MATTERS MAGAZINE PATIENT WIFI LAUNCH STROKE CARE UNIT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS DENILIQUIN FACILITY IN FOCUS PALLIATIVE CARE EXPANSION PAGE 1

Transcription

1 MATTERS MURRUMBIDGEE ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018 MAGAZINE PATIENT WIFI LAUNCH STROKE CARE UNIT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS DENILIQUIN FACILITY IN FOCUS PALLIATIVE CARE EXPANSION PAGE 1

2 CONTENTS About us...2 Celebrating 10 years of Quality Stroke Care...3 Facility in Focus: Deniliquin Hospital...4 Deniliquin LHAC Kicking Goals...6 Knitter Extraordinaire...7 From the Chief Executive...8 Palliative Care Expansion...9 Free Flu Shots for Children...10 New Wi-Fi Service Keeps Patients Connected...11 Next Generation...12 Graduate Nurses start work at local hospitals...14 Linking Rural People to Community Health...15 More Support for Rural Health...16 Seed Funding to Champion Health Research...17 In the News (Photo Gallery)...18 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse...20 Temora Hospital ward upgrade complete...21 April Falls Day...21 MLHD Excellence Awards...22 Local Health Advisory Committees...23 New LHAC Chair for Harden-Murrumburrah...23 Upcoming Events (Supported by LHACs)...23 ABOUT US Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) provides a range of public health services to the Riverina and Murray regions of New South Wales, Australia. We provide services across a geographic area of approximately 125,561 square kilometres, and around 240,754 residents live within District. People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage make up 4 per cent of the population. We employ over 3,800 staff and operate 33 hospitals. We are also supported by dedicated volunteers including 33 Local Health Advisory Committees and United Hospital Auxiliaries connected with each of our hospitals. We are grateful for the generosity of all of our volunteers across the district who give their time to support patients, their families and staff. Our services are provided through: 1 Rural Referral Hospital 1 Base Hospital 8 District Health Services 5 Community Hospitals 16 Multipurpose Services 2 Mercy Care Public Hospitals 12 Community Health Posts 1 Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service PUBLICATION We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land covering MLHD and remind people that we live and work on Aboriginal land. Welcome to the second issue of Murrumbidgee Matters Magazine. This quarterly publication is developed by MLHD. Information correct at time of printing. Publication costs are subsidised by income generated from advertising. FRONT COVER Dr Martin Jude OAM, Director, Wagga Wagga Acute Stroke Unit - photo by Jacqueline Cooper CONTACT US EDITORIAL Sally Druitt, Public Affairs Manager T: E: sally.druitt@health.nsw.gov.au ADVERTISING Setchen Brimson, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager T: E: setchen.brimson@health.nsw.gov.au MURRUMBIDGEE LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT Level 1, Morgan Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 E: MLHD-FeedBack@health.nsw.gov.au All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of Murrumbidgee Local Health District. OUR VISION Wellness is our goal Excellence is our Passion Our People are Our Future MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

3 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF QUALITY STROKE CARE Stroke Unit Director Dr Martin Jude OAM Wagga Wagga s Acute Stroke Unit, one of the highest performing stroke units in NSW, celebrated its 10th birthday this February. The purpose-built five-bed unit in Wagga Wagga Base Hospital (WWBH) provides acute stroke care for patients across MLHD and is a critical part of education and training for medical, nursing and allied health staff in the region. In the 2017 Stroke Foundation audit of 44 NSW hospital services, WWBH was ranked the best in the State for access to stroke unit care, early rehabilitation access and patient education relating to stroke. It has the second highest ranking in the State for access to clot busting therapies for stroke within 4.5 hours of onset, but many of our regional patients still delay calling an ambulance when stroke occurs, which limits access to this important therapy, Stroke Unit Director Dr Martin Jude OAM said. Dr Jude said Wagga Wagga outperforms the majority of NSW Stroke services, including city metropolitan hospitals, in 20 of 22 key performance indicators of stroke care. There have been over 3,000 admissions to the unit since opening, nearly 100 patients treated with clot busting medications, and has achieved one of the lowest mortality rates in the State for stroke. Many of the original staff of the Unit continue to work and train new clinicians, which provides ever-increasing expertise in management for the region, Dr Jude said. Dr Jude said access to Stroke Unit care is the most powerful intervention in acute stroke management, leading to reduced death and disability from stroke, which is the second largest cause of death in adults in Australia. MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford congratulated Dr Jude and the Acute Stroke Unit team for their outstanding work in providing timely access to world-class care to stroke patients across the region. g PAGE 3

