compassionate care perioperative bundle launch · all feedback and contributions are welcome to...

South West HHS | The Pulse August 2018

PULSE

South WestHospital and Health Service

Building better health in the bush

South West Hospital and Health Service acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, and pays respect to Elders

past, present and future.

AUGUST 2018 EDITION

COMPASSIONATE CARE BUNDLE LAUNCHPAGES 5-10

PERIOPERATIVE INTRODUCTORY

PROGRAM WORKSHOPPAGES 13-14

NEW GRADUATE MENTAL HEALTH NURSE POSITIONPAGE 20 GIVING HOPE TO THE FIRST

FIVE YEARS OF LIFEPAGE 22

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE REPORTING (SPR) MASTERCLASS TRAINING PAGE 15

Contents

This newsletter is produced by the South West Hospital and Health Service (South West HHS). All feedback and contributions are welcome to Stephanie Kay: 07 4505 1561 / 0447 645 315 / [email protected] published material has been approved by the Health Service Chief Executive.Design and Cover Photography by Cameron McPhee

Our Values

QUALITY COMPASSION ACCOUNTABILITY ENGAGEMENT ADAPTABILITY

From the Board Chair Jim McGowan, AM page 3From the Chief Executive Linda Patat page 4Compassionate Care Bundle launch pages 5-10Hello! from the Productive Ward Team here at Augathella with some quality activities page 12Perioperative Introductory Program difficult airways workshop pages 13-14System Performance Reporting (SPR) masterclass training page 15A new model of delivery trial introduced pages 16Welcome first year registered nurses page 17‘Neuroscience of Leadership’ workshop success page 17Diabetes Educator welcomed page 18Village Connect update page 18Three Nurse Practitioner appointments page 19New Graduate Mental Health Nurse position page 20South West HHS welcomes new Executive Leadership Team Member Cameron Castles page 21Roma Performing Arts and Community and Allied Health staff member Kiara Williams page 21Giving HOPE to the first five years of life page 22The Board out-and-about pages 23-27The New Roma Hospital Update page 28


From the Board ChairJim McGowan, AM

A highlight of the Board meeting on 27 August was a presentation on the Innovation Framework which is a key centrepiece of the “Village Connect” concept. The commitment to, pride in and enthusiasm for “Village Connect” by the presenters, Amy Byrne, Helen Wassman and Sheila Marshall was inspiring and infectious. The initiative is aligned to our vision to be a national leader in the provision of health services for rural and remote communities. Your ideas and suggestions are very important to advance innovative approaches to the delivery of quality person-centred care.

One of the most enjoyable parts of my role is the visits to our facilities to meet with you, our dedicated staff and volunteers and our partners. After the Board meeting, Linda, Donna and I travelled from Roma to Charleville to Cunnamulla to Bollon and St George. We met the Maranoa, Murweh and Paroo Councils to partner on possible joint activities to proactively focus on prevention strategies relevant to the local communities. We were joined by our Directors of Nursing, Directors of Medical Services and Community Advisory Network (CAN) members. We are seeking to enhance the role of the CANs in such initiatives. Locally led activities are more likely to attract the interests of locals.

An initiative of the Administration staff of the Charleville Hospital is an example of the creativity of our own people. They have changed the way of welcoming people. A staff member greets people as they arrive and helps them to access the right people and/or services. The foyer has been redesigned to support this new and more personal way of greeting people. Most impressively, they have also changed the way in which specialist appointments are made through redesigning the way work is done in the ‘access hub’. They are making the appointments and advising the people through direct contact with them. This has lessened paperwork, and streamlined access to services. This initiative is in response to local concerns about the previous more bureaucratic processes, and long waiting lists. Congratulations to Sally, Rebecca and most importantly the administration team. This is a wonderful example of local solutions to local concerns.

At Bollon we spoke to CAN members about the strategy to support locally led healthy lifestyle programs. Board member Fiona Gaske attended this discussion. An example of just how committed our volunteers are was reflected in the attendance at Bollon of Trish McKenzie, Cunnamulla CAN Chair who couldn’t make our Cunnamulla meeting but went out of her way to meet us in Bollon.

At St George we held a breakfast to encourage new members for the CAN. Two people signed up straight away. We expect more in the near future.

