Infocus - Department of Health and Human Services

THO-South
Tasmanian Health Organisation – South
Infocus
the newsletter of THO South
SUMMER - FEBRUARY 2013 (EDITION No. 46)
Brian studying a patients x-ray.
Three of the best!
At the annual medical staff dinner held recently
three outstanding staff were recognised by their
peers, acknowledged by their seniors and received
awards for their outstanding abilities, work ethic,
attitude and support of others.
Although Brian was satisfied with his career, at the back of his mind, the desire
to become a Doctor still lingered and as he approached 40 he thought it
was “now or never” and with the full support of his wife he enrolled at the
University of Tasmania to study medicine.
Story continued on back page.
Dr Brian Treanor was awarded Intern of the Year by his fellow interns,
registrars, consultants, NUM’s and allied health staff in recognition and
appreciation of his performance and contribution to the team in many areas.
Other staff recognised for their excellence were Dr David Bertoni, Registrar
of the Year (Intern of the Year in 2007) and Dr Richard Yu, Consultant of the
Year. Interns voted for Dr Bertoni and Dr Yu to recognise, and show their
appreciation of, the outstanding support and education provided to them
during their Intern year.
Contents
Learning Organisation
1
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Governance, Leadership and Management of
THO-South is Effective, Innovative and Valued
2
Redevelopment RHH
6
4
Brian comes to us from Dublin, Ireland, where he trained as a Registered
Nurse, specialising in disability nursing. After graduating Brian said the
thought crossed his mind of continuing his studies to become a Doctor but
travel beckoned and in 1991 he came to Tasmania on a working holiday
and met his future wife Mary.
Safety and Quality are Priorities
8
Hospital and Health Facility Redevelopment are delivered
on Time, on Budget and meets Community
and Staff needs
10
1n 1995, after working in community services as a case manager for people
with disabilities Brian set up Parkside Foundation, a non-profit organization
committed to providing excellent service, responding to the changing needs
of the community and providing personalised support services to people with
disabilities, older people, and for their family and carer in a range of settings.
Integrate across the Continuum of Care
10
Patient Centred Clinical Practice
11
Tasmanian Health Organisation – South
Page 1
Infocus
Learning Organisation
Working with
Bariatric patients
Nicki West, Manual Handling Coordinator,
recently held a very successful bariatric workshop
designed to help staff manage handling bariatric
patients and the specialised equipment associated
with their care.
On average RHH has 5 bariatric patients admitted at any one time.
Working with patients requires skills to “protect yourself and provide as
much dignity, as you can, to patients,” said Nicki.
Ambulance Tasmania adds to the success of the workshops by lending Nikki
their bariatric mannequin, “Barry”, who weighs 185kg. “Barry” gave staff
the opportunity to gain hands on experience in moving bariatric patients.
Staff who have participated in the workshops have reported that the
sessions were very interesting and they have gained extra skills and
knowledge essential for caring for bariatric patients.
Nicki and staff participating in the bariatric workshop.
Well done to staff who has participated in this Bariatric Workshop, and
congratulations Nicki for providing such a knowledgeable and interesting
training session that’s available to our staff many times a year!
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
The Real Deal
Daniel Geale took time out of his busy
schedule to visit the RHH Paediatric Unit
just a couple of weeks before his fight to
keep the IBF Middleweight title against
Anthony Mundine.
Many excited patients, parents and staff were lucky enough
to get the chance to meet potentially the best athlete born
and bred in Tasmania. The Real Deal made his way through
to every room in the Paediatric Unit; he was greeted with
smiling faces as he handed out gifts to the children. Star and
her mum were ecstatic to receive a visit, as they spoke of
Star’s step father sparing with Daniel a long time ago.
Daniel was happy to talk to every child, wishing them well
and taking their mind off what can be an upsetting time
in hospital. Parents and staff continued to ask questions
about the training aspect of boxing and his future goals.
“I’ve trained very hard and I’m ready for Wednesday,” said
Daniel. The training certainly paid off as Daniel retained his
middleweight title against Anthony Mundine.
Daniels successful career started in his hometown of
Launceston as he continued pursuing his goals to be
professional in 2004 and now he’s the current IBF and WBA
(super) Middleweight Champion. What an accomplishment
- well done Daniel. The RHH will be cheering for you
during your upcoming fights.
