September2023
Sparkle at the Dust & Diamonds Ball
BILL DALGLIESH –VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT! page 13
ANNOUNCING THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS THEME! page 18
FROM PLACEMENT TO PERMANENCE! KAYLEA’S GRADUATE STORY
page 19
CAREGIVER NEWS FROM ST JOHN OF GOD MURDOCH HOSPITAL
all that you do in the Festival of Thanks from 12-19 October. This is a week of treats from us to you, to say thank you for all your hard work this year and always. Check out the planned events below. Thank you to all of you for the hard work that you do every single day. It is appreciated by us and mostly importantly, by our patients. I hope you all enjoy the week of festivities.
cancer. HMC will be running a quiz during the week and the department who guesses the most answers correctly will receive a donation to their chosen charity.
For more information on the week’s events, check out page 28.
Thank you to all caregivers for your continual commitment this month and always to the care of our patients.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Dust and Diamonds Murdoch Ball for a night of western elegance. I hope you all had a wonderful time! It was really great to see everyone and to get up and have a bit of a boot scoot! It was also lovely to witness the generosity of Murdoch Caregivers as we raised over $10k for our Charity of the Year. Planning has already started for the 2024 Ball, and I look forward to many more to come!
Foundation Day is coming up on 7 October. It is on this day we acknowledge, recognise, and celebrate the foundation of the Order of St John of God, established in 1871. We remember the over 150 years of remarkable work that the Sisters of St John of God achieved across three continents, including here in Australia where they established St John of God Health Care.
This year, we will be celebrating Foundation Day on 10 October. It is a day to reflect on the organisation’s Christian origins and honour the bravery, courage, commitment, and innovation of the founding Sisters. Check out page 29 for how we are celebrating Foundation Day.
The Murdoch Leadership team is excited to celebrate you and
This year, Murdoch is celebrating Cancer Awareness Week from 23 - 29 October to raise awareness and support for all types of
Ben Irish�� YOGA SESSION 9.30am-10.30am YOGHURT BOWLS 9.00am-11.00AM CAREGIVER DINING ROOM AND COURTYARD
TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER - TAKE A MOMENT TUESDAY Roaming Massage Therapist Ward visits
WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER – WELL DONE WEDNESDAY ICE CREAM VAN CAREGIVER COURTYARD 11.ooam-2.00pm
THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER –THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY CAREGIVER LUNCH SERVED BY YOUR MANAGERS WITH LIVE MUSIC 11.30am-1.30pm Burgers and hot jam donuts in the caregiver courtyard
Thank you to GenesisCare and Epic Pharmacy for their support of the Festival of Thanks.
Our twelve caregivers of the months as well as two sneaky stand ins!
This theme comes from of our Christian scriptures where we are challenged to be like “good stewards… Serving one another with whatever gift each of us has received.” I Peter 4:10.
I am reminded of the first early Sisters who travelled across the world to look after the sick and vulnerable because they knew their compassionate care would make a difference to the lives of others.
We will soon be celebrating Foundation Day, when we pause to remember with gratitude the amazing work of the Sisters of St John of God. Our theme for this year reminds us of our responsibility to follow in their footsteps – being ‘Stewards of Service’ to those for whom we are entrusted to care.
Their desire to be stewards of service and follow the convictions of their faith created what is today, our well established and respected healthcare organisation. Our hospital like others in our group, is built on the generous sharing of our professional gifts and skills in the service of others. In order for our patients to be cared for completely each of us need to share openly our diverse skills and abilities. Our differences, when integrated
Nominated by a patient
“In April of 2021 I had a knee replacement. After a couple of days of being in terrible pain, Del came and organised scans of my stomach to find I had an abscess in my bowel which had burst. I then had to have emergency surgery. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Del, I wouldn’t be here. After I came out of ICU, Del came to see how I was going and to reassure me about my recovery. Fast forward to November 2022 I was back for another knee replacement and Del was there also, to greet me and to see me leave after four days. I will always be very grateful to her for her care during this difficult time.”
enable us to provide the best patient care possible. Our own individual strengths and competencies are not sufficient to provide care to others. It is in the sharing, the collaboration, the interdependence that we become true Stewards of Service.
