CAREGIVER NEWS FROM ST JOHN OF GOD MURDOCH HOSPITAL
August 2023
OH MY OSH!
The Three Amigos take over!
WHEN MURDOCH CAREGIVERS EXTENDED THEIR CARE TO OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
page 8
UNVEILING THE JOURNEY: THE PROFILE OF CLAUDINE CERDA-PAVIA
page 12
PLUS!
HOW YOU COULD WIN TICKETS TO THE MURDOCH2023BALL!
page 23
SISTER BRIDGET CLANCY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT SEIZES OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER HER EDUCATION
page 16
Watch here: https://bit.ly/ceo-updateaug-2023
university, and train to be leaders, and others may never complete an educational qualification. A leader may be the most junior member of a team or the person who least likes the limelight. Both may transform the lives of others by role modelling such qualities of patience, grace, empathy and wisdom.
Over the next couple of months, our Managers and leaders are reading a book by Kirstin Ferguson about Head and Heart leadership. In the book, she talks about the importance of recognising that leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, colours, and ages. She reminds us that we find inspiring leaders where and when we least expect it. Some people spend years at
In a healthcare setting, we are all leaders, as each of us, regardless of our role, contribute to the healing and restoration of our patients. We are all leaders and role models who make a huge difference to the lives of others through our care and compassion. As leaders, we all have head and heart qualities that when combined enable us to engage with others in a way that both nurtures and influences. Leading with our heart involves cultivating humility, selfawareness, courage, and empathy, while leading with our head takes curiosity, wisdom, perspective, and capability. Being able to combine
the two perspectives enables us to lead with authenticity and creativity. Some of the most important and transformative decisions come about because caregivers have been brave and courageous. They have spoken out in regards to safety, patient experience, culture, and wellbeing. They have been prepared to try new things and fail, and try more things and succeed. They have worked together collaboratively and seen the value of mutual respect and regard for the unique part each person plays in providing the values-driven healthcare that is our mission.
Thank you to all of you who are leaders and role models in large and small ways. Thank you for making a positive difference to the lives of your patients, and for supporting and encouraging your colleagues. Your leadership matters.
JenniThe number one priority of our Occupational Safety and Health Department is to ensure our caregivers are able to perform their work as safely as possible, so that they can provide care for our patients to the excellent standard we have become used to at Murdoch.
In the hospital environment,
unfortunately injuries do occur. Our OSH team is always ready to assist in providing support through early intervention medical treatment, such as physiotherapy,and working with caregivers to plan a safe return to work from injury to recovery. Our amazing team also facilitates training in the safe use of manual handling equipment, patient
handling techniques, and even licensing caregivers to use the bed movers.
OSH is located down in Admin 3 and their door is always open for a visit and a chat.
Without further ado, meet the astounding amigos here to keep you safe at work!
Lead OSH Consultant
6 years at Murdoch
Prior to Murdoch, Phil worked in a number of different roles within corporate health and healthcare as an exercise physiologist.
Favourite Wellness Activity: I love being active, whether it’s getting to the gym, going for a beach run and a swim, or playing with my kids. All helps to keep me grounded.
Fun Fact: When I was 12, I was on the afterschool TV game show “A*mazing”. I lost my challenge and missed out on a Nintendo Gameboy. The worst part was, the kid who beat me did a handstand to celebrate… totally not still bitter about it 26 years later, though!
6 years at Murdoch
Jane trained as an Occupational Therapist in NSW and WA and went to the UK for 2 years upon graduating. She has worked across many disciplines including Orthopaedics, Burns, Neurology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Medical, Surgical and Home visiting. Jane has worked in Injury Management in the mining sector in both surface and underground mining before and after having her children in the Goldfields and the Pilbara.
Favourite Wellness Activity: Pilates and trail walking.
Fun Fact: I lived in Tanzania and Zambia for 7 years from 2003.
OSH Consultant
5 years at Murdoch
St John of God Murdoch has been Josh’s first healthcare focused role. He previously worked in Patient Administration before making the move to OSH.
Favourite Wellness Activity: Either going for an easy jog or listening to my favourite music while lounging in the hammock at home.