As part of those visits, we spoke of our intention to develop community specific health service plans. This will be a considerable challenge but it will result in more meaningful plans. Our CANs, local governments, the PHN and others health service providers will be involved in their development.

I would also like to mention that Dr John Wakefield, Deputy Director-General, Clinical Excellence Division wrote congratulating the service on achieving accreditation and acknowledgement from the accreditors of innovative practices and commitment to reliable information management. These things do not happen by accident and Linda and the leadership team were congratulated in creating an improvement culture. This is a wonderful testament to our staff for the work done and, on behalf of the Board, I congratulate Linda and the whole team for your commitment, dedication and motivation and generating a positive and enriching culture.

At last, the construction of the new Roma Hospital has commenced!!!!!

Please reflect on the following values which are relevant to us.

“Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.”

Recently deceased US politician and war hero John McCain (1936-2018).

Ellen DeGeneres, US TV Talk Show Host comments:

“Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values.”


Guess where Linda has been in September 2018? Email your answer by Friday 28 September 2018 to [email protected]

Guessed correctly by:Jeanelle Everitt

Cheryl FlynnLee Edwards

Stefanie Atkinson

Where was Linda in August 2018?

In the main street of Augathella!

From the Chief ExecutiveLinda Patat

I have spent a lot of time in the last month thinking about our forward plan to be a national leader in rural and remote healthcare, planning and commencing the next key steps we take to sure up this lofty goal. As Jim mentioned, we have been meeting with each of our six local governments, and our service partners to discuss service plans for each of our 15 local community healthcare sites in the coming 10 years. We will expand these conversations further this month, as we meet with our Community Advisory Networks and our staff. Designing locally meaningful health service plans that strengthen access to acute care, whilst equally focusing towards managing the overall health and wellbeing of individuals and small populations gives us the unique opportunity to improve the health outcomes of our communities in the South West.

Despite Australia ranking the 5th most efficient and equitable health system in the world, our communities in the South West experience higher incidence of diabetes, cardiac disease and chronic diseases due to incidence of smoking, impacts of poor nutrition and lifestyle choices, including lack of regular exercise.

Changing this health profile will be challenging, but it can be done, and we have all the required ingredients for something pretty special to happen here - we have amazingly engaged and resourceful local communities; a network of dedicated health and social care providers; and highly skilled and committed staff.

There will be a continued need to support healthy ageing, better manage chronic disease, and mental health and wellbeing. Strong primary care and general practice healthcare homes are a critical building block for our forward plan.

Working through maximising the opportunities of a digital transformation and increase connectivity for our communities is also key to our success. I will keep you up to date with

developments as part of this important piece of work.

I am very excited about next months’ Annual Staff Awards. Being new to the Health Service, I have had a lot of staff share positive stories about this annual event and I look forward to acknowledging the work of our people and sharing some time together in celebration.

It has been pleasing to visit our sites with new kitchens – what a wonderful asset for our facilities, and for our cooks to be able to work with such pride, in such a professional looking environment. I hope you all enjoy the new facilities.

Such a pleasure this last month to be involved in the Compassionate Care Bundle launch in Charleville, and to visit sites as they launch across the South West. The photos in this edition share the energy and commitment we have received from both staff and Community Advisory Network Chairs. Thank you all for your ongoing efforts and support for such an important initiative.

Yours in service

Linda Patat


Compassionate Care Bundle launch

Signing of the compassionate care pledgeFrom left - Chris Small, Linda Patat, Anne O’Brien, sally Gorman and Katie Chang

sign a pledge to compassionate care for the Charleville Hospital

The South West Hospital and Health Service celebrated a momentous occasion with the launch of our Compassionate Care Bundle.

Compassionate care is care that is individualised, personal and keeps the client at the centre of their decisions at all time. Within the South West HHS, compassion is one of our values, and we are truly committed to providing compassion within all of our services.

The SWHHS Compassionate Care Bundle consists of open communication tools such as Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You (AIDET) and Hello My Name is and My Boards, as well as robust procedures designed to coordinate person-centred care. These include purposeful hourly rounding, clinical handover at the bedside and discharge follow up phone call.