This Foundation Day, let us celebrate the unique gifts we offer, that when shared generously and with intention enable us to live out our mission and values. May we, like the early trail blazing Sisters, be courageous and bold in our service to others as we offer hospitality, respect, compassion, justice and excellence to all those entrusted to our care.
Happy Foundation Day, Murdoch.
Jenni AshtonOn 16 September, Murdoch Caregivers mustered at the Crown Ballroom for our annual Murdoch Ball.
The night of western elegance was enjoyed by all, with dazzling entertainment, delicious food, and daring dressups at the ‘Dust & Diamonds’ themed event.
Our generous Murdoch family raised over $10k for our Charity of the Year.
You can see photos from the night here: https://bit.ly/2023-Murdoch-Ball-Photos
Password: Sheriff (password is case sensitive)
You can also watch the video from the night by clicking or following the link: https://bit.ly/2023-Murdoch-Ball-Video
Comment 1: ST JOSEPH WARD
It was a very professional, efficient, and caring environment.
Comment 2: ST LUKE WARD
The staff, including the friendly, attentive, and caring registered nurses (RNs), as well as all others working there, contributed to the positive atmosphere.
Comment 3: NORTH WING 2ND FLOOR
I have the pleasure of being assisted by a team of friendly and efficient staff who made me feel comfortable throughout my procedures.
We are excited to have welcomed 20 new Graduate Nurses to Murdoch as they begin their healthcare careers. Over the next year, each nurse will complete rotations across a range of specialties and be mentored by our Learning & Development team, Hospital Leadership, and the nursing team on the floor.
A big welcome to our 2023 Grads, we can't wait to watch you thrive!
As most of us are aware, there is a significant gap between the health status of Indigenous and nonIndigenous people in Australia, and Aboriginal children have some of the highest levels of preventable diseases in the world. Through your generous fundraising for the Charity of the Year we continue to make an impact in improving these outcomes.
Over the past few years through our Charity of the Year, we have been partnering with George Sim and Telethon kids to support the Djaalinj Waakinj Ear Health program that enables young children to undergo ENT surgery free of charge. This means children can have surgical intervention in a timely way so that their educational and developmental needs are addressed. Over the past few years, 50 children have had their hearing restored through this program.
We are pleased to advise that we have signed an extension of our collaborative agreement with George Sim and Telethon kids, and our support of this program will continue for another three
In addition to this support, this year, we are also able to help George Sim provide ENT surgery to a number of Kalgoorlie children who are unable to be cared for in Kalgoorlie. The first of these children was admitted last week and thanks to the efforts of the wonderful St Michael ward, our Admissions team and other support caregivers, everything went smoothly. We anticipate approximately 10 to 15 Kalgoorlie children will be admitted over the next few months.
Due to your amazing generosity and support from the St John of God Community Responsibility fund, we have been able to explore other ways of responding to the healthcare needs of Aboriginal children. We have the opportunity to be part of an exciting new venture with a grass roots Aboriginal organisation called Binar Futures.
Through their basketball camps, Binar work with up to 200 children from regional areas at least four times a year, as well as a significant number (25+) of teams in the metropolitan area. Binar have invited us to provide a donation for the establishment of pilot healthcare embassy, where Aboriginal
checks and assessments. There would be four health stations set up on the spare basketball court of the tournament, each servicing a different healthcare need and providing interactive health promotion for the children. Areas addressed will include vaccination, lung health, kidney disease, diabetes, ENT testing, and psychosocial risk assessment.
Our donation would cover the required medical and nursing personnel, medical equipment, and fulfilling logistical requirements. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for nursing caregivers and junior doctors from Murdoch to attend the camp and provide primary healthcare assistance as outlined above. This is an exciting opportunity which helps to address the healthcare needs of Aboriginal children in a way that is relevant and appropriate to the communities in which they live.
If you are interested in being part of this pilot program to provide Primary Health Assessments, please respond to the Expression of Interest advertisement that will be distributed soon.
St Emilie Ward celebrated their >80 NPS score from June and July with Dining Room Vouchers and Coffee & Cookies for the team. A patient commented, “The standard of care was high, and the nurses were absolutely lovely.”
Well done, St Emilie Ward!
After HMC recently endorsed the proposal to utilise Famcare as a measure for patient and family experience in Hospice, they received their first recognition team reward of Caregiver Dining Room Vouchers for the excellent patient service they provide. Congratulations to Hospice for their outstanding results in their most recent survey.