4 FACILITY IN FOCUS: DENILIQUIN HOSPITAL VISIT TO DENI: Facility Manager Virigina Lange and Radiographer Chris Baines are pictured showing Board Chair Gayle Murphy the CT scanner. HISTORY Deniliquin Hospital has been an integral part of the Deniliquin community for more than 150 years. The hospital celebrated its 150th birthday in 2008 with a massive celebration spanning a whole weekend. Deniliquin Hospital has come a long way from its humble beginnings way back in the 19th Century. From its origins as a wooden hut to the sprawling building it is today, this iconic Charlotte St health centre has touched the lives of so many townspeople. Deniliquin Hospital was originally two separate buildings, one on the south side of the river and one on the northern side. The hospital was once registered as a training school for nurse s aides in 1971 and facilities were expanded to increase nurse accommodation from 22 to 39 and included a matron s flat. The nurse training school was closed in 1982 and the building now houses the Deniliquin Community Health Centre. Deniliquin Health Service has a strong and positive future and the highly dedicated nursing, medical and support staff are committed to providing high quality health care services for their local community. MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE CAREERS AND GROWING LOCAL SKILLS The health service is a major employer in Deniliquin with a close-knit staff and strong connections to the community. Many staff members are local and have grown up in Deniliquin, or raised their families here. Deniliquin Hospital benefits from the generosity of several community groups, a symbol of its importance to our town. The hospital currently consists of several valued departments, under the guidance of Cluster Manager David Jackson and his dedicated staff. The finalisation of three permanent management positions underpins the hospitals ability to delivery safe quality care to patients in the region. A focussed recruitment campaign resulted in a stable workforce with 10 new nurses appointed since January 2017, including a new senior nursing position, a Clinical Midwifery Consultant. LATEST APPOINTMENTS Deniliquin Hospital is excited to announce the appointment of the first fill time relief Registered Nurse to provide support and relief for the hardworking and exceptional team of staff. The introduction of a Mental Health placement in the graduate rotation is also an exciting step forward for mental health supprt in the region, and compliments the 16 strong team of Allied Health professionals. The hospital recently welcomed three new trainees. ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

5 SERVICES AND CONTEMPORARY MODELS OF CARE Deniliquin Hospital services include 24-hour accident and emergency, surgery, the Middleton Gorman Wing, maternity, X-ray, community health, allied health, mental health, palliative care, cardiac rehab/ pulmonary rehabilitation, pathology and clinical education. One of the most recent major developments at Deniliquin Hospital was the creation of a renal dialysis centre. Local woman and renal dialysis patient Linda Rumble led the push for a dialysis centre at the hospital, with support from the Deniliquin LHAC. MLHD opened a temporary renal dialysis satellite unit in December 2016 in collaboration with The Royal Melbourne Hospital to provide services for the local community and reduce the need for people to travel for the service. In a major development, work is nearing completion of a new $1 million nine-chair renal dialysis satellite service in partnership with Royal Melbourne Hospital for Deniliquin and district patients. The project is scheduled to open in March 2018 and MLHD acknowledges the role of the Deniliquin Renal Model of Care Community Working Party, the LHAC and wider Deniliquin community in continuing to advocate for this service. A new $720,000 maternity unit was opened in mid supporting a new midwifery-led model of care with local GP Obstetricians and provides care 24 hours, seven days. The number of births in the fully functioning and staffed unit in 2017 are expected to exceed last year. Other service improvements at Deniliquin hospital in recent years include a $1 million CT scanner, the opening of the Deniliquin Oncology Outreach Unit, a $322,000 digital imaging equipment upgrade, an upgrade to nurses accommodation, installation of wi-fi throughout the facility and the introduction of electronic patient medical records. SUPPORTED LOCALLY Deniliquin Hospital is supported by several local auxiliaries, who spend many hours fundraising for the different departments. Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) strives to maintain the continuity of services that have been delivered at Deniliquin Hospital. The committee is essentially the voice of Deniliquin in regard to health and endeavours to put forward the views of the community to MLHD. Deniliquin Health Service is highly regarded by its community with nominations in the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards and outstanding feedback in the recent NSW Health Patient Survey results, with 87 per cent of patients surveyed saying they would speak highly of their experience (compared to 78 per cent for NSW hospitals overall and 77 per cent for all MLHD hospitals). g AWARD WINNING Deniliquin Health Service was recognised at the 2017 MLHD Excellence Awards, with the Renal Unit team winning the Collaboration & Partnership Award for their initiative in undertaking further training in Melbourne to support local renal dialysis patients. PAGE 5

6 Encouraging diversity and understanding of how an LHAC works and who it will represent is the motivation and driving force of our members. DENILIQUIN: LHAC Chair Pam Ellerman talks about setting and kicking goals... DENILIQUIN LHAC: KICKING GOALS! Article contributed by Pam Ellerman, Chair Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) Our LHAC is made up of a diverse range of professions, pharmacist, dental surgeon, accountant, national swimming referee, politician s personal assistant, hospital auxiliary representative, a rural representative and an aged care coordinator, nurses and allied health workers. This membership has enabled our group to be involved across the community. Each member has a particular Portfolio, which we all discuss if the member has been to any extra meetings relating to their particular portfolio. This enables our group to be a direct and approachable conduit to our community. We are an open and approachable group, we follow correct procedures, regarding a complaint or compliment and we are incredibly fortunate we have the ear of the Facility Managers and their staff. MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE OUR ACHIEVEMENTS The Renal Unit here at our facility is possibly one our proudest moment. Five years ago we commenced researching the details for such a facility and what it would make this become a reality. The opening of a nine-chair unit and the collaboration within the community at large has made this happen. The Naponda Hospital Auxiliary, an incredibly dynamic and energetic auxiliary who have a Store and run the Farmers Market, have put together what was required to purchase the nine chairs. David Jackson has arrived in Deniliquin as our new Cluster Manager and he along with Virginia Lange have devised a Meet and Greet process for the LHAC s to be involved with the recruitment process into the Deniliquin Facility. It is the LHAC members role to meet with the prospective staff member, introduce them to the highlights of Deniliquin such as schools, recreation facilities, real estate agents or just listen to their requests and follow their lead. This has been a most successful and rewarding process for our LHAC members and the new staff member. One of the recruits had not even accepted her position and she was busy looking for a kayak to use on the river. Our involvement with the Murrumbidge Primary Health Network has been successful. The LHAC s were granted $1,000 per group. Our group used ours to have $1,000 worth of note pads printed demonstrating the three areas of cancer set down in the Needs Assessment as the most important cancers to target: BreastScreenAustralia, National Cervical Screening Program and National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