Fun Fact: I can throw a Frisbee 150 metres and have been to national championships for ‘disc golf’. Also, when I was 12, I got a kiss from a seal at underwater world in Queensland!
Phil Pavlos Jane Willis Injury Management Consultant Josh Kirkham
DPU chose to celebrate their >80 NPS score for May with Dining Room Vouchers for the whole team! “The staff at the day unit were friendly and professional and the whole process was efficient,” a patient said.
Congratulations, DPU!
I immediately felt cared for, taken seriously, and relieved to be getting specialised health from knowledgeable experts.
Efficient, reliable care, and good communication. The nursing personnel were very helpful, warm, and caring.
Everyone was so helpful and put me at ease.
Nominated by a caregiver
“We had an extremely stressful code blue at the Wexford centre which involved a visitor attending one of the clinics. The outcome for the visitor was quite tragic but as we were leaving the area, we were aware that the visitor’s carer was not aware of the situation. As we were leaving the Wexford building, the carer approached us. Daniel knew the situation, he stayed extremely cool calm and collected, and was able to make sure the relative was supported immediately by the Duty Manager who wasn’t far away. Not only did he do this, but he also made sure the Duty Manager and carer got in the lift unobstructed and were able to get to the
Nominated by a caregiver
“Melissa is an exceptional caregiver. She is always kind, considerate and understanding in all situations. Mel goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care to patients and their families. She is always welcoming of students and takes the time to check in on them to ensure that they are achieving their goals and happy with the ward environment. Mel has excellent communication and clinical skills. She embodies the St John of God values and is a very valuable team member.”
correct level in the Wexford building. The lifts were busy, and Daniel ensured they were treated with respect and compassion to the highest level within SJG values.”
Nominated by a patient
“When I came down to visit after work, the patient commented how well Samara had cared for him. He felt she popped in to check on him each time she walked past. Samara not only entered the room when obs were due but just to check he was ok, has ordered breakfast or need pain relief. As a fellow clinical nurse/educator, I appreciate the work it takes to offer a high standard of care. She has truly encompassed all the core values, thank you.”
DonateLife Week took place from Sunday 23 July to Sunday 30 July, and at Murdoch, we splashed pink around the hospital to encourage people to take a minute to sign up and
support organ and tissue donation.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and change the lives of many more. Caregivers were also encouraged to have that very important conversation with
their family if they want to be a donor since someone’s life may depend on it!
Caregivers can register as a donor at donatelife.gov.au or in their Medicare app.
At the end of July, Cancer Centre staff learnt how to use their new machine for Scalp Cooling. During chemotherapy, scalp cooling reduces the blood flow to the hair follicles to reduce the dose of chemotherapy reaching the hair follicle
and in turn, reduces the hair follicle metabolism and drug uptake.
The scalp cooling involves wearing a silicone cap that is attached to a cooling machine. The cap is then gradually cooled as it is filled with a gel coolant.
The machine was funded by donors for St John of God Murdoch with the purpose to enhance patient experience for those eligible to use it as the treatment option isn’t right for everyone.
Research Week kicked off for St John of God WA Hospitals on 24 July at Subiaco before heading to Murdoch on the 26 and 27 July.
Murdoch hosted four sessions over the two days, including Adaptive Platform Trials, a SJG Murdoch & SJG Bunbury Research Showcase featuring Murdoch guest speakers Dr Julie Dockerty, Kate Brereton, Shona Vigus, Associate Professor Adrian Regli, and Dr Steve Edmondston; Ethical
Considerations of Comparative Effectiveness Trials, and the Clinical Research Landscape in Australia.
Research Week concluded with St John of God Midland on Friday 28 July.
“We had wonderful feedback from in-person and on-line attendees,” Professor Steve Webb, Director of Research SJGHC, said. “The week
was extremely valuable as we work towards applying research to improve patient outcomes at SJGHC.”
Over the past month, it is clear that our wonderful caregivers not only look after human lives, but also those of our furry animal friends!
