Welcome LISA NORMAN General Manager, South East Melbourne Hospitals
As we have stepped into 2025, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Your commitment to providing exceptional care and support to our community is what makes St John of God Health Care’s South East Melbourne hospitals truly special. I am also excited to introduce several new services that will enhance our ability to serve those in need.
Introducing St John of God Langmore Centre’s Adult ADHD Program
Understanding and managing adult ADHD can be challenging, but support is now more accessible than ever. Our new Adult ADHD Program at the Langmore Centre provides expert assessment, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing support to help individuals thrive in their personal and professional lives. Whether patients are newly diagnosed or have been navigating ADHD for years, our team is here to help.
Emergency
Services &
Defence Trauma Recovery Unit
For those who dedicate their lives to serving others, our Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery Unit is tailored for first responders, military personnel, and emergency workers who have experienced psychological trauma in the line of duty. This specialised program offers evidence-based therapies, peer support, and a structured approach to recovery, ensuring that those who protect us receive the care and respect they deserve.
Medical Weight Control at Berwick
We understand that weight management is not onesize-fits-all, which is why we are proud to introduce our Medical Weight Control Program at Berwick. This physician-led initiative offers a science-backed approach to weight loss, including nutritional guidance,
medical interventions, and lifestyle coaching to support long-term success.
Recognising Dedication: Length of Service Awards
Our organisation thrives because of the dedication and passion of our caregivers and volunteers. This year, we are proud to recognise several team members for their years of service. A special mention goes to Kevin Fewster, who is retiring after an incredible 16 years of volunteer service. Kevin’s commitment and generosity have made a lasting impact on our community, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions. Please join me in thanking him and all our long-serving team members for their invaluable work.
These new services and milestones are a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare. Thank you for everything you do to support our patients and each other. Let’s make this year one of growth, success, and continued excellence.
Thank you all for a fantastic start to 2025!
Lisa Norman CEO
Doctors Working Together for Better Endometriosis Care Excellence
For women living with severe endometriosis, life can be tough. The condition causes pain, tiredness, heavy bleeding, digestive issues, and sometimes problems with getting pregnant. Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, affecting other organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and in some cases, the bowel and bladder. St John of God Berwick Hospital is one of the few hospitals in Melbourne’s south east offering specialised care for women with severe endometriosis. The hospital is improving treatment by bringing doctors together from different specialties to work collectively to deliver a single solution to a complex problem, conveniently located close to home for women in the south east of Melbourne.
A gynaecologist takes the lead in treating endometriosis, but sometimes it also needs the expertise of a colorectal surgeon if it involves the bowel, or a urologist if it involves the urinary system, depending on the case. At St John of God Berwick Hospital, gynaecologist Dr Saj Rathnayake and colorectal surgeon Mr Hanumant Chouhan have successfully worked together to treat women with severe endometriosis. This teamwork helps make treatment quicker, easier, and may result in less operations and hospital stays for the patient. If required, both surgeons are also highly experienced to use the hospital’s Davinci robot for complex cases.
“Endometriosis is complex and can affect many organs in the body,” says Mr Chouhan. “That’s why it’s important for different specialists to work together. Our goal is to allow the patient’s body to heal quickly with less pain and discomfort”
Dr Rathnayake adds, “By teaming up, we can offer a wider range of treatments, making it faster and easier
for patients to get the relief they need. Women don’t have to suffer longer than they need to.”
The team uses keyhole surgery to treat endometriosis. This type of surgery uses small incisions and a camera to allow the surgeon to see inside the body. Given that pelvic organs are tightly packed, this approach allows surgeons better access to perform the procedure with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. It can result in less pain, quicker recovery, and allows women to get back to their normal activities much faster.
In one case, a 32 year old woman had been living with intense pelvic pain for over 10 years due to severe endometriosis. After working with other specialists, the team was able to remove the tissue causing the pain. The patient no longer needed pain medication and was able to return to work and normal activities without the constant pain.
“Help is available for women with endometriosis, and they don’t have to keep suffering,” says Mr Chouhan. “With this team approach, we can offer solutions that improve their quality of life.”
Dr Rathnayake agrees, “We’ve seen women who were told they couldn’t have children because of their endometriosis. After treatment, some of them were able to get pregnant naturally or with IVF within a year. There are definitely better options out there, and it’s worth talking to a GP about them.”
