AUTUMN 2017
ST ANDREW’S NEWS
Cardiology research: Australian first S E E PA G E 7
YEARS
80
Caring for South Australia Established 1936
ISSUE
#36
INSIDE
03 04 06 07 08 11 12 16 18 From the CEO
Executive Update
iPads Chemo Suite
Cardiology Research
Personify Care
ECD Update
Foundation
Clinical Governence
From the Archives
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the St Andrew’s newsletter. Once again I am proud to present an update on the exciting activities and events of our wonderful hospital. Recently there has been considerable discussion on the merits of the current accreditation system in the health and aged care industry. Accreditation surveys in the health care sector rely on hospitals openly and genuinely presenting their practices and systems (how they actually operate) to those conducting the survey. In November 2016 we had the pleasure of welcoming five Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) surveyors who conducted our organisation-wide survey. It was indeed a privilege to have a diverse team of health professionals come into our organisation to independently assess how we’re performing. I’m delighted to advise we successfully achieved accreditation against the 10 National Health Standards and the five EQuip National Standards (page 10), and the surveyors were again highly impressed with the St Andrew’s culture and focus on the patient. We are thrilled to have Adelaide Cancer Centre join St Andrew’s and set up consulting rooms at our Medical Centre (page 5). Adelaide Cancer Centre comprises a highly regarded and well respected team of oncologists, and their involvement at St Andrew’s will only enhance our comprehensive cancer service. We welcome them to the hospital and look forward to a long, rewarding relationship.
Modern advancements in health care are simply amazing, and St Andrew’s is privileged to be involved in them. To have the talents of our Adelaide Cardiology team, led by Professor Stephen Worthley, conducting world-leading trials at the hospital is incredibly exciting. The team’s MAVERIC trial, using a device to alleviate mitral regurgitation, is discussed in this newsletter (page 7), and we’re extremely proud to be the first hospital in Australia to conduct a trial of this type. Our cardiac practice continues to grow rapidly, with increased interventional angiography and cardiac surgery volumes and, of course, this will all be enhanced by the new 28-bed Cardiac Unit being built in our Eastern Clinical Development (ECD). The ECD is proceeding on schedule and on budget, and this has been achieved through the commitment and dedication of our highly skilled staff and the entire project team (page 11). The early engagement of our medical specialists and staff has been critical in getting the design and equipment selection right. It’s been exciting watching our builders (Mossop) construct this state-of-the-art facility, and we are now only seven months from completion.
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FROM THE CEO This edition of our newsletter also includes our regular Executive Update and My St Andrew’s staff profile (page 14), this time featuring our Director of Emergency Dr Steven Schueler and dedicated and passionate senior breast care nurse Jill Borthwick respectively. In addition, we have the usual events and activities of our inspirational volunteers and the work of our foundation. I hope you enjoy our newsletter. Until next time, stay happy and healthy.
Stephen Walker Chief Executive Officer
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EXECUTIVE DR STEVEN UPDATE SCHUELER Like all St Andrew’s staff, Director Emergency Services Dr Steven Schueler never takes his eyes off the job. As we sit down to interview him for this edition of St Andrew’s News his first comment is, “Will this take long? I have patients!” Steven took on his current role in 2004, having gathered broad experience in the field at several other Adelaide hospitals, including Ashford, the Repatriation General and Flinders Medical Centre. But he says emergency at St Andrew’s— an outstanding multidisciplinary hospital noted for offering every major surgical speciality, including the recently added neurosurgery—is unique. “We provide essential support for our admitting specialists from a very broad range of surgical specialties.” says Steven. “Both patients and specialists can rely on us to provide expert care once patients have been discharged, should the need arise. They can trust our team to deliver high-quality care supported by our onsite services, including Dr Jones and Partners, Clinpath, HPS onsite pharmacy and of course our wards. We have a highly skilled team of clinicians in the department.” Since Steven’s early days at St Andrew’s there has been a shift in the types of presentations in the department. “St Andrew’s is doing some world-class work in cardiology, and as a result we’ve seen an increase in patients from that specialty,” he says. “Similarly, across the hospital we’re seeing more oncology, urology and colorectal patients, and that’s following through to us in emergency. We are of course, excited about the developments being made in adding neurosurgery to that list, and look forward to supporting our new surgeons in that area should the need arise.”
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St Andrew’s is recognised for its excellent customer service, and Steven says the emergency service is no exception. “We’re proud to provide efficient and timely care with an average waiting time of only 22 minutes. Ninety eight per cent of our patients are seen within the ACHS (Australian Council on Healthcare Standards) triage threshold targets.” Steven says St Andrew’s is a wonderful place to work, with the emergency team working together to deliver an exceptionally high standard of patient care.
