A message from the CEO, Ben Irish
Welcome to the special August Gold and Glamour edition of the Murdoch Monthly.
I hope you all took the time to fill your cup and focus on self-care as we recently celebrated Am I OK Day at Murdoch. Working in health care, it’s so important to
ensure you are thinking about your own wellbeing so you can better be there for those you love, each other, and our patients. If you asked yourself the question and discovered the answer was no, it is important to seek help and support by embracing the health and wellbeing resources available at Murdoch and externally. See page 10 for more information.
Murdoch Gold and Glamour Ball: The Annual Murdoch Ball is fast approaching, with tables filling up fast. The deadline to secure your tickets is 15 August, so make sure you don’t miss out (see page 7 for details). This year, we also have a Golden Ticket Giveaway. You can find out more about that below. Remember –you’ve got to be in it to win it! I hope to see you there.
Murdoch Unplugged: On 4 September, I will host the first Murdoch Unplugged event with other members of our Executive team to look ahead at our priorities and plans for the year ahead. This will be an open and informal event, and all caregivers are encouraged to come along to be part of the conversation. We will hold two 30 minute sessions in the Function Rooms, one at 9:30am and the other at 1:00pm. I look forward to seeing you all there.
As always, thank you to each and every one of your for your continual commitment to making Murdoch the incredible place it is. I wish you all a great month ahead.
Ben
Reflection - It’s ok not to be ok
A couple of years ago in the midst of one of our hospital’s “Am I OK?” days I came to the confronting conclusion that I was not ok. Outwardly I looked ok. I acted ok. I worked like I was ok. I was functioning ok, but in my heart I knew I was not how I was appearing to others.
I was tired in a way that sleep couldn’t mend, and the effort to keep my increasing frustration with my life in check was getter hard to maintain. The constant demands of juggling work and a family significantly impacted by chronic physical and mental
health challenges was wearing me down in a way that I could no longer ignore.
This was a difficult realisation for me as I have always prided myself on being independent, self-sufficient and able to push through the greatest challenges. If I was not ok, what did that really mean for myself and others?
I realised I had to make a choice – to take what would have been the easiest way out for me, to push through and keep smiling and pretending, or to stop and take a very serious look at what was happening in my life and get help. I realised I was at what felt like a crossroad and if I continued in the direction I was heading, I might just inelegantly slip over the edge. I was afraid. Both of losing my grip and of asking for help.
For someone who was used to being in control and being the helper I was reluctant to be helped. Thankfully I was equally scared of slipping over the edge, so I made a few calls. It was hard at the beginning to tell
Giggling greeters
A ‘riot’ of kookaburras gleefully greeting caregivers to
laugh!
someone I was looking for help (very hard) but I’m glad I did.
Whilst the messiness of my life didn’t miraculously change, nor my frustration suddenly disappear, I found an organisation that offered an accepting, nurturing and supportive space for me to find my feet so I could again say that, yes I am ok.
If you realise you are not ok when you ask yourself this question, please be brave and reach out to tell someone or put some key words in the search bar and find a support service that sounds right for you. Converge
Jenni
Patient Experience Matters
Murdoch NPS for JULY
Murdoch patients are saying:
Comment 1: Emergency Department
All the staff were amazing, especially the nurses and doctor. They explained everything to myself and my husband beautifully. Thank you so, so, very much. I felt very safe in the fabulous emergency department! Bless all who work there.
Comment 2: Endoscopy
I was very happy for the care I received and my nurse was amazing - all nurses are. Thanks to everybody who cared for me!
Comment 3: Thomas Furlong ward
Compassionate and caring approach from the staff, nurse, and doctor.
heros
NPS Reward
St Rose celebrated their >80 NPS result for May with dining room vouchers for the team.
“Fantastic people, from the moment I arrived till when I was discharged, the nurses and staff couldn't do enough to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Would definitely recommend this hospital to anyone,” one patient said.
Congratulations, St Rose ward!
Happy 90th birthday, Bill!
On 6 July, our much-loved volunteer Bill Dalgleish celebrated his 90th birthday!