7 Along with this promotion we have added $1,500 from the Deniliquin Community Group (Bendigo Bank) for Bowel Testing kits. This is for the under 50 year olds and these will be available from the Bank on request. Eric Sim-Deniliquin Pharmacy was granted $5,000 and he will be using his promotional dollars at the grand opening of his new Pharmacy. We will have a high presence at this opening and our Cancer Awareness program along with the Cancer Council will be providing a comprehensive giveaway pack. OUR FUTURE PLANS The projects we would like to see happen in the future include a mobile skin clinic, which would provide a mole mapping service to the general public (along similar lines tot he mobile BreastScreen van). Mental health is always in our minds and we work closely with Wellways and New Access and promote their services regularly. The representatives of these two services are frequent speakers at our monthly meetings. Our LHAC is currently working on a Schoollink program DENILIQUIN: Membes of the Deniliquin LHAC met recently with Edward River Council, MLHD Board Chair and Naponda. and this will be through Robyn Manzie and her team. Drug Awareness is always an issue and from time to time a member if our local Police Force will address us and keep us up to date regarding current issues. Our meetings are monthly and we often ask other local LHAC s to attend our meetings and we find the issues are common: recruitment of nursing staff, doctor shortage and the availability of services. We suggest presenting these issues to the MLHD for consideration, if they are not advised MLHD will never know. g KNITTER EXTRAORDINAIRE: 97 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER HELPS HOSPITAL AUXILIARY Article contributed by Janice Ward, President Young Hospital Auxiliary. Young Hospital Auxiliary is always grateful for support, and the circle of giving continues in a myriad of ways. President Janice Ward was recently given numerous 10 inch squares knitted by a grateful 97-year-old great -grandmother following the birth of her great -grand-daughter at Young Hospital. Janice joined two blankets made up to single bed size and two blankets of knee-rug size, with crab stitch edges, picking up the colours of the wool used for knitting. Members were impressed with the amount of beautiful knitted squares, the remarkable age of the knitter, and how attractive the blankets all were. The Auxiliary decided to use one or two of the blankets as part of the Mothers Day raffle prizes and sell the others on the Mothers Day stall. Janice said she had almost used all the squares, but as she was packing up the rugs she discovered another couple in the bags they came in! YOUNG: Members of the Young Hospital Auxiliary Janice Ward, Sandra Latham, Tilla Davidson, Marianne O Toole with hand knitted blankets. Well done Young Hospital, mother and baby, knitterextraordinaire great-grandmother Doreen Sheehy who lives with a daughter and her family in Sydney (and is still knitting) grandmother Marlene West who organised the giving, Janice Ward for crocheting the squares together and Young Hospital Auxiliary members who do so much to raise funds for Young Hospital, and are already preparing for their next stall. g PAGE 7

8 FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE... Jill Ludford The New Year is unfolding quickly and I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of our MLHD goals. MLHD Goals During my site visits, I am delighted to have the opportunity to discuss our collective work on achieving the MLHD Goals. Our teams have united to focus on the goals we think are important for our consumers and communities. So far our progress is tracking well in some areas and mixed in others. Access to timely acute care Our focus on treating people in appropriate timeframes for surgery and in the Emergency Department (ED) are tracking reasonably well. While there is more work to do to admit people to the wards from the ED within 4 hours at our larger hospitals, I do want to acknowledge the fantastic effort from Griffith and our other regional hospitals. Outcomes for Aboriginal people We will continue to focus on supporting Aboriginal people from our region to complete their episode of care in our hospitals. We have higher than the state average in unplanned readmissions to hospitals and also in patients who discharge themselves against medical advice. I ask all our clinicians to ask, listen and consider what matters to our patients. To improve our care for Aboriginal people, we are focusing on the sites with higher rates in these areas. MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE Reducing childhood obesity Work to deliver the Healthy Children s Initiatives in early childhood centres and schools is tracking well thanks to the Health Development team. However with six in 10 adults either overweight or obese, we all need to take a leadership role and work with our communities on this wicked problem. Thanks to you we have been the first in the state to stop the sale of sugary drinks in our facilities, now we will focus on the food in our hospitals. OUT OF 10 ADULTS THERE ARE: 2 1 current smokers person with diabetes 6 3 people who are overweight or obese risk alcohol drinkers Quality Improvement by wards and departments I am delighted with the work I have seen across the region. With a zero tolerance to avoidable harm to people in our care, we have more than 80 ward/ department quality projects registered on our portal, over 10 MPS Living Well projects, Redesign Projects in Anaemia, Telehealth, 8 Leading Better Value Care initiatives and 18 Clinical leadership course projects. Thank you to everyone for your part in improving the quality of care for our patients. Nurse Sensitive Initiates We are all working to reduce the rates of falls in hospitals which result in harm, hospital acquired pressure injuries and hospital acquired infections. Each of these incidents can cause serious harm to our patients, and our nurses are leading great improvement with local strategies. Mental Health Thank you to our mental health clinicians for their fantastic work on reducing the incidence and time spent by mental health acute patients in seclusion. Together we are making a difference to the experience and care of our patients. g ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