Charleville Hospital played host to our pop-up patient experience launch, where our staff and invited guests witnessed the health service ‘pledge’ in which we formalised our commitment to the care we provide.

We commit to providing exceptional care through open and kind communication.

We pledge that we will always welcome you into our service.

We will always introduce ourselves so you know who we are and how we can help you.

We pledge to take the time to listen, genuinely hear you, and understand how to make your care the best it can be.

We pledge to work with you to understand your cultural background so that you feel respected and safe.

We will work with you to jointly plan your care needs, respecting your values and wishes.

We will make time to answer your questions, and to regularly speak with you and your loved ones.

When it comes time for you to return home or to another care environment, we will prepare you and ensure that you have everything that you need.


We pledge to make you feel safe and cared for; the care we provide is compassionate and ensures your dignity.

Above all, we pledge to care for you with our hands and our hearts. We will offer a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on and a compassionate ear, to walk with you through your healthcare journey. You are our purpose and our passion.

Compassionate Care will be rolling out across the South West HHS in the coming weeks. For more information check out the Compassionate Care Bundle on QHEPS (SWHHS intranet) or contact:

Amy ByrneNursing Director Clinical Excellence

07 [email protected]

Charleville Hospital shows their commitment to our health service values.South West HHS | The Pulse August 2018

Linda Patat, Sally Gorman, Chris Small, Anne O’Brien and Dana Lawton cut the cake.

Rob Mander, Wendy Jensen, Chris Small and Linda Patat drive our movement.#CommittedToCompassion #OurPurposeOurPassion #Shoulder2shoudler


Anne O’Brien and Sally Gorman proudly show off the compassionate care pledge.South West HHS | The Pulse August 2018

Part of compassionate care is understanding the care journey from our client’s eyes. Amy Byrne completes a Patient Shadowing Experience with Dorne McDonald at Charleville Hospital.

Wendy Jensen, Linda Patat and Greg Brylski enjoying the day at Charleville.

Creating a movement! The team at Charleville commit to compassionate, person-centred care. South West HHS | The Pulse August 2018

Quilpie launches Compassionate Care

The Quilpie and Augathella Multipurpose Health Services launched the Compassionate Care Bundle during a recent visit from Health Service Chief Executive, Linda Patat and Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Services, Chris Small.

Staff and residents enjoyed a morning tea to celebrate the new health service values and to make a commitment to compassionate care within all aspects of the service.

It is great to see our staff genuinely inspired to make a commitment to exceptional care and excellence in service delivery.

Augathella launches Compassionate Care


South WestHospital and Health Service

© 2018 | South West Hospital and Health Service - Building better health in the bush

South West Hospital and Health Service acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, and pays respect to Elders past, present and future.

Nominations close on 30 September 2018You can make your staff award nomination by reading the nomination guidelines and completing the nomination form available: https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/swest/people-and-culture/staff-awards

It’stime

tomakeyour

nomination

AnnualStaffAwardsPromoting excellence in the deliveryof health services in South WestQueensland

Do you know a staff member or team who promotes excellence in the delivery of health

services?

Do you know a staff member or team who makes a significant contribution and demonstrates a

strong commitment to our five values?

Nominate them today!

Augathella Multipurpose Health ServiceHello! from the Productive Ward Team here at Augathella with some quality activities

The major revamp of the Emergency Room has initiated a rethink of where important items are situated. The efficiency of how patients will receive treatment has been improved with the placement of equipment and items in a more accessible system.

The clinical stores will now be colour coded to match the emergency trolley drawers, thus reducing time locating necessary items.

A cleaning cheat sheet for residents’ electric razors was introduced so razors can be maintained appropriately.

The tree of knowledge with relevant health information for staff and visitors will be replaced with a notice board in the main hallway of the hospital.

The completion of the electrical upgrade has illuminated the hospital beautifully, and has given the hospital another space for storing medical equipment and stores.

The Data Collection Tool for Triage, Queensland Adult Deterioration Detection System & Children’s Early Warning Tool is up and running with staff aiming for all Green!

It is with great sadness that we farewell the Resident Cat “Tilly”. Tilly passed away in August. She played an integral

part with the residents and staff. She was buried in the Rose Garden, her favourite spot to sun bake.


