mental health drug & alcohol news · work happening at hornsby hospital under the leadership of...
TRANSCRIPT
Mental Health Drug & Alcohol
27 March 2018
www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NSLHD.MHDA
News
Cabra-ra Nanga—page 3 ‘Death on the Beach’ conference—page 8
TRN graduation—page 5 Doll therapy for older people at Manly—page 6
Directors report
- Andrea Taylor
Page 1 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
Congratulations to our newest Transitional
Registered and Enrolled Nurses who
graduated from our development program
on March 2, 2018.
This highly successful program has been running for many
years now, and supports nurses transitioning into roles in
MHDA.
I’m particularly pleased with the new perpetual plaque
that has been placed in the MHDA Executive corridor. The
TRN of the Year Award has been long standing, however
not had proper recognition through time. Mark Joyce
(Director of Nursing, MHDA) has instituted a plaque that
will include the names of the TRN of the Year to
acknowledge their achievement in this excellent program.
Another pocket of excellence I’d like to acknowledge is the
work happening at Hornsby Hospital under the leadership
of Leanne Frizzel.
We are receiving multiple, beautiful, detailed compliments
from the adult mental health unit at Hornsby, for the
recovery-oriented, person-centred approach taken by the
multidisciplinary team there. The compliments far
outweigh the complaints, reflecting great leadership and
culture change.
Congratulations also go to our Pathways to Community
Living (PCLI) team, Macquarie Hospital and partners, on
the ongoing success of this program. To date, a total of 46
people who were at Macquarie Hospital have how
transitioned to appropriate community living.
Engaging consumers and the people in their support
networks in care, through all stages of care, is of
paramount importance.
I’d like to draw your attention to the article by Suzy Glover
(Clinical Nurse Consultant—Clinical Practice Development)
on page 7, on person centred care.
Collaborative care planning is one key way clinicians can,
and should, be partnering with our customers.
A collaborative care plan involves really listening to
customers, giving them the time to explain the issues as
they see them, how they think the issues might be best
resolved (or their strengths, and how they might best be
used), and to describe what recovery and living a
meaningful life looks like for them.
It’s also about clinicians explaining their assessment
results, the issues and the consumers strengths to the
customer as the clinician sees them, how the clinician
thinks things might be best addressed, and engaging in
conversation with the customer and their support people
about which course of action should be taken, when.
Sometimes, customers are focused in the future with their
goal setting. Collaborative care planning is an opportunity
to acknowledge and document their goals, and help them
understand all the steps needed to get there.
Finally, I’d like to acknowledge my fellow social workers in
our service. March is national Social Work Month, and on
March 20 we celebrated World Social Work Day.
World Social Work Day is when we celebrate and
recognise social workers as champions for social justice,
self-determination and human rights.
Social workers are skilled, knowledgeable and specialise in
issues related to social and emotional wellbeing. Working
holistically with individuals, families and communities,
social workers are
passionate advocates for
a fairer Australia.
Spread the good news
Share your news, achievements and events with your
colleagues, or let us know what you’d like to hear more about in
the newsletter.
Contact Kate Jeffrey at [email protected] or on
88775340 to submit your story.
Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Items may be edited for
length, style and quality.
Page 2 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
North Shore Ryde farewells Sue Capel
Sue Capel has retired after more than 11 years as Service
Director and 30 years hard work and dedication to the
North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service as a clinician and
manager.
Sue has provided exceptional leadership, implementing
many changes over this time.
Key achievements include bringing the Royal North Shore
(RNS) and Ryde services together under one banner,
establishing a new Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre
(PECC) and Community Mental Health Centre at RNS
Hospital, renovating and upgrading the Ryde Community
Mental Health Centre and developing and moving in to a
new mental health inpatient unit at RNS.
We have seen an ever increasing number of people
experiencing mental health issues in the Emergency
Department over this time, and Sue has supported her
teams to rise to the challenge to meet demand.
Sue also lead the development and implementation of a
new model of care in the RNS mental health inpatient unit
with the addition of Exercise Physiology, Dietitian,
Diversional Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist.
Sue has forged strong relationships across departments
within RNS and Ryde Hospitals as well as with partners
such as Police and Ambulance services.
