In The Loop- SEM caregiver newsletter

LOOP

IN THE

FEBRUARY 2022

SJOG.ORG.AU/SEM

2022

What’s in store?

CAREGIVER of the Year awards

LABOUR OF LOVE

Maternity pushes through busy baby boom

Welcome LISA NORMAN

CEO, South East Melbourne Hospitals I had planned (hoped) to write the very first welcome note of 2022 about how our hospitals were returning to the ‘business as usual’ model we once subscribed to, but since life continues to be very unpredictable in the wake of a very persistent and committed pandemic, I’d prefer to focus on the things that ARE happening and will continue to progress over the coming year.

Firstly, our Frankston operations are diversifying. We have identified that there is a lack of inpatient palliative care in the area and we have made a decision to turn some of Frankston’s beds into a Palliative Care Unit.

Under the leadership of Karen Ward, a working group was established to take 10 of Frankston’s 60-bed rehab facility and dedicate them to palliative care. This new service provision has been developed in conjunction with a team of highly recognised and experienced palliative care physicians. New equipment has been ordered some of which has arrived including a Cuddle Bed, which allows family beds to lie with their loved ones in their final moments whilst allowing care to be delivered safely.

Our Facilities Team has spent time on redecorating and sprucing up gardens to provide a more serene environment. Our Palliative Care team at Berwick has spent time with the Frankston team sharing resources and providing education and training support to ensure Frankston caregivers are ready to deliver care.

Berwick Hospital has invested in a new cardiac diagnostic service which will open onsite in the next month. Expected to become one of SJGBH’s top five core specialities, cardiac care will expand to include a new bulk billed outpatient diagnostic service allowing patients to undergo stress testing, echocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring to provide cardiologists and GPs with information on their patient heart function and

health. This will provide a great service for our community and allow for our cath lab and inpatient cardiac unit to increase activity. The investment which is set to cost almost $265,000 will not only be the foundation for providing excellence in the future of cardiac care in this region, but has the potential to raise revenue from cardiac admissions by 46 per cent in its first year of operation.

Of course, as Evan will explain in more detail on the opposite page, we are progressing well with the Langmore Centre redevelopment and the soon-to-be new home of our Pinelodge Clinic. Perhaps the only thing that hasn’t felt the full effects of Covid over these past two years, the new Langmore Centre is set to open in August — which I’m very proud to say is on schedule. Linda Allen has led the team amazingly well and watching this project come to life has been wonderful.

So as you can see, despite Covid continuing to nip at our heels, there is still much happening within our SEM hospitals and I’m confident that, whatever Covid has planned for us this year, our caregivers will continue to rise to any challenge thrown their way. Just take a look at how our maternity unit had to tackle a recent baby boom when all hands on deck, literally meant — ALL hands on deck, whether you had maternity, or even clinical experience behind you. Check out page 10 to see how our teams across SJGHC SEM hospitals come together in times of crisis and need.

I look forward to another year working with such an amazing team. Your dedication to our organisation and our patients never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

Thank you.

Lisa Norman CEO, SEM Hospitals

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE LANGMORE CENTRE With the project taking a couple of weeks off over the holiday period this was a chance for the team to reset and recharge for the remaining works which will see us moving into our new home from July, 2022. A bulk of the major works is complete with the demolition to the interior, construction of the new structures in perinatal and elevated courtyards, and most of the internal walls taking shape. The remainder of the project is focused on the final fit out, with the builder focusing on finishing off each unit in its entirety before progressing onto the next.

As highlighted previously, the team was able to again review the prototype room areas but this time to finalise changes to the bedroom joinery but also the doors including reviewing both the hardware and their functionality. These sessions are vital to the project as they uncover minor issues which can be easily rectified at this stage of works. Once a room is approved this can then be replicated for the remaining rooms — this ensures no issues are found late in the project making it both harder to fix, and costing a lot more overall.

The most excitingchange is the new perinatal structure located over the old staff carpark which offers lovely views over Berwick. The first steps this year will include the completion of the exterior including the new cladding and windows, as well as the plant equipment to service this area which was installed via a crane sometime towards the end of January. Work will also commence on our improvements to Stephenson’s House

which will form the bulk of outpatient and day program services turning the overall site into a one stop shop for mental health services in Berwick. With the initial design being completed in January, the works to Stephenson’s House will commence this month and work in tandem with the main building works — this will ensure they’re both operational and ready to go when we take over the building in July.

For the Pinelodge team, planning and meetings have restarted after the holiday break with a lot to get through for our teams in order to be ready for the opening of Langmore. While planning the movement of equipment and furniture has commenced, our next consideration is how we move our patients between Pinelodge and Langmore, and how we intend to operate Pinelodge with minimal disruptions while ensuring our transition of services is as seamless as possible. This planning is vital to making sure everything is ready to go come day one, with a plan for every conceivable scenario or issue being considered.

