A message from the CEO, Ben Irish
Welcome to the June Murdoch Monthly.
It was fantastic to see so many people getting "All In" during National Reconciliation Week. Thank you to everyone who participated in the activities and conversations that helped
strengthen our understanding and commitment to reconciliation. If you haven't yet secured your First Nations polo, there are still a limited number available from Admin 3, so be sure to grab yours while stocks last.
A huge congratulations also to everyone who took part in the HBF Run for a Reason. We had a fantastic turnout and were proud to field our biggest team to date. Thank you for representing St John of God Murdoch Hospital so enthusiastically and helping to make the day such a success. You can read more about the event on page 12.
Looking ahead, July brings NAIDOC Week, an important opportunity to celebrate and
recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a special performance by the Wadumbah Dance Group. Details can be found on page 11.
Thank you for continuing to look after one another and for the care, compassion and dedication you bring to our hospital every day.
Have a great month, and thank you for all that you do.
Ben
Meet our new DDON: Specialist Services - Natalie Chemello
What do you love most about nursing?
What I love most about nursing is helping others, working as part of a team, and the fact that every day is different. I also love seeing the smiles on the faces of colleagues, patients, and families.
What’s something many of us may not know about you?
I love cooking up a feast and hosting my family and friends to enjoy together.
Netflix or novel – which do you prefer? Any recommendations? Definitely novels - especially thrillers, dramas or a good rom-com. What emoji best represents you?
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be?
A full-time stay-at-home dog mum (my dog agrees!)
What’s the greatest piece of advice you have for nursing colleagues? Find the area of nursing that fuels your passion and keep chasing it.
Reflection
Thank you for your involvement in our recent Reconciliation Week activities. Through our conversations, learning, reflection, and simple acts of respect, we have taken steps together toward deeper understanding and connection. Reconciliation is not only about acknowledging the past; it is about shaping the future. It asks us to listen carefully, walk humbly, and recognise the dignity, wisdom,
and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Throughout Reconciliation Week we were able to identify on the map of Australia a place we felt connected to and learn the traditional names of these lands. We were privileged to meet Wongutha Mirning woman, Linda Bonney, and learn about bush medicine and how her oils and lotions can support healing and wellbeing. Through our meal donations we were able to support the Djaalinj Waakinj Ear Health program and enable Aboriginal children to have life changing ENT surgery.
Every action matters - A conversation, an Acknowledgement of Country, a willingness to learn, a moment of curiosity instead of assumptionThese may seem small, yet they help create a community where belonging becomes possible for all.
As a hospital community, may we continue the spirit of Reconciliation Week beyond these few days. May it shape the way we greet one another, care for patients and families, make decisions, and build relationships.
Reconciliation is not a destination reached in a single week, but a shared responsibility. May we continue to walk together with open hearts, creating a future where healing, dignity, and respect are experienced by all. May we be reminded that we are all strengthened when every culture and voice is valued.
Jenni Director Mission Integration
Patient Experience Matters
Murdoch NPS for MAY
Murdoch patients are saying:
Comment 1: St Emilie
All staff were kind and helpful. I was made to feel like I was a special person not just a patient.
Comment 2: St Francis
Doctors, nurses, and staff were friendly, helpful and a laugh, too - very caring. I was very happy with my stay. The care was awesome, thank you!
Comment 3: Endoscopy
I was processed promptly on admission, taken to a bed, and given precise instructions. The procedure went quickly, the food after the procedure was excellent. All staff were kind and efficient - thank you. Well done, Murdoch, for a same day procedure it was done very well!
Title Text Ashleigh and Yang recognised as top graduates
Congratulations to Ashleigh Murray and Yang Sun, who have been recognised on the Executive Dean's List at Edith Cowan University following the completion of their Nurse Practitioner studies.
The prestigious honour is awarded to students who achieve outstanding academic results, placing them in the top 5% of graduates within the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
This achievement reflects Ashleigh and Yang's dedication to advancing their knowledge and clinical expertise, while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
Congratulations to Ashleigh and Yang on this well-deserved recognition and outstanding academic success!
Values Award
Brayden Daniels for a Respect Award Nominated by a patient
"Brayden worked with efficiency and dedication to fulfil the care that I required. He made me feel comfortable and respected and went above his role to ensure that my needs were met with the required attention. He carried this out with good humour and compassion."