Women who are struggling with endometriosis should speak to their GP to get a referral to a gynaecologist. For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Saj Rathnayake, call (03) 8560 2227 or visit www.drsaj.com.au
A new psychological trauma service for frontline heroes at St John of God Langmore Centre
St John of God Langmore Centre has opened a dedicated unit for emergency services and defence personnel suffering with psychological trauma or PTSD.
With an unprecedented demand for mental health care across the country, St John of God Health Care is pleased to announce the opening of a new specialised psychological trauma recovery unit for emergency services workers and defence force personnel at its Langmore Centre in Berwick, Victoria.
The new Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery Unit, which was operational from 24 February 2025, offers secure, holistic care with tailored inpatient care and day programs provided by trauma-focused clinicians.
St John of God Health Care South East Melbourne Hospitals CEO Lisa Norman says it is important for emergency services workers and defence personnel to know that they are not alone and that we are here, ready to support them.
“It’s important for people to know that there are treatments and support available to help them manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. The most challenging step is recognising there is a problem and finding access to the right programs. Our goal is to instill hope, guiding patients and their families towards a brighter future,” explains Ms Norman. Research shows that cumulative exposure to trauma in emergency and defence services can lead to increased alcohol abuse, aggression, domestic violence and suicidal thoughts. Studies also reveal that stigma and a lack of understanding about long-term trauma exposure can hinder access to treatment.
The new unit has been developed in response to community need and is designed to provide targeted care to people whose mental health can be directly impacted by the work they perform.
Emergency services and defence force personnel face unique challenges, with one in seven at risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Associated conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic pain, anger, drug and alcohol reliance, relationship and sleep issues are also common.
“We’ve learned that police workers, in particular, fear encountering patients they’ve interacted with during their job, which can make them hesitant to seek inpatient care. To address these concerns, our new unit provides a safe, welcoming and private environment.”
A combination of treatments and services are tailored for the individual, offering a blend of allied and clinical
support with access to the facilities and support needed for recovery.
Programs include a mix of inpatient and day patient services, including individual and group therapy, medication, exercise, art and music therapy, pain management and neuro-stimulation.
Emotional and spiritual support is provided through the hospital’s pastoral care services, and a regular carer’s group is available for families of both current and previous patients.
The 12-bed unit features private rooms with ensuites, comfortable furnishings, and an accessible room for patients with disabilities. It includes a laundry, kitchen, tea and coffee facilities, and individual storage lockers. Amenities available for patient use include a gym, chapel, pharmacy, a communal courtyard, a private outdoor deck area and lounge as well as dietitianapproved meals.
“While this is a new unit, our highly successful trauma programs that have been running for many years at the Langmore Centre and at our Richmond Hospital in NSW, will also continue. If urgent care is needed, don’t hesitate to seek help – we are ready to provide immediate support whenever necessary.” says Ms Norman.
The opening of this new unit is part of St John of God Health Care’s national initiative to provide essential care closer to home for emergency services and defence force personnel and their families. Through an expanding network of specialised Trauma Recovery Centres and a new research strategy, St John of God Health Care will focus on early intervention and partner with local psychiatrists and support services to offer care that is accessible and meets the differing needs of local communities.
Admission to the new Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery Unit at Langmore requires a referral from a GP or treating psychiatrist followed by a phone assessment for eligibility. It can be funded by private health, WorkCover or DVA and is available to emergency services workers and defence force personnel Australiawide.
Enquiries about admission can be made by calling (03) 9773 7000 or emailing Langmore-Intake@sjog.org.au
Volunteer Update
Kevin Fewster: Long Serving Volunteer Retires
Kevin Fewster, 91 years young, has hung up his volunteering gloves after 16 years of service to St John of God Berwick Hospital
In a word, unforgettable is the volunteer contribution made by Kevin Fewster.
Last year Kevin Fewster, 91 years young, hung up his volunteering gloves after 16 years of service to St John of God Berwick Hospital. It was a great pleasure to spend time with Kevin and learn about his volunteering years recently at the Langmore Centre, the original St John of God Berwick Hospital, where Kevin’s volunteering journey began.
Kevin reflected:
“If I had to describe my volunteering with St John of God in a few words I would say, unforgettable, most enjoyable. I felt I was contributing and it was a very important time in my life.
Recently retired, I had an urge to do something and was looking to be part of a team in my local community. I wandered around the garden at the hospital in Gloucester Avenue, saw there was a need and with a background in horticulture, walked in and offered to volunteer to tend the garden. For the next 12 years I did just that – reshaping, remodelling and replanting.
