Murdoch Monthly May 2022

MURDOCH Monthly

May 2022

CAREGIVER NEWS FROM ST JOHN OF GOD MURDOCH HOSPITAL

ch Murdoeer t Volun ed receiv ice rv WA Se rd Awa

CELEBRATING OUR NURSES, MIDWIVES AND VOLUNTEERS

MASTER GAMES CHAMPIONS FROM MURDOCH!

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page 11

VOLUNTEER KAM PHAGURA RECEIVES WA SERVICE AWARD

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

A message from the CEO Welcome to the May Murdoch Monthly.

is light at the end of the tunnel.

Workforce Shortages

To give you some context, in an average year we recruit around 250 new caregivers to Murdoch.

In the past 12 months, we have recruited over 800. That has been necessary because there has been a (worldwide) pattern of health care workers reducing their working hours. We have also lost some people – but relatively few in comparison to other hospitals.

On Wednesday last week, over 2000 health care workers were absent from work across WA, due to illness or furloughing. I hate to say the word, but that is definitely unprecedented. As more people become ill with COVID-19 and other wintertime diseases, the public system is under significant pressure. In that same week, three public hospitals declared a ‘Code Yellow’ emergency due to workforce shortages and very high ambulance ramping times.

•

Murdoch Hospital is experiencing its share of this phenomenon – we are averaging 150 caregivers away from work on most days. These pressures are time limited but this is certainly one of the most challenging periods in the hospital’s history, and it is testing us. It’s important you know what we are doing to manage the situation. To help support you, we are: • Capping surgical activity levels to circa 75% of usual • Consolidating ward areas • Managing ED activity, with a strict ‘ring first’ policy in place for ambulances • Supporting non-patient facing nurses back into ward floors Just like the other countries that experienced COVID-19 earlier, we are experiencing daily pressures and challenges. Things will feel different and uncomfortable at times because we have less people here. In times like these, it is important we stay calm and take one day at a time. We have your back and we are doing absolutely everything we can to support you during these times.

Let’s keep pushing through, there

Recruitment

We have been absolutely focused on recruitment and are working hard behind the scenes. We are running highly targeted local, national and international recruitment campaigns, focusing on areas where we have shortages; bringing people back into the nursing workforce and utilising the Refer a Friend campaign.

We are not holding back on our recruitment campaigns, so please be assured, we will continue to do absolutely everything we can do get the best people possible onto our Murdoch team. We are seeing many people wanting to move to WA with the borders now open, but it will take some time to get them here. Over the coming months, those people will begin to flow through though.

International Midwives & Nurses Day and Volunteers Week Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated our nurses, midwives and volunteers here at Murdoch and focused on the integral role they play in providing care for our patients.

During these times, it has never been clearer how vital a role you all have in our health care system and how truly valued and important you all are. I cannot thank you enough for

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your service to our community and the patient experience you provide to every person who comes through our Hospital.

If you haven’t had the chance, please make sure you watch special video message from SJ and all the DDONs here.

Every Caregiver Counts celebration May 26 will mark our inaugural Every Caregiver Counts Day. It is a day to say thank you and celebrate our wonderful caregivers across the Hospital.

From Engineering to Patient Administration, Catering to PCAs, Housekeeping to CSSD and everyone in between, we want to celebrate all that they do and contribute to our Hospital. See page 17 for more details.

Flu Vaccination There are currently over 1200 caregivers who have had their flu jab here on site. Fantastic record numbers! For those yet to have it, please go and get it. The clinic is open to walk-ins on a Tuesday and Friday between 9am – 3pm or you can contact Infection Control for a booking outside of these times if you wish.

This year’s flu season is predicted to be quite nasty, so please get vaccinated. It is the best way to protect yourself, your patients and your family.

Reconciliation Week Reconciliation Week is coming up, commencing on 27 May – 3 June. I encourage you to look into what is happening in your community and get involved as much as you can. We are getting involved in a number of initiatives here at Murdoch, some of which is being sponsored by St John of God Healthcare. Find out more on page 3 Take care, CEO Ben Edwards

Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

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Our twelve caregivers of the months as well as two sneaky stand ins!

Reflection

At the beginning of the year, I decided it would be good for my wellbeing to do a bit more bush walking. I like being outside in the fresh air, moving my somewhat creaky body and exploring tracks that often hold hidden treasures of flowers, plants and bird life.

