CAREGIVER NEWS FROM ST JOHN OF GOD MURDOCH HOSPITAL
Compassion, sensitivity, support –celebrating our 2023 Caregiver of the Year, Belinda Hill Page 7
CELEBRATING ST JOHN OF GOD DAY page 8
THE EASTER BUNNY VISITS MURDOCH page 9
LEADERSHIP DUO ANNOUNCED FOR ORTHONOVA page 10
Welcome to the April Murdoch Monthly.
I hope you all enjoyed the Easter break, and to those who worked, thank you. March has been a whirlwind of accomplishments and significant strides at Murdoch. I am immensely proud to celebrate the following highlights:
Caregiver of the Year: Congratulations to Belinda Hill from Pastoral Services for being recognised as our Caregiver of the Year for 2023. Belinda’s dedication and commitment to excellence truly exemplify the core values we hold dear.
Charity of the Year: I am delighted to share that our caregivers will again support Binar Futures by hosting another Health Embassy during this school holidays. This time, we’ll participate in the South West Djeran Basketball Carnival in Bunbury. It’s heartwarming to witness our team’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
Redevelopment updates: Our efforts to enhance our facilities continue to progress steadily. I’m pleased to report that the
Endoscopy works have been successfully completed and are underway. Refurbishing our Emergency Department is also in progress, marking a significant step forward as we move to the next stage of enhancing our patient waiting area.
Recognition of Excellence: Congratulations to everyone as we celebrate a hospital NPS score of above 80 for February. Your dedication to delivering exceptional care is truly commendable. I look forward to sharing more about how we’ll celebrate your achievement soon.
Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication and commitment to looking after our patients and each other. I wish you a wonderful month ahead.
BenOn Friday 1 March, Sister Eugenia Brennan returned to Murdoch to visit with two Murdoch pioneer Sisters, Sister Teresina Connolly and Sister Vitalis Kilroy.
Sister Teresina Connolly was Murdoch Medical Clinic’s first manager and was at Murdoch since before it opened.
Sister Vitalis Kilroy is a midwife who was the community visiting nurse for discharged mothers and babies. On her visit here, she popped up to see her fellow midwives on the St Mary ward.
All three Sisters had a wonderful time hosted by Ben and SarahJayne.
We look forward to more visits throughout the year!
Our twelve caregivers of the months as well as two sneaky stand ins!
As I reflected on our recent Caregiver of the Year announcement, I was reminded of this quote:
“It’s precisely the people who are considered the least “likely” leaders who inspire others the most. Everyday people and everyday acts of courage eventually change everything.”
By Ai-Jen PooAs I reflected on the nominations of the caregivers, I was reminded of how often caregivers go out of their way to show kindness, care, and compassion throughout the days and nights in our hospital. A hot cup of tea, a reassuring word, an emergency procedure,
a clinical assessment, a repaired handset, a delivery of crunchy wedges, or a gentle conversation with a family. There are so many moments of hospitality, respect, excellence, justice, and compassion that remind people of how much they matter. Ordinary moments that make a lasting difference.
I’m sure each of you can recall times in your life when a stranger has lent a hand, or a colleague cared for you in a way you hadn’t anticipated.
I still remember the kindness of a stranger who helped me with my young children when my son had a bike mishap on a holiday at Lancelin. The skate park was empty, so my young son and daughter decided to try some tricks on their bikes. Before I knew it, my son had hit the concrete and had blood coming out of his cut chin. He was crying and increasingly stressed about the blood covering his t-shirt. My daughter, seeing all the blood, thought she’d have a cry, too and insisted on being picked up. While the physical damage to my son wasn’t too bad (although it did require stitches), I knew I had to get home and tidy both kids up.
The problem was that we had
On Friday 22 March, our cups were filled, literally, by an act of kindness in our café when an anonymous patient in our hospital paid forward the next 20 coffees for unsuspecting customers.
