaalinj Waakinj.

Heart-to-Heart

Catering Services Administrator, Alison Walker, has worked for St John of God Murdoch since 1998. Over the years, she has shared with her sister Denise what has been happening around the Hospital.

“Denise has always been in touch with Murdoch in some way or another,” she said.

“The connection has been myself working at the Hospital, and she gave birth to her twins Bridget and Regan 21 years ago at Murdoch.”

About a year ago, Alison mentioned to Denise that she had been making fabric hearts for the Pastoral Care department, who extend these little tokens to provide comfort to patients and their families in times of need.

“When a patient suffers loss and is sorrowful, for example such as in miscarriage, a small soft heart is provided,” Mary from Pastoral Care said.

“It is such a small gesture, and in no way can replace the hole that grief leaves. However, it is a tangible gift that is received by patients in the knowledge that they are cared for.

“A white heart placed on a father’s chest when it is time to say goodbye.

A sweet heart with a cat print to soothe a young daughter’s grief. A soft felt heart held tight and turned over for comfort in a time of turmoil.

A heart held as a connection to something greater.

A heart taken to remember a loved one

A soft felt heart to soothe an aching heart

A heart given to be reminded of being loved and held.”

So much thought and feeling is put into the hearts when they are made. They are hand sewn and much more than just fabric. They bring meaning, joy, and peace to many of our patients.

“To know that someone has lovingly toiled to create them only adds to how impactful the hearts are,” Mary said.

“We are so grateful for the love and time that goes into these small but incredibly significant contributions to our patient’s wellbeing.”

Hearing about this very heartwarming gesture provided by our Pastoral Care team, Denise was eager to help out.

“A year or so ago, I put out a call to see if she and her daughter Bridget would like to do the hearts,” Alison said.

“The hearts gave them an opportunity to chat and sew together and for Denise to connect with her daughter. It gave time to be present with each other, and to talk about the day’s events as they stitched.”

Alison said what resinated with Denise was how a simple the project was, and the beautiful meaning behind the symbol – to bring comfort to a patient and remind them they are not alone.

“Over the years, I would relay back stories I had heard,” Alison added.

“Recently, one our Ward Host caregivers who was aware we do the hearts saw a patient holding one and it was evident how much it meant to them.”

At the end of May, Denise and her daughter donated a massive 500 hearts to Murdoch’s Pastoral Care team to bless and then give out to those who may need a little bit of comfort.

“Denise said that making the hearts really gives more back to her as a person,” Alison commented.

“It also shows we are all a part of the Murdoch family, which extends pass the caregivers.”

For more information on the soft hearts, contact our Pastoral Care team on 9438 9680.

Celebrating Life at the Hospice

Hospice caregivers were surprised with a kind gift from a patient’s family to thank them for their excellent care. Each gift had some homemade honey, chocolates, and a heartfelt note with a photo of ‘Hairy’ and his family.

“To Management, Doctors, Nurses, PCAs, Councillors, Pastoral Care, Clerks, Chefs and Volunteers at Murdoch Hospice. On behalf of Hayden, we would like to say a big thank you for your dedication, compassion, caring qualities and your understanding during difficult times,” they wrote.

“You are all courageous in what you do to care for people’s needs and to help them through the end of life process.”

“Hayden thoroughly enjoyed the hospice as his last home and appreciated the quality of care and food he received. Although we endured difficult times, we also had some fun and laughter as well.”

Dr Scott Lee on Palliative Care

Did you see our incredible Director Hospice and Palliative Care Services, Dr Scott Lee, had a writeup in The Senior?

“St John of God Murdoch Hospice isn’t about death, it means celebrating life,” they said.

Hospice Nurse April has found her calling

April Santoro, Enrolled Nurse at St John of God Murdoch Hospice, knew from her very first shift that she had found her place.

“From my first buddy shift, everyone was so lovely and helpful. That helped me feel confident and welcomed here,” April said.