In late July, a vet from The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University called St John of God Murdoch Hospital and explained they were in an emergency situation, with a horse bleeding out, after a major tooth extraction. Upon further assessment, Trooper’s vital signs were abnormal and he was also anaemic.
After a thorough assessment of his head, including endoscopy and radiography with The Animal Hospital’s specialist surgical team, Dr Martin Dolinschek from WAVED
performed an oral examination which revealed a defect in the soft palate next to one of Troopers upper teeth. Trooper had the tooth extracted under standing sedation and regional anaesthesia to allow them to stop the bleeding.
It was at this point that the vet called us at Murdoch, to see if we had some products to help stop the bleeding. A number of Theatre Department caregivers stepped into action and arranged to send across ten packs of Surgicel Nuknit, which is a type of haemostatic bandage that helps to stop bleeding. This bandage caused rapid clotting, and was a major factor is stopping Trooper’s severe bleed.
Because of magnitude of the bleed, Trooper also required a blood
transfusion from a donor horse, Muzz Buzz!
Trooper had a return presentation as he had another episode of haemorrhage. The team were able to stop the bleed using medication some of the products left over that Murdoch had sent over.
After 10 days in hospital, with precautionary checks performed every three hours, Trooper has been discharged and is doing well at home!
The Animal Hospital said, “We would like to thank all our veterinary and human medicine colleagues alike, in coming together to save this handsome horse’s life – true multidisciplinary medicine!”
Over the past month, Clinical Nurse Specialist Catherine Riordan has been assisting a local vet and the WA Ostomy Association (WAOA) in managing the stoma care for Denny the Groodle. Hear about the experience from Catherine:
Denny is a 10-year-old Groodle. His owner presented to her local vet, reporting that Denny was struggling to ‘do his business’, and he was leaking fluid from underneath his tail.
Upon inspection, they found an enterocutaneous fistula (an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract or stomach and the skin) and a rectal tumour.
time, managing the stoma care and providing education to the vet nurses.
They would sedate Denny so we could attend the stoma care and they would usually have other care to do as well. These are typically high output stomas, being so high up in the bowel. Initially his peristomal skin was damaged but it came back to good health quite quickly with the right product in use - the same principles of skin care apply in dogs!
This surgery was very experimental - the first of it’s kind for this vet practice and definitely not commonly performed in animals.
Denny’s entire stay at the vet was just under four weeks. We had a ‘Denny’s Discharge Day’ Party where we enjoyed lunch togetherall layed out on the operating table after the last case for the morning, with Denny and a couple of other little dogs wandering around our feet.
Forming stomas in dogs is far from well-practiced, but the vet knew that if she didn’t give it a shot, Denny would need to be euthanised.
She resected the tumour, repaired the fistula and formed a jejunostomy to divert stool and allow things to rest and heal.
The vet then contacted the WA Ostomy Association (WAOA), with an urgent call for help, and this is when it came across my desk (I work a few days during the week at WAOA). I couldn’t help but get involved in such an interesting case!
Over the following three weeks I attended the vet clinic in my own
On his moist peristmal skin I used powder, a barrier film, a large seal to protect the skin and some paste. He did need shaving each bag change!
We used a two piece bag with a belt and managed to achieve a two day wear-time.
With a comfortable and secure product in place, Denny’s sedation
We are all hopeful that Denny’s continence will be good. 50% of his rectal sphincter was removed. When I last saw him, he was leaking a little and requiring the hair around his back end to be washed regularly. The owner was over the moon that her dog had been given a second chance at life and that she had him back home.
It has been a priviledge to be involved in Denny’s case and to work with an amazing group of people at this vet practice, while learning a few things about vet care along the way too. They were so appreciative of the help and so
could be reduced and he was able to move around more, his oral intake increased (the stoma became more active) and they were even able to take him for daily walks outside!
Denny had his stoma successfully reversed after two and a half weeks.
What is the fitness passport?
Fitness Passport is a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family. For a fraction of the price of a regular gym membership, 260,000 members across Australia enjoy access to a wide range of gyms, pools & fitness centres as often as they like. Its purpose is to motivate Australians to participate in exercise by removing the barriers of cost and limited choice.