So I purchased my first pair of hiking boots, walking poles (another story) and ‘googled’ best bush walks around Perth.

I soon discovered that whilst Perth has some beautiful walking trails, I do actually have to go into the bush to bush walk.

This means planning my trip finding a walking trail, packing my backpack and driving beyond my local park. In short, it means effort and if I’m not disciplined, I can talk myself out of the walk pretty quickly.

Particularly as the weather cools and the couch with a good book beckon.

It has been suggested that the experiences we prepare for, often result in greater fulfilment and pleasure. And maybe that’s true for self-care. When it comes to supporting our own wellbeing, we often have to find that little bit of extra effort to plan activities that nourish and sustain us.

As we all know, caring for others is tiring and challenging and filling our own cup in order to give to others is not always easy. However, it is important, and that is why, through the provision of caregiver resources, we have been encouraging you to be proactive about making time for what matters.

As our world slowly returns to something more normal… we hope you have received what we hope will be our last COVID caregiver wellbeing pack and enjoyed another complimentary coffee, as we begin to return to ‘business as usual’.

We care about you, and appreciate the work you do. And as always, please ask for help if you are concerned about your wellbeing.

Jenni Ashton

Reconciliation Week 2022 National Reconciliation Week is on Friday 27 May – 3 June, is partly sponsored by St John of God Healthcare.

It is an annual celebration that builds upon the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and nonIndigenous peoples of all cultures in these lands now called Australia.

May 27 and June 3 are important dates in Australia’s history. May 27 marks the anniversary

of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May is National Sorry Day which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.

June 3 marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised Native Title.

The theme for 2022 is ‘Be Brave.

Make Change.’

And during this week all Australians are invited to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation.

You can find more information here: www.reconciliation.org.au

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

Patient Experience Matters Murdoch NPS for APRIL Hospital Score

75.7

Ward Cancer Centre

85.9

Endoscopy

84.2

Intensive Care Unit

82.1

St Mary's

77.8

St Michael's

76.1

St Francis

75.7

St Rose's

75.4

Day Procedure Unit

74.2

St Emilie's

73.5

St Luke's

72.7

St Elizabeth's

71.7

St Joseph's

66.7

St Catherine's

53.8

Thomas Furlong

53.3

Emergency Department

52.3

Sleep Studies

33.3

Bridget Clancy

NA

ED - Observation

NA

St Gabriel's

NA

Surgicentre

NA

Murdoch patients are saying: Comment 1:

I was recently admitted to SJOG Murdoch to have a knee replacement. My stay was in the St Rose ward and may I say what an overall pleasant experience it was considering the reason for my being there. Staff from the initial contact checking for COVID to the admission people, nurses (ward and in the operating area) orderlies, food delivery staff and staff manning the kitchen phones and cleaners, I've probably missed someone but in the four days I was there not one grumpy person, request denied, nothing was too much trouble. Special thanks to my orthopaedic surgeon and anaesthetist. Food was cruise ship quality and delivered as room service from 6.30am untill 8.00pm dial up and ask for anything on the menu, I put on 3 kgs heh heh. Thanks again, I have another knee to get replaced soon so see you then. Well done all.

Comment 2: The care at SJOG Murdoch is always above and beyond. SJOG should be proud of all their Nurses who have done a fantastic job under trying circumstances during the height of the COVID pandemic.

Comment 3: Everything was perfect! Our whole experience was great, the midwives and all staff were amazing, the room and service was great and the food was spectacular!

Comment 4: Everything was very well organised. I had a lot of support with all the questions I was asking.

Everyone was so nice, friendly and helpful. I was really put at ease.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

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Caregiver of the Month March Robyn Graham – PCA on St Michael’s ward Nominated by patients: Robyn is so polite and lovely, she saw I was in pain and waiting for the Doctor so she offered to come back later to clean my room. She then helped me get my things ready for my shower and made my bed. She went out of her way and made me a lovely cup of tea.

Many thanks for the efforts in my stay. Everything was kept spotlessly clean and always with a smile. Particularly to Robyn, who was always happy and bright.

Manager, Brooke Hurst’s comments: Robyn is a very caring PCA. Her highest priority is the comfort and satisfaction of all our patients. She greets every patient with a smile and warmth in her heart. Nothing is too much trouble for Robyn when it comes to taking care of patient’s needs.

Robyn continues to think outside of the box to ensure the patient has the best journey possible during their admission.

