Pulsethe September 2016

1st edition

www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Lindt cafe survivor shares stories of Hope

Westmead teams deliver robotic kidney transplant: P8.

District staff gear up for Jersey Day: P4.Palliative Care moments captured in black and white photography: P3

Martin Place Lindt cafe survivor Louisa Hope spoke of her admiration and respect for Generation Y during Westmead Hospital’s Hospital Week. Louisa is pictured here with WSLHD community and consumer engagement manager Dr Coralie Wales. Hospital Week photo gallery and summary: Page 2.

The Pulse | September 2016 2

Spread the LHD newsThe Pulse is published fortnightly! It’s a tool to promote or share your project, celebration, initiative, success or event.

This publication is distributed to more than 10,000 staff in Western Sydney Local Health District and our many stakeholders.

To submit your story for consideration, we require high-resolution photos with captions and at least 150 words describing the story.

For further enquiries, phone 8890 4564 or email wslhd-corporatecomms@health.nsw.gov.au

Publication is at the discretion of the editor and chief executive.

Items may be edited for length, style and quality.

September 2016 first edition

Graphic design and editorial co-ordinator: Jenny Harrison, WSLHD Corporate Communications Specialist.

Sub-editor: Anne Markey, WSLHD Communication Integration Specialist.

News from across WSLHD

State’s largest showcase attracts thousands

Dr Charlie Corke, Senior intensive care specialist at Geelong Hospital, Victoria spoke about communicatins dying and suffering effectively.

Thousands of clinicians, nurses, hospital staff and community members flocked to Westmead Hospital to hear from Australia’s most prominent health experts during Hospital Week (August 24-26).

Lindt Cafe seige survivor Louisa Hope gave a raw insight into her ordeal, paying tribute to her fellow seige companions and the ones who lost their lives.

Our world-class clinicians and international guests delivered more than 100 presentations on the medical techniques in the urology, surgery, end of life, neuroscience, nursing and oncolgy.

The annual Great Debate and Great Research Debate between Charles Perkins Centre director Professor Stephen Simpson and our Board Chair Professor Stephen Leeder were popular with staff.

More than 80 companies revealed new products or supplies. The Westmead Redevelopment Team had people looking into the future through their virtual reality googles to see what the new hospital will look like.

Westmead Hospital’s general manager Andrew Newton congratulated Westmead Association’s executive officer Georgette Hanna and President Steve Williams for hosting a successful and memorable Hospital Week.

“Hospital Week is a rare event that offers up highly specialised insights from experts in their field,” Andrew said.

“I was impressed with the way Hospital Week presenters made medical insights accessible through a commitment to plain speaking.

“Some of these people should be on TV.

“The real value of the event was to bring to the surface just how much of value is going on at Westmead Hospital and in WSLHD.”

Professor Nicholas Wilcken medical oncologist at Westmead Hospital gave an insight to multi-discplinary teams and meetings while walking us through a breast cancer experience.

The annual Great Debate was hillarious with adjudicator Andrew Newton (centre) with the against team on the left and the for team on the right.

Westmead Hospital’s obstetrician Dr Andrew Pesce gave the oration.

Westmead Hospital staff are interested in this display of medical products.

The Pulse | September 2016 3

News from across WSLHD

Volunteers in one of our busiest EDs

Blacktown Hospital has introduced volunteers to provide care and assistance to patients and staff in one of western Sydney’s busiest emergency departments.

Blacktown Hospital’s volunteer Co-ordinator Janice Low said Blacktown Hospital had recruited 15 new volunteers who be rostered on throughout the day and early evening to provide assistance to patients, clients and visitors who visit the emergency department.

“Our volunteers help make our patients’ stay more comfortable and will provide beverages or comfort items such as blankets to patients or relatives while they are being treated in the Emergency department,” Janice said.

“This team are sensitive and compassionate with individual needs or concerns. They are prepared to help address any patients concerns or issues and assist clerical staff with basic tasks.

Full training and support will be provided to suitable applicants.