What does a membership include?
Your Fitness Passport membership is designed exclusively around the gyms & pools you and your colleagues want to use. You select the facilities and, once approved, you can visit them all!
• Unlimited visits across all fitness facilities in your program – potentially 85+ locations
• Individual and Family memberships available
• Discounted fortnightly direct debit
• Simple hassle-free swipe access on entry
• Full facility access can include gyms, group classes and pools
What does a membership typically cost?
A fraction of the price of a regular gym membership, which typically costs more than $19 p/week!
We anticipate the arrangement will cost:
• Individual membership: Less than $15 p/week
• Family membership: Less than $25 p/week
You get more choice, more convenience and better value than a traditional gym membership. Sign up for a family membership for you, your partner and children under 18 and experience even greater savings!
Choose the gyms & pools you want included!
Before we can build the program, we need your input. We need to
know what fitness facilities you are interested in using with your membership. This step is CRUCIAL. We will only be able to proceed with the program if there is enough interest registered in the survey (about 30% of our employees).
The survey is open Monday, 21 August 2023 until Friday, 8 September 2023 and takes less than 2 minutes to complete.
On Monday 7 August, Dr Matt Brown completed his 1000th daVinci Procedure at Fiona Stanley Hospital, and followed it up with his 250th case at St John of God Murdoch on Tuesday 8 August.
The team in Theatre celebrated these incredible milestones with cupcakes and cheers.
“Dr Brown is truly deserved of recognition of this milestone. His
dedication to provide access to robotic surgery to the people of WA is unwavering, whether it be in the public or private sector,” Kieran Kowalski, da Vinci’s Product Specialist, said.
“Dr Brown is a true advocate for the best care for patients, a great leader who leads by example every day with his teams in theatre, and an all-round great person.”
Congratulations, Dr Brown!
If you find the thought of archiving deathly boring, have a think about this…
We all know about keeping patient records safe, but we also need to keep certain hospital records.
This ensures we comply with record retention legislation (yawnnnn)… but also helps with audits, assessments and investigations.
What do we keep?
Some examples are…
• Drug registers
• Staff rosters and allocation sheets
• Equipment servicing and testing / inspections
• Doctors standing orders and credentialling
Have a look at Murdoch’s Archiving policy:
MyPolicy > MU-HO - Local
Governance - Corporate Records Management and Archiving
A Quick Guide to archiving and also Box Cover-sheet templates are available on the P drive > Archives
> For Murdoch caregivers
If in doubt, ask Lisa Newlands or the Mail Room!
Remember
If information is already available online (like OneStaff), we don’t need to keep duplicate print records.
There’s a big cost to the hospital to store paper records offsite – please help us and…
THINK about what you archive –don’t just chuck it in a box to get it out of the way!
How to archive records
• Put them in an official box (collect these from the Mail Room).
• Include a Box Cover Sheet listing contents (this will assist if we ever need to retrieve the records).
• If it needs to be detailed you can email the box contents to the Mail Room – then they
can just copy/paste into our database!
• Deliver the box/boxes to the Mail Room (please don’t ask them to collect boxes).
How else can you help?
If Mail Room staff contact you about records that are due to be destroyed, help them by responding quickly so they don’t drown in boxes!!
If you’re not sure whether records should be destroyed, ask! We don’t always know but we can find out…
Lisa Newlands (Librarian)Murdoch.library@sjog.org.au and Murdoch Mail Services
MU-Mail-Services@sjog.org.au
How did you get started in your current field or profession?
Can you tell us about your early life and upbringing? I am first generation Australian, born to Polish immigrant parents. I didn’t speak English when I started school in Year 1 – I remember how isolating it felt to be the wog kid on the fringe of society. My childhood was tough and tumultuous, but I have a very fierce and loving mum who played a huge role in shaping who I am today – a great desire to do the right thing by her drove me through high school and kept me on the straight and narrow.
What influenced your career path and choices? From early high school, I knew I would go to University and study science. I think I was what one would refer to as a nerd! I loved and excelled at maths, chemistry, and biological science all through high school and into University. I tacked on a commerce degree because it seemed good value – one extra year at uni, a little bit of increased study load, and a whole new stream of options. It paid off.