Looking forward to bringing you further progress reports on this planning and commissioning activities as we progress further into 2022.

Evan Rundell Clinical Redevelopment Manager

Well done to our Caregiver of the Year award winners Berwick Joint winners: Bryce Hoehenhaus Instrument Technician and Hahn Dahn RN Hanh Dahn Always joyful, Hanh was nominated for her compassion, reliability and her excellence in clinical care. A respectful team mate, Hanh provides support and mentorship to fellow caregivers and is known for her ‘can do’ attitude at work. She constantly makes herself available and present, and often volunteers to do extra work or double shifts especially through times of staff shortages due to Covid. Hanh was nominated numerous times throughout the award process for always helping and her ability to make strong connections with her patients. She is also known to be quite innovative when it comes to troubleshooting machines that aren’t working.

Bryce Hoehenhaus Bryce’s expertise, willingness and care saw him awarded this prestigious honour. Recognised for his readiness to work efficiently and effectively with medical staff, along with his desire to learn were key factors in his nomination. Complimented for his communication skills and competence, Bryce is regarded as an asset to his team and is acknowledged for his willingness to do extra work whenever it’s required.

St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals

Frankston Kerry Plancke Infection Control Coordinator

Nominated several times for her tireless commitment to all things Covid-19, Kerry was repeatedly recognised throughout the nomination process for her care, compassion and patience when dealing with infection control and vaccination issues.

From teaching caregivers how to don and doff and wear PPE gear correctly, to helping rollout the immunisation program, Kerry has exemplified patience, dedication and professionalism in her role as an infection control coordinator.

Despite undertaking her usual duties in infection control across Frankston and Pinelodge, Kerry was instrumental in setting up the vaccination clinic and continued to maintain an open door policy for patients and caregivers seeking information or counselling around vaccinations. As one caregiver noted, Kerry displayed a “superhuman level of compassion, epitomising the values of the sisters”.

In order to comfort people who were anxious about getting the vaccine, Kerry made sure to reach out and offer reassurance in spite of scheduled work hours. She also stayed behind to administer rapid antigen tests when patients had potentially come into contact with positive cases. In one instance she was successful in counselling a caregiver through the vaccination process who had an extreme phobia to injections — with the caregiver expressing how emotional the procedure was for the both of them.

Pinelodge Joint winners: Kauri Ward and Community Outreach These teams have been recognised for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of their patients. Despite the difficulties of dealing with people who have alcohol and other drug addictions, these caregivers continue to put their needs aside in favour of helping those who need their care most. In a recent situation, caregivers went above and beyond in order to help a patient who had discharged themselves after being spoken to about their actions in making team members feel uncomfortable. Not only did this patient become angry and offended, they expressed thoughts of suicide.

However the teams did not abandon this patient and despite acknowledging the risks associated with accepting this patient back into their care, they ultimately felt that the patient needed their care and that it was equally, if not more important, than how they felt. The nominee believes this was an act of compassion that went above and beyond expectations and one that needed to be recognised across SEM hospitals.

Community Outreach team

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Above and Beyond award winners

Athena Madytianos,

SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER, PINELODGE

Nominated for her ongoing support of the Pinelodge therapy team, Athena has been recognised for going above and beyond to support her team despite not wanting to return to management positions.

On top of her assistance with timetabling and rosters, Athena always brings in homemade treats for birthdays and farewells. She has a unique ability to understand when people are experiencing difficulties and brings the team together to support them.

Miquaeel Khan, THEATRE BOOKINGS CLERK, PSA, BERWICK

Nominated for his inspiring work ethic, Miq was nominated for always coming to work happy and with a positive attitude.

Recognised for going above and beyond in all tasks. He is known to be flexible and adaptable and would often turn up for his portering role on the medical ward only to be asked to help out portering for other units, taking theatre bookings, helping with the casual bank or for concierge. On every occasion Miq would happily help where needed, taking with him his positive attitude and ensuring every task was done with passion and excellence.

Shelley Cooper,

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES MENTAL HEALTH, PINELODGE

Shelley is known for always having time for her team and brings along a great sense of humour and enthusiasm towards staff. She has been recognised for her ability to juggle the demands of her role while stepping into the manager role for the therapy team also. Her genuine care for her staff and the support she provides is greatly appreciated by her team. She was nominated for the high level of care and support she shows her team and Pinelodge patients.