Bill has volunteered at Murdoch for 25 years, starting as a Lolly Dolly (deliverer of tasty treats) in 1999, before taking on the leadership position of former Volunteer President (chairperson), and overseeing the establishment of a new gift shop, the refurbishment of ward meeting rooms, and the purchase of new wheelchairs for the Hospital.
Bill’s efforts at Murdoch have resulted in substantial donations to our Foundation to support vital medical research and initiatives.
We hope you had a very happy birthday, Bill! Thank you for all that you do!
Spotted!
Our July cover models Nicola and Jason strike a pose with their very own copies of the Murdoch Monthly.
Support our Charity of the Year and ‘be in it to win it’ in our awesome Murdoch Ball Raffle.
Everyone can enter (even if you are not attending the Ball).
Raffle tickets are $10 each, with prizes valued $500 - $2000.
Hearts of Gold (and Glamour) unite for Ball raffle
Purchase your Ball raffle ticket in the Caregiver Dining Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday 3 September, 12pm –1pm.
Rosalie’s Medical Mission in the Philippines
Perioperative Nurse Rosalie Ramos has recently returned from volunteering in Cebu, Philippines for an Operation Rainbow medical mission to perform no cost corrective surgery for children with cleft lip and palates.
“I joined the Operation Rainbow as a volunteer because of my desire to help the children in my hometown of Cebu, Philippines,” she said.
“Providing health care to those less fortunate has an immediate impact on children’s lives by helping them to repair facial deformities that make it challenging to eat, breathe, hear and - of course - smile.”
Operation Rainbow is a nonprofit organisation that brings together a volunteer group of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Nurses and support staff from Australia with the purpose to conduct surgical missions for
the treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate in developing countries (but predominantly in the Philippines), at no cost to the children.
Rosalie said that 200 children showed up for registration, with some travelling for many hours. During her time abroad, Rosalie and the team performed 84 cases in just six days.
“My task during the medical mission was to apply my skills as a scrub/scout nurse and assist the surgeon performing cleft lip and palate surgery,” she said.
“I had the advantage of being able to speak the local dialect (Bisaya) by explaining the pre and post procedure to parents or next of kin with limited English.
“I gave reassurance to the children (using the local dialect) in Theatre who were scared before being given anaesthesia.
“Being there for them and me being able to speak to them in
their language helped build trust in us to do our jobs.”
Although the medical mission was challenging, Rosalie said she found helping others was equal parts enjoyable and fulfilling.
“My experience in the medical mission as a volunteer was amazing. It gave me the opportunity to meet people dedicated to helping others and witnessing the incredible work they have done for these children.
“This experience has also helped me learn to adapt and provide quality care with limited supplies and facilities.
“I can’t imagine how it would feel to have a child born with facial abnormality and not be able to help them ”
For more information on Operation Rainbow, or to get involved, head to: https:// operationrainbow.com.au/
A taste of culture for NAIDOC Week
This year for NAIDOC Week, the theme was “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” to honour the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture.
To learn more about and experience a ‘taste’ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, Murdoch celebrated with a special inspired menu option for lunch of macadamia barramundi infused with Geraldton Wax, wattle seed roasted pumpkin, and eucalyptus smoked potatoes.
The food was delicious and surprising! Did you know our Catering team smoked the potatoes by laying the leaves on the uncooked potatoes and setting them on fire before flipping them over to bake in the oven? They were definitely a favourite amongst our caregivers!
Part proceeds of our lunch went to our Charity of the Year.
Nat and Zee complete their Certificate III!
Our 2024 Annette Guthrie Study Bursary Scholarship recipients Nat Sikhiao and Zeebeedae Crawage have completed their Certificate III in Health Service Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care)!
The completion means that both Nat and Zee are able to work as Assistants in Nursing within the hospital.
Congratulations to Nat and Zee on their incredible achievement!
Murdoch celebrates ‘Am I OK Day’
On 2 August, Murdoch celebrated “Am I OK Day”!
Am I OK Day is a Murdoch born day dedicated to encouraging caregivers to think about their own mental health and self-care.
On the day, caregivers were encouraged to fill their own cups, ask themselves honestly if they are ok, and seek help and support if they need it.
In the spirit of filling cups, caregivers were treated to FREE
coffee, massages, and a visit from representatives with some valuable information on wellness and wellbeing.
