Message from the Executive Director

I am on leave from today for the next few weeks, but while I am away Dr Mario de Silva will be acting Executive Director until Monday 30 October.

During this time, David Strain will also be acting in the Director of Operations position at Metro North Oral Health Service.

In the coming weeks leading into the end of the year, we are anticipating that we will have the accreditors visiting us at some point, so I ask that you please continue to keep up the great work and ensure that all PDPs are completed, and mandatory training prioritised.

Brighton, Cooinda and Chermside Awards

It had been a busy period for acknowledgements over the past few weeks.

I visited Cooinda House, Brighton and Chermside Community Health Centre to say thank you to so many amazing staff members and teams.

Congratulations to our deserving Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Award Winners at the above three sites:

Post Acute Care Service (Chermside) – Dual Shining Star Award Winner

For their exceptional teamwork and great effort supporting our patients as highlighted not only by their peers but also their patients and family members.

Cooinda House Team – Dual Shining Star Award Winner

For being caring, compassionate and dedicated, and doing exceptional things for their residents and families such as the introduction of the new cinema and resident kitchen.

Rebecca Hayes, Service Improvement Officer – Improving First Nations Health Winner

For delivering better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by improving failed to attend rates for Diabetes Clinic appointments.

Sarah Fitzhenry, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist – Excellence in Clinical Improvement Dual Winner

For leading the implementation of the ArmMotus (Upper limb rehabilitation robot) and the Lower Limb Ballistics device to encourage early mobilisation for patients after a brain injury and/or those reconditioning post-acute hospitalisation.

Tegan Button, Occupational Therapist – Excellence in Innovation and Research Dual Winner

For improving interdisciplinary cooperation and client care through improving interprofessional practice and skill sharing opportunities.

Kelly McDonald, Project Officer – Excellence in Innovation and Research Dual Winner

For developing, establishing and supporting the model of care for the highly successful Rapid Access to Community Care Service.

Community and Oral Health volunteers and peer supporters, Eli Best, Stephen Dowie and Anton Cavalli – People Focus Dual Winner

For improving the experience for people from the LGBTIQA+ community who work in or access services in Community and Oral Health and Metro North Health through the Rainbow Room initiative.

Community and Oral Health volunteer Glenn Ellis – Supporting Excellence in Care Dual Winner

For building greater social connections and improving the patient care we provide in the Brighton Rehabilitation Unit.

Compliment – Consumer Liaison Officers I have been receiving some positive feedback from across Metro North Health about the work of our Consumer Liaison Officers who are helping other hospitals to improve the way they engage and manage consumer conversations and complaints. In addition, some great compliments have been coming through about their work. “I was a patient of Metro North Oral Health Services and a few months ago I become increasingly distressed and anxious about what was involved with my oral health journey. “When I expressed my concern to one staff member they suggested I contact the Consumer Liaison Officer to raise my concerns. “Shortly after I did this, I was contacted by the Consumer Liaison Officer who was extremely professional, friendly and most importantly helpful. “She provided clear clarification and advice on options to resolve my concerns. I immediately felt more comfortable about what was happening. “Oral Health is definitely lucky to have Consumer Liaison Officers. “I think their efforts and involvement, and the essential role of the Consumer Liaison Officer, are both important to acknowledge.”

A final shout out

When you ask Halwyn Centre nurse unit manager Geraldine what is important when providing care to residents, her answer is clear.

“It is about being kind to people and showing humanity to others.

“For all of us at the Halwyn Centre, it is about ensuring that our residents have a good day everyday!

Find out more about Geraldine on Facebook.

 Glynis.