9 PALLIATIVE CARE EXPANSION When it comes to end of life, most people say they would like to stay at home. Changing demographics and community circumstances are leading to an increased need for care and support. Although this is not always possible, improved care coordination and access to primary and community support can help more people to achieve their individual goals. The expansion of Palliative and End of Life services to residents across regional and rural NSW is an exciting move which will see services focus on the needs and goals of patients and their families. Deniliquin Barham Hay Finley Hillston GRIFFITH Jerilderie Tocumwal MLHD Clusters Narrandera Berrigan Lake Cargellio Urana Leeton Corowa Coolamon Junee Kilometers NEW MODEL OF CARE MLHD has developed a clinical palliative care stream with a focus on patient-centred goals for Palliative and End of Life care. The new model of care (illustrated below) incorporates primary health care delivered by community nurses and other primary health providers such as General Practitioners and other non-government agencies. This will provide greater access to services for people with non complex needs in our communities. When the needs of individuals requires more specialist or Lockhart West Wyalong Temora WAGGA WAGGA Henty Culcairn Holbrook Existing Specialist Palliative Care nurses New Palliative Care positions (post NSW rouundtable) Young Cootamundra Tumut Gundagai Adelong- Batlow Tumbarumba Boorowa Harden- Murrumburrah COMPLEX INTERMEDIATE NON-COMPLEX complex care, an escalation process enables patients to access Specialist Palliative Care Nurses, Clinical Nurse Consultants or Nurse Practitioner. Specialist palliative care staff will be located at Cootamundra, Corowa, Finley, Deniliquin, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Tumut and Wagga Wagga, and service the surrounding areas. g Specialist Medical Officer (Telehealth) Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Nurse Consultant Specialist Palliative Care Nurses Community Care Nursing Team / Primary Health Care Providers Palliative and End of Life Care Model Patients with complex unstable conditions, primary health team remain involved with care povision Patients requiring consultation based specialist palliative care on an episode basis remain under the care of primary health team Patients approaching End of Life with needs that can be met by a range of primary health providers (non-specialist palliative care PAGE 9

10 FREE FLU SHOTS FOR CHILDREN (AGED 6 MONTHS TO UNDER 5 YEARS) From April 2018 all NSW children aged from six months to under five years will be offered free influenza shots. Parents can access the free flu shot from their usual immunisation provider: their GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, Community Health Centre or local council. The flu shot will reduce your child s risk of influenza (flu), minimise the spread of flu and protect vulnerable groups including babies too young to receive the vaccine, those medically at risk and those with weakened immune systems. Infants and young children are most likely to spread the flu and suffer complications not only will the free flu jab help keep them safe during winter, but it will also protect their family and friends. Children who have never had a flu vaccination will need two doses, one month apart. The vaccine will cover four strains of influenza virus, two A strains and two B strains, likely to be circulating this winter. g Children aged six months to less than three years will receive the FluQuadri Junior vaccine. Children aged from three years to less than five years will receive the FluQuadri vaccine. MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

11 NEW WIFI SERVICE KEEPS PATIENTS CONNECTED Patients, visitors and staff are benefiting from a new Wi-Fi service at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital thanks to a partnership with ehealth NSW. The Wi-Fi system allows patients and visitors to stay connected with friends and family, access entertainment, and manage their everyday lives, wherever they are in the hospital. More than 2,000 users have taken advantage of the service since it went live in mid-december 2017 with hundreds of outpatients to access the service annually. All appropriate internet security filters are in place, and most patients use the service for video communication such as Skype, streaming music and videos and social media. MLHD s Chief Information Officer Andrew Elliott said the team had worked on the setup, configuration, testing and commissioning for the Wagga Wagga site with early planning discussions occurring in other MLHD hospitals. This has been a great state collaborative project between multiple agencies, external vendors and users of the service that provides a positive patient experience, he said. Wagga s Orthopaedic Unit Nursing Unit Manager Ricky Tasker said access to Wi-Fi has enhanced the care provided in the unit and made a difference to patients and visitors. Many of our patients are here for some time while they undergo treatment. Internet access means they can pass the time quickly browsing the web, connecting on social media or watching movies via streaming services. It also provides a great distraction from their treatment and they can do normal things like pay bills, shop online or keep up with work, he said. Supported by Cubesys, the Wi-Fi system has a free and paid service, with the premium option being better for activities that require faster download speeds such as online gaming or watching Netflix. Patient Sandy Middleton from Tumbarumba uses the new WiFi access at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. Access to Wi-Fi is everywhere these days, from coffee shops to cruise ships. So why not have the Internet in hospitals? said Jason Matthews, Conference, Collaboration and Wireless Program Manager for ehealth NSW, a specialist government agency that delivers information and communications technology solutions across the public health system. Internet access means patients can pass the time quickly browsing the web, connecting on social media or watching movies via streaming services. Thanks to a $20-million injection of State funds for Wi-Fi in hospitals and ehealth NSW s work on building the Health Wide Area Network (HWAN), a state-wide rollout of the patient Wi-Fi solution is close. We are working with service providers to create clearly defined operational and cost models to make a statewide roll-out a reality, said Mr Matthews. g PAGE 11