Sue has developed a strong team culture of innovative
practice and embedded a commitment to keeping
consumers and carers central in service planning and in
the delivery of person centred care.
We wish her well in this exciting new phase of life and
whilst she will be sadly missed, her energy and “can do”
attitude will be carried on through all those who she has
worked with.
Karen Barfoot is acting Service Director for North Shore
Ryde Mental Health Services and the announcement of
Sue’s successor is imminent.
When people don’t consume enough food or water they
lose muscle and strength, become unsteady on their feet,
can feel weak and/or dizzy, which can lead to a fall.
Eating a healthy balanced diet is important for maintaining
muscle mass and muscle strength to reduce the risk of
sarcopaenia (muscle wasting), frailty and fall-related
injury. People who are undernourished or have
unintentionally lost weight are more likely to be admitted
to hospital and have increased incidences of falls, hip
fractures, poor wound healing and osteoporosis.
Eating well and staying active is important for everyone.
Please visit the Active and Healthy website to find
appropriate exercise programs for you, consumers and
carers: www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au
Posters and resources for the event can be found on the
CEC website: www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/patient-safety-
programs/adult-patient-safety/falls-prevention/april-falls-
day-2018
2017 saw an abundance of activity across MHDA so the
MHDA Falls Committee looks forward to seeing all the
2018 efforts!
Eating well to prevent falls
Above (L-R): Andrea Taylor (Director MHDA) with Sue Capel and some of her farewell gifts from staff across the service.
By Karen Barfoot
By Kerrie Cunningham
Page 3| NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
The Gaimaragal Group held a Northern Sydney First
Nations Wellbeing Day at a local cultural site on the banks
of Narrabeen Lagoon on Sunday February 18, 2018.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across
NSLHD and beyond attended the day, which provided
opportunities to:
reflect and promote traditional views regarding overall
health and wellbeing; physical, mental and spiritual, as
one
hold traditional healing events and share traditional
knowledge
provide contemporary health education and health
promotion
support the Northern Sydney Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community to come together and
connect
Susan Moylan-Coombs, Director of The Gaimaragal
Group and one of the key organisers, said: “Sydney
North Primary Health Network has been actively
working with The Gaimaragal Group to co-design a
new model and systems of care. We want to
reinvigorate old ways of cultural wellbeing for an
aspirational modern service system in Northern
Sydney.”
The event started with Welcome to Country and a
cleansing smoking ceremony. There were guided
walks, healing circles, a healing tent, Uncle Fred’s
bush tucker to eat (as well as some fantastic paella),
weaving lessons with Aunty Karleen, and opportunities to
connect with culture and with services. Taronga Zoo
brought some animals to meet, and the Reserve Bank
Australia talked economics.
A number of NSLHD staff and teams were on hand to
provide information and resources on the day, including
the Aboriginal Health Service, headspace and Health
Promotion.
MHDA representatives from the Specialist Rehabilitation
Service and the Older Peoples’ Mental Health Service held
an interactive information stall for visitors. They used a
Wellness Wheel to engage and encourage people to share
what they do to promote their personal wellness, which
included body, mind, people, emotions and spirit.
Caber-ra Nanga: First Nations wellbeing day
Above left: Welcome by Uncle Dennis Foley and Susan Moylan-Coombs; centre: Julie (NSLHD Health Promotion), Lyndal, Valencia and Aimee (Specialist Rehabilitation Service MHDA), and Kerrie (Older Persons Mental Health Service); right: ochre to connect us and keep us safe. Above top: the Welcome, ochre and smoking ceremony (photo by Susan Moylan-Coombs).
By Kerrie Cunningham
Page 4 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
Congratulations to Dr Glib Popov and Dr Myles Gutkin
whose exceptional work in medical student teaching was
recognised at the Sydney Medical School-Northern's
annual prize evening held in the Kolling Auditorium on
March 13, 2018.
Dr Glib Popov received the Registrar Teaching Award. This
is a prestigious award, open to registrars of any discipline.
