Compassion Justice Integrity Excellence

Transcription

1 Edition 3 December 2014 In this edition Information for GPs Care for people over 65 years page 5 Referral and specialist services page 5 7 Living our Mission Pathways Project underway page 8 Compassion Justice Integrity Excellence Onwards & Upwards is a biannual publication to inform the community, patients and families, health professionals and our generous donors and sponsors about the services and activities of St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane.

2 Welcome Contents About us What we do 3 Vietnamese Ministry of Health visit 3 Remarkable people 4 Exceptional care 4 Information for GPs Care for people over 65 years 5 Referral online 5 Our specialists 6 GP CPD sessions 7 Living our Mission Pathways Project underway 8 Remembering loved ones 8 Blue Angels volunteers 9 Bonds of friendship 9 Supporter update 2014 Annual Race Day Christmas appeal 10 At St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane we care for up to 4000 patients annually and provide specialist community palliative care to a further 600 patients in their homes. We employ up to 350 medical, nursing, allied health and support services staff and receive support from a volunteer team of more than 50 people who generously donate many hours to support our patients, visitors and staff. We acknowledged staff and volunteers at our Staff and Volunteer Service Awards in September. 33 staff members and volunteers celebrated a total of 355 years of service. Four have dedicated 25 years each to volunteering their time or dedicating their worklife to St Vincent s. An outstanding achievement, I congratulate everyone who received an award. This year we welcomed new doctors to our hospital community: pain medicine specialist Dr Paul Gray, endocrinologist Dr Shanthi Kannan, neuropsychologist Dr Sindia Madan and Dr David Wong who is undertaking six months of his Advance Training in Geriatric Medicine here at St Vincent s. I take great pride working at St Vincent s Brisbane, it is indeed a privilege. I hope, as always, that our efforts continue to honour the pioneering women who have gone before us as we continue in their footsteps, meeting the health care needs in our community where others do not. I encourage you to learn more about what we do, engage with us and support us in our work. Cheryle Royle General Manager To enquire about stories, deadlines and format or if you would like to receive the next edition of Onwards & Upwards contact: Flo Turnbull (Marketing Manager) on or flo.turnbull@svha.org.au St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane 411 Main Street Kangaroo Point Qld I take great pride working at St Vincent s Brisbane, it is indeed a privilege. I hope, as always, that our efforts continue to honour the pioneering women who have gone before us as we continue in their footsteps... 2 Onwards & Upwards December 2014

3 About us What we do St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane (SVPHB) is a Catholic not-for-profit hospital specialising in medical care for those with chronic, complex and multiple health needs. We are committed to providing compassionate and innovative care, enabling hope for those we serve, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. We draw on the talents of our people and collaborate with others who share our Vision and Values to continue the pioneering spirit of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity. Services include: general medical acute and chronic disease management pain management (adolescent and adult) rehabilitation (adolescent and adult) palliative care community and inpatient services (adolescent and adult) geriatric medicine neurosciences epilepsy, post stroke, movement disorders, acquired brain injuries, sleep disorders (children and adult) transitional care. In 2013 we opened the Brisbane Centre for Pain Management which includes a state-of-the-art operating theatre equipped to support the latest pain management techniques and procedures. We conduct the only pain management program for adolescents in Australia. Our comprehensive onsite diagnostic services include: radiology, pathology and pharmacy, EEG, sleep studies and telehealth facilities. St Vincent s Brisbane is fully accredited by the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards. We are committed to providing compassionate and innovative care enabling hope for those we serve, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. Vietnamese Ministry of Health visit We welcomed delegates from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to St Vincent s on 3 September. They included medical, nursing and allied health directors and heads of department in adult and paediatric rehabilitation facilities across Vietnam, as well as some heads of university rehabilitation courses and managerial administrative personnel. The objective of their Australian visit was to help equip delegates with the knowledge, models, strategies and systems to pursue reform in Vietnam s rehabilitation sector. Above: Delegates from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor with our General Manager Cheryle Royle and Clinical Services Director Lynda Bury. They visited various public and private rehabilitation units in Queensland and New South Wales. Feedback from the delegates was positive. They were not only appreciative of the opportunity to meet with senior rehabilitation clinicians and managers but gained insight on the importance of multidisciplinary teams, appropriate and timely assessment, data collection and management and gymnasium design layouts for rehabilitation treatment. Onwards & Upwards December

