May 2026 Murdoch Monthly

A message from the CEO, Ben Irish

Welcome to the May Murdoch Monthly.

I hope you’ve enjoyed Caregiver Recognition Month and taken the opportunity to celebrate the incredible difference you make each and every day. You'll see some photos from our celebrations in this issue.

In our industry of caring for others, it is vitally important that

we self-replenish, so beyond this month, and always, please take moments to recharge and reset.

On that note, please remember to get your free flu vaccination from our Infection Control team. I’ve had mine and encourage you to do the same - to help protect our patients, your families, your colleagues and yourselves this winter. Fill out your consent form here, first: https://pages.sjog.org. au/Vaccinations/

National Reconciliation Week is coming up, and we’re proud to be marking the occasion with a Courtyard Cultural Experience. Please join us for lunch on Wednesday 27 May and read more on page 20 about the many ways you can get involved and support reconciliation in our community.

And finally - are you taking part in the Murdoch Motion? Be sure

to check out the music video and find out how you can get involved on page 12.

Have a wonderful month ahead, and stay tuned for more information about this year’s Murdoch Ball in the next edition. For now, save the date - 15 August.

Thank you for continuing to look after our patients and each other.

Ben

Reflection

I was recently visiting family and friends in Melbourne and there was much discussion about politics, world events and people. Themes of diversity and difference were prominent, and the hope for more sameness was regularly voiced. As I reflected on these discussions, I was reminded of this quote from Rumi - “In fact, my soul and yours are the same… We hide in each other.”

This quote reminds me, that there is often more that unites us than divides us, and that at our core as human beings we are essentially very similar.

In a hospital, it can be easy to

see ourselves as separate - roles defined by uniforms, titles, departments, and responsibilities. Yet this reflection from Rumi gently reminds us of a deeper truth: beneath the surface, we are profoundly connected.

Every day, in quiet and often unseen ways, this connection reveals itself. It’s there in the nurse who senses a patient’s fear before a word is spoken, in the PCA who offers a reassuring smile at just the right moment, in the leaders whose careful planning ensures others can provide care without interruption. In these moments, we “appear in each other”—our humanity meeting, responding, and shaping the experience of those around us.

Healthcare is not only a place of treatment; it is a place of shared vulnerability. Patients entrust us with their stories, their pain, and their hope. And in turn, their courage and resilience leave a mark on us. We do not simply care for others - we are changed by them. As Rumi suggests, we “hide in each other” so parts of every life we touch stay with us, shaping how we see, feel, and serve.

This perspective invites us to pause and recognise the sacredness of even the smallest interactions. A kind word, a moment of patience, a willingness to truly listen - these are not minor acts. They ripple outward, strengthening the invisible web that connects us as caregivers, with our patients and families alike.

In times when the workload feels heavy or the pace relentless, this reminder matters. We are not working in isolation. We are part of something shared and deeply human. The compassion we offer is not just given—it is exchanged, reflected back, and carried forward.

Perhaps today, we can move through our work with a quiet awareness: that in every encounter, we meet a part of ourselves. And in doing so, we help create a place where care is not only delivered but genuinely felt.

Jenni Director Mission Integration

Murdoch represents at the WANMEA awards

It was all glitz and glamour on Saturday 9 May when nursing leaders attended the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WANMEA) to show their support to Murdoch Finalist Leanne Campion.

While Leanne may not have taken home the award, she is truly a winner to us, and we are incredibly proud of Leanne and her outstanding compassion, care and dedication she brings to Murdoch every day.

Patient Experience Matters

Murdoch NPS for APRIL

Murdoch patients are saying:

Comment 1: St Mary

Our experience at St John of God Murdoch Hospital was extremely positive and exceeded our expectations. As new parents, we were experiencing everything for the first time to which the staff were always there to provide assistance (physical and mental support). We would definitely recommend Murdoch to others and will hopefully be back for our future kids. All of the staff were amazing!

