July 2024
CELEBRATING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURE THIS NAIDOC WEEK page 4
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR GOLDEN BALL TICKET? page 9
MURDOCH RAISES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WITH ‘CRAZYSOCKS4DOCS’ page 15
Welcome to the July Murdoch Monthly.
NAIDOC Week: This week at Murdoch, we are celebrating NAIDOC Week. It is an opportunity to pause and
celebrate the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to celebrate and learn about their culture. I encourage all of you to come along to our caregiver lunch on Thursday (see page 4) for a $5 donation, with part proceeds going to our Charity of the Year. We have had the opportunity to help so many people through generous donations (see page 4). So thank you and know that you are changing lives.
Murdoch Gold and Glamour Ball: Recently, the theme for the 2024 Murdoch Ball was announced as ‘Gold and Glamour’ in an opportunity to step out for an evening of elegance at Crown Ballroom Perth. Tickets are in
Cover image: Nurse Nicola with Cancer Centre patient Jason
high demand, and on sale now, so make sure you secure yours (see page 9 for more details).
Murdoch Unplugged: July marks my one-year anniversary at Murdoch. To commemorate the occasion, I will be holding an open and informal all-caregiver event to have a conversation with you on our priorities and plans for the year ahead. More details about this will be available soon. I look forward to seeing you there.
As always a huge thank you to everyone for all that you do every day for our patients and for each other. Wishing you all a safe and happy month ahead.
Ben
In June, we saw Cam Richardson join the CDS team! We are so excited to have Cam on board and he brings with him a wealth of experience.
Cam began his life at Murdoch in 2007 as Clinical Nurse on the second floor wards. He then had the position of Duty Nurse Manager for 13 years, and following this, he put all of that knowledge to good use in the Case Management Coordinator role.
It’s so good to see how many people know him as we walk around the hospital.
This includes great relationships with our doctors, which is key in our role.
A big welcome to the team, Cam!
NAIDOC Week is a pivotal celebration in Australia, dedicated to honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It serves as a crucial opportunity for all Australians to engage with the rich cultural heritage and ongoing contributions of the First Nations communities, fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation.
NAIDOC Week’s significance lies in its ability to educate and unify. Many Australians are often unaware of the deep and diverse cultural history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which dates back over 65,000 years. By promoting cultural activities, storytelling, and educational events, NAIDOC Week helps bridge knowledge gaps, corrects historical misconceptions,
and encourages a more inclusive society. This weeklong event is also a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. Despite centuries of colonisation and systemic oppression, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have maintained their cultural identities and continue to thrive, contributing significantly to Australia’s social, cultural, and political landscape.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” emphasizes the enduring spirit and vibrant culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The metaphor of keeping the fire burning represents the continuation and preservation of cultural practices, stories, and knowledge through generations. This theme encourages Indigenous communities to proudly celebrate their identity, voice their stories, and assert their place in contemporary Australian society.
“Blak, Loud and Proud” is a call to action for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to recognize and support the visibility and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
One of the ways we support Aboriginal people is through our commitment to the Djaalinj Waakinj Program where Aboriginal children are able to undergo ENT surgery here at Murdoch. In total since our collaboration with Djaalinj Waakinj began in 2019, our Murdoch caregivers have raised over $100,000 and impacted the lives of at least 60 families because their children can hear and participate in life in a way that many of us take for granted.
Additionally, our support for Binar Futures enabled the establishment of two Health Assessment Hubs at the January and April Basketball camps in Albany and Bunbury. These clinics were attended by over 500 Aboriginal children, with 20 of those being referred to local health services for medical intervention and follow-up of medical conditions.
Thank you for your fundraising support that enables our Charity work to make such an amazing difference to the lives of others. To enable us to increase the number of children and families we can support we will be hosting a special fundraising lunch during NAIDOC week. Jenni
NAIDOC Week coffee cups!
Keep an eye out for the special NAIDOC Week coffee cups in our coffee shops! The St John of God Health Care Procurement team arranged for Indigenous design bio-cups to promote cultural awareness and encourage yarns over a cup of coffee.
Murdoch NPS
JUNE
ED photo by Jess Hawke
Nurse Unit Manager of Emergency Jess Hawke captured this stunning shot of our Emergency Department in the early hours of the morning. #loveyourwork
Thank you to all the caring and professional team, you are all truly beautiful. Thank you!
I found the staff amazing. They are sympathetic, professional, and reassuring. I feel much more secure and seen as a patient and a person here at St John of God Hospital in Murdoch.
The nurses gave me the utmost care and love the entire admission. The pain specialists listened to me every day and did everything in their power to ensure I was comfortable and rested. The food was amazing - the care is really there. Everyone was so supportive.
Our Emergency Department Thrive Council is offering all Murdoch caregivers the opportunity to join an after-hours series of three one-hour online learning sessions via WebEx, presented by our own ED Consultants.
Recordings will be available on Workday learning for those who are unable to attend the live sessions.
