Working together for a healthier country WA
New Albany Health Campus to emerge out of the rubble See story – page 14
Our values: Community l Compassion l Quality l Integrity l Justice
WA Country Health Service Newsletter
The Country Link Issue 7 – Autumn 2011
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Inside this issueFrom the Chief Executive Officer 2
Inside this issue 2
Better wound care for country patients 3
Bringing doctors and patients together via technology 3
WA Country Health Service welcomes new CEO 4
Vital health services for East Kimberley 5
Research comes to Albany Hospital 6
Tackling obesity in the Wheatbelt 6
Karratha grandmother graduates nursing school with honours 7
Spotlight on mental health
A Day in the Shed at Corrigin 8
Out and about in Geraldton for better mental health 9
Mental Health ‘first’ for Geraldton 9
Nurse practitioner arrives at Geraldton Hospital 10
New Regional Director appointed in south-west 10
Healthier start to life in remote communities 11
Albany Hospital makes healthy water savings 12
New Operations manager for Kimberley 12
Helping Kimberley carers take a break 13
Infrastructure update:
Albany Health Campus emerges from the rubble 14
Work begins on new Kalgoorlie emergency department 14
Community helps shape Harvey Hospital redevelopment 15
Reinstated community group gives voice to locals 15
Picture-perfect win for Narrogin assistant 16
New homes for Halls Creek staff 16
I’m pleased to introduce this edition of The Country Link, my first as CEO of WA Country Health Service.
I hope you will find the stories informative and inspirational, as you read about some of the great work being done by our staff in regional Western Australia.
This month I am pleased to bring you stories that show encouraging progress on our massive infrastructure building program across the state, set to transform several hospitals into 21st century health care hubs and deliver care closer to home for more regional residents.
You will also read about innovations in mental health and aged care that are being driven by our staff to meet specific needs in their local communities.
I am particularly proud of the stories about our people who are achieving in their health careers, sometimes against formidable odds, because of their determination to make a difference.
In my travels around WA and also during the years I worked in the Great Southern, the Kimberley and the South West, I can assure you that what you read here is only a fraction of the excellent efforts being made at the front line of country health.
Every day in every local hospital or health facility, people come to us needing care, expertise and reassurance, sometimes under difficult or tragic circumstances. And every day, our staff work with dedication and compassion, in order to deliver the best possible care.
From the Chief Executive OfficerWelcome to the first edition of The Country Link for 2011.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for making me so welcome to the CEO’s position. I look forward to working closely with you as we seek to improve health across country WA.
Ian Smith Chief Executive Officer WA Country Health Service
Better wound care for country patients Patients with serious leg and foot injuries will benefit following a donation of new equipment to hospitals across Western Australia.
Wounds West, a statewide program looking to improve
delivery of evidence-based wound care, recently gave
hand-held Doppler machines to 21 regional hospitals and
remote nursing posts.
The state-of-the-art machines, which are only a little
bigger than a mobile phone, are critical in assessing blood
flow to the lower leg and helping nurses to determine the
best plan of care for their patients.
WA Country Health Service’s A/Executive Director
Nursing, Coral Harkins said the Dopplers would improve
patient care outcomes, particularly in rural and remote
locations.
“Assessing blood flow in the lower legs and feet is critical
not only for injured patients but for those with chronic leg
ulcers or diabetes,” Ms Harkins said.
“In some very remote locations, information such as that which can be provided by Dopplers will result in early intervention, which could be critical to the outcome for the patient.
“The generosity of Wounds West is acknowledged and appreciated,” she said.
Bringing doctors and patients together via technologyPatients in remote areas of the Pilbara will now be able to receive advice and care from doctors hundreds of miles away thanks to five portable practitioner carts.
The state-of-the-art portable practitioner carts, which enable patients’ vital signs to be transmitted to doctors and specialists in other locations, have been installed in emergency departments at Tom Price, Newman, Nickol Bay and Onslow hospitals and the new Hedland Health Campus.
The practitioner carts are linked to vital signs monitoring and telecommunications equipment, enabling surgeons and specialists to monitor and review patients, assisting medical and other health professionals who are working remotely.
Launched recently by Health Minister Dr Kim Hames, the telehealth practitioner carts are the first of their kind in Western Australia and allow specialists, such as a cardiologist in Perth, to assist in the treatment of someone who may be having a heart attack in Tom Price.