“We’ve long wanted to have a presence at St Andrew’s, because it is one of the major surgical hospitals in Adelaide, with a strong tradition in urology, breast and gastrointestinal surgery,” he says.
Dr Francis Parnis A/Prof Dusan Kotasek Dr Brian Stein Dr Nimit Singhal Dr Dainik Patel Dr Amy Hsieh Dr Meena Okera Dr Sarwan Bishnoi Consultant Haematologist
A/Prof Dusan Kotasek Dr Nimit Singhal Dr Amy Hsieh
Dr Francis Parnis
Dr Sarwan Bishnoi
Medical Oncologists
Dr Brian Stein
Ten Cancer Centre specialists will be consulting at the Medical Centre, including medical oncologists and consultant haematologists. Dr Francis Parnis, a co-founder of Adelaide Cancer Centre, is delighted to be among them, and says an association with St Andrew’s was an obvious step forward.
“We’re keen to develop our practice at St Andrew’s, and to be involved with clinicians and their multidisciplinary meetings, while complementing the Both St Andrew’s Hospital and Adelaide services already offered at the hospital, Cancer Centre, now one of the largest to ensure the best outcomes for our private oncology and haematology patients.” practices in South Australia, are For more information about Adelaide patient-focused organisations, where Cancer Centre specialists, please convenience, access to high-quality call their consulting rooms at the care and state-of-the-art facilities are St Andrew’s Medical Centre on essential. The Chemotherapy Suite is (08) 8292 2220. located immediately next door to the new rooms and provides exceptional Adelaide Cancer Centre specialists and experienced nursing care and consulting at St Andrew’s Medical facilities for patients. Centre:
Dr Dainik Patel
many other services—blood collection (Clinpath), radiotherapy (Adelaide Radiotherapy) and pharmacy (HPS)— is ideal. We have everything we need to care for people with cancer within walking distance.
Dr Meena Okera
We recently welcomed Adelaide Cancer Centre to level 1 of the St Andrew’s Medical Centre. Established in 1995, the Cancer Centre’s expansion of their three existing sites to include a city location is an important development for their patients, and our Medical Centre—also home to the St Andrew’s Chemotherapy Suite—provides an ideal base.
A/Prof Nicholas Wickham
ADELAIDE CANCER CENTRE
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ST ANDREW’S MEDICAL CENTRE WELCOMES
A/Prof Nicholas Wickham
“St Andrew’s is home to one of the best private chemotherapy suites in the state, and being co-located with
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IPADS CHEMO SUITE IPADS PROVIDING INSTANT TEST RESULTS FOR CHEMO PATIENTS Technology plays a critical role in many aspects of the provision of healthcare. Constantly changing, our nursing and IT teams are often brainstorming new technology (see Personify Care article). Recently, we have completed a trial in the Chemotherapy Suite utilising iPads at the bedside, enabling fast access to the latest information. Additionally, the technology is used as an entertainment option for our patients during their treatment.
Recently, we have completed a trial in the Chemotherapy Suite utilising iPads at the bedside, enabling fast access to the latest information.
From a clinical perspective, doctors and nurses are able to access medical data for patients via the Clinpath app, such as recent and historical test results. This paperless and transportable reporting process is both environmentally friendly and faster than receiving and printing lab reports. In addition to using the iPads for streamlining access to test results, many of our patients have enjoyed using them for relaxation during treatment. This has included listening to music and guided meditations. Over the coming months, the iPads will be set up to access additional information, including educational information for patients to read during their treatment. The iPad program was made possible by two generous donations to the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation. Leona Francis held a fundraiser last year, which was attended by almost 150 people. A generous donation from the late Rosemary Rice also assisted to fund the project. We are always extremely grateful for the support we receive from the community.
L-R Jane Bonner (Clinical Nurse, Chemotherapy Suite) and Roshan Khodadin (Clinical Nurse, Chemotherapy Suite)
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ADVANCING MINIMALLY INVASIVE THERAPIES FOR PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE – AUSTRALIAN FIRST
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CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH St Andrew’s Hospital has a longstanding reputation of providing high-quality care for patients with cardiovascular disease. We are proud of our association with Adelaide Cardiology and excited about the variety of clinical cardiology trials their world-renowned specialists are currently running at St Andrew’s. By innovating at the cutting edge of medical technology we can provide novel treatments for our patients. Most recently we have enrolled in the MAVERIC trial, led by Professor Stephen Worthley, Associate Professor Glenn Young, Dr Joe Montarello and Dr Patrick Disney, and supported by a multidisciplinary and dedicated team at St Andrew’s. The MAVERIC trial will evaluate the safety and functionality of the “ARTO™ system”, a new minimally invasive procedure providing non-surgical treatment for patients with congestive heart failure associated with mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation is a condition in which the damaged mitral valve, located on the left side of the heart, fails to close tightly each time the heart contracts, resulting in regurgitation or “backward” flow of blood into the atrium (upper chamber of the heart). This results in the heart having to work harder to pump the extra blood, and can lead to congestive heart failure.