Session #1 – Major Haemorrhage (Recording now available via Workday)
This session on Major Haemorrhage was a “bloody” success! Caregivers from across the hospital came together to dive into the practical management of a major haemorrhage in a trauma patient. Dr John Iliff shares some fantastic analogies to simplify and remember key management strategies, making the session relevant and engaging for everyone!
Check out the recording of this session on Workday at the link: https://bit.ly/majorhaemorrhage
NOTE:
1. Best to access via mobile
2. If accessing from a Hospital computer –video may take a few minutes to load
Session #2 – Emergency Ophthalmology (Register to be sent the recording)
This session was an eye opening opportunity! You can watch a recording of our very own ED Consultant Dr Guy Buters lead this engaging Emergency Ophthalmology session. Dive into a review of eye anatomy, master the principles of eye assessment, and learn about common ophthalmology presentations to ED.
Register to watch at the link: https://sjghcsurveys. syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_5ilXbZ8Nu6Vtopg Session #3 – To
St Francis ward chose to celebrate their >80 NPS scores for March and April with dining room vouchers and a team raffle! One patient said, “Every person that I dealt with showed me absolute care and compassion. I have been treated with kindness by all, and will most certainly let everyone know”.
Fantastic job, St Francis ward!
St Rose ward celebrated their >80 NPS for March with dining room vouchers for the team! “The level of professional care and consideration I received from the nurses and anaesthetist was amazing,” one patient commented.
Wonderful work, St Rose ward!
Cancer Centre celebrated their March and April >80 NPS scores with dining room vouchers and a team raffle! “Compassionate, motivated highly skilled staff with a natural ability to meet any patient’s needs taking a holistic approach. I always leave feeling very grateful for the service I receive. Thank you from my heart,” one patient commented.
Incredible effort, Cancer Centre!
St Michael ward celebrated their >80 NPS score for April with dining room vouchers for the team! “A wonderful team of nurses who are incredible at their job!” one patient said. Outstanding, St Michael ward!
ICU/CCU celebrated their April and May >80 NPS score with
dining room vouchers and coffee and cookies for the team! “The staff were excellent at all levels, from cleaners to doctors. Very respectful and excellent communication,” a patient commented.
Excellent job, ICU/CCU!
Endoscopy celebrated their >80 NPS for March with dining room vouchers for the team! One patient said, “Friendly staff and fantastic nurses. It would be hard to find staff like this on top of their game - well done and once again, thank you for a great stay! Thank you, thank you.”
Magnificent work, Endoscopy!
Surgicentre selected a team raffle to celebrate their >80 NPS score for May! “The genuine care from staff, from walking in and feeling anxious of the unknown, to be greeted by the lovely lady at reception then moving through all stages and treated with care and respect. Thank you,” one patient commented. Exceptional, Surgicentre!
When was the last time you felt moved?
For Ronelle Bosua, it was on her last Red Cross Soup Patrol when she witnessed a gentlemen patiently waiting for the last cup of hot soup, only to gift it on to someone else who arrived after all the soup had finished.
“This act of compassionate generosity moved my heart,” she said.
“To see someone with needs of their own place the needs of another above themselves was beautiful to witness.”
While the Soup Patrol is valuable year round, it is imperative in winter. As we settle into our warm homes for the evenings, there are people trying to survive
on the streets with minimal warm clothing and limited food access. To witness their gratitude for a hot cup of soup and pair of thick socks is beyond words.
If you have the capacity to donate, these items are needed:
• Large jackets
• Male track suit pants
• Thick, new socks
• Snacks (i.e. Up & Go, Muesli bars, biscuits, crackers, etc.)
• Fresh fruit
For anyone interested in on-
boarding as a volunteer feel free to touch base with Ronelle Bosua or Emily Falconer for guidance.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Patient Administration hosted a raffle for the Murdoch Charity of the Year in June, raising an impressive $825! They also sold a cook book compiled by the department for a gold coin donation.
Special thanks to Ellie Vink, Maria Terribile, Shirley Hamilton and Tia Lally for organising!
Congratulations to the four winners of the raffle!
Winners:
1st Carmel – Cancer Centre
2nd Miona – Cancer Centre
3rd Jessie – St Eliz & BC
4th Lyndsay – St Eliz & BC
The theme for the 2024 Murdoch Ball is Gold and Glamour.
The past few years, we have leant in to some epic fancy dress themes (Fright Night, Health Care Superheroes and Dust and Diamonds), so for something different this year, we will step out for an evening of elegance (with a touch of golden glimmer, most welcome!).
Date: Saturday 14 September 2024
Venue: Crown Ballroom
Time: 6.00pm – 12.30am
If you have not seen our ‘Gold and Glamour reveal’, see number ‘8’ in Ben’s latest update: https://bit.ly/CEO-UpdateJune-2024
Tickets are now selling ($120 for Murdoch caregivers and $150 for partners and all other guests). Secure yours via bit.ly/murdochball2024.
Tables are limited, so we recommend you get in as quickly as possible to secure your ticket.