Comment 2: Surgicentre

From the moment I walked through the door to the Surgicentre to the time I walked out everyone was friendly, caring and nothing was too much trouble.

Comment 3: North Wing 2nd Floor

The care I received from the nursing staff was second to none! So kind and compassionate during a stressful difficult time.

Caregiver of the Month

February: Dolrech Dias

Nominated by a patient

“Dolrech is a phenomenal PCA. He anticipates the needs of the patients, offers kind and compassionate presence to those around him and does his job to a high standard. While I was a patient on the ward, I noticed the time Dolrech took to talk to patients and get to know them. Sometimes I would walk past a room and see him sitting with elderly and confused patients, providing care and companionship; helping patients to feel seen, heard and cared for.

When I had an extra visitor, without being asked, he sourced an extra chair and bought it in to the room. When it was time to leave he bought in a trolley for me to transport all my gear easily to the car. He would offer patients hot drinks and check in on their wellbeing. No request seemed too hard and everyone was treated with the same level of dignity and respect, including his fellow caregivers.

He was not intrusive, but noticed the needs of others and tended to them. His warmth and kindness made a big impact on my admission and I would love for him to be acknowledged both for his quality of work and integrity of character. ”

March: Abigail Cotton

Nominated by a patient

“The level of compassion and genuine engagement I received from Abigail as her patient was absolutely exemplary. I am a man in my 60s who has had only a little hospitalisation in my life, and was quite nervous about some of the more intimate aspects of being a patient with limited mobility. Abigail made me feel totally at ease with everything that needed to occur. Her professionalism and straightforward approach gave me confidence in her ability to manage every situation that occurred and left me feeling that what was a potentially embarrassing problem for me, was actually just something she was expecting and already had a plan for. She left me feeling not just like a patient, but respected and cared for as a person.”

JMO of the Month

The Junior Medical Officer (JMO) of the month award recognises an outstanding intern, resident or registrar who exemplifies excellence in clinical care, teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to learning. Nominated by their peers and supervisors, this award celebrates those who go above and beyond in supporting their colleagues and delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients.

April: Dr Rhys Andrews

This month, we are pleased to congratulate Dr Rhys Andrews as the JMO of the Month. Dr Andrews is a quiet achiever who consistently demonstrates a high standard of professionalism in his work. He is extremely thorough, hardworking, and conscientious, ensuring that all tasks are completed with care and attention to detail. Dr Andrews is also highly supportive of his colleagues, fostering a positive team environment. His dedication, reliability, and commitment to excellence make him a deserving nominee for JMO of the month!

Sherree's special thank you to Cancer Centre

Caregivers from the Cancer Centre were surprised with a heartfelt gift on Friday 15 May, as patient Sherree presented the team with custom-made scrub tops to mark her final treatment.

Known for wearing her much-loved "I’m just here for the drugs" T-shirt to treatments, Sherree created matching scrubs for the nurses reading “I’m just here to supply the drugs” as a touching and light-hearted tribute to the team who cared for her throughout her journey.

Sherree said, "the kindness, support and respect they showed every single patient was truly remarkable. Working on a cancer ward takes a very special kind of strength, and there are a whole lot of tough cookies on that ward. My family, friends and I will never forget everything you did for us."

Thank you, Sherree, for your generosity, warmth and sense of humour. We wish you all the very best for the future.

Hospice receives the Heart of Murdoch: Team Excellence Award

This month, Allied Health presented Hospice with the Heart of Murdoch: Team Excellence award.

"I would like to take this opportunity to pause, reflect and to recognise a group of people whose work is often quiet, deeply human, and profoundly meaningful. Their care reminds us that while we may not always be able to change an outcome, we can always change the experience.

Your capacity to bring comfort where there is uncertainty, dignity where there is fragility, and calm where there is fear – sometimes all at once with remarkable professionalism and humanity does not go unnoticed.

