SPRING 2019
ST ANDREW’S NEWS
Leading the way in blood transfusion protocol PAGE 8
Amazing result for Foundation Annual Appeal PAGE 17
ISSUE
#41
FROM THE CEO We continue to excel at providing high levels of patient care with excellent outcomes. In this edition, we highlight the work we are doing in the specialty of cardiology, including introducing a Cardiac CT Scanner and assisting to facilitate cardiac education for paramedics in SA.
There is a sense of excitement in the air at St Andrew’s. Our teams of staff, specialists and volunteers are brimming with pride at the advancements of recent months.
We celebrate three different awards in this edition of the St Andrew’s News; our nursing staff on page 6, a successful grant application to the South Australian Blood Management Council on page 8, and the Eastern Clinical Development on page 11.
The foundation donors and volunteers continue to make wonderful things happen. This edition features some of their most significant achievements, which make a real difference to the patients and staff of the hospital. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the St Andrew’s News.
Stephen Walker Chief Executive Officer
Plastic surgery is featured on page 7 and the article reveals the breadth of the work carried out by our specialists. We have recently welcomed new surgeon Dr Nick Solanki from Plastic Surgery Centre.
INSIDE 04 Expanding Cardiac Services 06 Congratulations to our nurses 08 Massive Blood Transfusion Protocol 09 My St Andrew’s 10 Retirement 12 Waverley House garden open day 13 Foundation News 15 Foundation Q&A 17 Appeal’s success 19 Ros and the robot 21 Pink and Blue fundraising 23 Cathy’s story Cover - Patient John with nurse Fiona
PATIENT HEADING HOME
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ROBOTIC CYSTECTOMY and following discharge, through the stomal therapy clinic. John’s stomal therapy nurse, Fiona, says patients will often continue to visit the clinic years after their surgery. “Often, past patients just need some reassurance, skin and appliance assessment as their body changes, so we support them with whatever they need. It is a highly specialised field.”
Cystectomy patient John is heading home just six days post-surgery. Thanks to the highly skilled surgical team and the da Vinci robot, John is on the road to a speedy recovery. St Andrew’s was the first hospital in Adelaide to perform robotic cystectomies. Together with the surgeons at South Terrace Urology, our specialised theatre, ward nurses, supported by our stomal therapy nurses, our patients receive holistic care. Traditional cystectomy (removal of the bladder due to cancer) can result in a hospital stay of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. When performed robotically, the stay is reduced to approximately seven days. Dr Andrew Fuller performed John’s surgery in late July. “We have been performing Robotic Cystectomy with Totally Intracorporeal Diversion for almost two years at St Andrew’s, and were the first centre in the state to introduce the technique in October 2017. The results from the 20 cases
so far have been very encouraging with shorter length of hospital stay, operative times equivalent to open surgery, reduced blood loss and less post-operative pain.” Following a cystectomy, patients have a urostomy, which is a surgically created pathway and opening on the outside of the abdomen. The new opening is known as a stoma. It allows urine to flow from the body once the bladder is removed. This is achieved by creating a conduit out of the small bowel which drains the urine into a urostomy bag placed over the stoma which the patient empties regularly and changes daily. Before this major surgery is undertaken, patients meet with one of the stomal therapy nurses. Preoperatively, patients are counselled regarding the pre and post-operative routine, lifestyle changes, diet and care of the urostomy. The nurses work intensively with patients postsurgery while they are still in hospital
Nurses Rachael Maher and Nicole Jones both completed the Graduate Certificate in Stomal Therapy Nursing last year through a scholarship offered by the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation. “Both Rachel and Nicole are shining; we are really impressed with their learnings and how they have applied their newly acquired skills on the ward and in the clinic. We are delighted to have the support of the foundation to further educate our nurses for the benefit of our patients. Katrina Griscti (Stomal Therapist) and I feel confident our patients are in excellent hands.” John’s surgery went very well and he is now recovering at home. “The surgeons, Fiona and the nurses here are my angels. They are very professional and compassionate, a special breed of people. This was my first major operation. From what I’m told, compared to traditional surgery, robotic surgery is a major improvement. I have some pain, but nothing like I understand that I would have had with traditional surgery and a much quicker recovery. I’ve been a patient at St Andrew’s for the last three years regarding my cancer treatment. The staff here are so dedicated. Given the size of the hospital, the standard of care is very impressive.” Enquiries regarding urology robotic surgery can be made directly to South Terrace Urology. Ph 8215 9444
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FURTHER EXPANSION OF CARDIAC SERVICES AT ST ANDREW’S St Andrew’s has long been a centre of excellence in the field of cardiology. Since St Andrew’s first began its relationship with Adelaide Cardiology (now GenesisCare) in 2007, we have been providing world-class services to thousands of patients each year. The opening of the cardiac unit in the new wing of the hospital in 2018 further cemented this relationship and expanded our already robust service. The opening of a dedicated cardiac CT scanning facility later this year places the hospital as a leader in this specialty. The hospital recently relocated its Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) which made way for the new state-of-the-art equipment. Cardiac imaging specialist, Dr Jamie Morton, says the development of a dedicated Cardiac CT service will support the increasing need for cardiac CT imaging as part of many patients’
clinical care. He says, “There is an increasing push to move away from more expensive and sometimes risky invasive coronary angiograms. Over the last few years, we have seen our referral patterns for CT angiography increase from a niche service to nearly 20 scans per week, and we only see this growing over the next five years.” The procedure involves an intravenous (IV) injection of x-ray contrast followed by a CT scan which provides high quality imaging of the coronary arteries. Although the whole procedure takes between 15 to 20 minutes, the image is usually acquired over a single heartbeat. This is achieved using state-of-the-art Siemens FLASH technology that not only improves image quality, but also results in very low radiation exposure.