4 About us Remarkable people Everything we accomplish at St Vincent s depends on the calibre and commitment of our people. We employ up to 350 medical, nursing and allied health and support services staff and receive support from a team of volunteers who generously donate their time. Our specialists and visiting medical officers cover a range of specialty areas meeting the healthcare needs of adolescents to the elderly. A detailed specialist listing is on page 6. On 25 September we recognised staff and volunteers for their years of service at our annual Staff and Volunteer Service Awards. 16 individuals were recognised for five years of service, six for 10 years, five for five years, two for 20 years and four for 25 years. A free BBQ lunch was held in the Sr Nola Riley Garden for the entire hospital to celebrate and commend our award recipients. Exceptional care Your feedback is important to us We strive to improve our patients hospital experience and use a number of methods to measure and monitor the services we provide and the care we offer. What our patients and families feel and think is important to us. Below are just a few comments we have received: Very, very good. They let my son put on a Good Friday birthday party for my 84th birthday and all my family attended. 3 May 2014 Larissa, Brooke and Theo in pain management program, Level 5. Excellent, genuine, caring health professionals. A credit to SVPH. Dr Tic Chan and all nursing staff. Lovely, friendly atmosphere. 9 May May 2014 I was very impressed with transition care and it has been most helpful, as I live alone. 18 May 2014 To the exceptional doctors and nurses of St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane, on behalf of me and my family a very warm thank you for making our lives and in particular Maria s as comfortable as can be. My heart goes out to you all, your courage and caring goes beyond limits 18 August 2014 Words are really inadequate to express our gratitude at your loving care for my dad. Your wonderful sense of calm made a lasting impression on us all. Never underestimate the ways you positively influence the end of life journey. You made a real difference to my dad, my mum and my family. 16 October Onwards & Upwards December 2014

5 Information for GPs Care for people over 65 years Lynda Bury Clinical Services Director Our Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) Program focuses on caring for individuals over 65 years with medical, functional or psychosocial problems potentially those affected by dementia, delirium, urinary incontinence, polypharmacy, falls, malnutrition, depression or memory loss. It is a highly specialised multidisciplinary program of services that helps individuals regain confidence and self-belief. It also offers support and specialist advice to health professionals who are involved in the management of a patients care and who have identified that the patient would benefit from this specialised program. Several geriatricians consult from St Vincent s and are available for consultations here in the hospital as well as visits to residential aged care facilities. GPs, acute public hospitals and community agencies can refer directly into our program. Our specialist team of geriatricians, physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and nurses will work with patients, their families and carers, to identify their goals. They begin by undertaking a full functional assessment then developing a tailored program which may include individual and/or group treatments such as: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, support from a dietician and education sessions. Generally it is undertaken over seven to 10 days as an inpatient or outpatient, depending on what best meets the needs of the patient. The GEM program has the potential to make a significant impact on the lifestyle of the patient and their family. It helps the patient acquire the self-assurance and skills to live as independently as possible. It offers support and assurance to family members. As people age it can be a struggle to remain at home, often they don t know what they need or what is available. At St Vincent s, we can help them. The GEM program has the potential to make a significant impact on the lifestyle of the patient and their family. For further information For all enquiries about eligibility, referral and admission please contact our Admissions Manager on or admissions@stvincentsbrisbane.org.au Referral online GPs and specialists can refer patients directly to St Vincent s online, without the need to download, print, complete and fax a printed referral form. The online referral form is available at: Referral forms are still available for download should GPs and specialists prefer to fax or . Onwards & Upwards December