A University of Sydney graduate, he started his career as
an intern in Northern Sydney, including working in
psychiatry at Manly Hospital, and later joined our registrar
training scheme. He is presently based at Royal North
Shore Hospital.
Dr Myles Gutkin received the Specialty Block Teaching
Award for his contribution to medical student teaching,
however was unfortunately unable to attend the event,
with a colleague accepting the award on his behalf. He has
attained his Fellowship in the Northern Sydney / Central
Coast psychiatry training program and is continuing to on
research at Royal
North Shore
Hospital. The
feedback he has
received from
medical students
with regard to his
tutoring was
glowing.
Two prestigious medical teaching awards
Above (L-R): Dr Glib Popov receiving his award from Dr Rupert Edwards, Director of Physician Education, RNSH.
After delaying her retirement four times in order to
support the Northern Beaches Assertive Outreach Team
(AOT) in their transition to Brookvale Community Health
Centre, well known and loved Administration Officer
Annette McLean finally got to make her move in February.
Annette started at Manly Hospital in Human Resource
Management in 1994 and also worked as the
Administration Officer in Manly Hospital Emergency
Department for a few years. She’s spent the last 20 years
of her career with AOT.
Annette’s calm professionalism and friendly nature are
two big qualities and she is well known and respected by
the consumers of the service.
Annette is a familiar face and always approachable, giving
a sense of calm to sometimes not so calm situations. She
has been a highly valued member of the team and wider
mental health community and will be greatly missed.
Annette was instrumental in the teams successful
transition to the new Brookvale Community Health
Centre, and they are very grateful she postponed her
retirement.
The staff of the AOT said farewell with an afternoon tea
where they presented Annette with a gold watch to
symbolise the value attributed to the time she spent with
the service (pictured below).
AOT Team Leader, Geoff Mitchell said: “We wish Annette
all the best in her future pursuits, and look forward to
catching up to hear about her adventures. She’ll be dearly
missed by the team and the consumers using the service.”
Fourth time lucky for Annette
MHDA REWARD & RECOGNITION
Nominations are open from April 16 to June 1, 2018
Coming
soon!
By Geoff Mitchell
Page 5 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
The TRN experience Morelle Reeves (pictured front cover) recently graduated
from our Transitional Registered Nurse (TRN) program.
These are her words:
Being a mature aged TRN that has not “grown up”
working in our health system, I have an outsiders
advantage. I have had the opportunity to glimpse other
corporate cultures, personally and vicariously via friends
that work in various industries.
I have in the past been accused of being a “bit of a
Pollyanna”, but my experience over the last year has
been one of coming to work to an environment where I
can see the CORE values of our organisation in action,
each and every day - not only in the way our patients/
clients are treated but also in the interactions between
staff.
I believe this culture we inherent is a rare and precious
thing. It is something to be proud of in a world of cheap
slogans, manifestos and mantras.
Each one of the 2017 TRNs will have had numerous
people throughout the year, who by embodying our
CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and
Empowerment have contributed to our learning and
development as mental health practitioners. This will
have taken place on both a formal and informal basis.
I have the privileged task of thanking those that have
been formally involved in our TRN year. True, again, to
our CORE values, our TRN year has involved many
dedicated people: educators, coordinators, NUMs,
preceptors and clinical supervisors in each of the wards/
sectors that we have worked in – at the risk leaving
someone out I will not mention names.
To all of you – a HUGE thank you from all of us. And a
special “thank you”, to Rosie Gallagher, who retains a
delightful and infectious passion for a profession that we
all know can be tough at times. Our TRN study blocks
have been a highlight of the last year – to the TRNs
starting off this year – you are in for a treat!
The Transition to Specialty Practice Program (TSPP)
provides educational and clinical support to newly
graduated Transitional Registered Nurses (TRNs) and
Transitional Enrolled Nurses (TENs) embarking upon a
career in Mental Health Drug and Alcohol nursing at
NSLHD.
The program requires a 12-month commitment by
participants. Those TRNs and TENs who complete the
program have their efforts and participation recognised at
an annual graduation ceremony. Our most recent
graduates were celebrated on March 2, 2018.