Deidre Phelan,

CLINICAL EDUCATOR, FRANKSTON

More commonly known as Dee, this caregiver was nominated for her hard work and dedication to her role as clinical educator. Over the past year Dee has taken on many extra duties and always demonstrates her commitment to upholding the highest of nursing standards, even if that results in not passing some of her nursing students. In addition to her educator role, Dee has also taken on many LOD functions including BLS training, medication audits, my Learning, among others, as well as taking over management of the concierge desk which can be a very time consuming and challenging role. When needed she also administers flu vaccines and has taken on extra study for both her job and for upcoming changes to the hospital.

Pre-Admission Clinical Team, BERWICK The Pre-Admissions team was nominated for its resilience and “can-do” attitude navigating Covid over the past two years.

No matter how often the goal posts were moved, this team was acknowledged for continuing to provide holistic patient-centred care. The team members were also cited for their dedication and their commitment to never leaving until the job was done.

Leanne Bluett, Theatre Technician (pictured) and Emma Arnett, BERWICK

Both Leanne and Emma were recognised for their fantastic skills, dedication and excellence in patient care and for often staying behind to tackle the ‘late’ lists.

HIS team, BERWICK The HIS team members were nominated for the genuine care they show for each other, their patients and their work. A team with a busy workload, it manages to share tasks and produce high quality outcomes despite having to adapt to a new automated system over the past year. Regular thoughtful gestures are shared, such as home baking or stepping in for others where needed. There is never a complaint and the team is often complimented for going above and beyond to resolve an issue, even if the task is outside the expectations of the HIS department.

Caitlin Mckee,

Nicole Talbot,

Joining the supply team during the height of Covid meant Caitlin had to learn very quickly how to deal with backorders and all the problems that came with them. She rose to the challenge, becoming an integral member of the team who went above and beyond to ensure caregivers had all the PPE they needed to keep people safe. At times this required her liaising with surgeons to source alternative items when backorders prevented normal delivery of stock.

Nicole was nominated for her excellence in continuing to provide stock to all wards and departments, particularly PPE so that caregivers, patients and visitors could remain safe and the hospital could continue to keep operating.

STOREPERSON, BERWICK

SUPPLY OFFICER, BERWICK

Patrice Hawkins, SUPPLY OFFICER, BERWICK

Marsha Vlaar, Priscilla SIngh,

CLINICAL NURSE INFECTION, PREVENTION AND CONTROL, BERWICK

Priscilla was nominated for her work ethic, attitude, dedication and commitment to always helping others. Not only did she lead the implementation of the vaccination clinic, she went out of her way to accommodate the vaccination of caregivers and their families. In addition, despite a very busy time dealing with Covid over the past two years, Priscilla used her own annual leave to fly to Fiji to provide infection control support to the country which was struggling amid the pandemic. She is also known to help out in other departments when needed. Most recently stepping in to provide midwifery support when Berwick’s maternity unit experienced a baby boom.

THEATRE TECHNICIAN, BERWICK

Marsha was nominated for always going above and beyond to ensure Theatre had the equipment required to continue to operate.

Using her initiative, Marsha would always find a way to keep surgeries running smoothly.

Covid provided some significant challenges as far as supply issues over the past couple of years, however that didn’t stop Patrice from continuing to provide excellence when dealing with a backlog of orders, nor did it stop her from stepping up to provide PPE to all caregivers in order to keep people safe. Patrice also took on the challenging role of entering prosthesis data during this time, which was a full time role on top of her regular work.

Above and Beyond award winners

Peter Richmond,

CONCIERGE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT, BERWICK

Another caregiver to receive multiple nominations, Peter was recognised for his friendliness, professionalism and his welcoming nature. Not only ready to help patients, visitors and caregivers in his role as a concierge, Peter was also paramount in helping a fellow caregiver return to work after serious injury and surgery.

Peter is known to lead by example and is always prepared to step in and help out whenever needed. His ability to anticipate patient and caregiver needs was noted, as was the mentorship he offers fellow colleagues.

Aldrich Malayang,

Donna Howard,

Aldrich was nominated for his core value of compassion in the workplace, along with the excellence in care he provides.

Recognised for his efforts through positive NPS feedback, Aldrich is supportive and always maintains the highest quality of care.

The genuine care Donna shows her patients and fellow caregivers singled her out for a nomination this year. Noted for making care bundles for patients without hygiene items, such as combs, files, creams and toothbrushes, and for staying back to help others regardless of whether those tasks form part of her own duties, Donna is known to be very gentle and kind to everyone she meets.

REGISTERED NURSE, BERWICK

PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT, BERWICK

Kirsty Jenkins,

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ASSISTANT, BERWICK

Velia Cardinali,

EN, PATIENT LIAISON OFFICER, BERWICK

Always there to offer a helping hand, Kirsty’s cheerful and caring nature sees her assisting anyone in need — even if that means searching through 30 bags of soiled linen to help patients find lost items!