April has always loved assisting others which is why she was drawn to nursing. After working in aged care, April qualified as a nurse and started working in the palliative care unit.

When April tells people what she does, they can sometimes struggle to understand why April finds palliative care nursing so rewarding. April tells them what she does.

“I love it here, I feel it is where I am supposed to be,” April said. “People think patients just come to us to die. They can’t

understand how it could possibly be rewarding. What they don’t get, is that palliative care has many stages,” she said. Compassion is fundamental, and making sure patients are comfortable through symptom control is an important part of palliative care.

“When we make our patients comfortable, it helps them and their family settle. The thanks you get is so worthwhile.”

When asked what aspect of her job she enjoyed the most, April said it was the little things which make a huge difference to her patients.

“Washing their hair, or giving them a shave, or doing their makeup. Even helping my patients go outside. It is a joy for them; they feel happy and care free. Those are the things that make this the most rewarding job,”

April has tried careers is hospitality, marketing, and sales, but has always found her way back to Nursing.

“I can’t really see myself doing anything else.”

Nurses make up more than 50 per cent of our workforce and work across a diverse range of specialties at the bedside and beyond.

In May, we celebrated International Nurses Day and National Palliative Care week. To all of our nurses, especially those in palliative care, we are grateful for you today and every day.

It’s Cancer’s Turn to be Afraid

For the second year in a row, Clinical Nurse Consultant for Cancer Services, Marie Condon, is participating in the MACA200 Ride for Research.. The MACA200 is

a 200km bike ride over two days to Mandurah and back to raise funds for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research to research cancer and look for cures in WA.

You can donate towards Marie’s heroic ride at the link: https://www.cancer200.org.au/ fundraisers/mariecondon

Foundation Update: Community donations set to

help people like Julie

St John of God Foundation’s Winter Fundraising Appeal is on now

Many of our caregivers will be aware of the statistic that one in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Thanks to new research, treatments and early detection, the survival rate for breast cancer has increased in the past few decades, but there is always more we can do to help people in our community on their breast cancer journey.

This year, St John of God Foundation's Winter Appeal is fundraising in support of innovative treatments and comprehensive, compassionate care for people with breast cancer in our hospitals.

For St John of God patient and proud grandma Julie*, her diagnosis came as a shock.

“When I first received the news from my doctor, I felt numb," says Julie of being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma 12 months ago.

“My husband Michael* and I were planning to travel overseas to visit our son and his family after years of separation due to COVID-19. I was looking forward to holding our two new grandchildren for the first time. But breast cancer forced us to put all of this on hold."

For people like Julie, a breast cancer diagnosis can mean life is turned upside down while they undergo scans, tests, surgery, and for many patients, weeks and weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. This can

also bring immense feelings of distress and anxiety to them and their loved ones.

Fortunately, Julie was eligible for Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) - an amazing new technology that was funded at her local hospital thanks to generous donations. IORT means that radiation can be delivered in a single dose during surgery, instead of multiple radiation sessions.

“Not having to go through weeks of radiation greatly reduced my stress and anxiety during treatment," Julie says.

“However, in the months following, I did develop anxiety about my diagnosis and follow up medication."

Following treatment, Julie was also able to access a donorfunded Wellness After Breast Cancer Clinic at her local hospital.

“I was immediately reassured," she says.

“I was able to meet one-on-one with a Breast Care Nurse and talk about everything that was worrying me, and they gave me support and resources to help me stay on track during my recovery."

“I feel very lucky because I know that without IORT and the Wellness After Breast Cancer Clinic, my experience could have been very different."

Donations to our Winter Appeal will ensure we can continue to bring world-class breast cancer treatments and compassionate care to St John of God Health Care patients all over Australia. Find out more here: www.sjogfoundation.org.au.

*Names and images changed to protect family's privacy

A new free community mental health support is on its way

Good news! St John of God Health Care has just announced it will be opening a further three Head to Health services in the Perth metro area in the second half of this year.

