Epworth Freemasons commissions new theatre for its first surgical robot

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1 Issue 179 Spring 2011 Excellence. Everywhere. Everyday. Epworth Freemasons commissions new theatre for its first surgical robot 1 2 Since 2003, when Epworth pioneered minimally-invasive robotic surgical technology in Australasia, Epworth surgeons have performed over 3570 cases of robotic surgery and Epworth has invested in four more of the latest robotic systems, created by Device Technologies. On Monday 11 July, Epworth Freemasons realised the vision and planning of the last couple of years and celebrated the commissioning of its sixth operating theatre, with the latest da Vinci Si surgical robot installed in the impressive new theatre. Located in the Clarendon Street campus, the newest robotic technology means that Epworth Freemasons patients can be offered a range of surgical choices on site, including minimally-invasive procedures. The new theatre will assist catering for the increased demand across all other surgical specialities currently at Epworth Freemasons. continued page 5 >> 1: Epworth Freemasons theatre staff in the new sixth operating theatre 2: Epworth Freemasons Executive Director Damian Armour addresses guests at the opening of the new theatre

2 Message from the Group Chief Executive Epwords is a newsletter for Epworth staff. All contributions and ideas are welcomed and considered. Contact details Epworth HealthCare 89 Bridge Road Richmond 3121 Mail Box: 12B Phone: Fax: Editor Catherine Dohrmann Phone: catherine.dohrmann@epworth.org.au Thank you Thanks to the contributors of stories, photos and ideas for this issue of Epwords. Without them this edition would not have been possible. Disclaimer The views expressed in Epwords are not necessarily those of the editors. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without prior consent from the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit or condense a contribution in order for it to fit inside the limited space of the newsletter. 2 Welcome to the Spring 2011 Issue of Epwords. A number of important milestones and achievements have taken place over the winter months of which we should all be very proud. There is a real sense of excitement around the organisation. I encourage you all to take this momentum with you for the remaining months of the year and I am certain we will be able to achieve many more great things together. I am very proud to announce the launch of Epworth Pathology, which commenced operations on Monday 26 September. It represents the culmination of a long standing relationship between Epworth HealthCare and Melbourne Pathology. Both organisations are committed to providing quality health care to the Victorian community. Epworth Pathology is the business name that will be used for pathology services delivered by Melbourne Pathology at Epworth sites. Epworth Pathology will continue to deliver the high standards of professional service and patient care that you have come to expect from Melbourne Pathology. This is an exciting venture to provide the best in pathology services and to look towards the future of pathology at Epworth, linking with the teaching and research agenda and identifying further opportunities for improvements. On Monday 11 July Epworth Freemasons celebrated the opening of its sixth operating theatre, with the latest da Vinci Si surgical robot installed in the theatre. More than 50 guests were in attendance to help celebrate the launch. Robotic surgery is the way of the future as it offers patients an ability to return to normal activities within weeks. Epworth now has the most advanced surgical robotic system in the world. Things are progressing well with our vision to develop a Teaching Hospital in Geelong, in partnership with Deakin University. On 1 June 2011 Epworth formally acquired land on the Marcus Oldham College site in Waurn Ponds, adjacent to Deakin University, to build a new private teaching hospital. This partnership will see a unique model of health care, teaching and research for Australia. The new teaching hospital is proposed to be a staged private health care precinct to complement the medical education and research functions at the Deakin University campus. The town planning application has been lodged. I am pleased to announce that Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe from the College of Business at RMIT University has been named Epworth Chair, Health Information Management. Professor Wickramasinghe has extensive experience in the area of health care informatics and has had an association with Epworth since commencing with RMIT in December The appointment of Professor Wickramasinghe brings the number of professorial Chairs at Epworth to six and will help strengthen our clinical academic alliance. I would like to invite staff and their partners to this year s Epworth HealthCare Gala Ball, to be held on Saturday 5 November at Crown s Palladium Ballroom. The black tie event titled Epworth Swings will feature a tribute to the Jersey Boys plus performances by Matt Hetherington and dance band Beyond Belief! I encourage you all to attend as it will be a truly spectacular night. For more information and to book please contact the Epworth Medical Foundation on Alan R Kinkade Group Chief Executive

3 Private health care precinct planned for Geelong Epworth HealthCare and Deakin University have partnered to develop a unique model of health care, teaching and research for Australia. A proposal is currently being developed for a comprehensive acute and rehabilitation hospital within the vicinity of Deakin s Geelong campus. The joint initiative is based on international models such as the Cleveland and Mayo Clinics, leading US not-for-profit hospitals that have demonstrated how improved patient outcomes are achieved in a teaching hospital setting. The Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences at Deakin University is recognised internationally for its contribution to the health field in teaching, training, research and service. Epworth propose to develop a teaching hospital and medical precinct, including medical teaching, research, and training facilities, complementary to Deakin University functions. The site offers excellent access to the medical faculty on the University site and a strong pedestrian link will be created between the new facility and the REACH Building currently under construction. It is anticipated Stage 2 will consist of a further 192 inpatient beds, five operating theatres and one catheter laboratory. This stage will also include the further development of a comprehensive cancer services precinct and additional car parks to align with the increased bed numbers. Once operational, Epworth Geelong is expected to provide around 620 full-time positions or around 1,000 direct jobs, with many more construction and service jobs created throughout the building stages. Image: Artist Impressions of the Main Entry to the Epworth Geelong Teaching Hospital in partnership with Deakin University Stage 1 of the development will provide services for a broad range of acute and rehabilitation specialties as well as pathology, diagnostic imaging and back of house hospital functions. Medical consulting suites will be incorporated within each area of clinical service. Introducing Epworth Pathology Epworth HealthCare and Melbourne Pathology are proud to announce the launch of Epworth Pathology, which commenced operations on Monday 26 September. Epworth Pathology is the culmination of our long standing relationship and represents the coming together of two like-minded organisations that are committed to providing quality health care to the Victorian community. Epworth Pathology is the business name that will be used for pathology services delivered by Melbourne Pathology at Epworth sites. 3

