EGHS ECHO Issue 303 75

tE

EGHS ECHO

JULY

2020

It has been a difficult few weeks for Victoria with COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases increasing in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

While the Ararat Rural City local government area has no active cases at present, we have seen a steady increase in testing at East Grampians Health Service for COVID-19 over the past two to three weeks and are testing approximately 30 people per day.

This shows how responsible our residents are in ensuring they get tested, even if they only have mild symptoms, and I would like to thank you all for your support.

The staff at EGHS continue to work hard and we have opened up more of our services over the last month. We will be back to 100 per cent of our surgical capacity by the middle of July, ensuring

FROM THE CHIEF

EXECUTIVE’S DESK BY ANDREW FREEMAN - CHIEF EXECUTIVE

From the Chief Executive’s Desk

World Environment Day EGHS Policies & CPGs Don’t neglect cancer

screening programs during COVID-19

Defibrillator for Patricia Hinchey Centre

Welcome new EGHS Staff Humpty Dumpty Foundation

Supports Health Service Parkland Pursuits EGHS Immunisation Clinics 70 Lowe Street Gardening

Gurus Facebook videos entertaining

and informative Local Artist visits 70 Lowe

Street “Cocktails at the Opera” at 70

Lowe Street EGHS Support Services Staff Recipe of the Month

IN THIS ISSUE…

that we continue to provide vital services to our community.

In June we marked two important days/weeks on the ‘health calendar’.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognised each year on June 15.

It is sad that we have a day dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse of the elderly in our community, but it is important we bring awareness to this issue which can have a devastating effect on those suffering abuse.

I think that everyone would agree that older people are essential to the fabric of our community and we should not need to be reminded of the important role they play.

Unfortunately, elder abuse still exists.

Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

Elder abuse is not acceptable and the older people in our community deserve to be treated with respect and dignity by their communities and their families.

Cont. page 2

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 2

CEO Report cont… At East Grampians Health Service we are privileged to care for many elderly people at our aged care facilities 70 Lowe Street, Garden View Court, and Parkland House Hostel at Willaura, as well as our day consumers at the Patricia Hinchey Centre. All of our staff are trained to recognise the signs of elder abuse and the steps to take to ensure the person is protected. Men’s Health Week was June 14-20 and a great opportunity for ‘us blokes’ to start talking about our health and to start taking our health seriously. When was the last time you had a full check up with your GP? For many, it’s been a while, and this is not unusual. Men are less likely to visit their GP and often need a push to walk through the door. During COVID-19 it has been observed that people have been reluctant to visit their GP through a perceived fear of not being safe, and are putting off vital checks. But the message from doctors is, do not ignore those vital regular health checks, they could save your life. In addition to health checks, there are steps you can take yourself to improve your health. Can you make a few changes to your diet, throw in a few more veggies at every meal, have a few less drinks a week, go for a walk after work or hit the gym a bit more often? And check in with your mates, ask the question ‘Are you OK?’. Blokes are good at hiding their feelings and sometimes all it takes is for a mate to ask that question to get the conversation started. If you’re worried about a mate, partner, son, father, brother – or are going through a difficult time yourself – there are many agencies out there to assist and point you in the right direction. The message is, don’t neglect your health – physical or mental – we all deserve to live a long and healthy life.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY BY JODIE HOLWELL COMMUNITY LIAISON World Environment Day, on June 5, was a day to celebrate positive environmental actions. East Grampians Health Service continues to demonstrate its commitment to a more sustainable environment. The CEO and management recognise the importance of and are committed to sustainable environmental management by reducing landfill waste, reducing energy usage and promotion of energy efficient behaviours. EGHS has a program of recycling appropriate waste, reducing energy consumption, reusing equipment and supplies and considering sustainability when purchasing these items. At EGHS we are very proactive in making environmentally conscious choices throughout the Health Service, such as:

Switching to bamboo take-away containers and cutlery and bio-degradable straws at Cafe