The event was attended by graduates and their families, as
well as some of the new intake of TRNs commencing the
program in 2018. Special guests included Anthony
Dombkins (Director of Nursing and Midwifery NSLHD),
Mark Joyce (Director of Nursing, MHDA), and some of the
key support personnel involved in providing support and
education for the graduating class, including Diane Paul,
the new Clinical Nurse Specialist for Practice Development
who provides educational and clinical support to TRNs
during community placements. Nick Miles, Drug and
Alcohol Nurse Practitioner delivered an inspiring keynote
presentation.
The TRN of the Year Award was presented to Yasmin-
Hudson Hoyle by Mark Joyce (DON MHDA). Her name is
the first to appear on a new perpetual plaque which has
been installed in the MHDA Executive corridor in the
Cameron Building at Macquarie Hospital, seeking to
honour and acknowledge all the exceptional TRNs who
receive this award.
Above: Mark Joyce and TRN of the Year, Yasmin Hudson Hoyle; Right: the graduating class and some of their key supporters.
By Rosie Gallagher
Page 6 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News |27 March 2018
Doll therapy at Manly The Older People’s Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit at
Manly Hospital welcomed an adorable duo (pictured right)
courtesy of MHDA Older People’s MHS on March 15,
2018.
The team are introducing doll therapy as a therapeutic
intervention to engage and treat those admitted with
dementia. Doll therapy isn’t for everyone and the team
will carefully assess the suitability of consumers and
carers. The positives of doll therapy may include:
increased positive social behaviour, reduced need for
pharmacological
intervention, reduced
behavioural disturbance,
and it can assist consumers
to express unmet needs.
The Manly Daily published a story on February 12, 1998
about a new service called Brookvale Early Intervention
Centre (BEIC), part of Northern Beaches Mental Health
Service.
The article described some of the symptoms of psychosis
and stressed the importance of early intervention. It said
that the team, led by Bev Moss, would “be on hand to
provide information for people and their families about
psychosis and support during recovery”.
BEIC now celebrates 20 years of service to their local
community! It has recently moved from a little cottage in
Brookvale into the new Brookvale Community Health
Centre.
Psychosis is characterised by a range of experiences that
are out of touch with reality. Young people may hear
voices that others cannot hear, or see things that are not
actually there but seem very real. They may also have
thoughts and ideas that are out of keeping with their
culture and usual beliefs. Often these thoughts are
frightening or unpleasant, like
believing that people are plotting to
harm them or laser beams are
interfering with their thoughts. There
are many reasons why a young person
may experience psychosis. Treatment
most likely includes medication, but
the clinicians also work with the young
person and their family to understand
their experiences and to support their
recovery.
Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Grant Sara, has worked with
the BEIC team for the past 14 years and will be leaving his
position in March.
Words cannot adequately describe the huge contribution
that he has made to the BEIC service in that time, and we
would just like to say a big thank you for his leadership
and his support of the staff, young people and their
families.
Grant has also contributed to education of clinicians and
registrars during his time with BEIC, and given so much of
his valuable time to the service.
Grant is leaving to focus on his full time role within
InforMH and ways of improving data for mental health
care, particularly focusing on the physical health of mental
health consumers.
Grant says: “I am very grateful to have had the
opportunity to work with great and committed clinicians,
and inspiring young people and their families.”
20 years of early psychosis intervention
Above left: photo of Bev Moss from the 1998 Manly Daily article; right: BEIC team (L-
R): Grant, Phil, Gill, Diane, Laura and Dominica
Left: stock photo of doll therapy
By Kerrie Cunningham
By Bev Moss
Page 7 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
Person centred care What is Person Centred Care?
Person-centred care is a way of thinking and doing that
sees the individuals who are using health and social
services as equal partners in planning, developing and
monitoring their individualised care.
This means clinicians putting the people accessing
healthcare and their families at the centre of decision
making; viewing them as the experts in their own health,
culture, care and needs.
Person-centred care is about providing
information about a persons health,
illness and care so that they can be
equal partners in decision-making; as
well as finding out what and who
matters to them; understanding and
considering their desires, values,
family situations, social circumstances and lifestyle; seeing
the person as an individual, and proactively working
together to develop appropriate solutions that will
support their recovery.
