Message from the Chief Executivefwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/UserFiles/files/NewsLetters... · Dietetics...

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014 Message from the Chief Executive Silverton Creek This month we have welcomed a new group of 21 Graduate Nurses and Midwives, eight Junior Medical Officers and two new General Managers. We are also saying farewell to Murray Stephens after 48 years with the Broken Hill Hospital. I hope Murray and his family enjoy the time to do all those things together that working sees us continually putting off. Nigel Carlton has resigned from his position as General Manager, Broken Hill Health Service. Nevertheless, he is considering the potential for a future role within the LHD, after taking a break from the demands of the General Manager role. Late last year we advertised for a General Manager for the Lower Western Sector. We had a good response and six applicants were interviewed. Two candidates were taken to a second interview. A day before the second interviews, Nigel decided to resign. As both the General Manager positions were the same grading we were able to offer both candidates a role. Congratulations to Jane Corcoran who has been appointed General Manager, Broken Hill Health Service and Greg Mullen who has been appointed General Manager, Lower Western Sector. The Board and Executive Team met last in January to develop a strategic plan for the LHD, which will be finalised this month. The vision that draws the strategic direction together is “Excellence in Rural and Remote Health”, effectively as an organisation we will be striving to ensure everything we do, every day is excellent. Associated with this is work that has commenced to improve how we work together, which is based on an approach developed by an American, Quint Studer. Things you will notice happening around you as a result will include members of the executive team, managers and I may stop for a chat. This is designed to improve communication and ensure good things are acknowledged and problems are addressed. In coming months there will be discussions about what each of us is expected to do and how that fits with the rest of the organisation, and then monthly catch ups to make sure each of us is making progress. I hope when you notice the changes in the way things are done you’ll find the positive. Ian Howarth, our Artist in Residence has added colour to the Broken Hill Hospital with help from local children, and will continue to volunteer his time to support workshops through the Hospital. We’ve also had a celebration for volunteers across the LHD, acknowledging the enormous contribution that members of our communities make as volunteers. I hope you enjoy this edition. Stuart Riley, Chief Executive District staff took part in the first of many Studer workshops scheduled for 2014

Transcript of Message from the Chief Executivefwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/UserFiles/files/NewsLetters... · Dietetics...

Page 1: Message from the Chief Executivefwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/UserFiles/files/NewsLetters... · Dietetics students helping to dispel healthy eating cost myths. The Far West Local Health

The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

Message from the Chief Executive

Silv

ert

on C

reek

This month we have welcomed a new group of 21 Graduate Nurses and Midwives, eight Junior Medical Officers and two new General Managers. We are also saying farewell to Murray Stephens after 48 years with the Broken Hill Hospital. I hope Murray and his family enjoy the time to do all those things together that working sees us continually putting off.

Nigel Carlton has resigned

from his position as General Manager, Broken Hill Health Service. Nevertheless, he is considering the potential for a future role within the LHD, after taking a break from the demands of the General Manager role.

Late last year we advertised

for a General Manager for the Lower Western Sector. We had a good response and six applicants were interviewed. Two candidates were taken to a second interview. A day before the second interviews, Nigel decided to resign. As both the General Manager positions were

the same grading we were able to offer both candidates a role. Congratulations to Jane Corcoran who has been appointed General Manager, Broken Hill Health Service and Greg Mullen who has been appointed General Manager, Lower Western Sector.

The Board and Executive

Team met last in January to develop a strategic plan for the LHD, which will be finalised this month. The vision that draws the strategic direction together is “Excellence in Rural and Remote Health”, effectively as an organisation we will be striving to ensure everything we do, every day is excellent.

Associated with this is work

that has commenced to improve how we work together, which is based on an approach developed by an American, Quint Studer. Things you will notice happening around you as a result will include members of the executive team, managers and I may stop for a chat. This

is designed to improve communication and ensure good things are acknowledged and problems are addressed. In coming months there will be discussions about what each of us is expected to do and how that fits with the rest of the organisation, and then monthly catch ups to make sure each of us is making progress. I hope when you notice the changes in the way things are done you’ll find the positive.

