Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear...

11
Concord Connection The official newsletter of Concord Hospital www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/concord/ summer 2012-2013 Opera at Rivendell Staff Health Month Asbestos : are you playing renovation roulette? Concord Hospital wins Premier’s Award

Transcript of Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear...

Page 1: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

ConcordConnection

The of f ic ia l newsletter of Concord Hospital www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/concord/summer 2012-2013

Opera at Rivendell

Staff Health Month

Asbestos : are you playing renovation roulette?

Concord Hospital wins Premier’s Award

Page 2: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

3222

We want to hear from you!Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that you would like to share with the Hospital?

Please contact Heather Attenbrow in Marketing today on 9767 6038.

Front Cover PictureFront Cover Picture: (left to right) Dr Anna Lih, Premier Barry O’Farrell and Professor Markus Seibel with the Premier’s Award for delivering quality customer services.

Produced by: Marketing & Fundraising Department Concord Repatriation General HospitalDesign & Print by: Horizon Media Ph: +61 2 8908-9300

Printed on FSC certified paper with ISO 14001 EMS accreditation.

Premier award for premier research

Concord Repatriation General HospitalCalendar of Events 2012-2013

Welcome to the summer edition of Concord Connection. The Hospital has continued to be busy over the spring, with high numbers of patients attending our emergency department and being admitted to our wards. Even so, we have seen continued improvements in our clinical and corporate performance, with the Hospital achieving the national Emergency Department treatment time target (NEAT 4 hr target) for the first time in October. This is a result of all of our teams working to assess and treat patients in the most effective and timely way, reducing waiting times within the ED.

The Hospital has had a number of successes over the Spring, with two of the Hospital’s clinical services being nominated for NSW Ministry of Health Awards. These were the Osteoporotic Fracture Service, run by Prof Seibel, and the Stroke Patients as Volunteers program, run by Dr Ross Hawthorne and Alice Kang. Prof Seibel’s service beat strong competition from other hospitals to be given the Award, in the category of Improving Access to Care.

Some of the Hospital’s staff also had the opportunity to attend the NSW Ministry of Health Innovation Forum,

where the latest hospital innovations, best practice and developments were exhibited and discussed. This has led the Hospital to focus more on quality improvement. From early next year, all departments across the Hospital will be working on projects and programs to improve service delivery and care to patients.

Over the last few months the Hospital has hosted a range of events involving many staff as well as members of the local community. The most prominent of these was the annual Opera Nights, which were held on the Thomas Walker Estate. The nights were a great success for the Hospital with significant funds being raised for the Concord Cancer Centre. Also, the Hospital hosted Veterans’ Health Week launch and veteran health seminars in late October, showcasing hospital services and providing education and health advice to veterans.

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all staff and volunteers for their commitment and hard work over the year and hope that you all enjoy a well earned break over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

Executive Message Matthew Swanborough General Manager

DATe eVeNT VeNue CONTACT

Friday 22 February Continuous Service Awards Conference Rooms Melissa Puglisi 9767 6038

sunday 3 march Recital Rivendell Alice Kang 97678488

Wednesday 20 march Harmony Day On the Green Alice Kang 9767 8488

Thursday 28 march Easter Markets On the Green Melissa Puglisi 97676038

saturday 20 April Kapyong Service 113th AGH Memorial Chapel Alice Kang 9767 8488

Wednesday 24 April Anzac Day Service Kokoda Track Alice Kang 9767 8488

Friday 3 may International Secretaries Day Conference Rooms Alice Kang 97678488

sunday 5 may Recital Rivendell Alice Kang 97678488

Friday 10 may Centaur Service 113th AGH Memorial Chapel Alice Kang 9767 8488

Friday 10 may International Nurses’ Day On the Green IND Committee

Friday 21 June Winter Solstice Dinner Angelos on the Bay Alice Kang 9767 8488

sunday 7 July Recital Rivendell Alice Kang 9767 8488

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

s

um

me

r 2

01

2-2

01

3

Professor Markus Seibel, Dr Kirtan Ganda and Dr Anna Lih have won both a prestigious Premier’s Award and NSW Health Award for their ongoing research into cost effective ways of treating patients with osteoporosis.

The Premier’s Award, which recognises excellence in public service, was given for Delivering Quality Customer Services.