Infocus
Daniel cheering up Star!
Page 2
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Fahan’s Fantastic
Fundraiser
The Renal Dialysis Unit at St Johns Park
contacted Infocus about an amazing
donation from Fahan year 12 students.
Students fundraised for the Renal Dialysis
Unit by hosting a cocktail party, sponsoring
a walk around the school and other
initiatives.
Late last year Nurse Unit Manager, Colin Banks, was asked
to attend the school assembly to receive a cheque for $3000
from year 12 student Sophie Van Breda. “It was an amazing
effort from the students and we are extremely grateful for their
kind gesture,” said Colin. This significant donation has allowed
the unit to fund patient trips and individual TV stations for each
dialysis chair at Nephrology South.
Our renal patients spend sometimes lengthy periods of time
in dialysis chairs. This donation gives the unit the opportunity
to provide not only distraction for patients but it will give them
some entertainment during the hours spent on the unit.
Fahan is an independent school located in Sandy Bay and been
recently named the top school in Tasmania. We wish the year
12 students all the best for their bright future, it was a real
honour to accept such an extraordinary donation. Thank you
very much Fahan!
Colin accepting donation from Sophie.
Kangaroos ready to
make a difference
North Melbourne Kangaroo players took
the time to visit the RHH Paediatric Unit
to kick-start their training week in Hobart.
Development Coach John Lamont and first
year players, Eric, Mason and Tim handed
out scarves, hats, stickers and posters as they
spoke to children, hoping to make a difference
in their day.
Patients, family members and staff on the Paediatric Unit were
Jamie Geason receiving his fantastic merchandise from NMFC.
excited to get the chance to meet the players. One patient in
particular, Jamie, was so eager to get his photo taken with them that he patients wishing them well. Patient Ruby “didn’t really follow footy” but
decided he was going to ask his Dad for a ticket to their next game at Eric, Mason and Tim soon changed that as they convinced her to follow
the Kangaroos!
Blundstone Arena for his birthday!
John Lamont was pleased to have the opportunity to come and visit
the RHH. The players spoke of how lucky they are as they chatted to
The hard working dedicated team are preparing for a successful season.
RHH wishes North Melbourne the best of luck in 2013.
Page 3
Infocus
Appropriate, Response and Relevant to Our Community
Bear for Bravery
Sarah Jacobson has recently finished
two years of treatment in the
Paediatric Oncology Clinic and to
celebrate the end of her lengthy
treatment she was given a beautiful
large fluffy pink teddy bear that was
recently donated to the RHH.
Rosemary approached Liverpool Street desk with this
incredible donation that she was dropping off on behalf
of her granddaughter, Jedah. The teddy was in need of
a new home, Rosemary and Jedah were happy for the
teddy to go to any child “to make their stay here better.”
Sarah was just so excited to receive her new favourite
toy “Bear Bear” that we couldn’t resist sharing this happy
ending of treatment. She started in prep at achool this
year but still counts Bear Bear as her “Best Buddy.”
It’s definitely obvious this teddy has gone to a loving
and great home. Thank you to Rosemary and Jedah for
thinking of the RHH.
Sarah, Bear Bear and Helen Starosta, CNC.
Governance, Leadership and Management of
THO-South is Effective, Innovative and Valued
THO-South helps
bushfire affected
communities
The first week of 2013 was a terrible time for
many due to destructive bushfires across the state.
THO-South activated emergency procedures in
preparation for bushfire danger conditions not
seen since1967.
On January 4 extreme to catastrophic Fire Danger conditions caused by
record high temperature of 42 degrees, strong winds and dry conditions
set the stage for devastating bushfires that affected the communities of
Forestier & Tasman Peninsula, Derwent Valley and East Coast.
The THO-South Emergency Operations Centre was activated on
Thursday January 3 to prepare THO-South and its staff for the potential
extreme weather conditions expected the next day. THO-South
supported communities directly by organising food, water, medical &
pharmaceutical supplies, generator fuel, linen as well as engineering and
emergency management expertise to the affected areas. Some employees
travelled to Nubeena by boat to provide assistance to residents for a
number of days.
