Local legend

the
Pulse
July 2015
Local legend
Dedicated volunteer
retires after 17 years
at Blacktown Hospital
Page 3
Aussie
Pride
View our
Pride of
Australia
Medal
nominees
Page 4
Turning the
tables on
diabetes
Fourlegged
healing
Prevention
work
ramps up
in western
Sydney
Therapy
dogs spread
the love
Page 7
Page 7
www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au
From the
Chief Executive
In our business of health care we
are accustomed to doing our day–
to-day work in teams.
Traditionally, these teams have
been comprised of colleagues
within our own department, or
a virtual team of professionals
from elsewhere who we seek
opinions or advice.
Across our district we are
changing who we see as our
partners and what we want, and
need, to achieve.
At Auburn there is a strong
partnership with University
of Notre Dame Australia, at
Blacktown with the University of
Western Sydney and Westmead
there are growing partnerships
with our colleagues who share
the precinct.
In the past, we may have gone
about our business almost
independently, but now there
is a shift to align our strategies
to better serve the people of
western Sydney.
Stronger partnerships with our
patients, their families, Children’s
Hospital at Westmead, NSW
Health Pathology, and Sydney
University are examples of how
the Westmead Precinct will be
different in the near future.
From the Board Chair
National Diabetes Week (July
12-18) reminded us approximately
280 Australians develop diabetes
every day and 14 - 15 a day in
western Sydney.
Diabetes goes back a long way.
It was described in an Egyptian
manuscript in 1500 BC. Indian
physicians recognised it around
the same time. The Indians called
it ‘honey urine’ because ants were
attracted to the sugar in it.
The two main varieties of
diabetes – due to insulin
deficiency and due to insulin
resistance that follows from
obesity – were recognised
during the first century AD by
the amazing Persian physician
Avicenna.
Insulin became available to treat
diabetes in the 1920s, first in
Canada. Genentech grew the
first synthetic insulin through
biotechnology in 1978.
We are lucky: we live in a time in
history and a place in the world
where patients with diabetes can
be treated with insulin and drugs.
We know weight loss in obese
people can dramatically cut the
chances of developing diabetes.
That is something we can do,
albeit with difficulty.
Emeritus Professor
Stephen Leeder
Board Chair
This is important for communities
such as ours in western Sydney
where diabetes associated with
obesity is rife. So we are putting
in place preventive programs that
address the root cause of diabetes,
that help children to develop healthy
eating habits.
We are working with councils to
make our suburbs more walkable.
We are developing programs with
our general practitioners and others
so those with diabetes can get the
best possible care.
In saying that obesity is the principal
cause of diabetes, we don’t make
much progress because obesity is so
difficult to treat.
Too much food and too little physical
activity contribute to much of this
problem. We need community
action to enable people to have
access to affordable healthy food
and better public transport that
encourages more physical activity.
There is commitment at every level
in the LHD to prevent and manage
diabetes better.
Thank you to all who help in this
mission.
Danny O’Connor
Chief Executive
The Pulse July 2015
2
Smooth operators help raise funds
WSLHD Aboriginal Health Education
officer Vickie Mason with WSLHD
Occupational Therapist Kathy Walker
GWS Giants’ Adam Treloar Parramatta Eels’ Beau Champion and Westmead Hospital’s
Zoe Johnson prepare for the challenge
Parramatta Eels talent Beau
Champion, rising star Adam Treloar
from the GWS Giants and Crown
Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC)
Clinical Nurse Consultant Zoe Johnson
sculled, chugged and sipped an
oversized smoothies as part of a
drinking competition to kick-off the
centre’s Dry July campaign.
Well done to Zoe - a champion for
stepping in and giving the footballers
some real competition!
Adam Treloar took out first prize,
gulping the chilled beverage in less a
minute and a half.
Blacktown Hospital’s Oncology Unit
https://au.dryjuly.com/team/blacktowncancerconquerors
Tent boosts
community health
To support our cancer centres in Dry
July visit:
Our staff engaged with more than
200 people at the Riverstone
Neighbourhood Centre’s NAIDOC
celebrations this month.
Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess
Mary Cancer Centre https://au.dryjuly.
com/team/westmeadhospitalcrownprincessmarycancercentrestaff
Community members had access
to a health tent full of important
services including cholesterol
screening, blood pressure tests and
flu vaccinations.
Taking smoking off the menu
The tent was coordinated by our
Aboriginal Health Unit.
Toongabbie
resident
Kate Black
and 7
month-old
daughter
Abbie
support the
new bans
Health Minister Jillian Skinner joined
local mothers at Parramatta Park Cafe
to announce the statewide smoke-free
ban in outdoor dining areas.
to issue on-the-spot fines of $300
for individuals and penalties of up to
$5,500 for business owners who ignore
the ban.
Under amendments to the Smoke-free
Environment Act 2000, smoking devices - including cigarettes, pipes and
water pipes - are now banned in seated
outdoor dining areas.
For further details call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412 or visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/smokefree
NSW Health inspectors have the power
Other representatives at the event
included Wentwest Primary Health
Network and the NSW Cancer
Council.
WSLHD Aboriginal Health
Education officer, Vickie Mason
was delighted with the community
interest and response.
“We will follow up with anyone
who may require further checks or
referrals after viewing their results.”
The theme for NAIDOC 2015 was
We all Stand on Sacred Ground:
Learn, Respect and Celebrate.
To quit smoking, visit
www.iCanQuit.com.au or ring the
Quitline on 13 78 48.
The Pulse July 2015
3
Our Aussie pride
Pride of Australia Nominees
The NewsCorp Pride of Australia Medal celebrates and acknowledges the remarkable contribution and
achievements of members of the community.
Volunteer unsung hero
Contributing approximately 19,000
unpaid hours over 17 years, volunteer
Anthony Guiselli has kept the medical
supplies for the Medical Ward (B45) at
Blacktown Hospital well stocked.
Anthony, who has been nominated
for the Care and Compassion Medal,
started volunteering at the hospital
after his wife of almost 50 years, Anne,
died from renal failure.
“I wanted to give something back to
the hospital. I got to know the staff
and everyone was like family,” he said.
Anthony celebrated his 89th birthday
on July 23. His story recently featured
on the Weekend Today Show.
Anthony with Weekend Today presenter Deb Knight
Dedicated team
Improving lives
Caring for mums
The Westmead Respiratory Ambulatory
Care (RAC) staff provide support and
rehabilitation programs for sufferers of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). They have been nominated for
the Care and Compassion Medal.
Westmead Hospital’s director of
neurophysiology Steve Vucic helped
devise a quicker and more effective
test for ALS patients that ­allows a
diagnosis from as early as two months.
Blacktown Hospital’s psychiatry clinical
nursing consultant Jean Hawkins has
helped more than 200 mums identified
or at risk of mental health issues during
their antenatal period.
The breakthrough has ­enabled
treatment to begin earlier, potentially
increasing survival time and the
remaining quality of life before
­patients become paralysed.
Jean’s efforts have earned her
a nomination for the Care and
Compassion Medal.
Clinical nurse consultant Mary Roberts
forms a passionate team of nurses and
physiotherapists.
“We assess patients with COPD –
which is caused mainly from smoking
- to design and individually personal
exercise programs and provide the skills
and tools to live a normal life,” she said.
Prof Vucic’s tireless ­dedication
to improving the lives of ALS
sufferers has earned him a deserving
nomination in the Care and
Compassion category.
“I love working with mums and
midwives and receive great satisfaction
from seeing the end result of happy
mums and bubs,” she said.
The Pulse July 2015
4
Quality Awards showcase
Mark your diaries for this year’s Quality Awards showcase at Westmead
and Blacktown hospitals!
Imagination, innovation and excellence will be on display on Tuesday
August 18 at both facilities and the public will get the chance to vote for
the Community Choice Award.
For the second consecutive year we received a record number of
submissions with 56 entrants in eight categories.
The Community Choice Award is one of three peak accolades that include
the Chair of the Board Award for Innovation & Excellence; and the Chief
Executive’s Award.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday October 13 at this year’s WSLHD
Annual Public Meeting in the Auditorium, Level 3, University of Western
Sydney Clinical School, Blacktown Hospital.
The WSLHD Quality Awards recognise the success and achievements of
staff and services through innovative programs benefitting patients, their
carers and families, staff and the community.