”The ability of the practitioner carts to link with vital signs monitoring equipment improves response times for assessment by specialists of critical cases, such as cardiac arrest,” Dr Hames said.
“These machines provide continuous updates of patients’ blood pressure, heart rates and respiratory information which are transmitted in real time to medical specialists in another location.”
The practitioner carts were purchased through the $38.2 million Pilbara Health Initiative. This five-year partnership between the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA’s Pilbara Industry’s Community Council (PICC) Health Initiative members (Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, North West Shelf Joint Venture and Woodside Energy), aims to boost health services in the region.
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WoundsWest A/CEO Leonie Klomp demonstrates the new Doppler with former A/CEO, Wayne Salvage. Looking on, L-R: Jenny Prentice, Hazel MacKenzie, Coral Harkins, Jan Cook, Karen De Bonde, Sue Gordon and Chris Cream.
Registered nurse Taren Copeman puts the new practitioner cart through its paces with the help of occupational therapist Leah Reid.© Photo courtesy of The North West Telegraph
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WA Country Health Service welcomes new CEOA proven administrator with almost two decades’ experience in the front line of rural health has been appointed CEO of WA Country Health Service.
Ian Smith, most recently the Albany based Great Southern
Regional Director, arrived in Perth in late January to tackle
the top job where he will oversee seven regions providing
health care to around half a million people.
A former Albany High School student who first moved to
Perth to play first-grade hockey and cricket, Mr Smith began
his regional health career as general manager of the East
Pilbara Health Service.
He later took up senior management roles in the Kimberley
and South West, before returning to Albany to become
Regional Director Great Southern in March 2010.
Mr Smith said he believed his experience in
regional WA would make him a strong advocate
for improving rural health.
“I believe there’s no better job than being able to deliver new
hospital and health services for local communities. I have
been fortunate to have been involved in this for most of my
working life and it is highly rewarding,” Mr Smith said.
“We have to remember that our business is predominantly
about people. WA Country Health Service is a team of
people, managing people who are working with often
vulnerable and stressed patients.
“Our job is to implement the best possible systems to
support our doctors, nurses and all staff, and of course
the patients.”
An enthusiastic advocate of WA Country Health
Service’s values, Mr Smith said community,
compassion, quality, integrity and justice were
the cornerstones of improving country health,
particularly Aboriginal health.
“The values are the personal qualities we can all bring to our
work and our interactions, on a daily basis,” Mr Smith said.
Married with two daughters already at university in Perth, Mr
Smith said he was looking forward to the challenge of guiding
the state’s massive regional hospital infrastructure program.
“This is one of the most exciting eras ever seen in country
health and we are all fortunate to be part of it,” Mr Smith said.
He joked that while he would miss playing golf in Albany and
the marvellous south coast walks, he was an eternal optimist
and had already taken out a membership with the Fremantle
Dockers.
New CEO Ian Smith settles into his new role
Artist’s impression of the new Kununurra facility.
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Vital health services for East KimberleyA new $20 million facility based at Kununurra Health Campus is set to improve vital primary health care services to the East Kimberley population.
The Kununurra Integrated Primary Health Centre will bring together a range of services in a modern purpose built facility which will improve care for patients and provide enhanced working conditions for staff.
These services include:
• Aboriginal health
• school and child health
• aged and community care
• general practitioner services
• allied health
• diabetes and chronic disease management
• community health.
The centre is being built as part of the Federal Government’s $195 million East Kimberley Development Package (EKDP) which was announced under a National Partnership Agreement with the West Australian Government.
This complements the $220 million Royalties for Regions funding committed by the State Government to the agricultural component of the program.
The Ord Irrigation Expansion Project and the East Kimberley Development Package will increase the size of the Ord agricultural area by 8000 ha and provide much needed health, social, economic and community infrastructure to the East Kimberley region.
The project is a key focus for the West Australian Government over the next few years. As part of the package, $50 million has been allocated for WA Country Health Service projects which will see health services transformed in the area as well as increasing future employment opportunities for the local Aboriginal population.