Food Services, Environmental Services, Supply, Facilities Management,
Social Work Department, Emergency Management Team, Pharmacy, and
THO-South Senior Management all showed outstanding commitment,
Infocus
THO-South staff monitoring the Tas fire web site.
work ethic and support to communities not only by providing items from
blankets to toilet paper but their service and loyalty was incredible. Local
businesses provided us with items to directly support victims including
Woolworths, K-Mart, boat charters, bakeries and other food suppliers.
THO-South staff has worked together tirelessly coordinating the
initial recovery response of physical and emotional support to affected
community members and assisting in their longer term recovery from
these devastating circumstances. RHH staff continued to maintain regular
hospital business in spite of high Emergency Department presentation
rates and affected staff being unable to attend work. Everyone worked
together to ensure that the hospital was well managed and prepared for
any increased demand resulting from the aftermath of the fires.
Unfortunately the Tasmanian bushfire season may still go for many more
weeks and those in the affected communities face a very long recovery
period over coming months and years. Tasmanian and interstate fire
fighters continue to fight these fires in challenging conditions and deserve
our thoughts and recognition. Hopefully rain is on its way but in the
meantime the Tasmanian community have proven to show commitment
to our island state!
Page 4
Governance, Leadership and Management of
THO-South is Effective, Innovative and Valued
Women’s,
Adolescents and
Children’s Services
Recognition
December was a time of celebration and
recognition of effort, with the Women’s,
Adolescents and Children’s Services (WACS) Division
presenting the inaugural awards as part of its Reward
& Recognition Program recognising outstanding work
and positive attitude to the workplace.
Nominations were sought from staff for the awards, which was supported
by a system of peer recommendations. In the initial stages there were
Robyn Padgett, Leeanne Street, Frances Boyle, Mary Warwarek,
Sue Lee, Lisa O'Shea receiving recognition
some reservations expressed, however, the initiative gained momentum
and support. The quality of information and sincerity that flowed with the
nominations was truly inspiring.
The Reward and Recognition program included the following areas:
Paediatrics, Paediatric Outpatients, NPICU, Women’s Clinics and
Maternity. All areas received nominations with admin, support, nursing
and medical staff represented in both nominations and prizes.
Florence
Nightingale
Awards
The Florence Nightingale Grants
committee promotes nursing
education and research by
offering annual grants to successful
applicants. The 2012 lucky award
winners for the RHH were Jenny
Kerrison RN/Midwife, Maternity
Unit and Natasha Wolf RN,
Older Person’s Unit.
Natasha Wolf, Jenny Kerrison, Mrs Frances Underwood, the Governor, President of the
Florence Nightingale Awards Committee, Professor Fiona Stoker, and Coral Muskett and
Catherine Schofield, joint awardees of the Returned Sisters Leadership Grant.
The Honourable Peter Underwood AC, Governor of Tasmania,
announced the award recipients at Government House late last year,
and spoke highly of health care workers and the importance of advancing
healthcare in Tasmania.
The Nell Espie Study Grant to honours Nell Espie who was trained as a
nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital and then continued to fulfil her dream
to be an Army nurse. For the second year in a row Jenny Kerrison was
surprised to receive the Nell Espie Study Grant. Jenny will use her grant
to further her PhD studies in understanding pregnant teenagers antenatal
care needs in southern Tasmania.
The Robyn Whitworth Study Grant honours Robyn Whitworth who was
one of the first palliative care nurses appointed to the Tasmanian North
West Coast. Natasha Wolf was excited to receive the Robyn Whitworth
Study Grant to complete her bachelor of Nursing with Professional
Honours in Specialisation and Acute Care.
To date in excess of $500,000 has been awarded through the Florence
Nightingale Grants Committee. The Florence Nightingale Grants
Committee provides the financial opportunity through study grants to
undertake post graduate studies. Many Tasmanian registered nurses have
been awarded study grants to undertake further training both within and
outside of Tasmania.
Congratulations Jenny and Natasha, your ongoing commitment will
broaden your development and qualifications. The RHH is lucky to have
specialised and ambitious staff, best of luck with your future study.
Page 5
Infocus
Redevelopment RHH
Redevelopment RHH continues as planned with
patients already enjoying access to new facilities even
though the finish date for the redevelopment is
some four years away. The hospital site is increasingly
a place of re-directional signage, temporary relocations and equipment stored in vacated offices –
in effect, signs of building works happening from
H Block to A Block.