Person Centred Care Checklist for clinicians
Get to know the consumer as a person and recognise
their individuality; provide compassionate,
individualised care.
Truly accept and understand that the consumer is the
expert in their own culture, health, illness and care.
Be curious - what matters to the consumer? Who
matters to the consumer? What information does the
consumer need? How can we make the system more
accessible to the consumers needs?
Share power, responsibility and information.
Take a holistic approach to assessing people’s needs
and providing care that includes families where
appropriate.
Make sure that services are accessible, flexible and
easy to navigate.
Look at each individual’s whole experience of care to
promote ease of access, coordination and
continuity.
Make sure that the physical, cultural
and psychosocial environment of health
services supports person-centred care.
Support your colleagues to feel
empowered and competent to put people
at the centre of their care.
How are we working toward improved person centre
care in MHDA?
Across MHDA services person-centred care projects are
being developed and taking place, supported by Essentials
of Care, Productive Mental Health Ward and Safe Wards
methodologies. Over the next few months an overview of
these projects that place the consumer at the centre of
care will be presented in this newsletter.
Key references:
Barry, M. J., & Edgman-Levitan, S. (2012). Shared decision
making—the pinnacle of patient-centered care. New England
Journal of Medicine, 366(9), 780-781.
Lester, H. (2012). Nothing about me without me…?. Br J Gen
Pract, 62(594), 42-42.
NSLHD showcase innovation Over the next month the fantastic work of staff across
NSLHD will be celebrated with the ‘NSLHD Showcase’. The
NSLHD Showcase is a district wide event to celebrate and
promote the staff, teams and achievements of our District.
The Showcase will occur with online promotion of the
projects and a physical poster display rotating across all
hospital sites. For all projects, see:
www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/improvementhub/Pages/
News-Events.aspx
Roaming Poster Display Date Place
12 - 16 March Hornsby Hospital, STAR and Lumby Building
19 - 23 March Ryde Hospital
19 – 23 March Manly Hospital
19 – 23 March Brookvale Community Health Centre
26 - 29 March Royal North Shore Hospital
9 – 13 April Mona Vale Hospital
9 – 13 April Macquarie Hospital, Cameron Building Foyer
By Suzy Glover
By Gyani Swift
Capacity Australia held the first world conference ‘Death
on the Beach’, on End of Life Psychiatry, bringing together
an international cohort of expert speakers in psychiatry,
palliative care, geriatrics, intensive care and law to extend
the concept of successful or healthy aging to ‘Positive
Dying’ on March 1, 2018.
Several NSLHD Older People’s Mental Health Service
(OPMHS) representatives were present on the day to learn
and share (pictured on the newsletter cover).
Attendees heard from Dr Liz Sampson (UK) who talked
about the positive cultural shift taking place in the UK with
services embracing collaborative end of life care planning
and coordination. She emphasised the importance of
conversation initiation and reminded us not to expect
someone else to have the conversation: if in doubt ask
and talk.
Professor Meera Agar (Australia) presented her work on
cognitive issues in the end of life and gave an empowering
speech about people’s ability to say goodbye.
Professor Ken Hillman (Australia) specialises in intensive
care and gave a wonderful talk on his experiences. He
described the consequences for consumers, carers and
treating teams who never had the talk about death and
dying.
Nicoleta Tataru (Romania) and Professor Carmelle Peisah
(Australia) discussed ethics and the law at end of life and
also gave a cross cultural reflection of their experiences.
Everyone has the right to make their own decisions, or if
needed the right to have support to make their own
decisions. The theme of the day was clear: guessing is not
best practice, have the conversation, plan and be certain!
For NSLHD staff there are several online learning options
to extend knowledge about end of life care. These include:
Introduction to Advanced Care Planning (Course Code
39997722); SHAPE End of life Conversations (Course Code
88619342); and End of Life Supportive Care (Course Code
69280181). Each module takes 20-30minutes. Further
information and resources for staff can also be found on
the intranet.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Page 8 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018
‘Death on the Beach’
Pictured above: presenters from the ‘Death on the Beach’ end of life conference.