April Amber Heal – RN on St Rose Ward Amber’s nomination, by Nurse Manager Janice Greene: This is Amber’s third nomination

for COTM in the past years.

Following numerous and ongoing complimentary feedback I receive about Amber, I feel compelled that she is incredibly deserving of being recognised as COTM. Amber consistently displays a high level of professionalism and work ethic, each interaction she has with her colleagues, patients and their loved ones is courteous, compassionate and respectful.

Most recently a patient of ours referred to Amber as an ‘angel’ whose nursing care was on point and faultless. Amber persevered to find out the root cause of the patients hypertension and ensured she kept the patient informed throughout the whole process. For this, the patient was eternally grateful.

Values awards Loren Morphed – RN on St Rose Nominated by patient: Loren has been absolutely diligent in her care and compassion in her nursing of me. No request was too large, her knowledge was incredible and her awareness and understanding of what was going on with me was brilliant and respectful. While the standard of nursing is very good in this hospital, Loren was certainly head and shoulders about her peers. It is an honour and a privilege to nominate her for this well-deserved award.

Manager, Janice Greene’s Comments: Loren is a second rotation RN graduate, she is a wonderful

nurse who is caring and delivers care that is thorough and compassionate. Loren is always willing to learn and always goes above and beyond for her patients on St Rose ward.

Angus Heeley – Patient Administration Assistant Nominated by Sarah-Jayne Powell Angus was nominated for his quick thinking and compassionate response to the medical emergency situation he found himself part of last month.

Fabrice Guyot – Casual PCA Fabrice has been recognised for the compassionate way in which he spoke with a distressed and challenging visitor recently.

He was observed by another caregiver handling the situation with kindness, whilst clarifying the guidelines which were to be followed.

Manager, Joyce Spicer’s Comments: Fab is a valued member of the team who always seeks to provide the best patient experience he can. He is reliable, helpful, accommodating and cheerful, often going above and beyond in his support of patients and fellow caregivers.

He is a person who truly lives and breathes the values of the hospital and is a worthy recipient of this award.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

OHS update Caregiver Safety in the Hallways In the recent months there has been a noticeable increase in caregivers walking the corridors with their heads down while texting or scrolling on their mobile phones. It shouldn’t have to be said that this is a safety risk for a number of reasons and we have had caregivers injure themselves seriously in the past due to this behaviour.

These are just some of the incidents which have occurred as a result of caregivers not paying attention in the hallways; • Collision with oncoming

• • • • • •

equipment.

Caregiver walked into visitor.

Slip on wet floor due to not seeing floor signs.

Misstep and fall down stairs.

Trip on curb walking through garden bed.

Near miss hit by car in the car park.

Injury to other caregivers moving equipment.

If whatever is on your phone is too important to wait, then please stop walking and step to the side.

There have also been reports of spilled food and drinks in the

CDS Corner This month, the CDS education focus with our junior doctors is Diabetes.

Tracey and Hannah wrote a nifty poem and the doctors all got a bag of lollies to stop low blood sugar!

Hannah and Tracey want doctors to ensure they document any conditions caused by Diabetes and make that link.

They also have a wordsearch to complete with some great prizes; all the answers are on the CDS board outside the dining room.

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lower ground corridor. Please if you are taking food or drinks away from the dining area to make sure it is covered and if you do spill anything be sure to clean it immediately to avoid someone else slipping.

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.

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National Reconciliation Week 2022 What is on at Murdoch?

At Murdoch, we will be holding a Leadership Group Breakfast and tuning in to the National Reconciliation Week Virtual Breakfast.

We are also committed to developing lasting initiatives

that support reconciliation and our continued engagement with Djaalinj Waakinj.

Director of Mission Integration Jenni Ashton jenni.ashton@sjog.org.au

We are looking for caregivers to participate in our Reconciliation Committee so if you are interested, please email the

Hamper Fundraiser We have received some lovely products for a big hamper from Kakadu Plum co which is a social enterprise that celebrates Indigenous culture and traditional Australian bush

foods. They partner and collaborate with enterprises (many that are Indigenous) that share our vision in celebrating and showcasing Indigenous products and bush foods.

There will be some friendly faces around he hospital selling raffle tickets, with all proceeds going to our beloved Djaalinj Waakinj. Keep an eye out!