The new Assessment and Planning Unit (APU) is in operation, providing a
more streamlined assessment service for acute medical patients while the
new production kitchen is fully operational at Cambridge, demonstrating
its capacity for increased outputs in the recent community recovery
activities following the Tasman Peninsula fires. The Department of Medical
Imaging is putting the finishing touches on its new facilities including new
ultrasound suites and staff amenities while the ICU works, providing
increased bed capacity, will be completed on schedule mid year.
The important Design Development phase has now reached the next
stage of refining the major build plans to ensure the designs for rooms
and offices are specific to user needs. Significant work has taken place
over the last month or so to confirm fixtures, furniture, equipment
and engineering services in each room. An announcement on the
appointment of the Managing Contractor will be made in the near future
after all the contractual arrangements have been finalised and have
received Government approval. The Managing Contractor will establish
and set the final construction schedule.
These major achievements have been delivered by the hard work and
patience of our staff and contractors as well as the support of our patients
and the community. We estimate that during peak construction periods
last year up to 175 construction workers were employed on site and this
will double from the middle of this year when the development of the
multi-storey inpatient precinct buildings commences.
A Removalists Dream (or not)…!
The relocation of the outpatient clinics from the
main hospital campus to the new Wellington Clinics
facility required extensive staff training and a highly
organised relocation team to ensure the area was
operational on time.
Over five days, the team from Two-Way Taxi Trucks moved furnishings
and medical equipment from 14 different areas across the new air-bridge
while the Communications Unit managed the set-up of 200 telephone
lines to the new VoIP system. At the same time, IT Services worked
tirelessly, over a span of 16 hour days, to move and upgrade and install
95 existing computers plus 74 new computers. Over 900 chairs were
set up in waiting rooms and consultancy rooms; chairs with and without
arm rests; office chairs, consultant chairs and swivel stools - there is now
a chair for everyone!
New artwork installed throughout the clinic areas has been sourced
from Tasmanian artists in addition to the relocation of additional pieces
from the old clinic space. The result is a colour coordinated array of
Tasmanian creativity providing a warm and welcoming environment.
Removalists carefully moving a treadmill into its new home.
Logistics of Losing the Loading Dock!
Redevelopment RHH is not just about bricks and
mortar and construction works. There’s plenty of
activity happening in the loading dock area, known
as the enabling works, this is the start of the works
to build the new inpatient precinct.
orderlies, Food Services, the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit and Facilities and
Engineering in addition to the many external organisations that deliver and
collect goods from the loading dock.
Behind the scenes, a lot more work has been happening involving many
people to make sure the loading dock can remain operational as much
as possible, that staff are safe and that the hospital continues to provide
ongoing and uninterrupted services to RHH for patients.
The main areas affected by the works in the loading dock include
Supply, Environmental Services, mortuary services, security and medical
Infocus
The last few months have been a busy time with the development of
a business continuity disruption plan, to manage access by supply and
support services to the hospital during this period of significant disruption.
The relocation of over 40 allocated car parks under B Fan building was
a big exercise in communications and logistics as was the relocation
of staff from E Block to make way for the partial demolition of part of
ground floor E Block. There has also been changes to patient pathways
to services within the hospital – Hyperbaric Medicine Unit patients have
been redirected through the Clinical School while the Home Nutrition
collection point has been relocated to the Green Room at St John’s Park.
Compromises required everywhere but the end result will be worth it.
Page 6
Redevelopment RHH
Redevelopment Snapshots
ICU - view from
patient
outdoor deck
ough to Hobart Private is
D Block - the breezeway thr
pletion soon.
com
for
looking fresh and due
ICU – new 11 bed expanded
ICU
Day Chemotherapy
– light and spaciou
waiting area, com
s new
plete with modern
kitchen.
Day Chemotherapy
– View through th
the Unit.
e stained glass to
Block – the refurbished
Lift Lobby Lower Ground A
luding new volunteer
Campbell Street entrance inc
guide desk.
Page 7
Infocus
Safety and Quality are Priorities
Eating better, moving
better ….Feeling
Better!
