MURDOCH Monthly
April 2022
CAREGIVER NEWS FROM ST JOHN OF GOD MURDOCH HOSPITAL
TRUE GRIT - 100 TREATMENTS AT MURDOCH
page 6
RESPECT DISPLAYS
page 7
WAFL WELLNESS WINNERS!
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
A message from the CEO watch, please take the time to do so: https://bit.ly/CEO-UpdateVideo-April22
Elective procedures If the COVID situation doesn’t escalate, WA Health will gradually relax the restrictions of elective procedures over coming weeks.
Welcome to the April Murdoch Monthly. I have some general Hospital and COVID-19 updates for this month.
Living with COVID-19 COVID-19 hospitalisations and ICU patients are much lower than WA Health modelling predicted, which is positive news. It is possible there will be another spike in cases following the school holidays. If we get through this period without a significant increase, it is fairly safe to assume we are through the worst of Omicron in WA. We have received a number of questions from caregivers regarding COVID restrictions and hospital guidelines. So, SJ and I did a “Quick Q&A” video to provide some responses. If you have not had the chance to
Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing very high levels of caregiver furloughing and illness across the hospital. As a result, Murdoch will continue to take a measured approach to the relaxed guidelines, to protect your health and wellbeing. You are our top priority.
Revised 'close contact' definition At the time of writing, WA Health has announced a revised definition for 'close contacts.' From Thursday 14 April, only household members and intimate partners of people who test positive for COVID-19 are required to complete 7 days' isolation. This will hopefully help ease the impacts, somewhat, of caregiver furloughing and illness.
Theatres during Easter For the first time ever, we have scheduled a break in elective Theatre activity from Good Friday through to Easter Monday.
Passing down the delivery baton! Congratulations to Hayley and Robbie on the safe arrival of beautiful Emilia Sophie, helped on the day by our midwife Sarah. Sarah’s mum Karen, who is also a St Mary's midwife, helped deliver Hayley when she was born. Let’s hope the tradition continues! Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
objective is to reduce activity levels in the Hospital further and give as many of you as possible a break and time to recharge.
Flu vaccination It is getting to that time of year when your free flu vaccination will be available, right here at Murdoch. Getting your flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the virus, going into the winter season. Keep an eye out for further communication around this in the coming weeks.
Easter I wish all of you an enjoyable and relaxing Easter break, spent with friends, family and of course, an overfilled basket of chocolate eggs. For those of you working over the long weekend, thank you, and enjoy the treats that have been delivered to your Department. Thank you for continuously pulling together throughout this challenging time. Your hard work, generosity and commitment do not go unnoticed.
Ben Edwards
Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
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Our twelve caregivers of the months as well as two sneaky stand ins!
What are you paying attention to? our life in the headlines. If we mostly pay attention to our screens and social media we may spend our days lost in a digital haze. If we mostly pay attention to the negative things in our life we will focus on the very things that we wish weren’t in our life.
What are you paying attention to? I was challenged recently with this question, and after first making a list in my mind of all the tasks I had before me, I realised, the truth of the question lay not in what I was paying attention to now today, but was I paying attention to the things that gave my life meaning and purpose? John Green writes, “What you do with your attention is in the end what you do with your life.” What we give our attention to shapes and determines our life both personally and collectively. It has been suggested, if we pay attention mostly to the news, then we may be spending
It turns out, that we actually gain more of whatever we pay attention to. That in essence, we become what we pay attention to. So if I pay more attention to the love in my life, I experience a great sense of connection. If I pay attention to the good and the beautiful then I see more beauty and good. When I pay attention to work life balance and self-care, I often experience greater contentment. If I pay more attention to the kindness of others I am more inclined to act more kindly. We gain more of what we pay attention to. And that’s why the question is an important one. What am I paying attention to in my life and is my focus where I want it to be? Easter is a time of the year that almost demands attention by the very centrality of its place in the Christian faith. In addition to this, it’s a time for families to gather and celebrate and of course for us all to take a break.
