Yesterday was a national public holiday to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

While most of us had the day off from work to acknowledge this significant event, many of our staff came to work to support the continuation of planned care for our patients. I extend a big thanks to all those staff who worked on the public holiday to ensure our patients could still receive the care they needed.

A reminder that 5pm today is when nominations close for Metro North’s Staff Excellence Awards. If there’s someone who you think does an excellent job and who demonstrates our Metro North values, please make sure you acknowledge them by submitting a nomination. To nominate a colleague, visit TPCH Staff Excellence Awards 2022 webpage.

I would also like to share a situation that happened when I was arriving at work one morning this week. While pulling into the car park, I was approached by a Patient Support Service officer who happened to be walking by at the time, and who offered to help with me something. I asked this staff member where he worked and his role. He replied with “I’m just a wardie.’ This response took me back a little, as it made me think about how people see their perceived value to an organisation, based on their job. It is important to understand that each of us play a role in supporting the delivery of high quality patient care at TPCH, regardless of position. What matters is how we conduct ourselves in doing our work, whatever that work may be. The respect and kindness shown by the Patient Support Service officer in offering to help me is an example of the sort of behaviours we should value and apply, especially in an organisation that bases itself on caring for people. Some food for thought!

Executive walkaround

This week, we had a visit from the Chief Health Officer (CHO), Dr John Gerrard who met with a number of staff from our Infectious Diseases Unit, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre (former Acute Covid Care and Low Acuity COVID ward), Ward 1E, and Emergency Department to discuss next steps in the pandemic response as we move into COVID-19 business as usual. Dr Gerrard was keen to hear our staff’s experiences, views and feedback, and expressed his appreciation for our excellent efforts over the last three years. We thank Dr Gerrard for his valuable time.

Also this week, we acknowledged Dementia Action Week with a great display in the Café on Tuesday to help raise awareness of dementia. The display attracted a lot of interest with many staff and consumers asking questions and taking information away to read. It was an excellent way of starting conversations and helping guide consumers to seek appropriate support about this challenging condition. Thanks to the staff from CAM, Delirium and Dementia and Service and the Internal Medicine Dementia Research Unit for their efforts in putting together such a successful display.

FAST FACTS

In acknowledgement of it being Dementia Action Week, we will share some fast facts about our Cognitive Assessment Management (CAM) Unit and dementia.

Did you know?

• The CAM Unit supports patients requiring assessment of dementia related cognitive impairment, who demonstrate behaviours of concern. Care provision includes diagnosis, implementation of appropriate management strategies, monitoring of pharmaceutical treatment and facilitation of discharge – either home, or to another more suitable environment.
• The Unit is supported by a multidisciplinary team which consists of around 30 nursing staff, Geriatrician and Registrar, Administration Staff, Social Work, Pharmacist, Dietitian, Nurse Navigator Cognitive Advocate, Nurse Practitioner Dementia and Delirium, and Speech Pathologist.
• The Unit cares for around 160 patients with dementia each year
• The average age of patients cared for is 79
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are at particular risk of early-onset dementia, commencing from 45 years of age
• CAM Unit nursing staff provide diversional therapy to the patients with daily support from Charlies Angels volunteers. Some activities organised for patients include music therapy, self-care, aromatherapy, 5 senses stimulation, reminiscence activities, doll therapy, physical exercise, brain teaser games, and arts and crafts.

Staff Profile

This week we will profile TPCH Dementia and Delirium Nurse Practitioner, Khera Kim.

In this role, Khera provides specialised nursing care and support to individuals with delirium or dementia while in hospital and following discharge. This includes providing consultations for inpatients and outpatients, as well as for patients in residential aged care facilities.

Khera, who has spent over a decade caring for patients and families impacted by cognitive impairment, knows the challenges of caring for someone with dementia. She enjoys meeting patients and their families, helping them get the right support, and empowering them to live the best life possible. Khera values compassion, patience and independence, and enjoys the challenge of being able to think outside the box to find creative solutions to the complex challenges faced by people living with dementia.

Outside of work, Khera enjoys spending time with family, painting, writing short stories and reading.
The creative type!

Safety at work

Recently we’ve had several reports of theft of staff and hospital property. While we have numerous CCTV cameras on site, unfortunately they do not cover all locations, so we encourage staff to take some simple steps to help avoid any further incidents.

• Remove or hide from sight, any valuables from vehicle
• Don’t leave valuable items or handbags in visible locations in office areas
• Don’t leave personal property (e.g. wallets, keys, phone) unattended in local work spaces, even if only for a minute
• Report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to security by phoning 3139 5908
• Contact campus security if you witness any damage to staff or hospital property.

Shout out

This week’s shout goes to our Gardeners Grounds Maintenance team. This five-member team does an outstanding job in maintaining TPCH’s 83-acre campus, always keeping the grounds and gardens amazingly green and well-groomed for our patients, visitors and staff.  The efforts of this hardworking team were recently boosted by the acquisition of a new ‘Mean Green EVO-Teq’ battery powered electric mower which will allow them to cover the campus much faster and with less impact on the environment!  A great addition to this green-focused team, particularly with summer on the way!

Today’s quote

“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilisation work.” – Vince Lombardi 

Tami Photinos
Executive Director