Professor Stephen Worthley
The ARTO system is designed to reshape and tighten the mitral valve, enabling the “forward” flow of blood and alleviating mitral valve regurgitation. The permanently implanted ARTO system is delivered percutaneously (via a small guiding catheter) into the left atrium, thus avoiding the risks of open heart surgery. The MAVERIC trial will enrol 30 patients in Australia (at four hospitals), of which approximately 10 will be enrolled at St Andrew’s Hospital. The first procedure carried out in Australia was performed at St Andrew’s.
“The ARTO system provides a treatment for patients with congestive heart failure who are not candidates for the traditional open-heart surgical mitral valve repair,” said Professor Worthley. The procedure will reduce the symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, and lead to an overall improved quality of life. For more information, please contact Adelaide Cardiology on 8202 6600 (located in the St Andrew’s Medical Centre on South Terrace).
The ARTO System implantation procedure. The device uses a small bar, thread and plug to repair a leaky mitral valve. Here is how the system works.
Guidewires are used to position the device around the leaky mitral valve.
Magnetically linked catheters, inserted through the guidewires, are linked and used to puncture the wall behind the mitral leaf.
Each magnetic catheter, or Magnecath, has a specific shape and lumen to help them link.
The small bar is placed behind one of the mitral valve leaflets and the plug behind the other. The small bar and plug are connected by a thread.
The thread is pulled so the bar and plug become closer and the two leaflets move closer together, reducing the back flow of blood.
Once the final position is attained, the tail of the thread behind the plug is cut and secured with a lock.
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PERSONIFY CARE PERSONAL CARE BEYOND THE HOSPITAL STAY Although the most critical period for a surgical patient is during their hospital stay, we are now able to provide postdischarge follow-up, thanks to a new technology provided by Adelaidebased tech company Personify Care. The technology will revolutionise the St Andrew’s patient experience, allowing us to detect when a patient is at risk of a complication and in need of early intervention. St Andrew’s has been trialling and evaluating Personify Care since 2015, with our breast surgeons and a cohort of breast surgery patients. The feedback from surgeons, patients and staff was outstanding. The software allows patients to register online and fill in a health questionnaire. Postdischarge, patients receive a short survey on days one, seven, 14, 21 and 28.
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Depending on the surgery, the patients would be asked about their pain, nausea, wound and/or drains, as well as how they’re feeling. They can receive this survey on any mobile device. Any concerns are escalated to preadmission staff, who will then contact the patient and their surgeon. In 2016, the results of our Personify Care trial were presented at the Royal Australian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting by St Andrew’s breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Jim Kollias. Dr Kollias recalled: “Since introducing the Personify Care service, our practice has seen the terrific impact it has had on patients preparing for surgery and dealing with their recovery process. By offering patients timely information and support, the platform has improved the quality of our practice and significantly reduced the number of unnecessary calls we receive.”
The hospital’s findings from the trial were that using the system helped us improve patients’ experience of care, and facilitated the early identification of potential issues, which enabled early intervention, if required. As a result of the highly successful trial, we are now working with health insurer BUPA to roll out the program to all BUPA patients. It’s important to note that, while the platform allows important communication with patients via new technology, it doesn’t introduce changes to the clinical workflow or the patient admission process. While anyone can register, this is an optional service for our patients. We will always continue to provide the option for our patients to contact the hospital directly, should the need arise. We are delighted to be working with Personify Care, a health technology company who—just like us—are proudly South Australian.
MSK IMAGING Dr Jones & Partners at St Andrew’s Hospital offers state-of-the-art equipment with a comprehensive range of MSK procedures, combined with a dedicated MSK reporting team. Example of Flash CT Dual Energy monoenergetic artefact reduction
Comprehensive range of MSK procedures OSTEOARTHRITIS AND JOINT DISEASE: • Arthrography • Hydrodilatation • Hyaluronate • IL- 1a conditioned serum
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ACCREDITATION ST ANDREW’S ‘TOP OF THE POPS’
L – R: Mr Robin Mead (Customer Services Manager, ACHS), Ms Jacquie Wiley (Director Nursing and Clinical Services), Ms Linda O’Connor (Executive Director Customer Services & Development, ACHS), Ms Tina Donaldson (Quality and Risk Manager), Mr Stephen Walker (CEO), Ms Sharon Kendall (Director Business Performance and Development), Dr Lena Low (Executive Director Corporate Services & Surveyor Workforce, ACHS), Ms Rebecca Wyness (Director Human Resources).