The projects will be co-ordinated by the State Government and as well as the $20 million Kununurra Integrated Primary Health Centre they include:
• $5.14 million short term patient accommodation in Kununurra
• $4 million for remote aged care facilities at Warmun and Kalumburu
• $2.5 million upgrade to Wyndham health facility and associated staff accommodation
• $3.2 million for Wyndham residential rehabilitation facility
• $5.5 million for remote clinics at Warmun and Kalumburu
• $600,000 for upgrades and refurbishments to sobering up centres in Kununurra and Wyndham
• $4.76 million for health service provider housing in Kununurra
• $4.3 million for environmental health upgrades in Warmun, Kalumburu and Oombulgurri.
WA Country Health Service Kimberley Regional Director Kerry Winsor said primary health care was the greatest area of health need in the East Kimberley.
“Scheduled for completion in 2012, the Kununurra Integrated Primary Health Centre will provide a one-stop-shop health care hub for the East Kimberley community,” Ms Winsor said.
John Holland has been appointed as Managing Contractor for the larger projects.
Construction of the projects will be phased.
The $2.5 million Wyndham health facility upgrade and associated staff accommodation have been completed with the remaining projects scheduled for commencement in the first half of 2011.
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Research comes to Albany HospitalA new project aimed at eliminating catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) across regional WA is being researched at Albany Hospital.
Tackling obesity in the WheatbeltNortham dieticians and physiotherapists are helping overweight and obese patients lose kilos and gain health with an innovative program.
The only regional project to attract funding from the State
Health Research Advisory Council, it will examine ways of
preventing such infections by improving and developing
hospital practices around catheter use.
The 12-month project is being spearheaded by WA Country
Health Service clinical nurse consultant Marco Hake,
Professor Kirsten Auret of the Rural Clinical School/UWA and
Associate Professor Helen Van Gessel, recently appointed
as manager of clinical governance at Albany Hospital.
Working alongside a team of key clinicians and patient
representatives, the project team will look to identify gaps
and improve education and processes to help eliminate
hospital acquired CAUTIs.
“Hospital acquired infections are a leading cause of death
and disability in WA with urinary tract infections the most
common, and 80% of these infections are attributable to an
indwelling urethral catheter,” Mr Hake said.
“Our primary aim is to find ways to prevent CAUTIs and
ensuring proper education in the use of catheters is a crucial
step in this process.”
Key strategies being looked at to reduce infection include:
• avoiding catheters wherever possible
• maintaining catheters according to best practice
standards
• limiting the length of catheter use according to clinical
needs
• developing tools to effectively monitor catheter associated
infection rates
• developing strategies for appropriate and early
intervention for suspected CAUTIs.
If anyone would like to contribute to the project
they can contact Marco Hake by emailing
L-R: Dr Rofi Pillai; Craig Sinclair, senior research officer, Albany Rural Clinical School; Marco Hake; Claire Poole, senior staff development nurse; and Emma Sodano, clerical assistant at Albany Rural Clinical School with one of the CAUTI information posters.
The 12-week Weight Action Group program, comprising
education, lifestyle change and exercise, was piloted from
September to December last year at Northam Hospital.
It was so successful that two more Weight Action Groups
have been scheduled for 2011, with one already under way
and another due to begin in September.
As part of the pilot program, each participant received six sessions with the dietician and twice-weekly exercise
sessions with the physiotherapist, including aerobic and resistance training.They had their weight and waist circumference measured each week and standardised surveys were used to assess each participant’s stage of change, quality of life, exercise and food habits. WA Country Health Service’s Wheatbelt Population Health Director, Sean Conlan said the results of the pilot were encouraging.
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Karratha grandmother graduates nursing school with honoursA Karratha grandmother has beaten the odds to graduate as an enrolled nurse and take out the top honour in her class.
Kate Moyes received her Diploma of Nursing from the Marr Mooditj Foundation at a graduation ceremony held in Perth in December.
She also received the Honour Award for Most Outstanding Student of her year.
Ms Moyes, 39, will now focus her attention on becoming a registered nurse and inspiring Indigenous girls to pursue a career in health.
Ms Moyes’ journey to nursing began after working as a support service theatre cleaner at Nickol Bay Hospital. She also worked at Pilbara Kimberley Care and then completed her studies at the Marr Mooditj Foundation in Perth.
She has also been involved with the WA Country Health Service Pilbara’s Indigenous Employment Program (IEP), part of the nationwide push to improve the overall health of Indigenous people.
Through the IEP, Ms Moyes was offered the job of Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Nickol Bay Hospital and was able to fulfil her dream of studying to become an enrolled nurse.