It is important to recognise that your work is not measured in tasks completed, but in hands held, moments shared, and compassion shown.

Thank you for your dedication, your empathy, and your humanity. Thank you for the care you give, the comfort you provide, and the quiet difference you make every single day. What you do matters—and it matters more than you may ever fully see.

With that in mind it is my pleasure to pass on the heart of Murdoch to the Hospice Team."

Congratulations to the Hospice team!

Celebrating our midwives and nurses

Earlier this month, we proudly celebrated our incredible midwives and nurses as part of International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day.

• Tuesday 5 May – International Day of the Midwife

This year’s theme is One Million More Midwives, highlighting the vital role midwives play in supporting mothers, babies and families.

• Tuesday 12 May – International Nurses Day

The theme for 2026 is Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.

On each day, we took the opportunity to recognise and thank our wonderfully supportive, dedicated and highly skilled midwives and nurses, and to celebrate the compassionate care they provide to our patients and their families every day.

As a small token of our appreciation, our midwives and nursing caregivers were gifted hand cream – a small reminder to care for the hands that care for others.

To all of our nurses and midwives, thank you for your dedication and the exceptional care you provide. We truly appreciate everything you do.

We celebrate our Volunteers for National Volunteer Week

During National Volunteer Week (18-24 May), we celebrated the heart of our communityour incredible volunteers.

On Tuesday 19 May, our volunteers came together for a special morning tea, recognising the compassion, kindness and generosity they bring to St John of God Murdoch Hospital every day.

Whether it's a warm welcome, a listening ear, comfort in difficult moments or simply a friendly smile, our volunteers make a lasting difference to patients, families and caregivers alike.

Thank you for the countless ways you help create a more caring and compassionate hospital community. We are so grateful for everything you do.

Every Caregiver Counts Day

Wednesday 20 May was Every Caregiver Counts Day! It is a day dedicated to saying thank you and celebrating all of our wonderful caregivers across the hospital.

At Murdoch, we recognise that each and every caregiver contributes to making it a fantastic place to work, assists in creating excellent patient experience, and brings unique and diverse skills to make our hospital the place it is.

To say thank you, we were treated to some hand cream as a reminder to care for the hands that care for others.

We hope everyone had a happy Every Caregiver Counts Day!

Our Executive team were the first in line to arm themselves against the flu this flu season. As health care workers, we all play a role in keeping the people we care for, and each other, safe.

With winter approaching, we encourage all caregivers to get their free flu vaccination to help reduce the spread of illness. While it is not mandatory in WA, it is strongly recommended as an important way to protect yourself, your colleagues and our patients.

What you need to do:

1. Complete the request form by scanning the QR code below, or go to: https://pages.sjog.org.au/Vaccinations/

2. Visit Infection Control (lower ground floor) between 8am-3pm, Monday to Friday

While vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu, it’s also important to practise good hand hygiene and stay home if you’re unwell.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our patients and each other safe!

Gratitude

Pastoral Pause

gratitude, yes, for all the big things that stand tall, thick with abundance, joy, fruitfulness

I cannot help but applaud their presence but deep thankfulness for the bite-sized pieces of my life?

I had not thought of them, those little snippets of time so easily consumed in the hurry and blur of pretentious days the little moments, assumed and presumed, slip quickly through the fingers of my busy life.

I turn to gather finely layered remnants like these in the come and go of my days, and discover, with surprise, how quickly my inner room is a harvest place of gold.

-Joyce Rupp

“Out of the Ordinary”

Often, we remember to be grateful for the big things; the unexpected windfall, holidays, family, beach days, a hot shower, our homes

But what about the comfort of a hot cup of coffee in your hands? Or the feel of grass under your feet? The smile of a colleague? Birdsong? Laughter? Those quick fleeting moments that stir something within

What little moments of gratitude might you gather for yourself today?