Special thanks to Maxxia and Medibank for sponsoring the day.
If you answered ‘no’ to ‘Am I OK’, here are some ways Converge can support you in being proactive in improving your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
‘Am I OK Day’
Get involved in a research survey for Sunny
Since her first day here almost two years ago, our beautiful Sunny has been bringing happiness to Murdoch, wherever her furry face takes her (or so we think!).
We are very excited to have Curtin University running a research project regarding the meaning people derive from interacting with a wellbeing dog within a hospital setting.
We are seeking people to support the research to better understand the impact Sunny has on our hospital.
To be involved, please email the research team: CurtinWellnessDogResearchTeam@outlook.com with your expression of interest.
Earrings for Hearing
A special thanks to our Hospice and Music Therapist
“My name is Helen, and along with my siblings, we would like to sincerely thank the amazing staff at Murdoch Hospice who cared for and looked after our beautiful Mum in her final days.
Mum came into the Hospice on Wednesday 5 June and peacefully passed away on Sunday 9 June. During that very sad and traumatic time, all the doctors, nurses, cleaners, office staff and the music therapist were absolutely amazing with their love and concern for Mum, and also to all visitors coming in to see Mum.
Her last days there were pleasant and happy, with such beautiful surroundings and she had many visitors coming in chatting and talking and some having a glass of Baileys with her (which she loved). Please pass on a special thank you to the music therapist Giuseppe, who was amazing in singing to mum in Italian on her first day there. She thoroughly enjoyed him and it put a smile on her face.
Dying is not something we probably ever get used to, but with so much support, compassion, and care from
everyone at the Hospice, it made it a little easier to face.
So, to everyone concerned, please accept our heartfelt thanks for everything and keep on doing what you do so well. Everyone needs love and kindness and it is in abundance there at the Hospice.”
Raising awareness for organ and tissue donation during DonateLife Week
DonateLife Week took place from 28 July to 4 August. During the week, we encouraged our caregivers, patients, and visitors to check if they are registered as organ and tissue donors, and to have the conversation with their families.
Remember… it (literally) only takes a minute! If you haven’t signed up, visit donatelife.gov.au.
Our wonderful volunteers even got dressed up for the occasion!
Q&A with Linda Thomas, DonateLife Clinical Nurse Specialist Organ & Tissue Donation
Q: Tell us a little about your position as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
A: As an organ and tissue donation Clinical Nurse Specialist in Western Australia, I balance my time between Perth Children's Hospital and the St John of God Hospitals in Subiaco, Murdoch and Midland. Every day for me at work varies. There’s a clinical side to my job, where I meet with the families of potential donors, audit hospital deaths, and be available to support the 24/7 on-call team. I am also involved in policy and logistics within the hospitals, making sure that everything is in place for organ and tissue donation to occur smoothly.
Q: What has been a career highlight of yours?
A: As a nurse, I never thought that one of my career highlights would involve clinical technology. Yet one of my proudest accomplishments has been introducing and implementing an automatic notification system for tissue donation across WA’s St John of God Hospitals in 2014. When I look back at my 17 years
working with DonateLife, it’s amazing to be able to say that I’ve left that kind of mark on the sector.
Q: What kind of education is available to caregivers around the topic of organ and tissue donation?
A: One of the most vital parts of my role is providing organ and tissue donation education across hospitals in WA. Through these programs, I run training sessions with medical, nursing and allied health staff. I provide information about the importance of assessing hospital patients with planned end-of-life care for donation, and how to refer potential donors to DonateLife. Very importantly, I also educate staff about taking care of donors and their families.
The education sessions include sharing real stories from WA hospitals. I’ll often invite families of donors along to share their experience and the solace that donation can provide at such a terrible time. I’m always in awe of the families who choose to come back and spread awareness to potentially save more lives.
Q: What has your experience been like working with families who are considering organ and tissue donation?
A: Starting conversations with families about the decision to register as an organ and tissue donor is something I‘ve always felt adamant about. I know firsthand that families feel far more comfortable deciding on donation when they know what their loved one would
have wanted. Whether that's a yes or a no. These families are so amazing thinking about donation at such a terrible time. It really is a privilege to work with them.