Absolutely fantastic, Hospice!
ICU/CCU chose to celebrate their exception NPS score with Caregiver Dining Room Vouchers. One patient commented, “Excellent care by all nurses and doctors involved. I felt I was in safe hands throughout my stay.”
Incredible work, ICU/CCU!
St Mary Ward celebrated their >80 NPS score with Pizza and Doughnuts! “Throughout my time at St. Mary's, the warm staff, consistent care, and serene atmosphere created a reassuring experience. The midwives' kindness and assistance were outstanding,” one patient said.
Remarkable effort, St Mary Ward!
St Francis received >80 NPS scores for June and July and chose to celebrate with Dining Room Vouchers and a $400 donation to Djaalinj Waakinj. One patient praised the ward by saying, “The nurses were excellent, understanding, and helpful. Everyone at St. Francis was kind and respectful.”
Amazing work, St Francis!
Endoscopy selected Dining Room Vouchers to celebrate their >80 NPS score for July. A patient said, “The Endoscopy ward service was excellent. Friendly, professional staff ensured a safe and caring stay.”
Awesome job, Endoscopy!
St Catherine Ward chose to celebrate their >80 NPS score with Coffee & Cookies for the team. “First experience at SJOG, and St. Catherine's Ward was the best choice. Great care, service, and teamwork from doctors and nursing staff,” a patient commented.
Incredible effort, St Catherine Ward!
Day Procedure Unit received >80 NPS scores for June and July, and selected Dining Room Vouchers and a Lucky Dip for the whole team. One patient said, “All staff in the Day Procedure Unit ward were amazing, maintaining their friendliness and smiles even during busy times.”
Wonderful work, DPU!
Second Floor North Wing celebrated their >80 NPS score for July with Coffee & Cookies for the team. “I received professional and well-rounded care from the excellent nurses and staff, leaving me well looked after,” one patient said.
Fabulous effort, Second Floor!
Surgicentre chose to celebrate with Coffee & Cookies for the team for their >80 NPS score for July. One patient remarked, “The initial encounter with the first person at the door set a positive tone, and everything proceeded smoothly from that point onwards. The friendly demeanour of the staff made it feel as though we were old friends.”
Excellent job, Surgicentre!
Cancer Centre received very impressive >80 NPS scores for June and July and chose to celebrate with Pizza & Doughnuts, and paid one of their rewards forward to Patient Admin. One patient commented, “The service quality is consistently excellent. They never lose focus and are always ready to assist.”
Tremendous effort, Cancer Centre!
Patient Admin received Pizza & Doughnuts after Cancer Centre paid their reward forward.
Congratulations, Patient Admin!
St Francis Ward
Patient Admin
St Emilie Ward
Surgicentre
Second Floor North WIng
Endoscopy
ICU
Cancer Centre
St Mary Ward
Hospice
St Catherine Ward
On 23 August, St Rose Ward celebrated their feast day for St Rose of Lima, who advocated for the poor in Lima and was the first saint of South America.
Hospice celebrated St Teresa of Kolkata on 4 September, who looked after the sick, poor, and dying.
On 14 September, the Medical Clinics celebrated their feast day for St Elizabeth Anne Seton, who was an educator, teacher, and is the Patron Saint of Grief.
The Surgicentre’s feast day was 23 September, when they celebrated St Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio). He had a strong connection with the sick and suffering, and urged for the building of a hospital in his community.
On September 26, Theatre celebrated their Feast Day for St Cosmos and Damian, who were twin brothers who practised medicine and surgery and become the Patron Saints of Physicians, Surgeons, and Pharmacists.
St Rose Ward Medical Clinics TheatreHave you seen the amazing Length of Service prints displayed in the corridor outside of MURTEC?
Bill Dalgliesh’s smiling face is renowned throughout St John of God Murdoch, radiating warmth and comfort to all who encounter it. He has made an unforgettable mark on St John of God Murdoch Hospital over the last 24 years, starting his journey of care and compassion in 1999 as a Lolly Dolly volunteer.
Throughout his tenure, Bill's commitment and leadership qualities became evident, leading him to the position of Former Volunteer President (chairperson). This role exemplified his exceptional dedication, and he has become a beloved VIP within the Hospital community.