4 Significant improvements in doctor satisfaction Epworth HealthCare has recently received the summary results for the Doctor Satisfaction Survey which was conducted for Epworth by Press Ganey. Overall, there has been a significant improvement in Epworth s percentile ranking, from 57 per cent to 86 per cent. This is an excellent outcome. Epworth Cliveden had a sensational result with a ranking of 99 per cent and Epworth Rehabilitation Richmond also had an excellent ranking of 97 per cent. Almost all the other facilities showed good improvement with Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell having the biggest improvement overall. Epworth will now be analysing the detailed information and developing a plan of action for further improvement. Once further analysis is completed, priorities for further action will be shared with our doctors. Epworth and RMIT University welcome new Chair, Health Information Management RMIT University Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe from the College of Business has been appointed to the new position of Chair, Health Information Management at Epworth HealthCare. The Epworth HealthCare Teaching Hospital Model involves the appointment of several tiers of clinical leaders who will assist in the promotion, development and growth of academic medicine at Epworth. Professor Wickramasinghe has more than 15 years of research experience in the area of health care informatics and has been collaborating with Epworth since she began at RMIT University in December Health care informatics is primarily focused on facilitating superior health care delivery by looking at resources, devices and methods to optimise the acquisition, storage, retrieval and security of information in health and biomedicine. Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade is delighted with Professor Wickramasinghe s appointment, noting that it brings the number of professorial Chairs sponsored by Epworth to six. Epworth Chairs are occupied by professors at the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Deakin University. This appointment is our first with RMIT, Mr Kinkade said. Professor Wickramasinghe said she was honoured and excited by this unique opportunity and is looking forward to collaborating with leading medical specialists to deliver various tools, techniques and technologies which are central to her research. Image: Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe 4

5 International expert in robotic gynaecology at Epworth Freemasons As part of its ongoing commitment to Women s Health, Epworth Freemasons was instrumental in sponsoring and hosting the internationally recognised expert in gynaecological robotic surgery from the United States, Dr Arnold Advincula. Dr Advincula is the Medical Director of the Benign Gynaecologic Robotic Surgery Program for the Florida Hospital system. He joined Dr McCarus as Co-director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Program and Fellowship at Florida Hospital Celebration Health. The completion of the theatre and the installation of the robot at Epworth Freemasons provided the perfect opportunity for two of Epworth s top gynaecologists, Associate Professor Tom Jobling and Associate Professor Peter Maher to be mentored by Dr Advincula during his three day stay in Melbourne. Epworth Freemasons are anticipating strong utilisation of the new theatre and the gradual build up of robotic work from urologists and gynaecologists as the training and accreditation processes evolve. 1: Dr Arnold Advincula with Heath Priestly from Device Technologies 2: Dr Arnold Advincula with Associate Professor Tom Jobling 1 2 << from page 1 Epworth now has the most advanced surgical robotic system in the world. Our surgeons are experienced in using highlysophisticated instruments and their patients benefit enormously from the robots full high definition 3D lenses and the four flexible arms that can reach areas inside the body with minimal cutting to other tissue, Epworth Freemasons Executive Director Damian Armour said. More than 50 guests were in attendance at the 3rd Floor Operating Suite of Epworth Freemasons, to celebrate the launch. Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade said that robotic surgery is the way of the future because patients are often well enough to be discharged on the second or third day after surgery and can return to normal activities within a few weeks. There are currently over 30 Epworth surgeons trained to operate Epworth s four robots and over 3500 robotic surgeries have been performed at Epworth since Epworth introduced the system to Australia in image: Epworth HealthCare Board Member Rod Fitzroy with Epworth Freemasons Peri Operative Services Manager Angela Shaw Massey 5

6 Record $6.6 million amount raised in 2010/11 The Epworth Medical Foundation has raised a record $6.6 million in the last financial year. Many Epworth donors are motivated to give by the quality care and positive experience they have had at Epworth. We appreciate the support of patients to help raise the funds needed to provide state-of-theart equipment and maintain our world-class service. Everyone s role contributes to this so EMF would like to say thank you. Special thanks go to those who have donated their own time and money in support of these fundraising activities. Without your contribution these achievements would not be possible. With $50 million anticipated to be raised for the Epworth Richmond redevelopment and $10 million for the Epworth Research Institute over the next 5-6 years, the EMF has some major challenges ahead and looks forward to working with staff to make this happen. Epworth Swings Gala Ball 5 November EPWORTH SWINGS Mark this date in your diary! This year the Epworth Gala Ball will be held on Saturday 5 November in the Palladium Ballroom at Crown. The black tie event titled Epworth Swings will feature a tribute to the Jersey Boys plus performances by Matt Hetherington and dance band Beyond Belief! Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade warmly invites staff and their partners to take part with a special discounted price. Payment through payroll deduction offers a further tax saving. Staff can book a maximum of two tickets each by providing name and payroll number for salary sacrifice. For further information and booking form in tables of ten please phone the Epworth Medical Foundation on Image: Events like the Friends of Epworth Race Day contributed towards fundraising in 2010/11 Image: Staff enjoy last year s Gala Ball Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell redevelopment update A package of early works at Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell including construction of the new electrical substation, temporary medical records and ambulance enclosure has now been completed in preparation for the commencement of major works. The project was competitively tendered to six Contractors and three were shortlisted for panel interviews and further negotiations during August. Following significant deliberation, Construction Engineering has been selected to undertake the Main Works. Construction Engineering have previously undertaken a range of multi-million dollar health projects across Victoria. Final contract terms are being finalised and mobilisation will occur early September 2011, with practical completion of all stages scheduled for May The project team has identified and reviewed a number of challenges associated with working in an operational environment in a very busy location in terms of traffic and services. We look forward to working closely with all project stakeholders, including staff, visitors and neighbouring residents to deliver very exciting and crucial health services while continuing to provide the highest level of patient care. We thank everyone for their assistance and understanding during the development period. 6

7 Epworth Richmond redevelopment update Major works have continued steadily over the last few months on the redevelopment of Epworth Richmond. The refurbishment and expansion of the Bridge Road Tower (BRT) has taken place which has dramatically changed the face of the hospital. Schematic Design Epworth HealthCare signed-off on the Silver Thomas Hanley (STH) schematic design for the redevelopment on 20 July User Group consultation is now underway for the Design Development stage which will see the detailed design of the new hospital to ensure operational effectiveness, safety for patients, visitors and staff as well as making it a landmark building. Bridge Road Tower The refurbishment and extension works to levels 5-9 of the Bridge Road Tower (BRT) are progressing well. The façade is now complete with the exception of the north eastern corner where the alimak (builders lift) is located. The roof is also 95 per cent complete with the remaining areas to be completed to allow the building to be watertight on the removal of the alimak. The BRT project is scheduled for completion in late October Demolition of the existing and installation of the new west stairs core is complete and installation of the east stair cores is progressing well. The new east core Lift Motor Room has been constructed and fit out is almost complete, Lift 3 will be handed back to Epworth shortly before upgrades to Lift 4 commence. Bridge Road Expansion: The Bridge Road Expansion works involve the expansion of levels 1 4 of the Bridge Road building, the infill slabs above the bistro and main reception and the installation of the additional lift. Baulderstone have poured the new level 2 and 3 slab towards Bridge Road, levels 3 and 4 above the bistro and level 3 above main reception. Structural steel works are 70 per cent complete. The glass façade is scheduled for installation during November The entrance to the hospital will be relocated through Slade pharmacy in September. This is due to the civil works that will occur at the car park entrance, the current entrance to the hospital and the new entrance. Leigh Place substation Change over The Leigh Place substation change over occurred on the 9 July The change over was a great success due to the extensive planning by the engineering team, the project consultants, CitiPower and the contractors carrying out the work. All involved should be congratulated on a job well done. 1: View of external façade Bridge Road entry 2: New consulting room on level 7 3: View of the Bridge Road extension from the Level 5 balcony 4: Level 3 extension to Bridge Road 7