Thank you, and may your kindness come back to you!
all ridden our bikes, and I couldn’t work out how to carry my daughter, walk with my son, and wheel three bikes that were 1.5 kilometres from home. As luck would have it, a young man had stopped at the local bakery across the road from the skate park for his morning tea and had heard all the commotion. It only took him a few seconds to assess the situation and offer to help. Within minutes, the bikes were in the back of his work ute, the kids, and I bundled into his front seat and buckled in. We were back home in no time, and before I knew it, the bikes were unpacked, and the young man heading back to his morning tea. I never knew his name, where he worked, or how to thank him, but his simple act of everyday kindness has remained with me for 20 years.
“Everyday people and everyday acts of courage eventually change everything.”
Thank you for the every day and night acts of service and courage you carry out as you care for the people in your midst. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, empathy, and guidance make a difference that changes someone’s life.
Jenni AshtonComment 1:
ST FRANCIS WARD
The care and compassion I received was amazing. Every staff member from admissions through to the ward went above and beyond. Nothing was ever a problem.
Comment 2:
THOMAS FURLONG
I was a little nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, but the staff were supportive and friendly. The nurse with me during my procedure was lovely and talked me through what was happening.
Comment 3:
ST LUKE WARD
I was made to feel very comfortable from checking in at reception, to the admin check in, and the ward staff. All staff were very professional and friendly.
heros
St Mary ward rallied around PCA Tenielle O’Neill as she travelled to Bangkok, Thailand and won gold for Australia in the 19th W.M.F. World Muay Thai Championship!
The competition took place from 12 to 20 March with team Australia winning a total of 10 gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.
“It was an amazing opportunity to experience such an incredible
display of Muay Thai of all levels from 6 year olds to pro fighters,” Tenielle said.
“And funny enough on that day, 1 year ago I won my first fight".
Congratulations, Tenielle! Fantastic effort!
St Michael ward celebrated their >80 NPS for January and February with pizzas and doughnuts! One patient said, “It was very calming, and the nurses really cared for everyone’s health and well-being to incredible standards.”
Amazing job, St Michael ward!
Surgicentre chose a wellness lucky dip to celebrate their >80 NPS score for January! “Always treated with utmost courtesy, extremely well looked after, everything is explained well, and I never felt rushed,” a patient commented.
Fantastic effort, Surgicentre!
ICU celebrated their >80 NPS score for January and February
with coffee and cookies and dining room vouchers for the team! A patient said, “Simply awesome care at every level. I cannot fault the attention and professionalism I received at each step.”
Outstanding work, ICU/CCU!
St Mary ward celebrated their >80 NPS for February with pizza and doughnuts! “Thank you to the staff in the St Mary ward that made our first few days so much easier and manageable. Fabulous staff, friendly, kind and helpful,” one patient said.
Excellent job, St Mary ward!
Cancer Centre celebrated their >80 NPS scores for January and February with dining room
vouchers, pizza, and doughnuts! One patient said, “Staff are always efficient and very friendly. They create an enjoyable atmosphere during what could be stressful for patients.”
Congratulations, Cancer Centre!
Endoscopy celebrated their >80 NPS for February with dining room vouchers for the team! “All staff members were efficient and extremely kind, which is essential when you are in a strange environment and a bit apprehensive. Well done to all staff and a heartfelt thank you,” one patient commented.
Incredible effort, Endoscopy!
St Rose ward elected to celebrate their >80 NPS score for February with dining room vouchers for the team! A patient said, “All the staff I dealt with were helpful, friendly and professional. I have nothing but high praise for all the staff on St Rose ward.”
Brilliant, St Rose ward!
St John of God Murdoch Hospital Pastoral Practitioner Belinda Hill was announced our 2023 Caregiver of the Year on the feast day of St John of God, 8 March.
Belinda was nominated for the sensitive and professional care she provided to a couple coping with an unexpected birth outcome.
In sharing Belinda’s nomination at the awards ceremony, St John of God Murdoch Hospital Director of Mission Integration Jenni Ashton recounted how Belinda made the “little things” the “big things” for many.
“Belinda was culturally sensitive. She liaised with the Pastoral Care team at King Edward Hospital and personally escorted the patient and her husband, ensuring continuity of care and a smooth handover transition. Belinda was thorough in both her procedural and pastoral approach and was a beacon of support for this couple during a tumultuous time. Her ability to hold space not only for a grieving family, but at the same time for our devastated caregivers was amazing to witness and a true testament to her calling.”