When you purchase your ticket, you need to provide your table number. Speak to your ward or department’s Ball Table Coordinator to obtain this.
Any queries? Contact Andrea. Hegney@sjog.org.au or 9428 8648.
We look forward to rolling out the red carpet for you!
Sarah-Jayne Powell captured this cute shot of siblings Amy and Lee Symonds who both work in the Catering Department. #loveyourwork
We recently celebrated the graduation of our Ready to Thrive participants for 2023/24. Ready to Thrive is our emerging leaders program which is aimed at developing leaders within Murdoch to support them into transitioning into leadership roles. The participants are nominated by their manager or Deputy Director of Nursing, and spend 12 months on the program.
They cover a range of topics including;
• Leading with Mission –To develop a stronger understand of the Mission of the hospital and how our leadership contributes to it.
• How finance worksUnderstanding private hospital funding and service and business development.
• Leading self – Focusing on resilience and other selfcare tools to enable us to be effective leaders.
Not only are there formal sessions, but there is the opportunity for the participants to form a strong network together and be mentored by a member of the Hospital Management Committee (HMC).
Here is what some of our participants say about the program:
• “The program has change the leadership game entirely for me! When I started in the program I was unsure of who I was as a leader and after 12 months I have walked away with a better knowledge of who I am as a leader and the freedom to continue exploring that. My biggest take away is the friendships I made with my fellow colleagues who took the course and the bond we now share due to the course.” –Elouise O’Donnell, Nurse Unit
Manager St Michael ward
• “The Thrive program was truly enlightening and inspiring. I feel so grateful to be part of an organisation
that puts so much emphasis on both our personal and professional growth. Cate, you were an amazing facilitator and thank you again for this opportunity. I am a better leader for it.” – Laura Mcllheney, Perioperative Flow Manager
• “As a new leader in the organisation, I was grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with caregivers from other departments. This experience was wonderful, and the course helped me grow not only as a leader, but also as a person. Cate did a fantastic job facilitating the course, and I highly recommend that if you get the chance to take it, you should seize it with both hands.” – Pieter Rheeders, Theatre Resources Manager
We are so incredibly proud of all our Ready to Thrive Graduates and we cannot wait to see their future success!
On Tuesday 4 June, our Endoscopy caregivers came together to celebrate the completion of its recent redevelopment with a special blessing ceremony.
Caregivers were recognised for their patience, dedication, hard work and commitment to providing high-quality care throughout the works, and continue to consistently receive positive feedback from our patients about their kindness and professionalism.
During the ceremony, prayers were offered for the continued
success and well-being of patients, caregivers, and doctors in the unit.
Congratulations, Endoscopy!
On Friday 31 May, Dr Arvind Vasudevan and Dr Ding Guo celebrated an incredible combined 400 da Vinci robotic procedures, just 12 months after celebrating their 300 cases in May 2023.
The duo are making great strides as they looking forward to performing many more to improve the health and lifestyle of their patients with minimally invasive robotic-assisted technology.
The da Vinci robot first arrived at Murdoch in November 2019 and is used for a range of different surgeries including urology, gynaecology, colorectal, and bariatric.
Reaching milestones like this is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved.
Congratulations to all on the massive accomplishment!
On Friday 7 June, Murdoch raised awareness for the mental health of doctors and all health care workers by wearing crazy socks.
The Crazysocks4docs movement came out of the responses that the founder Dr Geoff Toogood (who suffers with Mental Health Challenges) experienced when he happened to wear odd coloured socks to work.
The talk behind his back was that he was failing again. In reality, he was well, and his new puppy had eaten all but the two odd socks that he was wearing that day.
Rather than start a discussion about whether he was ok, there was whispering behind the scenes. As a result of this experience, Geoff established Crazysocks4docs Day in an effort
to normalise conversations around mental health and break the stigma faced by all health workers.
This year was the third year that we have recognised this very important day.
Murdoch Community Hospice now has a stateof-the-art, ‘tilt-in-space’ wheelchair to support palliative patients spend quality time out of bed, thanks to our community of compassionate donors.
Designed to alleviate pressure issues and provide better comfort and postural support, a tilt in space wheelchair can significantly improve the quality of life for mobility-challenged people. This innovative piece of equipment enables patients who would otherwise be restricted to their movements to be wheeled outside of their rooms more safely and easily.
For families and friends of patients with mobility issues, this provides a wonderful opportunity to take their loved ones out amongst the beautiful hospice gardens and enjoy some quality time together.
The tilt-in-space wheelchair is more than a piece of equipment though, and can give seriously ill patients comfort and dignity, and greatly improve their quality of life, says Acting NUM Nicole Coles.
“It allows patients who are unable to use a wheelchair
and require more support the freedom to be able to go around the grounds with their families, or even venture to one of the cafes in the main Hospital,” Nicole says.
We are so thankful to our amazing community of donors for their commitment to supporting exceptional, compassionate palliative care in the Murdoch Community Hospice.
To read more about the amazing impact of donor support, visit www. sjogfoundation.org. au.