Pyrenees

Encouraging the use of 'Keep Cups' for take-away coffee

Proper disposal of E-Waste for recycling

PVC Recycling in Dialysis

Recycling materials from renovations

Installing energy efficient hot water and solar panels

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 3

UPDATED POLICIES SOPP 70.47 CSSD BUSINESS CONTINGENCY PLAN IN THE

EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

SOPP 70.41 CARBAPENEMASE-PRODUCING

ENTEROBACTEROACEAE

SOPP 35.64 CONSUMER OUTING DURING COVID-19

PANDEMIC

SOPP 53.20 TRIAGE ASSESSMENT

SOPP 35.62 MANAGING HEALTHCARE WORKERS WITH

SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED COVID-19

SOPP 35.23 DISMISSAL

SOPP 36.01 PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION

SOPP 56.07 CARER’S RECOGNITION

SOPP 16.04 HEALTH LITERACY & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

UPDATED CPGS

CPG 63.76 PATIENT IDENTIFICATION & PROCEDURE

MATCHING PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES

CPG 85.04 PREVENTING FALLS & HARM FROM FALLS

CPG 55.09 CLINICAL HANDOVER – 70 LOWE STREET

CPG 58.90 ORDERING & STOCKING OF MEDICATION IN LOWE

STREET

CPG 64.12 POST-PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE

CPG 64.40 FOETAL FIBRONECTIN

CPG 80.03 NUTRITION & HYDRATION – AGED CARE

NEW MR

MR500.20 PALLIATIVE PATIENT INFORMATION

MR309.8 DISTRICT NURSING MANUAL HANDLING- WORK

POSTURES

MR076.24 COVID-19 HOME VISIT ASSESSMENT

MR500.7 CGPC PATIENT INFORMATION

MR500.9 CGPC PAIN ASSESSMENT TOOL

MR076.33 CONSUMER OUTINGS DURING COVID-19

NEW BROCHURE

INFO11.8 PATIENT INFORMATION DENTAL SPECIALIST

REFERRAL

INFO11.9 PATIENT INFORMATION TEETH GRINDING

(BRUXISM) & TMD

INFO12.1 PATIENT INFORMATION ROOT CANAL

TREATMENT

INFO11.10 PATIENT INFORMATION – CROWNS & BRIDGES

BRPHY18 POSTNATAL PHYSIOTHERAPY

INFO12.0 PATIENT INFORMATION RELIEF FOR DRY MOUTH

INFO11.7 PATIENT INFORMATION NEW DENTURES CARE

INSTRUCTIONS

BRPHY21 BROCHURE ANTENATAL PHYSIOTHERAPY

INFO11.6 EGHS DENTAL LETTER TO KINDERGARTEN

PARENTS

NEW FORM

70.09.16 IMMUNISATION ASSESSMENT

71.02.18 BATCH WASHER, WATER & ULTRASONIC TEST

LOG SHEET

71.02.04 SOLUSCOPE FILTER LOG SHEET

71.01.01 CSSD URGENT RECALL NOTICE

26.01.30A PHOTO CONSENT – DENTAL

58.19.26 DENTAL DEPARTMENT – LAB SHEET

76.00.24 SECOND TRIMESTER ULTRASOUND 14-28 WEEKS

21.01.42 PATRICIA HINCHEY CENTRE ‘REMEMBER WHEN’ EVALUATION

58.09.38 WILLAURA HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CART

CHECKLIST

75.00.12 NEONATAL RESUSCITATION COMPETENCY

58.14.01D RESIDENT OF THE DAY

58.11.03 RESIDENT ASSESSMENT FORM

61.01.06 AGED CARE MONTHLY ACTIVITY CHART

61.01.17 WANDERING, VERBAL AND PHYSICAL

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS TOOL

UPDATED FORM

35.00.07 EGHS BUDDY PROGRAM – NEW EMPLOYEE

35.20.11 CHANGE IMPACT STATEMENT

35.12.01 IMPROVING PERFORMANCE PLAN

20.00.01 PAYMENTS AUTHORISATION

EGHS POLICIES & CPGS BY SARAH HARWOOD – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT DEVELOPMENT & IMPROVEMENT

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 4

DON’T NEGLECT CANCER SCREENING PROGRAMS DURING