Ms Moyes said that as a 16-year-old girl falling pregnant for the first time she had believed her life would always be challenging, but now the sky was the limit.
“Most of the girls are like me, they don’t think they are capable of much at all, but they need the confidence and support to know they can do more with their lives,” Ms Moyes said.
“I love helping Indigenous people and now I can help them
in a medical way. I understand patients’ concerns and I love helping to make their lives better.”
The IEP is funded under the $38.2 million Pilbara Health Initiative. This five year partnership between the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Pilbara Industry’s Community Council (PICC) Health Initiative members (BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, North West Shelf Joint Venture, Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy), aims to boost health services in the region.
High achiever Kate Moyes.
“Participants experienced a decrease in waist circumference – an important indicator of healthy weight – and importantly, an increased quality of life,” Mr Conlan said.
“Participants found the ‘portion control’
education sessions with the dietician to
be a highlight and to further the education
component we are looking at supermarket
tours in the future.”
For more information or to find out how to enrol for the next Weight Action Group program contact the Avon and Central Wheatbelt Primary Health Service on 9690 1320.
The team involved in the program, from left: Elizabeth Dow – physiotherapist; Brie Elson – dietician; Lauren Cotter – senior dietician; Stacey August – physiotherapist.
Community invited to spend a Day in the Shed at CorriginCorrigin recently played host to a special event aimed at providing practical and emotional tools and strategies for rural communities facing harsh times.
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The Rural Community and Support Service (a subsidiary of
Great Southern Mental Health) has begun rolling out free
‘Day in the Shed’ events following a successful day held in
Kulin late last year.
Rural Community Support Service Coordinator Jo Drayton
said the plight of farmers was still at the forefront of people’s
minds as the record dry winter, which resulted in the failure
of many crops across the Wheatbelt region, was now being
followed by blistering summer temperatures.
“Many of our rural and remote communities are facing hard
times as the financial crisis takes hold. But financial stress
is not confined to the farm as stress often spills over into the
home affecting the entire family,” she said.
“The ‘cultivating resiliency and strength for
our communities, families and self’ event is
designed to provide individuals living in rural
communities with assistance and coping
mechanisms when dealing with tough times.”
The day featured a host of inspirational guest speakers and
included refreshments, activities and men’s pit stop health
checks. The evening closed with a meal and entertainment
at Corrigin Town Hall headed by well known Aussie actor and
comedian Peter Rowsthorn, who played Brett in ABC TV’s
Kath and Kim.
The family focused event also included a host of free
activities to keep the kids entertained including performances
from Circus WA, who were also on hand to teach a variety
of circus skills throughout the afternoon, and music-based
therapy program Drumbeat. Drumbeat uses African Djembe
drums to engage young people and provide them with a
sense of self-worth, reducing isolation, stress and anxiety, all
while having fun.
“Our local farmers are experiencing hardship as a result of
the dry season which is in stark contrast to the heavy rainfall
seen on the east coast,” Ms Drayton said.
“While we are unable to control or predict economic and
financial climates, we can ensure that our local communities
are given the emotional support they need and I would like to
thank all our sponsors for making this event possible.
“We all know farmers tend to be practical people who are
good at problem solving, however, if you are stressed or
down this can lead to depression which, if left untreated, is a
risk factor for suicide especially among men.”
For further information and to find out about future events
contact project coordinator Jo Drayton on 9881 0790, 0408
670 007 or email [email protected]
Spotlight on mental health
Photo courtesy of stock library
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Out and about in Geraldton for better mental health A group of people with mental health issues are discovering the benefits of getting out and about, with the help of an innovative group program.
Out and About, an initiative of WA Country Health Service’s Central West Mental Health team, runs group outings for people whose illness can sometimes make it difficult for them to find the motivation to be around others.
Since its inception in July 2008, Out and About has run 64 sessions including visits to places as diverse as ten-pin bowling alleys, museums or simply walking along Geraldton’s foreshore.
The sessions take place every Wednesday afternoon with typically around nine attendees. For a core group of patients, it has become a way to help boost mental health and wellbeing, through making new friends and building social confidence.
Mental health nurse Chantal Crinquand who runs Out and About, said the group had made a real difference in the quality of life of participants.
“We know that strong social connections and interactions are critical for good mental health and this group is helping to build that for our clients,” Ms Crinquand said.