Remember we have our EAP through Converge on 1300 687 327 and Pastoral Services are available on 9438 9680

https://bit.ly/murdoch-motion

Murdoch launches blister pack recycling initiative to reduce landfill

An environmental sustainability initiative at St John of God Murdoch Hospital is helping ensure medication blister packs no longer end up in landfill, thanks to a new recycling program led in partnership with Slade Pharmacy Murdoch.

The hospital has recently joined Pharmacycle, a specialised recycling program designed to process medicinal blister packs — packaging that traditionally cannot be recycled through standard household systems.

According to Richard Grainger, Director of Pharmacy at Slade Pharmacy Murdoch, the initiative was introduced after caregivers expressed a strong desire to recycle the large volume of blister packs used across the hospital.

“There has been a desire at St John of God Murdoch Hospital to be able to recycle medication blister packs. However, as blister packs are made

of different materials, including plastic and aluminium, they cannot be recycled through traditional recycling,” Richard said.

Pharmacycle offers a complete end-to-end recycling solution for this complex packaging. The voluntary program is funded by participating pharmacies, hospitals and government organisations and provides a dedicated system to collect, process and repurpose used blister packs.

Every year, hundreds of millions of blister packs are either sent to landfill or incorrectly placed into general recycling streams, where they contaminate other recyclable materials.

Richard said the goal of the Murdoch initiative is simple - to prevent unnecessary waste and reduce the hospital’s environmental footprint.

At St John of God Murdoch Hospital

alone, hundreds of thousands of blister packs are used each year. Until now, most of these could not be recycled.

“Prior to this environmental sustainability initiative, those blister packs would end in landfill. We hope this initiative will allow caregivers at Murdoch the ability to reduce landfill and reduce our carbon footprint,” Richard said.

“For blister packs to be recycled, they first need to be collected in sufficient volumes to warrant the use of specialised recycling technology. Pharmacycle provides the mechanism to achieve this, making the wish to recycle blister packs a reality,” Richard said.

(continued on page 15)

The initiative was made possible through collaboration between Director of Nursing SarahJayne Powell and the hospital’s environmental sustainability committee, and Slade Pharmacy.

Richard explained that the project began when Sarah-Jayne reached out to Slade Pharmacy to explore recycling options as part of the hospital’s broader sustainability strategy.

“Sarah-Jayne Powell reached out to me via the sustainability committee as part of their overall sustainability plan for Murdoch to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.

“With the support of the sustainability committee, Slade Pharmacy was able to decide on the most appropriate recycling option, Pharmacycle, and fund this important project.”

By introducing the program locally, St John of God Murdoch Hospital is taking another step toward reducing waste and embedding

sustainability into everyday health care practices.

Sarah-Jayne Powell said initiatives like this reflect Murdoch’s boarder commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Environmental sustainability is an important responsibility for all of us in health care. As a hospital we recognise the impact our operations have on the environment, which is why it’s vital that we look for practical ways to reduce waste and lower our carbon footprint.

“Initiatives like blister pack recycling show how, by working together and making small changes in our everyday practices, we can all play a part in caring not only for our patients, but for the environment as well.”

Blister pack recycling is already being adopted by a growing number of health care organisations across Australia.

Celebrating our Half Marathon runners

This year, we have 118 runners representing Murdoch in the St John of God Health Care team at the HBF Run for a Reason, 17 have signed up for the Half Marathon distance.

We touched base with those braving the 21.1km course to find out their reason for running this year.

"My reason for running is to bring glory to God and to celebrate overcoming personal adversity."

- Amy Warren

"My reason for running is because it provides an avenue to clear my mind and stay focused."

- James Macharia

"My reason for running is fitness and fun! I love the feeling it gives me."

- Jodie Samers

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the 527 St John of God Health Care caregivers taking part in this year’s HBF Run for a Reason — our biggest team to date, with 118 proudly representing Murdoch.