True to form, Belinda accepted the award with grace and humility. She praised the work
of her fellow Caregiver of the Year nominees, all St John of God Murdoch Hospital caregivers, and gave thanks for her Pastoral Services colleagues.
“For me, this award shows how Pastoral Services is integral to the way we understand healing at St John of God Murdoch,” Belinda said.
“Making love real is about attending to the body, mind and soul needs of each person in our care. It is a privilege to be part of an organisation that knows this to be true.”
Congratulations on your welldeserved win, Belinda!
On Friday 8 March, Murdoch caregivers celebrated the life and legacy of St John of God, our patron saint.
This year, our theme was ‘Love made real’ from the scripture
1 John 3:18, “Our love must be not just words or mere talk, but something active and genuine.”
Caregivers were treated to free coffees and juice, a Portugese feast for a donation, and some lovely tunes by the talented Stella Kelly.
We hope you all enjoyed the day!
The halls of St John of God Murdoch Hospital echoed with the patter of footsteps as our HMC Easter bunnies hopped through the corridors, spreading cheer and chocolate to caregivers on Thursday 28 March.
We were also lucky enough to be treated to free coffee and hot cross buns on the day too!
We hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend!
Over the Easter long weekend, midwife Cathy Chalk made and delivered some beautiful individualised Easter cards for parents up on the St Mary ward using the imprint of their baby’s foot.
Cathy also donates her time on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and
Christmas Day to make similar personalised gifts for our families here at Murdoch.
The display of love, kindness, and passion for her work is just beautiful.
Thank you, Cathy! You are an asset to the Murdoch team!
Orthonova Orthopaedic Hospital’s clinical leadership team has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of two key figures this month.
Kimberley Montgomery, transitioning from her role as Deputy Director of Nursing at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, assumes the position of Orthonova Commissioning Director – Nursing. Dr Alex Swann, currently serving as Director of Anaesthetics and Pain Management at Murdoch, takes on the role of Orthonova Commissioning Director –Medical alongside his existing responsibilities.
These appointments mark a crucial phase in the development of Orthonova, the first specialist orthopaedic hospital in Western Australia, set to open on our campus by late 2026. The hospital, a joint venture between 24 leading orthopaedic surgeons and St John of God Health Care, aims to deliver world-class orthopaedic care, focusing on
patient safety, clinical excellence, and operational efficiency.
Ben Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at St John of God Health Care, emphasises the importance of assembling the clinical leadership team early in the project’s timeline to ensure the realisation of the hospital’s vision. With the addition of Ms Montgomery and Dr Swann’s extensive clinical expertise to the collaboration of esteemed orthopaedic surgeons, the hospital aims to provide exceptional patient care and comfort.
Orthonova Orthopaedic Hospital plans to offer cuttingedge joint replacement and sports surgeries, incorporating advanced robotics and surgical techniques. The facility will prioritise patient comfort with high-end finishes, private suites, and on-demand room service. A linking corridor will connect Orthonova to Murdoch’s existing facilities, facilitating seamless patient care.
Kimberley Montgomery brings
over 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare management to her new role, while Dr Alex Swann, in addition to his expertise in anaesthetics and pain management, boasts a distinguished career in disaster medicine and sports healthcare.
With these appointments, Orthonova Orthopaedic Hospital moves closer to its goal of providing unparalleled orthopaedic care, blending clinical excellence with patientcentred comfort and experience.
On Wednesday 20 March, Murdoch Hospital hosted a heartwarming Charity of the Year Caregiver Appreciation event, expressing gratitude for the extraordinary generosity and dedication of its caregivers. The event, attended by a diverse array of guests, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and community leaders, aimed to celebrate the impactful contributions made by caregivers in supporting charitable initiatives.
Among the esteemed guests were Marlia and Tara, who shared their personal experiences receiving care at Murdoch. Additionally, Associate Professor Chris Brennan-Jones, Head of the Telethon Kids Institute Ear Health program, and Leon Hayward, Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, graced the event, along with Natasha Morrison, the Aboriginal Researcher with the Djaalinj Waakinj Program. Clory Carrello, CEO of Cockburn Integrated Health, and Mr. George Sim, ENT Surgeon, were also acknowledged for their collaborative efforts in expanding healthcare provisions.