And so maybe it’s a good time to ask this question - what are you paying attention to this Easter? For those of us of faith, we find ourselves in the season of lent, reflecting on the stories that draw us closer to the pivotal events of Jesus' life - his teaching, his empowerment and healing of people, and his care for the sick and vulnerable. We reflect on his obedience to his father and God, his sacrifice for his followers and his ultimate betrayal by his own disciples. We sit at the cross and pay attention to the death that ended his earthly life and search out the tomb for evidence of the hope that his resurrection provides. It is the ultimate story of good defeating evil, light overcoming darkness and new life and rebirth emerging from the depths of despair. The Easter story offers a clear invitation to pay attention to all that is in our own lives. To ask ourselves if what we are paying attention to is nurturing our soul, enriching our spirit, and ultimately shaping our life in a way that is affirming of our intentions. Happy Easter
Jenni Ashton
Positive test – QR code reminder A reminder – if you test positive for COVID-19, to report it to work and the government. You can report it to work by scanning the QR code on you covid positive lanyard card. Your manager will have a card for you if you need one.
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
Patient Experience Matters Murdoch NPS for MARCH Hospital Score
Murdoch patients are saying: Comment 1:
73.9
Ward Sleep Studies
100.0
Cancer Centre
92.2
St Emilie's
90.5
Intensive Care Unit
87.1
St Francis
79.5
Surgicentre
77.8
St Elizabeth's
77.1
Thomas Furlong
76.5
St Rose's
76.3
Day Procedure Unit
75.0
St Catherine's
73.6
St Michael's
72.2
Endoscopy
71.7
St Mary's
69.1
St Luke's
60.7
St Joseph's
60.0
Bridget Clancy
58.3
Emergency Department
55.8
ED - Observation
NA
St Gabriel's
NA
The nursing staff were extraordinarily good in all aspects – knowledge, experience, care, friendliness.
Comment 2: The staff and doctors were all amazing. The COVID cleanliness is the best I’ve seen anywhere. Wonderful food.
Comment 3: From the moment I arrived at the hospital I was given the most attentive care from the staff. The wonderful nurses, the surgeon, the anaesthetist, and all the surgical staff in the operating theatre. Wonderful care all round.
heros
Last months doc was: Mr Nigel Barw ood Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
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Caregiver of the Month Feb COTM - Kym Robinson “Today we attended the hospital for my father Robert to have immunotherapy. We were stopped at the South East entrance by Kym Robinson (PCA) who asked for our proof of vaccination. I had mine, but had forgotten to remind my 76 year old mother to bring hers and my 83 year old father (who has late stage (Alzheimer’s). My mum had lost her mobile in recent days and was unable to access any of her vaccination information. I was able to ring my parents Doctors and have it faxed to the hospital, however as this is a slow process, we made the decision to have Dad
undergo a RAT test because of our time constraints. Mum cares for my Dad 24 hours a day and refuses all support. She was upset and frustrated with herself for forgetting their vaccination records as she prides herself on being organised. I have worked as a nurse in healthcare for 30 years and Kym takes the award for being polite, friendly, empathetic and supportive. She did everything to facilitate Dad getting to his appointment, including getting a wheelchair, organising the RAT test, pushing him down to the testing tent, phoning the cancer centre to let them know we would be late, and getting the faxes
from the main reception, while also dealing with other people coming through the checkpoint. She was quite simply amazing. I am so grateful for her help and the way she dealt with my parents. She is a credit to your organisation.
Kym's manager supported her nomination with these words: “Kym is a valued member of the team and her kindness is so obvious. I am blessed to have Kym as part of my team. This feedback shows how caring Kym is, and how she lives our values.”
Values awards Julie Dawson – Compassion Values Award Congratulations to midwife Julie Dawson who was recommended for a Compassion Value Award at our recent caregiver of the month meeting.