Bill's tenure witnessed the implementation of several ground-breaking initiatives funded by volunteers under his stewardship. Notably, he oversaw the establishment of a new gift shop with an investment of $15,000, a significant refurbishment of ward meeting rooms valued at $35,000, and the
procurement of $21,000 worth of new wheelchairs, enhancing the comfort and experience of patients.
Furthermore, his relentless efforts have resulted in substantial donations of $130,000 to the St John of God Foundation, supporting vital medical research and initiatives. Bill’s enduring legacy can also be seen in the $40,000 fabric murals, now prominently displayed in the
entrance to the Wexford Centre, complete with glass covering, bringing art and warmth to Murdoch’s atmosphere.
Bill Dalgliesh's dedication, leadership, and contributions have undeniably enriched the lives of countless individuals within the Murdoch community and beyond.
Thank you for all that you do, Bill!
September 17 was World Patient Safety Day. This year, the focus is engaging patients and families as partners in safe care.
Patient safety and hand hygiene are a huge focus here at St John of God Murdoch. In every room and on every ward, we promote the message that “It’s OK to ask if I have cleaned my hands” to empower patients to speak up and feel safe and involved in their care throughout their stay.
Other ways we empower patients to be actively involved is by keeping them updated about their plan of care at handover and through patient
whiteboards, providing them information on their rights and responsibilities based on the Australian Charter of Health Care Rights, informing on how they can provide feedback, and having a Consumer Participation Framework and consumer participation in hospital activities.
When patients are treated as partners, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes.
In anticipation of National Waffle Day on 24 August, Caregivers celebrated Waffle Wednesday on the 23rd and raised over $700 for Djaalinj Waakinj. Thanks to our Catering department for the yummy treat!
On 14 September, Murdoch celebrated R U OK? Day, an annual reminder to each of us to reach out and start a conversation with colleagues, friends, and family.
Caregivers at Murdoch celebrated the day with "cupcakes and a chat" to encourage them to stay connected and have those meaningful conversations.
Staying connected and having meaningful conversations is something we can all do and could potentially change or save a life. You don't need to be an expert - just a good friend and a great listener. So if you notice someone might be struggling, follow these four steps:
1. Ask “R U OK?”
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in
It's OK not to be OK. Please remember that help and support is always available to you from our Employee Assistance Program if you need it. Visit https://bit.ly/SJGMH_EAP or call Converge on 1300 687 327.
Health Information Services and Clinical Documentation Specialists held an epic plant sale on 31 August and raised a whopping $1300 for our Charity of the Year! Incredible effort, team!
Suzie and the team in DPU held a Father’s Day Raffle in September and raised an impressive $550 for our Charity of the Year! Congratulations to the winners, and well done to DPU!
On Tuesday 29 August, Sunny celebrated a year of being our favourite furgiver. Happy Workiversary, Sunny! You are the best friend we could ask for!
Tuesday 19 September was Dietitians Day!
Dietitians are accredited health professionals who apply evidence based guidelines to treat dietary and nutritional problems to improve health and quality of life. They provide individualised and personalised dietary advice to patients, family and carers.
Dietitians work in wide range of settings such as hospital, community, public health, food service, food industry, and academic institutions.
One of the most important roles in dietetics is prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malnutrition.
Malnutrition is prevalent in up to 40% of hospital patients. Malnutrition leads to poor patient outcomes by increasing incidence of pressure injuries, falls, impaired wound healing and an increased length of stay in hospital.
You can help us prevent malnutrition in our hospital patients by taking these simple steps:
• Complete malnutrition screening within 24 hours of admission and rescreen patients after 7 days or if their clinical condition changes. If the score is 2 or more refer to a dietitian.
• Weigh the patient on admission and at least once a week.
• Refer to dietitian if you are concerned about a patient’s nutritional intake/status.
To celebrate Dietitians Day, check out some recipes recommended by our Dieticians: Recipes | Dietitians Australia
Professor Allan Wang recently won “Best Oral Presentation Award” when he attended the 15th International Congress on Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Rome, Italy. His presentation was entitled “Patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy have improved clinical outcomes when randomised to autologous tenocyte injection compared to corticosteroid injection”.
The study showed that using the patient’s own tendon cells to help repair injured tissue, may result in better outcomes than conventional care cortisone injection.
Professor Wang said there were over 400 podium presentations and 1000 posters, so it was a big meeting!
Congratulations, Professor Wang!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer's day, Oh!