The scanner will also be used for patients who are being assessed for their cardiac risk (coronary calcium score) and patients who require CT scans as part of the evaluation and planning process for complex keyhole heart surgery such as aortic valve replacement. Hospital CEO Stephen Walker says the highly successful collaboration with GenesisCare is providing worldclass treatment for South Australians. “We are delighted that we have further expanded our cardiac services with GenesisCare. Together, we continue to punch well above our weight in this specialty for the benefit of our patients. Our reputation and central location make St Andrew’s an attractive option for our patients and cardiologists alike.” The facility is scheduled to open in November this year.
WELCOME DR RICHARD SMITH We are pleased to welcome Surgical Oncologist, Dr Richard Smith, to St Andrew’s Hospital. Dr Smith has an interest in soft tissue tumours/ sarcomas, melanoma, breast and general surgery. He has assisted Associate Professor Susan Neuhaus and Mr Trevor Collinson for a number of years at St Andrew’s and is now conducting his own operating lists. Dr Smith grew up in Adelaide and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide. He moved to Sydney in 2002 then London, where he spent several months at the Royal Marsden
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Hospital. Coincidentally, it was here that Dr Smith first worked with Associate Professor Neuhaus during her fellowship. During 2005, Dr Smith returned to Sydney as a senior resident at St Vincent’s Hospital before commencing advanced training in general surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital. It was here that he gained his FRACS in 2012, and completed a one-year fellowship in surgical oncology and general surgery. Dr Smith spent time at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute doing oncoplastic breast surgery, then a 12 month clinical fellowship in sarcoma and melanoma surgery at The Royal Marsden Hospital. In 2015 he returned home to Adelaide, where he continues to work as a consultant general surgeon at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
It was the culture of St Andrew’s that initially stood out to Dr Smith. “I immediately enjoyed the positive culture at St Andrew’s. This is evident amongst the medical staff - of whom there is a large number of outstanding professionals in a broad number of specialties - and indeed throughout the whole hospital, from nursing staff to porters to caterers. Everyone is eager to work together to look after our patients and each other, which makes for a happy and productive workplace.”
We extend a very warm welcome to Dr Smith. Dr Smith consults at: 263 Greenhill Rd, Dulwich Ph 8333 2112 admin@richardsmithsurgeon.com.au
New cardiologist at GenesisCare GenesisCare (formerly Adelaide Cardiology) is pleased to welcome Dr Jerrett Lau to our cardiology practice. In addition to consulting with new patients, Dr Lau is part of the interventional and structural heart team working at both St Andrew’s Hospital and The Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Dr Jerrett Lau graduated from the University of New South Wales with first class honours in 2007. He then completed his physician and cardiology training at Concord Hospital in Sydney. This was followed by a PhD in the areas of coronary physiology and platelet activation. He has since held positions as an honorary visiting medical officer at Concord Hospital and the TAVI Interventional Fellow at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (UK), as well as multiple clinical lecturer positions. Having completed his fellowship in structural heart disease in Scotland, Dr Lau moved from the UK to Adelaide with his family to join GenesisCare and to support the structural and TAVI team at both St Andrew’s Hospital and the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Dr Lau is a highly experienced coronary and structural interventional cardiologist and has clinical interests in transcatheter valve interventions (including TAVI), complex coronary interventions and coronary physiology. Dr Lau consults from GenesisCare clinics in St Andrew’s Medical Centre, Leabrook, Murray Bridge, Gawler and Kadina.
Dr Jerrett Lau BSc, MBBS (Hons1), PhD, FRACP
Coronary and Structural Interventional Cardiologist
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Introducing Dr Jerrett Lau
Bookings and enquiries Tel: 08 8202 6600 Fax: 08 8202 6698 infocardiologysa@genesiscare.com
genesiscare.com
SUPPORTING CARDIOLOGY EDUCATION FOR SA PARAMEDICS During July, we were delighted to support Adelaide Cardiology, GenesisCare to deliver two information sessions to SA Paramedics in our function rooms. The first session was delivered by guest speaker and Chief Medical Officer, GenesisCare, Cardiology, Dr Daniel Cehic. The focus of the education was on ECG interpretation. Over 80 people attended, and another 70 joined via live stream. In the second session, 70 paramedics, plus 40 via live stream, heard from Dr Peter Sage who presented on ECGs in acute coronary syndromes. Dr Sage used examples and case studies to illustrate how to identify if a patient will require the STEMI protocol to be activated.
St Andrew’s will open an afterhours Chest Pain Unit in mid-September. The unit will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (access via ambulance only) with interventional cardiology facilities. Following the opening of the unit, the hospital will be immediately accredited as a STEMI Protocol hospital. The protocol enables timely, life-saving interventions to occur. Prior to the presentation by Dr Sage, attendees were taken on a tour of the new St Andrew’s Cardiac Unit and Emergency Department. They also experienced the “cardiac patient journey”. This included a visit to the angiography suites, theatres, recovery, critical care and the ward.
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CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR NURSES! The 2019 SA Health Nursing and Midwifery Awards dinner was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday, 10th May 2019. The St Andrew’s Breast Care team was once again nominated and selected as finalists for Excellence in Person Centred Care – Team. Also nominated for awards were Lisa Walter (Cardiac Unit) for Excellence in Leadership: Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife; and Lisa Mucklow (Chemotherapy Suite) for Excellence in Leadership: Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife. We are proud that our nominees were the only nominations from the private sector. We offer them our congratulations and appreciation for their dedication in providing high level care to the patients of St Andrew’s.