Ian Howarth, our Artist in

Residence has added colour to the Broken Hill Hospital with help from local children, and will continue to volunteer his time to support workshops through the Hospital. We’ve also had a celebration for volunteers across the LHD, acknowledging the enormous contribution that members of our communities make as volunteers.

I hope you enjoy this edition.

— Stuart Riley, Chief Executive

District staff took part in the first of many Studer workshops scheduled for 2014

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 2 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

First JMOs for 2014 join Far West

Our 2014 first term of Junior Medical Officer staff are all first timers to Broken Hill.

All looked forward to gaining new experiences and opportunities that the coming ten weeks living and working here would bring.

After the initial shock of the hot weather, they have settled into the routine of practicing rural and remote medicine. It is anticipated that once we get a long enough cool change they might get to see some the surrounding area as well!

Welcome and we hope you do enjoy your time with us.

Our first group of JMOs for 2014: (From left,) Standing: Dr Allison Wong ED Resident, Dr Mohammad Omair Medical Registrar, Dr David Yuan Medical Resident and Dr Jeff Lee

Medical Registrar. Seated: Dr Nishanta Tangirala Medical Registrar, Dr Qiuye Cheng Surgical Registrar, Dr Amy Kwan Surgical Resident and Dr Angela Rassi Paediatric Resident

Dietetics students have found that choosing unhealthy foods costs Broken Hill families nearly double.

During a rural community placement here with the Dietetics Department, University of Wollongong dietetics students - Kylie Worboys and Emma Jenkins conducted research that found a family of four will have to fork out over $400 each week for unhealthy choices, nearly half of the average weekly family income and equivalent to almost $15 per person per day on food alone.

The ‘Unhealthy Food Basket’ project was carried out under the supervision of District Community Dietitian, Heidi Drenkhahn.

The selection of foods was based on local food consumption trends and then priced at local supermarkets. Heidi said the cost of this basket was compared to a healthy food basket created last year under a similar project by dietetics students.

Heidi said: “The healthy food basket researched last year cost only $8 per person per day for a family of four. This research helps to dispel the age old myth that healthy eating is more expensive than unhealthy eating. Choosing to eat healthy can be the budget friendly choice.” Community Dietitian Heidi Drenkhahn with students Kylie Worboys

and Emma Jenkins

Dietetics students helping to dispel healthy eating cost myths

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 3 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Chief Executive Stuart Riley spoke to the nurses and welcomed them to the District and their contribution to developing the nursing

workforce now and in the future

Our Nurse Graduates starting their career with Far West

Nursing grads start their career with Far West

Twenty-one newly graduated Registered Nurses and Midwives from across the State and as far as South Australia and Queensland have joined the District to begin their nursing careers.

They have started working across the health service under the FWLHD Rural and Remote Transition to Professional Practice Program delivered by us.

District DON Dale Sutton welcomed the new nurses during their orientation and encouraged them all to embrace the opportunities and experiences they will have working in the Far West.

This year the grads will experience remote nursing via placements in two additional facilities — Tibooburra and Ivanhoe — and will also participate in a six-month rotation exchange program between the District and Royal North Shore Hospital.

“The nurses during this time are exposed to many different clinical skills, which will enhance and consolidate their nursing knowledge,” said Ms Sutton.

“This opportunity is something new RN’s and RM’s in metropolitan areas would not have access to. In turn these placements foster pathways to the recruitment of staff for our remote facilities and communities,” she said.

A warm welcome is extended to all and best wishes.

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 4 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

The BH Oncology and Ambulatory Care Unit has been brightened up with the addition of nine striking new artworks especially commissioned thanks to a generous donation by the Outback Publicans.