6 Information for GPs Our specialists We have many specialists consulting from St Vincent s. Referrals can be made directly to them from GPs, public hospitals and other specialists. Patients receive appointments promptly. We admit public, privately-insured, self-funded, Department of Veterans Affairs and Workcover patients. For further information Please contact Link Consulting Rooms Manager Mary Thomas on or Endocrinology Dr Shanthi Kannan Special Interest: Diabetes, Thyroid disorders, Osteoporosis, General Endocrinology Geriatrics Dr Chris Davis Special interest: Geriatrics Dr Pia Iacovella Special interest: Dementia, Rehabilitation Dr Anthony French Special interest: Geriatrics Dr Elena Klestov Special interest: Cognitive Impairment, Polypharmacy, Geriatric Rehabilitation Neurosciences Neurology Dr Cullen O Gorman Neurologist Special interest: Neurophysiology (EMG/EEG), Peripheral Neuropathy, Nerve Entrapment, Nerve Injury, Headache including botulinum toxin for Migraine Professor Harry McConnell Neuropsychiatrist Special interest: Neuropsychiatry, Neurodisability, Epilepsy Professor Peter Silburn Neurologist (Adult) Special interest: Deep Brain Stimulation Neurology (continued) Dr Kate Sinclair Neurologist Adolescent/Paediatric Special interest: Neuro Rehabilitation, Neurodisability, Cerebral Palsy, Movement Disorders, General Neurology Dr Jia Haur Tho Neurologist (Adult) Special interest: Neurophysiology EEG, EMG/NCS, Stroke, Epilepsy, Neuromuscular Disorders Dr Sindia Madan Neuropsychologist Pain Medicine Dr Kathleen Cooke Special interest: Adolescent and Paediatric Pain Management Dr Paul Gray Special interest: Chronic Pain, Cancer and Burn Injury pain, Interventional Pain Medicine Dr Tim Grice Special interest: Musculoskeletal Aspect of Persistent Pain, Discography, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Dr Heide Feberwee Special interest: Chronic Pain Dr Mark Tadros Special interest: Chronic Pain, Rehabilitation Dr Frank Thomas Special interest: Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Interventional Pain Techniques 6 Onwards & Upwards December 2014

7 Palliative Care Dr Phillip Good Special interest: Palliative Medicine Dr Anthony Herbert Adolescent/Paediatric Special interest: Symptom Management of Non-Malignant Life-Limiting Conditions, Telehealth, Insomnia Dr Russell Richard Special interest: Palliative Medicine, GP Integration into Palliative Care Management Dr William Syrmis Special interest: Palliative Medicine Dr Julia Wootton Special interest: Palliative Medicine Psychogeriatrics Dr Jan Lawrence Special interest: Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive Impairment Rehabilitation Dr Sridhar Atresh Special interest: Spinal Cord Impairments, General Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Spasticity Dr Tik Chan Special interest: Rehabilitation for General Deconditioning, Orthopaedic, Amputee, Stroke and Neuro Rehabilitation Dr Owen Gillies Adolescent/Paediatric Special interest: Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Transition to Adult Services Dr Gillian Nalder Special interest: Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain, Interventional Pain Dr Phong Nguyen Special interest: Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain, Interventional Pain GP CPD sessions In 2014 we ran a stimulating clinical education program to support the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of GPs and their practice team. Five, two-hour interactive dinner sessions were run throughout the year, covering a wide range of topics. 1. Opioid prescribing in General Practice: The good, the bad and the ugly 2. People living with advanced progressive illness Palliative Care 3. Advance Care Planning and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) 4. A wellness approach for people over 65 years lessons from the oldest old 5. Parkinson s disease and rehabilitation Participants had access to some of Brisbane s leading specialists who provided relevant clinical education designed to improve the quality of patient care. Feedback from the sessions was positive with multiple GPs registering for more than one event. Next year s program will feature a multidisciplinary element, with a minimum of two speakers from different fields at each session. Join us in 2015 at one or more of our free education sessions. St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane is recognised as a CPD Accredited Provider with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). For further information To register for more information contact our CPD program organiser Candice Anderson on or candice.anderson@svha.org.au Dr Mark Tadros Special interest: Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain Sleep Studies Dr Sean Tolhurst Special interest: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Central Cardiac Sleep Apnoea, Sleep Assessment of Cardiac Arrhythmias, Narcolepsy Syndrome Onwards & Upwards December