We’re all guilty for eating unhealthy food
periodically and sometimes it’s hard to find a
healthier option with junk food constantly in your
reach, but change is happening at the RHH.
Feel Better RHH has been working closely with Isle Snack Vending, over the
last year to monitor healthier vending machines located in the Emergency
Department and Peacock 3. Eat Well RHH and Isle Vending have received
positive survey feedback from the machines which broadens the horizon
for future changes at the RHH.
A recent survey listed the top three vending machine options in Peacock 3
as water, sandwiches and dried fruit and nuts. Bottled water is also the top
selling drink in the Emergency Department.
Meg Boman, Clinical Dietitian, takes a key role on healthier vending
options. Meg works closely with Isle Snack Vending to suggest healthier
items to fit within the amber and green traffic light category. In the near
future Meg and Isle Snacks Vending will be working together to find ready
to heat meals, soup and rice crackers that are a healthier option for people
that are looking for something more substantial than a snack.
Although the machines still hold some less than healthy food it gives
consumers the option to eat something different. “The majority of the
respondents are keen to see the vending machines filled with healthier
products.” said Meg
Eat Well RHH has also been working with Get Moving RHH during
January’s Healthy Weight Week with an information display in the
Liverpool Street entrance. Australia's Healthy Weight Week raises
awareness of the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
and a healthy lifestyle. “We had lots of people coming to chat to us about
healthy eating, joining our health and wellbeing email list and collecting
flyers, brochures and FREE apples” said Stacey Dolliver, Manager of the
Staff Health & Fitness Centre. During Healthy Weight Week staff had the
Pene Snashall, Chair Feel Better RHH, and Meg checking
out the healthier options.
opportunity to participate in a quiz to win the Healthy Food Fast cookbook
and a Feel Better RHH water bottle - the two lucky winners were Juliana
Ahmad, Medical Practitioner in Training and Rachael Tong, Physiotherapist.
Congratulations girls!
While Feel Better RHH focuses on projects like healthier vending and
healthy weight week Stacey continues to work with staff in the fitness
centre offering group exercises classes at the Repat and at Scott’s Church
Hall. The classes have been a great success in the past and Stacey is excited
to continue working with Get Moving RHH in 2013!
Stacey, Vickie Melville, Mardi George, Fiona Rawson, Nicky Keen and Martin Oakley getting ready for their exercise class at the Repat.
Infocus
Page 8
Safety and Quality are Priorities
Working on Safety
Safety at the RHH has always been one of our
highest priorities but we don’t always appreciate
the massive amounts of work that is being
undertaken behind the scenes. Infocus took the
opportunity to spend some time with the Safe
Workplace Solutions (SWS) team that have
been working on A and C block fire hydrant
hydrostatic testing.
Fire hydrant hydrostatic tests the capacity fire hydrants have to operate
under fire fighting purposes. Jim Baker and Sean Mcquire from SWS
explained the workings of this 5 yearly test as they were doing this routine
maintenance. Mark Grant, RHH Emergency Management Coordinator,
works closely with SWS “I’m more or less the liaison for SAFE staff to
access areas in the RHH. Our regular checks are an important aspect of
the safety and emergency management plan for the RHH.”
SWS also test other fire equipment frequently. Fire Extinguishers, fire
hose reels and fire blankets are checked and tested 6 monthly and fire
hydrant flow testing is carried out every 12 months.
As an organisation we have strong training provided to keep everyone safe
in the unlikely event of an emergency. All staff, contractors and volunteers
do an incredible job working together to keep our workplace safe.
Jim and Sean conducting Hydrostatic testing.
Northern Waters
Appeal to Corry
The RHH is in danger of losing its Hyperbaric
Manager, Corry Van Den Broek, to Canada if the
results of his recent highly successful secondment
to the Canadian Forces Department of National
Defence in Toronto are any indication.
Corry has been travelling regularly to the northern hemisphere to provide
advice in development of a TRIMIX dive table. TRIMIX, a mix of three
components (oxygen, nitrogen and helium) is being trialed by deep sea
divers instead of current oxygen/helimum mix. Research demonstrates that
the use of TRIMIX may represent up to 25% saving in decompression
time, representing a huge saving in gas mix and diver fatigue and ultimately
improving safety – a good result for any country.