HOSPITAL ACHIEVES
SELF INSURANCE RENEWAL In 2016, St Andrew’s became a selfinsured hospital, and in late 2018, we were granted renewal as part of the bi-annual review process. Self-insurance in the context of the South Australian Return To Work scheme, means that an employer is granted the ability to fund and manage compensation claims made by its own workforce. Self-insurance is only possible for organisations that can meet a series of financial criteria and can conform to set standards of work health and safety and return to work management.
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In order to be able to determine and manage claims for compensation, the self-insurer has certain powers delegated to it under the legislation. The self-insurer is in effect an insurer in its own right, because it must fund all claims made upon it by its employees. It is also subject to the same review and appeals mechanisms as ReturnToWorkSA (RTWSA) and its claims agents. Our successful renewal application evidenced the hospital continues to meet the conditions and employment standards that are required of a self-insured employer.
The evaluation reports for work health and safety as well as injury management noted some areas for improvement, however there were no non-conformances against the RTWSA Performance Standards or the Code of Conduct for SelfInsured Employers which was a very pleasing outcome. Congratulations to our work health and safety team who, supported by our staff, continue to provide a robust program to keep our employees safe at work.
FROM HEAD TO TOE The first recorded treatments for ‘plastic repair’ date back to an ancient Egyptian medical text from 3,000 BC. The first reconstructive surgery began in India in 800 BC. Modern plastic surgery was first pioneered by Sir Harold Gillies, a New Zealand otolaryngologist in London. He developed the techniques of modern facial surgery in caring for soldiers suffering injuries during WW1. Today, plastic and reconstructive surgery covers a range of techniques, many of which support other disciplines.
St Andrew’s has a long-standing reputation for providing comprehensive cancer care, including its breast care services. Dr Wagstaff specialises in breast cancer reconstruction, particularly in the area of microsurgery. “Breast reconstructive microsurgery requires specialist nurses who understand the equipment. The ward, theatre and anaesthetics and recovery nurses all play a critical role in the outcome for the patient. St Andrew’s is a microsurgical centre and is very well set up for this type of surgery.”
Patients consult plastic surgeons for a range of reasons: to regain appearance and function after injury, cancer treatment, or congenital deformity or elective surgery to refresh appearance (such as face lift or rhinoplasty) or relieve functional impairment (such as breast reduction). Plastic surgery also includes care of the hand including treatment of bone, tendon, or nerves. Plastic surgeons are the leaders in microsurgical reconstruction, techniques used to transfer tissue from other parts of the body to restore shape and function (such as breast reconstruction after cancer). St Andrew’s Hospital has the resources to enable our surgeons to undertake this breadth of procedures. St Andrew’s Hospital has a group of highly trained and recognised surgeons working in the field, each with their own speciality. The diversity of their interests provides excellent access for our patients to specialists with very specific skills.
Drs Nikitins and Lang are both plastic and reconstructive surgeons and regularly operate at St Andrew’s. Dr Lam and Professor Cooter both have an interest in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, specialising in the area of breast surgery. Dr Woods also performs general cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as the management of skin malignancy and reconstruction following trauma or cancer resection.
Dr Marcus Wagstaff began operating at St Andrew’s in April 2018. He completed his training in the United Kingdom and became a microsurgical fellow in Australia in 2010. The hospital’s critical care unit influenced his choice to bring his patients here. “The critical care unit means I can bring larger, more complex cases to the hospital. St Andrew’s has an excellent reputation and I am confident in the nursing care provided to my patients.”
Dr Woods first operated at St Andrew’s in 2009 with Dr Cooter. He says it was a natural progression for him to have his own list at the hospital. “The nursing staff are experienced and there is excellent support. The hospital administration is open to suggestions and requests for equipment, and the patient care is outstanding. As doctors, we are supported by the executive at St Andrew’s to prioritise best care for our patients.” As well as functional cosmetic surgery, Dr Woods specialises in melanoma and multidisciplinary cancer care. Current melanoma care advocates the use of targeted lymph node sampling to assess spread of disease in many cases. At St Andrew’s, he is able to perform on-site sentinel biopsies with the services of Dr Jones & Partners. “Offering my patients access to this and also Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, GenesisCare, all on site, is very convenient and reassuring for patients.”
The specialist care and facilities at St Andrew’s continue to support our specialists in their chosen field. Our patients can be assured we will support them and their surgeons to deliver the best patient outcome possible.
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PLASTIC SURGERY
Cosmetic surgery to adjust appearance is increasing in popularity. St Andrew’s hospital is selective in only allowing appropriately trained fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, to undertake this type of surgery at the hospital. Excellence in standards of care are maintained regardless of the patient’s desire for a change in look or their need to treat an injury or cancer.