The NSW Health Award for Improving Access to Timely Quality Health Care was presented by the Hon. Jillian Skinner, Minister for Health, to the ANZAC Bone Research Program and the Hospital’s Department of Endocrinology in October.

Significantly, the research has led Sydney Local Health District to establish an innovative integrated Fracture Liaison Service at Concord Hospital.

The project had its origins in 2003 when Markus Seibel and an Honours student audited patients admitted to Concord Hospital with osteoporotic fractures. They discovered that although the fractures were repaired by surgery, there was no investigation of how the fracture occurred and no treatment to minimise the risk of another similar injury.

Since that time the team have been working to improve the care, quality of life and life expectancy of patients with osteoporotic fractures, reducing the incidence of re-fracture by 80 per cent compared to standard care. This breakthrough achievement represents a significant improvement in the health, wellbeing and lives of patients and the community.

(left to right) Professor Markus Seibel, Hon. Jillian Skinner MP, Dr Kirtan Ganda, Sue Maree at the New South Wales Health Awards.

Volunteer Jan Bell buddying with stroke survivor Hossni Hanna.

Concord Hospital had two finalists in the NSW Health Awards Volunteer Service of the Year category.

The winner was S.H.A.R.E. (Sharing, Hope, Acceptance, Resilience and Experience), a Burns peer support program, which was a collaborative effort between the Hospital’s Burns Unit and the Agency for Clinical Innovation. Profiled in the Winter edition of Concord Connection, the program pairs burns survivors with patients who have been recently admitted to hospital with a burn injury.

The second finalist was Stroke Patients as Volunteers.

The Volunteers Department, in collaboration with Rehabilitation Services, is providing a new approach to improving the confidence and self esteem of younger stroke and acute brain injury patients.

A pilot project conducted at the Hospital involves patients in volunteering activities after being discharged from hospital. The volunteer service implemented a

buddy system to assist the stroke patients in maximising their potential. Volunteering offers a new perspective; feelings of post stroke depression and loss of self esteem due to loss of career prospects have been reduced. Rehabilitation is also being assisted by improvements in physical, cognitive and communicative abilities.

Volunteering at Concord recognised

Page 3: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

5

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

s

um

me

r 2

01

2-2

01

3

4

Ride 2 Work day and the lunch time Tour de Concord went “wheely” well with numerous Hospital staff cycling their way to a healthy lifestyle.

The day started with a healthy breakfast of cereals and fruits for staff members who cycled to work.

At lunch time, team leaders led fellow cyclists on a testing 30 minute ride onto Concord Road over Ryde bridge to Meadowbank and back via the John Whitton bridge.

To replenish, returning riders were offered a buffet of fresh options including lamb and chicken souvlaki, vermicelli salad and plenty of leafy greens. The lunch break was a great opportunity to mingle with other staff from the wide cross section of hospital departments who had got on their bike. Representatives came from the mail centre, purchasing, volunteers, executive, radiology, ADRI, perioperative, aged care and many from the physiotherapy department.

The feel good day was topped off by Lloyd Ridley winning the lucky rider’s hamper.The Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) has

a key role in this year’s Asbestos Awareness Week campaign which aims to educate handymen and women about the risks of exposure to asbestos fibres while doing renovations or maintenance in and around the home.

In partnership with the Asbestos Education Committee, ADRI launched the newly updated national website, www.asbestosawareness.com.au which provides important information on safe practices for managing asbestos.

Another feature of the launch event was Betty – the ADRI House, a model house designed to demonstrate areas in the home where asbestos might be found. Betty will be touring metropolitan, rural and regional areas of NSW throughout the year as an important part of the education campaign.

Every home built or renovated before 1987 in Australia may contain asbestos and a recent study has shown increasing numbers of men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations and maintenance.

Staff Health MonthAsbestos : are you playing renovation roulette?

Left to Right: Lindsay Farris, Scott McGregor, John Jarratt, Don Burke (Ambassadors of Asbestos Awareness Week) and Professor Nico van Zandwijk (Director, ADRI).

Three researchers at Concord Hospital have been successful in the recent round of National Health and Medical Research (NH&MRC) project grants.