During my penultimate year at University, I applied for a series of internships and was awarded a 3 month summer internship working for Royal Dutch Shell. I excelled in the project I was given, and afterwards they offered me a graduate role. I had to choose between a role at Shell in Procurement and a PhD in Genetics once I finished my Honours in Genetics. I chose Procurement at Shell: all I knew was that I would be moved to Melbourne, all expenses paid, learn about contracts and negotiation, and travel around the world. I was sold. It launched a very successful early career, including an expatriate role in Canada and New Zealand – before moving into senior management consulting roles in Procurement. I loved the strategic procurement work I did, and the huge influence I could have on an organisations financial and strategic targets – but I missed my passion. My heart sat in the sciences. I gave myself one shot at the GAMSAT, and got in first time around into Medicine at my alma mater (UWA). Being a doctor is a true honour – sitting by a patient’s bedside and knowing how much I can influence their outcomes is a blessing. Now, I am working to find a way to combine my corporate experience and my passion for patients and their clinical journey. This role came around at a time when I was looking to blend the two, just after my second child was born.
Can you describe your current position and responsibilities?
I am the director of procurement at Murdoch and Geraldton. The role was created initially to assist in clinical decision teams – project teams which consist of clinical stakeholders and procurement representation. We leverage the purchasing power of St John of God as a Group, whilst ensuring clinicians use high quality products that meet their needs. The aim is to ensure we realise value across the Group and contribute to the overall clinical and commercial success of the organisation. In reality I do that plus a significant amount of other work across the Hospital, all (usually) somehow related to Procurement. It is an exciting space with a lot of opportunity.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role? Working with the phenomenal Leadership Group at Murdoch is the most rewarding part of my role. I also find it a privilege to work behind the scenes of a complex and large hospital whilst supporting our caregivers to deliver for their patients.
What are some of your most significant accomplishments in your career? Becoming a very senior procurement professional at a very young age. Returning to University and attaining my doctorate of medicine.
Who or what inspires you in your personal and professional life? I have a deep intrinsic drive to leave things behind better than I found them – whether that be
the organisation I work for, my relationships with others, or my garden. (I am very passionate about gardening!). I am also very justice driven and find that my desire for ‘fairness’ inspires my actions. Do you have any role models who have influenced your work or values? Absolutely. I have a few amazing role models I have met around the world who I have accumulated in my inner circle, and I use them as informal mentors or coaches to talk through challenges I may face – whether they are related to leadership style, difficulties I may encounter, or technical skills. Some of these have become my closest friends and make me want to be a better person in my personal and professional life. I am also a huge believer that everyone you meet can teach you something very important – some of those who have influenced my work or values may be those that I don’t agree with. Every person has their value and I try to learn from everyone I encounter.
How do you approach problemsolving and decision-making in your role? I have a natural ability to piece together large amounts of information very rapidly, and an insatiable curiosity to find the answers I don’t know – to everything! (Yes, I am that person who usually has 100 questions and needs to bite their tongue!). When approaching problem solving, I bring that curiosity to the table and start with that. I work to ensure we are addressing the root of the problem and not the symptoms and that options are explored thoroughly before being discounted.
What is your work philosophy? When I was young my philosophy was work hard and never stop asking questions. I worked insane hours out of sheer drive. Although I loved it, it is also a path
to burnout. Now my philosophy is one of work hard but look after myself first. I honour my commitments; sometimes that means I need to work longer than I’d like and sometimes I learn not to overcommit! It is a balance. Having said that, I believe in SJGHC and Murdoch and I would always go above and beyond to support the caregivers, the hospital, and my Executive. But I still ask a lot of questions!