DEXTRA DAY SURGERY
Dr Markus Nikitins – plastic and reconstructive surgeon specialising in reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery of head, neck, breast and abdomen, hand and peripheral nerve, congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate. Dr Clayton Lang – plastic and reconstructive surgery specialising in surgery of the hand, management of melanoma and non melanoma skin cancer. ADVANCED PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY
Dr Marcus Wagstaff – plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specialising in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, skin cancer, hand surgery, body contouring, head and neck reconstruction, microsurgical and general reconstruction. PLASTIC SURGERY CENTRAL
Dr Roger Woods – plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, specialising in the management of skin cancer (including melanoma) and subsequent reconstruction, rhinoplasty and gynaecomastia correction. Dr Nick Solanki - plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, specialising in body contouring of the breast and abdomen, management of skin cancer, hand surgery and reconstruction following trauma or cancer resection. WAVERLEY HOUSE PLASTIC SURGERY CENTRE
A/P Rodney Cooter AM – plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. CRANFORD HOUSE PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr Quoc Lam – plastic and reconstructive surgery, specialising in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
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LEADING THE WAY IN MASSIVE BLOOD
TRANSFUSION PROTOCOL FOR PRIVATE HOSPITALS A massive blood transfusion protocol is critical in any hospital environment and particularly in a surgical hospital like St Andrew’s. The Blood Management Committee identified a project to provide detailed online, simulation style education to our medical teams. As a result, the hospital applied for a grant from the South Australian Blood Management Council to produce a short film entitled Massive Transfusion Protocol. The aim of the film was to develop a resource that would help staff understand the activation, ongoing management and stepdown of a massive transfusion protocol. The application was successful and the film was produced and launched in May this year. The $8,000 grant was used to engage a professional film producer. The team was mentored by the BloodSafe e-learning Australia team and producer Greg Opie from Proper Pictures. The project team was required to write an evidence-based script, engage volunteer actors, rehearse roles, create realistic scenes to reflect the Critical Care Unit and theatre settings and filming the scenes from a variety of angles and over several takes. The set was the Stage 1 Recovery and Operating Theatre in the Eastern Clinical Development. Volunteer actors and back stage crew included: Dr Randy Juanta (Emergency Service), Graduate Nurse Program Coordinator Kerry Holm, RN Mandy Kocher (Critical Care Unit), RN Kate McGowan (Critical Care Unit), RN Roshan Khodadin (Chemotherapy Suite),
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Clinical Educator Kath Reval (Theatres), Procedural Suite Coordinator Tiffany Heinrich (Recovery/Anaesthetics), RN Hannah Wiggins (Recovery/Anaesthetics), Clinical Educator Jenny Slade (Recovery/Anaesthetics), Laura Shandra from Clinpath Laboratories and Trudi Verrall from BloodSafe e-Learning Australia. The project team worked tirelessly including applying for the grant, writing the script and managing the program. Thanks to staff Duncan Bamford, Sharon Blaney, Alison Sarles, Tina Donaldson and Trish Roberts (BloodSafe program in SA). The film is now embedded within a course on St Andrew’s online learning platform, ELSA, for medical and nursing clinicians to complete.
As a result of their assistance, the film is co-branded with BloodSafe e-learning Australia who will be releasing a national on-line learning course incorporating the film aimed at educating private hospital clinicians on massive transfusion protocols. Clinpath Laboratories will also use the film as part of their training package for Transfusion Laboratory staff. SA Health have indicated interest in accessing the film for best practice education in a massive transfusion protocol scenario. Thank you to the people listed above who have freely given of their time to assist with the project. Their contribution and effort is truly appreciated.
SHARON BLANEY
When Sharon, her husband and three children (and their beloved family dog) first landed at Adelaide Airport, it was their first time in Australia. Sharon and husband Tommy wanted a change in lifestyle, offering their then teenage children the best possible opportunities, and decided, after some research, to move to Australia. After a successful interview for a registered nurse position within the Recovery Room at St Andrew’s Hospital, the decision was made to make St Andrew’s Hospital and Adelaide their new home. Arriving from a town just outside Glasgow, Scotland, Adelaide was a
comparatively small but welcoming new home. Although Sharon hadn’t heard of St Andrew’s prior to her employment, a search on the hospital’s website confirmed this was an organisation she wanted to be part of. “The values and mission statement of St Andrew’s really resonated with my personal values and what I think being a good nurse means. I’d never worked in a private hospital before so I wasn’t sure what it would be like. But reading these values on the website reassured me that I was making the right move.” Since Sharon first began at St Andrew’s as an RN in Recovery, she was promoted to CN of Anaesthetics and Recovery and is now the area Clinical Manager. “St Andrew’s is a very busy hospital, and coming from a what I thought was a busy NHS Hospital, I soon realised what ‘busy’ actually meant. The equipment and services we have here are amazing. I was used to working in a brand new hospital, and although St Andrew’s wasn’t new, the standard of equipment and standard and quality of care provided was outstanding.”
The hospital is committed to fostering the continued professional development of our staff, and Sharon has been a recipient of a scholarship from the foundation. “I have been fortunate to receive a study scholarship from the foundation, and the hospital has also been very supportive in progressing my leadership and management skills. The learning and development program at St Andrew’s is outstanding. It is tailored to the individual, and we work hard to provide the training that meets each person’s needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”
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MY ST ANDREW’S “IT’S JUST PART OF US ALL”
St Andrew’s has many visiting medical officers and offers every major surgical speciality. As a result, our theatre, anaesthetics and recovery staff must be skilled in a wide range of specialties. “When I began at St Andrew’s, I noticed straight away how professional and respectful the nurses and doctors are towards each other. There is a real culture of respect here which makes a lovely workplace. I really enjoy working with my colleagues. They are a fantastic team and make coming to work a joy.”