Her nomination and comments are below: “Julie is a wonderful midwife who always gives her best in a calm quiet manner. She is experienced and women in her care feel very well supported. She is worthy of this award. Julie was an exceptional midwife who
was with me the entire 7 days of my hospital stay. She listened to my concerns about my baby’s health and acted on them, which ended up being important for my baby`s wellbeing. She gave thorough explanations when asked for advice.” And from another, “My midwife Julie was amazing - there are no words – her support was just unbelievable and I felt at home with her around. She made my experience just so much easier even though the birth plan I had in mind didn’t work out. Please
pass on my appreciation to this amazing midwife. I will forever remember her.
Julie's manager supported her nomination with these words: “Julie is a quiet achiever, she is loved by everyone as a kind caring compassionate midwife. Julie sees the good in everyone and is always gives the gentle touch where it is needed. Julie is a well‐respected midwife who we would all like to emulate. Julie receives many nominations for these awards.”
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
True Grit – 100 treatments at the Murdoch Cancer Centre Over the span of 5 years, Clinton Hudson has received over 100 treatments at the Murdoch Cancer Centre – the definition of true grit. Over 20 years ago in 2002, Clint first walked through the doors of St John of God Murdoch Hospital with a cancer diagnosis, ready to fight it with everything he had.
Fifteen years later, in December of 2017, Clint found himself back at St John of God Murdoch Hospital with a collapsed bowel and septicaemia.
At this time, the Cancer Centre was just one big room, nothing like it is today.
Septicaemia is an infection where bacteria enters the bloodstream and causes blood poisoning, which can then trigger sepsis.
“When I first walked into the Cancer Centre, it was very daunting. It was one big room full of people receiving treatment,” Clint said. One of Clint’s first memories of the Cancer Centre is when nowNurse Manager Marie Condon, was called in to cannulate him. “I am quite difficult to cannulate and after a few nurses tried with no luck, Marie was called in. Of course, she got it in one go,” Clint said. He received chemotherapy for colon cancer throughout 2002, which ended in triumph, when Clint found out he was in remission. However, his journey did not end there.
Clint was diagnosed with lung cancer and it was suggested he go into palliative care, as chemotherapy would not help. This is an answer Clint’s partner of 47 years, Rob, was not going to accept. “We asked ourselves,'okay, what are we going to do about it?'" Clint explained. Since 2017, Clint has been receiving immunotherapy for his lung cancer, with Rob by his side each time. Immunotherapy is a type of drug treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
IMAGE Clint, who has now received 100 treatments at the Murdoch Cancer Centre, has his partner Rob by his side every time. Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
“The immunotherapy has given Clint the chance to continue living his life. Without it, he would not be with us today. He is courageous and a great source of happiness to the team here at Murdoch,” Marie said. In March of 2022, Clint received his 100th immunotherapy treatment, meaning he has actually had well over this amount, taking into account his treatment back in 2002. The whole Murdoch Cancer Centre team and Rob were there to recognise Clint’s perseverance, courage and strength. Clint explained that when he first walked into the Cancer Centre back in 2002, he knew it was different, and that still stands today. “When I come to the Murdoch Cancer Centre, I’m coming in to friends and they make me feel special every time,” “Marie has built an incredible team full of caring, wonderful people. They are family.”
IMAGE Clint, Rob and the whole Cancer Centre Team celebrated his courage, strength and perseverance.
Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
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Displaying Respect Catering Medical Clinic
Respect Buddies were established for everyone in the dept. Each caregiver randomly selected the name of another caregiver and confidentially wrote something relating to respect, about that person. The responses were then displayed on the wall for everyone in the dept to see.
Shout out board in handover room with positive accomplishments of the team showing continued support and respect for each other.
A tiered tree display has been created for patients to convey how they feel about their cancer centre visit. As they leave patients place a pomegranate token on either of the following sections:
Created a RESPECT poster for display and discussion.
Bridget Clancy
A RESPECT: 'This is us' noticeboard was created in the Infection Control office so visiting caregivers could easily read about the team and what respect means to them.