Representing our Murdoch, Subiaco, Midland, Mt Lawley and Head Office locations, our caregivers will exemplify dedication, teamwork and commitment every step of the way:

• 108 caregivers conquring the half marathon

• 281 caregivers completing the 12km course

• 138 caregivers completing the 3km

Our caregivers will be running for various reasons, including our very own St John of God Foundation. Your hard-earned donations will support free or low-cost specialised, community-based mental health treatment and support for people aged 16 and older.

Donations can still be made at: https:// runforareason26.grassrootz.com/st-john-of-godfoundation

Running for a Reason this Sunday World Hand Hygiene Day

Tuesday 5 May was World Hand Hygiene Day! At Murdoch the Infection Control team celebrated by rewarding St Elizabeth ward with a 'Hygiene Hamper' as a reward for demonstrating the highest overall compliance with hand hygiene auditing for Murdoch, (National Hand Hygiene Initiative audits 2025).

They also set up a stall in the Caregiver Dining Room at lunch to spread the word and offer free flu vaccinations to caregivers, ahead of the winter flu season. For more information on how to get your free vaccination, see page 10.

Medical Clinic raffle for Mother's Day

The Murdoch Medical Clinic team raised an incredible $1,161 through their Mother’s Day raffle in support of our Charity of the Year, Djaalinj Waakinj.

Caregivers across the hospital generously supported the fundraiser, helping the team achieve a fantastic result while celebrating Mother’s Day.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to supporting the important work of Djaalinj Waakinj!

Congratulations to the Medical Clinic team on such a fantastic result and for making a meaningful difference through their efforts.

Murdoch's inaugural Planning for Retirement Expo

On Monday 4 May, Murdoch hosted a Planning for Retirement Expo, designed to support caregivers who may be starting to think about what the next stage of their life might look like.

The event was an opportunity for caregivers to explore options, ask questions and learn more about what transitioning

toward retirement could look like – whether that’s taking advantage of leave entitlements and flexible work arrangements, maximising salary sacrificing and superannuation or planning ways to stay connected.

We welcomed our team of experts who shared their expertise and advice, including representatives

from HESTA, Converge and Maxxia, alongside our SJGHC Workforce (HR) and Volunteer caregivers.

Our experienced caregivers are an incredibly valued part of the Murdoch community, and this event was one way we can ensure they feel supported as they consider their next chapter.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is 27 May to 3 June. This year, the theme is “All In”, calling on every Australian to play a part in reconciliation.

Here are some ways we are marking the week:

National Palliative Care Week

In honour of National Palliative Care Week (11 - 17 May), Hospice caregivers got together for a special lunch hosted by Nurse Manager Georgia as a token of thanks for the work that they do. At the lunch, caregivers shared what they love most about working in the palliative care space, which included: helping people feel comfortable, listened to, and supported; making a genuine difference in someone's comfort and quality of life; feeling safe and supported by a lovely team; and having the priviledge to support people through inevitable challenge with the utmost dignity and respect for the fragility of human life

Thank you, Hospice caregivers, for the compassion and care you show our patients and each other.

"When people hear the word "hospice", they often think only of death. But those of us who work in this space know that it's not really about death at all. It's about humanity, dignity, comfort, compassion and presence during some of the most challenging, vulnerable and difficult moments a person and their family may ever experience.

Every day, Hospice caregivers walk into rooms where families are carrying fear, grief, uncertainty, exhaustion and enormous amounts of love, often all at once. Somehow, in those moments, we are privileged enough to be invited into their lives. Something we all hold with honour. To work in Hospice care is the ultimate privilege.

We are trusted to sit beside people in the final moments, the final breaths. We manage physical pain; we manage emotional pain. We answer questions no one wants to ever have to ask. We are able to provide calm in moments so overwhelming. Sometimes we speak, sometimes we hold space. And often, the

smallest gestures become the most meaningful.