WHAT MATTERS TO MRS BROWN What Matters to You Day is an international movement recognising the importance of meaningful conversations between people who provide healthcare and those who receive healthcare. In June this year, the hospital participated for the third consecutive year. We encouraged staff to ask our patients what matters to them. The information we gather helps us to focus on what provides the most benefit to the people in our care. Mrs Brown, who was a patient on the second floor during the day, highlighted our staff as important
to her. “I have no complaints; the staff here are happy and marvellous. They are like friends. The food is delicious and the cleaners were kind and courteous. I was having a tough time on Sunday morning and the staff were amazing to me.” Mrs Brown’s sentiments were echoed by many other patients throughout the day. Her reflection also helps us to remember that it is the way in which we care for people that is important. It also demonstrates that our staff strive for our vision of being the best hospital in Australia with a culture where relationships matter.
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RETIREMENT RANDALL SACH AM In a field that was relatively new when Mr Sach began practicing, he has seen significant change during his career. “My first involvement with St Andrew’s was actually when I was asked to provide a paper on the advancement of microsurgery. It was a booming specialty in private practice and the paper allowed the hospital to plan for the future in terms of equipment and capital requirements.”
(L-R) Mr Randall Sach, Dr Don Wallis, Dr John Stapleton
Randall Sach’s first experience as a surgeon at St Andrew’s was as assistant to Dr Don Robinson in the late 1970s. Dr Robinson pioneered plastic surgery in Adelaide and became a mentor for Mr Sach starting his own list at the hospital in 1980. 39 years later, Mr Sach’s last list was during June this year, signalling the end of an illustrious career as a surgeon and leader in his field.
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St Andrew’s was an obvious choice for Mr Sach. “I wanted to bring my patients to a hospital that I regarded as being the best private hospital in Adelaide. I still think it is. The hospital’s administration is spot-on and there is a team of dedicated staff in both nursing and non-nursing.”
We needed contracts with health funds, accreditation, provider numbers, equipment and more. We mostly dealt with Workcover injuries at that stage and I was able to deal with injuries on site, following a consultation. It gave me more flexibility and my patients’ immediate access to treatment.”
In the late 1990s, Mr Sach approached St Andrew’s CEO, Mr Craig Hall, about establishing a day surgery next to the hospital at 341 South Terrace. “Craig helped me set up the day surgery which was a very complex project.
Mr Sach says the nursing staff at St Andrew’s are a cut above the rest. “St Andrew’s has always been willing to support specialities by training their nurses for particular fields. This is both on the wards and in theatre. The result is highly trained staff who support both the surgeon and the patient.”
Advancement in medical imaging technology brought sweeping changes. When Mr Sach began operating, there was no CT, ultrasound or MRI. “The arrival of ultrasound and other imaging assisted in diagnosis enormously. Another development which altered the way plastic surgeons operated was the advent of sedation, which allowed surgeons to safely carry out medical procedures and surgeries historically performed under general anaesthetic. We were performing some procedures under GA that usually meant a three-day hospital stay. With the advent of sedation, we could do the same in three hours in our rooms.” In his retirement, Mr Sach is looking forward to devoting more time to his hobbies of glass blowing, performing in his band The Rezonators, and “tinkering” with his classic sports car, as well as travelling and spending time with his family. Mr Sach was recognised last year when he was awarded an AM in the Australia Day Honours list for Services to Medicine as a Plastic Surgeon, International Relations, and Medical Organisations. Mr Sach has also served on the St Andrew’s Medical and Credentials Committees. His work is widely published in journals and he is a past president of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery, served on the council of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and a Senior Visiting Specialist at Royal Adelaide and Modbury public hospitals. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Sri Lankan College of Surgeons. We wish Mr Sach all the very best in retirement and thank him for his many years as a dedicated surgeon.
St Andrew’s welcomes the following specialists who have recently been accredited to work at our hospital. For further information about each specialist, please contact their rooms directly.
Mr Justin Bessell (General Surgery) commenced April 2019
Dr Victoria Nisenblat (Gynaecology) commenced March 2019
Dr Kate Lynch (Gastroenterology) commenced March 2019
Dr Nicholas Solanki (Plastic Surgery) commenced March 2019
GENOMIC MEDICINE HERE TO STAY? HAVE YOUR SAY. Australian Genomics, an NH&MRCfunded study, needs to hear from non-genetic medical specialists who work clinically in Australia about genomics in healthcare, present and future. It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t know much about this, or don’t currently incorporate genomics into your practice; your opinions, views and experiences are valuable.
Complete the 15-minute anonymous, online survey here: redcap.mcri.edu. au/surveys/?s=W39NPLXRFA. Your input will help shape future workforce practices and continuing education and training programs. Note: this survey is not for clinical geneticists, oncologists or general
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPECIALISTS
practitioners as we are undertaking separate projects in these areas. For queries, contact: amy.nisselle@mcri.edu.au This is an NH&MRC-funded Australian Genomics activity (University of Melbourne HREC 1646785.8).
ECD AWARDS KEEP COMING In the 39th edition of the St Andrew’s News, we reported the Eastern Clinical Development being awarded at the European Healthcare Design Awards and the SA Master Builders Awards. In June, the building received an Award of Merit in the Public Architecture category at the SA
architecture awards. This means our state-of-the-art building is now shortlisted for the national awards. Project Management Company RCP, received the 2019 SA Project Management Achievement Award (PMAA) in the category of Construction/Engineering.
The New Zealand Health Design Council has also invited hospital architects, wiltshire + swain, to present the building at their conference later this month. We wish them all the very best.