If you are interested in donating your time and energy to Blacktown Hospital contact Janice Low on 8670 5159 or email janice.low@health.nsw.gov.au

Amanda Voets has come full circle more than 50 years after she started as a student nurse at Blacktown Hospital.

Balancing budgets is my forteMeet WSLHD senior management accountant in the Finance department, Rees Carter.

Based at Westmead Hospital, Rees manages a team of two staff and is responsible for Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Reporting for the WSLHD Executive and Ministry of Health.

Since joining WSLHD in 2013, Rees has worked with the finance teams and departments to improve financial processes and help find savings strategies as well as providing support to the broader finance team.

Promoted in March, 2016 to senior management accountant enables Rees to undertake a more strategic role in improving processes and assist managers and departments to build and structure their annual allocated budget.

“Working in WSLHD is great at the moment especially with the growth and redevelopments of

our hospitals - it’s a excellent time for investment and opportunity especially at Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals,” he said.

“I am enjoying this period of change and excited to see what the future will bring!

WSLHD Finance department senior management accountant Rees Carter.

A day in Mount Druitt Hospital’s Supportive and Palliative Care Unit has been documented in a moving photo series.

With the consent of patients and families, WSLHD multimedia manager Carlos Furtado was given the privilege of photographing a delicate and fragile time in their lives.

The images highlight the way Mount Druitt staff offer tremendously gentle and supportive care as they nurture families, carers and patients.

Mount Druitt Hospital’s palliative care professionals contribute to a compassionate and skilled response when helping people to live well and die with dignity.

The service aims to provide a homely atmosphere to offer appropriate palliative care to its patients

Precious moments in Pall Care

and those who are grieving or distressed.

Nursing unit manager Trish Dalgleish says her team’s job is to make a difference to those facing one of life’s biggest challenge – death and dying.

“The Supportive & Palliative Care Unit at Mount Druitt Hospital provides our community with holistic acute care, assessment and symptom control for adult patients over the course of their life limiting illness. When people ask me what I do, I proudly explain. They respond, ‘it must be so depressing”.

“I tell them it’s an absolute privilege to be able to assist patients and their family and carers at this time of their lives,” she said.

To view the photos, visit: https://goo.gl/DYf2YC

A series of black and white photos was captured by our mulitmedia manager Carlos Furtado.

Blacktown Emergency department volunteer Amanda Voets cares for a patient.

The Pulse | September 2016 4

Here’s a snap shot of photos from across the facilities and deparments with staff showing their support for Jersey Day.

Jersey Day (Sept 2) was designed to raise awareness of organ and tissue authority and the Donatelife network.

Jersey Day was inspired by the story of Nathan Gremmo who was tragically killed in an accident in May 2015.

Nathan’s family chose to give the gift of life to others to honour the legacy of Nathan’s generous personality. As you will see from these photos, Jeresey Day across WSLHD was a huge success.

Look who wore what for Jersey Day

News from across WSLHD

Westmead Hospital ICU staff proudly displayed their passion for sporting codes of all kinds and sorts.

Westmead Hospital’s Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology staff totally love their sport - look at all the codes!

WSLHD Integrated and Community Health staff from Blacktown enjoyed a lunch to celebrate Jersey Day.

Westmead Women’s Health Clinic staff celebrate Jersey Day with a fine display of colour and support.

Staff from Westmead Hospital executive join in the fun to celebrate Jersey Day.

FRIDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2016‘You only live once, but if you

do it right, once is enough’ -

NATHAN GREMMO

the facts about organ and tissue

donation

about becoming a donar and

register online

your decision with the people

close to you

WWW.JERSEYDAY.COM.AU

‘You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough’ -

NATHAN GREMMO

the facts about organ and tissue

donation

about becoming a donar and

register online

your decision with the people

close to you

WWW.JERSEYDAY.COM.AU

WWW.JERSEYDAY.COM.AU

JERSEY DAY is a simple concept designed to raise awareness of The Organ and Tissue Authority and the DONATE LIFE network.On Friday, September 2 we are asking schools and workplaces across Australia to allow students and employees to wear their favourite sporting jersey to school or work to show their support for the DONATE LIFE network and begin the conversation with their friends and families about Organ Donation.