Showcase times and locations are Westmead Hospital, Crush Area of
Westmead Education and Conference Centre (WECC) between 10am 12pm and Blacktown Hospital, main foyer between 2pm - 4pm.
WentWest rebranded
Western Sydney Medicare Local is
now known as WentWest, Western
Sydney Primary Health Network
(PHN), replacing Medicare Locals.
WentWest, Western Sydney
PHN will work closely with our
local health district, as well as
general practitioners, allied health
professionals and the broader
community.
They will remain a partner of
WSLHD, working in collaboration
on shared initiatives for integrated
care mental health, Aboriginal,
population, child and family health,
eHealth and aged care.
For more information about
WSLHD’s partnership with
WentWest, contact Naomi Van Steel,
Strategic Partnership Manager,
Executive Medical Services
Naomia.VanSteel@health.nsw.gov.au
or 0417 252 448
The Pulse July 2015
5
Building the future
Update for our dynamic ‘W’
The Westmead Redevelopment team with the WSLHD
Consumer Council
Like the Westmead precinct, the Westmead
Redevelopment Project logo is evolving.
To signify the stronger commitment to integration,
innovation and collaboration across the precinct and to
welcome new partners, the Westmead Redevelopment
Project logo has been updated.
The dynamic linked triangles remain, representing the
transformation, growth, expansion, revitalisation, energy
and advancement of services and buildings at Westmead.
The tagline ‘Building health, transforming lives’ has been
retained to signify building the capacity within our health
services as well as the construction of the new building.
Oliver, Edward and Harper with Coolamon Cottage child
care centre manager Melissa
It also highlights the transformation across the precinct for
patients, staff, students and the community.
Big month for little kids
Consumer voices for Westmead
Our Blacktown Hospital Cancer and Haematology
Centre has received a little help from an unexpected
place.
WSLHD Consumer Council representative Dr June Heinrich,
who worked on the original Westmead Hospital in the ‘70s,
praised the team’s approach to consultation at the recent
consumer meeting.
Kids from Coolamon Cottage child care have given
up their favourite toys – blocks, train sets and
Wiggle CDS, to raise funds for the hospital’s Dry July
campaign.
Executive medical director Dr Kim Hill and project leader
Deanne Turner presented an overview of the Westmead
concept, focusing on the vision for the precinct and the
hospital.
Their efforts raised more than $1,000 and earned
them celebrity status on social media when their story
was picked up by The Wiggles and retweeted to their
80,000 followers.
If you missed the video you can see it on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qakas2V-i2s
Representatives were impressed with the work done to date
and plans to involve consumers.
“I found today’s presentation exciting. I think it’s really
important that the consumer’s voice is heard early on in the
project,” said consumer representative Dr June Heinrich AM
OAM.
See the interview with Dr Kim Hill and Dr June Heinrich at
www.westmeadproject.health.nsw.gov.au
The Pulse July 2015
6
Four-legged healing
The adorable Nepean Therapy Dogs put big smiles on
patients’ faces at a special visit to Blacktown and Mount
Druitt hospitals recently.
The adorable cheer squad consisted of Cavalier King
Charles spaniels, golden retrievers, a shih tzu poodle and a
papillon.
The group regularly visits various hospital wards including
rehabilitation, palliative care, dementia day care, cardiac,
children’s wards, emergency and dialysis units, to spread
joy among patients, visitors and staff.
Nepean Therapy Dogs handler Nicole Celeban has visited
Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals for the past 13 years
however with the recent establishment of her business she
relies heavily on the team of volunteers to visit patients.
“We are looking for additional volunteers and therapy
dogs to keep providing this essential service,” she said.
If you are interested in joining the Nepean Therapy Dogs
Inc and you have a clean, well mannered, obedient, calm,
tolerant, friendly dog call Nicole Celeban on 4727 7292 or
visit www.therapydogs.com.au
Toddler Isaiah Celeste cuddles up to golden retriever, Gus
Turning the tables on diabetes
During Diabetes Week (July 12-18),
our health experts encouraged the
community to take action against
diabetes.
Western Sydney is a hot-spot with
150,000 residents diagnosed and
many at risk.