Velia was nominated this year for her bubbly, proactive and helpful manner with patients, visitors and caregivers alike. Always going the extra mile, Velia effortlessly moves between her roles as a nurse and patient liaison officer with many patients commenting on how well Velia has cared for them.

St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals

Debra McDonald,

ASSOCIATE NURSE UNIT MANAGER, BERWICK

Described as an asset to her ward, Debra provides a calming, reassuring presence which is highly valued among her team members. She takes the time to answer questions from patients and their families and has been recognised for the compassion she shows patients and caregivers alike.

Trudy Beckwith,

Mandy Fidanza,

The Porter team,

Trudy is known to be “the most hardworking person I’ve ever met.

Always stays back and comes to work early.” It is comments such as these that earned Trudy several nominations for her proactive and constructive ways in which she manages her team. Always professional, Trudy has been cited to have a heart of gold while always sacrificing her own time for others. Trudy actively works to improve morale and always treats staff and customers with respect and compassion.

With several nominations made on Mandy’s behalf citing her commitment, compassion and respect she shows toward her staff, it’s easy to see why she was quoted to be, “the heart of our ward.” Always first to arrive and last to leave, Mandy is quick to stop what she is doing in the interest of caregivers’, patients’ and families’ needs despite her own busy schedule. Mandy is known to advocate for her staff and provides understanding and flexibility when it comes to rostering and balancing the personal needs of caregivers, especially in a ward as complex, complicated and heavy as palliative care. Mandy is always the first person to volunteer to fill in where needed, often working double shifts or staying late to ensure there is enough staff.

With the overall efficiency of our hospitals reliant on the coordination of our Porter Team, this department was recognised for its ongoing awareness of the needs, discharges and flow plans of each ward and its ability to constantly adapt to and prioritise tasks/appointments in order to maintain the smooth operation of a very challenging, fast-paced environment. Often known by name by the patients they assist, this team has the ability to make people feel relaxed, listened to and cared for while in our hospitals.

And despite the pressure of a constantly changing workplace, this team does it all with a smile on their faces. This team consists of Miqueel Khan, Luis Pitruzello, Jamie Fidanza, Lachy Sach, Jackon Marchetti, Kasey Monckton, Sorcha Johnson, Bronte Tevendale, Kyle Newbound and Blair Tanner.

CAFE COOK, BERWICK

BERWICK

NURSE UNIT MANAGER, BERWICK

Kate Stanton, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ASSISTANT, BERWICK

Kate has been recognised for her seamless ability to step in as screening supervisor when needed.

Doing a great job of providing daily supplies, general information and assistance to screeners, patients and visitors, Kate was applauded for completing all tasks with very little follow up required.

Hospital Coordinators, BERWICK

Berwick hospital coordinators were collectively recognised for their hard work dealing with staffing issues, phone calls, fixing problems and ensuring safe patient care, all the while maintaining a hands-on approach and friendly attitude to all.

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Labour of

LOVE

“They do it all,” says Amanda. “Double shifts, stepping up to relieve fellow caregivers who are needed elsewhere, going home dehydrated after complete shifts in PPE gear … my girls would give their right arm to make sure that mums and families have the birth they want, in the safest way possible. And incredibly, they do it with nothing but a smile on their faces.”

It’s been a challenging time for anyone in health care since the pandemic began but for Amanda she believes that maternity wards across the state have been particularly hard hit with an increase of patients and a simultaneous decrease in available care. “Caregivers have been leaving nursing in droves,” states Amanda, admitting that, “Health care appears to be broken at the moment. But these setbacks have not stopped my team from rising up and delivering the excellence in care that we are known for and continue to strive for every day, in every situation.”

Interestingly, COVID-19 has been the cause of a lot of disruption to our daily lives over the past two years, and while people joked about a baby boom to be expected after couples were forced to isolate during the first lockdown of 2020, Amanda attributes the current one

that’s being experienced at SJGBH to people taking some control back of their lives and making decisions to complete their families.

“A lot of our patients are making a conscious choice to complete their families now,” explains Amanda. “With weddings shelved and travel on the back burner, people have invested their time in either renovating their houses or having more children so that when this is all over they are ready to start life again. It’s basically a planned decision,” she says. “An opportunity to achieve work-life balance at a more convenient time for some people.”

Adding to this increase in births at the Berwick hospital, the maternity unit has also committed to easing the burden on the public health system by accepting Monash Health patients undergoing planned c-sections.