Professor David Brieger from the Department of Cardiology at Concord Hospital is part of a group of University of Sydney researchers which has received funding into the use of text messages to improve medication adherence. The study will evaluate if support via mobile phone messages coupled with optional telephone support will increase the number of patients correctly taking their drug treatments and adopting healthy lifestyles following chest pain or a heart attack.

Professor David Handelsman, from the Department of Andrology at Concord Hospital and Director of the ANZAC Research Institute was granted funding to develop and apply a new ultrasensitive method

of measuring extremely low levels of estradiol (E2) circulating in the bloodstream.

Accurate measurement of E2 is crucial to understanding reproduction, physiology, health and disease. This work will have implications for diagnosing and treating cancers which are influenced by hormone levels, such as cancers of the breast, uterus, ovary, prostate and testis.

Associate Professor Marina Kennerson from the Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory at the ANZAC Research Institute was successful in receiving funding into her ongoing work on the identification of genes. The grant will enable the team to combine traditional gene mapping strategies with next generation sequencing to help identify genes that cause neurodegeneration. This will ultimately lead to treatments that prevent the death of motor and sensory nerves.

Latest research fundingTeam leaders: (left to right) Stevan Radmanovic (Mental Health), Keith Fletcher (Mental Health), Ian Carswell (Mental Health) and Alison Wighton (Physiotherapy).

(Left to right) Volunteers Rhonda, Lorraine and Mary helped by cooking the lamb and chicken for the souvlaki.

(Left to right) Mark Halliday and Gulliver Tompkins ride in tandem.

Page 4: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

s

um

me

r 2

01

2-2

01

3

6

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

7

Heated competition in the operating suiteLaunch of Consumer and Community Participation Framework

Nurses at Concord Hospital recently held some light-hearted team building exercises in honour of National Perioperative Nurses Day.

The Day aims to celebrate the expertise and dedication of operating theatre nurses who, due to the nature of their roles, are often only seen briefly by patients and as a result easily forgotten. Perioperative nurses have a key role in ensuring safe surgical outcomes, caring for patients before, during and after an operation. They confirm patient details are correct, ensure all equipment is available, assist the surgeon and the anaesthetist and make sure patients are pain free, warm and safe after their surgery.

Heats of various challenges were held during staff morning tea breaks:

Sydney Local Health District’s Chief Executive, Dr Teresa Anderson, recently launched the updated Consumer and Community Participation Framework at a community event in the Hannaford Community Centre, Rozelle.

The Framework provides a blueprint for the way the District will do its business in partnership with our consumers and communities. It was revised following the formation in early 2011 of Sydney Local Health District with input from many community representatives, health consumers, carers and health service staff to ensure the new document was representative of the communities it serves.

All activities whether they are policy, planning, service delivery, research or evaluation seek to positively include consumers and relevant communities. The Framework provides structures and processes to enable these activities to occur.

Concord Hospital has its own Consumer and Community Participation Network that provides constructive feedback through forums, committees and working groups. If you would like to be a voice for your community and support our health service in meeting community needs, please contact Heather Attenbrow, Consumer and Community Participation Co-ordinator on 9767 6919 or [email protected]

In the week leading up to Perioperative Nurses Day, a small jar was stacked tightly with items gathered from the Department and staff were encouraged to guess the quantity. Jennifer

Beencke correctly guessed the number of items (138) and won a

hamper of goodies.

Challenge one: donning a second layer of perioperative scrubs, gloves, mask, overboots and hat.

Challenge two: rolling six inch crepe bandages neatly.

The final: prime an IV line blindfolded Sally Lockhart (left) and Blessing Ehimudiamen (right) battled it out in the final, with Sally the ultimate winner on the day.

The audience was dancing in the aisles at the recent Carers’ Week event held at Concord Hospital.

The morning kicked off with a series of musical performances led by our multi-talented fireman, Rick Stratten (who knew he could sing and dance?). MAU nurse Chastine Clidoro gave a powerhouse performance of Mariah Carey’s Hero followed by a parade of 1950s’ and 1960s’ classic hits from charismatic local entertainer Chris Castle.

Jeanette O’Hara, former Deputy Mayor of City of Canada Bay and new Consumer and Community Participation Representative, gave a moving speech on her experiences as a carer for her husband, Harry.

She brought to life a beautiful picture of the man she loved and how she supported him during the difficult times of being admitted to hospital and recovering at home.