The South West HHS’s inaugural Perioperative Introductory program (PIP) one-day Difficult Airways course, was held 7 August 2018 at the Roma Hospital. The workshop was designed specifically for nurses working within the perioperative environment who undertake anaesthetic assistant and post anaesthetic care roles. The 10 participants from Charleville, St George and Roma gained difficult airway skills, knowledge and confidence when preparing for and responding to a difficult airway event.

Dr Mark Garrett and Dr Adam Coltzau kindly gave their time to deliver lectures and assisted in the fun of simulation training. The South West HHS was fortunate to have Ms Fiona Newman, PIP Co-Ordinator from the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) attend and assist with the simulations. All participants had the opportunity to take part in fully immersive simulation training within the operating theatre. This was the first time this course has been held outside of the metro setting of the PAH.

Interactive Difficult Airways equipment skills stations were a big part of the day, with representatives from Karl Storz, Queensland Ambulance Services and Cook Medical, who demonstrated the most up to date equipment available in this field. These included C-MAC®

monitor and blades, flexible video scope and melker airway’s and exchange catheters. Nurses and Ddctors from the emergeny department and maternity were also able to access their expertise and review this equipment.

A special thank-you to Workforce Development Unit, Roma Theatre and Day Surgery Unit for helping in the facilitation of this course through use of equipment and space. Also to Karl Storz, Ambu, and Cook Medical for travelling to Roma and allowing all staff the opportunity to experience and practice with their equipment. Thank you also South West HHS Telehealth for assistance with the technical components of simulation in theatre. Thank you to Dr Mark Garrett and Dr Adam Coltzau who donated their time and skill to educate our nursing staff. Lastly a huge thank you to the PAH and PIP Developers for sharing the course.

Following the success of this first workshop, it is hoped that this will be repeated in 2019.

For further information about the Difficult Airways workshop, please contact:

Sharon Edwards and Annette Jensen Perioperative Nurse Educators or Ms Shelia Marshall, Director Perioperative Services.

Perioperative Introductory Program difficult airways workshop


System Performance Reporting (SPR) masterclass training

On 27 August 2018, the South West HHS welcomed Dan O’Halloran - Senior Director System Performance, Justin Cowan – A/Director Performance Reporting and Insights, Cherie Bloomfield – A/Principal Analyst, Insights and Brian Davies – Principal Workforce Data Analyst, Workforce Strategy Branch from System Performance Branch, Department of Health who delivered an SPR Masterclass.

One of our key strategic priorities is to strengthen our data and information analytics – particularly to inform performance monitoring, but more valuably, to inform our innovation initiatives and application of improvement science across these areas. Reporting on the performance of the South West HHS and increasing accessibility to actionable insights is vital for: • providing accountability; • identifying relationships and trends;• improving transparency; and• understanding value.

Participants received an introduction into SPR functionality, including dashboards and reporting. The SPR platform provides insights into how all Hospital and Health Services are performing now, over time, and relative to comparable facilities.

The session on Systems Thinking was incredibly valuable, as participants learned the principles of systems thinking, storytelling and implementation science. To really understand and evaluate performance, we need to view the whole-of-system. Without this system thinking we cannot connect the dots to reveal actionable and meaningful information.

Thank-you to everyone who participated and to the System Performance Branch, Department of Health for delivering the SPR Masterclass and supporting the South West HHS to drive continuous improvement.


A new model of delivery trial introduced

It is with great enthusiasm the education and training team will trial a new model of delivery. The model will encompass nurse educator level positions only, however each will take on a co-ordination role of other professions to ensure all staff education and training is encountered and captured. This will allow role clarification and a higher level of support to the clinical nurse education roles within facilities and a professional pathway for these positions. As we embark on the trial for 12 months I look forward to evolving and maximising education and training opportunities for all employees.

FarewellWorkforce Development Unit administration officer Tori-Ann Fleeting will be farewelling the team at the end of September as she awaits the arrival of her newest family member. During this time Robbie Harland current South West HHS Occupational Health and Safety practitioner will be joining the team.