12 NEXT GENERATION James Carroll and Jen Preddy are Junior Medical Officers who are home-grown in Wagga Wagga. Their well-known fathers, Professor Gerard Carroll AM and Associate Professor John Preddy, have dedicated their medical careers to working in regional Australia and now their kids say they want to do the same. Put all four in the same room together and there s plenty of dad jokes with Gerard and John acknowledging they laugh at their own jokes a lot. James and Jen have just finished the first week of their rotation in Wagga s busy Emergency Department and already both dads are asking their kids is it time for a holiday yet kids? Dad always says this generation doesn t work as hard as he did and how things aren t like they used to be, James Carroll said. Jokes aside, James said Medicine wasn t his first choice. Initially I thought about engineering but I ve been circling medicine for a while. Gerard Carroll said he watched his son drift towards medicine and his fascination with the workings of the brain and his ability to problem-solve. I didn t try to dissuade James from doing it but I wanted him to feel really passionate about it before committing because it is a vocation rather than a job. John Preddy said the reality is your kids see you doing stuff and you do influence their careers whether you MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE mean to or not. My other daughter studied medicine at the farthest campus away from me at Port Macquarie, jokes John Preddy. Jen Preddy says while her sister has pursued her father s love of paediatric medicine, she will probably venture into other fields of medicine such as critical care and or anaesthetics. One thing they all agree on: Once you do medicine there s no plan B, like I think I ll be a vet now. So what are the odds of the children of doctors studying medicine? Well quite high, according to John Preddy and very high if families live in rural and regional areas. There is a rich history of second generation medical families with lifestyle being a factor as well as vocation, John Preddy said. ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

13 Jen Preddy said she remembers growing up with other children saying to her Your Dad looked after me which gave her a great sense of enjoyment. I learnt to value the work Dad did. Gerard Carroll said he and John have busy lives and very satisfying careers. Living and working in a place like Wagga Wagga makes you feel you can make a difference and it spurs you on to keep going, he said. James s working life will be different. His training will be longer and he will have more a more restrictive breadth of practice. When I first came to Wagga in 1991, there was a General Practitioner who delivered babies, one night he delivered triplets the culture has changed enormously. John Preddy agrees. Yes, the future of medicine is more team work and a narrower field to work in with technology changing everything, he said. The future of medicine is a collaborative one. Both Dads say they hope all their children achieve a work-life balance. It s important to combine a great career with a great home life, said John Preddy. Gerard Carroll added: If in 20 years you can get up and still be happy to go to work, that s a great outcome. One of the great things about medicine is that you never look at the clock and say I m bored. You re always busy, he said. James and Jen say they still want to continue to study and travel overseas before they think about settling down. Will Wagga Wagga eventually be their home? If not Wagga, then definitely another regional setting, said Jen Preddy. James agrees. I want to practice medicine in regional Australia somewhere just like Wagga. g WANT A CAREER IN RURAL MEDICINE? NOTRE DAME CAN HELP My dream was to become a doctor, and my first choice was Notre Dame. I wasn t wrong, I love it here. Notre Dame Medicine student The University of Notre Dame Australia works in partnership with local doctors and health practitioners, Calvary Health Care Riverina, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and Murrumbidgee PHN. Our rural clinical school, located in Wagga Wagga, educates clinical year graduate medical students, and with the Riverina Rural Training hub is working to ensure a stronger rural medical workforce for the future. T: (02) ND.EDU.AU ND3186 CRICOS PROVIDER CODE: 01032F PAGE 13

14 GRADUATE NURSES START WORK AT LOCAL HOSPITALS More than half of the new graduate nurses launching their careers in MLHD this year are from the local area. Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Karen Cairney said this year the District recruited 70 Registered Nurse graduates. It is wonderful to have so many local graduates seeking to start their careers in a rural setting, Ms Cairney said. It is particularly pleasing the majority of the graduate nurses had selected MLHD as their first preference, she said. Fifty four percent of the new nurses are graduates from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and 42 per cent from other NSW education providers. DAY ONE: Graduate nurse Chloe Hodges with Cootamundra Hospital s acting facility manager Sue McGlynn. Photo courtesy of Cootamundra Herald. Ms Cairney said the new nurses will be welcomed and supported with a comprehensive education and mentoring program. Every nurse is immediately linked with local management and educators so they have access to clinical or personal support when needed. The new graduates experience a variety of clinical options to ensure they gain a range of experiences during their first year. MLHD also provides ongoing opportunities for education and support from management to provide our communities with the best of care. Graduate nurses will begin employment with MLHD in 2018 at the following local hospitals: Boorowa, Corowa, Cootamundra, Culcairn, Deniliquin, Griffith, Gundagai, Harden, Henty, Holbrook, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga and Young. g FREE CHILDREN S DENTAL CHECK Has your child seen a Dentist yet? FREE dental care is available at NSW Public Dental Clinics for all children under 18 years of age! To make an appointment: Call the Public Dental Contact Centre on BOOK NOW! Health Murrumbidgee Local Health District MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