Cancer Centre
Poster display in reception – ‘We are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.’ Caregivers and patients place a red heart sticker on the poster to affirm the sentiment and/or can give a heart to a co-worker they respect.
St Francis
Infection Control
A respect tree display – with branches growing off and pomegranates symbolising each individual’s growth. Each seed symbolises each caregivers’ favourite quote or picture of how they understand respect.
Hospice
Admissions
As you would know, the focus value for 2022 is RESPECT. Check out some of the great displays which are up around the Hospital at the moment. Make sure to let us know if you have a display you’d like us to feature!
Today I felt: Safe | Cared for Seen and heard | Respected Supported
RESPECT display for caregivers and patients on the ward.
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
SAFETY ALERT – OHS update Issue:
Hazard findings:
This safety alert is issued to inform caregivers of their responsibilities regarding the safe usage of equipment that requires an electrical cable to either power or charge it, such as inpatient beds and pumps.
Electrical exposure from sheared cable that is being connected to power.
There have been several reported incidents over recent months where electrical cabling has become caught in sections of the beds and underneath the wheels of beds resulting in the cable becoming sheared and compromised.
Risk of Electrical shock requiring review by medical physician.
Recommendations: 1. Electrical cables to be inspected and checked for physical integrity prior to use. 2. Cables to be run through the cable runners/clips alongside bed where possible. 3. Cables to be kept away from any pinch points on the bed eg. Bed rails, wheels. 4. If electrical cable integral
structure is compromised, tag 'out of service' and place a MEX request. Caregivers are reminded that we all have a responsibility to act safely and appropriately in the workplace to protect the health and safety of ourselves and the people that we work with. If you require clarification on any of the points mentioned above, please contact OHS Lead Consultant Phil Pavlos. 9428 8659 or Phil.Pavlos@sjog.org.au.
Patient Experience Competition Patient Experience Week is this month, so we are running a competition across Murdoch.
In 250 words or less,
"what project or initiative would you like St John of God Murdoch Hospital to implement, to improve patient experience?"
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
Submit your idea here: bit.ly/pexcomp The winner will receive a $300 Crown Voucher and the opportunity to bring the idea to life within the Hospital.
Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
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Jacob’s cat haven appeal Over $5000 has been raised in the name of Jacob Powell Through loving donations from our incredible Murdoch community and that of SJ and Vic, over $5000 has been raised in Jacob’s name for Cat Haven.
Cat Haven, which is Jacob’s favourite charity, takes care of and provides shelter to homeless cats. You can continue to donate to the Cat Haven at www.cathaven.com.au
DonateLife The recent flooding in New South Wales and Queensland has resulted in a significant shortfall in critical blood supply.
help save lives.
Together with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, we are calling on anyone who is safe, healthy and well to donate blood today and
Find out more and become a donor today: www.lifeblood.com.au
Become a donor today and save up to 3 lives each donation. You also get to find out where your donation goes!
Flu vaccinations Flu season is upon us and our best shot at keeping the virus away, is the flu shot!
Help stop the flu in 2022 Your safety, an d that of our patients and clients, is our highest pr iority.
Roll up and ge t your flu vacc ination as so for yourself, bu on as you are t for your fam able, not just ily, friends an d community .
Free flu vaccin at
ions, for all M
urdoch caregi ve
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Available from
April 26
Stay tuned fo
r times and lo
cations
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
WAFL wellness winners! Thank you to all of the wonderful submissions for the South Fremantle WAFL passes. To win the passes, caregivers had to explain how they have actively been looking after their own wellness during these busy, unprecedented times. The submissions ranged from ocean swimming, bike rides with family, learning the guitar and more. Our five winners have now been announced: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Michael Kapiteyn - Theatre Angela Heald – St Emilie’s Madison Gurney – St Elizabeth’s Hannah Root – ED Melissa Robertson – Cancer Centre
Congratulations all and enjoy the season!