The artworks were created by local artist Amanda Johnson after discussing her ideas with staff and having a brief to create ‘bright, uplifting, interesting and local’ inspired artworks.

Melissa Cumming, Director Cancer & Palliative Care Services said: “Amanda has created bright and interesting paintings that will make the unit a happier environment in which to spend time. Each painting has local features painted in Amanda’s trademark way, and which draw the viewer into the landscape”.

The Outback Publicans have supported local Cancer and Palliative Care Services since one of their members

required the services. The group also donated tilting over-chair tables for each treatment chair.

Artist Amanda Johnson said: “In coming up with a concept for a collection of paintings, my first thought was my Dad. He has a blood condition that requires him to sit in the unit for an hour or so

once a month. “Included in the

collection is a large painting of a circus. My memories are of the circus coming to town and setting up on Block 10. I've called it 'Bob's Circus' in honour of my Dad.

Iconic images depicted in the artworks include The Pinnacles, South, North and Delprats head frames, Round Hill and its monument and the Rocket from Railwaytown Park, as well as a view of Argent Street, topiary olive trees at our Plaza, a Hills Hoist and the Miner's Memorial.

Thanks to Amanda and the Outback Publicans for their generosity.

New artworks brighten up cancer treatment rooms at hospital

The BHHS Oncology Department is boasting a brighter décor thanks to a series of paintings featuring local scenes. Pictured with some

of the works were (from left) David Harris representing the Outback Publicans, RN Rose Martin and the artist Amanda Johnson.

The District welcomed Lola Erinle, a new Social Work Student on placement, to the Volunteer Program extending to her the opportunity to work on the planning stages of the Dementia Care/Palliative Care Pilot.

Lola, who is a 4th year Social Work Student from the University of New England, will be working with me and the multi-disciplinary and inter agency Working Party team. The intent of the Pilot is to have a group of Volunteers assisting inpatients with dementia and palliative care inpatients in the hospital, providing them with effective engagement , such as social interaction, conversation and participation in activities in a supportive environment.

Lola’s three days a week placement, from February to June, will be an exciting time for her as she will also have the opportunity of working at the HACC Centre for one day a week with Melanie Chynoweth-Holland on dementia related projects.

Melanie is the Dementia Advisor for the BH City Council and a member of the BH Health Council. Melanie has not only agreed to be a member of the Working Party on the Dementia/Palliative Care Pilot, but was willing to collaborate with our placement student.

Lola will have the opportunity to work on projects and experience ‘first hand’ the wonderful work Melanie does in the Broken Hill community.

— Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager

Social Work student

Lola Erinle (left) and Melanie Chynoweth-Holland

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 5 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

A Morning Tea was held in the BH Hospital’s foyer to thank our wonderful volunteers for their contribution to the Far West Local Health District.

Far West LHD staff contributed to a delicious spread for the volunteers and helped serve the morning tea.

Every year our staff takes this opportunity to show, in a small way, their appreciation for the assistance they receive from our dedicated volunteers. This year was no exception with the staff enjoying the opportunity of mingling with the volunteers, and it’s always difficult to say who enjoyed the morning tea the most — the volunteers or the Staff.

Volunteers from across the service were present including Kiosk members and the majority of their executive in Betty Sammut, President, Anne Bennetts and Colleen Demain, Vice Presidents, Stephen Bennetts, Treasurer, Charmaine Collins, Assistant Treasurer, Dennis Roach, Assistant Secretary and Public Officer.

Service Clubs reps present included Barry Powell, Workingmen’s Club, Bill Graham and Les McQuillan, the

Legion Club. However John Holzberger sent his apologies and was sadly missed.

Aqua Leaders Ann Millsteed and Eleanor Blows and Tai Chi Leader, Gail Turner chatted to many of their fellow volunteers. Our own staff volunteers from the Patient Family Support Team were on hand in both their capacity as volunteers and

helpers Chief Executive, Stuart

Riley thanked the volunteers and acknowledged the importance of their work and the commitment to the Health Service.

