Welcome LISA NORMAN General
Manager,
South East Melbourne Hospitals
As we reach the end of another financial year, I want to thank all our caregivers across St John of God Health Care’s South East Melbourne hospitals for your ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care to our patients and local communities. Your dedication continues to reflect the mission and values that guide everything we do.
I also want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts made by teams across all sites in working towards meeting our financial targets this year. In a challenging healthcare environment, your careful stewardship of resources and commitment to sustainable service delivery have ensured we can continue to invest in care where it’s needed most.
Recently, we proudly celebrated International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day — two important opportunities to recognise the skill, compassion and tireless efforts of our nurses and midwives. These caregivers are at the heart of our hospitals, and their contribution to patient care is truly invaluable.
Another major milestone was the official opening of our Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery Unit at St John of God Langmore Centre. This specialist service provides critical support for veterans and first responders living with PTSD and trauma-related mental health challenges, and is already making a real difference in the lives of
those who serve and protect us.
As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to learn more about St John of God Health Care’s new organisational strategy. This new direction will strengthen our focus on person-centred care, enhance our community partnerships, and ensure we continue to respond to the changing needs of the people we serve — with compassion, innovation and excellence.
You will now have received the news about the SEM end of year celebration event planned for November 22nd at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren. Pop the date in your diary and I look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
Thank you again for all that you do. I look forward to another year of progress and purpose together.
Lisa Norman General Manager,
St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals
St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals
Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery Unit Official Opening
On 28 March 2025, St John of God Langmore Centre officially opened its new Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery Unit. This service is designed to provide specialised mental health care for frontline emergency workers and members of the Australian Defence Force experiencing PTSD and psychological trauma.
The opening was marked by a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, health professionals, and representatives from emergency services and defence communities. Among the attendees were Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier and State Opposition Leader and Member for Berwick Brad Battin, who praised the centre’s commitment to mental health care for those who serve and protect the community.
The 12-bed inpatient unit, which began accepting patients in late February, offers a safe and supportive environment for recovery. Services include individual and group therapy, medication support, art and music therapy, neuro-stimulation, and pastoral care. The unit also features modern amenities such as private rooms with ensuites, a gym, chapel, art rooms and outdoor areas.
Lisa Norman, CEO of St John of God Health Care South East Melbourne Hospitals, emphasised the significance
of recognising trauma and seeking help, stating, “This unit offers hope and healing to those who have given so much of themselves. We are proud to stand beside them on their journey to recovery.”
Since the opening the unit, St John of God Langmore Centre have commenced a day program titled STAIR, specifically tailored to the unique needs of this patient cohort. Patients can participate in the program following discharge or they can enter the program as a standalone treatment approach.
The Langmore Centre’s new service represents a vital step in addressing the unique mental health needs of first responders and defence personnel across Victoria and beyond.
Above: Wayne Gatt (The Police Association Victoria, CEO), Brad Battin (State Opposition Leader and State Liberal Member for Berwick), Lisa Norman (SJGHC SEM Hospitals General Manager and CEO) and Victoria Police Acting Senior Seargent Glenn Holland.
Below: Brad Battin (State Opposition Leader and State Liberal Member for Berwick), Lisa Norman (SJGHC SEM Hospitals General Manager and CEO) and Georgie Crozier (Shadow Minister for Health Member for Southern Metropolitan Region) pictured with managament and members of Fire Rescue Victoria
International Nurses and Midwives Day
Our three South East Melbourne Hospitals celebrated International Nurses and Midwives Day with the annual BBQ lunch, enjoyed by all, in honour of our fabulous nurses and midwives.
Extended Speech Pathology Outpatient Clinic at Berwick
A new extended Outpatient Speech Pathology Clinic has been established at Stephenson House in Berwick. The Speech Pathology Clinic, run by the amazing speech pathology team based at Frankston, runs fortnightly on a Friday. Patients are seen for assessment and therapy for swallowing, saliva management, communication and speech difficulties.
“There is huge demand for Speech Pathology services in our community because public and private services often have long waiting lists”, says Speech Pathologist Stephanie Pak. The Speech Pathology Clinic supports adults with swallowing and communication difficulties, often as a result of stroke or progressive neurological disease.
The service can be accessed via health fund cover, NDIS, self funding or GP enhanced primary care plans. Patients can book directly with the Speech Pathology Clinic via 87845644 or BW.Outpatientrehab@sjog.org.au
In-house Speech Pathology services have been provided in Berwick for the past year with over 600 patient consultations delivered in that time.
Thanks to Bank First for providing delicious fruit hampers to celebrate the special day!
Volunteer Update
A whole lot of JOY this National Volunteer Week!