What makes Hospice care so profound is that people rarely remember the clinical details. They remember whether their loved one was treated with dignity. They remember whether someone showed up with kindness when they needed it most. They remember the impact of how they felt. That is the impact of Hospice care. The work is not easy. It asks a lot of us mentally, emotionally, physically. There are days that stay with us long after we leave the building. There are moments that cannot be measured or explained.

At the end of life, people don't need perfection. They need compassion, honesty, and comfort. They need someone willing to stand beside them in the hardest moments and remind them that they are not alone, they are supported, they are heard, they are valued. And that is exactly what our caregivers at Murdoch Hospice do every single shift, every single day.

I think that sometimes we move so quickly between patient to patient,

task to task, that we often forget the magnitude of what we are actually doing. We are helping people experience dignity at the end of life. We are helping families create final memories with less fear and more peace. We are part of moments that families will carry with them forever and I just think that is extraordinary.

In honor of Palliative Care Week (and every day), I want to acknowledge every person in the Hospice space - nurses, patient care assistants, chefs, ward clerks, administration, physicians, counsellors, Footprints coordinators, volunteers, pastoral care, an array of allied health, housekeeping, every single member of our team who contributes to this care. The compassion, patience and strength it takes to do this work cannot be overstated. Hospice care reminds us of something incredibly important: how we care for people at the end of life matters just as much as how we care for them at the beginning and it is an honor to be a part of that journey."

-

Georgia Seragusana, Hospice Nurse Manager

St Emilie ward shows its heart

In recognition of Heart Week, St Emilie ward transformed their space with vibrant red decorations and hosted two education sessions throughout the week, giving caregivers the opportunity to build their knowledge and awareness around heart health.

The initiative created a fun and engaging atmosphere on the ward while raising awareness about an important cause and encouraging conversations around cardiovascular health and wellbeing.

Grand Rounds with A/Prof Raj Mohan

On Thursday 7 May, our current Doctor of the Year, Associate Professor Ganendra Raj K. A. Mohan delivered an engaging Grand Rounds to clinical caregivers, allied health teams and doctors on personal experiences in pelvic exenteration surgery, a highly complex and invasive procedure used mainly for recurrent gynaecological cancers (particularly cervical, vulval, and vaginal cancers).

A/Prof Mohan outlined how the role of exenteration has shifted from primarily palliative care to a potential curative approach.

The session also highlighted advances such as robotic surgery and immunotherapy, the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, and the balance between surgical risks, the potential for prolonged survival and improved quality of life for selected patients.

Morsl opens in the caregiver dining room!

On Wednesday 6 May, caregivers gathered in the Caregiver Dining Room to celebrate the launch of Morsl, our self-service kiosk

Caregivers were treated to free samples and demonstrations.

Morsl is available 24/7 with regular dining room service still available to caregivers.

Need extra M365 help?

If you're new to M365, want to fill a few gaps, or need confidence with core tools before moving into more advanced features, now is the time.

You can access webinars on a range of topics, including how to:

• Create a Planner board for task management

• Store documents confidently on Sharepoint

• Create Forms (like surveys) to collect and store responses

And more!

Book here for sessions, held now, until June 2026: https://bit.ly/M365-online-training

CDS corner

May ‘26 SUPER DOC-U-MENTER Kamil

Why did you want to beco me a do ctor?

My mum started calling me a do ctor when I was 6 years old. she menti o ned i was co mpassi o nate & lo o ked after everyo ne at ho me.

What is your favourite meal?

p ounded yam & egusi soup - a nigerian delicacy.

Fun fact?

i am really keen o n advo cacy, governan ce & p olitics.

This month, the Clinical Documentation Specialists are focusing on Hypoalbuminaemia. In medical documentation, the blood results and the medication order are often documented, rather than the diagnosis. The CDS team gave out protein bars to the JMOs to help them remember to “take a bite and spell it right”.

https://sjghc.sharepoint.com/sites/ClinicalAcademy/