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WAVERLEY HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY
Saturday 19th October 2019 10am – 1pm
The historic Waverley House is enveloped by edible plants and ornamental gardens. The plants are lovingly tended by members of the Secatuers Community Garden Group. The volunteer group has been working in collaboration with St Andrew’s since 2010. The inner-city living gardeners began rallying members via a letterbox drop. Now, about 15 regular gardeners attend the grounds on Saturdays. Member Sia Booth has witnessed the impact of the garden on the patients of St Andrew’s Hospital. “When the patients come down to the garden, they have great big smiles on their faces. Some come down every morning. The nurses even bring them out on their beds. It’s gratifying to see.” The group is organising a Garden Open Day during October to welcome the public to enjoy the space. The event will also provide a fitting backdrop to launch Sia’s second children’s book entitled
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‘Milly Monarch the Caterpillar’ which pairs her love of gardening with her talent for illustration and writing. The Open Day will include pot plant sales, propagating demonstrations and, of course, garden tours. Entry is by gold coin donation and funds raised will support the continued development of the garden.
All welcome.
Pot plant sales, balloons, propagating demonstrations, children’s book reading and singing, secret garden, music, scones and sausage sizzle. Official book launch at 10.30am. Children’s fancy dress – butterflies/caterpillar.
Foundation News
Ros and the robot Page 19 20 years in 2020 Page 20 Cathy’s story Page 23
Celebrating
Foundation News
Welcome
It has been a very busy few months since our last newsletter, and I am really excited to share our key achievements with you. Many of you reading this newsletter have been involved in our events, fundraising appeals and volunteering programs. Thank you to you all. Your support is crucial and valued. Recently, we have been involved in projects that will make a real difference to thousands of patients that visit St Andrew’s each year. The success of our 2019 Annual Appeal and the refurbishment of the Breast Cancer Treatment Room are just two examples. We are asking for your help once again, to help raise $24,000 to refurbish the two remaining patient lounges throughout the hospital. We have already completed the 2nd floor and critical care unit areas. Please donate today to help us in our latest project.
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Cover - Volunteers Alison and Maggie
Next year will be a wonderful year for the foundation. We will celebrate 20 years in 2020. In the coming months, we will communicate with you about our celebratory events and fundraising projects. We know you will be as excited as we are! Yours sincerely
Amy Bredon Foundation Director
Foundation Q&A with our Director Amy Bredon When was the foundation established? The foundation was established in 2000, making next year the 20th anniversary. It took over from the Woman’s Auxiliary which, for many decades, raised funds through local branches across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The individuals involved raised significant funds to build areas of the hospital that are still in existence today.
What are some of the foundation’s recent achievements? In recent times, and with the support of our donors, we have contributed significantly to the hospital. Projects have included the redevelopment of two patient lounges, purchase of cardiac monitors, AED Heart Start devices, recliner chairs, cold caps, chemotherapy treatment chairs, an O-Arm imaging machine, the stunning rooftop garden in the Eastern Clinical Development and currently, the refurbishment of the breast care treatment room. We are very proud of our continued support of the Foundation Scholarship Program which offers three types of scholarships to our staff each year. Our volunteers are also one of our proudest achievements. We constantly receive excellent feedback from our patients and visitors about our volunteers in the coffee shop and those welcoming our patients as they arrive for admission.
What are the foundation’s current projects?
How do people become volunteers at St Andrew’s?
Our fundraising projects are always determined in conjunction with the hospital. Currently, we are raising funds to provide staff scholarships in both the clinical and non-clinical areas; refurbishing all the patient lounges across the hospital; purchasing an MRI compatible monitor (to monitor patients’ vital signs during an MRI); and a Transoesphageal Echocardiogram (TOE) probe and console to allow an anaesthetist to monitor a patient’s heart via 3D imaging during cardiac surgery.
Volunteers are such an important part of the St Andrew’s team. Currently, we have almost 100 volunteers who provide a range of services to patients and visitors. They are a dedicated group who love what they do. Some have volunteered for over 25 years.
We are also raising funds to purchase fold-out sofas and recliner chairs for our patients and their families on the third floor. Many of these patients are oncology patients and are often in hospital for extended periods. Our intention is to provide a comfortable place for their family members to stay overnight.
What else does the foundation do other than raise funds for the hospital? The foundation manages the volunteer service at the hospital and runs the coffee shop adjacent to reception. Our staff also participate in working groups and committees across the hospital.
To volunteer, visit our website and complete and online application.
Why is the work of the foundation so important in ensuring the continued success of St Andrew’s? St Andrew’s has always been a leader in the private hospital space. We have a long history of providing excellence in healthcare. This, in part, has been due to the support we have received from the community. Our foundation enables the hospital to purchase equipment, offer staff study scholarships, and provide other services that make St Andrew’s stand out from the rest. Facilities like the rooftop garden and our volunteerrun coffee shop are unique to St Andrew’s.
How can people help the foundation? We welcome all support offered to the foundation, be it financial support or volunteering. If donors would like more information on how to donate or volunteer, they can contact the foundation office on 8408 2005 or visit www.stand.org.au
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Foundation News
Mid-Year and Leadership and Development Scholarship recipients The foundation is committed to fostering the continued development of our clinical and non-clinical staff to enhance the overall patient experience at St Andrew’s. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have been able to continue to offer the scholarship program. This year, we offered a mid-year scholarship intake for our clinical staff. Three scholarships were awarded for further study. Recipients were Renee McHugh (Graduate Certificate, Leadership in Practice), Zara Connelly (Graduate Certificate, Breast Care Nursing) and Alison Sarles (Graduate Certificate, Nursing Education). Alison Sarles is the St Andrew’s Clinical Education Coordinator – Wards. “I have been providing education and sharing knowledge for many years, but felt that I didn’t really understand all there is to know about being an educator. To add value and credibility, as well as meet my professional obligation to St Andrew’s and our patients, I chose to undertake my course through UniSA. The course reinforces theory and concepts of adult learning combined with strategies for teaching and assessment. Thank you to the St Andrew’s Foundation, HPS Pharmacy and the Medical Education Research Fund for supporting me on this journey.”