Acknowledgment of Country The Hospital recently received some valuable feedback: “It would also be great if the Surgicentre felt like a culturally safe place for people of colour”.

In response to this feedback, the Hospital has installed decal version of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee agreed that it would be a great idea to expand

this to other areas where the Main Entrance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are not visible, including the Hospice Entrance and the basement entrance for the Cancer Centre.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

Our volunteers here at Murdoch provide a vital link between the Hospital and community. They are placed across the whole Hospital.

At the front entrance, on the wards, both in and outpatient.

This year’s theme is Better Together, which focuses on the fact that Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.

During National Volunteer Week (16-22 May), we showed gratitude and thanks to the great people we are lucky enough to have volunteer with us.

The magical sounds of a music engagement Volunteer Meet Joel!

while tutoring, playing in a band and studying for the GAMSAT!

He is one of our newest volunteers here at St John of God Murdoch Hospital. A recent WAAPA graduate (in Performance Contemporary Drum-Set), Joel is now volunteering his time and talent through music engagement, all

Joel works very closely with Registered Music Therapist Giuseppe and Music Therapy student Jacqui, to provide much needed and loved services across the Hospital.

This is why I choose to be a Murdoch volunteer “To give something back…”

“My time as a volunteer has been rewarding, knowing I am helping the staff by letting them have more time to do their work and not worrying about doing my job. At the same time I am appreciated by the friendly caregivers which makes me look forward to coming in to work.”

“When I retired, my daughter Summa who was running DPU at the time (now on maternity leave) suggested to me that the hospital were looking for volunteers and as I had worked with special needs young adults for 30 years, she felt I had the skills, also it was a chance to see her every week. I just love it and look forward to every Tuesday at SJGMH.”

“I love volunteering at SJOG Murdoch because we are providing hope, care and support to people who are in the most vulnerable circumstances of their lives. When we, as volunteers, show care and compassion for the patients, we are rewarded by their appreciation and a sense of belonging to a community. Faith and charity are the cornerstones of giving service and I’d like to think in some small way I have provided light to someone’s life when they most need it.”

“When asked to do volunteering work at SJGMH, I never hesitated as I have only three words I believe in: CARING AND SHARING.” “The peace I get when I have finished my work. I say it's a blessing to be given peace.”

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Meeting wonderful people, sick or well. Hearing of their life, love, worries, feelings that come with news of their illness, and what would happen to their family, their tears, hugs, their wants, most of all, provide a listening EAR. "I love to watch the staff and see how they work as a team. They are so confident in their work, and I love how all the patients are safe in their hands. This is where I want to be."

"The reason I volunteer at SJGMH is I want to have an impact and feel an alignment with our vision, mission and values that we hold at the hospital. And not to mention to give back and help others, to serve humanity in my local community."

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Celebration Hosted by Matt Hands and attended by CEO Ben Edwards, the Murdoch Volunteers enjoyed a lovely lunch and presentation to thank and show gratitude for their contributions and impact on the Murdoch community.

Volunteer Kam Phagura also received her WA Service Award during the presentation.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

Clinical Career Development Opportunities Some fantastic clinical career development opportunities have recently been announced

by Group Workforce, in which you are all encouraged to take advantage.

Clinical career opportunities!

These opportunities not only offer our caregivers a chance to progress in their careers or embark on something new, they also help support our services by enhancing our clinical expertise and increasing resources where they are needed most.

Clinical career opportunities!

Available to internal caregivers to support them to enter or develop their midwifery career.

Clinical and Research Fellowship

If you are currently working in a clinical role and have at least 12 months’ continuous service at St John of God Health Care, you can apply to receive 100% of your fees covered to either:

Remain on full pay while having your clinical hours reduced, in addition to receiving financial and mentoring support with research activities to progress your career.

Midwifery scholarship

OR

Designed to develop excellence in patient care, a three-year part-time fellowship to undertake a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) by research at the University of Notre Dame, Australia.

if you are already a midwife, access professional development opportunities to specialise in areas, such as lactology, neonatology, leadership or education.

Recipients will complete the degree with no out-of-pocket costs.

Search ‘scholarships’ on Cora for more information and to apply.

Search ‘scholarships’ on Cora for more information and to apply.

Applications close Sunday, 15 May 2022.

Applications close Friday, 27 May 2022.

enter a career in the midwifery profession

Striving for excellence in the care and services we provide.