Perhaps the most critical and intense evaluation for a hospital is the organisation-wide accreditation survey carried out by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) every four years, which St Andrew’s completed in November last year. The process involved five ACHS surveyors spending three days at the hospital to verify our compliance with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s (ACSQHS) 10 National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards, as well as the five EQuIPNational standards developed by ACHS. The surveyors spent time talking with specialists, staff, patients and key committee members, as well as reviewing our documentation, systems and practices. This was the first time St Andrew’s Hospital had undertaken the full survey against the 15 standards, and the feedback from the survey team was very positive, with all core components of the standards met.
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The survey overview stated: “SAH staff and executives were well versed in the requirements of the EQuIPNational Standards and the surveyors found all core actions to be Satisfactorily Met. Surveyors were impressed with a number of innovative and successful quality improvements which are mentioned in the more detailed Surveyor Summaries for each Standard.” St Andrew’s Hospital CEO Stephen Walker was delighted with the result. “At the end of the comprehensive process, they identified that St Andrew’s not only met all the standards but did so in an excellent way,” he said. “They were particularly impressed with our culture, which we are all so proud of.” In March 2017, we were pleased to receive our certificate of accreditation once again, reaffirming St Andrew’s as a highperforming organisation that strives to provide excellent health care and service to our patients.
“At the end of the comprehensive process, they identified that St Andrew’s not only met all the standards but did so in an excellent way”
During the first stage, the “Early Works”, of the Eastern Clinical Development (ECD) there have been 2000 truckloads of clean fill removed, equating to 36,000 tonnes, 5000 tonnes of concrete poured, and the first stage of the car park all but completed. The last few months have seen the completion of the concrete pours for the three levels of car parking, and so the next stage, the “Main Works”, will see the clinical areas rise up out of the ground and start to look much more like a building. Being a hospital building, we are unable to construct using the steel column and beam technology used in most commercial builds. As St Andrew’s Hospital Director of Engineering and Support Services Peter Cooper explains: “The clinical nature of our building means we are classified as a Category 9 in the Building Code of Australia, which requires all our structural work to be concrete. Steel beams and pre-fab concrete have a movement tolerance which we can’t accept. Also, the steel becomes like a large radio frequency antenna. Once the slabs are in, timber formwork creates the internal wall structures.”
Given the amount of medical equipment and complex services in the build, structural steel would cause radio frequency interference issues with some of the sophisticated electronic surgical equipment. The only exception to this is the third-floor roof support columns, which can be steel. Once the ground-floor slab is complete, the building will become highly visible. In readiness for this next stage, we have begun preparing the existing building to interface with the new building. The covered walkway that did link the chapel to the hospital has been removed, and the new design includes air bridges on levels 1 and 3, which will link the two buildings. The new theatre suite on the first floor will link to the existing theatre suite, providing a comprehensive Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) suite, theatre complex, angiography suite, ICU, procedure rooms and Dr Jones and Partners Medical Imaging. In addition, the new 28-bed cardiac suite will link to the existing third-floor patient rooms.
The timber form work (used to support the concrete structural elements during construction) is extensively reinforced to accommodate the incredible weight of the building and its contents. Conduit is added for the services, and the pipework is laid and wired into position. The provision of pipe work for waste, water, electrics, medical gases and hydraulic services are put into place, and then concrete is poured to create the next level. The concrete is then “back-propped” as the slab cures to bond strength. Once this occurs, technicians fit out the floor with all first-fix services, including medical gasses, phone, electrics and IT. They then return to carry out the second fix.
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ECD UPDATE: RISIN’ ON UP!
We anticipate the building roof being installed by July. From there, the focus will shift to fitting out the building with a staggering amount of medical equipment, supplies, beds, linen, furniture, computers and phones. The St Andrew’s Hospital ECD is scheduled for completion in December 2017, and we’re thrilled we will be welcoming patients in early 2018.
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FOUNDATION CELEBRATING 40 YEARS’ COMBINED SERVICE TO ST ANDREW’S Mollie Bradford and Robyn Macpherson have both been volunteering at St Andrew’s for 20 years. We acknowledged this significant milestone in 2016 by awarding them both with a “20 years of service” pin, which they now proudly wear during their shifts. Robyn came to St Andrew’s in 1996, when one of our existing volunteers asked her to join. Twenty years later, they are both still here working in the coffee shop. In fact, Robyn’s friend has recruited several more volunteers!
Tom Duncan and Mollie Bradford
Having literally assisted hundreds (and quite possibly over one thousand!) people up to their rooms, Mollie hopes she has helped people feel at ease. “I have met wonderful people and I hope that my taking them to their rooms and showing them how things work has helped to alleviate their worries on coming into hospital.”