As well as entertain our deserving carers, Allied Health also hosted a series of information stalls and launched their DVD, Caring for Carers Information Forums which features a series of presentations including healthy feet, ergonomics and caring, medications and dementia.

For more information about support services for carers or a copy of the Caring for Carers Information Forums DVD please contact Lisa Yip on 9767 6680 or [email protected]

A day for hard-working carers

Two of Concord Hospital’s Consumer and Community Participation Representatives, Sue and Frank.

The Australian Lung Foundation hosted a series of awareness vigils across the country on World Lung Cancer Awareness Day, Saturday 17 November, including one facilitated by Concord Hospital.

The aim of the gatherings was to provide a collective voice for the thousands of Australians who live with lung cancer and to call for earlier diagnosis so patients and their families can expect better outcomes.

Locally, more than 100 people took part walking from Brays Bay in Rhodes to Concord Hospital. The crowd, many family members and friends who have lost someone to lung cancer, had an opportunity to hear

Professor Matthew Peters, Head of our Respiratory Department and Professor Nico Van Zandwijk from our Asbestos Research Institute speak on the incidence of lung cancer and the work that is currently being done to generate awareness.

A new advertising campaign encouraging the public to talk about lung cancer was also launched at the same time.

Lung cancer remains Australia’s biggest cancer killer and the national vigils provided an opportunity to come together as a community to provide hope, support and compassion to one another.

Vigil Shines a Light on lung cancer

Page 5: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

Opera at Rivendell - celebrates ten years of entertaining and fundraising

Crowds gathered on the picturesque grounds of the Thomas Walker estate to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Opera at rivendell and raise funds for the Concord Cancer Centre.

For the landmark year, the event’s theme was Opera to Broadway and the opera singers captivated the audience with a selection of tunes from Westside story, Cats and south Pacific to the traditional Carmen, madame Butterfly and Turandot.

The finale of the evening was a stellar fireworks display accompanied by the rivendell Philharmonic Orchestra playing Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel.

Congratulations to our Opera at rivendell raffle prize winners for 2012:

1st Prize: Apple iPad 32GB and Olympus camera – Kerry russell

2nd Prize: Two nights accommodation at Blue Pacific swansea and a dinner for two at Japanese restaurant Toku Toku – sam Failla

3rd Prize: A bottle of Krug Cuvee Champagne with Lindt chocolates – John Gough

4th Prize: Dinner for two at Angelo’s on the Bay with a bottle of wine – meng Ngu

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

8 9

Page 6: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

No event would be possible without the support of volunteers and sponsors. This year the Hospital would like to thank Canada Bay Club, City of Canada Bay Council, Mirvac Real Estate, Tintilla Estate Wines and in particular, the large number of volunteers from Cancer Services. We would also like to thank Rotary Club of Five Dock for providing a sausage sizzle.

Next year the Hospital’s musical program will be expanded to include a series of recitals in the great hall of Rivendell featuring internationally acclaimed pianists, cellists and clarinettists. The first concert will be Sunday 3 March and further information will be available in the new year.

10

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

Opera Night continues to shine

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

11

Page 7: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

s

um

me

r 2

01

2-2

01

3

12

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

13

Veterans’ Health DayConcord Hospital continued its tradition of supporting war veterans and widows by hosting a Veterans’ Health Day with a series of presentations and information stands.

More than 100 attendees listened to Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Jennifer Collins talk on the importance of feeling valued and making the most of life.

“Social inclusion improves health,” Ms Collins said.

Award-winning Professor Markus Siebel began the presentations with the encouraging news that osteoporosis was a disease that could be treated. Other lectures included falls prevention, medication management and continence management.

At lunch The Royal Australian Navy Band swung to the tunes of yesteryear while guests mingled under a marquee on The Green. As a result of the many positive comments received, the Hospital intends to run the event again next year.

As a result of the many positive comments received, the Hospital intends to run the event again next year.

Interested local residents gathered in the lecture theatre of the Clinical Sciences building in October and November to listen to experts on two different topics: Hepatitis B and the Chinese community, and lung health.

Many people from the local Mandarin speaking community came to hear first hand the impacts and treatment options for Hepatitis B. Our Mandarin speaking panel consisted of Professor Meng Ngu and Dr Leng Tan. The Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) facilitated the proceedings.