I felt part of the team with all the staff – kitchen staff, visiting doctors, nurses who all acknowledged my work and we got to know each other. I also got to know the other members of the volunteering team, mostly women from the hospital auxiliary involved in many forms of fundraising for the hospital. I use to enjoy the meetings at Stephenson House. I was one of the only few men volunteers at the time.
I often chatted with the passing parade about their gardens - when to plant, feed or prune. They congratulated me on how good the garden looked. I took pride in the hospital gardens and wanted it to look as though someone cared about it. It was a fulfilling time. I took a great pride in what I did and made some lovely friendships along the way.
After my years of volunteer gardening, I enjoyed very much being on the focus group for the new hospital. I saw it go from a bare paddock to the opening of SJG, Berwick Hospital. It was a thrilling time. I don’t think I contributed much but I did listen. It was a very interesting time seeing it in action.
Once the new hospital was open I joined the Meet and Greet Volunteer Team. My role was to welcome the people coming in who may be feeling worried and anxious. It was a pleasure to assist them to the suites, up to the lifts, sort
out their luggage, and deliver papers and all the incidental chats shared. Providing reassurance and guiding people to where they needed to go, you could see a person becoming more relaxed, confident and happier.
Respect is a SJG value I feel very strongly about. We need to respect that people are feeling nervous, in pain, need their privacy, need their quiet time, maybe upset about something – respect all of the person and what they may be feeling.
In my volunteer roles I have gained a great sense of fulfilment and reward. I will certainly miss everyone and look forward to staying in touch.”
Kevin, thank you for the significant contribution you have made as a volunteer at St John of God Berwick Hospital. Your generosity of heart, time and talents have been greatly appreciated. We would like to acknowledge and give thanks for your many years of volunteer service and for honouring and upholding the values of St John of God Health Care. We wish you the very best in your volunteer retirement, knowing that you will always be a part of the SJG family.
By Erica Proposch Coordinator of Volunteers
Length of Service Awards 2025
Congratulations to all the caregivers receiving a length of service award in 2025. Thank you for your hard work and generosity!
BERWICK
25 YEARS
Anne Fabbri
Meredith Fields
20 YEARS
Yvonne Enticknap
15 YEARS
Tracey Atkins
Kylie Hoogkamer
Rolf Norman (Retired)
Lavonne Rodrigues
Maree McPhee (Volunteer)
Maureen Timms (Volunteer)
10 YEARS
Aldrin De Leon
Bikram Rai
Carolina Pino Vidal
Sara Boulton
Mardi Donaldson
Poppy Blackhall
LaurenMettes
Lianna Vassallo
Josephine Johnston
Joseph Waterstone
Evelyn Yi
Malley Martin
Dianna Fisher (Volunteer)
Joy Johanning (Volunteer BW &LC)
5 YEARS
Nav Dhaliwal
Aaron Bradley
Jack Kearley
Courtney Gray
Darren Pollard
Jaimee McTaggart
Sophie Wilson
Wilma Pinto
Gregory Hedges
Michelle Mapas
Rachel Thomas
Tara De Figueiredo
Amy Mather
Leah Bergoc
Corrina Jagoe
Yu Shuang
Andrea Wong
Mary Jane Granada
Vanessa Reyes
Dexter Ganuelas
Amy McLeod
Stef Ward
Rachel Raistrick
Midhu Kuriakose
Meryn Nicoll
Jo Wilson
Samantha MacRae
Josie Lancaster
Cecil Sajor
Kerry Engellenner
Esther Mayaka
Audrey Delaney (Volunteer)
Elizabeth Overdyk (Volunteer)
10 YEARS
Cheryl Kishere
Sharline Clinch
Deirdre Phelan
5 YEARS
Lorin Randall
Jess Ward
Deb Cunningham
Niran Rathinalingam
LANGMORE
15 YEARS
Jinu James
Maria Zacharopoulos
Susan Hart
Kate Kang
10 YEARS
Stephanie Mortimer
Stephanie Giacomini
Joy Johanning (BW & LC
Volunteer)
FRANKSTON
20 YEARS
Loretta Georgiou
15 YEARS
Lorraine Melkis
Rivka George
5 YEARS
Aswathy Francis
Gachena Sultessa
Beth Lewis
Ling Lee
News from Frankston
The team at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital ran a Parkinson’s information session on February 25th.