(L–R) Renee, Alison, Zara and Scott
A group of staff from across the hospital also participated in a twoday workshop lead by Deborah Sarre entitled “The Power of Coaching”. The sessions focused on coaching as a form of leadership. Coaching empowers staff and assists them to be independent problem solvers in the work place. Participant comments included, “I really enjoyed learning about the art of questioning to facilitate an individual’s own decisionmaking competence” and, “I’ve learned so much about the benefits of coaching and empowering others”. Scott Seymour and Samantha Barton were selected to receive a scholarship to attend the University of South Australia’s Business School to undertake the Leadership and Development course. The six month course develops participant’s knowledge in a range of areas including; strategic thinking, change management and contemporary leadership.
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The foundation will continue to offer its scholarship programs with thanks to the generosity of our donors.
If you would like to donate to support our scholarship program, please call our foundation office on 8408 2005.
Appeal’s huge success We are thrilled to announce that our 2019 Annual Appeal exceeded our target and raised just over $33,000, enabling our chemotherapy suite to purchase four more chairs to keep our patients comfortable during their treatment.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the donors who supported the appeal. Your generosity is truly appreciated. A special thank you to Angela Powell for allowing us to share her story of resilience and bravery during her breast cancer journey. The foundation is committed to assisting the hospital to achieve its mission of medical and surgical excellence, but we can not do it without the help of people like Angela. Pictured left is Amy Bredon (left) and Angela Powell (middle) delivering a cheque for $33,000 to hospital CEO Stephen Walker at the recent Friends of St Andrew’s Hospital High Tea, and guest speaker Dr Jim Kollias (top).
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Foundation News
SALA raises money for patient lounge During August, the foundation held its annual SALA exhibition which was a display of works by young artists Wil and Sid Day. Wil and Sid’s grandmother, Joy, was a patient at St Andrew’s and, together with their family, Wil and Sid have shown great support for the hospital and the foundation. Profit from the sale of the works will be donated to the foundation to refurbish the patient lounge on the fourth floor, where Joy was a patient. Wil and Sid both gave a speech to launch the exhibition. Their words say it all:
“Hello, my name is Wil, and welcome to the art exhibition. I really appreciate you all being here today, and the reason why I appreciate it so much is because all the money that’s raised will go to redesigning the lounge area up on level four which is where my grandma Joy stayed. I’m so grateful that I can be part of this today. Art is how I become free from pretty much everything because I can do what I want, I can draw whatever I want, I can paint whatever I want and, because there is no limit to my imagination, I can go anywhere.”
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“Hi, I’m Sidney and I would like to thank you all for coming tonight. I feel really lucky and delighted that I have friends and family here and also some of my special teachers. Our artwork and cards were made to remember and honour our grandma Joy. St Andrew’s Hospital looked after her when she was really sick. As a family, we would visit her, and our artwork always made her feel bright and happy. I hope they make you feel cheerful, too.”
St Andrew’s is very proud to have assisted to make this evening possible. Artwork, a children’s book and gift cards are available at the hospital’s coffee shop. Drop in for a coffee and view the exhibition. Your purchase will help us achieve our fundraising goal.
Ros and the robot Once upon a time, there was a lady from the country named Ros. This tale began in 2011 in Dr Peter Sutherland’s rooms at South Terrace Urology. Ros’ husband Kevin was on a waiting list for surgery at the old Royal Adelaide Hospital using the then aging da Vinci. During a conversation, Dr Sutherland remarked that he’d like a robot at St Andrew’s Hospital. Ros replied, “I’ll get it for you”. Kevin’s surgery was later performed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the only Adelaide hospital to perform robotic surgery. Here began quite a remarkable journey. “Kevin used to say to me, ‘Ros, you are obsessed!’ And I guess I was. In 2012, and with the help of the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation, we began soliciting donations from all corners of the state.” Ros and the foundation worked together with the hospital to approach local and federal government ministers, Rotary Clubs, corporates and philanthropists seeking their help to make St Andrew’s the first private hospital in South Australia with a da Vinci robot. By 2014, the funds were raised. The hospital received donations from the community, including a significant contribution from South Australian philanthropist, Mr Gordon Pickard AM. The hospital has been recognised nationally and internationally for its work in robotic surgery. In addition to urology, the robot is now used for gynaecology and ear nose and throat surgery. The less invasive technique has resulted in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for thousands of patients. The hospital currently has its second robot with the
latest technology replacing the one purchased in 2014. Very sadly, Kevin passed away in 2016 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. His chemotherapy was carried out at the St Andrew’s Medical Centre. Together, Ros and Kevin were a force for good. Their support of St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation continued after the delivery of the robot and Ros continues the legacy today. “I like what the hospital is doing and how it’s growing. I’ve always been interested in health. When I was a young girl, I sat for my nurse’s entrance exam in Tailem Bend Hospital, but my parents needed me on the farm, so it wasn’t to be.” Ros’ relationship with St Andrew’s began in the 1990s when now-retired Dr Neville Minnis operated on Ros for ear surgeries. “I still see Dr Minnis
at St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation functions and we enjoy a chat and good laugh. I’ve since had several operations and scans here, and am still a patient today.” As a patient, it is the nursing staff and facilities that make Ros happy. “The nursing staff are amazing. I was recently looked after by a graduate nurse; he was so thoughtful and extremely attentive. He really liked what he was doing and it showed. If I can leave a bit of a legacy behind and continue to support the hospital that looked after Kevin and now me, then that is what I’ll do … until I fall off the perch!” In 2017, Ros’ donation to the foundation enabled us to refurbish the second floor patient lounge where Kevin was a patient. A dedication service and morning tea were held in August 2018. The lounge is dedicated in Kevin’s memory, with love from Ros and their family. Ros also recently donated to the foundation for new cardiology equipment. “I hope this story will inspire other people to commit to the foundation and keep special things happening. I find the staff, at all levels, a very dedicated team in their special fields. It’s wonderful to see the hospital continue to develop, flourish and grow and have such lovely people to work with.”