15 LINKING RURAL PEOPLE TO COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES Did you know MLHD has a service which can help link you to a range of community health services across the region? The Community Care Intake Service (CCIS) celebrated its first birthday in January and has received overwhelming positive feedback from clients, staff and service providers alike in its first 12 months. Beginning with 270 referrals in its first month, the CCIS now averages 1,300 referrals a month from people living in Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, West Wyalong, Wagga, Coolamon, Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook, Lockhart, Urana and surrounding small communities. Community Care Manager Summa Stephens is delighted with the response to the service which was established to improve people s access to community health services by tailoring and streamlining their care options in their local area. We found people needed help to find out about services they could access to regain their health after an illness or hospital admission, Summa said. Nurses work with clients and their families to understand their clinical and social needs and align them to the most suitable services close to home, Summa said. These services include Allied Health, Generalist Counsellor, Child, Youth, and Family Nursing, Women s Health Community Nursing, Integrated Care Coordination, The Community Care Intake Service celebrated its 1st Birthday. The service connects people with community health services. Palliative Care, Diabetes Education, Respiratory and Cardiac Care. Summa said the CCIS team work closely with local clinicians, including GPs, Specialists, Allied Health services, hospitals and services providers to arrange care and support. The service also provides information and support on accessing other support services, such as the Federal Government s My Aged Care and external providers to assist with social and financial issues. The service will continue its District-wide rollout in 2018, ensuring all communities and service provider have access to the benefits of this service, Summa said. g Do you need a Community Health Service? The Community Care Intake Service can guide you to the service you need... Call (1800 MLHD CH) Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8.30 am pm PAGE 15

16 MORE SUPPORT FOR RURAL HEALTH REGIONAL TRAINING HUBS CREATED We know there is a shortage of doctors in rural areas. The creation of new Regional Training Hubs across Australia will help change this. Two of these Hubs have been created in the Murrumbidgee Riverina region. The Riverina Rural Training Hub is based at The University of Notre Dame Australia s Rural Clinical School, Wagga Wagga, and the Murrumbidgee Medical Training Hub on the Wagga Wagga and Griffith campuses of the UNSW Rural Clinical School. The Hubs have been established by the Commonwealth and funded through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program, a key initiative aimed at boosting Australia s regional and rural health workforce. The Hubs are working with local health services to help move medical students through a rural pipeline, enabling them to continue rural training through university into postgraduate medical training and then to work rurally as doctors. This collaboration means medical students will have greater opportunities to live, study and work in rural and regional Australia. Support for high quality regional and rural health training is an important way to address rural health workforce shortages, helping to maintain and improve overall services rurally. Through their work, the Regional Training Hubs will also help meet the Federal government s commitment to provide first rate health and medical services to all Australians, regardless of where they live. Educating medical students at Rural Clinical Schools in the Murrumbidgee Riverina has been a great start to addressing the gaps in health services in our region. The University of Notre Dame Australia has a Rural Clinical MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

17 PHOTOS: (Opposite) The University of Notre Dame Australia, Wagga Wagga Campus; (top) UNSW Rural Clinical School Wagga Wagga Campus and (below) UNSW Rural Clinical School Griffith Campus School based in Wagga Wagga and the UNSW has Rural Clinical Schools in both Wagga Wagga and Griffith. The region also hosts medical students from the University of Wollongong who are based in Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera for almost a year. To build on excellent rural teaching experiences, these medical students graduate looking for training positions in rural areas, including the Murrumbidgee Riverina. This year 15 local medical graduates from UNSW and Notre Dame Australia s local Rural Clinical Schools accepted one of the 20 intern positions for junior doctors at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital to begin their careers as rural doctors. g CONTACT Fran Trench, Executive Officer Riverina Rural Training Hub E: RRTHenquiries@nd.edu.au P: Murrumbidgee Medical Training Hub E: murrumbidgee_mth@unsw.edu.au P: (Wagga Wagga) P: (Griffith) SEED FUNDING TO CHAMPION HEALTH RESEARCH MLHD is seeking the support of local businesses for seed funding for innovation and research projects. We are actively pursuing to transform our work by embracing a culture of research-driven improvement, explained Chair of MLHD s Board Sub Committee for Research Innovation and Change Dr Tom Douch. We are seeking to improve every aspect of the service we provide to our community through research directly applied to the patient. MLHD has developed a good local research team including a process for undertaking research specifically focussed on patient care. Research is strongly supported by the local Universities and by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. We have established a special fund to hold money specifically to allow research to commence at the right time. This fund will allow our researchers the flexibility and certainty to be able commence work without having to wait for longer term funding. Businesses or individuals interested in contributing toward the Research can contact Marianne Warren, Director of Organisational Effectiveness, at the address below: Champion of Murrumbidgee Health Research Locked Bag 10 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 E: Marianne.Warren@health.nsw.gov.au T: PAGE 17