Notably, the event spotlighted caregivers’ remarkable fundraising endeavours, which surpassed $29,000 in 2023 alone, enabling surgeries for 19 children and contributing to the overall well-being of at least 60 families since the
collaboration with Djaalinj Waakinj commenced in 2019. The caregivers’ commitment extended further as they supported initiatives such as establishing Health Assessment and Referral Hubs during Binar’s school holiday basketball camps.
Reflecting on Murdoch’s rich tradition of compassion and service, reminiscent of the Sisters of St John of God, whose legacy inspired the hospital’s founding, attendees emphasised the profound impact of the caregivers' selfless actions. Over 29 fundraising events were organised, showcasing the creativity and dedication of the caregivers, ranging from bake sales to themed dress-up days.
Caregivers efforts culminated in
over $100,000 raised, facilitating life-changing surgeries and interventions for vulnerable children in the community.
As the event concluded, gratitude resonated deeply, echoing the sentiments of a famous author who said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”
In a resounding chorus of appreciation, the Hospital Management Committee and the broader Murdoch caregiver community extended heartfelt thanks to all involved, recognising their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Jess Wirrell, Nurse Unit Manager in Hospice, received a beautiful letter in March commending the team for their incredible care:
Dear Ms Wirrell
Thank you for your letter of 27 February 2024 and the opportunity to complete feedback on my partner Angela’s care while in the Hospice.
As you can see, I have rated each section as very satisfied, with a score of 5 in all cases. If your rating allowed for a higher score, l would give it.
Angela was admitted on Monday, 8 January, but sadly passed away on the morning of 10 January. From the time she arrived, you could tell the care and attention the staff gave her. They moved around in a quiet, soft manner, not raising their voices, allowing for peaceful surroundings.
The nurses who supported Angela knew what was going on, yet they went about their jobs very calmly. This enabled Angela to relax, although she knew her life was coming to a close soon. She mentioned to me on Sunday, 7 January, when still at FSH, that she thought her life would end that night. Through God’s Grace, we had a few more days with her.
I would like to draw your attention to the wonderful pastoral staff in the Hospice. On Tuesday morning, while Angela was still conscious, a female pastoral member dropped by the room and offered a visit by a priest, which I gladly accepted, and Angela agreed. By Tuesday evening, Angela was unconscious or in a very deep sleep due to pain-killing drugs, and Father Pius, a Catholic Priest, attended and gave Angela the Last Rites.
I cannot praise the staff of the Hospice high enough. I wish I was able to admit Angela earlier. Your staff, the care, the garden surrounds, and the love and compassion I felt for her was beautiful.
For your information, Angela was quiet by nature, never talking in a loud voice, wild behaviour or rough habits. Her name said it all - Angel-like. She is missed so much.
David, Angela’s PartnerOn Thursday 28 March, Clinical Nurse in Cancer Centre James Bishop stepped up to shave his head for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave!
Volunteer caregiver Sarah Perry did the honours as spectators watched on.
All up, James raised over $800 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Incredible, James! Well done!
On Friday 1 March, Teresa Dodd presented the St Michael ward with over 150 toys on behalf of her, her husband Trevor, and the Dodd Family.
“It is our great pleasure to donate all these wonderful toys to the St Michael ward. We have been in the hospital several times for a week at a time with my husband Trevor having cancer,” Teresa said.
“The staff at the hospital have gone above and beyond to look after Trevor and myself every time we have stayed together (as I board in hospital with him).
“Last time at St Luke ward and before that at St Joseph, all the nurses took great care of us and were all very kind.
“I would especially like to make mention two very special wards where we have spent most of our time – St Elizabeth and Bridget Clancy ward, and all the nurses who have been there for us since the beginning, helping us through such trauma and rollercoaster rides of emotion that cancer is, and are always ready with a cuddle and a cuppa. Nurse Manager Cheryl is the legend at the helm and needs a medal for the great team she has created and guided across both wards. When I asked her what we could do to
give back to the hospital, it was her idea to give to the children’s ward.
“A million thank yous to all.
“Kind regards, Teresa and Trevor Dodd and the Dodd family.”