We gratefully acknowledge all donors including major contributor Mr Gordon Pickard AM.
“I hope this story will inspire other people to commit to the foundation and keep special things happening.”
Foundation News
Celebrating
For almost 20 years, the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation has been supporting the hospital in its mission for medical and surgical excellence. Next year, we will be hosting a number of events in celebration of this milestone. We will bring you updates through the St Andrew’s News. Thank you to our donors for their support, commitment and belief in St Andrew’s Hospital.
Leading the way
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As at 1 August 2019
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13/08/2019 4:46:11 PM
SAVE THE DATE Pink and Blue Swim/Walk
New treatment room thanks to Pink and Blue swim
Saturday 8th February 2020, 9.30am, West Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Register at westbeachslsc.com.au/ pinkblueswim
St Andrew’s was fortunate to be a beneficiary of the Pink and Blue Swim earlier in 2019. A huge $37,500 was raised from the event for St Andrew’s breast care services, thanks to the entrants and the West End Community Fund. To further enhance the postoperative care offered to our breast cancer patients, we are refurbishing our outpatient treatment room with proceeds from this year’s event. The space will allow for a private area especially set up for breast cancer patients. Our breast care nurses will use the room for counselling, dressing changes, follow-up appointments and more. The refurbishment includes a cosmetic renovation as well as the purchase of furniture and medical equipment, including an ultrasound machine to detect lymphedema. The photos below are of the room while under construction. We will bring you photos of the completed room in the next edition of the St Andrew’s News.
Construction begins...
Before
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Foundation News
Community Beanies Members from the Women’s Prison Knitting Group have again donated beanies for our cancer patients. This time, we also received some lovely matching scarves. Thank you to everyone involved in this wonderful community program. Special thanks to Annie Bachmann.
History Weekend As part of the South Australian History Festival, the Nairne and District Residents Association held an event in April. Our resident historian, Angela, attended the event to share stories and find out more about our founder, Janet Hay, who was born in Nairne. Angela was able to share information about Janet with local residents, historical society and RSL members and politicians. Many did not realise Janet’s connection to St Andrew’s Hospital and were delighted to be able to add to their historical records.
Mundulla Concert Committee The Mundulla Concert Committee (below) joined us for morning tea recently to present a cheque to Stephen Walker. Proceeds from their bi-annual event, held in February this year, will be used to support breast cancer and the da Vinci robot. Thank you to all involved.
Fourth Floor - Paediatric Ward - Comfort Teddies
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A big thank you to St Andrew’s lovely volunteers who have been busy knitting comfort bears for our overnight paediatric patients. These teddies are given to the patient to cuddle when they come to the Paediatric Ward, and to take home when they leave, hopefully making their time in hospital more positive.
Cathy’s story
Article by Amy Bredon
When I first met Cathy, it was at St Andrew’s Hospital on the breast cancer ward following her breast surgery. Her parents were with her. She was smiling, out of bed, dressed and ready to go home. Going home… This is what our nurses most like to see; people going home to continue to live their lives. On the day of our meeting, I was struck by how fit and healthy she looked. “I’m an Australian Marathon Team member and a drama and physical education high school teacher … I’m pretty busy!” she laughed. “I can’t wait to get back in the boat. I trained like crazy over the holidays because I knew I’d be out of action for a few months.” If it wasn’t for doctors’ instructions, I felt quite sure she’d jump right back in the water the next day! Cathy shared her story of her family’s battle with cancer. The story is one of strength, courage and resilience. Like many breast cancer patients, Cathy has a family history of cancer. For her and her mother, the possibility of breast cancer is constant. The feeling of wondering if it will reappear is never far from their minds. Having seen her mother experience breast cancer, it is a very real fear. During an annual MRI scan, which was due to her being in a high-risk category, a tumour in Cathy’s breast was detected. Following consultation
and counselling from her specialist, she elected to undergo a bi-lateral mastectomy. St Andrew’s was able to care for Cathy from the very start of her journey until we waived goodbye to send her home. Our teams supported her through screening, diagnosis, surgery and recovery. St Andrew’s has one of the most comprehensive cancer care facilities in Australia. Our breast cancer care facility is widely recognised as one of the best. We are also one of the busiest, providing care for almost half of all breast cancer patients in South Australia. Highly skilled and qualified nurses, supported by our surgeons, provide excellent care. The St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation is committed to supporting patients like Cathy by providing funding for equipment and facilities. We recognise the importance of keeping up to date with the latest equipment and facilities, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Thanks to our wonderful donors who supported our 2019 Annual Appeal, we have been able to purchase four state-of-the-art chemotherapy chairs for our patients. Although Cathy didn’t undergo chemotherapy as part of her treatment, many patients in similar situations will.
Thank you for helping us help the thousands of people like Cathy who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Photo by Carolyn J Cooper
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If you are interested in submitting an article or have a news story, please contact Amy Bredon via email amy.bredon@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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