The School-link Coordinator and Early Psychosis
Consultant in the Child & Youth Mental Health Service will
be offering this 2 day course to staff of NSLHD.
This course is NOT for mental health clinicians. It is
suitable for administrative staff and AINs working in youth
mental health settings, and for any health staff who have
contact with adolescents in general and primary health
care settings.
The Youth MHFA Course is for adults working or living
with young people aged from 12 to 18 years. It teaches
adults how to assist young people who are developing a
mental illness, experiencing a worsening of an existing
mental health problem or a mental health crisis, until
appropriate professional help is received or the crisis
resolves.
Course participants learn about adolescent development,
the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental
health problems in young people, where and how to get
help when a young person is developing a mental illness,
what sort of help has been shown by research to be
effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
Topics covered include: depression (including suicidal
thoughts and behaviours); anxiety (including panic attacks
and traumatic events); psychosis; substance use
problems; eating disorders; and non-suicidal self injury
(self harm).
The first course for 2018 will be held on June 5 & 19 at
Macquarie Hospital. Registration is via My Health
Learning. Enquiries to: Bev Moss at:
By Kerrie Cunningham
By Bev Moss
Compliments North Shore Ryde: to Di and the team at Ryde Older
People’s Mental Health, from a consumer for the support;
and from Di’s manager, acknowledging the perseverance,
support and outreach, which was outstanding, and its
positive impact, with the consumer now engaged with her
community, happy and enjoying life.
MHDA: to Bev (CETD MHDA) for the Jump Start! Project
Management training day, from a participant: ”I learnt so
much and the tools will certainly be a wonderful asset to
me going forward. I have recommended the training to my
colleagues.”
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai: from a consumer to the team in the
Adult Mental Health Unit: “I nearly lost my life… being
here I have learnt so much about myself, the mind, stress,
triggers and so many tools how to get through life, live
and enjoy it…” he thanked nurses Kristy, Chris, Derrick,
Isabella, Geoffrey and Claire; psychologist Elenie, and of
Dr Inila wrote “I am so glad you took the time and
weighed up all the evidence before diagnosing me. I liked
that you listened to my opinions as well and took
everything into account. Thank you!!” He’s been inspired
to looking into a nursing career in mental health.
To the Adult Mental Health Unit team, from a family: “We
want to thank the nursing staff for their patience and
endurance with Mum when she was being so difficult to
manage. Thanks to Dr Sandy for giving Mum both her
medical care and real reassurance in those desperately
low times. Thanks to Zorka for looking out for Mum and
Dad, caring for them both, while putting the options
before us to consider as part of Mum’s care plan. Thanks
to Dr Neil for his clear advice, firm medical direction, and
willingness to persist when the options seemed to us to be
dwindling. To Meher, thank you for continuing to care for
Mum and Dad, your calm and steady hand is genuinely
appreciated by us. Your work as team has brought real
quality of life back for Mum and for her family.”
Macquarie Hospital: A letter of appreciation was received
from NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey,
thanking the team for hosting herself and the Hon. Tanya
Davies, Minister for Mental Health, and members of her
team for a walkaround of the hospital. The delegation
were pleased to see the recovery approaches in place
across different units and the uptake of PCLI. She said: “I
am very grateful for your generosity in allowing us access
to the facility as well as the opportunity to talk to your
staff, and I congratulate you on the efforts of your team in
facilitating continuous improvement in our mental health
system.”
To Margie from PCLI Project Manager Linda: “Margie, I
just wanted to say it has been an absolute pleasure having
your assistance. I can honestly say it was the best piece of
the jigsaw puzzle to find. My job has been made easier
and is more accurate with your assistance. Thank you very
much for your support.”
Northern Beaches: to Deepa and the team at East Wing
for their calm professionalism in managing a serious
incident out of hours.
To Barbara (NUM) for her leadership and communication
with the East Wing team.
Staff: do you have a bright idea? The Innovation Program has launched for 2018, and applications are open!
The program format has changed from last year and will now run every quarter, so staff will
have more opportunity to apply. Each quarter the winning project will have a chance at
$50,000 funding to support an innovative idea.