This year, let’s go bush and celebrate a truly Australian Christmas! The theme gives departments the opportunities to showcase all the beauty of the Australian bush and what it means to have a White Christmas… at the beach.
Criteria for this years’ Christmas Decoration Competition:
• Teamwork and creativity that comes together with a great visual effect
• Materials that have been recycled/repurposed/selfmade
• Interpretations of the theme that get people smiling, bring a sense of joy, and are also consistent with our mission and values.
Judging will take place on 5 December.
Registered Nurse Kaylea Piotrowski was the first undergraduate student to complete the Graduate partnership program through Murdoch University, which saw her complete the majority of her student placements at St John of God Murdoch.
Having commenced and now working on St Elizabeth Ward, Kaylea tells her story about how she went from placement to permanency through the program and what she found most beneficial about the partnership opportunity.
The Murdoch University partnership placement program was a unique opportunity offered to my cohort during my second year of nursing studies at Murdoch University. This program allowed a select few students to complete their placements within St John of God Murdoch across multiple specialties, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.
I liked the idea of the continuity and stability that St John of God was offering, combined with their commitment to their core values. I also had some amazing lecturers at Murdoch University, who are caregivers at St John of God Murdoch, and their passion, knowledge and expertise was inspiring.
The best thing about completing the majority of my placements at Murdoch was the stability and continuity, especially studying throughout the COVID-19
pandemic. Being familiar with the hospital, and the St John of God Murdoch documentation and processes allowed me to focus on making the most of my placements each time.
I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to participate in this partnership. This opportunity allowed me to experience the ‘Murdoch culture’, and I knew from day one that this was where I was supposed to be. The culture at St John of God Murdoch is like no other.
The exposure and experience from the program has been invaluable. Everyone warns
you the transition from student to registered nurse is challenging, and being familiar with St John of God Murdoch made this transition feel less overwhelming. I am now in my first year of the St John of God graduate nursing program, and I love it!
To those who have an interest in pursuing nursing, it’s never too late. As a mature aged student, I only wish I had started sooner. I highly recommend the partnership, especially if you plan to continue a career with St John of God Health Care.
In the world of pain management, one name shines brightly—Professor Krishna Boddu. Professor Boddu has emerged as a shining star in the realm of pain management, capturing attention with his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to his craft. Through his remarkable efforts, he has become a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with chronic pain, with his expertise transforming lives in ways that resonate deeply.
One of the most compelling narratives in Prof. Boddu’s journey is the story of Michael, a 71-year-old man whose life took an extraordinary turn thanks to Prof. Boddu’s expertise. Michael’s ordeal began after undergoing a critical open aortic aneurysm repair procedure, which left him tormented by excruciating post-surgical pain for nearly two years. This pain disrupted his sleep and hindered his ability to engage with his grandchildren, eroding his quality of life.
Michael’s search for relief led him down various paths, seeking help from different doctors and undergoing prescribed treatments, but his agony persisted. Even mental health professionals attributed his pain to psychological factors. Frustrated and desperate, Michael found himself contemplating euthanasia multiple times, believing it to be his only escape from the ceaseless misery.
A fortunate twist of fate led Michael to consult the surgeon who had performed his initial procedure. This surgeon recognised the severity of Michael’s situation and referred him to the expertise of Professor Krishna Boddu, a name synonymous with managing chronic pain. Prof. Boddu’s meticulous assessment and examination of Michael’s case led to a breakthrough. He identified pain epicentres within Michael’s abdomen and conducted an ultrasound examination, revealing the entrapment of tiny nerves within scar tissue.
With innovation at the forefront, Prof. Boddu employed an ingenious technique called “hydro dissection” to liberate the trapped nerves. Remarkably, this intervention, lasting just 15 minutes, resulted in complete relief from Michael’s pain, eliminating the need for pain medications. However, Prof. Boddu’s approach extended beyond the procedure, and he recommended specific stretching exercises to prevent the reentrapment of nerves over the following six weeks.
Eager to share his transformative experience, Michael recounted his journey at a Royal Perth Hospital meeting, aiming to raise awareness about nerve entrapment syndromes. This
highlights the critical need to recognise these syndromes in chronic pain diagnoses, as they are often misdiagnosed as psychosomatic conditions or drug-seeking behaviour. Prof. Boddu, fully supportive of Michael’s advocacy, emphasised the imperative to shift the diagnostic paradigm for nerve entrapment syndromes.