Diabetes expert Professor Glen
Maberly said that lifestyle change
and regular testing is important.
“Speak to your doctor and ask for a
quick and easy test. A large number
of people don’t know they have the
disease,” he said.
“Diet and exercise is key to slowing
or even preventing diabetes.
“The NSW Get Healthy Information
and Coaching Service is a great
way to receive one-off dietary
and lifestyle advice or a six month
program.”
For more information about the
NSW Get Health Information and
Coaching Service visit
www.gethealthynsw.com.au or call
1300 806 258.
WSLHD employee Avelyn Chand recently took advantage of the NSW Get Healthy Information
and Coaching Service and made some important lifestyle changes.
The Pulse July 2015
7
Cumberland Hospital
home to major TV
production
Cast and crew from the Seven
Network’s production A Place To
Call Home called Cumberland their
home for a few days while filming
the third season of the series.
It airs in September on Foxtel’s
SoHo channel.
Sweet Tweets
Congratulations project
management graduates
With Sia Anthopoulos
It’s been a great couple of weeks
on social media for WSLHD. Read
on to see what our lovely followers
tweeting about us:
Deserving teams from WSLHD have
been awarded their Diploma in Project
Management at the Agency for Clinical
Innovation (ACI) graduation ceremony.
Kder@swkayde Another great
day at work. #ilovemyjob Tony 2148@Kernos1 Very yummy
sausage sizzle at Blacktown
Hospital today raising funds for
Dry July & the new Oncology
Unit. #yumm
Ashley Ubrihien@AshleyUbrihien
Great to be in Riverstone for
#NAIDOCWeek talking about @
WestSydHealth services with
local residents.
Julie@julsphn Thank you to all
the people at Westmead Hospital
who set up the legal studies
lecture for the #HSC15 student
this year.
GM Westmead & Auburn@
gmwestmead $72.1 million for
Westmead Project in 15/16
and $30m towards Stage 2 @
BMDHProject. Great news for @
WestSydHealth #budget2015
#nswpol #nswbudget
WSLHD teams representing Re-ACT
(Redesigning Allergy Care Together)
and Breast in the West (Breast Screen
Sydney West) were awarded for
developing their project management
skills and application.
Re-ACT is establishing an integrated
health care system across primary,
secondary and tertiary services for
children with diagnosed or potential
food allergies in western Sydney.
The Breast in the West program hopes
to increase the number of general
practitioner referrals to Breast Screen
Sydney West.
Re-ACT team (rear): Sydney Children’s
Hospital Network staff Nicole Pearce,
WentWest representative Jasmine
Glennan, Rebecca Sertori and Tim
Hoffmann
(front): Sydney Children’s Hospital
Network staff Professor Dianne
Campbell, Christie Graham, Carolina
Valerio, Jessica Evans
WSLHD executive medical director Dr
Kim Hill congratulated the graduates.
“We are all proud of how our teams
are working in partnership with
key stakeholders to develop robust
solutions with positive results,” she
said.
Graduates utilised specific
methodology, improving service
delivery and the patient journey to
obtain their diploma.
WesternSydneyHealth
Breast in the West: Breast Screen Sydney
West’s Margie Drake, Melissa Mackay and
ACI’s Professor Brian McCaughan
@WestSydHealth
The Pulse July 2015
8
Two babies, a wedding and a grand fall
With a program that has been
Dr Nigel Lyons, WSLHD Director of
challenged by two babies, a wedding
Education, Dr Roslyn Crampton and
and a fall from a French Alp, this did
WSLHD Executive Medical Director
not stop the 13 Clinical Leadership
Program (CLP) candidates graduate.
Clinical Excellence Commission A/CEO
Reaching staff for
patient concerns
and (CLP) Executive Sponsor Dr Kim
Hill enjoyed the quality and variety of
their presentations.
Some will be receiving further
acknowledgment during the year.
“We congratulate everyone for their
hard work,” she said.
“We look forward to the next cohort
with perhaps less drama,” she said.
Concert urges HIV Testing
Westmead Hospital’s Kay de Ridder, Tricia
Cummins, Yervette Jones and Matthew Han
REACH is a Clinical Excellence
Commission (CEC) program that invites
patients, families and their carers to
be part of the care team by letting
them know how to alert staff regarding
concerns about a patient’s condition.