Q: Can you share a memorable story about a family who consented to organ donation?
A: Many years ago, I encountered my first infant death in a hospital setting. The child’s parents went on to consent to donation, and I ended up forming a special bond with them over the years.
I invited those parents to the Perth Children's Hospital for a hospital-wide education session for DonateLife Week. The way they spoke with staff about the time following the death of their child in a traumatic accident had such an impact on me. It highlighted the duty that I have in my role to speak to families about their options to donate, even at the worst possible time of their lives. The parents spoke about how their choice to donate and help other children offered just a little bit of hope, and a bit of positivity in such tragic circumstances. This was very special to me.
Q: How do you overcome the assumption that families are too upset to consider organ donation?
A: Some doctors and nurses still assume that you shouldn’t ask about donation in those devastating moments because the family is too upset. However, in reality, donation is such a gift for both donor families and recipients.
Women supporting women: Jenni’s educational outreach on continence and urological health
On June 11, St Catherine ward Nurse Manager Jenni Cunnold and Continence Nurse Michaela Buttery visited the Fremantle chapter of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) to provide an informative session on continence, women’s health, and urological education.
The collaboration with the CWA, known for its charitable activities like baking and sewing to support local needs, was part of Jenni’s effort to give back to the community.
Her mother Kaye is actively involved with the CWA and inspired Jenni to contribute her expertise.
Jenni has previously participated in initiatives like collecting socks and jocks for the homeless. This time, she focused on educating women about continence, leveraging her professional background.
“I asked them if there was anything I could do for them, and part of their community outreach is to give women information sessions, so we collaborated and decided that I could use my skillset to give the women a talk about continence, pelvic floor, women’s health, and all those sorts of things, since they’re all at a retirement age,” Jenni said.
“Our continence nurse Michaela and I we went out and had morning tea with them, and we gave the talk. It was highly successful and I got some really good feedback from the ladies who asked lots of questions.”
Beyond the talk, Jenni is involved in innovative recycling projects with the CWA. They repurpose surgical towels from doctors into tea towels, which are sold to raise funds for local charities. This initiative exemplifies the CWA’s commitment to using their skills for community benefit.
Jenni’s visit marks the beginning of more such educational endeavours. She plans to expand the sessions, possibly including topics like fall prevention with orthopaedic nurses.
“It’s just really about supporting our local ladies who have got the time and the effort to support other people,” Jenni said.
“The whole CWA thing they do – they use the skills they have to help the community. That’s what the CWA is about.
“I always think that because it’s the Melville and Fremantle chapter, that’s who we belong to, that’s our community too.
“It was the perfect, safe environment, and women supporting women, which is another thing I really like to do.”
Well done, Jenni and Michaela!
Q&A with Our Newest Deputy Director of Nursing – Lyndal Gallagher
In July, we welcomed Lyndal Gallagher into the position of Deputy Director of Nursing Specialist Services.
Q: Tell us a little about your career journey so far.
A: I commenced my nursing career at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, working in many clinical specialties and specialist nursing and management roles including Care Manager (care coordination) and Nurse Unit Manager. Upon relocating to Perth about 15 years ago, I started working at the then Princess Margaret Hospital, then Perth Children’s Hospital
and the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) more broadly. I worked in many senior nursing leadership roles at CAHS including Clinical CoLead, Coordinator of Nursing, Interim Director Safety, Quality and Performance, and Director Nursing Services. During COVID-19 I had the privilege of leading Stakeholder Engagement (for vulnerable and at risk populations) followed by Operations Lead for the WA Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
Q: What do you love most about nursing?
A: Working within a team to make a valuable contribution to the health outcomes and experience of care for patients and their families.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: I am almost exclusive referred to by my initials, L.G., rather than my actual name. So much so that my friend’s children think my name is 'Ellegee'.
Q: Netflix or novel –which do you prefer? Any recommendations?
A: Novel. I am currently enjoying memoirs by seemingly ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats. At the moment I am reading "Eggshell Skull" by Bri Lee.
Q: Emoji that best represents you?
A: Shaka. I like to maintain upbeat vibes and an optimistic view that everything will always be okay!