It was also announced the Kiosk Auxiliary will be undertaking a single major project this year, when they agreed to donate $160,000

towards the replacement and upgrading of a patient clinical monitoring system for the Hospital.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped arrange the Morning Tea and on the day, especially all those on hand to serve the volunteers. It was a great team effort.

— Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager

BELOW: Newly appointed BHHS General Manager Jane Corcoran (sixth from left) was delighted to help cut the traditional “Thank You Cake” with a cross section of our volunteers.

LEFT: Staff helped serve morning tea to volunteers.

Volunteers thanked for wonderful service and efforts

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 6 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

The BH Hospital Kiosk’s Saturday Team will bid a fond, but extremely sad, farewell to Hannah Licul this month as she takes up her new role in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Hannah has been an Army Cadet for the past seven years and her hard work and determination will see her achieve her goal, when she joins the RAAF 2014 intake of new recruits on 11 March.

Hannah has not only been a valued member of the Saturday’s Kiosk Team but without doubt their favourite member, not just because she is the youngest Kiosk Volunteer and her team members love to mother her, but because of her warm and outgoing personality, her willingness to get involved and the spirit she injects to the Saturday’s Team. Hannah is not just another member of their team but, despite the obvious age difference, she has become a friend and in some cases welcomed as part of their extended family.

Although the Kiosk Volunteers will miss Hannah, they are very proud of her achievement and they have nothing but praise for her, as they have seen the hard work, persistence and commitment she has demonstrated in achieving her goal.

Hannah said” “I thought it would be at least six months before I had to leave but I got the news and a start date in March, it’s so soon but I am excited and a little nervous”.

We have no doubt that Hannah will do well and although she will be greatly missed it is wonderful to see her achieve her goal.

We wish Hannah well in her new career, and of course we look forward to catching up with her and hearing about her adventures when she returns to visit her family and friends in Broken Hill.

— Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager The Kiosk Saturday Team bid farewell to their youngest team member Hannah

BH Kiosk Auxiliary Saturday Team bid a sad farewell to their youngest volunteer

Local fundraisers have helped to provide a new tool for cancer treatment staff to help in the early detection and treatment of lymphoedema.

The Breast Cancer Support Group have donated a L-Dex machine (valued at $5,000) for use in the BH Hospital’s Physiotherapy Department.

The L-Dex machine works through bio-impedance and helps to detect subclinical lymphoedema, which assists in early detection along with changes in established lymphoedema.

“The L-Dex provides professionals with a tool to directly assess the early stages of lymphoedema, in many cases before visible swelling is apparent,” said Senior Therapist Ms Nerissa Morley-Coulls.

“This allows an early intervention to occur and better management of this lifelong condition. It empowers the patient/client as they can take control of the situation and if they are vigilant with self-management, can have a better quality of life.”

“We are very grateful to the Breast Cancer Support Group for purchasing the L-Dex machine which will benefit the whole community,” said Nerissa.

Kerry Baker (left) with Fay Fryer (right) and the L-Dex machine that will help Nerissa Morley-Coulls treat patients with lymphoedema

L-Dex machine a welcome addition

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 7 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Theatre Nurse Elissa Tweedie is seeking support to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

She will be surrendering her hair at the Tydvil Hotel on Sunday, March 16 at 4pm.

Elissa said for some strange reason, she has always wanted to shave her hair.

“I just thought I may as well do it for a great cause and let’s face it, its only hair.

“I will be shaving to a number 2 as I feel if you’re going to shave you may as well go all the way!”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Elissa can do so online, call 0427 870 006, see her in Theatre or at the Tydvil Hotel on the day of the big shave.

Shaving it off for a good cause

It was rather apt that the sun was shining when the Y’s Men’s representatives Neville Turner and Bill Collins came along to the Broken Hill Child and Family Health Centre to see how their generous donation had been put to use.