Re-entry to midwifery practice opportunities To assist nurses and midwives to re-enter the workforce, St John of God Health Care is offering to reimburse course fees for applicants successful in securing employment with us, on completion of an approved re-entry to practice course.

Further information is available on our website: Nursing re-entry (sjog.org.au) (external).

Striving for excellence in the care and services we provide.

Student midwife employed model The Student Midwife Employed Model is a program to support Registered Nurses (RNs) to work in a maternity setting, while completing a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery with one of our partner universities.

Currently available at WA hospitals for a midyear intake and open to both internal and external candidates.

Internal participants in this program may also be eligible to apply for the midwifery scholarship to cover course fees.

Further information will be available soon under Development opportunities on Cora, and on our website.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

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Masters Games champions The Australian Masters Games is one of Australia’s largest regular multisport festivals with an extensive sport program offering over 40 different sports. In most sports, you must be at least 30 to participate.

The 18th Australian Masters Games took place on April 23-30 2022 in Perth. This is the second time it has taken place in Perth after the first one in 1993, 29 years ago. This event was supposed to take place in 2021, but was moved to this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Murdoch’s Maggie Marshall (anaesthetics) and Josh (Raveesh) (CN on St Rose) participated

and placed in the Dragon Boat category!

John is a member of the Lakers Dragon Boat Club who entered into three events, placing in them all: Gold- Senior A Open 20s Gold- Senior A Open 10s Silver- Senior A Mixed 10s Maggie’s took part in four races and placed in them all: Gold- Senior B mixed 20s Gold- Senior B Open 10s Silver- Senior B Women 20s Bronze- Senior A mixed 10s Maggie and John are keen to get a Murdoch Dragon boat racing team together, so if you are

interested please contact them on: Maggie: Margaret.Marshall@sjog.org.au John: revishjohn@yahoo.co.uk

10 year anniversary of the PCSN service In 2022, we celebrated 10 years of the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service, an awesome milestone.

Two in three Australian men with prostate cancer now have access to a local Specialist Nurse, thanks to expansion of the life-changing service run by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

IMAGE This is Russell, our prostate care nurse specialist here at Murdoch.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

International Midwives Day On 5 May, we recognised the incredible support, dedication and expertise of our midwives and we thanked them for the important care they provide for women and their families every day.

Our midwives are part of so many people's journey, at some of the happiest, often challenging and most important times in people's lives.

Our midwives were gifted a Hearts of Kindness keyring with a lovely message from SJGMH Director of Nursing and Patient Experience Sarah-Jayne.

Midwifery Recruitment Campaign You may have seen some Murdoch advertisements floating around your social media or Google recently and that is because we have recently launched our Midwifery Recruitment campaign!

Lots of work is being done behind the scenes to recruit the best nurses and midwives, including a St John of God Healthcare recruitment campaign.

These are being run locally, nationally and internationally, to get the furthest reach possible!

Proudly welcoming new arrivals to the Murdoch family in 2022.

Now recruiting midwives Apply online today at sjog.org.au/murdochloveyourwork

A family like no other

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

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Murdoch volunteer recognised for exceptional service Kam Phagura, one of the St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s long-standing volunteers, received a WA Volunteer Service Award during Volunteer Week this year.

Presented by the Department of Communities, this award acknowledges the extraordinary effort of volunteers in Western Australia, who willingly give their time to give back to their communities, particularly during this recent difficult period when organisations have experienced unprecedented challenges.

Kam, who become a volunteer with the hospital in 1997, has contributed more than 25 years of volunteering service to St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

She currently volunteers in palliative care, paediatrics and theatre, and has volunteered across several wards and departments throughout her years at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

Kam’s role in paediatrics is to provide care and support to parents and guardians whose children are undergoing surgery.

In what is often a daunting and challenging time, Kam ensures parents are fully educated, cared for and supported through their child’s surgical journey.

Kam is also situated at the St John of God Murdoch Community Hospice where she supports the palliative care nurses and patients in their daily duties.

"Kam volunteers in the hospice once a week. Her duties include visiting the patients where she is very happy to sit and chat and get them anything that they ask for, which could be the paper or a cup of tea," said Hospice Nurse Manager Jessica Wirrell.

"She also assists by taking the meals to the patients and provides reiki to any patients who may benefit from this as she is also a trained reiki therapist.

She will go out of her way to do anything for anyone."