Volunteers of St John of God Health Care, you are joy bringers. It has been an enormous pleasure this year to celebrate National Volunteer Week and your contribution.
This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities’, celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together. We are wonderfully blessed to have a thriving and connected community of volunteers and caregivers at our St John of God Health Care, South East Melbourne hospitals (SEM).
We strengthened our connections further by hosting a ‘joy’ morning tea party, asking volunteers to bring or wear something that brings them bucketfuls of joy.
The party kicked off with ‘Getting To Know You Bingo,’ which sent the room into a state of civilised chaos as volunteers and caregivers introduced themselves to try and find someone in the room that could do a cartwheel, was terrified of spiders, someone who is left handed, and so on. Anne Lee called BINGO and won the guernsey for being a connector.
We listened to some fabulous, joyful updates and words of thanks from Leanne Kolcze (OHS Consultant), Priscilla Singh (Clinical Nurse Consultant Infection Prevention and Control), Rhonda O’Connor (Director of Mission Integration) and Karen Ward (Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery).
Mental Health Support
Day Programs
And then if we really want to talk about joy, Sister Johanna led us in grace before the scrumptious morning tea prepared by Andrew Pereira and the Langmore Centre catering team. A culinary spread bursting with freshness, variety and tasty delight.
It was then onto the joyful business of sharing something that brings joy. There was a teddy bear from Austria, a mother’s autograph book, a rose garden china cup, photos of family, of precious pets, swimming caps, Tiffany earrings, and bright blouses just to name a few.
What do we all get to savour when someone shares what brings them joy? We get to see a sparkle in that person that is infectious and before too long the whole room is smiling and a new point of connection opens up. Let’s just say there was a whole lot of joy in the room.
St John of God Volunteers, this National Volunteer Week and beyond we celebrate you and thank you for the service and connection you bring to our South East Melbourne hospitals. Keep bringing the joy!
By Erica Proposch Coordinator of Volunteers
Did you know that St John of God Langmore Centre offer a suite of mental health day programs for people aged 18+ They can be accessed quickly and provide structured, face-to-face group therapy run by the team of mental health professionals.
The programs include art therapy, support for addiction, adult ADHD, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, PTSD and there’s even a very specific program just for first responders and defence personnel suffering from PTSD.
If you are interested in learning more for yourself, or a loved one, you can find more information or book in by scanning the QR code or visiting sjog.org.au/langmorecentre
St John of God Health Care Group News
St John of God Health Care Strategy Launch
On 22 May, St John of God Health Care proudly launched our bold, future-focused Strategy - one that honours our legacy of compassionate, high-quality care while embracing the challenges and opportunities of a changing health care landscape.
This is more than a corporate plan - it’s our collective commitment to navigate the road ahead, together.
At the heart of our Strategy is our new aspiration: Every Moment Matters. Developed in collaboration with caregivers and stakeholders, this guiding statement reflects our belief that every interaction, every moment, is a chance to make a meaningful difference.
We’d love to hear about a moment that mattered to you. Whether it involved a patient, a family member, or a fellow caregiver, share your story by scanning the QR code. You’ll go in the draw to win an iPad Air!
Let’s celebrate the moments that shape who we are, and who we’re becoming.
Frankston Takes A Walk In The Park To Fight Parkinson’s
St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital proudly sponsored and attended A Walk in the Park in Melbourne on 27 April 2025, supporting people living with Parkinson’s. Staff, patients, and families joined thousands at Federation Square for the event, which raises vital funds and awareness for Parkinson’s support and research.
The hospital’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to neurological rehabilitation, including specialist programs for people with Parkinson’s disease. It was a great day to connect with the community and walk together for a meaningful cause.
Pictured right: On May 22 each St John of God hospital held a ‘watch party’ where caregivers were invited to come together and tune in to watch the strategy launch live. Pictured above is the south east Melbourne leadership ‘watch party’, where a group of our leaders watched the strategy launch live from Langmore Centre’s Stephenson House.
Frankston Margaret Robertson, Natalie Lyle Jacinta Watt and Mya Cook at A Walk In The Park
A Legendary Linen Showdown: Bed Making Competition Returns to Frankston!
Each year on International Nurses Day, the team at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital celebrates in true style – with the muchloved and fiercely contested annual Bed Making Competition. Open to all departments, the event is a light-hearted but high-stakes showdown of skill, speed, and flair.
This year’s winners were none other than the Environmental Services team, who impressed the judges across all three scoring categories: Time, Neatness, and Pizazz! Their winning effort combined clinical precision with creative flair, proving that making beds is truly an art form.