Michael’s story is a testament to the value of solutions for chronic pain and underscores the potential for renewed hope, even when all seems lost. However, he is just one success story of many who’s life has been changed thanks to Prof. Boddu. By creating awareness about nerve entrapment syndromes, lives can be transformed, allowing people to regain their quality of life and preserve essential aspects like relationships, careers, and education.
As a specialist anaesthetist, Prof. Boddu possesses a diverse
It is great to see everyone making a conscious effort to recycle throughout the Hospital, which increasingly makes a huge different to the amount of waste going to landfill. This also reduces the likelihood of missed opportunities to do our part reducing.
A recent flag has been on sterile wrap contamination which has been reported from our waste contractor –please remember that only clean sterile wrap and disposable bedscreens are permitted in these bins
Do you know that kidney bowls are compostable and therefore are to be placed in the general waste bin?
Please note: do not tie off plastic bags containing recyclable waste as this will be taken out of the recycling waste stream and will go to landfill
Coffee cups are general waste (not organics or recycling) –housekeeping will be looking into further solutions to recycle. But remember to bring your own cup to help the environment!
Thank you for your continued support!
skill set and a profound passion for his work. His expertise lies in areas including nerve entrapment syndromes, abdominal pain syndromes, and musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
What sets Prof. Boddu apart is his unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of pain rather than merely
masking them with temporary solutions. His holistic approach to pain management finds its embodiment in the story of Michael, a poignant example of Prof. Boddu’s ability to identify and address pain at its core.
Looking ahead, it’s evident that Professor Krishna Boddu’s unwavering commitment to pain medicine will continue
to sow seeds of hope, relief, and transformative change in countless lives.
“On one side, I feel happy that I am able to treat these patients successfully,” he said. “But on the other side, I feel that we need to bring a paradigm shift to improve the diagnosis of nerve entrapment syndromes.”
www.stopmypain.com.au
Murdoch celebrated Speech Pathology Week from 2026 August. This year, it also marked over a year of Murdoch having an inhouse speech pathology service, which means no out-of-pocket expenses for inpatients. During the week, Leanne Chidgzey and the team raised awareness for speech pathology by sharing chocolate lips with the wards with little fun facts on them.
Speech Pathologists work with speech, language, voice and swallowing impairments, and can work with non-verbal communication.
Here at St John of God Murdoch, a large percentage of our referrals are for inpatients who have difficulty swallowing. This could be following stroke, due to neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, from the effects of cancer treatment, or related to head and neck surgery. We may also be involved in speech, language communication, and voice therapy for these patients.
We conduct a thorough assessment and treat or manage the patient as appropriate and as per patient goals. We collaborate with the doctors and specialists, and consult other members of the Allied Health team where needed.
During Speech Pathology Week, we are raising awareness for the important role Speech Pathologists have in rehabilitation and communication.
If your ability to communicate has been impacted by illness or injury, speech therapy may help in your recovery.
The service at Murdoch is available across weekday mornings. We accept our referrals via WebPas and it is a good idea to also phone through urgent referrals on 0460 345 490.
On Monday 18 September, St Rose Thrive Council launched their ‘Answer the call in under 4’ initiative in a blaze of glory.
The goal of the project is to reduce call bell wait times on St Rose Ward, and in effect, improve patient satisfaction and support patient safety.
All St John of God Murdoch caregivers who visit St Rose ward are encouraged to answer call bells if passing a ward room, help the patient if they are able and in scope of practice (e.g. open blinds), or find a St Rose caregiver to help the patient with their request.
Congratulations on a successful launch, St Rose Superheroes!
• Answer call bells promptly
• Encourage all Caregivers to answer the call bell if passing a ward room
• Help the patient with their request if able
• Find a St Rose Caregiver to help the patient if you are unable to help with their request
Answering call bells promptly reduces falls and improves patient experience.
Thank you for participating!
ANSWER THE CALL IN UNDER 4!
respond to issues that arise in this vulnerable group of patients, and this newly created nurse role provides an opportunity to improve service delivery and patient experience at St John of God Murdoch Hospital and in the local community.
a real difference to the lives of so many families. We are so grateful to the McCusker Charitable Foundation for their generosity and compassion for patients living with IBD.”