For more information about Out and About contact the Central West Mental Health Service on 08 9956 1999.
The Central West Mental Health Service staff who will be teaching the new course. L-R: Tony Higginson, Chantelle Crinquand, Jeannette Glennen, Sharon Thomson, Joukje Mulder.
Mental health ‘first’ for GeraldtonMental health services in Geraldton are being given a boost with the establishment of a nationally recognised mental health course.
Senior clinicians from the Central West Mental Health Service have teamed up with lecturers from Durack Institute of Technology to deliver the region’s first mental health course.
The certificate IV in mental health kicked off in February and is a one-year course available to all community service provider employees.
Central West Mental Health Service Regional Manager Ken Thomson said the development of the course would provide Geraldton residents with an opportunity to gain the qualification while training in a local setting.
“Our dedicated senior clinicians will be working closely with lecturers from Durack, to provide a supportive environment for participants to expand their knowledge and skills in mental health services,” Mr Thomson said.
“By learning from professionals currently working in the field, students can be assured they will receive relevant training of the highest quality.”
The course was developed in partnership with BaptistCare, Durack Institute of Technology, Fusion and the Central West Mental Health Service.
For more information phone Durack on 1800 672 700.Participants enjoy an outing designed to boost mental health.
New Regional Director appointed in SWA former registered nurse, midwife and child health nurse with a lifelong commitment to improving health care will lead several of WA Country Health Service’s major flagship projects after being appointed Regional Director in the South West.
Grace Ley was officially appointed in December 2010 and will now oversee the implementation of several multi-million dollar developments including the Busselton Health Campus, the Bunbury Health Campus and new radiotherapy and intensive care services.
Mrs Ley has been a Surveyor with the highly regarded Australian Council on Health Care Standards since 2000 and
has worked in several leadership roles with the WA Country Health Service for eight years.
A health care practitioner of some 36 years’ standing, Mrs Ley trained in midwifery and general nursing in Scotland and migrated to Melbourne in 1980. In 1984 she moved to WA to join the Emergency Nursing Service, a relief service for hospitals across the state, with her first posting being to
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Nurse practitioner arrives at Geraldton Hospital The appointment of a nurse practitioner to Geraldton Hospital’s emergency department is set to bring a number of benefits to both patients and staff.
Deanne Brooks will provide additional highly specialised skills to the busy area, speeding up the treatment of less ill patients and assisting staff in dealing with those patients who need extra care.
A nurse practitioner is a highly qualified registered nurse who works independently and collaborates with physicians and other health care professionals in an advanced and extended clinical role.
Nurse practitioners are qualified to assess and manage patients including providing direct referrals to other health care professionals, diagnosing and treating common illnesses, prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests.
Ms Brooks has been nursing in Geraldton since completing her training at Royal Perth Hospital in 1989 and is keen to see the nurse practitioner role developed across the region.
She will be situated within the emergency department and will work within the clinical area and fast track area, created as part of WA’s Four Hour Rule program, which aims to have 85% of all patients attending emergency departments admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours.
“It’s always frustrating when you see patients waiting to be treated but obviously we have to deal with the very sick patients first. As a nurse practitioner I have the autonomy to treat patients, order tests and provide a range of medications which will hopefully reduce the amount of time they have to spend in hospital,” Ms Brooks said.
Geraldton Hospital hopes to appoint a further nurse
practitioner later this year to provide additional support within
the emergency department during peak periods.
“This is a developing role which will be expanded and
changed over time as it progresses,” Ms Brooks said.
Nurse Practitioner Deanne Brooks (right) is keen to see her role further developed.
Fitzroy Crossing. She has worked in rural and remote WA ever since.
Mrs Ley said she was looking forward to the challenges of the South West, with its growing population, community expectations and the current projects.
“High on my agenda for the next couple of years are patient safety and quality of care, the elective surgery waitlist, Aboriginal health and employment and mental health, along with major infrastructure projects,” Mrs Ley said.
“There is also a need to develop alternative models of care to ensure we can meet the growing demands for health care closer to home.”
New South West Regional Director Grace Ley.
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Healthier start to life in remote communitiesA fun and interactive approach to learning healthy habits has proved a winner in four remote communities.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Indigenous Healthy Kids Week’, saw
carers and kids aged 0-5 in Nullagine, Jigalong, Punmu
and Marble Bar try fruit kebabs, learn about the benefits of
play and practise teeth brushing, in a travelling roadshow
conducted by WA Country Health Service’s East Pilbara
Population Health team.