8 Enhancing leadership capabilities Epworth Freemasons Director Clinical Services Justin Greenwell recently graduated from the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives. The course is an intensive three-week management education program held at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Justin was one of 33 senior nurse executives selected to participate in the program, which provides participants with critical business and management skills that enables them to be effective leaders in the ever-changing health care industry. Participants came from all around the world including Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States. The Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program has been enhancing the leadership capabilities of nurse executives for more than 25 years. The program recognises the important and influential role nurse executives have in strategic planning within their own health care institutions and in shaping health care policy issues regionally, nationally, and globally. Executive Director Epworth Rehabilitation Bronwyn Mace is a graduate of the same program. The perspective, leadership and voice of nurse executives that is encouraged through The Wharton Fellow Program is needed now more than ever as the health care industry faces significant challenges of an aging population, nurse and midwife shortages and the pressure of increased costs and demands on services, Justin said. Image: Academic Director Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program Gregory P. Shea, Director Clinical Service Epworth Freemasons Justin Greenwell and Manager Corporate Contributions at Johnson & Johnson Joanne Fillweber Mekong cycling challenge 2012 After the success of the last two cycling challenges the Epworth Medical Foundation is planning a Mekong Cycling Challenge in February EMF invites Epworth staff to take part in this memorable cycling challenge from Laos to Cambodia. Scheduled for February 2012 it includes seven days of moderate cycling with a tour leader, local guide and takes in the natural wonder of the Mekong River including its waterfalls and wildlife plus the native villages straddling its banks. The trip includes airfares, tour leaders, fully maintained bikes, an accompanying support vehicle, most meals and twin-share accommodation. The aim is to improve the health of body and mind whilst raising funds for the Epworth HeartSmart program. Initially designed to get former cardiac patients back on their bikes after care at Epworth, all interested parties are welcome to take part. Having raised more than $50,000 for cardiac services this year EMF hopes next year s challenge to be just as successful and memorable, if not more! Image: 2011 challengers enjoy the historic temples at Angkor Wat, Cambodia Tour Itinerary Day 1: Depart Melbourne Day 2: Arrive Bangkok and fly to Ubon Rathchatani Day 3: Drive to Lao border Pakse/warm up ride Day 4: Drive/Cycle to waterfalls return to Pakse Day 5: Drive/Ferry Ride/Cycle to Champasak Day 6: Ferry Ride/Cycle to Don Khone Day 7: Laos/Cambodia Border cycle to Kratie Day 8: Cycle to Kampong Cham Day 9: Cycle to Phnom Penh Day 10: Free/Depart Phnom Penh evening Day 11: Arrive Melbourne Optional (additional $730): days, drive to Siem Reap, cycle to Angkor Wat and explore the temples. Depart Siem Reap for Melbourne 8

9 Murder mystery at CEO Dinner On Friday 1 July Epworth Eastern hosted the quarterly CEO Dinner to acknowledge staff for their outstanding achievements and contribution in making Epworth a truly great place to work. The event was held at Fountains Restaurant at the Box Hill Institute of TAFE. The theme for the night was Murder Mystery. To entertain the guests, a murder scene was acted out with Director Clinical Services Louise O Connor and Business Development and Surgical Services Manager Isobel Smith performing in the lead roles donning police uniforms to investigate the crime! Divisional Business Manager Malcolm Wells played the murder victim. Guests were given clues throughout the night to help them solve the mystery and to help find the killer... A fun night of clue swapping was held (as well as certificates being awarded) with the mystery finally being solved at the end of the night. Congratulations to all who were acknowledged on the night! Working towards a Teaching Hospital model 1: staff from epworth eastern join in the fun 2: Staff from Epworth Richmond receive their awards As Epworth evolves to a full Teaching Hospital model, educating our current and future clinical workforce becomes paramount. A new role of Preceptorship Support Coordinator has recently been introduced across each of the divisions to increase the level of support our preceptors receive while supervising undergraduate students and graduate nurses. It is a new initiative which will ultimately provide support to facilitators, educators, and nurse unit managers. An online EpLearn course called Clinical Supervision I & II has been developed to provide both an on-line component, and enrolment for face-to-face sessions. Through increasing the number of trained preceptors and trialling different models of support, the culture of teaching and learning at Epworth will be enhanced. 1 The new Preceptorship Support Coordinators are: Epworth Richmond: Nikki Kaye and Suzanne Noye Epworth Rehabilitation: Suzanne Noye Epworth Freemasons: Anna Gundry Epworth Eastern: Melita Reis Image: Preceptorship Support Coordinators (L R) Anna Gundry, suzanne Noye, Melita Reis, Nikki Kaye 2 9

10 Paving a future at Epworth Freemasons The Epworth Medical Foundation has relaunched the paving project in the Courtyard of Peace and Harmony at Epworth Freemasons. First initiated eight years ago as a fundraiser for the Freemasons Hospital, members of the Freemasons community were invited to purchase a granite paver which was then inscribed with the name and membership details. More than 700 pavers have been laid in a magnificent chequer board pattern in the Courtyard of Peace and Harmony at the Clarendon Street campus. A brochure to relaunch the project has been distributed together with the current edition of the Freemasons Victoria Magazine. For $400 people can secure a commemorative paver inscribed with their name, number of their mother lodge and year of initiation. Funds raised from the project will be used to purchase new equipment. Record numbers attend GP Conference Epworth HealthCare hosted its annual GP Conference at Silverwater Resort San Remo, Philip Island on 27 and 28 August The conference was a tremendous success with a record 108 GPs from across Victoria in attendance. Topics covered over the course of the weekend included case studies in haematology/medical oncology, surgical, geriatric medicine and cardiology. Other topics included diagnosing cancer and what red flags to look for, women s health and emergency medicine. The conference is the largest Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Education meeting hosted by Epworth HealthCare as part of the overall GP Liaison Unit Education Program. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for Epworth to engage with GPs and communicate the services available to them : dr sian fairbank, plastic surgeon, demonstrates suturing to GPs 2: Dr ron sultana, director of emergency medicine, leads a session on anaphylaxis image: the paved courtyard at epworth freemasons 3 3. brian nankervis, star of tv s rockwiz, entertains attendees at the gp conference dinner 10