JMO of the Month
The Junior Medical Officer (JMO) of the month award recognises an outstanding intern, resident or registrar who exemplifies excellence in clinical care, teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to learning. Nominated by their peers and supervisors, this award celebrates those who go above and beyond in supporting their colleagues and delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients.
May: Dr Quincy Kusnady
This month, we are pleased to congratulate Dr Quincy Kusnady as the JMO of the Month.
He is a wonderful doctor whose kind and caring nature has been a tremendous asset to the ward. He is approachable and supportive, creating a welcoming environment for new and less experienced staff members.
He consistently treats everyone with respect and professionalism, including patients, their families, the multidisciplinary team, and his fellow colleagues. His compassion, teamwork, and dedication make him a highly valued member of the health care team.
Well done, Quincy! Thank you for your contributions to St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
Oncology Clinical Trials team receives recognition
The achievements of the Murdoch Oncology Clinical Trials team were acknowledged this month by one of our long-standing industry partners.
On behalf of the Director of Clinical Operations (ANZ) at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Astrid Bauwens presented the team with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their outstanding commitment and engagement.
A range of recent achievements
by the team were identified as a demonstration of the hospital’s dedication, efficiency and collaborative approach to clinical trials conduct.
Ms Bauwens reinforced the status of St John of God Murdoch Hospital as a valued partner for BMS and commitment of our trials team to delivering high-quality clinical research.
Oncology Clinical Trials Medical Lead, Dr Kynan Feeney confirmed that our success in clinical trials
conduct is dependent on the support of the broader Medical Oncology and Cancer Centre teams.
Most importantly, the benefits to current and future patients will be an enduring legacy of the hospital’s contribution to the development of new cancer treatments.
Congratulations to the Oncology Clinical Trials team for this wonderful achievement.
National Reconciliation Week
This National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), we reflected on the 2026 theme: “All In”, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. At Murdoch, we marked the week with our courtyard cultural experience by:
• Enjoying a special lunch in the Caregiver Dining Room, which raised funds for our Charity of the Year, Djaalinj Waakinj Ear Health Program
• Exploring interactive activities, including bush medicine with Wongutha Mirning woman Linda Bonney, and a hands-on cultural learning experience map
• Seeing proud Whadjuk Noongar woman Narelda Jacobs and other powerful First Nations voices at the streamed National Reconciliation Week launch
• Wearing our new First Nations polos, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Thank you for continuing to support reconciliation through everyday actions, conversations and connections that help build a more inclusive and united future.
Your Window of Tolerance
Pastoral Pause
Having an embodied sense of nervous system literacy is an important and effective method of care. Your nervous system is your body's control centre, constantly assessing safety and danger, managing your responses to the world Learning to understand it isn't just helpful - it's essential for wellbeing.
Your Window of Tolerance
The Window of Tolerance tool developed by Psychologist Dan Siegel, identifies the universal human experience of having a window in which we are at optimal levels of comfort.
The Window of Tolerance refers to the state where our nervous system is in balance, where you can function optimally, make clear decisions, stay connected and problem solve from a place of calm.
It is an ideal state of functioning that we can be in, where we can sail smoothly through our days, meeting stress and responsibility with resilience and rational thinking
In this state of Calm, Grounded and Connected, your Parasympathetic Nervous System is at work, specifically through the Ventral Vagal pathway. Deb Dana, a trauma specialist, describes being in your Window of Tolerance as being 'Home' and dysregulation, or being out of balance, as wandering away from home
When we wander away from ‘Home’ or this calm and connected place (which we all do, all the time), we either move towards:
A state of hypo-arousal: shutdown or freeze, known as being in a Dorsal state, or
A state of hyper-arousal: fight-or-flight often known as being in a Sympathetic state
Your nervous system is constantly asking "Am I safe?" and responds automatically before you even think about it, moving you in and out of these three different states. Each person's Window of Tolerance is unique and depends on multiple factors Your Window of Tolerance can be narrowed by experiences of persistent stress, trauma, danger and isolation.