Thanks to a generous philanthropic commitment from the McCusker Charitable Foundation, a Clinical Nurse Specialist position has been established at St John of God Murdoch Hospital to support patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).
IBD affects approximately 1 in 250 Australians, and prevalence and severity of the diseases are increasing. Patients often require lifelong immunosuppressive medications, and a significant number also require surgery at least once in their lifetime. Due to the increasing complexity of managing these chronic diseases, it is almost impossible for a gastroenterologist alone to provide the support that is required to people with IBD.
There is a constant need to
Dr Oliver Waters, Gastroenterologist at St John of God Health Care, believes the specialist nurse will help patients to more easily navigate the complex treatment journey, access therapies sooner, and therefore achieve better health outcomes.
“Unfortunately, many IBD patients currently do not have appropriate access to effective and proven therapies. An IBD clinical nurse is a significant step towards solving this problem and will provide the ongoing support that patients desperately require,” said Dr Waters.
St John of God Foundation CEO Bianca Pietralla said the impact of the McCusker Charitable Foundation’s gift will be felt by many WA families.
“It’s a life-long journey for IBD patients from diagnosis, through to treatment, and the ongoing management of symptoms in their day-to-day lives,” said Bianca.
“This crucial position will act as a bridge that links patients and their treatments, and make
Following a competitive recruitment process, St John of God Murdoch Hospital has appointed a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ashlee Freeburn, to the McCusker IBD Clinical Nurse Specialist position, named in honour of the family.
The role will be reviewed at the end of a 2 year pilot, with the ultimate goal of continuing to provide vital support to IBD patients and their families for years to come.
To find out more about the power of giving, please contact:
Hannah Weir, Philanthropy ManagerSt John of God Foundation
P: 0429 928 541
E: hannah.weir@sjog.org.au
“Emergency nursing is great. It’s like a mixed bag of lollies. You never know what you are going to get and you see something different every day. It is never boring and there is always something new and interesting to learn,” she said.
“I spent 10 years in ED at St John of God Murdoch as an RN and CN, so the caregivers and doctors are like family to me.
“It was only natural once I took on more leadership roles that I found my way back to ED, which is my original home here at Murdoch.
After working as an Emergency Nurse and making the jump to Duty Nurse Manager, Jessica Hawke has been appointed as Nurse Manager of Emergency Department after recently acting in the position.
“I love the team and have a passion for leading, so I have the best of both worlds now.”
The Murdoch Emergency Department is currently undergoing a redesign, which will give a fresh look to the area and include an expansion and refurbishment of the waiting area, a new triage area, admissions space,
and examination rooms, and a revamped and extended ‘Flight Deck’ clinical control zone.
“The ED redesign couldn’t have come at a better time,” Jess said. “The rest of the hospital is so beautiful and poor ED was looking a little tired in comparison.
“The facelift will not only improve the look of the Emergency Department, it will also improve its functionality for both staff and patients.”
To aspiring leaders in nursing, Jess has some fantastic advice: “To lead from the heart, remain humble, and be authentic.”
“These are the qualities I admire most in the leaders that have inspired me throughout my career and during my leadership journey.”
Congratulations, Jess! Murdoch ED is lucky to have you!
Elouise O’Donnell has been appointed as Nurse Manager of the St Michael Ward, having most recently been acting in the role.
Q: What do you love most about nursing?
A: I love the fact I get to meet new people every day and have a small impact on their life journey. It is so special to be able to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable and be able to follow their journey until they discharge.
Q: Something many of us may not know about you?
A: I have wanted to be a nurse from the age of 13 when I was a patient at PMH!
Q: Netflix or novel –which do you prefer? Any recommendations?
A: I am a Netflix girl!! I love watching TV series such as Brooklyn 99 and Bridgerton.
Q: Emoji that best represents you?
A:
Q: If you weren’t a nurse, you would be…?
A: My mum is a hairdresser and I think I would’ve followed her footsteps and become a hairdresser.
Q: Greatest piece of advice for nursing colleagues?
A: Trust your nursing instincts, it is always right. Also, remember too see every patient for the person that they are, everybody deserves to be seen and cared for when they are most vulnerable.
Vanessa Larsen-August has been appointed as Nurse Manager of Endoscopy, having most recently been acting in the role.
Q: What do you love most about nursing?