How do you believe your work has made a positive impact on others or your industry? When I was younger I wrote a lot about Procurement, and promoted best practice Procurement. I’ve featured in blogs both in Australia and overseas. I took great pride in converting people’s view on Procurement and to work hard to ensure Procurement had a seat at the C-suite with a strategic voice. As a doctor, I strive to continue to promote excellence; to advocate for patients and colleagues, to do the right thing, and to make a difference to those around me.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work? A better workplace than I left it! Simpler and better processes that help save the organisation money whilst enabling our caregivers to continue providing the excellent care they currently give. I also love working with others and take great pleasure from mentoring others. I’d love to think I helped someone achieve their full potential.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I like a lot of things –one could call me an enthusiast! Being a mum of young children, most of time goes to my family. However, I love writing, reading, photography, travel, learning foreign languages, cooking, gardening, running (especially on
the trails!), backcountry camping, home renovations, motor-biking, martial arts, dancing, singing – the list goes on. Those that know me well would laugh as I genuinely do try to squeeze everything in, in some amount!
How do you find balance between your personal and professional life? Not easily!
What are some valuable lessons you've learned in your career? Sometimes bringing others on the journey is more important than being right. For someone who is very justice focused this can be hard to swallow, and I need to remind myself that there is an element of justice in doing things the right way versus getting the ‘right answer’.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to follow a similar path? I don’t think anyone could or would aspire to follow my path! It is very non-standard, and I am in many ways a jack of all trades and master of none. I never have had a single career goal in mind (such as becoming a specialist in my medical field, or becoming the youngest Chief Procurement Officer in Australia). My first goal was to achieve financial stability and independence which I did in my early 20’s. My goal since then has been tackling tough challenges with a view to making a difference. I find who I work with more important than what I do.
What are your future aspirations and goals in your career? To make a difference in the health sector and maintain my clinical exposure, and to do it whilst surrounding myself with great people.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Claudine! You are amazing!
As a little girl, my mother took me to work with her on her nursing shift in a small country hospital. I loved that in a building where the lights burned bright, day and night, nurses wearing quiet shoes were taking care of people. After 28 years of nursing, the unique role of being able to touch another person’s life is still an honour.
I was a storyteller from a young age, entertaining my five siblings during long car trips with stories, which could last for hours.
Ten years ago, a short story I wrote placed in a local competition. It describes two teenaged girls on a sheep and cattle farm in country New South Wales. The girls: my sister and I, are wrestling merino rams during a thunderstorm to treat them for fly strike. That freezing, wet day, we had two young men from the city bravely assisting us.
I remember feeling terribly selfconscious as I imagined the boys thinking our conduct rough and unfeminine. I found out years later; they admired us.
I dug out that story recently and was reminded of a unique time in Australia’s history.
During the 1980’s, in drought ravaged N.S.W., country life was already tough. When the deadly AIDS virus reached Sydney’s shores in 1982, the environment suddenly intensified. It felt as if we were living inside a pressure cooker.
The perfect setting for a terrible crime.
Pine Creek is my second novel and began as a few notes in January
2022. I was already 50,000 words into another story, but once started, there was no going back. I released Pine Creek July 2023.
‘On a bitter winter’s night in Pine Creek, 1989, central New South Wales, 14-year-old city boy Alec tells his mother a secret before he goes to bed.
It’s the last time she will see him alive.
In the weeks before, forbidden to go near the new neighbours, Sara is watching when Alec is threatened by a stranger, and later, when he meets secretly with someone familiar.
When Alec goes missing, the incidents take on new significance, but in the menacing shadow of her father, Sara knows not to make trouble.
A decade later, the guilt that still plagues her resurfaces when Sara returns to the farm, where she discovers that the darkest secrets lie closest to home.
Gerard McCann, (shortlisted for the Hungerford Award, 2022),
said that Pine Creek, “is written in the tradition of Australian women writers who are not afraid to tell it as they see it. As a driving force, the story is about secrets and the power and chaos they create. Kamille’s writing is sharp and spare, visually rich so that the reader easily inhabits the rooms where the drama unfolds with pace and intensity. Pine Creek is a masterful work of fiction.”
Juggling work with writing, family, and a job in fitness, is challenging. But the versatility and purposefulness of nursing is a vital and grounding force. Work provides welcome contrast to my fictional world and balances the solitude of being an author.
Whenever I walk out of the welllit hospital, I know that people wearing quiet shoes are taking care of others.