The program recognises that those
closest to the patient often notice
deterioration earlier.
Dr Karen Luxford from the CEC will
provide an insight to the REACH
Program in the Patient Centred Care
Symposium during Westmead Hospital
Week on August 19.
For further information contact
Kay De Ridder, Patient and Carer
Experience Manager:
9845 9919 (Westmead)
9881 8313 (Blacktown) or email
kay.deridder@health.nsw.gov.au
Ten per cent of HIV positive people
in NSW may be unaware they are
infected, a statistic WSLHD wants to
change.
members to keep check-ups in mind.
During HIV Testing Week, Australian
idol finalists Paulini and Kate DeAraugo
performed at Parramatta Town Hall
as part of the statewide #EASYTOUR
concert.
“Music helps to make conversations
about sexual health and HIV part of the
norm,” he said.
Ashley Ubrihien, HIV and Related
Programs manager said the concert
was a great way for community
“The concert aimed to entertain and
encourage at-risk people to take a
quick test.
For more information on HIV testing,
treatment and prevention go to
www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv or
call 1800 451 624, or visit the Western
Sydney Sexual Health Centre website.
The Pulse July 2015
9
WSLHD celebrates Reconciliation Week
Staff and visitors found out more about our shared culture as we
celebrated National Reconciliation Week.
Blacktown and Westmead Hospital foyers echoed with the sound of the
Yidaki – Aboriginal Australia’s traditional instrument made of hollow
stringybark.
After a warm and informative Acknowledgement of Country from Uncle
Ray Douglas and Aunty Doreen Peters, there was a traditional dance
performed by local cultural ambassadors, the Pittman family, which
included Westmead Hospital’s Aboriginal Liaison officer Narelle Holden.
Traditional artefacts on loan from Mount Druitt Hospital were also
showcased, thanks to Aboriginal Liaison officer Trevor Bates.
As the home of Australia’s largest urban population of Aboriginal people,
Western Sydney Local Health District is building on this status by being
the first in NSW to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.
Staff who would like to contribute to this plan should contact
Luke.Felicetti@health.nsw.gov.au or Kate.Lamb@health.nsw.gov.au
The Pittman family perform with Narelle Holden
Funds pumped into
the community
Cherished memories
for loving parents
Smart Pix
With Carlos Furtado*
Capture all the action
When it comes to smartphone
photography we don’t always get
the most out of our device.
The photo burst feature is
something we don’t take full
advantage of it and is underrated.
The Millennium Seniors Group
present a cheque to Trish Dalgleish
Local groups donated more than
$14,000 to Mount Druitt Hospital’s
Supportive and Palliative Care Unit
recently.
The New Millenniums Seniors
Group, the Nepean Blue Mountains
Prostate Support Group and Mount
Druitt Cardiac Volunteers chipped
in to purchase Nikki pumps.
Mount Druitt Supportive and
Palliative Care Nursing Unit
manager Trish Dalgleish said the
Nikki pumps are invaluable.
“These pumps help keep our
patients out of our hospitals,” she
said.
“They provide 24 hours of
medicated pain relief for patients
in their homes.
“Thank you to all the groups for
their generous contributions and
supporting our local community.”
Blacktown Hospital’s Birthing Unit Nursing Unit manager Julieanne Barrett and
educator Rachel Morgan
To use this feature hold your finger
firm on the shutter button for
longer than three seconds.
Precious memories, images and details
are now being recorded and placed in
a memento book, symbolising the loss
of an infant through pregnancy, birth
or if a baby has been taken into care.
Smartphones capture a burst of
8-10 photos per second.
This function is best used outdoors
under external conditions and
natural lighting.
These books are created and
supplied by a generous caring staff
member from Blacktown Hospital
who has retired.
You will be unable to use the flash
when using this feature.
The recommended time to use
the photo burst feature is when
you don’t want to miss out on any
action.
Scrap booking business Stampin
up demonstrator, Christie Kunkel
has offered to continue supplying
the memento booklets for grieving
families.
Happy snapping!
In appreciation for their contributions,
support, time and creative skills, we
would like to thank Christie Kunkel,
Belinda Brown, Belinda Hennessey,
Jayne Mercer, Joanne Stanford, Sam
Wilson and Sue Embrey.