11 Prostate Cancer Conference The 12th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference was held recently at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition on 3 5 August. Now the premier prostate cancer educational event in Australasia, it is one of the biggest urology meetings in the region. The 2011 program included specialised meetings for Urologists, Researchers, Nurses, General Practitioners, Psycho-Oncologists and for the first time this year Continence Practitioners. All meetings encompassed the latest developments in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and management with educational goals aimed at all practitioners involved. This year s conference was an overwhelming success, attracting over 890 delegates, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors. Epworth Richmond were proud sponsors of the Prostate Cancer Dinner held at Crown on the Wednesday evening. Thank you to those who participated in the Conference. We appreciate your support of Australian prostate cancer research. SAVE THE DATE FUTURE MEETING DATES 13th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 1 3 August 2012 Prostate Cancer World Congress Australia Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 7 9 August 2013 IMAGE: Associate Professor Declan Murphy, Epworth HealthCare Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade and Business Development Manager Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre Epworth Sally Crittenden New art glass window unveiled in Sacred Space at Epworth Eastern On Tuesday 24 May, Epworth Eastern unveiled a new art glass window in the Sacred Space on level 4. The window has been donated to the hospital by Mr Frank Gilbert and his daughters. His wife, Marjorie, died here in April In giving the window, Mr Gilbert said he wanted to do something as a lasting tribute to Marjorie that would be of some benefit to others in times of crisis. He also wanted to pay tribute to the work of the staff of Epworth Eastern. Mr Gilbert worked closely with the Pastoral Care team Harriet Ziegler and Julie Young and with the artist, Mr Les Baxter, who made the window using a special process which melts the colours into the glass. In thanking Mr Gilbert, Executive Director Epworth Eastern Vincent Borg said that the Sacred Space represents the spiritual heart of the hospital, especially our values of community, respect and compassion, because it is open to all people. He said that the window will give a new heart to the Sacred Space. The window was dedicated by the Reverend Professor Norman Young, a member of the Epworth Board of Management and a Uniting Church minister, who helped develop the Sacred Space when Epworth Eastern was opened. He noted that every person will appreciate something different about the window, and will appreciate something different each time they look at it. It is hoped the window will become a point of comfort and encouragement to staff, as well as to patients and family members. Image: Artist Les Baxter, Pastoral Care members Harriet Ziegler and Julie Young along with Frank Gilbert in front of the new window 11

12 Epworth farewells a very humble man Leading colorectal surgeon Mr Campbell Penfold retired from clinical practice at the end of July after an impressive 37 year association with Epworth HealthCare. Campbell will be particularly missed by staff on Epworth Richmond s general surgery ward, 7ES where he spent the majority of his time treating patients. Campbell was an avid supporter of staff development and a true mentor for other general surgeons and was a pioneer for his time. He spent considerable time looking after his patients, particularly those diagnosed with chronic conditions who required ongoing treatment and care. Many of Campbell s friends, family, colleagues and staff attended a retirement dinner in his honour, held in July. Epworth HealthCare along with the staff of 7ES would like to wish Campbell all the best for a happy life during retirement filled with family and friends and more time spent on his farm! 1: MR Campbell Penfold with 7ES staff 2: Mr Trevor Jones, Mr Campbell Penfold, Mr John Harris at his farewell dinner Living with Cancer The Cancer Council Victoria along with Epworth Richmond hosted a 1-day Living with Cancer Education Program on 25 July, held in the Epworth Richmond Ante room. In attendance were cancer patients, carers, family and friends. The day was facilitated by Karen Wilkie-Smith and Jo Crowther from the oncology unit. A number of people presented on the day including Dr Peter Sherwen, Physiotherapist Sue Daniels, Dietitian Ryan Surace, Occupational Therapist Fiona Singleton and Pastoral Care Worker Trish Graham, who all received wonderful feedback from the participants. The day was sponsored by Carman s Kitchen who kindly supplied everyone with yummy treats throughout the day. A very big thank you must also be extended to Epworth Richmond volunteer Keith who so generously volunteered his time to help with the logistics of the day. The Living with Cancer Education Program is a wonderful source of information and support for cancer patients and their families, said Karen Wilkie-Smith. The next program planned at Epworth Richmond will be held in October Image: Karen Wilkie-Smith and Jo Crowther with participants of the Living with Cancer program

13 Get your goggles on! A safety initiative introduced by Epworth Richmond Nurse Unit Manager Meredith Elliott prompted colleague Carmen Wong to enter the project in the 2011 WorkSafe Awards. Epworth s entry Get Your Goggles On, focused on reducing staff eye-splash injuries during close clinical care and included goggles, awareness-raising, signage, staff presentations and education in its implementation. The project has been entered in the annual WorkSafe Award category Best solution to a workplace health and safety issue category. Nurse Unit Manager Carmen Wong said Meredith identified that staff on her ward wanted to own their own pair of goggles. Following education sessions to staff, Meredith presented a selection of colours and styles and encouraged staff to choose individually-recognisable goggles. Staff are encouraged to take the time to wear them before beginning close clinical procedures. After implementation of the Get Your Goggles On project, no further eye-splash injuries were reported and Meredith s education presentations and posters, featuring staff from her ward, are now being rolled out to all wards at Epworth Richmond. Featuring staff in the promotional posters, and encouraging staff who have experienced an eye-splash to talk to other staff in presentations, has given our staff ownership of the issue and helped develop an accountable safety culture about eye-protection. The annual WorkSafe Awards have expanded this year, introducing quick and easy online entry, broader categories and a public voting system that will help highlight Victoria s greatest success stories. Image: 5ES Nurse Unit Manager Carmen Wong with 2LP Nurse Unit Manager Meredith Elliott Determination, sense of humour and a smile on 7ES Mrs Marcia Sheridan was a patient on Epworth Richmond s ward 7ES and ICU for a period of three months. She spent a month in ICU post resection of a pancreatic tumour. Marcia had complications with ventilation, feeding and generalised weakness post her operation. She and her husband spent their 50th wedding anniversary in ICU. Marcia then went on to be treated on ward 7ES where she celebrated her 70th birthday. Her determination to get better, sense of humour and smile will be remembered by the staff on 7ES. She would also joke with the staff about the value of hair rollers which she used often. She was discharged to rehabilitation after her prolonged illness. She and her family will be fondly remembered by ICU and ward 7ES staff. Eliza Armstrong and Rennie Fotopoulos Nurse Unit Managers, Ward 7ES Image: Patient Marcia Sheridan with the staff on ward 7ES 13