Its Special Care Nursery (SCN) has also seen a rise in premature babies born during the COVID period. “There has been a lot of unwell mums and premmies born since the pandemic began,” shares Amanda. “We’ve had to help out with the less severe cases as required and it’s the rallying together like this that clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing excellence in care,” she adds.

St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals

A recent baby boom experienced at SJGBH saw caregivers from all over the hospital downing their tools, donning their PPE and helping the hardworking maternity team safely deliver babies into this world.

It’s easy to see when you analyse the comments through our hospital feedback system and scan the comments of new mums and dads on Facebook, that most of our patients are blissfully unaware that there is not only a shortage of midwives and nurses in general, but that our maternity unit is often filled to the brim with mothers who have just given birth or are in labour.

difficult, as facemasks made it extra hard to read lips and hear what people were saying. It’s been a tough climate but my team has done an amazing job and it’s very humbling as a manager to know that not one of my team members declined to treat a SCOVID (suspected COVID) patient, nor did any of them complain once over the past two years.”

“My team has the amazing ability to make a family feel like they are the only person on the planet giving birth at that particular time. And they can do this because none of them walk out of the door when their shift is over. They are incredibly women-focused and often they eat on the run or put their own families second. They are committed to helping their mums simply focus on their contractions and not on who is walking in the door to take over the birth at the start of the next shift.”

Not surprisingly, the excellence in care provided by the SJGBH staff is reflected in the clinical outcomes published annually and indexed against other hospitals across the state. “We consistently get great results,” boasts Amanda adding that, “Even with COVID challenges thrown at us, our patients still rate us highly and our clinical outcomes speak for themselves.”

During the latest baby boom, it wasn’t just maternity caregivers rising to the challenge, Amanda had to call in staff from other wards to give a helping hand. “The birth suite absolutely exploded,” explains Amanda. “We had to prioritise births as far as getting the right skill mix in the right birth suite so that the highest risk cases had the most suitably experienced hands on deck. A cry for help went to every caregiver on shift throughout the hospital who had midwifery experience or anyone who could even just help to answer buzzers in order to determine what patients needed and which patient requests or concerns needed to be escalated to appropriate staff.

We had caregivers come from all over the hospital. At one point we even had the Director of Nursing, Allison Merrigan, in scrubs to help out.”

Despite the added pressure of taking on public patients and the increase in deliveries, caregivers also had to contend with the constant changes in rules and restrictions over the past two years, on top of having to be in full PPE gear for every birth. This extra tax on resources meant that two people were taken out of action to observe a caregiver donning and doffing (putting on and taking off) PPE gear — which oftentimes meant Amanda’s team would avoid drinking or going to the toilet regularly in order to remain in their protective suits longer.

According to Amanda, even the limitations on visitors and the amount of support people allowed in the birth suite did not damper patient experiences. “Interestingly, the restrictions imposed actually resulted in a positive stay for many of our patients,” suggests Amanda.

“Satisfaction levels for our mums were high — most notably because having no visitors meant that they had more time to bond with their babies and midwives. With little distraction they were fully able to tap into the skills and resources of our caregivers which meant parents went home better rested and far more prepared for life at home with a new baby.”

Even with the pandemic predicted to ease its grip on the world, Amanda does not see a slowdown in births any time soon. “We have 100 private patients booked in for March alone, and that doesn’t account for any public cases if the agreement with Monash Health and the government remains ongoing,” offers Amanda, who also suggests that they often see a rise in deliveries around the full moon or at times when the barometric pressure drops. “There is actually no theory behind that,” laughs Amanda. “But we certainly see the effects of a full moon once a month, and of course Melbourne’s unpredictability when it comes to weather means that despite the situation, we are always prepared to deliver excellence to each and every bedside, come what may.”

“Caregivers were going home dehydrated because the PPE gear made it tricky to drink,” says Amanda. “It also made communicating with patients and other caregivers

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“There’s more to a hospital catering department than just ensuring patients are fed,” explains Director of Corporate Services, Sara Crees.

Not only is food a major component of a patient’s recovery it can sometimes be the difference between life or death. “With over 500 meals on average being made a day in Berwick alone, that’s a lot of opportunity to feed patients the wrong meal. And that’s why the job of a menu monitor is so important,” says Sara. “They must interpret patient requirements exactly to a tee and make sure food is made as required. That means that if a person is on a liquid diet that they must not be given a meal. Likewise if someone has allergies, the patient’s food choices must comply to reduce any risk.”

To help caregivers administer the process, a machine known as the COW (computer on wheels) is taken to each room to gather a patient’s meal choices.