Head to Health centres are for adults who are feeling distressed, down, or overwhelmed, or are worried about their mental health, as well as their family members, friends, and carers. Services are free and no referral is needed.

The additional services will be located in Armadale, Gosnells and Balga or Mirrabooka, joining

the existing Midland Head to Health centre, and will open in the second half of 2023.

Head to Health centres are part of a nationwide initiative and are operated in WA by St John of God Social Outreach, part of St John of God Health Care, through funding provided by the Australian Government under the Primary Health Network Program.

Sign up for the latest Head to Health news at https://bit.ly/ head-to-health-contact-us

St John of God Health Care partners with University of Tasmania

Group Learning & Organisation Development are excited to share a new partnership arrangement between SJGHC and the University of Tasmania (UTAS). This arrangement will offer many benefits for post-graduate studies for our caregivers, such as:

• Access to a wide range of high quality, post-graduate courses across clinical, health and leadership specialties

• Online, flexible delivery options, accessible for all SJG caregivers in all locations

• Reduced fees

› SJG caregivers can access 50% fee waiver on a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for a graduate certificate and graduate diploma studies in Nursing, Addiction Studies, Clinical Pharmacy, Dementia Studies, Healthcare Redesign, Leadership (Health and Human Services), Midwifery, Public Health

› The ‘graduate certificate and graduate diploma

in Public Health’ fee waiver is a new addition commencing semester two 2023.

• Access to the same benefits as offered by other health care providers –e.g. Dementia Australia, Healthscope, Mater, NSW Health, Ramsay Healthcare, SA Health, St Vincent’s, Vic Health, NT Health, Calvary, ACORN

Interested Caregivers can learn more at: https://bit.ly/sjghc-utas

Welcome to Acting Performance Improvement Manager - Anna Mulholland!

In May, Anna Mulholland was successfully appointed into the role of Performance Improvement Manager for 4 months while Cate Thomas has been seconded to the role of Director of Organisation Development and Improvement.

Anna has joined us from Hospital Operations in Group Services where she has been working as a Change and Communications Lead on initiatives across our 17 hospitals in WA, Vic, and NSW.

Anna has a variety of health care experience, starting her

career as a nurse and has worked across public and private hospitals, as well as in management consulting and in private health insurance. She has broad knowledge of service delivery and project work, has a strong track record in implementing strategic change programs, and has been at St John of God Health Care since 2017.

A very heartfelt welcome, Anna!

Happy Retirement, Lyn Davis!

On 14 June, Endoscopy

Caregivers celebrated Lyn Davis as she concluded an incredible 25 years with St John of God Health Care.

Lyn started at St John of God Subiaco in 1998 before transferring to Murdoch in 2000. She worked as a PCA on St Mary Ward for 10 years before moving to work in Day Procedure as a clerk. It was in July 2013 when Endoscopy first opened that she moved to work in a clerical position there, and after applying for the Ward Clerk job when it became available, she has been there ever since.

The Acting Nurse Manager of Endoscopy, Vanessa LarsenAugust, said that “Lyn has been a valuable member of Endoscopy for many years. She is a hard worker and will be missed.”

Lyn has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Murdoch, and during her 23 years here, has seen two generations from her family work here too.

“My eldest daughter Shannon started as a Clerk in DPU in 1997 when she was 18 and left in 2007,” Lyn said.

“My granddaughter Taya

started in 2021 as a Patient Administration Assistant in DPU and Patient Admissions, and now works at Kings Square.”

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Lyn! We wish you all the best for your next adventure!

NAIDOC 2023 invites the nation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians.

Wadumbah Dance Group will be performing to celebrate NAIDOC Week with Murdoch caregivers, VMO’s and providers:

Function Rooms MURTEC

Tuesday 4 July 2.30pm

All welcome

naidoc.org.au

Spread some Positivi-tea

From 1 July, bring your own cup to receive 80c off your hot beverage at our Hospital cafés!

Please remove the lid, ensure your cup is clean, and check your name is visibly written on the cup to ensure safe handling.