Murdoch’s Consumer Engagement Coordinator Matt Hands commended Kam on her significant contributions to the hospital.

“Kam is incredibly kind, understanding and patient in what can often be a high stress environment,” he said.

“I often receive feedback from patients, visitors and staff about how Kam helped them get through a difficult time.”

Kam, and all of the volunteers at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, play an important role in providing a vital link between the hospital and community while supporting our caregivers every day.

If you know anyone who might be interested in joining our community of volunteers, please email Matt.Hands@sjog.org.au  L-R: Consumer Engagement Coordinator Matt Hands, Murdoch Volunteer Kam Phagura and Director of Business and Service Development Ben Dellar.

M Check out this Department of Communities video, which features Kam and Matt Hands, who manages our volunteers.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

A case for compassion care is not only ethically right but clinically essential to help our patients meet their best clinical outcomes and the other good news is that everyone can do it and it may only take 30 seconds out of your day and it’s free.

An article by RN Karali Williams.

Compassion has always been understood as a component of the “art” of the caring professions however the science on the impact of compassionate care is in and providing a compelling picture of the therapeutic benefits of this aspect of care. There is now clear evidence that supports the idea that providing consciously compassionate

The evidence is showing us what compassion ‘dose’ works and is suggesting a road map for taking deliberate compassion opportunities that not only produce better patient outcomes but more satisfaction and less burnout in the workplace for carers.

Compassion as it turns out may be one of the most powerful tools you have in your quality care tool kit to affect positive clinical outcomes for your patients and to take care of yourself.

So what is compassion?

“Compassion is the emotional response to another’s pain and suffering involving an authentic desire to help” There has always been a

Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence

basic assumption about the therapeutic presence of compassion between health care providers and patients. But in reality this can be experienced in varying degrees depending if carers are consciously taking opportunities to provide a compassionate response to a patient's cues.

The case for why it is essential.

The evidence tells us that deliberate demonstrations of compassionate care can.

•

•

•

• • •

Improve patient outcomes for a variety of clinical measures such as pain, anxiety and wound healing.

Improve patient treatment compliance and patient selfcare.

Increase patient’s recall of important health information.

Align with patient centred care goals.

Reduces carer burnout.

Improve a patient’s perception of clinician competence.

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Myth busting “Providing truly compassionate care will take too long.”

“I’m not a person that naturally shows a lot of emotion”

In actual fact when studied, those that practiced compassionate responsiveness to patient concerns perceived that they had more time in their day.

Luckily compassionate responses can be practiced and learned and are just as effective in their therapeutic benefits.

“Because I’m in a caring profession I naturally show compassion” Evidence would say this is not always the case and a deliberate approach to demonstrating compassion has been found to be most effective.

How do I provide compassionate care?

How can we make sure we are providing compassionate care it in a way that lands with the patient? When speaking with your patient consider the following; Body language alone can make a difference • Open posture body facing the patient.

• No physical barriers • Be close enough to touch (COVID safe of course) • Sit at eye level • Lean in • No arm or leg crossing • Touch of hand • Compassionate concerned facial expression.

• Eye contact.

The above will help your patient understand your attitude of compassion. It will convey that • I see you as a person • I care about you • Warmth • I have time for you • I care about and take time to understand your “why” and purpose

Some compassionate statements to consider using “I acknowledge your suffering” “This must be very difficult for you” “It is rotten to be sick and I understand” “I believe you” “How are you feeling about this?”

"I’m so sorry you have to wait” “What are you most worried about” – (use their response to work out the patient's main goal-the patient related goal) (Any statement that gives hope)

Compassion when there is bad news “Whatever we do and however that develops, we will continue to take good care of you” “We will be with you all the way” “We will continue to do our very best for you.”

"Whatever happens we will never abandon you”

“Together we will have a careful look at decisions you have to make and will keep a close eye on your concerns”

Compassion can be practiced and taught.

The following were identified as the 5 compassion behaviours that are effective and trainable.

1. Sitting versus standing during communications.

2. Detecting patients nonverbal cues of emotion 3. Recognising and responding to opportunities for compassion 4. Nonverbal communication of caring eg eye contact.

5. Verbal statements of acknowledgement, validation and support.

Some things in life are more powerful than others.

Compassionate care is powerful stuff and may just be the best, low cost, therapeutic action you will deliver all day. The emerging science would certainly suggest this.