Sometimes, as Sara acknowledges, the menu monitor must visit a few times in order to catch a patient in their room. The system is able to communicate with WEBPAS to identify dietary requirements and allergens (if any) so that only meals that fit the patient’s needs and are safe for them to eat, are shown to them.

“This system has been implemented at Berwick for quite some time,” offers Sara. “But only recently adopted by our Frankston hospital. Despite a few IT challenges in the beginning, the team at Frankston has picked up and run with the new operating system. I’m very pleased and proud of them.

MOST ORDERED MEAL: Berwick: Friday’s beer battered fish and chips

Prior to the commencement of the new ordering system, caregivers took paper-based orders which required a great deal of manual counting and checking and was, in turn, susceptible to more risk.

“The supply of meals and snacks is a very calculated process,” admits Sara. “Each meal is checked by the executive chef and FSAs for quality control. If one meal which was requested to have two serves of potatoes and one serve is missing, or if a plate of food does not look as it should, it does not make it to the tea trolley. A new one is prepared instead.”

While Frankston and Berwick conduct its catering operations similarly, the process is quite different at Pinelodge which caters to patients with a variety of mental health and addiction issues. “Because socialising is an important aspect for patients in treatment, Pinelodge offers a buffet style meal service,” explains Sara. “Even this process has had to undergo changes since Covid with caregivers plating food and social distancing having to be adhered to in the dining room,” says Sara, “However socialising is still an important opportunity to maintain despite the difficulties that are imposed with Covid restrictions.”

On top of supplying patient meals, each catering department is responsible for catering additional hospital events from internal meetings and celebration days, to large scale functions, depending on what is required. Caregivers can also order meals through their hospital catering department for a small price which is deducted through their pay.

Sara, who joined SJGHC in the later part of last year, oversees more than 70 caregivers working in catering across our three hospitals and is delighted with how SJGHC runs its catering operations. “Everything is made in house and is fresh to order,” shares Sara. “It’s quite a luxury to work in a hospital environment. Everything is clean, shifts are very family friendly and the highlight is getting to see the end user of your services — the people who are eating what you’ve prepared and/or delivered.”

Frankston: Grilled steak with mash potato and gravy Pinelodge: Buffet service provided On average 500 patient meals are made at Berwick each day including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. Day patient meals are also included in this figure.

73 caregivers work across SEM hospital sites.

When Berwick’s catering department recently required a few extra hands on deck our office-based caregivers, Allison Merrigan, Sara Crees, Helen McCulloch and Samara Naylor put their hands up to join forces with Vickie Jenkins, Shavan Kaur and Jatinder Kaur to ensure all patient meals were delivered on time and to the right people.

St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals

Catering in the spotlight

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Leaders come together for annual commissioning ceremony Traditionally SJGHC holds a commissioning ceremony each year on either SJOG Day or Foundation Day. However due to Covid restrictions and a particularly larger group of caregivers being commissioned, last year’s ceremony was postponed until limitations on gathering sizes were eased. With the amalgamation of Pinelodge, Frankston and Berwick hospitals under the SEM banner and many existing caregivers taking on leadership roles covering all three campuses, there was a need to recommission leaders in their new expanded roles, along with caregivers who had recently joined our organisation in leadership positions. Almost 30 caregivers came together in December at Stella’s Kitchen — a new restaurant opened at the Montague Orchard in Lysterfield — to pledge their commitment to our hospitals and to the vision, mission and values of SJGHC.

A commissioning is a symbolic ceremony which has its origins in ancient Hebrew and Christian traditions.

Symbols are traditionally used to “mission” people, and include light, oil, water and community prayers. In the Christian tradition, water is recognised as a symbol of life and of renewal. In the Hebrew tradition, oil is used to bless, to symbolically strengthen and to acknowledge leadership. Light is a symbol of Christ, leader, companion and friend.

The prayers of those gathered acknowledge that leadership is with the consent of the community and it is incumbent on the leader to share his or her vision so that the community will follow. In the spirit of this tradition, SJGHC leaders are commissioned in a public ceremony which signifies a “sending forth”, a “unity of spirit”, and is accompanied by community prayers of thanksgiving and commitment.