Participants took part in activities at different stations, each
with a simple good health message, and received a stamp
once they had completed the activity. After attending every
station, participants got to choose a reward from the ‘prize’
table.
The emphasis was on simple strategies that can have lasting
benefits for good health, including teaching children to blow
their noses so they can hear and speak; encouraging mums
to play with their youngsters; and having children’s height
and weight measured by the child health nurse.
To reinforce the health message, Puntukurnu Aboriginal
Medical Service provided a doctor for the day.
Senior Occupational Therapist Angela Duffy said the 2010
roadshows built on the successful program initially developed
and run by the Newman team.
“The first Indigenous Healthy Kids Week ran in 2009 in three
communities and this year the Hedland team was able to
extend it so more people had the chance to participate,”
Ms Duffy said.
“Once again the responses were extremely positive, with
many young parents taking a great interest and making sure
their children took part in all activities.
“We are now looking at how we can improve the program to
make it even easier for young parents and carers to take the
good ideas home and use them with their children.”
Ms Duffy acknowledged the support of Puntukurnu Aboriginal
Medical Service, World Vision and YMCA along with
generous sponsorship from BHP Billiton, Cameco, HWE
Mining, Macmahon, Rio Tinto, Chief Nurse’s Office: Nursing
& Midwifery, Western Australian State Library, Department of
Health and Ageing and the Water Corporation.
Children having fun and learning about healthy living.
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Albany Hospital makes healthy water savings Albany Hospital’s water use has dropped by almost a third after a four-year long water-saving initiative implemented by the State Government and the Water Corporation.
New operations manager for Kimberley It’s a long way from the freezing cold of England’s north to the magnificent beaches and sunsets of the Kimberley, but that doesn’t worry WA Country Health Service’s Damian Jolly.
The hospital, one of Albany’s biggest water consumers, dropped its water use from 46,252 kL in 2006 to 33, 282 kL in 2010.
The remarkable savings were achieved after the implementation of a Water Efficiency Management Plan, a Water Corporation initiative aimed at helping WA’s larger businesses and agencies cut their water use.
Albany Regional Hospital Facility Manager, Andy Smyth said improved maintenance, such as attending to leaks as a priority, and diligence by staff were the main reasons the hospital had recorded excellent results.
“The thing that made the most difference was a proactive maintenance regime,” Mr Smyth said.
“We now get regular feedback from staff alerting us to any water leaks such as taps dripping, cisterns running, or sprinklers being on for too long.
“Almost everything at the hospital runs on steam, and we are now recycling around 70-80 per cent of steam back into water, to be used again for more steam generation.
“This also assists us with energy savings.”
Throughout the hospital, new shower heads, tap washers and dual-flush cisterns have also contributed to the big savings. Energy efficient equipment such as boilers, laundry
and dialysis equipment are being considered for the new Albany Health Campus development.
“It’s been a fantastic effort by everyone, particularly the hospital’s plumbers and maintenance staff,” Mr Smyth said.
Mr Jolly was officially appointed Operations Manager in the Kimberley in January 2011 after spending the last several years working in various front-line roles in Broome and Halls Creek. He was also instrumental in establishing the Kimberley’s integrated risk management programs.
In his new role, Mr Jolly will be responsible for all WA Country Health Service hospitals in Kununurra, Wyndham and Halls Creek.
Mr Jolly, who originally trained as a paramedic and has 14 years’ leadership experience in the UK and WA healthcare systems, is one of the growing band of young, ambitious health care professionals making their homes in regional Western Australia.
“It is an exciting time to be in the East Kimberley,” Mr Jolly said.
“In April 2011 work will begin on the new Integrated Primary Health Care Facility and we are already committed to working more closely with the community.”
WA Country Health Service Kimberley Regional Director, Kerry Winsor said she was delighted Damian had joined the leadership team as he would provide strategic and operational leadership to the health services in the East Kimberley.
Damian Jolly.
L-R: Albany Hospital maintenance staff: Adrian Hetherington, Dave Clements, Steven Hands, Barry Davis.
Helping Kimberley carers take a breakA group of hardworking family carers recently enjoyed a week of much-needed rejuvenation and respite, thanks to WA Country Health Service staff.