The Sympathetic Nervous System
The Sympathetic Nervous System, releases adrenalin, speeds your heart, and mobilises energy. It's the gas pedal you need when you need to flee The fight-or-flight state has always been essential for the survival of the human race It is a mobilising state of motivation and action, and like most things, is a spectrum that shifts and changes. Hyper-arousal can feel like panic, emotional overwhelm, feeling unsafe, feeling wired, racing thoughts
Dorsal Vagal pathway
On the flip side, your Dorsal Vagal pathway is responsible for pulling you into a freeze or shutdown state to conserve energy and collapse when fight-or-flight isn't deemed a viable option
Hypo-arousal can feel like numbness, disconnection, exhaustion and feeling withdrawn.
Ventral state
Your window can be widened when you experience connection, safety and mindfulness Understanding your personal window helps you recognise when you're leaving it, and also how to rebalance and find your way back 'home' 'Home' can feel like being grounded, thinking creatively, considered problemsolving, compassion to others and meeting stress with resilience
This week, take some time to acknowledgement when you find yourself feeling calm or when you feel withdrawn or overwhelmed. In what ways can you be more attentive to your own nervous system?
and graphics from Makeshift Remember we have our EAP through Converge on 1300 687 327 and Pastoral
Celebrating NAIDOC week with appreciation for our First Nations Advisory Group
Our journey…
For many years, SJG Murdoch had invited First Nations representatives to our Reconciliation Committee, but not surprisingly due to our traditional meeting structure we were not very successful. After listening to important feedback, we decided to shake things up a bit and create a different kind of group.
With no formal agenda, our first meeting focused on listening, sharing stories, and identifying what mattered most. The conversations were open, challenging and energizing, and immediately reshaped our thinking. Meetings continued to be held every two months, in the early evening with food and an emphasis on relationship building through genuine engagement.
As the group evolved, we collectively established ways of being together that prioritized respect, cultural safety and shared responsibility.
In the past 12 months, the Advisory Group has been very busy, informing orientation messaging, Acknowledgement of Country practices, and Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week activities. Conversations have challenged us to rethink hospital language, employment pathways, and how best to support local Aboriginal businesses.
Practical outcomes have followed, including the launch of First Nations polo shirts, installation of meaningful artwork, and culturally significant items such as cot cards and blessing bookmarks
in Maternity Services. The First Nations Advisory Group has contributed valuable insights into palliative care, the importance of cultural training for front-line caregivers, and opportunities to enhance physical spaces across the campus to foster cultural safety and healing.
What began as a tentative and hopeful invitation to try something different has become a trusted space for learning and accountability that is culturally grounded and purposeful.
As we celebrate the 2026 NAIDOC theme of “50 years of Deadly” we celebrate Murdoch’s awesome First Nations Advisory Group and the difference they have made to our reconciliation journey.
Left to right: Jenni, Amanda, Teagan, Bridgette (with baby Duana), and Aimee. Missing from the photo but part of the group is Ashah, Shani and Tatum.
NAIDOC Week 2026
Join us as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Everyone is welcome to come together and enjoy a special performance by the Wadumbah Dance Group as we honour this year's theme and celebrate connection, culture and community.
Tuesday 7 July 2.30pm
Function Rooms
All welcome
naidoc.org.au
HBF Run for a Reason
Congratulations to the 118 St John of God Murdoch Hospital caregivers who crossed the finish line at the HBF Run for a Reason on Sunday 24 May.
From the 3km to the half marathon, every step reflected dedication, resilience and an incredible team spirit. We’re so proud of our Murdoch caregivers and all 527 caregivers (our biggest team to date!) from across St John of God Health Care hospitals and services who came together to be part of this inspiring event.
Thank you for representing our community with such passion, energy and heart - and for making a difference every step of the way.
Watch your step this winter
With the recent wet weather, the risk of slips, trips and falls across the hospital has increased. Wet footwear, water tracked into buildings, and slippery external walkways can significantly increase the likelihood of an incident occurring.
A gentle reminder to take extra care when moving between departments, entering and exiting buildings, and working in areas where floors may become wet.
Where possible:
• Wear enclosed, slip-resistant footwear that is appropriate for your work environment
• Use designated walkways and handrails where available
• Report wet floors, leaks, or slip hazards promptly
• Ensure wet floor signage is visible when cleaning
• Take extra caution when walking in external areas
Appropriate footwear is one of the most effective controls in preventing slip-related injuries. Footwear with good grip and support can help improve stability and reduce the risk of slips, particularly during winter months.
To support caregivers, Staff Footwear Fit-Up Events will be held during July and August. Keep an eye out for further information to come!
Let's work together to keep everyone in our Murdoch community safe this winter.