Leanne RaatzNurse Director of Education


Welcome first year registered nurses

The Workforce Development Unit would like to welcome the Graduate First Year Registered Nurses (FYRN’s) who commenced on 13 August 2018. As a part of their program they participated in an Orientation week at the Roma Hospital before entering into their new facilities.

‘Neuroscience of Leadership’ Workshop Success

There has been fantastic feedback from the South West HHS team regarding the recent ‘Neuroscience of Leadership Workshop’ Day 2, that ran over 8-9 Aug in Roma. Day 1 was held in June.

The South West HHS is dedicated to investing in our leaders of tomorrow with leadership skills to empower innovation and self-discipline moving into the future.


The South West Hospital and Health Service welcomes back Registered Nurse Katherine Snars into the Clinical Nurse Consultant Diabetes Educator position in the Adult Services Team, Roma. Kathy who formerly worked at Roma Hospital has been in the Darling Downs HHS for the past 3.5 years gaining extensive and valuable experience as a Diabetes Educator and achieved her credentialing with the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA).

The ADEA Credentialing program is a professional development and assurance program - Diabetes educators who meet all the requirements of the credentialing program are recognised for their

commitment to ongoing professional development and for their knowledge, skills, expertise and experience in the field of diabetes education by being awarded status as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE). Kathy attended the ADEA National Conference in Adelaide in August this year to present a case study as one of four CDEs selected across Australia. Whilst it was a nerve wracking experience, Kathy presented her case study to a room full of peers and was congratulated by many.

The South West HHS would like to extend a warm welcome to Kathy and congratulate her achievements and ongoing dedication to diabetes education – we are lucky to have her back!

Diabetes Educator welcomed

Village Connect Update

• In case you missed it, please take a look at the VIllage Connect Whitepaper that was released in the month of August.

• The Village Connect #Slack hub has 80+ members and is growing! If you haven’t already, please email [email protected] to join today!

• The Innovation Well has had a very active month with a number of submissions from staff. If you have a great idea - share it in the Innovation Well!


In line with the South West Hospital and Health Service’s vision “To be a national leader in the delivery of health services to rural and remote communities”, three Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have recently been appointed in Charleville, Dirranbandi and Roma. While the nurse practitioner profession is relatively new Australia-wide, the demand for accessible health care is strong and the focus of these three NPs is accessibility for all, particularly in rural and remote locations. This is also the focus of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners who developed the Transforming Health Care initiative, supported by the Commonwealth Department of Health. This initiative highlights the vital impact nurse practitioners have in the community and the valuable contribution nurse practitioners are providing to improve health care across Australia.

Within their Scope of Clinical Practice, Nurse Practitioners can:

• Diagnose and manage patients with common and complex health conditions

• Provide a wide range of assessment and treatment interventions

• Request and interpret diagnostic tests including radiology and pathology

• Prescribe medications• Refer to medical specialists and allied health

practitioners where required

The South West HHS Nurse Practitioner – Chronic and Primary Care (NP-CPC) roles are designed to promote health and improve quality of life through

a holistic, person-centred, collaborative model of care which aims to reduce episodic presentations and provide early intervention. Each NP-CPC will target high needs populations and individuals and focus on preventing illness and disease. The NP-CPCs aim to value-add and fill gaps in service provision across acute, primary and chronic disease care, in collaboration with the client’s GP and the wider multi-disciplinary healthcare team.

Georgie Waugh (NP - CPC Dirranbandi, Southern Sector), Nicky McKellar (NP – CPC Charleville, Western Sector) and Sonia Small (NP – CPC Roma, Eastern Sector) are all long-term residents of the South West HHS and are well in-tune with the challenges and complexities of rural and remote healthcare. To improve access to care, the NP-CPCs will see clients in a variety of settings, including the hospital or MPHS facility, residential aged care, home visits, general practice (GP) or nurse-led clinics. The NP-CPCs will utilise face-to-face appointments as well as Telehealth and have the ability to undertake Medicare billing in the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Section 19(2) exemption sites for public non-referred, non-admitted services.

The Nurse Practitioner discipline has been added to the Community and Allied Health Referral Form and are accepting referrals. The NP-CPCs can also see walk-ins, self-referrals and/or triage category 4 or 5.