The session was well attended by current patients and community members who were keen to learn more about the specialist Parkinson’s inpatient and outpatient programs offered at the hospital.
Facilitators Jenny Wills (Snr Speech Pathologist), Rivka George (Snr OT) and Marg Robertson (PD Specialist Nurse) said the session was successful and sparked some referrals to the outpatient service.
St John of God Day 2025
Sustainability & Recycling
Tuesday March 18th was World Recycling Day and was an opportunity to share the importance of recycling across our South East Melbourne Hospitals.
Throughout our hospitals, the Environmental Committee and caregivers have implemented initiatives that make it easier for everyone to make good choices when it comes to waste management. These include labelled, dedicated sharps containers and bins in clinical areas, printer cartridge bins in admin areas and recylcing bins in the cafes and tea rooms.
We thank our teams for their commitment to recyling and sustainability.
If you have any ideas to improve our recycling efforts, or if you’d like to join the Environmental Committee, please email: SEM-Environmental-Committee@sjog.org.au
St John of God Day was celebrated in early March with a service at each of the three South East Melbourne Hospitals, followed by the annual paella feast- a nod to the Spanish heritage of John of God. Length of service awards were also presented to caregivers who have achieved 5+ year service milestones.
Right: Rhonda O’Connor (Director of Mission), Berwick 20 year service recipient, Yvonne Enticknap and Allison Merrigan (Director of Nursing)
Patient Feedback
I had the best of care from all staff. Everyone who cared for me were excellent and had genuine care for me. Made my stay more pleasant.
-Feedback for Berwick 4 East Surgical
The doctors and nurses were excellent absolutely amazing the way they cared for all my needs and did everything to make me comfortable…I can’t speak highly enough of them. Loved the hospital and the large selection on the menu, being able to call anytime you felt like something was unbelievable….loved everything about this hospital, I’ve not seen one like it as yet…. thank you for making my hospital stay a very pleasant one
-Feedback for Berwick 2 East Medical
All the staff were so invested with my care which made feel comfortable & reassured I felt I could ask them anything about my treatment & was encouraged to so All the staff were so invested with my care which made feel comfortable & reassured I felt I could ask them anything about my treatment & was encouraged to so.
-Feedback for Berwick Day Oncology
The midwives and all other staff were fantastic. Having our first baby was a very overwhelming experience and learning all the things that come with that was a lot to deal with whilst also recovering from a c- section. The support we received from all staff made this easier to handle.
-Feedback for Berwick Maternity
Firstly the staff/team made me feel welcome and treated me with total respect. I’m a big believer that people make a great business/organisation and I believe this to be the case here at SJOG Heatherton wing. I am very lucky and fortunate to have been guided and looked after by the this team of great humans
-Feedback for Langmore Centre, Heatheron Unit
My experience here was absolutely marvelous from the nurses to the physios and for the food that was very good and tasty. I cannot critique the place at all. Close to perfect and was absolutely marvelous
-Feedback for Frankston, Wexford Unit
Friendly staff, amazing friendly helpful nurses and a beautiful place to be.
-Feedback for Berwick 3 East Surgical
The care given by the nurses are exceptional. They are all kind, knowledgeable and have the complete understanding of my heart condition and generous of their time to explain they to me.
-Feedback for Berwick CCU & ICU
Every single person I dealt with from first contact at reception, then admission, theatre recovery and on the ward were cheerful, happy and caring. The theatre nurse even came to see me in the ward when she knocked off as I had a tough time recovering. Absolutely amazing.
-Feedback for Berwick Theatre
Everyone I had contact with from Reception through to Theatre staff and recovery room staff were fantastic. I felt I was being cared for by family and it really eased a lot of concerns I had going through these procedures in my Prostate treatment.
-Feedback for Berwick Day Procedure Unit
The level of care is very high, the doctors and nurses explain what is going to happen with the procedures with medication and physically recovering being able to move about after surgery
-Feedback for Berwick 4 West Rehab
The staff, the welcoming feel and non judgemental. The program is well run, well put together and def been worth letting my guard down and coming here. Thank you to all staff from kitchen to all nurses and doctors
-Feedback for Langmore Centre, Brighton Unit
Everybody is so knowledgeable, caring and friendly. That includes the Physios, OT’s, Nurses etc. etc. I would recommend St. John of God to anyone who needs care. Thank you.
-Feedback for Frankston, Granada Unit