COVID-19 BY SALLY PHILIP DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES East Grampians Health Service is encouraging people not to neglect important cancer screening programs during COVID-19. Australia has one of the best cancer survival rates in the world. There are several factors to this success but it is partly due to well-funded and organised cancer screening programs and access to high quality care. Australia also has one of the lowest rates of cervical cancer in the world; again, this is largely due to the national cervical cancer screening program and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program. The aim of screening programs is to pick up very early cancers in healthy individuals, who do not have symptoms. Screening tests can find a cancer at a stage when treatment is more effective. The COVID-19 restrictions in Australia have resulted in a 40 percent drop in screening for cancer. In other parts of the world cervical and breast cancer screenings have dropped by 94 percent, while colorectal (bowel) cancer screenings fell 86 percent compared to the 2017 to 2019 averages. Currently 104 people have died in Australia from the coronavirus. Many health experts believe that there is a potential for more people to die from delayed routine care, preventative activities, screening and delayed diagnoses, than from COVID-19. Everyone needs to keep their health on track during this pandemic. It’s an old adage in medicine that prevention is better than cure – and this continues to hold true during the coronavirus pandemic. General Practices, Community Health Centres and hospitals provide cervical cancer screening services. Strict COVID-19 screening and cleaning regimes are in place at all these facilities. GP clinics such as the Ararat Medical Centre and EGHS Community Health Centre have registered Cervical Screening Nurses who will safely screen for cervical cancer. There is generally a small payment associated with cervical screening, a small investment of your time and money is an investment in your well-being and peace of mind. Cervical Screening appointments and more information are available at:

Ararat Medical Centre –phone 5352 2311 (nurse or doctor)

East Grampians Health Service – phone 5352 9327 (nurse). After hours appointments available.

Free breast screening appointments are available by phoning Ballarat Breastscreen on 13 20 50. Bowel screening kits can be picked up from your local pharmacy.

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 5

DEFIBRILLATOR FOR PATRICIA HINCHEY CENTRE BY JODIE HOLWELL COMMUNITY LIAISON The East Grampians Health Service Patricia Hinchey Centre has purchased a defibrillator thanks to a donation from U3A Ararat. U3A Ararat last year held a fashion parade showcasing vintage classics and rare outfits from the past, titled ‘Threads’, modelled by Marian College students It also featured a digital and static display from the Lady Grimwade Collection from Ararat Gallery’s permanent collection. U3A Ararat donated $600 to the Patricia Hinchey Centre to purchase a new defibrillator, and $1000 to Marian College to be used for student scholarships. “We are very grateful for the generosity of U3A Ararat members,” EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman said. “Defibrillators are vital for the quick response to people suffering a cardiac arrest and to have one installed at the Patricia Hinchey Centre will be important for the safety of our consumers.”

Pictured above: EGHS Director of Community Services Sally Philip (left) and Manager of Patricia Hinchey Centre Jacinta Harman (right) accept a cheque from U3A Ararat members Alwyn Kitchen, Pam Orr and Anne Hedgeland.