New leaders for commissioning Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital: Anne Kren, Team Leader Patient Administration Services John Mair, Finance Planning & Analysis Accountant Frank Dissanayake, Executive Chef Imelda Galant, Nurse Unit Manager Wexford Ward Berwick Hospital: Simone VanDerSchoot, Nurse Unit Manager Consulting Suites Trichia Kim, Nurse Unit Manager Surgical Unit Pinelodge Clinic: Rupa Shah, Consulting Suites Manager

Commissioning Hospital Management Committee into SEM Roles Lisa Norman, CEO South East Melbourne Linda Allen, CEO Pinelodge & Langmore John Monagle, Director of Medical Services Rhonda O’Connor, Director of Mission Integration Danny Antonopoulos, Director of Finance Eveline Soon, Clinical Governance Manager Sara Crees, Director of Corporate Services Shelley Cooper, Director of Clinical Services Pinelodge Allison Merrigan, Director of Nursing Berwick Janet McAllister, Learning & Development Manager Catherine Campbell, Occupational Health & Safety Manager Sue Hallifax, Business Development Manager Lisa Carman, Marketing Manager Gillian Coyle, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator Carl Thomas – Hospital Procurement Director Angela Edwards, Medical Administration and Credentialing Officer Helen McCulloch, Executive Assistant to CEO Evan Rundell, Clinical Redevelopment Manager Upeka Kumarasinghe, Philanthropy Manager Merran Mackie, GP Liaison Officer Karen Rolfe, Pastoral Services Manager Elliott White, Facilities Manager

In The Loop

SCOOP Sandi Hatfield scoops national safety award Not-for-profit organisation NSCA Foundation recognises the importance of keeping people and working environments safe. In doing so, it hosts a gala luncheon each December to congratulate those people who actively uphold its vision and mission in their own workplaces. Last year our very own nurse and educator, Sandi Hatfield, took out the coveted Ian Chisholm Award for the best individual WHS (work, health and safety) achievement.

During our first bout with Covid, when Ward 4 was converted into a Covid-positive unit, Sandi endeavoured to put her OHS knowledge and manual handling training to great use. It would be a decision that would see her nominated by her OHS manager for the nationally safety award.

beds, our equipment, choosing appropriate slings — and all with the premise that this is the residents’ new home.

Transitioning clinical skills into home nursing skills with the most wonderful success.”

Sandi notes that, “The responses from these caregivers was unanimously positive and I feel a safe environment was maintained and promoted. Our mission of compassion and hospitality was extended through all of these contacts. And through the provision of health care services, we promoted life to the full by enhancing the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual dimension of being human.”

Well done Sandi on an award that is well deserved.

“When Ward 4 had been converted into a Covid-positive unit for nursing home patients, I volunteered, not only because I am a nurse, but also so I could ensure our staff had all the equipment they needed and the competence to use it — during what was the most difficult conditions I’ve ever witnessed throughout my 30 year nursing career.”

Ensuring appropriate slings and rechargeable batteries for the hoists, ensuring slide sheets were readily available and replaced regularly doesn’t sound much but in the makeshift reset of an orthopaedic ward into a positive and negative Covid ward — with 12 hours’ notice no less — these little things helped to keep our caregivers safe.

In addition to being an OHS rep for the surgical ward and manual handling trainer/coordinator for the Berwick hospital, Sandi also volunteered to work in the same role when patients had recovered from Covid and were moved to the old recommissioned Gibb St hospital.

While also working in the unit as a nurse, Sandi recognised the amalgamation of staff from other SJGHC hospitals and as such reoriented and trained staff from Geelong, Ballarat, Accord, Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital, Bendigo, Pinelodge and Warrnambool, as well as physiotherapists and caregivers from our very own theatres in Berwick.

“More than 50 caregivers were trained in how to use our

St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals

Sandi pictured on the right.

Berwick theatre upgrade planned In order to meet growing demand, plans to upgrade Berwick’s Theatre B is in the works. With the acquisition and installation of lights and monitors, along with minor works, the theatre upgrade will enable the accommodation of more complex lists while freeing up space in other theatres for more complicated surgeries and procedures.

The proposed theatre works totalling almost $70,000 is expected to bring in approximately $1 million in net revenue during its first 12 months in operation and is expected to be completed around March or April this year.

Caregiver capitalises on PPE needs to raise money for Dream a Little Dream program

Sarah Tolmie, immunisation nurse for Infection Control, wasn’t a fan of the face shields supplied or the expensive top safety glasses that were available to purchase so she decided to source her own. After purchasing a pair of $15 Bolle safety glasses, Sarah drew many compliments, as well as requests for information on how to get a hold of some. Sarah got in touch with a local company who supplied them and requested to purchase a further 10 pairs. They were quickly snapped up and Sarah then bought another 10. Snowballing from there, Sarah is now a rep for SJGHC and has sold over 100 pairs to doctors, nurses and vaccination clinics all over Melbourne. In doing so she has been able to raise approximately $400 and intends to donate the proceeds to SJGHC’s Dream A Little Dream Program which aims to grant dying wishes to our palliative care patients and their families. Sarah would like to thank everyone who has bought a pair of glasses for their support and would like to encourage other caregivers to contact her if they would like to purchase a pair via text on 0439 041 590 or by emailing Sarah.