8 Living our Mission Pathways Project underway Matthew Kearney Mission Director Our work with vulnerable people continues to grow. Working in partnership with Micah Projects, we are implementing a pilot Pathways Project to enhance the provision of healthcare services to Brisbane s homeless. In June, St Vincent s with Micah Projects as project partner, undertook a contract with Queensland Health to provide coordination of care for homeless people being discharged from the Mater Adult, Princess Alexandra (PA) and Royal Brisbane and Women s Hospital (RBWH). This Pathways Project has been something of a natural development of the services Micah, the Mater and St Vincent s have been working together to provide for people who are homeless in Brisbane. In the past, Micah s Street to Home team has supported people being discharged from public hospitals. At point of discharge, it became clear that developing relationships and lines of communication with the discharging hospital would assist in providing care for a person in the community. Given that some people who are homeless have barriers to managing their own health, there is always a risk of readmission to hospital soon after discharge. The Pathways Project will focus on providing ongoing support so people are connected with a GP and attend outpatient appointments, avoiding early readmissions where possible. Micah has been meeting with key people at the PA and RBWH to build awareness of the project. This has already seen results over the G20 weekend with Micah providing temporary housing support for vulnerable people being discharged over that time. Two nurses have been recruited to join the project and will commence shortly. There may also be a need for a range of other social and healthcare supports. A Steering Committee has also been meeting with representatives from Metro North and Metro South hospital and health services. Recently representatives from community service providers have also been involved. Remembering loved ones More than 100 people gathered in the Giovanni Chapel on 18 October to remember loved ones who have passed away. The service included a candle-lighting ceremony and time of reflection. A Remembrance Service is held twice a year in the Chapel, the next will be in May Further information If you would like to know more please contact Mission Executive Assistant Sonia Kovac on or sonia.kovac@svha.org.au 8 Onwards & Upwards December 2014

9 Blue Angels volunteers Toni Leahy Volunteer Co-ordinator Volunteers play a vital role at St Vincent s supporting staff, patients, families and carers. 17 of our volunteers completed a Palliative Care Volunteer Training Program in November. Developed by Palliative Care Victoria, it is a nine week program conducted over a three-hour session each week. Palliative care clinicians, pastoral care workers and counsellors deliver the program on topics such as: the role of the palliative care volunteer, communications skills, spirituality, diversity, responding to loss and grief, illness and care, dying and death and self-care of the volunteer. Very real and significant issues and subjects on a palliative care ward. The Program aims to better prepare volunteers for the issues they may encounter in their roles on a ward where people come to the end of this life s journey. Feedback from participants and staff has been extremely positive with the program considered worthwhile and helpful. It will now form part of volunteer life for those with an interest in volunteering in palliative care at St Vincent s. It s my goal to provide a high quality, person-centred service and we are well on the way to achieving this by equipping our volunteers through training programs like this. Further information To find out more about volunteering at St Vincent s contact Volunteer Coordinator Toni Leahy on or toni.leahy@svha.org.au Bonds of friendship They started off as strangers but are leaving as friends. Frances, Elise and Jean had never met before their stay at St Vincent s but following three weeks together, they are now great friends. The ladies were surprised and delighted to have hit it off so quickly. You don t go into hospital expecting to make friends, but that s what we ve done, Jean said. It s been great having friends to talk with, we talk every day about everything, Frances said. These two ladies have made my stay so enjoyable, I could not have wished for better roommates, Elsie said. They plan to stay in touch. Right: Frances Bond, Elsie McDonald and Jean Foxcroft celebrating Frances birthday during their stay at St Vincent s. Onwards & Upwards December

10 Supporter update 2014 Annual R ACE DAY Our Annual Race Day on 23 August raised $33,553 a tremendous result which will go to our palliative care and pain management services. Thank you to our principal sponsors Qld XRay and the McEinery Family, and those organisations that provided support and raffle prizes. The success of our Race Day is only made possible by those who support us our sponsors, donors and ticket holders. This year for the first time racegoers experienced the excitement and thrill of watching every race from the East Terraces at Doomben Racecourse. It provided spectacular views of the racecourse and finishing post and a magnificent day was had by all despite the wet weather. Principal sponsors Qld XRay Supporters and raffle prize donors Tattersall s Club & Bowls Club APHS Mitcham Trading AHI Carriers Ontex Australia Ecomed Bidvest J & J Poultry McEinery Family Coopers Grace Ward Lawyers Alex Gow Funerals Anton Brown Funerals Aidacare St Vincent s Palliative Care Ward Multigate Medical Arjo Huntleigh The Sit Down Comedy Club We also ran a Facebook competition for the first time. The prize was two tickets to our Annual Race Day which could be won by engaging and connecting with us on Facebook. Congratulations to our winner, Rebecca McNamara who attended with her mother Amanda McNeilly, also one of our valued palliative care nurses Christmas appeal Our 2014 Christmas Appeal aims to raise funds to help us continue on our path of growth, which started in 1957 from humble beginnings. It is with the help of our supporters that we can grow and continue to meet the healthcare needs of our community. Whether you give once or often, every gift contributes to the care of our patients. Further information Donate online at donate/ or phone Candice Anderson on or candice.anderson@svha.org.au 10 Onwards & Upwards December 2014

11 SNORE Australia, the largest provider of sleep studies in Australia, now operates a no-gap private sleep disorder clinic at St Vincent s Private Hospital. Medical Objects referrals available Comprehensive diagnosis of sleep disorders and personalised treatment pathways (we do not sell therapy equipment, so there is no financial conflict of interest) Short waiting-lists and private rooms Full Level 1 sleep studies (the highest quality sleep study in Australia) Sleep studies are crucial for anyone with daytime tiredness, a heart disorder, diabetes, obesity or depression SNORE snoreaustralia.com.au To book your patient in for a sleep study, fax your referrals to SEASONS GREETINGS Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. qldxray.com.au Onwards & Upwards December

12 Main St St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane at Kangaroo Point specialises in medical care for those with chronic, complex and multiple health needs. We offer services for adolescents to the elderly. General medical Acute and chronic disease management Acute geriatric medicine and evaluation management programs Neurosciences for adolescents and adults (epilepsy, post-stroke care, movement disorders, acquired brain injuries, sleep disorders) Pain management Brisbane Centre for Pain Management specialist assessment and consultation, medication and prescription advice, surgical procedures LEAP into life adolescent pain management program (14 to 21 years) RECHARGE for life adult pain management program (over 21 years) Palliative care 24-hour Community Specialist Palliative Care Service 30-bed inpatient unit (24 single rooms) Patient and Family Support Service Adolescent palliative care Rehabilitation Full functional assessments and tailored programs for adolescents and adults Multidisciplinary approach New physiotherapy and occupational therapy complex At St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane we have modern, spacious and comfortable patient rooms most are private rooms with adjoining ensuites. Radiology, pathology, pharmacy, EEG and sleep studies are also available onsite. Spring Hill Story Bridge Fortitude Valley Brisbane CBD Bradfield Hyw Brisbane River New Farm Southbank St Vincent s Private Hospital Brisbane N Highgate Hill Vulture St Annerley Rd Pacific Motorway River Tce Ipswich Rd Kangaroo Point Shafston Vulture St Stanley St Ave Woolloongabba East Brisbane To find out more about our services, please contact us: 411 Main Street, Kangaroo Point Qld 4169 Phone: info@stvincentsbrisbane.org.au