The Y’s Men donated the funds for shade sails for the children’s outdoor play area.

Thanks to their kindness the children who attend the centre will benefit by being able to play safely in a beautifully refurbished and shaded play area.

Not only did the Y’s Men’s Club donate the funds for the sails, but Y’s Men’s Neville Turner also donated his valuable time in liaising

with us and the contractors to ensure that the sails were installed and that they met the requirements and approval of Child and Family Health Centre Manager Di Johnson.

Prior to the new sails children were discouraged from using the play area in the heat of the day. Now a ‘sun safe’ environment is available for the children to play in.

Once again the Y’s Men’s Club have assisted the Broken Hill Health Service and in turn the Broken Hill community with their generous donation. We are extremely grateful and thank them for their kindness.

— Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager

Children of Broken Hill benefit from Y’s Men’s donation of shade sails

The Child and Family Health Centre’s new shade sails provide for an ideal play area for children and pictured inspecting the sails were (from left) Di

Johnson, Mary Leehane, Y’s Men’s Secretary Bill Collins and District Governor Neville Turner and Social Work Student Lola Erinle

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 8 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Broken Hill Health Service this month received training in the handling, storage and use of medical gases. BOC trainer Ken Williams provided training in 3 sessions involving theory/information and followed by a written assessment and then a practical assessment.

At the conclusion of the training the attendees who have been deemed competent by the trainer will receive a certificate.

The theory/information session included: Safe use of medical compressed gases, manual handling, hazards of oxidising gases (oxygen & nitrous oxide), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and start-up and shut down procedures, including attaching regulators/flow meters, leak checks, adjustments etc.

The practical assessment was a test to confirm the attendees are competent in the use of the relevant equipment, such as select cylinder, fit regulator, fit flow meter, fit twin-o-vac, leak test and operate equipment.

Twenty-four staff attended representing Porters, Maintenance, Theatre, Medical Imaging, Patient Transport, PADP and Nurse Educator’s staff who will follow up with education to clinical areas. Participants deemed competent will receive a certificate.

Feedback from evaluations from the sessions were very encouraging and helpful with staff interacting throughout. An action list has been developed for items raised during training.

BOC visit every 6 months to conduct mandatory checks on cylinders, gauges and flow meters. During this time a training session is arranged for new and other interested staff.

BOC Gas Trainer Ken Williams (centre) with class participants Peter Ball (left) and Ray Slater

Safety with gas training

Murray Stephens is set to join an elite group within the Broken Hill Health Service when he retires on 2 March 2014 after just over 48 years of service.

Murray started with the health service on 31 December 1965 as an office boy and a year later became a storeman. A year he was working maintaining the garden for two years before settling in as a storeman for the next 30 years. The last 14 years Murray has been a kitchen hand in the hospital.

“Murray is one of those staff that outside of Hotel Services went unnoticed in other areas of the facility,” said Marg Graham, Catering Manager. “On behalf of Catering Department and the staff, I wish Murray and his family all the best on his retirement.”

Murray has no definite plans as yet for his retirement.

Murray joins retirees club

Murray Stephens

It was wonderful catching up with the ladies of the RFDS Auxiliary on 21 February at their monthly meeting. One of the main topics of discussion was the final touch to the planned RFDS Ball to be held on Saturday 3 May 2014.

The energy in the room, chatter and laughter was infectious and masked the hard work that goes into the planning of such a major event. RFDS President, Margaret Symes, outlined the work to date and displayed the Balls’ poster which will soon grace the walls, shop windows and display boards in Broken Hill. The Poster is already on display in Kincumber House and the Staff Quarters.

Thank you Margaret and your amazing Team, I am sure the evening will be lots of fun.

If anyone would like to purchase tickets for the Ball please call Margaret on 8087 6569 and remember there are a limited number of tickets. — Mary Leehane, Volunteer Manager

The Ladies of the RFDS Auxiliary with a copy of the Poster

RFDS Auxiliary plans Ball

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 9 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Art by children who have stayed in the Broken Hill hospital is now on display in the hospital’s gallery corridor in a fitting conclusion to the Artist In Residence Pilot Project held last year.