Corry uses the Doppler ultrasound technique to study the impact of
TRIMIX on divers after returning to the water surface. During this recent
visit, Corry worked upwards of 15 hour days, over five weeks to support
the diving teams complete the necessary repetitive dives and from the
Lieutenant-Commander in charge, Corry was “instrumental” in the
successful outcome of the dive series.
Corry’s skills are also highly sought after across Australia and the Canadian
Forces Department of National Defence has already indicated he needs to
‘keep his thermals close to hand’ for a visit later this year.
Page 9
Corry working with his Canadian counterparts – where are his thermals?
Infocus
Hospital and Health Facility Redevelopment are delivered
on Time, on Budget and meets Community and Staff needs
Picture Perfect!
While redevelopment works have been going
on around the RHH many of us have been
working on smaller aspects of the redevelopment,
including artwork. Members from the Community
Relations Unit organised for Beattie Studies to
locate RHH and Hobart Town photos from many,
many years ago.
Beattie Studio, located in Dodges Ferry, came up with some fantastic
photos making it very difficult to know which ones to choose. Photos
dated back half a century ago showing the old nurse quarters, the Hobart
tram and buildings that haven’t changed.
A number of photo’s were finally selected and were soon beautifully
enlarged, framed and delivered to the RHH.
The Assessment and Planning Unit (APU), on Lower Ground H block,
was the first lucky recipient to hang the photos. They certainly will be a
talking point with patients and staff; keep your eye out as there will be
more coming soon!
Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Mary Alexander, adjusting the photo.
Integrate across Continuum of Care
Would you know
what to say?
DonateLife Week is a week of importance to many
people throughout Australia; it’s an awareness week
to remind us of the importance of organ donation
and the reasons why it’s so important to have this
discussion with your family.
DonateLife Week 2013 was launched towards the end of February at the
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens by the Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne
MP. The event is supported by the Tasmanian donor families, transplant
recipients, living donors, as well as the professionals who support organ and
tissue donation.
The DonateLife Week message “Making your wish count” promoted to
encourage Australian families to talk about your wishes if something was to
happen. This conversation can make loved ones prepared to give the final
OK should they ever be in the position of being asked to provide consent
for donation to proceed.
An organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people
which was recently highlighted in the Liverpool Street foyer at the RHH.
Verity Shrugg and Jane Wells were staffing an information stall for staff and
patients to find out more information about organ donation. “Loads of
people stopped for information,” said Verity “we can’t express enough that
discussion with your family is the most important thing.”
Remember… take this chance as a reminder to share your wishes with your
loved ones.
Infocus
Page 10
Jane and Verity staffing the information display.
Patient Centred Clinical Practice
Improving Links
with GPs
THO-South has recently recruited
two very motivated, professional GPs,
Annette Barratt and Liz Webber, to
the newly created role of GP Liaison
Officer. Liz and Annette are sharing
the role, while still also working
part-time as GPs in their respective
communities, and have been tasked
with improving communications
Annette and Liz meet Dr Alan Sandford, Executive Director Medical Services.
between our General Practice
They have also both immersed themselves in many key projects providing
colleagues and THO-South. Both report the
advice on online content, to management of clinic waiting lists and many
other important issues. It is expected that Annette and Liz will ultimately
first few weeks have been a blur discovering the
strengthen the continuity of care for patients across the primary and
tertiary sector through facilitating and improving communication, access
inner workings of the organisations and in many
and utilisation of RHH services. Both of them will also be involved in
cases learning their way around, both physically
the planning and development of hospital services including relevant
aspects of Redevelopment RHH. If you want to contact them, email
and logistically.
gplo.south@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Prevention and
awareness is the key
Did you know an estimated 27 – 38% of main
cancers can be prevented by lifestyle change?
Louise Nicholson, Nurse Unit Manager Oncology
Outpatients, and Angela Vincent, Clinical Nurse
Educator, definitely do and recently walked the
RHH showing awareness and kindly giving out
cupcakes, made by food services, to staff working
in oncology and patients affected by cancer.
World Cancer Day is held in February and raises awareness globally to
encourage communities to read information about cancer, as many
cancers can now be treated with a wider range of therapies. “We feel it’s
important for this information to be voiced and communicated to gather a
better general understanding within the community,” said Louise. “The day
worked really well, people were approaching us to find out information,
it was a great initiative.”