2017 FOUNDATION CLINICAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Each year, the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation offers scholarships to support both clinical and non-clinical staff to continue their education, reinforcing our belief in investing in our people. Congratulations to Francisca De Kock, Deidre Galezowski and Kelly Knight, who are the successful scholarship recipients for the 2017 Clinical Scholarship Program. We’re delighted to support the further education of our clinical staff and wish all recipients the best with their study.
We are grateful for the contribution of all our volunteers, but on this special occasion we acknowledge Robyn and Mollie’s individual efforts. If you would like to volunteer at St Andrew’s, please contact the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation on 8408 2005. Robyn Macpherson
“The staff and fellow volunteers have always been warm and friendly over the years and I have greatly enjoyed the interaction with patients and their visitors,” said Robyn. Robyn is our Thursday afternoon barista and is a wiz at the coffee machine! Often faced with coffee orders a mile long, she still manages to enjoy herself. “I have made great new friends and we have had lots of fun. It’s also great to know the money raised by the coffee shop has helped purchase equipment for the hospital.” Mollie came to join St Andrew’s after retiring as a teacher. Initially she worked in a small shop in the same location as the current coffee shop. ‘When I first started, we tended to fall over each other!’ said Mollie. “We sold tea and coffee, a small section of food—such as pies and pasties—and magazines.” After a time, Mollie began to work in patient transport. “When it was decided volunteers would take patients to their rooms, I decided to help with that as well.”
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HIGH TEA After the event sold out last year, the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation will once again be holding this wonderful event. Tickets will be on sale in June and available by contacting the foundation office (members of the Friends of St Andrew’s Hospital will receive a complimentary ticket). This year’s event will be held in a larger venue at the St Andrew’s Medical Centre on 25th July at 12 noon. ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS: SUPPORT THE ST ANDREW’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Entertainment Books are now available! Buy a book or online subscription to support the foundation and gain access to terrific deals. Visit the main hospital reception or our website to purchase your copy for $70.
L – R Francisca de Kock, Deidre Galezowski and Kelly Knight
IPADS FOR THE CHEMOTHERAPY SUITE The St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation was delighted to receive two donations towards the purchase of 21 iPads for the hospital’s Chemotherapy Suite—one for each patient chair. The addition of the iPads means doctors and nursing staff are able to access information at the “bedside”, including test results, medications and other health information. Similarly, patients have been using the technology to listen to music, meditate and read information provided about their treatment and medication. Thank you most sincerely to our donors for making this all possible. Please refer to the related article in this edition of the St Andrew’s News for more information.
SUPPORTING ST ANDREW’S HOSPITAL SINCE 2000
CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES
CHRISTMAS APPEAL
St Andrew’s has long recognised the importance of teaching and the continued education of its staff. Our Graduate Nurse Program is highly competitive and well regarded. After a rigorous application process a small group of nurses are selected to participate each year.
Each year, the hospital supports the UnitingCare Christmas Appeal, and in 2016 we donated 103 gifts to the Emergency Services Team at UnitingCare Wesley Bowden. This team has people regularly looking for assistance.
In January we celebrated the graduation of 12 nurses, who—along
with their invited guests and staff of St Andrew’s—reflected on the yearlong program aimed at producing an independent, competent and confident registered nurse. The 2017 Graduate Nurse Program is well underway and applications for the 2018 program will open midyear. More information will be on our website over the coming months.
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COMMUNITY & EVENTS We know the gifts donated by our patients, staff and other visitors— and coordinated by our Chaplin Rev Peter Morel—will have brought smiles to many faces at Christmas time. MEMORIAL DAY Each year, St Andrew’s welcomes the family and friends of loved ones who have passed away at the hospital to attend a memorial service in the gardens of Waverley House. In November 2016, the annual service was held and a large number of people gathered to remember. The service was officiated by our Chaplin, Rev Peter Morel, and other speakers included Director Nursing and Clinical Services Jacquie Wiley and Foundation Manager Amy Bredon. Graduate Nurses enjoying the graduation celebrations
VALE DR BASIL HETZEL AC It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Basil Hetzel, the inaugural patron of the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation. Dr Hetzel’s contribution to the hospital is greatly appreciated and his dedication to medicine and medical research was remarkable. Known worldwide for his discovery of the connection between iodine deficiency in pregnant women and brain development in the unborn child, which led to the introduction of iodised salt in food, his work has radically influenced the modern world. His philanthropic nature and generosity of spirit was astounding.