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 6

Cassandra Coad ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

RICHMOND

ANYTHING

ALL MUSIC

ART & LITERATURE

NOT SPOILING MOVIES

TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD

Kim Buncle REGISTERED NURSE

CHOCOLATE

ALL TYPES

SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY

& FRIENDS

SHOPPING

TRAVEL THE WORLD

Ramanpreet Kaur Otal EEN – GARDEN VIEW COURT

INDIAN FOOD

CLASSIC

TRAVELLING, READING

TALKING

TRAVEL THE WORLD

Karly Griffits ADMINISTRATION

ASSISTANT

CARLTON

STEAK

POP

GYMNASTICS

TRAVEL

WELCOME NEW EGHS STAFF BY ROS BLOOMFIELD, MANAGER – HUMAN RESOURCES

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 7

Navjot Kaur PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT

INDIAN MUSIC

LISTENING TO MUSIC

COOKING

TRAVEL THE WORLD

Hannah McDonald-Fenwick NURSE/MIDWIFE

ESSENDON

PIZZA

POP

READING

TALKING

VISIT HARRY POTTER

WORLD

Mikayla McGuiness PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT

NORTH MELBOURNE

PIZZA

R ‘N’ B

CAMPING, EXPLORING, ROAD

TRIPS

TALKING

TRAVEL

Anna Philip CAFÉ ASSISTANT

MELBOURNE

PIZZA

POP

TRAVELLING, MUSIC

FESTIVALS & MY FRIENDS

SOCIALISING

LIVE ABROAD

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 8

HUMPTY DUMPTY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS HEALTH SERVICE BY JODIE HOLWELL COMMUNITY LIAISON East Grampians Health Service has received a vital piece of equipment through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, which will be used in paediatric surgery. The aim of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation is to provide essential paediatric medical equipment to hospitals and health services across Australia for the prevention or control of disease in children. The Humpty Dumpty Foundation has been delivering vital equipment to hospitals for more than 30 years with the support of individuals and corporate partners. This year EGHS received a Connex Vital Signs Monitor from donor, Kennards Hire, through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Paediatric Ear Nose and Throat surgery is regularly conducted at EGHS and children need to be monitored very closely post operatively. “Previously EGHS only had monitors designed for adults so the new monitor, which is specifically for the use of paediatric patients, will be of great benefit,” EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman said. “The inpatient unit also admits paediatric patients for a variety of medical conditions through the year, so the availability of an extra monitor will also be beneficial for the department.” The Connex Vital Signs Monitor allows accurate assessment of vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels in the paediatric setting. “We are very grateful to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and for the generosity of the donor of this equipment, Kennards Hire,” Mr Freeman said. “The Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a wonderful supporter of rural hospitals and ensuring we have the most up-to-date equipment to be used in the treatment of babies and children.”

Pictured above: Graduate Nurse Lucy Mills and Registered Nurse Alan Young with the new vital signs monitor donated by the Humpty Dumpty Found ation.

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 9

LEEANNE ATKINSON INFECTION CONTROL COORDINATOR Upcoming dates for Immunisation Clinics for 2020 are as follows; All sessions are held on the first floor, Oncology Wing from 2pm to 3pm.

Extra clinics will be advised during the Flu Vaccination season in April, May and June.

Willaura staff can attend either the clinic at Ararat or contact Chris McArthur or Rachael Vallance.

If you have any questions on Immunisation or clinics, contact Leeanne Atkinson on 29332 or Hannah Reid on 29328.

PLEASE REFER TO EGHS POLICY 70.15 FOR INFORMATION ON IMMUNISATIONS AVAILABLE AND RECOMMENDED FOR STAFF.

EGHS Immunisation

Clinics

6TH JULY 2020

3RD AUGUST 2020

7TH SEPTEMBER 2020

5TH OCTOBER 2020

2ND NOVEMBER 2020

7TH DECEMBER 2020

PARKLAND PURSUITS BY MICHELLE MASLEN HEALTH CARE WORKER – WILLAURA HEALTH CARE We are now allowed to go out, so we took a trip to Ararat to One Tree Hill to have afternoon tea overlooking the Grampians and the valley. This month, we have enjoyed art therapy and our theme was “birds and wildlife”. Residents have enjoyed the increase in indoor activity. They have played poker, “7”s, Roulette with chips, a card game similar to 500, picture bingo and winter quizzes. In July we will hold more theme days, for example, Rocky Road Day, Wattle Day and Quiz Day. Our group of residents participate in exercises every second day. They start off with ball throwing and bouncing, better bones and health exercise, boxing, the “Nut Bush” in their chair and Tai Chi. They are all good at catching as they have all played basketball or football in their lifetime. Next month, we will also cook soup and scones together. Now that we can go on outings the residents are happy to be able to see the rolling green fields, the fresh lambs and the blue mountains. Cheers for now