For further information contact the NP directly via email or [email protected]

Three Nurse Practitioner appointments

Nicky McKellar, Georgie Waugh and Sonia Small


New Graduate Mental Health nurse position

The Graduate Mental Health Nurse position is a new initiative for the South West HHS using the funding of the Integrated Mental Health Project. It was identified as an area of growth for the South West HHS to further enhance learning opportunities for graduate and current nursing staff in developing experienced mental health clinicians. It is the first community based Transition Support Program (TSP) for Mental Health based in a Community Mental Health team in Queensland. Other HHS’s who offer the program base their graduate nurses in their inpatient mental health services.

The TSP Mental Health Program has been developed with the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer to meet the demand for skilled mental health nurses within the Queensland workforce with a beginning practitioner level program. The program is 12 months of skill development, education sessions and practical experience as a mental health nurse, culminating in a certificate identifying the completion of all course requirements. The program is able to be utilised towards further postgraduate mental health nursing studies.

The TSP program is structured into 3 modules of study, including Integrated Mental Health Nursing, Recovery-led Management of Mental Health Disorders, and Clinical Supervision, Reflective Practice and looking after yourself. Modules 1 and 2 include Clinical Skills Assessment Tools (CSAT)and Clinical Performance Assessment Tools (CPAT), and Module 3 is concurrent as the supervision and reflection component.

Some of the TSP Mental Health Nursing CSAT’s

and CPAT’s address skills unique to the inpatient setting of mental health services, which are unable to be achieved in South West HHS.

Lyn Morris started with the Roma Mental Health Team in October 2017 as the first graduate nurse in Mental Health for the South West. She has integrated well into the team and has managed a case load with the supervision and assistance of senior clinical staff.

Working with the Mental Health Nurse Educator at Toowoomba we were able to

negotiate an eight week placement in the Acute Mental Health Units of Bamal and Jarrowair at the

Toowoomba Hospital. The co-ordination process involved

the Nursing Director of Adult Mental Health Unit, and the Nurse Unit Managers of the inpatient units. This placement exposed Lyn to the role of the nurse on an inpatient mental health unit, and the daily routine of consumers whilst they are in hospital. Lyn has completed her eight

week placement at Toowoomba for her inpatient mental health nursing experience,

including attending ECT. Lyn will complete her year with the Roma team on 21 October.

The graduate mental health nurse role has been welcomed by senior clinical staff throughout the service, with many opportunities being provided for experience with differing consumer presentations.

Recruitment processes have commenced for a further two graduate mental health nurses in the South West. We are hoping to have one nurse in Roma and one in Charleville.


Cameron brings extensive managerial and director level experience from a variety of State Government industries such as Transport Customer Service, Road Safety, Transport Compliance and Passenger Transport in the Southern Region area and regional program and business management in Main Roads. Cameron has spent 5 years in Local Government as the Director of Infrastructure Services giving him firsthand experience in dealing with issues at a local level. This included being responsible for strategic asset planning & delivery across airports, flood mitigation, enterprise risk, quality, safety & environment, emergency management (disaster preparedness and response), infrastructure contracts, resource coordination (goods and materials, water, gravel, plant, depots, workshops and quarry), roads, drainage and parks, water, sewerage and gas. Cameron provides a fresh approach to strategy and planning within the South West

HHS. With a strong focus on customer and client services, corporate governance, finance and human resource management, while valuing the importance of workplace health and safety, the environment and cultural heritage. Cameron has a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management and a Graduate Certificate in Management, and is currently completing a Master in Public Policy and Management.

South West HHS welcomes new Executive Leadership Team Member Cameron Castles

Roma Performing Arts and Community and Allied Health staff member Kiara Williams

Kiara has been an active performer with the Roma Performing Arts for three years and has been a part of two shows - The Addams Family and the other being ‘The Boy from Oz’. Kiara is passionate about performing,

“It’s a chance to do something out of the

ordinary.”Community Spirit: On her main performance night (17 August 2018) Kiara was met by almost the entire team from the Roma Hospital Nuriyn Building, which included the Roma Community and Allied Health team.


Giving HOPE to the first five years of life

Last week, the HOPE Project saw what can happen with rap artists, little children and libraries come together!