Experts from the Hospital’s Respiratory Department,

Oncology, Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outreach provided advice on how to maintain lung health in a changing environment and, for those with lung disease, how to have the longest and best life possible. Issues ranged from smoking to climate change and how Tai Chi can help improve lung function. The panel was headed by Professor Matthew Peters.

For enquiries about the Public Health Forums for 2013 please contact Alice Kang, Marketing Manager on 9767 8488 or email [email protected]

Public Health Forums

More people in health and community services choose HESTA than any other fundYour super fund can make a lifetime of difference

3 Run only to benefit members

3 No commissions

3 Low fees

hesta.com.au

Product ratings are provided by SuperRatings and Rainmaker Information, and are only one factor to be considered when making a decision. See superratings.com.au and selectingsuper.com.au for more information. H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd. ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL No. 235249 Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. Consider a Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about HESTA products, call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au for copies.

Employees of the MonthApril 2012: Suzana Stefanovic

Suzana commenced work in the Eye Clinic at Concord Hospital in May 2006 where she is currently a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Suzana is dedicated to her work and committed to maintaining the high standard of care provided

to patients in the Eye Clinic. An extremely loyal staff member, Suzana works long hours to manage the Clinic to the best of her ability.

July 2012: Geri Dades

Geri has been working at Concord Hospital for over 23 years.

A hard worker, Geri is always willing to help in any situation. Regardless of the type of job or the volume of work, Geri always has a cheerful disposition.

September 2012: Karen MacKenney

Karen commenced work at Concord Hospital as a Scientific Officer in 1980 and has been with the Anatomical Pathology Department for just over 32 years where she is currently working as Laboratory Manager.

Karen has displayed patience and understanding in managing the day to day business of the department. Karen shows imagination and initiative in sorting out problems that arise. She interacts well with all members of the department and is supportive of the staff for whom she is responsible. Karen is proactive in seeking solutions. In particular she is well respected by staff working in other areas of the hospital, and this can expedite many matters which require collaboration with other departments.

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month recipients. HESTA Super continues to proudly sponsor the Employee of the Month Award.

Page 8: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

15

I am writing to your hospital to express my deep gratitude to all those hard working nurses, assistants, tea ladies etc. on Ward 4N (Renal) who cared for my dear mother... whilst she was there. My mum passed away at the hospital on November 15 but I was so comforted by the wonderful care, compassion and sensitivity towards my Mum and myself. I was given permission to stay with Mum outside visiting hours to comfort her as she was dying. The nursing staff were so friendly and compassionate… they are truly hard working, caring, dedicated professionals and are a credit to your hospital.

My deepfelt thanks also to Dr Naganathan and his associates, particularly Dr Sana Khalid Pohan, who showed great understanding and compassion. Dr Nagananthan and his team were wonderful, they kept me informed with regards to the medical condition of my Mum and also took time to answer my questions and concerns.

Name withheld

I was released today from Ward 6 East (Bed 40) after a three day sleep study. I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the staff in the ward. Apart from a sleep issue I consider myself to be healthy

but received an excellent level of service and consideration. Your staff are kind, considerate and attentive. [They].. did not provide me with “second rate service” because I wasn’t suffering as many of their patients would have. Further, I know hospital food has a poor reputation but I can honestly say that the quality of your Hospital’s food was more than acceptable. Thank you most sincerely.

Name withheld

I recently had to visit your emergency department to see about blurry vision caused by a retina tear. I would like to commend your staff for the excellent care I received. Your staff performed way above expectation with their prompt action and friendly manner. I will be forever grateful.

Name withheld

Thank you for your donations

The Hospital would like to thank all staff who make donations to the Volunteer market stall throughout the year. There are many staff who donate books, jigsaw puzzles, rugs and other items on a regular basis to support the Hospital’s fundraising activities and their contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

s

um

me

r 2

01

2

14

Team of the Quarter Award

The inaugural Team of the Quarter Award was announced in October. The new award is designed to recognise the collective efforts of staff.

The first winning team was Central Booking in the Admissions Department. The team has consistently met Ministry of Health benchmarks by ensuring patients are booked within their clinical priority. This involves negotiations with specialists, their teams, theatre and the pre-admission clinic. The team’s achievements are even more remarkable because they have been accomplished while the team has not been at full capacity.