All the program details can be found at http://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
improvementhub/Pages/Applyforprog.aspx
Please review the website for details and start working up your idea. If you need any support
please contact Gyani Swift, NSLHD Innovation Manager, via
email at: [email protected]
STAFF—GET INVOLVED
Posters and resources for the event can be found on the NSLHD Intranet’s Falls Prevention Page or the Clinical
Excellence Commission (CEC) website.
Some ideas for your team to embrace the theme could involve hosting a brunch or afternoon tea, share information
and resources and watch the 10 minute NSPNH Falls Prevention Video: https://youtu.be/Gm-rSNPbOyw
The MHDA Falls Prevention Committee will also be rolling out a Falls Prevention board game which can be used as an
engagement and educational activity for staff, consumers and carers.
Please forward details and pictures of your local events to the MHDA Falls Prevention Committee via their wonderful
secretariat Jeanine at [email protected]
EVENTS FOR STAFF
11th April: NSLHD Sarcopenia and Frailty Forum, Kolling Building RNS, enrolment via My Health Learning
11th May: NSW Falls Prevention Network Forum, Wesley Conference Centre 2220 Pitt Street. For further details and
registrations- https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au and click on Register Now.
ENTER THE NSLHD FALLS PREVENTION COMPETITION
Win $1000 to spend on falls prevention! See below and talk to your Falls Committee Representative for more info.
Show us how you have prevented falls or raised falls
awareness in your work area in the past year.
To enter:
1. Use the entry form (available via your local Falls
Committee Representative or on the intranet),
2. Fill it out, listing your top three strategies to:
prevent falls or falls injury;
reduce or maintain an already low falls rate; or
raise awareness of falls prevention to staff,
consumers and carers.
Strategies must be cost effective, sustainable and engage
consumers/carers.
3. Describe how you plan to spend the $1000 on
falls prevention equipment if you win.
Inpatient teams falls prevention competition
Submit your entry form to Margaret Armstrong (NSLHD Coordinator NSW Falls Policy) at
[email protected] Entries close Friday May 4, 2018.
Community teams falls prevention competition
Show us how you have prevented falls or raised falls
awareness in your work area in the past year.
To enter:
1. Use the entry form (available via your local Falls
Committee Representative or on the intranet),
2. Fill it out, listing your top three strategies to:
Innovative and/or sustainable solutions to falls
prevention;
Engagement with consumers/carers; or
Optimising access to different consumer
groups.
3. Describe how you plan to spend the $1000
on community falls prevention strategies
(eg: equipment, education) if you win.
MHDA FALLS PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Sector/ Area Representative Who are they?
A group of passionate clinicians from each sector and area of MHDA who are committed to improving the safety of our consumers through collaboration and sharing of experiences and knowledge. Where & when do they meet?
The Committee meets the second Thursday of each month at the Older People’s Mental Health Services Building on the Macquarie Hospital Campus. What do they do?
Enable a standardised and consistent approach across all MHDA sectors in relation to falls and falls prevention activities.
Monitor and trend falls data across MHDA via the Incident Information Management System (IIMS).
Disseminate contemporary and evidence based research and processes in regards to falls prevention and harm from falls.
Coordinate the annually auditing (April) and monitoring of local action plans.
Assist and facilitate quality improvement and clinical practice improvement.
Why?
To improve consumer and carer experiences and outcomes. **Check out who your local rep is and if you have a concern, issue or idea please let them or the committee chair know…they are here to help**
OPMHS Chair of Committee Secretariat
Kerrie Cunningham Jeanine Spratt
NSLHD Falls Prevention Coordinator
Marg Armstrong
Ryde North Shore Mental Health Services
Mandy Meehan (Community) Timothy Farley (Inpatient)
Macquarie Hospital
Anne Duncan Clare Glendenning Pat Zaferis
Northern Beaches Mental Health Services
Heidi Henry (Community) Tanu Arora (Inpatient)
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai
Jenny Kemp (Community) Cindi Roennfeldt (Community) Marco Chan (Inpatient) Ramiro Torres (Inpatient)
CYMHS Kris Taylor
D&A Louise Keane
Check out our poster
www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/improvementhub/Pages/News-
Events.aspx