The St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation was founded on St Andrew’s Day in 2000 and it was on this day that Dr Hetzel was acknowledged as our first patron. In his speech he urged people to support the foundation: “In the spirit of St Andrew, that great fisher of men, I invite you all to be part of the future of a hospital which aims to service the people of this state.” Seventeen years later, the success of the foundation is proof that the St Andrew’s community embraced his sentiments, and—with ongoing support—we will continue to serve into the future.
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‘MY’ ST ANDREW’S ‘IT’S JUST PART OF US ALL’
People who’ve been on staff here for many years (and there are quite a few!) all share similar stories of seeing significant development and changes in medicine, and recall what a great place St Andrew’s is.
Jill Borthwick, one of our senior breast care nurses, is no exception. Jill will be retiring this year, and although looking forward to the next phase of her life, can’t help feeling a tinge of sadness at saying goodbye to St Andrew’s. Jill joined our team in 1989 and, like many of our longstanding nursing staff, began her career at Abergeldie private hospital as a registered nurse. Following the sale of Abergeldie, Jill moved over to St Andrew’s in 1994 and worked in general nursing. It was during this time that a huge change was in the wind; something that would forever change the way we care for breast cancer patients. Over 10 years ago, surgeon Dr Peter Malycha championed the introduction of breast care nurses at St Andrew’s. Initially, the nurses had general nursing duties and also attended to breast cancer patients to provide pre and post-operative printed and verbal information, general advice and postoperative support pillows.
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“When we first started, many of the current organisations that support breast cancer patients with information and services didn’t exist,” says Jill. “We produced all the information ourselves, and often saw patients in our own time.” Jill’s role has evolved over the years, and she is now solely a breast care nurse, with no ward work. In 1998, the first St Andrew’s Breast Clinic opened and was located next to Dr Jones and Partners Medical Imaging. Jill recalls there were seven surgeons consulting out of a small area. In 2005 the hospital built the current Breast Clinic, which now provides one of the most comprehensive services in Australia. With the opening of the new centre came an expansion of the role of the breast care nurse. “We now have five breast care nurses on the ward and another two enrolled nurses over at the clinic.” She says. “The nurses visit their patients each day in St Andrew’s and ring them the day after discharge to ensure they’re comfortable and well informed.” In 2016 alone, St Andrew’s saw 581 breast cancer patients.
The care St Andrew’s provides to breast cancer patients doesn’t stop with just the clinical aspect. In 1998, the hospital held its first morning tea to support breast cancer patients. In 2004, the event became so large that the format was altered to a luncheon with topical guest speakers. When asked why she’s stayed at St Andrew’s all this time, Jill says simply: “Because it’s a great place! I can’t imagine working anywhere else, and I won’t be. I’m looking forward to a break and doing other things. Thank you to all my St Andrew’s colleagues for their wonderful support over the years. It’s been a great place to work!” We thank Jill most sincerely for the dedication and passion she has shown towards her work, patients and fellow St Andrew’s team members. We wish you all the very best Jill—you‘ll be missed!
Proudly partnering with St Andrew’s Hospital for over 15 years
We are conveniently located on-site at St Andrew’s Private Hospital and St Andrew’s Medical Centre. Our range of professional services to hospital in-patients, outpatients, and patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment include: •
Medication dispensing
•
Dose Administration Aids#
•
Staged supply#
•
Medication checks
•
Return of unwanted medicines
•
Discharge prescription service
•
Safety Net printout
•
Patient Medication Profiles#
•
Consumer medication information
•
Patient medication counselling, and
•
Oncology services.*
Visit www.hps.com.au for more information, or call our pharmacies on the numbers below. HPS – Adelaide (South Terrace)
HPS – St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s Medical Centre
St Andrew’s Hospital
321 South Terrace
350 South Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Adelaide SA 5000
t 8215 8010
t 8215 8000
f 8375 3519
f 8408 2384
www.hps.com.au # Only a va ila ble a t HPS – St Andrew’s. * Only a va ila ble a t HPS – Adela ide (South Terra ce).