In a delightful twist, while preparing for our recent SNA, the team uncovered the long-lost plaques of past winners, with engraved names dating back before 2009. With this discovery, they’re excited to once again commemorate the champions — and the Environmental team will soon see their name engraved for 2025, securing their place in Frankston history!
Congratulations to all who participated and helped keep this fun tradition alive.
Gratitude for donations
Berwick Op Shop have been supporters of St John of God Berwick Hospital for many years. They recently visited Langmore Centre to present their lastest donations- $4000 for thr Community Wig Service, $4000 for Palliative Care, and $3500 for the Langmore Emergency Services and Trauma Recovery Unit.
We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and look forward to putting their generouse donations to good use, improving patient care and experience at our SEM hospitals.
Caregiver Of The Month: April 2025
St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital
>Dr Stephen Loi, Geriatrician and Physician for Respect, Justice, Excellence
>Wendy Moon, Nurse unit manager for Hospitality, Compassion
>Jordan Waite, Physiotherapist for Compassion
>Roy Zulueta, Wexford ANUM for Excellence
Nominees
>Norma Kelly, FSA for Hospitality
>Grace Li, Social worker for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
St John of God Berwick Hospital
> Angela Ruiz, Maternity Unit PCA for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Dr Cam McLaren, Oncologist for Compassion, Excellence
> Kate Asker, RN for Compassion, Respect, Justice, Excellence
St John of God Langmore Centre
> Juvi, Nurse for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
>Jess Laurito, NUM for Compassion, Respect, Excellence
Frankston Caregiver of the Month
Dr Stephen Loi, Geriatrician and Physician for Respect,Justice, Excellence
Nomination:
A patient was recently admitted to Frankston SJOG after having been at an Acute Hospital for nearly 4 weeks, after falling and injuring his back. After an initial trauma CT was NAD he was managed on a medical ward, until finally transferring to SJOG. According to this war veteran who had certainly seen harder days than back pain was very distressed by pain at his RAN Assessment there had been no further radiological investigations since his initial scans in ED. The pain specialist has reduced his analgesia and suggested a behavioural element to his pain.
Thankfully for this patient he was under the care of Dr Stephen Loi who took the time to listen to his concerns, his reduced mobility and ongoing pain. He arranged an urgent MRI. The nurse who attended with him was very distressed to see him in such pain and called for a STAT order of increased analgesia.
A few hours later Dr Loi received a call advising that this Veteran had a suspected Spinal Cord Compression requiring urgent intervention.
Thankfully, he is now at the Alfred Hospital Spinal Unit receiving the care he requires.
It was hard to decide which value best suits Dr Loi. Hs clinical expertise - excellence, His advocating for his pt and ensuring he is thoroughly investigated, listening to a man who has been in pain, in an acute hospital for weeks and acting on his concerns - Justice. Compassion. - Sensing the pain, the distress, the disempowerment and acting on it .
Thank you Dr Loi, your clinical expertise, willingness to help educate the staff, Your passion or ensuring best outcomes for your patients your calm manner and your sense of humour inspires us all to live the values of SJOG
Berwick Caregiver of the Month
Angela Ruiz, Maternity Unit
PCA for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
Nomination:
My wife recently gave birth to our second baby at SJOG in Berwick. The birth of our first child (2 years old now) was a difficult time for my wife, and we were blown away by the care, compassion, warmth and comfort that Ange provided to us and our newborn.
A few days ago our second arrived, and we were lucky enough to have Ange be one of the first to assist us again. Her understanding, and ability to provide comfort to my wife was exceptional, and her bedside manner and warmth gave us confidence as parents, much the same as two years ago. We are so thankful for her, and the midwives at Berwick.
Langmore Caregiver of the Month
Jess
Laurito, NUM for Compassion, Respect, Excellence
Nomination:
After being rejected for being to complex by 5 other venues I’d 99% lost hope, at 11:15pm I emailed my referral asking if I can attend the ADHD assessment, after speaking with Jess and the amazing information she gave me, brought a ray of light over me, the phone consult ended like I already knew Jess, the excellence in her knowledge, actions and positive statements reinforced my desire to attend and continue through the program.....all explained to a panicked, stressed drug affected uncomfortable person. Through the call her ability to calm, and make me understand and took extra time with me made absolutely sure SJG was where I needed to be.