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Damian Jolly.
The Kimberley Aged and Community Services Respite
and Carelink Centre team took 16 carers from around the
Kimberley to Darwin for a week of dinners, sightseeing and
shopping to enable them to take a break from caring for a
family member with a disability, mental illness or who are
considered ‘frail aged’.
The carers came from as far as the remote Indigenous
communities of One Arm Point and Kalumburu and travelled
in a comfortable Pinnacles Tour bus, enjoying movies, the
scenery or just catching up on sleep.
Kimberley Respite and Carelink Coordinator, Lisa Trenorden
said the trip was a huge success.
“We aim to run one trip a year as part of our ongoing respite
program, and we have already had requests for our next
trip,” Ms Trenorden said.
“Around 2.5 million Australians over the age
of 15 care for someone at home because of
a disability, mental illness or age, including
31,000 Indigenous carers.”
“In the Kimberley, some carers face the added challenge of
remoteness, so our program has included trips to Darwin, as
well as to Broome and Kununurra. Carers have requested a
trip to Perth in the future.”
The annual trip is just a small part of the work undertaken
across the Kimberley by the team of five respite staff. The
diverse and challenging work involves finding the right respite
care facilities for those being cared for, and supporting the
carers themselves.
Ms Trenorden said that appropriate respite for carers was a
critical community issue.
“Caring for a family member can be rewarding but also
extremely hard work. By providing planned respite services
for carers we can help them be in the best shape possible for
the important work they do,” Ms Trenorden said.
For more information on support for carers in the Kimberley
contact Kimberley Aged and Community Services
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.
On the recent trip to Darwin, L-R: Antoinette Ningella, Lorna Isaac, Roz Thorncroft (crouching – KACS Mobile Respite Unit Officer), Simon (APT driver), Nellie Hunter (back), Margaret Kunjagar (front), Janet Herbert, Mark Cox (kneeling), Judith Brooking (back), Kate Gregory (KACS Program Manager), Sally Waujaudau
New Albany Health Campus to emerge out of the rubbleWork on the new $170 million Albany Health Campus began in earnest recently with the first stages of site works and design commencing with contractor John Holland.
Work begins on new Kalgoorlie emergency departmentA world-class hospital emergency department for the Goldfields is closer to reality with the commencement of phase two of the Kalgoorlie Health Campus redevelopment.
The new emergency department, which will increase from 11 to 16 treatment bays and include isolation rooms and single rooms, is the largest phase of the $55.8 million redevelopment.
It will also include a fast-track service to better care for patients during busy times and a separate waiting area for families with young children.
Emergency department services will continue uninterrupted from the existing location until the new facility is finished, which is expected to be in late 2012.
Phase two also includes a new medical imaging (X-ray) department, a seven-bed special care unit and a four-bed observation ward for patients who require monitoring for up to 23 hours. Locating all these services close together will make it easier to deliver optimum care for acute patients.
Redevelopment of the Kalgoorlie Health Campus includes $15.8 million from the Royalties for Regions Fund. The entire redevelopment is scheduled for completion in late 2013.
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Infrastructure update
Work begins on the
redevelopment (right) and,
top, an artist’s impression of
the new Albany Health Campus.
Originally commissioned in 1961, the Albany Hospital will be transformed into a state-of-the-art 21st century health campus in what will be the biggest country hospital development ever undertaken in Western Australia.
The new Albany Health Campus will feature a bigger emergency department, more mental health beds, expanded renal dialysis capability, expanded cancer services, a new surgical centre and upgraded obstetric and birthing suites.
It will be a health care hub for Great
Southern residents and is expected to
serve more than 50,000 people.
While some demolition has already commenced, it is business as usual for staff and patients, with around 70 administration staff relocated in late 2010.
The new Campus is expected to be operational by 2013.
Construction fences signal the start of ED building works.
Reinstated community group gives voice to localsFour years after its last meeting, the East Kimberley District Health Advisory Council (DHAC) has been reinstated.
Community helps shape Harvey Hospital redevelopmentPlanning is well underway for the $13.9million redevelopment of Harvey Hospital which will bring together a range of services in a modern purpose built facility.
WA Country Health Service South West Operations Manager Carolyn Ngan said feedback garnered from a number of community and stakeholder forums held late last year was being used to progress planning on the hospital redevelopment.