The greenzone: Gear up with new socks!
This month, our superstar cyclists were rewarded with FREE sports socks for their commitment to travelling greener at Murdoch.
From 25 May to 5 June, caregivers who rode to work and showed their bicycle helmet at Admin 3 received a pair.
Thank you for helping make a positive impact on our environment and for doing your bit to reduce the number of cars parked on site, one ride at a time.
Keep an eye out for more opportunities to support our Travel Greener program and score some great goodies along the way!
Murdoch Motion movers celebrate the World Premiere!
On Thursday 21 May, we rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the world premiere of The Murdoch Motion!
If you missed it, you can watch it here: https://bit.ly/murdochmotion
The event featured special guests including Jocelyn Arnold (our very own Kylie), Barry the Murdoch bus and train station, and Wendy Singleton, whose passion for sustainable travel inspired the video and helped shape the lyrics.
A huge thank you to everyone who brought this creative project to life, and to all our caregivers who continue to "do the Murdoch Motion" by choosing greener ways to travel to and from work.
International expert shares insights into the future of cardiac pacing
St John of God Murdoch Hospital recently welcomed international cardiologist and researcher Associate Professor Amr Abdin from the University Hospital of Saarland in Homburg, Germany, for an all-day workshop focused on advanced pacing techniques.
The education session, coordinated by Angiography Nurse Manager Katherine Hudson, brought together Cath Lab and Coronary Care Unit (CCU) staff to learn more about conduction system pacing, with a particular focus on left bundle branch area pacing.
Murdoch Cardiologist Dr Andrew Liu said the workshop provided valuable insights into a technique that is expected to play a significant role in the future of cardiac care.
"A/Prof Abdin covered key principles and provided invaluable feedback on procedural techniques and ECG interpretation. The workshop was extremely well received by the staff, and we gained valuable insights into this technique, which I believe will become the new standard of pacing," Dr Liu said.
Katherine said the workshop provided a valuable opportunity for staff to learn directly from a leading international expert and further strengthen the team's knowledge and skills in this evolving area of cardiac care.
The visit highlights Murdoch's commitment to ongoing professional development, innovation and delivering the highest standard of care for our patients.
Move It May!
Throughout May, caregivers across St John of God Murdoch Hospital helped bring the WA Falls Prevention initiative, Move It May, to life by encouraging patients to get up, get dressed and get moving safely within their clinical capabilities.
Led by our Falls Link Nurses, awareness and education activities were rolled out across the hospital to highlight the important role mobility plays in falls prevention.
Posters and education boards were displayed in departments, while patients on St Francis ward received laminated shoe cut-outs as a reminder that every step counts.
Health care providers play a vital role in preventing falls. Physical inactivity can increase the risk of falls in older adults, but simple actions that promote safe movement can help patients maintain their strength, independence and confidence.
Move It May is a timely reminder that small actions can make a big difference.
Thank you to our Falls Link Nurses and caregivers for championing the initiative and supporting patients to stay active, safe and on their feet throughout their hospital journey.
Hannah Matthews advances her specialist nursing skills through 2026 scholarship
St John of God Murdoch Hospital Clinical Nurse Hannah Matthews has been selected as one of 17 Murdoch caregivers awarded a scholarship in 2026.
Hannah will use the St John of God Health Care Scholarship to study a Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care at Curtin University, expanding her skills in urology, gynaecology and continence care.
“I love my job and I love caring for people undergoing urology and gynaecology care, this seemed like a natural progression to enter this space,” Hannah said.
“I’m also passionate about women’s health, after seeing the effects that incontinence can have on someone’s quality of life. I hope to assist in elevating symptoms and helping people live their life.”
The St John of God Health Care Scholarship supports caregivers pursuing undergraduate and
postgraduate study in areas of clinical workforce need across nursing and allied health, as well as cultural immersion programs and other professional areas of study.
Hannah, who started at Murdoch five years ago, said the scholarship has helped her continue progressing in her chosen field while easing the financial pressure of returning to study.
“My main drive comes from wanting to improve health outcomes and help people. I think about how the extra knowledge can assist in providing higher levels of patient care and how it will help with my job as clinical educator, in providing education to my colleagues,” she said.
“It has enabled me to actually be able to enrol and complete the course, the financial anxiety in regard to studying again was very high and having the organisation
support me in my studies has been very beneficial.”