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 10

\ 70 LOWE STREET GARDENING GURUS BY BERNADETTE CINCOTTA RESIDENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR – 70 LOWE STREET Our residents in 70 Lowe Street are turning into gardening gurus, thanks to staff and generous community members. Nurses Ash, Bec and Sheila organised plants and pots for Lowe Street residents and community member Verna allowed cuttings to be taken from her amazing garden. Our residents loved the activity and potted up some fantastic creations which are now being enjoyed all around Lowe Street and in the residents' rooms.

Val

Nina Ron Chook

Georgiana

Brian

Barbara

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 11

FACEBOOK VIDEOS

ENTERTAINING AND

INFORMATIVE BY JODIE HOLWELL COMMUNITY LIAISON During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the EGHS Community Health Centre put together a series of videos to help people cope with the negative and stressful effects of being in isolation. Lead by Rachael Cooper and Kelsey Weight, these videos offered advice to combat some of the more serious effects of isolation as well as fun family games to keep everyone entertained while at home. The ‘isolation games’ were popular and were produced by Joanne Page from the physiotherapy department – simple games that families could enjoy such as a balloon game, obstacle course and indoor snowball fight. In the Dental Department, Kaylene Jackson read a story about Peppa Pig’s Dentist Trip for the little ones, while Amy Miller and Basirah Ali provided dental tips for keeping your mouth healthy while unable to visit the dentist. Social Worker Suhara Wickramasinghe provided stress management tips, Dietitian Kelsey Weight gave advice on mindful eating, and Occupational Therapist Laura Peake offered some ideas on how to set up a home office. All of these videos proved popular and the Community Health Centre is currently working on follow up videos.

Pictured above: Kaylene Jackson reading Peppa Pig’s Dentist Trip

Pictured above: Joanne Page playing the balloon game.

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 12

LOCAL ARTIST VISITS 70 LOWE STREET Local artist Jill Richardson recently visited our creative resident Ian at 70 Lowe Street in honour of his birthday. Jill gave Ian a private painting lesson and plenty of tips to help complete his oil paintings

Thank you to staff member Simone for organising this, and thank you very much to Jill for the lesson!

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 13

“COCKTAILS AT THE OPERA” AT 70 LOWE STREET 70 Lowe Street residents have thoroughly enjoyed "Cocktails at the Opera".

We played the musical “Cats” and awesome nurse, Ash volunteered her time to be the cocktail concoctor!

Residents were offered a choice of alcohol-based cocktails or non-alcohol mocktails.

Staff enjoyed a mocktail or two also!

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 14

.

EGHS SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF

Roth Soth Mark Jamieson

Tina Polke

Russell Purdie Jodie Anderson

Rodney Taylor Pam Pevitt

Vicki Robbins

EGHS ECHO | Issue 303 15

PEPPERMINT SLICE INGREDIENTS:

2 packets choc ripple biscuits, broken by hand

1 block peppermint soft centre chocolate, broken into

blocks

1 tin condensed milk

East Grampians Health Service Girdlestone Street, Ararat VIC 3377 Phone. 5352 9300 Fax. 5352 9333

The Echo is published on the 4th Friday of the month. The deadline for submissions of articles is the Tuesday prior. The ECHO Editor is Lisa Nolen. Information can be sent through, preferably by email, to lisa.nolen@eghs.net.au. Printed copies of the ECHO are distributed to IPU, Theatre, 70 Lowe Street, GVC, Day Centre and the Cafeteria. The ECHO is sent via email to all staff, Board of Management, Ararat Medical Centre, Ararat Psych Services as well as the staff at the Ararat Ambulance Station.

EGHS ECHO

METHOD: 1. Place all ingredients into a bowl to fit in your microwave and

heat 1 minute at a time

2. Stir as best you can between heating’s.

3. Once all has melted pour into a slice tray, level out

4. Top with 2 x chopped peppermint crisp’s and refrigerate.