14 A visit from the Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Treasurer, The Hon Wayne Swan MP recently visited the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre Epworth in Melbourne. Mr Swan has a long-standing personal interest in the progress of research being conducted at the Centre, given the Federal funding to support its commencement. The work being performed at the Centre is greatly contributing to the global knowledge pool of this insidious disease. Research being conducted at Epworth as well as the Queensland University of Technology is now receiving substantial recognition from the international medical community, Mr Swan said. The Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre Epworth in Melbourne was founded by a team led by Professor Tony Costello. Federal funding of the Centres has allowed vital research in the detection and analysis of a particular phenotype in prostate cancer which will culminate in the discovery of a range of therapeutic and surgical treatment options. One in seven men in Australia will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer before the age of 75 years with more than 20,000 Australian men being diagnosed each year. Image: Executive Director Epworth Richmond Eileen Hannagan, Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Treasurer the hon Wayne Swan and Professor Tony Costello Epworth Eastern turns six On Friday 3 June, 2011 Epworth Eastern celebrated its 6th birthday. A BBQ was held for all staff to acknowledge the day and birthday cake and evening platters were sent to the wards to ensure everyone was able to join in the festivities. The Food Services department was instrumental in making sure the food for the day could be enjoyed by everyone! Over the last 6 years Epworth Eastern has gone from strength to strength, with the introduction of Epworth Excellence initiatives. The achievements made by Epworth Eastern would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our staff. Celebrating our leaders The sixth annual SACS Awards for Leadership were held on Wednesday August 2011 at the Sofitel Melbourne Grand Ballroom. The awards aim to foster leadership in the Victorian State Government, Local Government and Not for Profit sectors by recognising outstanding leadership initiatives that make a positive contribution to an organisation s efficiency and effectiveness, while enhancing the workplace environment for colleagues. Epworth is proud to announce that following six Epworth HealthCare staff members were nominated for these awards for their outstanding leadership achievements: Louise O Connor, Director of Clinical Services, Epworth Eastern Leanne Rowlands, Perioperative Services Manager, Epworth Eastern Walter Schwaighofer, Hospitality Services Manager, Epworth Eastern Andrea Hunter, Manager Food Services, Epworth Richmond Ben De Zoete, Manager Acute Physiotherapy, Epworth Richmond Carmen Wong, Nurse Unit Manager, Epworth Richmond A special mention and congratulations to Epworth Eastern s Leanne Rowlands who was a finalist for these awards, well done! It is an outstanding and well deserved achievement. Congratulations and thank you to all nomineer for your outstanding achievements and contributions to Epworth HealthCare. 14

15 Literacy for Life The Speech Pathology department held an education event during Speech Pathology Week on 25 August in the Epworth Richmond Auditorium. The theme for the week was Literacy for Life. The Speech Pathology staff also held interactive stalls including: Trache Tom: Speech Pathology involvement within a multidisciplinary team relating to tracheostomy management Communication Challenge: participants were challenged to communicate their message without using specific words, thereby providing participants with a glimpse into what it would be like to live with a communication impairment Dysphagia stall: participants were invited to engage in interactive activities designed to simulate what it would be like to have a swallowing impairment Smell tests: visitors to the stall were challenged to test their abilities to smell a range of different scents and provided with education about the implications of a reduced sense of smell Augmentative and Alternative Communication: a range of high tech and low tech communication aids were showcased and participants were encouraged to use them A tremendous amount of work went into preparing for Speech Pathology Week and for the Education Event well done to all those involved. Epworth Rehabilitation patient part of international stroke trial Thanks to Epworth s participation in a global trial being co-ordinated by the Florey Neuroscience Institutes, 96 year old Ron Wilson was walking and driving less than six weeks after presenting with stroke symptoms at Epworth s Emergency Department in May. The AVERT (A Very Early Rehabilitation Therapy) trial starts patients exercising within four hours of a stroke. Trial Director, Associate Professor Julie Bernhardt, says the early intervention could be the difference between walking again or not! Seventy per cent of participants are back on their feet within three days, unlike those who are encouraged to rest for longer, Associate Professor Bernhardt said. Following traditional stroke care which involves resting for extended periods, the number of patients returning to walking is only about 40 per cent. Discussing the benefits of being on the trial and the way his life has been restored to independence following his stroke, Mr Wilson said he was very grateful that Epworth staff were ready to assess his suitability the moment he arrived in ED. Early treatment begins with specially trained physios and nurses who work at getting you out of bed and walking around. Nurse Michelle Shannon from Epworth says that the trial hopes to prove it s never too soon to start exercise after a stroke. The AVERT team at the Florey has just celebrated its 1000th recruit. The trial, funded by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council, now involves 600 nurses and therapists and runs in 40 hospitals in five countries Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the UK. We have known for some time that exercise-based rehabilitation is suitable for most people affected by stroke, regardless of age, says Associate Professor Bernhardt. Several Victorian hospitals are involved Epworth, Austin, Royal Melbourne, The Alfred, and Western in Metropolitan Melbourne. For country Victorians, the trial is offered at Frankston, Warrnambool and Geelong hospitals. To be eligible for the trial a patient must reach a participating hospital within 24 hours of having a stroke. Follow-up for patients by the Florey continues for 12 months poststroke. Cost savings to the community are estimated at approximately $8000 per patient thanks to shorter rehabilitation time. The trial will be complete when 2000 patients have been recruited. Image: Patient Ron Wilson celebrates his discharge from Epworth s Stroke Unit with his wife Roma 15

16 1 2 Post-stroke patients among those to benefit from September appeal The Epworth Medical Foundation s September appeal will be raising funds for a new digital imaging machine which will help change the lives of patients living with physical disabilities. The new technology provides the most effective method to administer botulinum toxin (brand names Botox and Dysport) which helps reduce spasticity muscle tightness often caused by strokes, cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury. Many patients after stroke with upper-limb spasticity have limited movement in their shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers. To help raise funds for the appeal, patient Vaya Agelinas agreed to share her story about how Botox treatment has improved her quality of life after her stroke. Prior to Botox treatment in my arm I could only work eight hours a week my balance was off and it was too painful to work says the 44 year old. I am now working four full days a week and I feel like I can be normal again. It has changed my life. The Epworth Medical Foundation hopes to raise over $100,000 so that Epworth Rehabilitation can purchase the new machine and patients like Vaya can recover from life-altering disabilities. 1: M-Turbo imaging system 2: Stroke patient Vaya Agelinas A strategy to address hospital malnutrition Epworth Richmond have introduced an initiative known as Dedicated Meal Time to emphasise the value that meal times have on a patient s recovery by preventing unnecessary interruptions. Hospital malnutrition affects 25 per cent of patients especially those over 65 years. Age is a key factor which accelerates functional decline, delayed wound healing and increases the risk of other complications. This initiative ensures patients have every opportunity to eat well to help prevent malnutrition. Ward activities will focus on providing patients with encouragement, extra assistance and time to eat their meals without interruptions. All staff, service partners and providers, family members, visitors and volunteers can assist by offering to help encourage or assist patients at meal times. To avoid interruptions, all non essential activities e.g. nursing procedures, therapy sessions by allied health staff, blood tests, X-rays etc should occur before or after meal times, not during. Congratulations and well done to all those involved in this commendable patient care and service improvement initiative. 16