As Louise and Angela worked their way around various wards and
departments members of the public, staff and patients were interested to
see what they were doing and of course to grab a tasty cup cake.
Louise and Angela were very passionate in promoting this awareness day
and as they both work directly with Oncology patients any questions that
were raised were answered with informative and factual information.
Fantastic work!
Page 11
Angela and Louise about to distribute cupcakes.
Infocus
Vale Much
Loved Desi
We recently said a sad farewell
to Despina Venetsanakos
- much known, loved and
admired by staff from across
the RHH. Despina worked in
the Pathology Department,
commencing in the early
nineties and for all her life
received treatment at the RHH
for a severe blood condition
requiring blood transfusions
every few weeks plus other
taxing daily treatment at home.
Despite these medical demands Despina
achieved many things - after completing a
science honors degree she started work in
the RHH Haematology laboratory and then
in Molecular Medicine as a medical scientist
and was the recipient of a RHH Research
Foundation grant as well as a Cancer Council
Tasmania scholarship. Despina’s personal
medical experiences made her always
remember the patient at the other end of the
sample and her work practice reflected this,
many times working very late to complete
urgent work. She always found time to
mentor students and new staff coming into the
department.
Another side was her love of animals particularly
horses - she took every opportunity to ride her
four horses either with her riding club or at
home. She was the Clifton Riding Club Rider
of the Year from 2010 – 2012. After being
evacuated from the Tasman Peninsula during
the recent bushfires, her thoughts were not on
Let Desi’s life be a reminder to us all:
laugh, love and live every moment to
the fullest.
her own problems but on the effect the fire had
on animals in the area.
She was very appreciative of the small group
of blood donors who donated blood of her
unusual blood type and on several occasions
acted as a wonderful ambassador in promoting
the work of the Red Cross Blood Service. She
also made sure that the hospital transfusion
staff knew how much she appreciated their
contribution in ensuring her blood was ready
and crossmatched for her regular transfusions.
She was the only patient in Tasmania with
her blood condition but contributed actively
to Thalassaemia Australia and made many
friends with interstate members who also had
Thalassaemia major.
Ian sent through some thanks to ED staff
who supported his son who was injured in a
kayaking incident at Brady’s Lake stating that
the care provided was “brilliant”. Thank you
Ian and we wish Jack a speedy recovery.
Robyn from Sandy Bay said the “wonderful men
and women” on the Cardiology Unit gave her
complete confidence that everything possible
was being done to address her condition.
She and her husband Tom made several trips to
Greece and other parts of Europe. Being away
for some weeks, she had to fit in several blood
transfusions after which she said her experience
made her very appreciative of the facilities and
much more patient-centric approach at RHH.
Newsletter
Contributions
She is missed by all her friends and colleagues,
Despina’s death is a loss to the RHH as well as
her family.
Please email your
newsletter contributions to:
rhh@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Tel ext. 8846
Autumn deadline 30 April 2013.
Three of the best!
Six years later Brian was nominated 2012 Royal
Hobart Hospital Intern of the Year. Brian said the
award was totally unexpected and in fact he was
“gobsmacked but honoured” at the same time. “I
really enjoyed my Intern year and it validated my
desire to be a Doctor,” Brian said. “I found my
nursing background helped me relate to other
health professionals and also to understand the
expectations of other team members.”
Every month the THOSouth (Tasmanian Health
Organisation - South) receives
many messages of support
and thanks from patients and
their families. While most
of our community is aware
of the group of talented,
professional, caring staff we
have, we thought we would
reprint some of the messages
to remind ourselves of the
positive feedback received
every day.
Brian sees his future in rural General Practice and
is currently on placement at the Sorell Family
Practice for three months. Ideally, Brian said he
would like to locum in rural areas throughout
Australia for a few years before setting down.
Many thanks to the staff who contributed
to this issue. Infocus is produced by
the Community Relations Unit
Royal Hobart Hospital.
ISSN 1833-2234
Our congratulations are extended to Brian,
David, Richard and last year’s interns as they
begin their resident rotations at the RHH and
other hospitals throughout Australia.
2682
Infocus
Page 12