JERSEY DAY has been inspired by the story of NATHAN GREMMO who was tragically lost in an accident in May 2015. Nathan’s family chose to give the gift of life to others to honour the legacy of Nathan’s generous personality.

This campaign is all about raising awareness. Simply wear your favourite sporting jersey to school or work on Friday, September 2 2016 and show your support for this cause.

Please visit www.donatelife.gov.au for more information about how you can help to save a life.

the facts about organ and tissue donation

about becoming a donor and register online

your decision with the people close to you

DISCOVER DECIDE DISCUSS

community partner© NATHAN GREMMO COMMUNITY FUND INC. 2016

The Pulse | September 2016 5

News from across WSLHD

Meet Westmead Hospital’s mortuary caretaker Stephen Somerville, who worked as a funeral director before working at Westmead Hospital.

Stephen has worked at Westmead Hospital in this role for the past 30 years while some people wouldn’t be paid for quids to do this job, Stephen takes pride and respect in his work.

“I look after the deceased, making sure families needs and expectations are met, while showing digniity and respect for the dead,” he said.

“Sometimes families come here to identify a victim after a murder or foul play and they don’t know what’s going on. We sit down and talk to the family.

“The death of a loved one is an emotional time for many. Some people express their grief in different ways - I’ve been kissed, hugged and received letters by families who appreciate what we do.

“I remember a lady whose ex-husband died. They were separated for years, but she wanted to see him. We let her come in for a viewing and she ended up visiting her ex-husband every day for a week.

“My mother came through this mortuary and I felt comforted knowing she was looked after.”

“We work closely with the police performing post mortems on suicides, natural deaths, homicides, aviation deaths and train accidents.”

Working in this field has made Stephen look at his own mortality differently.

“I look after myself better, I respect that you have to look after your body for it to last. You don’t know what’s around the corner,” he said.

“I’ve seen people die on the day they’ve retired or the day after. I know anything can happen.

“Many people have died on their birthday. It’s very common that people die six weeks before or after their birthday.

“A split second can determine life or death. You just have to look after your part of the world.

“I was working at Westmead Hospital when Anita Cobby came to us. This was a high-profile murder case and was hard to take and it affected me.

“I also went to Thailand to support the community there after the Boxing Day tsunami,” he said.

If you think this job is a bit scary Stephen says don’t be afraid of dead people its the live ones he’s worried about!

Music festival swings into Blacktown Hospital

Blacktown Hospital staff and Sydney Sacred Music Festival performers create colourful masterpiece on display for all.

Ten thousand petals, choral singing and a guitar sax duo are ready to delight patients and visitors at Blacktown Hospital this September as part of the Sydney Sacred Music Festival.

“The free events being held are part of our arts and culture program which helps to make our hospitals more welcoming and less stressful,” said Blacktown & Mount Druitt hospitals’ general manager Sue Anne Redmond.

“This is our third year with the festival, and the highlight will be the installation of a floor sculpture, called a rangoli, made from a thousand paper flowers created by patients, staff and community members.

“I look forward to seeing the colour and magic unravel across our hospital again this year,” she said.

Rangoli is an art form originating from India in which decorative patterns are created on the ground or floor (usually with sand) to celebrate auspicious occasions and festivals. There will also be free performances from Chorella Community Choir and guitar-sax duo Gai & Jeremy.

Sacred Patterns are free events developed in partnership with the Sydney Sacred Music Festival, Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals (BMDH) Expansion Stage 2 Arts and Culture Program and SydWest Multicultural Services.

For more information, visit: bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au

Westmead Hospital caretaker takes pride in caring for our loved ones

Westmead Hospital mortuary caretaker Stephen Somerville takes care of between 8-10 bodies daily.

Paralympic rowing team - Australia’s Legs, Trunk and Arms Mixed Coxed Four, consisting of WSLHD’s Disability Workforce co-ordinator Kate Murdoch completed their first games with victory in the B-final.

The crew embraced the experience, saying to Murdoch after the race, saying “Kate, we’re Paralympians!”

GO KATE GO!

Come on Aussie Kate come on!