I am, and always will be, one of them.
Pine Creek is available on Amazon and will soon be in bookstores.
kamilleroach.com
At the end of July, Emily, Kim, and I ventured out on our first Soup Patrol shift. What an experience! I have been reflecting on the evening and really felt compelled to share our experience and encourage each and every one of you to consider completing your on-boarding and joining the Murdoch team for future shifts.
As you are probably aware, the weather was less than ideal in July. It was cold, windy, and raining for most of our shift. While the majority of society headed to
warm homes and cooked meals, the participants we encountered were braving the conditions in order to receive a warm cup of soup and stock up on any other donations present including food, clothing, and bedding. It was hard to witness what some people face on a daily basis. The participants were incredibly grateful, and I left wishing we could have done more. Our van was absolutely stocked with donations, and by the conclusion of the evening, which involved two Soup Patrol stops and two shelters, all we had left was two empty soup containers.
This gig is more than a cup of soup. It’s soup for the soul, not just to the one's receiving, but equally for the one's providing.
While you contemplate if you feel prompted to pursue this, can I request assistance with the following donations for our next shift which is on the 27th of September:
• Sleeping bags
• Medium/Large Men's jumpers/jackets/coats
• Male toiletries: Soaps/ deodorant/razors
A Murdoch Monthly - AUGUST 2023
was found
If
IS 15 Hospitality Ù Compassion Ù Respect Ù Justice Ù Excellence
St John of God Murdoch Hospital
Acting ManagerQuality & Risk Ireen Villarias has been selected as one of 24 recipients of a scholarship to further her education.
Ireen is using the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education to study a Graduate Diploma of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
“The scholarship will enable me to complete my postgraduate studies and complete courses with a focus on clinical governance, professional role development, management strategies, quality care, and evidence based practice,” she said.
“Higher education enables me to further develop my knowledge, skills and experience in leadership in the safety and quality field.”
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.
Ireen has worked at St John of God Murdoch for the past 12 years, and is passionate about patient safety because she believes it is the cornerstone of high quality care.
“I am passionate about building a culture of safety and facilitating a shared understanding of how each and every individual in our hospital plays a role in ensuring we deliver safe and quality care,” she said.
“I am also a staunch believer in empowering women through education. In my birth country, the Philippines, I have seen first-hand how a lack of access to education, especially in the rural communities, perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
“However, I have also witnessed the transformative effect of how an educated woman can raise their families out of poverty through informed choices, not just in raising a family, but also in overcoming employment segregation and increased political participation.”
Ireen said that her background is what drives her to make the most of opportunities, especially when it comes to education.
“I am committed to developing myself as a leader and as a safety and quality professional,” she said.
“Personally, I also know how privileged I am to even have the option to further my education.
“I carry with me the heritage of my parents who had to overcome the
challenges of being immigrants from a third-world country, and of my grandparents whose mission in life was to provide their children with a university education, despite their poverty and their own lack of higher education.
“Just as importantly, I want to be a role model for my daughters in the pursuit of higher education and in the betterment of oneself.”
She said the most enjoyable part of working in healthcare is the strength and compassion that her colleagues show every day in how they care for patients and each other.
“We have had a very challenging few years in the healthcare industry due to the pandemic and we are still feeling the effects of it. Healthcare workers have shown their incredible resilience through this time and I truly feel privileged to work with them.”
“While it felt like no gift could ever express our gratitude, my husband and I decided a donation would be a lasting gift and will contribute to the amazing job the team will continue to do for thousands of others in the future.”
We are fortunate to have a dedicated community of donors who are kind and compassionate, and just like us, care deeply about excellence in health care, education and research. Every donation from our kind supporters, no matter the size, has the power to change a life.
In the past financial year, St John of God Health Care donors have made some amazing things possible at Murdoch, including:
• An IBD Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Nurse Specialist for Cancer Services, to better support patients and their families
• Gifts of Hope to provide direct financial support to cancer patients who are struggling with the cost of treatment
• St Luke’s Ward balcony refurbishment to create a reflection space for caregivers and patients.