CLINICAL GOVERNENCE PUTTING PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY AT THE FOREFRONT Ensuring patient safety and quality involves bringing together a broad range of skills and experience to assist with performance monitoring, review and improvement. As a hospital that offers every major surgical specialty, the breadth of experience required for managing clinical governance is vast. While our clinical staff provide expert knowledge, the contribution of our visiting medical officers (VMOs) is paramount. Our VMOs participate in a range of clinical governance committees that report to the St Andrew’s Hospital Board of Governors or to our Medical Committee. These committees include the: • Medical Committee • Peer Review Committee • Human Research and Ethics Committee • Anaesthetic Sub Committee • Mortality and Morbidity Committee • Clinical Review Committee • Infection Control Committee • Drugs and Pharmacy Committee • Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee • Risk and Quality Committee
The Mortality and Morbidity Committee (pictured below) was established by the Medical Committee to monitor and advise on mortality and morbidity within the hospital with the purpose of improving the quality of patient care outcomes. The committee review significant incidents of a moderate and severe nature. If necessary, the group makes suggestions to the Medical Committee which may relate to the review of systems, processes or conduct. In addition, the chair of the committee is also a member of the Medical Committee. Aligning closely with the hospital’s operational and strategic goals, clinical indicators, performance data, policy and procedure, best-practice frameworks and incident review are all discussed. Our clinical auditor works in close association with the quality and risk manager to inform the committees. In addition, a number of the committees have membership from independent laypeople and pastoral care providers to ensure relevant and robust discussion and outcomes. In 2016, the hospital successfully completed an organisation-wide
accreditation to Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and EQuIPNational Standards. These standards provide an extremely detailed safety and quality framework to which we work. Maintaining our high level of compliance requires continued diligence. We acknowledge and appreciate the contribution of the medical officers and members of the community who volunteer their time as St Andrew’s committee members. Peer Review Committee Dr M Sutherland Mr R Sarre Mr R Cooter Dr R Young Human Research and Ethics Committee Prof S Worthley Rev R Miller Ms B Bielecki Mr A Ritchie Mr J Barton Mr D Walsh Ms J Sedsman Anaesthetic Sub Committee Dr M Abbott Dr S Kinnear Dr K Parry Mortality and Morbidity Committee Dr C Farmer Dr M Wicks Dr M White Dr J Kollias Dr C Bartholomeusz Clinical Review Committee Dr M Sutherland Dr C Farmer Infection Control Committee Dr R Culver Mr J van Essen Dr D Shaw Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee Dr C Farmer Dr N Marks Dr D Shaw Dr N Edwards Risk and Quality Committee Dr C Farmer
Back row L – R: Mr Stephen Walker (CEO), Dr James Kollias (General/Breast Surgeon), Ms Deidre Galezowski (Clinical Audit Coordinator), Ms Tina Donaldson (Quality and Risk Manager). Front row: Mr Malcolm Wicks (Orthopaedic Surgeon), Dr Mary White (Intensivist), Dr Chiron Bartholomeusz (General Medicine), Mrs Jacquie Wiley (Director Nursing and Clinical Services). Absent: Dr Chris Farmer (Director Medical Services).
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Medical Committee Mr J Sweeney Mr R Sach Mr A Hunter Dr S Latzel Dr S Patel Mr M Wicks Dr S Schueler Dr A Wurm Mr J Bolt Dr P Sage Dr C Bartholomeusz Dr C Farmer
Here at St Andrew’s, however, there is now another way, thanks to our recent launch of a new website incorporating the convenience of an online admission platform. We recognise that it may seem like we require a lot of information about you, your health and medical history. To ensure we can provide you with the
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One of the most critical steps in preparing for a visit to hospital is completing the admission paperwork. This has traditionally been given to patients by their admitting specialist.
S T AN DR EW’ S NE WS | AU TU MN 2 0 1 7
COMPLETE YOUR ADMISSION FORM WHEN IT SUITS YOU!
best care, it is essential your admission paperwork is completed and filled out as accurately as possible. Recording this information can be time consuming, so we’ve built into the platform the ability for patients to create a login, enabling you to start the process and then finish it at a later time. Similarly, if patients return to St Andrew’s within six months of their last admission, much of the
information (all stored securely) won’t have to be re-entered. Of course, we recognise that some people may still wish to complete their admission form by filling in the paperwork, so we will continue to provide this option. To see our new website, please visit: www.stand.org.au
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FROM THE ARCHIVES EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN – JUST READ THE MINUTE BOOKS! Peter Allen sang the famous song, Everything Old is New Again, recalling: “Don’t throw the past away, you might need it some rainy day. Dreams can come true again, when everything old is new again.” A recently discovered minute book meticulously kept by secretaries of the St Andrew’s Hospital Board of Governors serves as a wonderful insight into the history of the hospital. There are many such minute books safely stored in the hospital’s archives, but this particular edition is very relevant to St Andrew’s today. Recording events from 1947 to 1959, the beautiful handwriting was penned at a time when there was no white-out or computers, and there are remarkably few mistakes. It was in 1946 that our founder, Sister Janet Hay, sold the hospital to the Presbyterian Church of South Australia, and so the years immediately following were full of new ideas, new buildings, more staff, and ultimately more patients.