A: The contact with people. Helping in times of crisis when you make eye contact with a person who is afraid and tell them “We will take care of you” and you can see the relief in their face that you are there for them. Especially with people who are normally the ones who don’t need anyone taking care of them.
Q: Something many of us may not know about you?
A: I love gardening? Should have shares in Bunnings as I spend a lot of time / money there!
Q: Netflix or novel –which do you prefer? Any recommendations?
A: Netflix. Stupidly watched Hijack just before going on a long haul flight.
Q: Emoji that best represents you?
A: I usually need the laugh emoji at the end of a text to indicate that I am joking. Not everyone gets my sarcasm.
Q: If you weren’t a nurse, you would be…?
A: An interior designer. I would swan around in high heels and fancy clothes with my nails painted. Carrying swatches and telling people what colour to paint their walls. Only high end clients of course. I would be rich, really just doing this for my entertainment. Or maybe flip houses, again only really nice ones that I make a massive profit from.
Q: Greatest piece of advice for nursing colleagues?
A: It will be fine. It always is.
Part of next year’s celebrations will include an exhibition, telling Murdoch’s story over the past 30 years and beyond.
We are seeking photographs, items and stories from our community for possible inclusion in the exhibition. So, if you have anything stashed away in a cupboard, attic or photo album that might help us tell Murdoch’s story, we would love to hear from you.
We are particularly looking for items from the early years of the hospital, such as:
• Uniforms and badges
• Photographs of caregivers in action – caring for patients, working in our various departments and so on
• Clinical instruments, medical equipment etc.
• Items from Commissioning and other ceremonies (e.g. certificates, badges)
• Crockery and cutlery
• Murdoch newsletters, brochures and other printed materials
If you worked at SJG Rivervale Hospital or St Joseph’s Hospital in Bicton, we are particularly interested in uniforms, items and photographs that you may have.
There are two options when offering items for the 30 Year Anniversary exhibition.
While St John of God Health Care has an extensive Heritage Collection, we have very few items representing the history and heritage of Murdoch. We encourage you to consider donating your items so we can continue telling Murdoch’s history into the future.
In regards to hard copy photographs, you can either (i) donate the printed photograph; or (ii) allow the photograph to be professionally scanned by the Heritage Team and returned to you The digital copy will be held in the Heritage Collection.
The Group Manager History & Heritage Jacqui Sherriff will liaise with you regarding donations.
If you would like to keep your item, but still contribute to our celebrations, we can arrange a short-term loan. This means your items will be returned to you after the exhibition is taken down. Reflection and Testimonials
We would also love to get some testimonials from caregivers who wish to say something about the hospital over the years. We are hoping for some wonderful quotes on different aspects of the hospital, which can be included in the exhibition.
If you are unsure whether your item would be suitable, please still reach out and we will let you know!
If you would like to donate an item or make a testimonial, please contact:
Email: Murdoch.Anniversary30@sjog.org.au
Call: 9428 8645 (Matilda Hayward)
2.
Raising awareness and support for all types of cancer
OCTOBER 23 - 29
All Caregivers are invited to dress in the colour associated with the cancer they specialise in or have a personal connection to for the week.
Caregivers are encouraged to decorate their wards and departments in the vibrant colours representing the specific cancer that affects their area and make an educational poster or display to raise awareness.
FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER
Located in Function Rooms 11:30am - 2:00pm
All caregivers welcome to pop in!
All proceeds from any raffles held will go to the cancer charity of your choice - chat to your manager!
Tuesday 10 October 2023
“Likegoodstewards…serveone anotherwithwhatevergifteach ofyouhasreceived.”
1 Peter 4:10
Coffee Van by the lake 6:00am - 3:00pm
For large orders, please call Ferns (88774) or Fontenays (89175)
Caregiver Lunch in the dining room 11:30am - 1:30pm
Minimum $2 donation to our Charity of the Year. EFTPOS available.
Mass & Commissioning Ceremony 2:30pm - 3:30pm In the Hospital Chapel.
A yoga class where you can move at your own pace and gradually increase your strength and stability. Lycra not essential
Morning classes conveniently located onsite @ St John of God Murdoch, with the flexibility (excuse the pun) to attend in-person, live & online on your rostered days off, or completely online. So your weekly yoga practice doesn't have to stop!
Classes will run with School Term Dates
Options to attend casual or book a Term Pass