Local artist Ian Howarth presented the artworks to coincide with Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Broken Hill Health Service on 24 February.

The artworks are by children of Broken Hill and surrounding areas and the collection features colourful, whimsical and sometimes poignant drawings and paintings.

These works represent many aspects of what children think and feel during a visit to the hospital, explained Ian. The art on display is only a small amount of the work produced, as many children took home their creations, be it a drawing, painting or the very popular spiders that were created in a myriad of colours and shapes.

Other pieces displayed were drawn and painted from a group of 8 -14 year old children who attended a workshop at the Regional Art Gallery. The children were asked to draw or paint a piece that represented and expressed what they thought or felt when they heard the word ‘hospital’. Their concepts expressed by the pieces presented are varied, thought provoking, funny and insightful.

Ian said: “For me, the clinic area was an ideal space in which to work, it was a generous and unobtrusive space, with plenty of opportunity to engage and interact with variety of clinic visitors, their families and attending staff. It was very

rare that a child did not want to participate, and in most cases their natural inquisitiveness and curiosity would see them approach me. The work the children produced is imaginative and insightful. Children see the world through different eyes than adults and the work on display today is evidence of that. I think this is the true success of the pilot that the children wanted to be part of it”.

The UDRH was a project partner and Paul Bennett, Health Education Officer, said: “This is a great project that has sick children, their families and staff involved in something that is unique to Broken Hill. We will continue to look for ways to fund it in 2014 and beyond, and we hope the community will get behind the project. Every bit of support is helpful and it all goes to supporting our children”.

Ian will continue as a volunteer with the Hospital and has agreed to donate his time to carry out workshops throughout the coming year.

Ian will attend different clinics, wards and units engaging patients, visitors and staff who wish to find their inner ‘artist’ and participate in the workshops.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Artist Ian Howarth talks about the project with Southern

Cross TV Journalist Kate Somers

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Did you know you can access patient medical images in their eMR PowerChart? Simply go to the Patient Flow Chart and look out for the EIR link to access external LHD medical images.

EIR is the Enterprise Imaging Repository (EIR). It is a centralised imaging store that allows digital medical images and reports to be shared across all public hospitals in NSW. This means that no matter which public hospital a patient visits, the appropriate clinical staff will have immediate access to their previous and current studies including x-rays, scans and reports.

Want to find out more? Go to the EIR Intranet page - http://intranet.hss.health.nsw.gov.au/insidehss/clinical-programs/medical-imaging-mi/enterprise-imaging-repository-eir

The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 10 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Dialysis Unit welcomes

new team member RN Cherie Follet (pictured) has this month

commenced her haemodialysis training in the Dialysis Unit. Cherie completed her Transition to Practice in the Broken Hill Hospital in 2013, with experience in the Medical Ward and the Emergency Department.

Cherie will complete 20 shifts with the CNC Renal Services to learn how to provide dialysis sessions and then will be supported by the CNC and the current Nursing Staff in the Unit.

(A cautionary tale...) This story describes a Joint Investigative Response Team (JIRT) road trip

to a remote town in February 2014. JIRT is an initiative that provides a coordinated response between Police, FACS and Health staff to child protection issues. The names have been changed to protect the innocent (or the witless as the case may be).

Annie and Zelda, the Health and FACS workers, decided to travel in one car because it was a long drive on a dirt road.

Annie hits a big emu. The emu is still alive, Annie asks Zelda to euthanize the emu as it cannot move and she could not possibly kill anything.

Zelda tries ten times to kill the injured emu with no luck. Annie and Zelda reconvene to the vehicle for further discussion. Annie

notices Zelda’s heels on the passenger floor (from Target) and looks at Zelda, who shakes her head “No, Annie, not the heels.”