17 Farewell Dr Les Markman Epworth HealthCare mourns the passing of Dr Les Markman on 23 July after a long illness. Les was a much loved paediatrician who gave more than 30 years of devoted service to Epworth Freemasons and, in particular, to the obstetric unit. Les was a consummate clinician and a warm and friendly colleague who was greatly admired by nursing and medical staff and of course by his patients and their families. Les Markman served for many years on the Medical Advisory Committee at Freemasons where his wisdom and compassion was highly valued. Epworth extends its deepest condolences to the Markman family and extends its sympathies to his many friends and colleagues who will sorely miss his infectious smile, his warmth and his humanity. Image: Dr Les Markman with his two grandchildren Epworth Rehabilitation celebrates 715 years of service! The Epworth Rehabilitation Service Awards were held on Monday 25 July recognising staff for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. More than 70 Epworth Rehabilitation staff members were recognised at these awards with a collective total of 715 years of service to Epworth Rehabilitation between them. This is a phenomenal result and a true indication of the level of commitment and dedication our staff have at Epworth. We once again congratulate and thank these staff members for their significant and valued contribution to Epworth HealthCare and Epworth Rehabilitation. Image: Staff are acknowledged for five years of service to Epworth Rehabilitation Introducing the Epi-Centre Epworth Richmond has recently refurbished its bistro area as part of the broader Epworth Richmond redevelopment project. To coincide with this, a competition was held for staff to suggest a new name. A number of entries were received with many creative ideas! But it was Epi-Centre that was announced as the new name in July. Epworth Rehabilitation Richmond Speech Pathologist, Saverina Renda, came up with the winning entry and was given an Apple ipod Nano for her efforts. Well done! Image: Epworth Richmond Executive Director Eileen Hannagan with Group Chief Executive Alan Kinkade in the newly refurbished Epi-Centre 17

18 1 First Asia-Pacific Masterclass in vascular intervention 2 Vascular Surgeon Mr Peter Chu, Senior Radiographer Aaron Carroll and Epworth Richmond Cath Lab Nurse Unit Manager Letch Krishnan were invited to attend the first Asia Pacific Masterclass in Vascular Intervention for the treatment of limb ischaemia by EV3 in Leipzig, Germany. The Masterclass, held at the world renowned centre at the Park- Krankenaus Hospital, took place on 4 and 5 July. The two-day intensive course was attended by five vascular surgeons from China and two vascular surgeons and an interventional radiologist from Korea. Angiologist Professor Andrei Schmidt along with Head of the Centre Professor Dierk Scheinert led the class. Both Professors have visited the Epworth Interventional Suite and are well known to many Epworth surgeons. The program was very interactive and included live observation cases. The cases involved the use of the peripheral plaque excision system which is clinically known as Turbohawk together with distal protection devices. The aim is to minimise distal embolisation from debris generated from plaque extraction. The lesions were then treated with stents or drug eluting balloons. 1: L R Epworth Richmond Cath Lab Nurse Unit Manager Letch Krishnan, Professor Andrei Schimdt, vascular surgeon Peter Chu and senior radiographer Aaron Carroll 2: park krankenaus hospital, leipzig, germany Project Evolution Project Evolution, which is the name given to the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation Project, is scheduled to go-live in 2011 with all Finance, Supply, Prosthesis and Bio-medical processes. Site representatives are currently performing system and process testing in the TechnologyOne ERP system to ensure that Epworth s requirements are being met. The introduction of online purchase requisitions will replace existing manual processes and reduce the time involved in obtaining approval signatures. Equally significant are the introduction of accounts payable invoice scanning, automatic purchase order matching and electronic workflows for online invoice viewing. There are many benefits of Project Evolution including the alignment of processes throughout Epworth, removing duplicate information by creating a single set of standardised data and the development of user procedures. We look forward to providing you with future updates. For further information please contact Jonathan Hollis at jonathan.hollis@epworth.org.au 18

19 Learning Management System Employee benefits Epworth HealthCare has introduced staff to an exciting new employee benefits program, in partnership with NAB. The program, known as Work Life NAB offers a range of lifestyle and financial benefits to enhance your life at work and home and will replace the existing Team Epworth card. The offers are available to employees and immediate family, and there is no cost to access the program. To find out more, visit nab.com.au/worklifenab or phone In April 2010 Epworth HealthCare was awarded a Commonwealth Government grant to increase the clinical training capacity for undergraduate nursing students. To provide for this increased training capacity a Learning Management System (LMS) now known as EpLearn has been fully funded to deliver online training to nursing undergraduates until 31 December EpLearn has successfully introduced two online courses which students seconded to Epworth can undertake prior to starting with Epworth. The Orientation course helps students to familiarise themselves with the Epworth sites and where to go for further information The Infection Control and Prevention course demonstrates both standard and additional precautions to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and infection prevention are adhered to A Risk Management course for Operational Managers was also successfully implemented in June Further online training courses suitable for all Epworth staff were made available in early August Media update Epworth staff consistently deliver high quality care to all patients. Epworth excellence in patient care was recognised in the media recently when high profile patients entertainer Bert Newton and Deputy Opposition Leader Rob Hulls spoke publicly about how valuable the staff at Epworth really are! Epworth also received media interest for its research projects, the great work done by our doctors and for the exciting new Epworth Geelong Teaching Hospital being developed adjacent to Deakin University s Waurn Ponds site. Much of this coverage gets syndicated to other TV and radio stations, print and websites. Copies of all news stories, features and media alerts are available from the Marketing Office for you to read or view on your computer or DVD player. Any news or inquiries, please call Media Manager Colleen Coghlan on or

20 New Endometriosis Support Group a first at Epworth Freemasons Group Supply evaluation process The Group Supply department and the Clinical Products Team are available to assist departments with sourcing and evaluating a range of products and equipment. Clinical Staff, Managers and Department heads are encouraged to utilise the resources of the Supply team to ensure consistency of products and equipment across the group, negotiate with supplier reps, reduce capital and consumable spend from your budgets and ensure you have the best product available to assist with clinical care and improve patient outcomes. If your department requires new equipment or products, Group Supply can organise a trial and compile an evaluation form and collate the results for you to build your business case. Trials already undertaken by other areas may also assist you and we can advise of their findings. Please view our Current Trial Progress information spreadsheet located on the Supply Intranet page. Participating in the evaluation process will ensure your contribution in what products and equipment Epworth HealthCare purchases. Whether the trial is for your department or at the request of Group Supply, please take the time to complete an evaluation form. We rely on you (the Clinical expert) to ensure all products meet the needs of you and your patients. Group Supply also holds a monthly Clinical Product Evaluation Committee (CPEC) meeting at each campus. These meetings bring together a variety of clinicians and products from all areas, are varied and generally enjoyed and found informative by those attending. If you would like to be involved, please discuss with your manager. To request a trial of product or equipment please completed the Request to Trial Product -Equipment form available on the Epworth Intranet, Departments, Group Supply, Forms. For more information please view our Supply Intranet page or contact Scott Maddison, Clinical Product Advisor on or Grant Harris, Clinical Product Associate on A new support group for women with endometriosis has commenced at Epworth Freemasons. The first meeting of the Epworth Freemasons Endometriosis Support Group was held on Monday 25 July with guest speaker, Dr Jim Tsaltas, eight members of the community and Ward 1 West staff. The support group was initiated by staff on Epworth Freemasons gynaecology ward after becoming aware that an enormous number of women were expressing a need for group support for woman living with endometriosis. Until now, there was no outlet for this in the community. Feedback after the first session was that it was very informative and valued by women who were able to share their experiences and provide mutual support and coping strategies for each other. Meetings will be held bi monthly on a Monday at 7.00pm and will provide a positive environment for women to exchange ideas, coping strategies and current treatment information. The expertise of health professionals in the field will also be available. Being a community service, the group is open to all women, not just those treated at Epworth Freemasons. For more information or for fliers please contact Wendy Dawson on

21 Driving excellence through strong leadership On 12 August our recent graduates from the Leadership Essentials Program (now known as Foundations of Leadership Program) were formally recognised with a graduation ceremony. The graduation was attended by 48 graduates, their managers and their Executive Directors and was held in the Epworth Richmond Auditorium. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the developing capability of our leaders, to thank them for their ongoing investment in their development and to reinforce that effective development is about more than simply attending a program. It also involves learning from others (managers, mentors etc) and application of newly learnt skills back in the workplace. The attendance of each graduate s manager and Executive Director is testimony to Epworth s commitment to invest in the development of leadership as a key strategy for driving excellence. The Leadership Essentials Program now has 350 alumni to support newly appointed and emerging leaders. Congratulations to all our graduates and we look forward to hearing of your leadership success. If you would like further information about future leadership opportunities, please contact the Organisational Development Team on : Epworth Richmond leaders graduate 2: Epworth Eastern leaders graduate Social Media policy With the rising popularity of social media, Epworth HealthCare has identified a need to develop a group wide Social Media Policy. The purpose of the policy is to make sure that employees who use social media have guidance as to Epworth s expectations where the use of social media may relate to Epworth, its services, its people, its competitors and/or other business related individuals or organisations. Some key messages within Epworth s Social Media policy include your requirement to: At all times adhere to Epworth s Code of Conduct and Values and Behaviours in any communication; and Use good judgement and common sense to ensure that the reputation of Epworth, its employees, clients, patients and consumers are not harmed during the use of social media. The policy is now available on the Intranet and a short brochure on the policy is also being developed and this will be distributed to all staff via payslips in the next few weeks. 21

22 Saying thanks Hi, Epworth Freemasons Page 1 Epworth Cliveden Dear Sir/Madam on Friday 17 June 2011 I was admitted to Epworth Cliveden under the care of Dr Katrina Read for a breast biopsy. With a family history of breast cancer (and being a registered nurse) I was extremely anxious with regards to all aspects of my pending surgery and care. My initial admission process was without fault. The nurse who escorted me to the pre-op area (whose name escapes me due to my anxiety at the time!) could not have been more reassuring and professional in her approach. The pre-op area was quietly friendly, scrupulously clean and very welcoming. I had the pleasure of being cared for by Prabh Kaur. I would like to say what an absolute asset this young nurse is to not only your facility but to the entire nursing profession. Although it was a busy day in the unit her approach and demeanour to all the patients was outstanding. I was extremely nervous and upset by the time I got to the theatre suite and she went out of her way to reassure and care for me. I would at this time also like to commend Shane Friend, the theatre tech who so kindly stayed with me until my anaesthetic nurse Amy checked me in. Again it was extremely busy but at no time was I made to feel that I was over reacting or being a nuisance. On entering the theatre my emotions had really got away from me! While Dr Chenoweth prepared to anaesthetise me, Amy held my hand throughout the procedure and wiped my tears, gently reassuring me that my reactions where all normal. I cannot tell you what this simple act of kindness displayed by Amy meant to me... In recovery, again I was cared for so very well and felt safe and secure. On my return to the ward and my post operative recovery Prabh was so very kind and efficient. On discharge Prabh gave me full and concise instructions. Not once did she assume that because I was a nurse I would know what to do. Page 2 Dr Read, of course as you would know, is an outstanding woman and surgeon who s empathetic and professional approach to highly anxious women such as me cannot be commended enough. My great fear over anaesthetic was alleviated by the time Dr Chenoweth took to explain the procedure to me. I realise my procedure was minor in the scheme of things last Friday but it was by no means minor to me and your staff never made me feel it was a minor or insignificant procedure. As a registered practicing nurse of 30 years, I feel privileged to have experienced such wonderful, true nursing care from Prabh, in an era where the community is often quick to criticise our young nurses. I now await my pathology results, an anxious time for myself and my family. However, the confidence I gained from your staff and facility have helped me greatly to realise that whatever the outcome there really are outstanding, caring and professional staff in the area of health care in Melbourne and especially at Epworth Cliveden. I will be contacting the staff individually with my thanks; in the meantime I would be grateful if you could let your staff know how much their care really meant to me! With Kind Regards, I just wanted to say thanks for excellent level of care that I experienced last week (Fri 8 Sat 9 July). From the man checking my forms at the front desk, the guy who took me up in the lift, the nurses preop, the surgical team, to the nurses on Ward One East (they made a huge difference). For something that I was dreading I left feeling that it had been surprisingly positive experience. Thanks Epworth Rehabilitation Camberwell THANK YOU. These two short words will never fully be able to express the gratitude I feel to each and every single nurse at Epworth, you have all played some part in my recovery and for that I will be eternally grateful. There are not enough words to describe how I m feeling right now; joy I think this describes it best. I feel joy to still be alive. When I wake up each morning I think not about my injuries or what pain I am in, or wonder why this has happened to me. Instead I look around me and I see two working arms and legs, ten working fingers and toes and an intact mind. I see a body which has been put through the mill and has come out the other side stronger. Every day I was in here I felt like I grew stronger physically and mentally. Like every task I took made me a step closer to England and to seeing my family and friends I had my good days and I had my bad days and I know I am extremely lucky to have such a close family unit who were by my side every day. But they couldn t always be here and that s when I needed the support of all of you. In my opinion they should change the ward nurse to angel instead because to me that s what you all are, angels. You have one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in the world yet you do it with such charm and enthusiasm and you always have smiles on your faces. I can t tell you enough how nice it is to be treated and cared for by somebody like that. It makes a hospital stay much more bearable. I also want to thank you all for being so good to my mum, dad and boyfriend. They have been through so much, just as much as me and the support they have received has been absolutely fantastic, and for me, knowing they are also being looked after aided my recovery as well. Finally, I just wanted to say that for me, this has been one of those life changing incidents that I will remember forever. And I will remember all of you and your kindness. Thank you for EVERYTHING!! 22

23 Epworth Richmond Alan you may recall that I sent you an earlier in the year about my stay at Epworth and the wonderful treatment that I received. On July 5, I underwent a total knee replacement to the other leg, performed again by John Harris. I hope I m not making a pest of myself for contacting you again, but I believe that once again your wonderful people deserve my deepest acclaim, from the orderlies, cleaners, kitchen staff, physios and nurses without exception made my stay in hospital as pleasant as I could possibly have hoped. I was in Ward 3LP, Room 10. Though I probably shouldn t there are 2 people in particular I give a further tick to, they are a male nurse, Bill Van Grass who is a real leader and a lady who I believe handles pre admission preparations, Karen Ekberg. During a discussion with Karen prior to admission, I mentioned that during my previous stint the only problem I had was due to my bulk, I suffered a bit of a sore hip due to the thin mattress, I must say that the nurses did change it during my stay, but I think it may have been just a little late, anyway Karen said leave it to me when I was admitted I found a beautiful thick mattress and hence no hip soreness. To conclude Alan please accept my most sincere gratitude for the cheerful, efficient, skilful and wonderful work by your staff. Please pass on my thoughts. Yours Sincerely, Epworth Richmond To my beautiful families in Victoria and Hobart, my ever inspiring creative friends at The Henry Jones Art Hotel, I thank you all for your pre-surgery wishes, hospital visits and post-surgery healing, meals, assistance and visits at home. There are no words to describe how much gratitude I feel. My week at the Epworth is one that I will not remember lightly. I feel I have been fortunate to have been in their care. Mr Peter Turner, Mr David Edis, Dr Scott Nicholson, and their theatre staff are the genius orthopaedic mechanics who repaired my mess of a spine. The pre and post surgery support Kate, the portal to Mr Turner, nurses Evelyn, Nadia, Vivien, Mark, Lauren and so many other staff members in ward 2LP. They kept watch over me, providing endless care, compassion, humour and administered many strange drugs throughout the day and long hours of those nights that I thought would never end and sometimes hoped would end when things seemed to be at the very worst. I humbly thank you all. Dear Sir/Madam, Epworth Eastern I attended the Epworth Eastern on Wednesday 10 August 2011, and I would like to pass on my experience to you. On arriving at the hospital I was greeted by a very nice man at reception who directed me to take a seat and wait. Shortly after an equally nice lady greeted me and took care of my registration, she then took me and my family up to the second floor and showed us to the theatre ward and introduced us to the staff on duty. The ladies in the 2nd floor theatre ward were efficient, kind and considerate, they introduced themselves and made me feel as comfortable as was possible, these staff stayed with me when we went into theatre and it gave me great comfort to know they were there - Melinda and Donna. Doctor Chris Lim attended me before, during and after the procedure and made me feel confident, informed and comfortable about the procedure being performed, he was very attentive to my needs and very considerate. I felt I was in very good hands. He was concerned that we had intended to drive home (a seven hour trip) on the next day and because of his concern and explanation of the possible repercussions of driving through the country with little access to medical attention if there was a problem, we stayed an extra night. After the procedure we returned to the theatre ward and from there to the ward and a bed. Whilst I was in the ward I was attended by a very capable young man called Aaron, he was very good at his job and very considerate to my needs and comfort. The food was good and as I am allergic to gluten this is a big ask! All in all it was a good visit. I felt I needed to congratulate you on your hospital and the quality of your staff. I was scared when I came into your hospital, as I didn t know what was going to happen but your staff made me feel confident and comfortable, this appears to be their natural behaviour and I imagine that all who pass through your doors receives the same fantastic service. Congratulations! Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to these staff. 23

24 Epworth Research Week 2011 The inaugural Epworth Research Week was held from Monday 6 June Friday 10 June 2011 at the Epworth Richmond campus. The aims of the week were threefold: to highlight the achievements of Epworth s researchers, to increase interest and participation in research activities across the Epworth organisation and to assist in building a research culture throughout the organisation where research is supported by all. A number of activities were undertaken throughout the week, including an opening night launch to introduce the week; a poster display and competition which showcased a wide range of disciplines covering a broad range of clinical work; and a Research Week Breakfast presented by Dr Tony Walton who spoke about CoreValve and percutaneous valve technology. Christmas in July More than 130 Practice Managers and Staff at Epworth Freemasons came together on 28 July to celebrate the annual Epworth Freemasons Christmas in July Practice Manager s Dinner. With a Fashion and Fortune theme, the group enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk to the people they contact on a daily basis by phone in a relaxed and fun environment at the Park Hyatt. The night also afforded the opportunity to introduce new staff and highlight the new infrastructure changes over the past 12 months and items of interest for the next 12 months. Image: Suzanne Hawksley and Kate Khamly The week was a tremendous success and would not have been made possible without the hard work from the Epworth Research Institute team, led by Dr Megan Robertson. Another great idea! In October 2009, Executive Director Epworth Eastern Vincent Borg was invited to be a guest speaker at a health care conference in Toronto, Canada. Also in attendance were speakers from the Cleveland Clinic (USA) and the National Health Service (UK). A number of initiatives were discussed at the conference, including one which has been introduced at Epworth Eastern. The concept of an Ideas Centre gives staff an opportunity to submit their ideas to improve work conditions, patient satisfaction, health and safety and social activities. The Ideas Centre is a fantastic initiative and I am pleased to say that Epworth Eastern staff have participated by submitting ideas with a gusto! To date, we have received 54 ideas and have acted upon 19 which is a hit rate of 35 per cent, Vincent said. Epworth Eastern maintains a traffic light report which lists all ideas as a red, amber or green to indicate whether the idea has been approved and if not, why not. All staff are encouraged to keep putting their ideas forward! 24