Q: If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be?
A: Definitely another health profession. I love caring for people underpinned with a science and evidence base.
Q: Greatest piece of advice for nursing colleagues?
A: Every moment matters (patients, families and colleagues).
Welcome, Lyndal!
The Children
As a supporting partner of Black Swan State Theatre Company, St John of God Health Care WA caregivers can access 30% off tickets to The Children.
The production is being performed at the Heath Ledger Theatre from 24 August to 15 September.
To purchase discounted tickets, go to https://bit.ly/the-children-tickets-sjghc
The discount will automatically apply if you select ‘sponsor’ under ticket type.
UKG is coming soon!
UKG will soon replace OneStaff and MyPay for scheduling (rostering), timekeeping and leave management activities. The system will introduce significant efficiencies and convenience for caregivers and is expected to go ‘live’ in late August.
What are the benefits of UKG?
Through the use of a new mobile app (UKG Pro), UKG will allow you to easily and conveniently:
• View schedules (rosters) in real time
• View leave balances and submit leave requests (instead of MyPay)
• Update your availability status
What do I need to do before ‘go live’?
• Request shift swaps
• Request open shifts
• Punch in and out of shifts (you can also do this via a UKG wall device)
There are five easy steps you need to do before ‘go live’.
For more information:
Please visit the UKG Hub in the Caregiver Dining Room. A member of the UKG project team will be at the hub daily, 11.00am – 2.00pm, to assist you.
Please also speak with your manager, visit Cora, or email RTA@sjog.org.au.
A tribute to a beloved companion
In early July, our animal companion volunteers, Claire and Mike Webb made the heartbreaking decision to say farewell to their beautiful Labrador Bill just three weeks before his 14th birthday due to his declining mobility and digestive problems.
Bill did a wonderful job of visiting the Murdoch Community Hospice patients
for the last six years, and had previously served as a Guide Dog for six years prior.
“We’re so proud of his work here,” Claire Webb said. “He was a very special dog.”
Claire and Mike still plan to continue visiting the Hospice with their Golden Retriever Leo.
Sending heartfelt condolences to Claire, Mike, and Leo during this sad time.
OHS Update - Injury Support
“We’ve got your back! Aaaand neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee … you get the gist!!!!”
Did you know?
Murdoch caregivers can get FREE physiotherapy and doctor visits for workplace injuries through our Early Intervention Program, Injury Support.
Here’s how it works:
1. Tell your Manager (or Duty Manager if it’s after hours) about the injury right away.
2. Log it in Riskman.
3. Our OSH team will set up free treatment and speed up any needed tests.
Injury Support isn’t workers’ comp—it's about getting help early to prevent needing a claim later on.
Appointments are available at Murdoch and can fit into your schedule and department needs.
Even if an injury seems minor now, it’s smart to take care of it early to avoid complications later.
Talk to your manager or contact the OHS team on 0402 785 778 for more info.
Foundation Update Thank you, Telethon!
Exceptional care for vulnerable babies and their families across WA, thanks to Telethon.
St John of God Foundation is thrilled to be a Channel 7 Telethon Trust (Telethon) beneficiary once again in 2024.
Telethon funding means that state-of-the-art maternity and paediatric equipment will be available in St John of God hospitals in WA, to help provide the very best care for vulnerable babies and their families.
At St John of God Murdoch Hospital, this includes:
• Panda Warmers with ResusView for the Special Care Nursery, keeping babies warm, safe and comfortable while in hospital
• CPR Mannequin sets to help to prepare caregivers for emergency situations
• An Airvo Respiratory Device to support young patients experiencing respiratory issues
In the past year, Telethon has also supported St John of Murdoch Hospital with the provision of a baby ventilator for the Special Care Nursery.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Telethon again this year, and are grateful for their ongoing commitment to WA families,” said St John of God Foundation CEO Bianca Pietralla.
We are very proud to partner with Telethon and immensely grateful for their ongoing commitment to WA families in St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
To find out more about the power of giving, please contact the Foundation team on 1800 281 288 or Foundation@sjog.org.au.
Reach out to Murdoch.Marketing@sjog.org.au