It was in 1947 that the church’s Women’s Auxiliary was established, and the hospital board secretary of the day has captured many interesting moments detailing the work of the women who worked tirelessly to raise funds for St Andrew’s. It was noted that the board chairman, Mr Hill, gave a brief overview of the first Auxiliary meeting, and gave permission for the purchase of a bolt (80 yards) of unbleached sheeting for new sheets (with sewing to commence on 8th October), two dozen anaesthetic towels and six dozen pillow cases. It is interesting to note that even today, the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation (which was formed in 2000 once the Auxiliary was wound up) still makes items for patient use from rolls of fabric printed with the hospital logo. The Women’s Auxiliary was instrumental in raising awareness and funds for the hospital, and the minutes from December 1947 recount the ladies’ desire to hold an Autumn Fair on 28th May “next”, with Lady Norrie approached to open the fair. In a subsequent meeting, the chairman congratulated Women’s Auxiliary
L - R: St Andrew’s Hospital Board of Governors Chairman HW McGregor, Premier of South Australia Sir Lyell McEwin and Moderator, Rev JD Bentley at the official opening of the new St Andrew’s Hospital on Sunday 29th October 1961.
The very first page recounts Rev Schmidt outlining the negotiations which led to the General Assembly approving the purchase of St Andrew’s Private Hospital in March 1947. The Provisional Committee, which was established until such time as the constitution was finalised by the Law Agent, reported that an account had been opened at the Bank of Adelaide and two blocks of land
had been purchased “at the rear of the hospital fronting Gilles Street, which would be necessary when the Board was in a position to build to increase hospital accommodation.” The purchase was financed by a loan from the Church Office at a rate of 4 per cent p.a.
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President Ms Aimee Edgecombe and her helpers on the success of the fair: “The Board expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the Women’s Auxiliary for the splendid effort in connection with the Fair and congratulates them and others who assisted on the excellent financial result.” The staff has always been at the heart of St Andrew’s successful reputation, and in September 1948 the hospital skilfully avoided a large issue when its cook at the time was offered a job at a country hotel at above-award wages. It was decided that her wages should be increased and that the matron be empowered to raise them to £5 to keep her. In December 1949, the board decided to “send flowers to the Matron and a box of chocolates to each member of the Staff with Christmas greetings from the Board.” Sixty-eight years later, this is still a tradition at St Andrew’s. Staff are given Haigh’s chocolates on St Andrew’s Day as a small gesture of appreciation by the hospital executive and board. It is astounding to read the progress that was made in the two short years between 1948 and 1950. Land was purchased and plans drawn for the “new hospital”, architects were engaged; a gardener appointed; water connected to new areas within the hospital; a fete held; salaries negotiated up (and down!); flooding cellars fixed; white ants treated; new flooring and castors on all nurses’ beds replaced; a chaplain appointed; a new design for crockery drawn up (by Mr Lindsay from Gibson’s and Patterson Pty Ltd) and approved; and fire extinguishers and escape ladders installed. The last few meetings recorded in the book were held from March to May 1959, and are indicative of the dedication and drive to achieve excellence that was present. By this time, the architects were commencing soil testing on the newly proposed four-storey extension to the hospital, and much discussion was taking place about the stability of the foundations. “The Board are not prepared to take any risks as to the stability of the foundation and, if considered necessary; piles should be driven to greater depth. A letter will be written to Sir Lyell McEwin advising him of progress to date.” Soil testing and site investigation has also been a significant part in the “Early Works” of our current Eastern Clinical Development! (See article, page 11). Although only a fraction of the minute book is represented here, it is both heartwarming and reassuring that the values that underpinned St Andrew’s back in 1947 continue to guide our board, executive and staff today. Striving for medical and surgical excellence, providing healthcare to those who need it, always thinking forward and planning for the future, and attracting the best doctors and nurses in South Australia. That is what makes St Andrew’s Hospital what it is today.
Sustainable • Care • Excellence
F O U N D AT I O N
Friends of St Andrew’s By joining as a Friend of St Andrew’s Hospital, you can support the work of the Foundation through your annual subscription fee and enjoy access to a number of associated on site discounts and invitations to special events throughout the year. Benefits include; • A significant ‘out of pocket’ discount at Dr Jones and Partners Medical Imaging at St Andrew’s Hospital • A $20 discount each time you visit the St Andrew’s Hospital Emergency Service • A 10% discount at the HPS Pharmacy onsite at St Andrew’s Hospital • Invitations to exclusive social functions and advance notice of events and fundraisers • A copy of St Andrew’s News and Annual Report For further information Call (08) 8408 2005 or email foundation@stand.org.au
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If you are interested in submitting an article or have a news story, please contact Karyn Verity via email kverity@stand.org.au Advertising enquires welcome: St Andrew’s Hospital 350 South Terrace Adelaide South Australia 5000 Telephone 08 8408 2111 Facsimile 08 8232 0328
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