Caregiver Of The Month: May 2025
St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital
> Sabrina Juglall, Environmental Services ESA for Hospitality
> Kim Brasser, Allied Health Assistant for Excellence
St John of God Berwick Hospital
> Sally Wright, Volunteer for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Day Oncology Volunteers for Hospitality
> Elizabeth Overdyk, Berwick Volunteer in Pastoral Services for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Suzanne Holland, Day Oncology Volunteer fitting of wigs for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Lorraine Hopkins, Day Oncology Volunteer fitting of wigs for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Krystal Pratt, RN for Excellence
> Prue, Midwife for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Ricky Fagan, PCA for Hospitality
> Tania Neale, Berwick OH&S for Compassion
> Sam, Porter for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
St John of God Langmore Centre
> Clare Hurrell, RN for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
> Natalie Benn, Quality for Excellence
Berwick Caregiver of the Month
Sally Wright, Volunteer for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
Nominations (x 3):
Sally is the whole package. SJOG’s values in action. She constantly goes above and beyond. She is someone that demonstrates compassion, respect and hospitality when dealing with visitors, patients and caregivers. Thank for your fund raising efforts.
We are very fortunate to have Sally as one the many inspiring volunteers.
Sally dedicates a huge portion of her time in raising funds for SJoG. She is a beautiful soul, gentle and respectful of all. She goes about her business quietly and politely. She is evidently very committed to the hospital.
Sally arrives very early each day to accompany our elective surgical patients to the ward. She provides a warm welcome to all and offers great comfort and reassurance to our patients who are often very anxious about what lies ahead.
I look forward to seeing Sally as her smile brightens my day. She offers encouragement and support to every caregiver she meets.
Her enthusiasm in her role with the Hospital Auxiliary is inspiring.
We are so blessed to have her as part of our SJOG family.
Langmore Caregiver of the Month
Clare Hurrell, RN for Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Excellence
Nomination:
She makes you feel so relaxed and is so caring I just admire her presence and personality plus her patience.
She goes above and beyond and is hard working Never lets you down always available to talk to and makes you feel human which is hard to think when you are not well mentally.
I don’t know what else to say but she is awesome.
Langmore Caregiver of the Month
Sabrina Juglall, Environmental Services ESA for Hospitality
Nomination:
Sabrina is a hard worker always looking to help others recently she helped the Catering team on a FSA shift without issue she helps provide support and a good patient experience to our patients. Thank you Sabrina.
Morsl Market Opens at Berwick Annual Auxiliary Winter Luncheon
The Morsl market is now open in the Berwick Hospital ground floor caregiver dining room. Open 24/7 for caregivers to purchase drinks, snacks and meals simply by tapping their card (Inc the Maxxia card!)
The annual Hospital Auxiliary Winter Luncheon was held on June 26 at Holm Park, Beaconsfield. Sincere thanks to the Auxiliary for their dedication and hard work to raise funds for our hospitals.
Patient Feedback
-Feedback for Berwick 4 East Surgical
“Excellent care, all the doctors and nurses are very caring people . Couldn’t fault anyone.”
-Feedback for Berwick 2 East Medical
“Excellent nurses, great food and service, beautiful rooms.”
-Feedback for Berwick Day Oncology
“Staff are kind, courteous, and knowledgeable and will help answer any questions or concerns you may have.”
-Feedback for Berwick Maternity
“Midwives were extremely lovely and very helpful making the whole experience great. Time spent and care given was excellent.”
-Feedback for Langmore Centre, Shepton Unit
“I just want to thank the staff for always making my stay feel optimistic and supportive about my future”
-Feedback for Langmore Centre, Wexford Unit
“You all do an amazing job and it’s reassuring in knowing that your services are always available if needed”
-Feedback for Langmore Centre, Heatherton Unit
“Nursing staff are great, programs, therapy sessions are excellent. Food has been of exceptional level along with facility in general fantastic.”
-Feedback for Frankston, Wexford Unit
“The staff works as a team, from Physios to Doctors to Nurses, they are all working together towards a good outcome for the patients.”
-Feedback for Berwick 3 East Surgical
“Staff were very attentive. The food was excellent. I could not fault anything or anyone.”
-Feedback for Berwick CCU & ICU
“The people who assisted me cared and were open and honest regarding my surgery. It was lovely to have a smiling face greet me when I rang for assistance which meant I did not feel alone.”
-Feedback for Berwick Theatre
“Everything was so easy and so professional. It was the first time I’ve had surgery, and I’ve heard plenty of unpleasant stories for people that have had bad hospital experiences. I couldn’t be more impressed with the whole experience.”
-Feedback for Berwick Day Procedure Unit
“Organised. Pleasant experience. Easy access. Staff work so well together, a well oiled team.”
-Feedback for Berwick 4 West Rehab
“The staff were very attentive.The physiotherapy was good and beneficial.The food was excellent with plenty of choice.”
-Feedback for Langmore Centre, Brighton Unit
“All the staff are fantastic and the facilities themselves are also top notch.”
-Feedback for Frankston, Granada Unit
“The care and attention, right across the facility both by the Nursing staff and Physio staff has been exemplary.”