• Group therapy program established to support cancer patients and their carers experiencing spiritual distress
• Caregiver education and training opportunities through the Brogden Bursary and Annette Guthrie Bursary
• State-of-the-art equipment including an Angel Eyes Camera System for babies in the Special Care Nursery, a Chemotherapy Cooling Cap for the Cancer Centre, a BrainLab Cranial Ultrasound Probe for Neurosurgery, and a Portable Ultrasound for IV Cannulation for the Cancer Centre
• Advanced, personalised breast cancer treatments thanks to the Trident HD portable mammogram system and new Magseed technology
• Bringing joy and comfort to patients in Palliative Care, and creating precious memories for them and their families
It is because of the exceptional care, outstanding education programs, and innovative research delivered here at Murdoch that donors are inspired to give. Together, we can support people in our community in their time of greatest need, and shape the future of health care for generations to come.
To find out more about the power of giving, please contact:
Hannah Weir, Philanthropy Manager
St John of God Foundation
P: 0429 928 541
E: hannah.weir@sjog.org.au
Amidst the vibrant halls of our Hospital, a fresh breeze of floral creativity graces us as we warmly welcome the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Ly and Alana, the new owners of Floral Posies.
Coming from a family of florists, Ly and Alana have been in the flower industry for 19 years. In fact, when Ly was 16, on weekends and uni breaks she worked at the St John of God Subiaco Florist and Gift Shop, as well as Mercy Hospital (now St John of God Mount Lawley).
“Being able to come back to the St John of God family has been such a blessing,” Ly said. “We are grateful to have many happy faces dropping in to say hi and welcoming us.”
“We look forward to being a part of this beautiful community and carry on the services that Teresa has had for over the last 25 years. We are determined to be here for the long
haul just like the many of the staff here.”
Ly and Alana both said that being in the flower industry is incredibly rewarding.
“Every time we deliver the flowers to the patients, they are always so happy to see us,” they said.
“We love seeing how much the flowers have lifted people’s spirits and brightened up their day.
“To us, being able to put a smile on someone’s face with the gorgeous blooms makes us love our job. The flowers are always arranged with extra love.”
Floral Posies are open: Weekdays from 9:00am-5:00pm Weekends from 11:30am-4:00pm
Theatre staff rallied on the 28th of July to say a fond farewell to John aka ‘Zippy’ Cipriani as he hung up his scrub cap for retirement. John started with St John of God Murdoch in September 2000, and has worked as a Theatre Orderly for the last 23 years.
Perioperative Services Manager Tony McConnell said that John always has a positive attitude and is willing to help and support his team. “He has the ability to put patients at ease and was well liked. John had good relationships with all the Wards, DPU/ DOSA, and Theatre caregivers. We hope he has a great retirement and he will be sorely missed,” he added.
All the best for your retirement, John!
Caregivers will receive a 10% discount. They also offer FREE same day delivery for patients inside St John of God Murdoch Hospital. Flowers and gifts can also be ordered from their website.
Email: floralposiesmurdoch@gmail.com
Phone: 0413 996 703
Website: www.floralposies.com
Instagram: @floral.posies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/floralposies
On Friday 4 August, Murdoch celebrated “Am I OK Day”a day when caregivers are encouraged to ask themselves that very important question, fill their own cups, be honest with themselves, and to seek help and support if they need it.
The day is all about helping yourself before you can help others. Caregivers were treated to roving stretches from our OSH department, yoga, coffee, massages, a visit from our Employee Assistance Program service and mindful colouring in.
Thank you to Maxxia and Medibank for coming out and sponsoring the day!
On Friday 28 July, caregivers rallied for a surprise farewell for Teresa & Kelsie. We wish them both all the best for their future adventures!
Yeehaw! The Dust & Diamonds Murdoch Ball is hot on our heels! Dust off your boots and be dazzled by some of the promo videos!
https://bit.ly/murdoch-ball-promo-1
https://bit.ly/murdoch-ball-promo-2
https://bit.ly/murdoch-ball-promo-3
Ben & SJ are giving away six tickets (three pairs) to those who would otherwise not be able to join in the fun.