“You are not facing this alone”

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

International Nurses Day On 12 May, we celebrated a very happy International Nurses Day (IND) with all of our incredible nurses here at Murdoch. This is a global celebration that acknowledges and celebrates the commitment and

invaluable contributions of nurses to the health of our communities.

Here is a special IND message from Murdoch's Director of Nursing Sarah-Jayne Powell and all of our Deputy Directors of Nursing.

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Thank you for everything you do, and always remember “You are braver than you believe and stronger than you seem” Christopher Robin.

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Every Caregiver Counts Throughout May we have thanked our wonderful nurses, midwives and volunteers for the work they do. We also want to thank all of our caregivers for everything that they do.

May 26 will mark the inaugural Every Caregiver Counts celebration. From Engineering to Patient Administration, Catering to PCAs, Housekeeping to CSSD and everyone in between, we want to celebrate all that they do and contribute to our Hospital.

At Murdoch Every caregiver contributes to making Murdoch a fantastic place to work.

every

caregiver Thursday 26 May

counts Every caregiver contributes to creating positive patient experiences.

Every caregiver brings unique and different skills, which makes Murdoch the place it is.

May 26th will be our Every Caregiver Counts Celebration.

It is a day to say thank you and celebrate our wonderful caregivers across the Hospital. From Engineering to Patient Administration, Catering to PCAs, Housekeeping to CSSD and everyone in between, we want to celebrate all that you do and all that you contribute to our Hospital.

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Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

Annette Guthrie Bursary – a message from the St John of God Foundation When Annette Guthrie, a much-loved Patient Care Assistant (PCA) at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, sadly passed away at 55 with recurring Lymphoma, her family made the decision to keep her spirit alive by helping others.

“The skills I have learned through the completion of the course has allowed me to help and provide care to the patients on St Francis ward.

Established in 2019, the Annette Guthrie Bursary is generously supported and endorsed by the Beasley Family, and enables caregivers at Murdoch to undertake study to become a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) or to further their education.

In 2021, the Bursary was awarded to Samantha Elford, who holds a dual role in the hospital, as a Room Service Attendant and a Casual PCA. The Bursary will help Samantha to complete her Diploma of Nursing at South Metropolitan Tafe.

Jade Walters, who was the recipient of the Bursary in 2020, said she was very grateful for the opportunity.

“The Annette Guthrie Scholarship allowed me to successfully complete a Certificate 3 in Health Services and Assistance (AIN) course with South Metro Tafe,” Jade said.

Samantha (Sammie) Elford was awarded the Annette Guthry Bursary in 2021.

“I love working on St Francis, love the people I work with, and am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve received.”

The St John of God Foundation and St John of God Murdoch Hospital would like to thank the Beasley Family for their continued generosity, which has supported many Murdoch caregivers to further their education and to seek professional opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible.

Flu Vaccination Clinic Over 1000 Caregivers have been vaccinated against the flu, have you?!

When and where to get your flu vax: Infection Control Office Tuesday & Friday 9am - 3pm Or by appointment outside of these times, contact Infection Control on 9428 8639 or infectioncontrol.murdoch@sjog.org.au

Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence

The Annette Guthrie Bursary is not only an investment in our caregivers, it is also an investment in outstanding patient care and a stronger future for St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

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Murdoch Knitting Circle

Caregiver Dining Room 11.30am - 1.30pm

Tuesday 7 June, 5 July & 2 August Let your imagination run wild with wool, ribbons and buttons creating fiddle squares.

All materials supplied.

Fiddle squares are for our patients with Dementia or cognitive decline admitted to Murdoch.

Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence

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Join the Murdoch Red Cross team

Murdoch Monthly - May 2022

Click here to jo in the Murdoch team today!

Around 9000 West Aussie’s will experience homelessness tonight including women and children

Volunteer with the Murdoch team at

RED CROSS

Team volunteering Range of services Flexible hours + Soup Patrol + Migrant Support services + Emergency Services + Red Cross Shop and more...

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RESPECT display

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Check out St Joseph’s amazing respect display. This display is now being rolled out onto other wards, with unique wording specific to the area!

Email your interest to Tracey.Gracewood@sjog.org.au OR scan the QR code to sign up as a volunteer

Djaalinj Waakinj fundraising Housekeeping raised $525 for their Mother’s Day Raffle, all proceeds going to Djaalinj Waakinj.

There were 11 lucky winners from around the Hospital!

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Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence