APRIL 2016
ST ANDREW’S NEWS
Picture courtesy of State Library of South Australia - B56810
YEARS
80
Caring for South Australia 1936-2016
ISSUE
#34
INSIDE 03 04 05 06 09 10 11 13 14 From the CEO
Executive Update
Picture courtesy of State Library of South Australia - B7035
80 years caring for South Australia
Da Vinci Surgical Robot
‘My’ St Andrew’s
Foundation
Community
Stomal Therapy
ECD Update
S T AN DR EW’ S NEWS | APR IL 2 0 1 6
FROM THE CEO Welcome to the Autumn edition of our Newsletter.
St Andrew’s Hospital was first established in 1936 and it is with great pride that we celebrate our 80th birthday this year. The hospital has grown from humble beginnings to one of the leading private hospitals in the country and in 2016 we are set to ‘grow’ again. The year ahead looks very exciting with a major building program, a host of other wonderful opportunities and a year of celebration. Caring for South Australia for 80 years! We have a number of ‘events’ lined up during the course of the year that will conclude with a Gala Dinner on Saturday November 19 (save the date). You can read more about our history on page 5 and for those that are keen to know more we will be producing an 80 year booklet that will reveal all. A warm welcome to two new Board members, Trevor Lambert and Richard McLachlan (page 4) who have added a skill set around the Board table that will assist us with our major building program. They have both made an immediate impact and I look forward to their contribution in the years to come. I must acknowledge the leadership of our Board Chairman, Mr Ken Williams who ensures the skills and experience of our Board are commensurate with what we require and that strong supportive governance is provided.
As usual, we have a number of interesting clinical articles starting on page 6 with the da Vinci robotic surgery and how specifically this technology is being used for ENT and Gynaecological surgery. Our wonderful relationship with Fertility SA continues to grow and the article on page 7 gives an excellent overview of their dedicated medical team. It is a pleasure to provide an article on our stomal therapy nurses (page 13) who continue to provide outstanding care for a number of our patients. They are a fine example of a great team. I take this opportunity to welcome Fiona Bolton and to farewell Sharmaine Peterson after 26 years of excellent service. The Newsletter also provides you with some of the other activities of the Hospital and our Foundation and of course an update on our current building program.
I do hope you enjoy reading our Newsletter and seeing how well we are progressing as a very proud South Australian Hospital. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or another member of our team. Until the next time, stay happy and healthy.
Stephen Walker Chief Executive Officer
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EXECUTIVE UPDATE TREVOR LAMBERT AND RICHARD McLACHLAN
The St Andrew’s Hospital Board of Governors plays a fundamental role in providing direction and governance to the Hospital’s Executive. The collective experience of the Board is paramount to guiding us now and into the future.
Richard McLachlan
Trevor Lambert
We have recently welcomed two new Directors and it is with great pleasure that we introduce them to our community in this edition of the ‘St Andrew’s News’. Both Trevor Lambert and Richard McLachlan join the Board at a time of great change in the life of St Andrew’s. As you are no doubt aware, the start of building work on the Eastern Clinical Development is imminent and Trevor and Richard’s experience will certainly assist to guide us through this exciting time. Trevor has over 40 years of experience in delivering engineering infrastructure projects, having been a consultant, a contractor and a business owner. Perhaps his most significant roles were during his time as part of the team that was responsible for the development of the Alice Springs to Darwin Railway and at Techport Australia at Osborne. With his wife Sue, he spends his time tending their vineyard in the Adelaide Hills which includes an emerging white wine variety Gruner Veltliner, earning a score of 95 points in James Halliday’s latest wine companion.
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Richard McLachlan is currently Project Director of the Tonsley project – the redevelopment of the 61 hectare former Mitsubishi Motors Australia manufacturing site 12 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD. Richard has significant experience in the commercial, industrial and residential property development sectors gained from senior roles in both government and private organisations, and specialist expertise in project master-planning, stakeholder engagement, market analysis, feasibility studies, project marketing and structuring of project partnerships. Prior to joining the St Andrew’s Hospital Board Richard served as a Director of aged care service provider ECH Inc. for eight years. I am sure you will join me in welcoming Trevor and Richard to the Board at such a significant time in the journey of St Andrew’s Hospital. Stephen Walker Chief Executive Officer
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80 YEARS CARING FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA The Hills Hoist hasn’t yet been invented, there are no permanent traffic signals (and no speeding fines!) and South Australia has just celebrated its Centenary of Federation. The final decorative features of Parliament House are being hand carved before its grand opening, the Torrens Rowing shed has just been declared open and ‘Rudolph the Rooster’ is the star attraction in the John Martin’s Magic Cave. 1936 was also the year St Andrew’s Hospital was founded. While South Australia was reestablishing itself following the depression, Sister Janet Hay, a returned Army Nurse, was working to make her dream a reality for the people of our great State. In 1934, Sister Hay bought vacant land on city acre 665 on South Terrace for 1,170 pounds with a master plan of building a Private Hospital. It took 2 years for Sister Hay’s application to be approved by the Adelaide City Council and in 1936 the licence to build was issued. Work soon began and the Hospital was complete by the end of that year. In the ensuring years, St Andrew’s Hospital attracted the best Doctors and Surgeons and continued through
periods of both prosperity and great difficulty. The Hospital was bought by the Presbyterian Church in 1946 and during the early 50’s, a Hospital Building Fund was established, signalling a period of great expansion. By 1968, St Andrew’s Hospital had 174 beds and four operating theatres. It also housed an X-Ray Suite, the first to be incorporated into a South Australian Hospital. In the 70’s and 80’s, the Hospital continued to improve its facilities and the Theatre Block was constructed incorporating 6 theatres and supporting facilities. The High Dependency Unit was also established. In 1980, Sister Janet Hays original Hospital was demolished, heralding the end of an historic chapter in St Andrew’s and indeed, the State’s history. In keeping with Sister Hay’s vision to create a state of the art Hospital, significant building work took place which also provided for the MRI machine located at Dr Jones and Partners, the Hospital’s onsite imaging Service. The 90’s saw the completion of the Central Wing at a cost of $16.5 million, the establishment of the Volunteer Service, and the restoration of Waverley
House. In 1996, the Emergency Department and the Breast Care Service were also opened as was the Hospital’s Angiography Suite, in 1998. From the year 2000 onwards, the Hospital continued to develop in leaps and bounds, often positioning itself at the forefront of patient care with the latest technology and attracting the best staff and specialists. Now, open your eyes – and you’re back in 2016. It’s the Adelaide Fringe, AFL is now played at Adelaide Oval, the Clipsal 500 cars have zoomed around the historical Victoria Park Racecourse and we are about to start work on yet another significant project in the life of St Andrew’s. The Eastern Clinical Development will commence in the coming months, providing the Historians of the future with more stories of triumph and achievement in the life of our remarkable Hospital. It is with a great degree of pride that we celebrate the 80th year of St Andrew’s Hospital in 2016 and we look forward to celebrating and remembering the highs and lows as we reflect on the history of our St Andrew’s. We think Sister Hay would approve!
80 YEARS
Close your eyes and imagine it’s 1936.
Caring for South Australia 1936-2016
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DA VINCI SURGICAL ROBOT -
EMBODIMENT OF LEONARDO When one understands the capability of the world renowned da Vinci Surgical Robot, it is undeniably appropriate it was named after one of the Grand Masters, Leonardo da Vinci who famously unearthed so much. His discoveries and theory about art, literature, music, invention, architecture and importantly anatomy and science has left people in awe for hundreds of years.
Operations that could not be performed with a laser, involved splitting the patients lip and jaw and pulling the jaw sideways to gain access to remove the tumour. This type of operation involves a reconstructive surgical team, is complicated and results in patients being in hospital for longer periods. However, the rise of Robotic Surgery has changed all that.
St Andrew’s Hospital has housed two releases of da Vinci Surgical Robots in the last 3 years and, like in other sites around the world, it has transformed the lives of patients who benefit from its capabilities and marvelled the surgeons who have used it. In addition to our private patients, we also undertake all robotic surgery for the public sector. We are very proud about being leaders in this area of surgery and have received numerous accolades for our work in Urology.
Dr Krishan was the first Doctor in Australia to perform Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in 2008 at one of only 3 sites outside the U.S.A, where it was first pioneered. The astonishing accuracy of the Robot allows Dr Krishnan absolute precision. ‘We can better control bleeding, resulting in greater visualisation and due to its accuracy, we can individualise treatment plans for people. If chemotherapy and radiotherapy is necessary, we are able to remove as much of the tumour as possible with the Robot which allows much more targeted use of these drugs’, he says.
Robotic surgery has historically been most widely employed for cancer surgery in urology and other specialties. And, there have been significant changes to the way surgery in these fields is being performed as a result. Of course, the main reason behind this success is in its design. The Robot features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. As a result, surgeons operate with enhanced vision, precision and control. At St Andrew’s, our surgeons are increasingly using the da Vinci across many specialties including General Surgery, Colorectal, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Gynaecological Oncology. ENT Surgeon, Dr Suren Krishnan, has been operating robotically at St Andrew’s since 2014 and has seen vast improvements in patient outcomes as a result. Traditional ENT surgical methods are considerably more invasive than those performed with Robotic Surgery.
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Gynaecological Oncologist, Professor Martin Oehler was the first surgeon in Australia to perform gynaecological cancer surgery with Robotic Surgery and is one of the surgeons who operate at St Andrew’s. ‘The Robot has revolutionised the way we operate,’ he says. ‘It enables for the first time a mainstream minimally-invasive approach to gynaecological cancer surgery which otherwise would have to be done by laparotomy. Consequently the recovery of patients undergoing robotic surgery is outstanding.’ As an example, hysterectomies for cancer performed in the conventional way involve a large mid-line incision (vertical across the stomach area) requiring a lengthy hospital stay and up to six weeks of rest at home after surgery. The wound healing is painful and patients often require long-term pain medication. In contrast, the da Vinci Robot allows for tiny 5 mm incisions, patients can go home after an overnight stay in hospital and in a large
number of cases are able to resume normal activities after one week. A vast difference when compared to the usual six weeks. Of course, there is also far less risk of complications such as blood loss, infections and hernias as well. Both Dr Krishnan and Professor Oehler hail the da Vinci as revolutionising surgery and drastically improving patient outcomes. At St Andrew’s, we believe in just that. Providing the best service and technology available to ensure we remain at the forefront of medical and surgical excellence. In describing Leonardo da Vinci, one person has been quoted as saying, “his mind and personality seem to us superhuman, while the man himself mysterious and remote”. Perhaps that is how people feel about the da Vinci Robot when they consider its astounding capabilities both now and as we discover more, in the future. We would like to acknowledge Mr Gordon Pickard AM for his very kind donation in making the purchase of the da Vinci Surgical Robot possible. Gardner, Helen (1970). Art through the Ages. pp. 450–456.
HELPING NATURE RUN ITS COURSE
S T AN DR EW’ S NEWS | APR IL 2 0 1 6
FERTILITY SA AND ST ANDREW’S HOSPITAL -
When South Australia’s most experienced team of doctors first joined together to form Fertility SA, it made sense to partner with one of Australia’s premier private hospitals, St Andrew’s. In the eight years since, Fertility SA has grown from a small collaboration of experts who value excellence in medicine and offer genuine patient centred care to a team of over fifty doctors, nurses, embryologists and support staff with those same values still at the core. The passage of IVF from the first IVF baby born in Australia 36 years ago to now has been a fascinating one. From the early research years at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital to now, Fertility SA doctors are those who have actually lived the journey. Professor Rob Norman AO, with thirty years of experience, and Associate Professor Ossie Petrucco AM, with more than 40 years of experience, have been directly involved with all of the great innovations in IVF including the introduction of laparoscopic surgery, Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and the research into the impact of lifestyle on fertility. This history of knowledge generation and clinically relevant innovation in reproductive medicine in South Australia is something to be very proud of, as is their continued revolution, commitment to advancement and continuing education. Fertility SA has strong ties with Robinson Research Institute, with two doctors in leadership roles at the Adelaide University’s premier research collective. The commitment of the entire specialist fertility team - Dr Alex Hubczenko, Associate Professor Louise Hull,
Rear (L to R): Dr Jodie Semmler, Dr Bruno Radesic, A/Prof Louise Hull. Front (L to R): Dr Sally Reid, Dr Alex Hubczenko, Dr Michelle Wellman, Professor Rob Norman
Dr Viki Nisenblat, Professor Rob Norman, Dr Bruno Radesic, Dr Sally Reid, Dr Jodie Semmler and Dr Michelle Wellman, to technological development to achieve best possible outcomes for patients is evident in Fertility SA’s reputation for excellence in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Fertility SA doctors are all experienced fertility experts, each being reproductive endocrinologists or specialist gynaecological surgeons. Drawing on the minds of some of the most qualified and knowledgeable fertility practitioners, not only in the state, but within Australia and even internationally, gives patients their very best chance at a healthy baby. Part of this commitment to best outcomes for patients includes the provision of state of the art facilities. Last year a state of the art Embryology Laboratory was completed with the future in mind, and this year plans have been unveiled for the new Day Surgery
Suite, which is of great excitement to Fertility SA and St Andrew’s Hospital. Although complications are uncommon with fertility procedures, having expert emergency support on hand offers the safest possible environment and reassurance to patients receiving treatment. Surgery is sometimes needed to investigate the causes of infertility or treat problems that are making it difficult to conceive. Having purpose built surgical suites also means that fertility specialists who are also leading gynaecological surgeons can treat patients for procedures such as laparoscopy, endometriosis treatment and fallopian tube surgery amongst other treatments, within the one hospital if desired. Conceiving a baby seems like it should be the easiest thing in the world–but for one in six couples this is not the case. This article has been provided by Fertility SA. For further information please phone Fertility SA on 8100 2900 or visit us at www.fertilitysa.com.au.
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We were just what the doctor ordered. Dr Jodie Semmler has a dynamic career as a specialist gynaecologist, the owner of Advanced Gynaecological Surgery Centre and a founding director of Fertility SA. With the clinics expanding rapidly, Jodie sought an accounting firm that could grow with her business. At the same time, she needed a personal financial plan, and some sound superannuation and investment advice. That’s when she joined the journey with Hood Sweeney, one of the most trusted and successful professional service firms in South Australia and a specialist provider to healthcare professionals.
Dr Jodie Semmler Specialist Gynaecologist
ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS ADVISORY CONSULTING & PERFORMANCE COACHING FINANCIAL PLANNING TECHNOLOGY SERVICES FINANCE
T 1300 764 200 F 08 8232 1968
amasa@hoodsweeney.com.au www.hoodsweeney.com.au
Offering everything from business and accounting advice, risk management and wealth creation to technology support, we’ve been able to take away the pain of financial complexity, so Jodie can simply focus on her patients. If you’re at a financial crossroad, call us to find out what we might prescribe to put you on the road to success. Preferred provider of accounting and financial planning services to AMA(SA) members
HS:AMA180315FA
ISS Driving Innovations at St Andrew’s Hospital ISS is continually looking for innovative ways to improve our service, to support St Andrew’s goal of becoming the best private hospital in Australia. Our pioneering staff at St Andrew’s have recently won ISS’ National Health Innovation Program (HIP) Award for their safety initiative: ‘Hold that Thought’. We have also introduced the ISS Health Cultural Awareness Calendar, to enrich relationships with our ethnically diverse patient base. Last year, our enthusiastic staff installed the ISS Employee Engagement Wall which has enhanced our communications, as well as office graphics highlighting the partnership between ISS and St Andrew’s. ISS’ Jane Morris and Cathy Palmer with their HIP Award
ISS has been a proud partner of St Andrew’s Hospital since July 2014. We are focused on providing services with a ‘Human Touch’ and driving innovations to support St Andrew’s vision.
Engagement Wall
Hold that Thought’ initiative
‘IT’S JUST PART OF US ALL’
S T AN DR EW’ S NEWS | APR IL 2 0 1 6
‘MY’ ST ANDREW’S ‘The Hospital’s grown so much. Every year there is something new and exciting happening and we’ve had wonderful management who have made the Hospital into what it is today.’ Registered Nurse, Helen Lewis, started her journey in 1990 with St Andrew’s at Abergeldie Hospital which until 1996 was owned by St Andrew’s Hospital Incorporated. Helen began her nursing life training at Royal Adelaide Hospital and after travelling abroad and living interstate, a young Helen returned to Adelaide with her husband and four young children. Turn back the clock 26 years and what drew Helen to join St Andrew’s is what has kept her here all this time. Helen was looking for part time work and the culture at St Andrew’s supported this work life balance. Reflecting upon the early years for this article, Helen says ‘I love the culture here; the staff are like my extended family! We’ve been through births, deaths and marriages and lots in between.’
Helen works on Ward 1A and in Day Suite and has done so since she moved to South Terrace from Abergeldie. Since she started at the main Hospital, she has seen a huge advancement in surgery commenting that eye surgery used to require at least an overnight stay and now patients are discharged within hours. ‘Things have changed so much. We’ve got better equipment, new technology. What was major surgery 20 years ago is now main stream and the surgery and recovery times are often a fraction of what they once were’. Although Helen has seen significant change, there is much that has remained. When I asked her about her colleagues, she reflected, ‘How we look after people here is what sets us apart. The way we look after our patients and each other is different. We care and we treat each other how we would like to be treated ourselves’.
When I asked Helen why she’s stayed at St Andrew’s for such a long time, she said, ‘The Hospital’s grown so much. Every year there is something new and exciting happening and we’ve had wonderful management who have made the Hospital into what it is today.’ Helen’s positive attitude and commitment to caring for her patients is representative of the nursing staff at St Andrew’s. Thank you, Helen for being a willing participant for this edition of “My St Andrew’s!” Amy Bredon Foundation Manager
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FOUNDATION FROM OUR FOUNDATION MANAGER
As we settle into the New Year after the hustle and bustle of the Festive Season, we begin in earnest preparing for the year ahead. We are really looking forward to the many events planned this year to mark the 80th Birthday of St Andrew’s Hospital, particularly the Gala Dinner being held on Saturday 19th November at Adelaide Oval. More information will be available in the next edition of St Andrew’s News.
In my last report, we were eagerly awaiting the annual St Andrew’s Classic in November. Thanks to Major Sponsor, Clinpath and the many other hole sponsors for making this event a memorable day, the Foundation raised $11,600 from the day! We are delighted to have welcomed John Coates to the Foundation Team as Coffee Shop Manager. John brings a wealth of experience from the restaurant industry and working with Volunteers (and he makes a mean coffee!). Pop in and say hi to John when you are next at the Hospital and enjoy a coffee from our lovely Coffee Shop. Your purchase will also support the work of the Foundation.
SAVE THE DATE Saturday 19th November, Adelaide Oval Join us to celebrate 80 years of St Andrew’s Hospital. Caring for South Australia since 1936.
Amy Bredon
ST ANDREW’S DAY
FOUNDATION RAFFLE
SA LIFE
Each year, the 30th November marks St Andrew’s Day and over the years it has become a day of celebration at the Hospital. This year, we welcomed Piper, Major Tim Ferguson to pipe in the Haggis and one of our own Scots, Neil Connor from Theatre to read the ‘Ode to the Haggis’, by poet Robbie Burns. Our Volunteer Tom Duncan ceremoniously carried in the Haggis to the awaiting crowd!
Each year we run a raffle to raise money for the Foundation. Tickets are $5 and are now for sale in the Hospital Foyer or by emailing abredon@stand. org.au. Prizes include an 11.6 inch 2 and 1 ASUS Laptop Tablet valued at $598 and a Nespresso U Milk Coffee Machine.
Did you see our Chairman, Chris Wright featured in the February issue of SA Life? When Chris isn’t working with the Foundation Team, he can be found flying high or racing low! You can purchase SA Life from many retailers, or, of course, the St Andrew’s Coffee Shop!
FRIENDS OF ST ANDREW’S HOSPITAL – HOW WE CAN GIVE BACK TO YOU!
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ST ANDREW’S HOSPITAL 80TH BIRTHDAY GALA DINNER
If you or anyone you know would like to join as a ‘Friend of St Andrew’s’, please contact our office on 8408 2005 and we will post you a registration form. Annual membership is $40 for a single membership or $75 for a double membership which entitles you to significant out of pocket expenses at the onsite Dr Jones and Partners and also a 10% discount at HPS Pharmacy. This membership fee assists us to continue to provide for St Andrew’s Hospital and we thank Dr Jones and Partners and HPS Pharmacy for their generous support.
UNDIES RUN
MEMORIAL DAY Each November, the Hospital hosts a Memorial Service in the glorious gardens of Waverley House. Our Chaplain, Rev Peter Morel organises the service which is a time for remembering and honouring the lives of loved ones who have passed away. This year, he delivered a wonderful address which drew on the recent and popular movie ‘Inside Out’. Pictured are some children who attended the service with Rev Morel.
Congratulations to Liz Knight (Clinical Manager, 2nd Floor) and “Team St Andrew’s – Second to None” for raising $3,931 for Cancer Research during their participation in this year’s Undies Run!
Each year around 4,000 Australians die from Bowel Cancer - a cancer which if detected early, is the most curable. We know that bowel cancer screening saves lives, but people are too embarrassed to talk about it. In addition to their amazing fundraising efforts, “Team St Andrew’s – Second to None” hope they have helped to raise awareness of bowel cancer.
BEAT CANCER TOUR
CINEMA ON WAVERLEY In January 2016 Richard McLachlan participated in the Beat Cancer Tour organised by Cancer Council SA as an official event of the Tour Down Under professional cycling race.
In another first for St Andrew’s, staff and their families (and the resident bats!) enjoyed watching a movie on a huge blow up Cinema screen at the inaugural ‘Cinema on Waverley’. Embracing our typically unseasonal weather, everyone arrived armed with ugg boots, blankets
S T AN DR EW’ S NEWS | APR IL 2 0 1 6
COMMUNITY
and pillows to watch Tom Cruise do his thing in Mission Impossible. Thanks to our wonderful Volunteers and Foundation Staff for making movie popcorn and selling coffee and sweet treats!
Richard and about 25 other riders and support crew rode every stage of the Tour Down Under before the professional peleton raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Council’s Beat Cancer Project. The event comprised more than 800 kilometres on the road and 11,000 metres of hill climbing over 6 days and raised $350,000 for Cancer Council SA. Richard lost his father to Cancer in 2011 so the challenge of the Beat Cancer Tour had a special purpose and meaning to Richard and his family.”
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WORDS OF GRATITUDE
Regular feedback from patients, whether it is their first visit or after repeat visits, speak of the high quality of the care they receive at St Andrew’s. Here are just some recent examples. “Friendly staff, excellent food. The catering staff were fantastic and compliments to the chef! This is the best food I have ever hospital.” had in any
“Comfortable room. Meals were of a high quality with great choices. Great staff, including house keeping and those who deliver the meals. Nurses all caring and professional. Made a painful experience quite bearable. Thank you for your care and assistance during my recent illness.”
“I only have praise for all nursing, medical and orderly staff from emergency, CCU, levels 2 and 3. The care received across all areas was exceptional. I am really appreciative of the dedication, commitment and professionalism shown during (my son’s) 12 days in hospital. As a parent I felt very comfortable, reassured and welcomed during this time.”
“Excellent medical outcome. The nursing staff were excellent, they informed me of the delay with my “Prompt attention. Great empathy procedure and told me why. They are by staff. Patience and caring ways. very professional, friendly and helpful. Very professional care. Good I cannot speak more highly of them. knowledge and sense of humour. The hospital should be proud” Strange as it may seem I will miss you all.”
“Welcome to the new Clinpath logo”
Our new logo is symbolic of the complementary nature of the recent merger of Clinpath Laboratories and Adelaide Pathology Partners. Both practices have always had a strong emphasis upon medical leadership and a strong interface with our clinical colleagues in South Australia. Nowhere is this better emphasized than in our unprecedented team of clinical and anatomical pathologists. At a time when some laboratories are making pathologists redundant, we have engaged all of the APP pathologists, as well as three newly graduated South
Australian pathologists. In total, the combined faculty comprises an unprecedented 18 histopathologists, 6 haematologists, 2 biochemists and 2 microbiologists. Our initial challenge naturally is to maintain or enhance all existing relationships, and to ensure that the transition is seamless for patients and for all of the South Australian medical community. Our longer term goal is to combine the best of both; the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.
Both of the main clinical laboratories are now physically merged at our redeveloped Kent Town site and Anatomical Pathology with all APP anatomical pathologists will follow in April after a major laboratory refit. If you would like further information or have any other questions, please feel free to contact our Business Development staff on 83662020.
A/Prof David Ellis, CEO
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STOMAL THERAPYWORKING TOGETHER FOR OUR PATIENTS St Andrew’s Hospital is well known for its multidisciplinary care. This is evident in many of our departments, including our Stomal Therapy Nursing Clinic. ‘Stoma’ is a Greek word meaning ‘opening’ and in the medical sphere, relates to either an artificial or naturally occurring opening. Stomas can be required for a number of reasons and involve fitting a patient with a stoma bag or ‘appliance’. The bag serves as a collection point for fluid or waste that is released from the body. An example is a colostomy bag following bowel surgery where part of the natural function is lost. Our Stomal Therapy nurses work very closely with a number of other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for our patients. This care often begins pre-surgery when it is known in advance that a patient will require a bowel or bladder diversion. Patients and their families are offered pre surgery counselling, educating patients about how to manage post-operatively. Other services include wound care consultation and some continence promotion.
delighted our patients will benefit from her skill and knowledge. Fiona has been a Stomal Therapy nurse since 1994 working in various hospital and community settings throughout Adelaide and has been a fully Credentialed STN since 1998. She has been actively involved in the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses (AASTN) at a national level since 1998, and is currently Chairperson of the AASTN Education and Professional Development Committee which oversees the Association’s documents and educational resources. Fiona has had many highlights in her career, but one of the most challenging and satisfying roles has been as Convenor for the 2012 WCET international Stomal Therapy Conference held here in Adelaide where over 900 delegates attended from more than 45 countries for a 3 day program. Fiona has recently returned from the United States where she was invited to participate in an innovative program including a tour of a manufacturing plant, discussion on
future directions for products, and a visit to Duke University Hospital in Durham North Carolina to meet with several USA Stomal Therapy Nurses to discuss concerns and strategies faced regularly. Fiona stated that it is pleasing to say that our work practices are very similar and problems encountered appear to be the same, including ongoing access to services on discharge. Fiona has had an opportunity to suggest changes to ostomy products such as modifying the base plates to provide a more secure and flexible surface for the larger patient as well as thoughts on how the drainable pouches could be modified to allow for easier emptying without the risk of soiling or splashing. In what is a common response among our nurses, Fiona describes her position as challenging and rewarding. “No day is the same. At the end of the day, seeing a patient go home knowing they can manage on their own is fabulous”.
For the majority of patients, having a Stoma is temporary due to bowel resection for cancer. Post operatively, surgeons, dieticians, nurses and physiotherapists all work together to assist during a patient’s recovery. In addition, if a patient is undergoing chemotherapy at our onsite Chemotherapy Suite, the patient has direct access to the Clinic for trouble shooting issues and the patient can be reviewed the same day. Our experienced nursing staff in Stomal Therapy are well regarded by their peers. Sharmaine Peterson has recently retired from the hospital after 26 years. Fiona Bolton has joined the team at St Andrew’s and we are
Fiona Bolton, Sharmaine Peterson (Retired Jan 2016), Katrina Griscti, Susan Saies and Jill Johnston (retired 2015).
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ECD UPDATE Ward Building
Proposed Development
Theatres Building Residential
St John Lane
northern streetscape [scale 1:200 @ A1]
[gilles street] Ward Building Proposed Development
Waverley House Residential South Terrace
eastern streetscape [scale 1:200 @ A1]
Ward Building
Gilles Street
[st john lane]
Proposed Development
Proposed Development
St John Lane
southern elevation [scale 1:200 @ A1]
St Andrew’s Hospital is about to elevations embark on another major building
redevelopment program, and this time…..it is Big! The Eastern Clinical Development (ECD) is a new building with multi level car park to be built on the current staff car park site on the eastern corner of the hospital. The building will consist of three levels of undercover car parking (an increase of more than 100 car parking spaces), a Day Surgery floor comprising of two operating theatres, three procedure rooms, two angiography suites and 38 recovery ‘chairs’ and a new 28 bed ward. In addition we will be relocating our Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) to an area adjacent our main operating theatre complex and providing a new Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) Unit.
Tenders for this exciting development have gone out to four builders and we expect to make a decision on the preferred builder in April. We anticipate work will then commence in early May and will be completed by October 2017.
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Gilles Street
western elevation [scale 1:200 @ A1]
St Andrew’s Hospital
The Consultants leadingEastern our project theatres/procedure rooms and over Clinicalare: Development development application / sheet 10 of 16 / 28.08.2015 220 inpatient beds that will all+have a wiltshire swain architects Project Manager - private room.” Mr Walker said that it is RCP important that we continually upgrade our facilities and equipment to the high Engineering Services - standard a private patient expects. Systems Solutions Architects - Wiltshire and Swain Structural - Wallbridge and Gilbert Quantity Surveyor - WT Partnership During the 18 month building program there will of course be a number of challenges but we have worked very hard with our project team to minimise any disruptions. CEO, Stephen Walker said that this exciting development will ensure that St Andrew’s continues to provide first class clinical facilities for the South Australian community. “It also enables us to expand to meet the demand from medical specialists wanting to work at St Andrew’s and at the end of the development we will have 14 operating
All of the team working at St Andrew’s are contributing to the design of the building and identifying the equipment required.
“The ECD building design is coming together nicely and is looking fantastic for our patients and staff. I can’t wait to see it all finished, especially the staff gym!” Cos Lamberto, WHS Manager Regular updates on the ECD project will be provided and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Stephen Walker on 8408 2139.
S T AN DR EW’ S NEWS | APR IL 2 0 1 6
FROM THE ARCHIVES WAVERLEY HOUSE – THE PLOT THICKENS! Since our last Newsletter, a number of people who have worked at St Andrew’s over the years have contacted us. We have heard many a funny story and have been lucky enough to receive a nurse’s uniform from the 1960’s. Specifically, we were contacted regarding the Story ‘Waverley House, is it, or isn’t it?’ A staff member, who worked at St Andrew’s during the 70’s when Waverley House was restored by Ron Danvers Architects (now DASH Architects), recalls one of the heritage architects taking on the task of finding out once and for all, the correct spelling. After some years (literally!) of deliberation, it was sufficiently evidenced that the House had been named after Waverley Station in Edinburgh, in accordance with the Hospital’s Scottish heritage. Despite this, there remain current examples of both versions of the spelling and
so, the story and the debate will most likely continue into the future! We contacted DASH Architects and enquired further about Waverley House. They were kind enough to send historical documents including the ‘Conservation Plan’ for the building. The documentation suggests Waverley House was in fact, simply known as, ‘Waverly’. It was designed by James MacGeorge who also designed The Savings Bank of South Australia in King William Street and his own residence in North Adelaide, named… you guessed it…‘St Andrew’s!’ The House has been owned by many people during its lifetime and has ‘benevolent bones’, being used as a children’s hostel for orphans after the Second World War in 1946 (during this time the Legacy Club of Adelaide owned the House). The Conservation Plan notes it contained 16 rooms, had
a tennis court and stood on almost two acres of land. (Other historical detail mentioned there used to be cows in the front garden!) During the winter of 1960, the Ballroom caught fire. It was noted that ‘considerable damage was done to the floor, walls, roof and furniture. Repairs were scheduled and the interior was redesigned and enhanced by new fluorescent lights. Waverley’s history is indeed rich – and there are too many points to raise here, but we think its walls will be happy that even all these years later, it is still being used to look after the people of Adelaide in its current occupation as part of the St Andrew’s landscape. If you have interesting St Andrew’s memorabilia, please contact either Amy Bredon abredon@stand.org.au or Angela Bayldon abayldon@stand.org.au or call the Hospital switchboard on 8405 2111. WHAT AM I?
Kimmarie Blanksby and Robert Arbon, Dietary Services.
One of our wonderful Chefs, Rob, is holding a specially designed biscuit press with the St Andrew’s logo on the bottom, ready to brand into shortbread! (Or, so we think!) The press was recently rediscovered and the story goes that it was made by the maintenance team about 30 years ago. The kitchen staff made hundreds of shortbread as gifts for the Staff on St Andrew’s Day.
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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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