Annie tries to convince Zelda to ring 000 and ask for assistance. Zelda gives Annie a talk on the responsible use of emergency services.

Zelda then asks Annie to hold the emu while she attempts to euthanize it. The emu then attempts to attack Zelda who screams and hides behind Annie.

Annie suggests that they find a plastic bag to suffocate the emu to put it out of its misery. Zelda declines to use this method as she does not know the suffocation time for an emu.

Annie tries to convince Zelda to put the emu in the vehicle (really, a wild animal?!?).

Zelda declines. Zelda then suggests ringing Bill (their police colleague travelling in convoy

with them) to kill the animal. Problem solved. The journey continues. With only 150km left on dirt road, it starts to rain. This is not just a sprinkle

but a downpour. Annie and Zelda cannot see and have to stop on the side of the road.

Zelda tells Annie "This is not good. Don’t go to the edge of the road - we will get bogged".

Too late, the car is bogged. The phone rings, Annie and Zelda turn around to see Bill also bogged. Luckily Zelda read the car manual to find out how to use the 4WD. Annie

had assumed the car knew when to turn on 4WD. One hour, many phone calls and lots laughing later, the team managed to

get back on the road, sliding sideways at 5km hour. Bill phones to give support “Just take it easy, follow me, you will be fine”.

Zelda suddenly notices that the vehicle has been beeping for the last forty minutes. Annie does not know why the car is beeping. Zelda decides to ring Bill (police colleague) thinking cars do not beep unless something major is happening.

“Bill is your car beeping?” “No” says Bill. Zelda says “I’m worried ours is really beeping and won’t stop”. Bill: “Have you got your seatbelts on?” Zelda looks down and notices no, she does not have her belt on and replies “good call Bill”.

You may think ‘Surely this story cannot get any worse’, but wait there is more!

It seems that every kangaroo within the area needed to drink from the side of the road, slowing our intrepid travellers even further.

Fortunately, the story has a happy ending and the trio crept into town late that night with sides sore from laughing and the child they all went to help safe and sound.

The next day they drove out of town again… — The author wishes to (perhaps wisely) remain anonymous

JIRT Road Trip

Viewing images via eMR

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The Far West Local Health District Newsletter Edition 2, Vol 4, Feb 2014

PAGE 11 Submissions for Far West In Focus can be sent to [email protected].

The newsletter can be found on the Far West LHD website at www.fwlhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Policy Watch — PDs available on MOH internet The following documents have been published on the NSW Ministry of Health internet site http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies. These documents are official NSW Health policy. Compliance with Policy Directives is mandatory.

Library News What is EndNote? EndNote is comprehensive bibliographic software that allows you to keep your references in a

database. EndNote enables you to manually enter, sort, search and edit your references, import/export from external databases or catalogues, use Online Search to connect to and search library databases and catalogues. With EndNote you can also import a reference to a word document and share your references with others.

Did you know you can export references from Google Scholar into EndNote? Open Internet Explorer to Google Scholar at http://scholar.google.com.au

Conduct a quick search using a keyword of your choice. Notice there is no “Import into Endnote’ option at the bottom of references. Go back to Google Scholar home page. Scroll down to the Bibliography Manager and check the ‘Show links to import citations into’ option. Select ‘EndNote’ from the drop down box and then ‘Save preferences’. You will be taken back to the Google Scholar home page. For EndNote tutorials contact the Far West Health Library on 80801210.

Book Highlight: Boyd, C. 2013, Calculation skills for Nurses: Student survival skills.

This concise text provides nursing students with words of wisdom and advice from real-life student nurses. Calculation Skills for Nurses enables you to calculate drug dosages with ease, boosting your confidence and competence in this core area of nursing practice. The book takes away the fear of calculations, making it approachable, easy and fun.

Before you can export articles from Google Scholar you will first need to

set preferences by clicking on the ‘Settings’ link top right of page.