18 IN THE NEWS... WARM BARHAM WELCOME: MLHD Board Chair Gayle Murphy and Chief Executive Jill Ludford met with members of the Barham Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC). LHAC members play a vital role in keeping our communities informed and providing us with valuable feedback on local health services. Thank you for your input which helps us to improve patient care! WAGGA WAGGA: Staff celebrate the Hospital s 2nd birthday with a BBQ lunch. LOCKHART MPS welcomes new staff. STROKE UNIT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS: There have been over 3,000 admissions to the unit since opening, nearly 100 patients treated with clot busting medications, and has achieved one of the lowest mortality rates in the State for stroke. WAGGA WAGGA: Staff celebrate the Hospital s 2nd birthday with a BBQ lunch. MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE DENILIQUIN: Local Health Advisory Committee meet with Edward River Council and United Hospital Auxiliary. ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

19 WAGGA WAGGA: Staff celebrate the Hospital s 2nd birthday with a BBQ lunch. DENILIQUIN: MLHD Board Chair Gayle Murphy and Chief Executive Jill Ludford visited Deniliquin Health Service as part of their regular site visits across the region. Facility Manager Virigina Lange and Radiographer Chris Baines are pictured showing Gayle the CT scanner. TUMBARUMBA: Staff undertaking Emergency Medical Training. MLHD Executive team meets for the 2018 Planning Day. Visiting Medical Officers (VMO) 2018 intake meet & greet. GRIFFITH: members of the business community, Council and consumer advocates meet with MLHD staff and Health Infrastructure to discuss the Griffith Health Services Plan. PAGE 19

20 PROSTATE CANCER SPECIALIST NURSE CHRISTINE KNOWS HOW TOUGH LIFE ON THE LAND IS As a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse in a regional area, Christine understands the unique challenges a prostate cancer diagnosis can bring especially for men living in rural Australia. Christine supports men at all stages of their prostate cancer journey from diagnosis, to treatment, through to aftercare. This includes explaining treatment options and side effects, coordinating care and providing emotional support including how to deal with fear, distress and depression. Out in the country, distance to health services is a huge issue. For Christine, sometimes this means working with local community support services to arrange transport for patients. Isolation and service issues are extremely common many men in the country aren t online and rely on more traditional ways of communicating, such as phone calls and visits in person. Specialist nurses like Christine play a valuable role in coordinating patients' care each and every day. This is all part of a life-changing service that bolsters the wellbeing of men on their cancer journey, making sure they get the best possible outcomes. We provide this vital service free of charge. But, of course, it isn t free. That s why your support is so essential. Your generosity today will give men like Geoff the chance to have a specialist nurse like Christine support them every step of the way. Christine Britton EVERY DAY 3,300 Australian men die of prostate cancer every year, that s nine men every day Country men in Australia face unique challenges with prostate cancer. Their outcomes are worse because they're: Men living in regional Australia are up to 21% more likely to die of prostate cancer than men living in metropolitan areas pcfa.org.au Less likely to go to the doctor to be tested for prostate cancer Present later and are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease Faced with challenges of travelling long distances for treatment and check ups

21 TEMORA HOSPITAL WARD UPGRADE COMPLETE The $390,000 upgrade to the general ward at Temora Hospital is complete. The work included replacement of vinyl floor coverings, air conditioning and some painting in the general ward. A new fire alarm system will be installed in March, with no impact on patients. We thank the community for their patience during the improvement work. The upgrade to the operating theatre is expected to start in coming months. The Project User Group, including local doctors and nurses, has endorsed the design and work will begin following approval of the plans. The work includes extensive upgrades to operating theatre, patient recovery and medical preparation areas. g TEMORA: Temora Facility Manager Wendy Skidmore and Wards Person Melissa Fuller in the newly rennovated Hospital ward at Temora. Photos courtesy of The Temora Independent. MLHD will celebrate April Falls Prevention Day on 4 April. This year s theme is Nutrition and Hydration Eating Well to Prevent Falls. No other single cause of injury, including road trauma, costs the health system more than falls. In NSW each year, falls lead to approximately 27,000 hospitalisations and more than 400 deaths. More than one in three people aged 65 or over fall at least once a year and many fall more often. Eating healthy food in a balanced diet is very important to help you get the energy you need, maintain good health and have strong bones and muscles. The normal aging process results in lost muscle mass even when maintaining the same weight. After the age of 70, there is approximately 15 per cent muscle loss per decade. Muscle loss often leads to low strength and activity levels. It can contribute to mobility issues, osteoporosis, frailty and loss of physical function and independence. The weakness associated with this muscle loss can dramatically increase the risk of falls for older adults. Therefore it is very important to maintain muscle mass for independence, mobility and normal walking speed. Muscle growth requires adequate protein in your diet and exercise. As we age, our bones are susceptible to becoming fragile and breaking. For them to stay strong, they need calcium and vitamin D. We all know what healthy food is a wide range of fruit and vegetables, some protein sources such as lean meats, dairy and legumes/lentils, and not too much fatty or highly processed food. Drinking plenty of water is important too. So keep fit and active to prevent falls through healthy eating every day. PAGE 21