*Carlos Furtado is our Senior Corporate
Communications Specialist – Audio Visual
The Pulse July 2015
10
Research & Education
Tackling diabetes with all hands on deck
Our attempt to bring services to
the patient more smoothly is being
evaluated by Professor Jenny Reith
and colleagues at the University
of Western Sydney (UWS), and
Professor Glen Maberly is looking
at ways to better integrate care for
diabetes between general practice
and the hospital.
National Diabetes Week (July 12-17)
was an opportunity to showcase our
recent work to slow and prevent the
disease in our region.
At Blacktown Hospital, endocrinologist
Professor Mark McLean and colleagues
are concentrating on diabetes in
pregnancy to identify women who
have a high risk of permanent
diabetes, and to improve outcomes for
them and their babies.
Westmead’s endocrinologist Professor
Wah Cheung and colleagues are
also working on plans in the areas
of diabetes in pregnancy, general
practice and hypoglycaemia in critical
illness.
Emeritus Professor Stephen Leeder
Director, WSLHD Research &
Education Network
A program of integrated care,
bringing hospital and community
services together, is also underway
and diabetes is one of three key
diseases receiving attention.
Other work at UWS is mapping
where diabetes occurs most
commonly in the district. All of
these projects tie in with what the
Ministry of Health is doing through
special programs for diabetes.
Together we can make a difference!
Internet: http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Research---Education
Intranet: http://wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Education-Network/REN-home
Leaders of the future
Each year the Stan
Williams Young Leaders’
Award is presented
to first and second
year trainees at the
Australian College of
Health Service Managers
(ACHSM) Graduate Health
Management Program
graduation ceremony.
Clinical Journal Club prepares
Westmead staff for the next
generation of nursing
Westmead Hospital’s Nurse and Midwifery Research
Committee recently held workshops for clinical nursing
leaders to enhance their skills in critiquing journal
articles and establishing Journal Clubs within clinical
areas.
WSLHD Trainee Monique Youness
and Australian College of Health
Service Managers Vice-President
Paul Presobrajensky
Congratulations to
Monique Youness for
being awarded the 1st
Year training award and
Matthew Tadorian for the 2nd Year Trainee Award.
The program prepares health managers to successfully
undertake a diverse range of management roles at middle
and senior levels within a complex health care system with
an emphasis on operational management.
WSLHD Graduate Health Management Program executive
sponsor and Executive Medical Director Dr Kim Hill
congratulated WSLHD trainees.
“We warmly recognise Monique and Matthew for their
achievements, and in representing our District so well,” she
said.
Westmead Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery
Joanne Edwards commended all presenters for their
enthusiasm.
“I was very impressed that each review was relevant to
one of the National Safety and Quality Health Service
Standards and each presenter could replicate each
review in a local setting,” she said.
Congratulations to the committee for their vision and
commitment for mentoring clinicians, allowing them to
gain new skills and for continuing to invest in nursing
and midwifery research.
If you are interested in attending future workshops
contact Cheryl Dickson, Chair of Westmead Nursing
and Midwifery Research Committee by email at
Cheryl.Dickson@health.nsw.gov.au. The committee
plans to repeat the program later this year.
For further information about the Graduate Health
Management Program, contact Carole DuBern at
Carole.DuBern@health.nsw.gov.au
The Pulse July 2015
11
Westmead physiotherapist, Jane Bradshaw, consumer representative, Karen Walker and WSLHD Consumer and Engagement
manager Dr Coralie Wales
Living with pain is a pain
National Pain Week (July 20-26) encouraged chronic pain
sufferers to talk about their invisible burden.
WSLHD patients and staff rode to Blacktown Hospital in a
double-decker bus to raise awareness of the debilitating
condition that affects an estimated 4 million Australians
each day.
WSLHD Community and Consumer Engagement manager
and President of Chronic Pain Australia Dr Coralie Wales said
some people who experience chronic pain will experience loss
of identity, grief, loss, isolation and depression.
“There are services and clinics available that offer strategies to
help community members cope with their pain,” she said.
For further information on pain services or fact sheets visit
www.nationalpainweek.org.au
The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre
Nursing Fellowship 2015 grant available
Spread the news
The Pulse is a great way to share
your project, initiative or event.
A unique opportunity exists for a supportive and palliative care nurse working
within the Sydney West Cancer Network to apply for The Crown Princess Mary
Cancer Centre (CPMCC) Nursing Fellowship for 2015.
Our publication is distributed to
more than 10,000 staff in Western
Sydney Local Health District and
our many stakeholders.
This will provide an opportunity to travel to Aashus University Hospital in Denmark
to observe and share an Australian nursing perspective.
To submit your story for
consideration, email
wslhd-corporatecomms@health.
nsw.gov.au or 8890 4564.
A $7,000 grant is available to assist with travel and accommodation costs during
the exchange.
For further information contact Scott Daczko on
Scott.Daczko@health.nsw.gov.au or visit
www.sydneywest.org.au/events/other/cpmcc-nursing-fellowship-2015
Publication is at the discretion of
the editor and chief executive. Items
may be edited for length, style and
quality.
July Edition
Editorial co-ordinator:
Jenny Harrison
The Pulse July 2015
12
Thanks a bunch
Save the date
Exemplary care for a teaching hospital
2015 Hospital Week
August 19 - 21
I’m writing to express my thanks for the splendid care I have received on four
separate occasions as an inpatient and an outpatient at Westmead Hospital
On each occasion, the care level extended to myself and all patients in my
observation has always been exemplary and of the highest level possible.
Westmead Hospital
To register for this year’s Hospital
Week contact Georgette Hanna on
9845 7983 or email
georgette.hanna@sydney.edu.au
All services available to the public – ultrasound, X-ray, scans, pathology,
radiation and chemotherapy treatments are in a most efficiently administered
complex in a teaching hospital. Please accept my most sincere thanks and
appreciation for the wonderful efforts to me by all staff at Westmead Hospital.
Don Ritchie, Northmead
City2Surf
August 9
Have you got what it takes to
join WSLHD’s ‘Hot Clots’ to help
raise awareness of the need for
risk assessment and prevention of
Venous Thromboembolism
Happy traveller
I wish to compliment the wonderful doctors, nurses and operating staff at Auburn
Hospital. My 2-year-old daughter was operated on for grommets and adenoids.
We travelled tup from Canberra to the hospital. From the time we walked in the
door we were wonderfully treated.
Further information or to join, email
Fiona.Gavegan@health.nsw.gov.au
My daughter had some complications and was upset after surgery and the nurses
even sang Frozen to her to keep her calm. I would highly recommend Auburn
hospital and would happily travel from Canberra again to be seen by the doctors
for further procedures.
Nicole O’Halloran, Canberra
September 7 - 11
Blacktown Hospital 50th
Birthday celebrations
Stay tuned!
Back to the ’60s
Blacktown Bash: Dinner
Dance
Friday September 11
Salute hard working staff
Stay tuned!
I recently had the misfortune of being admitted to Blacktown Hospital and
would like to praise all the staff, from the emergency department to the wards,
including the cleaners. They all acted in a professional manner, putting up with
things most people would not while all the time maintaining a smile.
WSLHD Annual Public
Meeting and Quality
Awards
Tuesday October 13
I salute the dedicated, hard-working staff in the public hospital system and
thank them for making my four-day stay as comfortable as possible.
2.30pm
Auditorium, Level 3
Joel Cowen, Kings Langley
University of Western Sydney
Clinical School
Top-class whole-of-care approach
Blacktown Hospital
I was in Westmead Hospital’s Endoscopy Unit to have two procedures
performed. What a great medical experience. Mary and her support staff had
true character and at all times were professional right down to the wards man
who wheeled me to and from the operations.
WSLHD Quality Awards
Showcase
Tuesday August 18
Westmead Hospital
WECC Crush Area
I phoned the hospital to speak with Jenni Cook and the lady on the switch was
the same. Who is training these people? Possibly the hospital’s general manager
- what a world class service! What a great experience Westmead Hospital, I will
share this with 2GB stars Ray Hadley and/or Alan Jones.
10am - 12pm
Blacktown Hospital
Main foyer
Ian Martin-Brown, Sydney
2pm-4pm
The Pulse July 2015
13