DPU celebrated the strong, inspiring queens in the department on 8 March for International Women’s Day. The focus was boosting each other up and ‘straightening their crowns’! Go, DPU!
The DPU Thrive council launched their discharge scripting initiative on Tuesday 2 April to reduce the wait for patients being discharged. The initiative encourages doctors to script their day cases to benefit patients by:
• Improving patient flow within DPU
• Increasing patient satisfaction due to wait times
• Increasing patient safety by allowing nurses to focus on patient care
• Allowing patients to fill their script at their pharmacy of choice, whether that is within the hospital or elsewhere
The Thrive council handed out cute little ‘Chill Pill Prescriptions’ equipped with M&Ms to promote the launch.
In 2024, St John of God Murdoch Hospital and St John of God Foundation share a very special milestone –both are celebrating 30-year anniversaries. In recognition of this occasion, we asked Marie Condon, one of our longest-serving caregivers, to share what fundraising has meant to her over the past 30 years.
Q. Could you please tell us about your journey with St John of God Murdoch Hospital?
A. I began service on 31 January 1994, before the hospital opened. We had a three-day induction to Mission and then started setting up the wards.
On opening day, I was on night shift, alone on Bridget Clancy ward, and there were no patients. Very quickly that week, there were two, then 10…, and then it started.
The journey through the 30 years has seen many changes... It has been like a family. In the early days, everyone knew each other and watched out for one another. The family has grown exponentially, and the “house” has had many renovations and
additions, so it is harder to keep track of every member of the Murdoch family now. Although, there are some core members who were here at the start.
It has been an exciting ride for me with many different positions, from Registered Nurse to Nurse Manager of the Cancer Centre, and now a donor-funded Clinical Nurse Consultant position, which has been the pinnacle of my career.
Q. Could you tell us about a time when you saw community support make a difference at the hospital?
A. The community support and donor contributions were first obvious to me when the Murdoch Community Hospice was being planned, designed and fundraised for – the gift of thanks with bequeathments and the community and corporate support.
Watching this come from an idea to fruition was amazing. The staff in the ward, who mostly had palliative patients, had input on the design, which was satisfying for them.
We farewelled half of the team to go to the Hospice to continue their fantastic work caring for those patients.
In the time I was manager of the Cancer Centre, I saw donors’ generosity in the clinical research area as well as donations of money to purchase scalp cooling machines, which made such a difference to the
patient’s preservation of hair when the chemotherapy would have rendered them bald – a very confronting aspect of cancer treatment.
Ultimately, my current position as Clinical Nurse Consultant was able to go ahead with the generosity of a donor we cared for in the Cancer Centre.
This position has gone onto benefit many, many cancer patients and bolster support and education for the nursing teams.
Q. If you could say anything to our community of donors for their contributions over the past 30 years, what would you say?
A. The generosity of spirit, time, and donations have enriched the lives of many, made possible the impossible, and made significant differences for patients and their families to assist at a time when it is most needed.
Thank you from me and on behalf of those that your generosity has touched in whatever way that may have been.
We are so grateful to every caregiver at St John of God Murdoch Hospital who has played a role in the Foundation’s journey over the past three decades. Caregivers on the front line are crucial to identifying areas of unmet need in our hospitals. Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and experiences with us.
Hannah Weir, Philanthropy Manager
St John of God Foundation
P: 0429 928 541
E: hannah.weir@sjog.org.au
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase of caregivers walking the corridors with their heads down while looking at their mobile phones. This is a safety risk for several reasons, and we have unfortunately had caregivers injure themselves seriously in the past due to this behaviour.
These are just some of the incidents that have occurred as a result of caregivers not paying
attention in the hallways:
• Collision with oncoming equipment
• Slipping on wet floor due to not seeing floor signs
• Misstepping and falling down stairs
• Tripping on the curb walking through a garden bed
• Injury to other caregivers moving equipment
If whatever is on your phone is too important to wait, please stop walking and step to the side
to avoid collision and provide a safe path for caregivers moving heavy trolleys.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Even if you are on a lunch break or on the way out after finishing a shift, there is a responsibility to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others.
We thank you for your cooperation in keeping yourself and others safe throughout the hospital.