Congratulations to Jan Lam, Winnie Chan, Anna Barbiere and Ruby Sebastian, Supervisor Andrea Hendley and Manager Deb Pickrell who will all be treated to a banquet meal thanks to the generous sponsorship of Pron Prohm Thai Restaurant, North Strathfield.

The winning team will also be able to negotiate for equipment or updates for the Department from the General Manager up to the value of $1 000.

Good news storiesConcord’s compliments corner

LEFT TO RIGHT: Pron Prohm Executive Chef Banjong Chusaeng, Restaurant Manager Dereck Thamrak, Jan Lam, Winnie Chan, Anna Barbiere, Ruby Sebastian and General Manager Matthew Swanborough.

Established in 1985, Pron Prohm Thai Restaurant is located in North Strathfield with a 120 seat capacity including an upstairs private function room. We offer diners mouth-watering traditional Thai cuisine, warm and friendly service. All our food is cooked using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. We also offer lunch specials and 10% discount for takeaway pick-up. For more information visit us at www.pronprohmthai.com.au or facebook.com/pronprohmthai.

www.pronprohmthai.com.au facebook.com/pronprohmthai 209 Concord Road North Strathfield NSW 2137

Since August Concord Hospital has had a new Catholic Chaplain, Fr Andrew Kim. Fr Andrew grew up in South Korea and prior to commencing studies for the priesthood was a professional architect.

He conducts Mass in the Chapel each Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 12 noon and on Sundays at 8:30am and 12 noon.

Concord’s Catholic Chaplain

Page 9: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

The 70th Anniversary of Kokoda Day was observed at the Kokoda Track Memorial on 3 November at a special ceremony attended by the NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs, The Hon Victor Dominello, Fuzzy Wuzzies from New Guinea and other dignitaries.

The commemoration included a re-enactment of the flag raising ceremony which took place on the Kokoda plateau on 3 November 1942. “This event symbolised the turning of the tide in the war against Japan,” said the Chairman of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and Vice President of the NSW RSL, Mr. John Haines.

The Kokoda campaign began with the first contact between the 39th Militia Battalion and the advancing Japanese South Seas Detachment at Awala (forward of Kokoda) on 24 July 1942. The first battle of Kokoda was fought on 27 July when the Australians were forced back into the jungle. After a bitter and desperate campaign over the ensuing three months the Australians turned defeat into victory and recaptured Kokoda on 2 November 1942. The Australian flag was raised at a parade held on the following day.

Guests at the service watched original footage taken by Damien Parer of young soldiers and Fuzzy Wuzzies going through difficult terrain fighting a formidable Japanese army. The powerful images, accompanied by heartrending music from a harp and violin duo brought tears to many eyes.

The ceremony concluded with a performance by natives from New Guinea specially flown in for the occasion.

A service was held at the Hospital’s 113th AGH Memorial Chapel on Friday 9 November to mark Remembrance Day. Veterans and members of the community were delighted to see the number of students participating in the service.

To many veterans, services such as these are held to commemorate and pay tribute to the men who served in the Great War (World War I); young men who never returned. As one veteran said “it is important to see the students involved and learn about our history, because the majority of men who enlisted were of the same age when they went to war”.

Year 10 student from St Patrick’s College Michael Maccona delivered a student’s perspective, whilst Local member John Sidoti delivered the Remembrance Day address. Students from Meriden School added depth to the service with their beautiful vocal renditions of The Canticle of Mary and There is No Rose.

16

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

17

Kokoda Day

Commemorative services

Remembrance Day

Page 10: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

s

um

me

r 2

01

2-2

01

3

18

CO

NC

OR

D C

ON

NE

CT

ION

su

mm

er

20

12

-20

13

19

Concord leading the way with Electronic Medication Management Lunch time adventureConcord Hospital encourages staff input in the continued development of the innovative electronic medication management (eMM) system that is a key strategy in improving patient safety by reducing medication errors.

In November 2007, Concord Hospital was the first to go live with Cerner eMM in Australia. The pilot was initially limited to inpatients in Ward 15 and over the next two years was rolled out to the remaining four Aged Care and Rehabilitation wards. Nurses and clinicians alike are committed to the system.