Hannah said her passion for health care comes from both connecting with people and continuously learning.
“I really enjoy talking with people and learning how things work - whether it’s understanding a piece of equipment, seeing how a process is undertaken, or finding ways it could be improved,” she said.
For Hannah, the most rewarding part of working in health care is advocating for patients and being part of a supportive team.
“I love patient care, talking to patients and advocating for their care. I love the stories and the laughter. I love working within a team and work with an amazing group of Nurses, Patient Care Assistants and doctors on St Catherine ward,” she said.
A milestone for surgical innovation
On Friday 5 June, A/Prof Abe Jacob became the first surgeon to operate using our new second da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.
The addition of a second robot significantly expands our surgical capability, enabling more patients to benefit from minimally invasive procedures, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.
Together, we're continuing to drive innovation and clinical excellence for our community.
Congratulations to A/Prof Abe Jacob and team!
Footprints celebrate their win
On Wednesday 10 June, our Footprints caregivers and volunteers gathered at the Footprints Day Centre in Hospice to celebrate the team's Patient Experience - Team Award win at the inaugural Professor Con Michael Clinical Excellence Awards.
Joined by CEO Ben Irish, Chief Nursing Officer Janet Jones, Chief Medical Officer David McCoubrie and members of the Executive team, we recognised the incredible people who make Footprints such a special service.
Through compassion, connection and holistic support, the Footprints team makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families every day.
We are incredibly proud of this welldeserved achievement and grateful to everyone who helps provide comfort, dignity and a sense of home when it is needed most.
CDS corner
June ‘26 SUPER DOC-U-MENTER theviyaah
Why did you want to beco me a do ctor?
I grew up watching my mum’s dedicati o n to her calling as a do ctor. seeing that impact firsthand is what inspired me to follow the same path.
What is your favourite meal?
I’m a big fan of indian & thai cuisine.
Fun fact?
i o nly have two m odes: i’m either always hungry or always sleepy. there are no in-betweens!
This month, the Clinical Documentation Specialists are focusing on pneumonia - it's nothing to be sneezed at!
#remembertowriteitright
Wishing Wendy a happy retirement
On Monday 15 June, Hospice caregivers past and present came together to wish Clinical Nurse Wendy Brown a happy retirement after 21 years in the Murdoch Community Hospice.
"After 50 years in nursing, and over 21 of those years dedicated as a hospice nurse with St John of God Murdoch Hospital, we say farewell to a truly extraordinary person who has not just worked in this profession, but has shaped it, strengthened it, and lifted everyone around her.
Wendy’s experience is nothing short of remarkable. She is a true wealth of knowledge, one of those rare people you turn to knowing she’ll have the answer, the insight, or the wisdom to guide you through. Across her career, she has overseen, supported, and influenced countless doctors and nurses, always giving her time, sharing what she knows, and helping others grow with quiet generosity and strength. But what makes Wendy so special isn’t just her knowledge, it’s the way she has given back. She has supported patients and families through some of the most difficult and meaningful moments of their lives, always with compassion, dignity, and care. That impact reaches far
beyond what we see. It’s lasting, and it matters.
Wendy is quick on her feet, sharp, and never afraid to call things as they are. She doesn’t stand for nonsense and honestly, we wouldn’t have her any other way. But alongside that strength is her humour, her wit, and her ability to find a moment for a laugh, even on the busiest of days. And of course, we all know that Wendy is the queen of restocking. Everything in its place, everything just right. Her standards have set the benchmark for all of us, and I think it’s safe to say we’ll notice very quickly when we can’t quite keep up!
She has a special art to the way she works. A combination of experience, instinct, knowledge, and heart. Wendy has shared that gift so freely with all of us. As a community of people who have had the privilege of working with Wendy, we are better clinicians, better colleagues, and better people for having worked alongside her. Wendy is deeply
loved by everyone who knows her, and her absence will be felt more than words can say.
While it’s hard to say goodbye, we are incredibly grateful for her 50 years of dedication, for her mentorship, her humour, her honesty, and everything she has given to this team, this profession and the progression of palliative care. Wendy, thank you. You have made an incredible difference, and it has been a privilege to work with you. We wish you a retirement filled with rest, joy, laughter, and all the things you’ve no doubt put aside while caring for others. You’ve more than earned it."
- Georgia Seragusana, Nurse Manager, Hospice