Tolmie@sjog.org.au.

Fundraising for the Langmore Centre set to kick off With the recent recruitment of Philanthropy Manager, Upeka Kumarasinghe, the Langmore Centre is preparing to kick off a fundraising campaign early this year. Based at Berwick Hospital, Upeka has been tasked with raising money to fund the establishment of a sensory garden for both patients and visitors, a community mental health and wellbeing program, and educational scholarships for caregivers to undertake further professional development in their pursuit to provide exceptional care to our patients.

“We know that spending time in natural environments such as gardens, helps to reduce our stress and lift our mood,” explains Upeka. “A garden designed to stimulate the five senses and provide an opportunity for conversation and activities between patients, therapists and visitors in a tranquil, peaceful setting, will enable us to offer a beautiful space for people to relax, reflect and focus on improving their quality of life. The ‘Langmore Sensory Garden’ is expected to cost around $50,000, with ongoing running and maintenance covered by SJGHC once established.

A further $20,000 a year over a three year period is also being sought to develop free community education workshops, events and seminars to support and educate our patients, their carers and the wider community. Featuring specialist speakers, the program will aim to provide community members and groups, such as teachers and parents, the opportunity to understand the challenges of mental health issues, how to maintain their own mental health, and how to help others when they see signs of mental health deteriorating.

Rounding out the campaign and in an effort to recruit and retain the very best nurses and therapists in the region, $15,000 a year over three years is needed to launch the ‘Langmore Caregiver Education Scholarship’ program. The initiative, not only aims to source caregivers of the highest of clinical standards and uphold patient-centred and compassionate care, it will also offer existing caregivers the opportunity to learn new skills for their own benefit and that of our local communities. If you would like to know more, please contact Upeka on 0499 528 095 or email her at Upeka.Kumarasinghe@sjog.org.au.

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In The Loop

SCOOP Let’s Celebrate!

It’s been four years since our caregivers made the epic move from Berwick Hospital’s former home on Gibb Street to its new state-of-the-art facility on Kangan Drive in Berwick. It took a year of meticulous planning and coordination and just one day to complete the smooth transition of approximately 40 patients, including special care nursery babies. The comprehensive clinical move process ensured no stone was left unturned and patient safety remained the number one priority throughout the day. In order to mitigate risk, the hospital also underwent a period of service reduction, but returned to business as usual soon after relocation.

“As we left Gibb Street that day, there was a tinge of sadness, and also uncertainty as we embarked on a new journey together,” said Rhonda O’Connor, Director of Mission Integration, who admits that at the time no one could ever have predicted the growth, changes and challenges that the Gibb Street caregivers would endure over the next four years. “We’ve embraced new caregivers, doctors, wards, services and processes.

We’ve joined forces with Frankston and Pinelodge to come together as the South East Melbourne arm of SJGHC operations. And let’s not forget about COVID and all the impacts it had on all of us and our operations throughout half of that period.”

NPS SCORE

75.6

Despite the continued growth, constant disruptions and continued adaption to change, Rhonda acknowledges that, “throughout it all, we have continued to keep our focus on our patients and the delivery of wonderful, compassionate and excellent care.”

Booster mandate All St John of Health Care caregivers and VMOs based in Victoria, regardless of location or job function, are now required to have received a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within one month of their due date. Boosters are due three months from your second dose and can be received at our vaccination clinic on the ground floor of our Berwick hospital.

Bookings can be made at our clinic via the state booking system or caregivers, including VMOs, can send an email to sem.caregivers@sjog.org.au to request “walk in” attendance. You will need to bring your medicare card and if you are recovering from COVID-19 you will need to have fulfilled your 7-day isolation requirement and be fully recovered with no symptoms present.

For anyone who has already received the booster, please remember to upload your certificate to our portal by the dates assigned by the Victorian government in order to meet the inherent requirements of your role.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE Dec 1, 2021 to Jan 31, 2022

87

51.5

Frankston Feedback:

Berwick Feedback:

Pinelodge Feedback:

“Would like to thank all the nurses that looked after me and physio staff, especially James. Fantastic job. Also kitchen staff — so obliging.

Thank you to all the smiling faces.

It’s nice when you are not well. Keep up the good work.”

“There were no delays and every single staff member I interacted with, from the screening staff at the front door, reception, finance, nurses, doctors and patient support staff was friendly, courteous and kind.

My experience with St John of God Berwick was outstanding.”

“Nurses are incredible, caring and give the best support. They always make time to check in with you and are available whenever you need.

Health and exercise classes are very informative and physical sessions have been so good for keeping active. Cleaning and cooking staff are always kind.”

St John of God South East Melbourne Hospitals

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