“These forums involved community members, key stakeholders and staff and were designed to inform them about the redevelopment process and provide an opportunity to consider what was needed for the local community,” Ms Ngan said.
“The information gathered from these forums
is now being used in the services and
facilities planning process, currently being
carried out with Aurora Projects, which has
been commissioned to facilitate this process.”
Ms Ngan said Aurora Projects specialises in the planning and infrastructure needed to deliver safe and effective health services.
“This state-funded redevelopment will ensure people in Harvey and the surrounding communities receive enhanced clinical facilities with better local access to health care, thus reducing the need to travel for treatment.”
Services planning is expected to be completed by the middle of the year with progress towards a facility and master plan by the end of 2011.
Construction work is expected to begin in 2014.
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Harvey Hospital as it stands today.
East Kimberley Health Service Operations Manager Damian Jolly said the council would provide a vital contribution to the strategic direction of local health services.
“District Health Advisory Councils play an important role in relation to those issues of highest importance to consumers and regional communities and I am delighted that this group has been re-established to provide a forum for the public to raise any questions and concerns,” Mr Jolly said.
Announcing the initiative, Mr Jolly said he was keen to strengthen the trust and cooperation between health services and the local community and the council meetings would provide a forum for open and honest feedback with a focus on patient safety.
“I would like to reinforce the importance of District Health Advisory Councils which act as conduits between health services and the local community,” Mr Jolly said.
“I want to continue to deliver the very best patient care that we can and working closely with staff and the local community is integral in achieving this goal. I strongly recommend people nominate to become a part of this group.”
Each hospital in the region will have a DHAC operational meeting three times a year with a full meeting of the East Kimberley DHAC twice a year.
For more information contact Damian Jolly on 9166 4242.
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Editor: WA Country Health Service Communications P: (08) 9222 6494 F: (08) 9223 8599 E: [email protected]
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A picture-perfect win for Narrogin assistantNarrogin therapy assistant Jillian Tilbrook has won an important new statewide photography award.
Her picture of midwife Elmarie and tiny baby Rebekah in a neo-server incubator, entitled Little One, won the People’s Choice award in the inaugural Ron Olson Memorial photographic competition.
The competition, organised in memory of long-time WA Health photographer Ron Olson, was held through the Nursing and Midwifery Office at Royal Perth Hospital.
Another of her entries was also shortlisted in the final 20, all of which were exhibited in the hospital’s art gallery.
Ms Tilbrook received two canvasses, one of her winning picture and the other of her shortlisted entry Mother’s Love, along with a certificate and $200 voucher. The canvasses now hang proudly in Narrogin Hospital, where Ms Tilbrook has been working with patients for the past 15 years.
Ms Tilbrook said she loved photography and had last year been successful in several awards, including winning five
out of 12 months in a calendar competition with pictures taken on her farm and around Wickepin.
“I have always taken photographs but I’ve only recently begun entering competitions,” Ms Tilbrook said.
Narrogin Hospital Operations Manager Paul Seats congratulated Ms Tilbrook on her success.
See Ms Tilbrook’s winning photographs of Wickepin at www.faceygroup.asn.au
Constructed by Government Regional Office Housing, each home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, air-conditioning and windows that look out across the hills around Halls Creek.
The excited new tenants received the keys to their new places on 23 December.
One of the first to move in was School Health Nurse Rosetta Smith, who said she was thrilled with her new home.
“I am so thankful for the stylish furniture, high quality appliances and cooking equipment,” Ms Smith said.
“I’m grateful to the staff members who were instrumental in making life in Halls Creek more comfortable.”
Halls Creek Director of Nursing, Donna Hindmarsh said that providing high quality accommodation was a key factor in attracting and retaining staff to the remote hospital.
“We are a small hospital with a diverse and challenging patient base, but our staff are all extremely dedicated and committed
to the community,” Ms Hindmarsh said.
“Improving accommodation will enable us to keep the good people we have and attract more of the same in the future.”
Ms Hindmarsh also acknowledged the excellent efforts of WA Country Health Service Capital Works and Regional teams for helping to make the project happen.
The new houses
at Halls Creek
New homes for Halls Creek staff Staff at Halls Creek Hospital received an early Christmas present last year in the form of six brand new houses.
Jillian Tilbrook with her award-winning
photograph. Photo © WA Newspapers/
The Narrogin Observer