The pilot project and research conducted by the University of NSW Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research demonstrated that hospital-wide implementation of eMM has considerable potential to improve clinical medication management and reduce risk. Significant benefits have been gained including a reduction by 66 per cent in prescribing errors, a reduction in the number of missed doses, reduced

duplication and redundancies in medication processes. eMM also provides information that supports decisions in care and clinical governance.

The second phase of eMM was officially launched 24 September 2012 and will be extended to all inpatient wards (including Concord Centre for Mental Health), outpatient clinics, the Pre-admission Clinic and the Emergency Department. A variety of fixed and mobile device strategies will be provided to support clinicians and improve patient care.

In order to deliver an eMM that assists staff in safely managing patients and achieving a seamless workflow between ordering and administration of medications, the eMM project team requests the support of all staff. Over the next year we will be asking for participation in design and review workshops, feedback on prototype builds and help with testing the system. We look forward to your input.

The departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine gather to celebrate Imaging Week.Come and enjoy our authentic Italian menu for Lunch or Dinner.Open Mon - Sun 12pm - 10pm“Il Cuore D’Italia” Breath the Italian atmosphere, taste authentic cuisine...

I love the atmosphere at Maranellos... it’s just great fun and we are treated like part of the family.” AMANDA - CONCORD

Maranello’s Wood Fired Pizza Restaurant Concord

80 Majors Bay Road, Concord Phone 8765 0070 www.maranellosconcord.com.au

In conjunction with National Walk to Work Day, staff set out on a lunch time Adventure Walk supported by Staff Health.

Despite the hot and blustery conditions, almost double the number of people attended this year’s walk which

followed the scenic Kokoda Track to Concord Road and back. The walk concluded with a healthy serving of wraps, fruit and water.

Lucky Patricia Bayes of Environmental Services won the lucky door prize of a hamper and picnic basket.

Staff gathered for a friendly afternoon tea to celebrate the team effort required in the world of imaging and also collaborated in creating a visual display outside the cafeteria. The display contained a number of brochures aimed at informing patients and carers of the important contribution imaging makes in guiding medical care.

Imaging Week

Page 11: Concord Connection - Web- · PDF fileCONCORD CONNECTION summer 2012-2013 2 3 We want to hear from you! Does your ward or department have a news story, event or staff achievement that

Bringing you the 2013Rivendell Recital Series

Concert 1 - Lets CelebrateMarch 3

Concert 2 - Magical StringsMay 5

Concert 3 - Stars in their eyesJuly 7

Concert 4 - Music of SpringSeptember 1

Concert 5 - Double DutchDecember 1

Adult Tickets - $30.00, Student Tickets - $15.00For information please call Melva Lindley on 9767 5256

Following 10 successful years of Opera Night at Rivendell series, we are delighted to bring you a high quality music initiative in 2013 . This will include an exciting series of concerts in the beautiful heritage Thomas Walker Estate “Rivendell”. The series will culminate in a spectacular outdoor concert by the picturesque waters edge in the Estate.

The Artistic Director, Australian pianist Grace Kim, who recently returned from the Netherlands, will be presenting each concert in collaboration with internationally acclaimed artists. Guest performers include members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of the Netherlands.

Proceeds from the concerts will go towards the Concord Cancer Centre at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.

Bringing you the 2013Rivendell Recital Series

Concert 1 - Lets CelebrateMarch 3

Concert 2 - Magical StringsMay 5

Concert 3 - Stars in their eyesJuly 7

Concert 4 - Music of SpringSeptember 1

Concert 5 - Double DutchDecember 1

Adult Tickets - $30.00, Student Tickets - $15.00For information please call Melva Lindley on 9767 5256

Following 10 successful years of Opera Night at Rivendell series, we are delighted to bring you a high quality music initiative in 2013 . This will include an exciting series of concerts in the beautiful heritage Thomas Walker Estate “Rivendell”. The series will culminate in a spectacular outdoor concert by the picturesque waters edge in the Estate.

The Artistic Director, Australian pianist Grace Kim, who recently returned from the Netherlands, will be presenting each concert in collaboration with internationally acclaimed artists. Guest performers include members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of the Netherlands.

Proceeds from the concerts will go towards the Concord Cancer Centre at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.