The Pulse | September 2016 6

News from across WSLHD

Westmead Hospital is encouraging mums-to-be to take advantage of a care program which provides one-to-one support throughout a woman’s pregnancy, birth and in the early postnatal period.

The program, known as Midwifery Caseload Practice, enables women to be cared for by the same midwife.

It also accommodates a woman’s schedule and at her preferred location – her home or the hospital.

The program has been so popular, Westmead Hospital has recruited 14 caseload midwives to meet demand.

“At Westmead Hospital we are close to achieving 2,000 births over the past five years.

“It has been proven that women who receive care from a primary midwife are more likely to have a positive childbirth experience,” said Westmead Hospital Women’s and Newborn Health unit manager Carolyn Tranter.

One of Westmead Hospital’s caseload midwives, Jane Szpitalak-Hron, has recruited many women from India and the sub-continent and is focusing on their unique cultural needs.

“The women I care for have the belief from their country of birth that pregnancy should be managed medically. They are really impressed with the midwife led service I provide them.

Jane, who lives in Westmead, is proud to have facilitated six water births and five discharges directly from the Birth Unit to the mother’s home.

Caseload midwifery is available to mothers who are in good health and planning to have a natural birth. Mothers must live in Parramatta, Holroyd or The Hills.

Women are encouraged to contact their GP and enquire about caseload midwifery as soon as they find out they are pregnant or phone Westmead Hospital on 9845 9129.

Your own midwife: One-to-one care at Westmead

Westmead Hospital’s caseload midwife Jane Szpitalak-Hron with new mum Adika.

WSLHD former management trainee Caleb Teh, previously graduated through the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) Intern Program has been awarded the 2016 ACHSM President’s Award.

Caleb received this award for his outstanding service to the College, which was endorsed by the College’s President Paul Preobrajensky.

WSLHD Organisation Development’s Carole DuBern said Caleb has been an outstanding trainee.

“He has made significant contributions to the intern blog and other web platforms - showcasing the program and individual Interns,” she said.

“Caleb acknowledges the program has provided networks and exposure to be in a position to pursue some very real and exciting opportunities.

He is identified as a health leader of the future.”

Future health leader awarded Presidential title

WSLHD former management trainee Caleb Teh was awarded the 2016 President’s Award for ACHSM Graduate Health Management Intern Program from Paul Preobrajensky.

IN BRIEFPathology West is changing reporting units and ranges for its therapeutic drug tests to standardise reporting across the state and help reduce the risk of clinical misinterpretation and errors.

This means reporting units will change from Molar Units (e.g. μmol/L) to Mass Units (e.g. mg/L or μg/L). Ranges and alert thresholds for critical risk will also change.

The changes will take place from Monday 5 September.

For a list of drugs affected and what it means for you, visit http://www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/latest-news-/clinical-alerts/therapeutic-drug-reporting-changes

For further information you can contact Dr Stephen Li or Dr Josh Ryan on 9845 7990.

Jade Fan Project is a partnership between WSLHD HIV and Related Programs (HARP) Unit, Storr Liver Centre, WentWest and Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine.

During Hepatitis Awareness Week, the Project ran a education session on hepatitis B to general practitioners and practice nurses.

Speakers included Dr Nghi Phung, Senior Staff Specialist - Gastroenterology & Hepatology Westmead Hospital and Dr Michael Burke - Kildare Medical Centre.

A health promotion hepatitis awareness stall was established in Auburn, where resources on hepatitis in local languages and culturally specific fans were offered to communities.

For more information about the Jade Fan Project please contact HARP Health Promotion Team on 9843 3143 or Anju Devkota, Health Promotion Officer, on 9843 3134 or Anju.Devkota@health.nsw.gov.au

Jade Fan Project members at a hepatitis awareness stall in Auburn Central Forecourt.

Jade Fan Project joins forces for hepatitis

Lucy, you legend!

Congratulations to Westmead Hospital’s Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Nurse Consultant, Lucy Keatley who took out the prestigious NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards - Consumer Appreciation Award

The Pulse | September 2016 7

News from across WSLHD

Dog-gone training centre for four-legged volunteers

A patient at Westmead Hospital recently received a bravery citation for his couragous actions furing a major fuel leak at Caltex Banksmeadow in 2013.

Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Jon Andrews, who has since sadly passed away from illness, was awarded the medal during a special bedside ceremony at the hospital.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said Inspector Andrews was a credit to both the community and the fire and rescue service.

Highest award for on the job bravery

inspector Andrews is surrounded by family and friends when he was presented the Australia Government’s Grou Bravery Citation.

It’s deja vu for neonatal nurse

Thank you Livia Janovics, Trevor Oldfield, Geoffrey Bartels, Schon Condon, Sue-Anne Redmond, Katherine Cox and Susan Hale (patient).

Our four-legged furry friends and their two-legged owners have recently opened a ‘hospital room simulated’ training and administration centre in Penrith - thanks to donations from Mount Druitt Hospital and local clubs

Nepean Therapy Dogs President Nicole Celeban said the training facility would give the 25 dogs plenty of experience before they set a paw in a hospital.

The room has been set up with a hospital beds, linen, a bedside table, a IV stand, wheelchair and a walking frame - everything tio mimick a hospital room.

“We want our dogs to be familiar and aware of a hospital room and environment - it’s quite different to the backyard or indoors - like most of our pampered pooches.

We also would like to thank the hospitals, nursing homes and schools for giving us the opportunity to bring our four legged healing to your centres,” she said.

Nepean Therapy Dogs has been going for 25 years.

For further information about Nepean Therapy Dogs, visit: http://www.therapydogs.com.au

Nepean Therapy Dogs volunteer Paula Smith with nurse Ladybelle relax in the training centre.

The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, have donated an Accuvein unit to Blacktown Hospital’s Cancer and Haematology Centre.

Valued at $7,000 the Accuvein is a device which illuminates veins, vessels and oxygen in the blood.

This allows clinical staff to easily identify which veins are suitable for cannulation and a higher first-attempt success rate.

Its used for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment and provide more timely treatment and it is portable so it can be used at the patient bedside.

Trying it out first was Susan Hale, a cancer services outpatient, who was thrilled to see this vital piece of equipment now available in the unit.

Westmead Hospital Neonatal intensive Care Unit nurse Bernadette Michael who was cared for as a premature baby in the ward, 30 years ago. She even works with the nurses who looked after her at 27 weeks! Thank you,Knights

The Pulse | September 2016 8

News from across WSLHD

Westmead partnership delivers Australia’s first robotic kidney transplant

A medical team from Westmead Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital has combined its expertise to deliver Australia’s first robotic kidney transplant.

The surgery, which used a robot valued at $4 million, was led by Westmead Hospital urologist and transplant surgeon Professor Howard Lau.

Katie Steele, 33 and from Quakers Hill, has recovered well from the surgery conducted in June and is forever grateful for the transplant.

“I was a bit nervous being the first in Australia but I had all faith in Dr Lau,” she said.

“I knew he’d be the best person to lead the surgery.

“I had bowel surgery last year, so compared to that the recovery was a lot better. I was home in just five days. My wound healed really well too.”

Westmead Hospital urologist and transplant surgeon Professor Howard Lau, said it was great to combine the resources of the public and private hospital.

“The partnership of the two hospitals has allowed this ground-breaking surgery to take place,” said Dr Lau.

WSLHD Aboriginal Workforce co-ordinator Wendy Bryan-Clothier.

“It’s a major technical advancement that will provide less invasive surgery and reduces the incision size, results in less pain and faster recovery.

“Precision and speed has also been dramatically improved.

The machine costs $4,000 per use.

The surgery is currently only available to selected patients through collaboration between Westmead public and private hospitals.

Returns to grass roots in Western Sydney

Meet WSLHD Aboriginal Workforce Co-ordinator, Wendy Bryan-Clothier.

Wendy has returned to Western Sydney Local Health District from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network where she was the Aboriginal Health Management Advisor. She supported front line staff with projects and initialised training programs for staff.

Wendy also worked at the Ministry of Health in the Aboriginal Workforce Unit, developing employment packages for Aboriginal people and culturally safe environments for Aboriginal patients, family, staff and visitors.

Wendy’s goal for this position is to support the LHD to increase the employment of Aboriginal people to a minimum of 2.6 per cent.

This figure is in accordance with state requirements under Good Health – Great Jobs, whilst engaging the LHD in recruitment across the breadth and depth of clinical and non-clinical roles.

In 2015, the LHD released the Aboriginal Workforce Plan 2015-2020 outlining the key activities to be undertaken by Wendy and the Aboriginal health team.

Wendy’s role will aid in operationalising the plan throughout all the LHD’s Directorates.

Wendy’s people are the Wirangu from the Far West Coast of South Australia.

After two generations of removals, her grandfather relocated to western Sydney in the 1940s, where Wendy was born and raised.

Westmead Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital staff team-up for robotic life-saving procedure.

Westmead transplant recipient Katie Steele.

The Pulse | September 2016 9

Save the date2016 Annual Public MeetingWe invite you to save the date for our 2016 Annual Public Meeting:

Tuesday, October 25

11.15am

Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown

All welcome.

For further information, email WSLHD-

Corporatecomms@health.nsw.gov.au or

phone 8890 4564.

Westmead Administrative Achievement Awards Reserve your seat now!

You must RSVP to receive your ticket for afternoon tea.

Tuesday September 20 2016 in the John Loewenthal Auditoruim, Westmead Hospital.

To register email kathleen.guerin@health.

nsw.gov.au

Women in Leadership NSW Empowering individuals & organisations within our public service to drive the advancement of women.

18 and 19 October 2016 at Sydney

Boulevard Hotel

To register email dssales@

criterionconferences.com

or phone 9239 5785.

Research Volunteers neededWe are looking for healthy vounteers:

Postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years for research into hormones and body fat metabolism.

The study involves three visits over a eight

week period to Blacktown Hospital to study

the side effects of two commonly used

medicaltions, Letrolzole and Tamoxifen, on the

buring of fat in the body.

To take part in this research you must

be healthy and have no major health

conditions.

For more information contact Neeta Reddu

on 9851 6152 or navneeta.reddy@health.

nsw.gov.au

Feedback & Events

Research & Education Network Research Grant SchemePre-announcement

The Research and Education Network is proud to announce a new internal competitive research funding scheme open to researchers employed across the LHD. The goal of this scheme is to foster a culture of clinical and translational research (by clinicians in all disciplines and at all levels) and to assist with the career development and future external funding opportunities for clinician-researchers.

A total of $300,000 will be made available for research project grants up to $50,000 and up to 12 months duration. There will be three categories: new investigator, early-mid career investigator and established investigator. New investigators will need to have an appropriate supervisor/mentor for the project.

More information is contained within the application forms which can be downloaded from the

Research & Education Network page on the internet at: http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/

Research---Education/ResNet/ResNet Grant Application Close: Friday 30 September 2016. For information contact Mark Smith at email markt.smith@health.nsw.gov.au or phone: 0408165911

VOLUNTEERS WANTED I Mount Druitt Hospital is seeking active and dedicated volunteers to work in the hospital KIOSK and Patient Transport Department. All applicants need to meet certain criteria with flexible hours. On the job training is provided. To apply to be a volunteer contact Yvonne Dickeson on 8759 3127 or Yvonne.dickeson@health.nsw.gov.au

Have you got what it takes?

I have been in contact with my mother today and she has told me she will now be admitted.

Your swift action and prompt responses are exemplary and have restored some our my faith in the public health care system.

You have also saved my mothers life for which I am eternally grateful for.

You have done an extraordinary thing and I wish you a wonderful day!

NSW health are lucky to have people such as you working for them.

Thanks a bunch Blacktown Hospital

The Pulse | September 2016 10

SAVE THE DATE

WESTERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

2016 ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

Western Sydney Local Health District invites you to join our 2016 Annual Public Meeting.

Date: Tuesday 25th October

Time: Registration at 11.15am for 11:45am - 12:45pm

Venue: Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown

All welcome.