22 2018 MLHD EXCELLENCE AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN SOON! Nominations open for the 2018 MLHD Excellence Awards on 30 April. These awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams for their pursuit of excellence and commitment to improving the lives of others. In 2018, all awards presentations across the MLHD will be rolled in to one to celebrate the achievements of staff and partners across the district. Awards will focus on achievements that reflect the MLHD vision and priority areas. The focus is on wellness and seizing every opportunity to work in partnership with communities to build and maintain wellness. The objective is to enable MLHD to be the best place to work, lead, practise, volunteer, teach, learn and grow. Critical Dates Nominations Open: Monday 30 April 2018 Nomination Close: Monday 4 June 2018 Awards presentation: Friday 20 July 2018 Awards include: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander of the Year Collaboration Award Excellence Award Innovation Award Research Award Leadership Award Quality & Safety Award Volunteer Award Focus on Wellness Award Our People Our Future Award Diversity Award Executive Director Nursing & Midwifery Leadership Award Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award 2018 CALENDAR DATES World Oral Health Day 20 March April Falls Day 1 April NSW Seniors Week 4 15 April This year s theme is Let s Do More Together World Health Day 7 April Nominations Open - MLHD Excellence Awards 30 April International Midwives Day 5 May International Nurses Day 12 May World No Tobacco Day 31 May Nominations Close - MLHD Excellence Awards 4 June Men s Health Week June NAIDOC Week 8-15 July 2018 MLHD Excellence Awards 20 July Daffodil Day 24 August Women s Health Week 3-7 September National Stroke Week 3-9 September World Mental Health Day 10 October Annual Public Meeting 27 November MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2018

23 LOCAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEES Around 240 volunteers work with hospital sites across the district as consumer advocates. These members of Local Health Advisory Committees (LHAC) provide important feedback to the Local Health District about the health service needs and concerns of local communities. LHAC members get involved in service planning and priority setting, and work tirelessly to raise awareness in their local communities to improve health and wellness. LHACs contribute in many positive ways to improve the experience for our patients, and in support of carers, families and staff, Community Engagement Manager Setchen Brimson said. We rely on their commitment, skills, time and energy in providing the best quality care to people in our region. Interested in joining your Local Health Advisory Committee? For more informaiton about joining the LHAC visit our website: community-support or contact: Setchen Brimson Community Engagement Manager T: E: NEW CHAIR Newly elected Harden- Murrumburrah LHAC Chair, Hilton Doberer, is ready to take the helm. Service planning will be at the forefront of the LHAC s attention this year. Harden- Murrumburrah is one of six facilities across MLHD identified on the MPS Program 5, a Statewide program delivering improved services as part of a $300 million commitment. Planning has been undertaken at Harden and the project is awaiting allocation of funding to progress to delivery. The LHAC will be very much involved in providing feedback as the project progresses and we are really keen to get feedback from the public around what services are required. Access to services is another priority area for the Harden-Murrumburrah LHAC. HARDEN: (Top) Newly elected LHAC Chair Hilton Doberer. (Left) Facility Manager Kerry Menz shows Hilton around the Harden- Murrumburrah Hospital. UPCOMING EVENTS SUPPORTED BY LHACS Coolamon LHAC proudly supporting Mental Health First Aid Program 1, 5, 8 & 12 March 2018 For more information call Hay LHAC Community Morning Tea Hay Hospital McFarlane Wing 9 March 2018 Culcairn LHAC BreastScreen van visit April 2018 Holbrook LHAC Cancer Screening Promotion & Morning Tea Tuesday 8 May 2018 from am 2018 MAY LHAC FORUM Proudly hosted by Adelong-Batlow LHAC & Tumbarumba LHAC 3-4 May 2018 (Open only to LHAC members) PAGE 23

24 Murrumbidgee Medical Training Hub An Australian Government Initiative Rural Pathways to Post-Graduate Medical Training WAGGA WAGGA GRIFFITH RIVERINA School of Medicine Rural Clinical School Rural Clinical School Wagga Wagga Campus Griffith Campus Docker Street 30 Noorebar Ave WAGGA WAGGA 2650 GRIFFITH 2680 T: T: RCS Griffith rcs.med.unsw.edu.au/rcs-griffithcampus RCS Wagga Wagga rcs.med.unsw.edu.au/rcs-waggawagga-campus We can: Give you the information you need about rural medical training pathways Help navigate a rural medical training pathway for your career Connect you to career advice from rural specialists Contact Us Ph: Int Ph: RRTHenquiries@nd.edu.au RURAL STUDY RURAL TRAINING RURAL CAREER nd.edu.au/riverina-rural-training-hub Riverina Rural Training Hub twitter.com/rural_hub