This recent HOPE initiative is one that targets the first five years of a child’s life and the opportunities this unique period offers in establishing the foundations of optimum health, growth and neurodevelopment.

Rap artists Michael Orcher (aka MadMike) and Junior Finau worked in South West community libraries, kindies and day care centres, reminding us of what’s important when raising our little ones.

Their interactive show, which was delivered in Cunnamulla, Morven, Augathella, Charleville and Wyandra, had toddlers, pre-schoolers, preppies and mums and dads singing, dancing and grooving!

Junior and Mad Mike’s message was delivered loud and clear all around the South West: that the simple yet important things we do each day – talking, singing, playing and reading to our children – help growing brains get what they need.

HOPE Team Miriam and Sue with rappers Junior and MadMike meet Murweh Shire Mayor Annie Liston

Junior making friends with Cheesy Anderson over a BBQ in Cunnamulla

Showtime in the Cunnamulla Library

The Board out-and-about in BollonSmiles all round when Board Chair Jim McGowan and Chief Executive Linda Patat visited Bollon recently to discuss local planning initiatives

Brad Greentree, Ian Winks and Alex O’Donoghue

Linda Patat, Brad Greentree, Trish McKenzie, Jim McGowan, Ian Winks and Alex O’Donoghue


An amazing and memorable moment for Board Chair Jim McGowan on his way to Charleville, when he got an opportunity to say hello to a friendly echidna

Our South West is a remarkable place


The Board out-and-about in CharlevilleThe Charleville staff were proud and delighted to showcase their newly designed “access hub”

Carmel Alexander provides a friendly and welcoming prescence to Charleville Hospital patients and visitors

Sally Gorman delights in updating the Board Chair Jim McGowan about the Compassionate Care pledge

From left Sally Gorman, Board Chair Jim McGowan and Carmel Alexander sit proudly with the South West HHS values front and centre for all to see


The Board out-and-about in CunnamullaDown to serious engagement with Lindsay Godfrey, Paroo Shire Council Mayor, councillors and CACH CEO Kerry Grumblin about partnerships to promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes

Sharing and connecting with Cunnamulla staff over a delicious morning tea

From left Chief Executive Linda Patat and Cunnamulla Director of Nursing Tracey-lee Maher


The Board out-and-about in St GeorgeAnother successful community engagement at St George with a breakfast function

Board Chair Jim McGowan encourages participation in the local CAN

Signing up to the St George CAN is Barry Boldand as Keith, St George CAN member looks on

From left Board Chair Jim McGowan and Chief Executive Linda Patat address the CAN


Construction commences

Major site works are expected to start on the new Roma Hospital this month (September 2018), following a recent

announcement from Health and Ambulance Services Minister Steven Miles that Watpac Construction has been awarded the main construction tender.

Watpac, who have previously built the Gold Coast Private Hospital, the Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Ingham Hospital, as well as the QEII Jubilee Hospital elective surgery expansion, have been on-site in Roma since 13 August undertaking early preparations.

One of Watpac’s first jobs will be to sink 640 piles on which the suspended slab for the new hospital building will be placed. The three main components of the major works program will be construction of the main hospital and services building, followed by the northern carpark and then the southern carpark.

The $90.4 million facility will be fitted with a state-of-the-art emergency department and medical imaging department as well as palliative care, maternity and mental health services.

Connecting with the community

A public information session for Roma resident’s living near the hospital

is set to be held on Tuesday 16 October 2018, at the Ernest Brock Room in the Roma Cultural Centre (Bungil St).

The session will commence at 5.30pm and provide useful information on the scope of the project, construction, detailed plans and finalised design.

Any interested community members or health service staff are welcome to come along.

Stay up-to-date with the new Roma Hospital project 24/7

Did you know you can stay connected with the new Roma Hospital project

online? Simply visit www.southwest.health.qld.gov.au and select the New Roma Hospital Project icon (pictured above) for all the latest news and information.

The South West Hospital and Health Service Facebook page is another great resource to follow for new Roma Hospital updates. Please visit: www.facebook.com/southwesthhs

For further information please don’t hesitate to contact the new Roma Hospital Project team via [email protected]

A recent design schematic of the New Roma Hospital


compassionate care perioperative bundle launch · all feedback and contributions are welcome to...

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