CDS Corner This is Dr Mughal, one of our busiest geriatricians. She is pictured here with her brand new rounding trolley. The hope is that this will further aid in our clinical documentation improvement programme. Like with many things right now, it has taken some time for delivery with the order being place by Jo Marrington who was Acting NM prior to Brooke taking up the reins. This is the fourth new trolley in the hospital. We now have them on: • St. Luke's • St. Emilie's • St Joseph's • St Rose's This initiative has been supported by our DMS Dr Andrew Wesseldine.
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
Fiddle Squares Project Over the last two months, Tracey and Hannah from CDS have been receiving a huge amount of fiddle squares for their patient experience project focusing on the experience of patients with dementia and delirium in hospital.
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IMAGE Michelle
IMAGE Maureen Hollington and SJ
These squares are being donated to patients and their families to help them during their time in hospital. Maureen Hollington, a patient in the Cancer Centre, has knitted us a pile of fiddle squares. SJ, Hannah Clements and Tracey Gracewood popped in to the Cancer Centre while she was having her treatment to say thank you and give her some flowers. How lovely, that despite
her being unwell, she is thinking of our dementia patients. Michelle, one our volunteers got creative in knitting South and East Fremantle coloured fiddle squares! If you didn’t yet know, we are sponsoring both teams this year! Sarah, one of our dieticians here at Murdoch, got extra creative in knitting a ‘fiddle sleeve’, which includes a dog popping out from the middle!
IMAGE Sarah
Scrub caps galore! St John of God Murdoch Hospital has recently received hundreds of kindly donated scrub caps from a group of lovely ladies from around Australia. Lidia Tierney from the Admission Team, who sourced the scrub caps, has been liaising with the sewing group to get them to our caregivers. We will be getting a visit by a member of the sewing group next week to show them our gratitude. If you have not yet received a scrub cap, keep an eye out, as there may be more to come… Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
Multiple Birth Awareness Week We were lucky enough to have not just one, but two sets of twins on St Mary’s ward during Multiple Birth Awareness Week this month! Multiple Birth Awareness Week focuses on the unique realities for multiple birth families in Australia. This year's theme 'Educating the Educators' puts the spotlight on the unique needs of multiples and their parents, in the educational context. Find more info and resources here: https://www.amba.org.au/ mbaw-menu/mbaw-2022 IMAGE Baby Rylie and Eyana are pictured here, all dressed and ready to go home IMAGE Baby Patrick and Oliver got some extra care in the Special Care Nursery
Kindness in coming together Recently, one of our caregivers, Ranvir on St Emilie’s ward, was diagnosed with cancer. Our community has once again come together and contributed to raising over $3000 for Ranvir and her family. Nurse Manager Kylie Cleary says, “It is so beautiful to see the Murdoch family and our patients come together to provide support for our caregivers, when they are in need.”
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
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Social workers day 2022 Our social workers are a vital part of our Allied Health team here at Murdoch. World Social Work Day is celebrated across the globe, with this year’s theme being´Cobuilding a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind´. The theme presents a vision and action plan to create new global values, policies and practices that develop trust, security and confidence for all people and the sustainability of the planet.
work team continue to link and build relationships increasing our networks with people and businesses within our community to provide the best support for our patients and families." More on this year's action plan here: https:// newecosocialworld. com
Kate Pryor, a social worker at Murdoch says, "Our social
Benjamin Bunny makes some bouncing deliveries The wards had an especially bouncy visitor this week… Benjamin Bunny was out visiting wards and departments to wish all of our caregivers a Happy Easter!
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
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Murdoch Monthly - April 2022
Ok, but first, coffee! Heading into the end of the first school term, and Easter holiday, everyone needs a bit of a pick-me-up and that is
exactly what Gingernut coffee and Mataya have provided us in the past few weeks!
We hope everyone has been enjoying the coffee and treats!
Do you have a story for us? Share your stories! Do you have a story for us? Know someone who should be recognised for their efforts? Get in touch! Contact Murdoch.Marketing@sjog.org.au with your stories and photos or share on Pulse.
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence