Published on 30 November 2023

Mental Health Monthly Newsletter - November

Foreword by Ryan Dube, Director or Nursing

Welcome to this edition of our Newsletter, which highlights the ongoing efforts across the Division as we strive to deliver Best Care.
As you are aware, the NSQHS Accreditation Survey is occurring this week, Monday 4 December – Friday 8 December.

Please visit the Live Best Care site for more information regarding the survey, as well as the survey timetable.  NSQHS Accreditation Survey FAQs and Tools – Live Best Care (wh.org.au)
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In our recent executive walkaround, the leadership team had the privilege of visiting our clinical areas. A particular highlight was our visit to the CCU, where we met with the exceptional team, who embody the spirit of Living Best Care each day.
Well-done to Deb Matorere and team for showcasing how they have been going about preparing for accreditation. It was evident during the walkaround that, for the CCU team, accreditation readiness is ingrained in daily operations, and that
NSQHS standards are embedded into their everyday practices.
While accreditation remains a key focus, our teams continue to excel in integrating into Western Health, navigating the complexities of the new MHA act, and managing the persistent challenges posed by COVID-19.
Despite a notable increase in mandatory training records, we’re still working towards achieving our 85% compliance rate. If you haven’t completed your mandatory training, we urge you to allocate time for completion, ensuring that we collectively uphold the highest standards of care.
As we approach the festive season, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and safe holiday period. With Christmas just around the corner, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly, keeping in mind the importance of group gatherings while
prioritising safety amidst the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.

Ryan.

  • Accreditation

    The NSQHS Accreditation Survey is being held this week, Monday 4 December – Friday 8 December.

    Western Health’s Live Best Care team have put together the following page to ensure all staff understand what will happen during the survey period.

    NSQHS Accreditation Survey FAQs and Tools – Live Best Care (wh.org.au) 

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022

    As we are all aware, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 came into effect on 1 September.
    The Act significantly differs from the Mental Health Act 2014, emphasising the need for training and understanding.

    Angela Eeles, our Mental Health and Wellbeing Act Lead/Embedded Practitioner, will kick off a series of informative training sessions, commencing on Tuesday, 5 December, with “Advance Statement of Preference Training” designed for all Mental Health staff. If you have not received a calendar invitation for these sessions, please email MHWA@wh.org.au

    There are also five modules on the Act currently on WeLearn. Module 5: Information sharing, crisis response and transport, is now available.

    These modules are mandatory for Mental Health staff, and essential for everyone else.

    To access these resources, visit: Western Health Welearn

    For more information regarding the Act, there are some helpful resources available here: Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 | health.vic.gov.au.

    Western Health have also compiled a list of important links, documents, and video recordings surrounding the Mental Health Act: Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022_Western Health

  • Digital Update

    Digital teams at both WH and RMH are working hard in the background to complete several IT projects as a result of the 1 July Mental Health and Wellbeing transition. Please find below brief updates on the some of the main projects:

    EMR
    Great news! EMR view-only access has been granted to the Mental Health and Wellbeing division for the current EMR 2.1 module. Work is progressing to provide access to staff members and, as such, you may begin to receive communications regarding this. Access is expected to be provided in early 2024.

    Shared Folders and Email Migration
    This project entails the transfer of Mental Health and Wellbeing Shared Folders from RMH to WH, as well as email accounts from RMH to WH. Trials are due to occur in the near future to test workflows and ensure there is minimal to no impact to staff.

    Further communications and reference guides will be sent out closer to the migration date.

    RMH Network Disaggregation
    Disaggregation of Mental Health and Wellbeing services and staff from RMH’s IT managed services and network infrastructure. This will span across most of 2024 and allow for digital workflows to be streamlined and complete IT integration of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division into WH.

  • WH Training Program has been Accredited

    Western Health’s Psychiatry Training Program continues to take shape. As a major step forward, our program was formally accredited by the Victorian Psychiatry Training Committee in November, in anticipation of launching in February 2024.

    The development of a training program is an important component of disaggregation from NorthWestern Mental Health, as it aligns with our ability to fully support Psychiatry registrars in their training and educational requirements.

    Once in operation, components of Western Health’s program will include tailored educational streams to support registrars at all levels of Psychiatry training, in addition to specific support around RANZCP exams and other hurdles.

  • Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre Consumer Feedback

    Our teams in Unit 2 and Unit 3 in the Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre have so far received some great feedback from our consumers since the opening of the centre in October.

    The feedback collected reflects a positive experience for our consumers within the facility.

    Many consumers find the space calm, contained, and safe. They appreciate the personal space and attention from our staff, the atmosphere within the centre has been commended for its calmness, low stimulus environment, and spacious, modern design that deviates from the traditional hospital feel.

    The quality of care from the staff has been mentioned consistently, with numerous mentions of their professionalism, understanding, and support.

    Consumers have expressed their contentment with the facility’s amenities, describing the rooms as comfortable, modern, and spacious, “like a 5-star hotel”. The courtyards, private bathrooms, and the provision of TVs in the rooms are highlights for many.

    The positive impact on recovery is emphasised, with consumers expressing happiness with fewer consumers on the unit and a notable improvement in meals compared to other facilities. The facility’s ambiance, artwork, and the sense of safety contribute to a healing environment, fostering a positive journey toward recovery.

    Whilst it is also early days, we are also pleased to report downward trends in restrictive interventions and code greys. We will continue to monitor these results and share them more formally once we have been in the building for a longer length of time.

    Well done to the team on the wards who consistently provide Best Care for our consumers, and to the project team behind the SMHWC for creating a welcoming and calming facility.

  • New Co-CEOs To Lead A New Era For Victorian Mental Health Sector

    The Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing have appointed Co-CEOs Carolyn Gillespie and Professor Sarah Wilson.

    Carolyn and Sarah will bring decades of invaluable leadership within the mental health sector to the Collaborative Centre, along with a deep understanding of the lived experience of individuals facing mental health challenges, and their dedicated carers.

    Carolyn and Sarah will commence their roles in January 2024, and will work collaboratively to drive sector reform, implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission.

  • Harvester Private

    Harvester Private Consulting Suites is expanding and looking for new clinicians to join the practice!

    If you’re a psychiatrist, allied health professional or nurse interested in working in private practice we are keen to have you on board. The practice provides referrals with a diverse range of presentations and full admin support.

    Please email our Practice Manager, Sashi Neelya mailto:sashi.neelya@wh.org.au for a confidential discussion or additional information.

  • Safer Care Victoria - 23-26 Strategy

    Safer Care Victoria have released their 2023-2026 strategy. Within this strategy, SCV aim to shift from reporting, to implementing thematic lessons learned over the past 5 years, inviting collaboration to create a consistently safe healthcare system.

    To deliver this strategy SCV will:

    • Seek to influence national and state policy that promotes safe care
    • Support health service Boards and executives to strengthen their clinical governance processes
    • Work with consumers and clinicians to empower them to make changes in the system so that it provides better and safer care for all

    View the strategy here: SCV Strategic Plan 2023-2026.pdf (safercare.vic.gov.au)

    More from SCV:

    To read their white paper on improving child safety in emergency care: ‘See Me, Hear Me’ – Improving the safety of care for Victorian children | Safer Care Victoria

    SCV Thematic interrogation of patient complaints in the state of Victoria provides the results of a project that shows the benefits of using the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool to provide a categorisation of patterns in patient complaints. This can then be used to identify quality and safety shortfalls and opportunities for improvement.

  • Embracing Diversity: Diwali Celebrations Unite at Melton Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Team

    In a vibrant display of unity and cultural appreciation, the Melton team recently came together to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. This joyous occasion not only illuminated our workspace but also highlighted the strength of diversity within our team.

    Our team members, regardless of their backgrounds, joined hands to partake in the festivities, creating an atmosphere of shared joy.

    One remarkable aspect of the celebration was the unwavering support from both our managers and team members. The inclusive environment fostered by our leadership was evident in their encouragement of diverse cultural celebrations. Our manager’s active involvement in the Diwali festivities showcased a commitment to understanding and appreciating the richness of our team’s varied traditions.

    The Diwali celebration served as a testament to the positive culture that promotes diversity within our team. It reinforced the idea that embracing different cultures enhances the overall strength and creativity of our collective efforts. The mutual respect and support exhibited during the celebration exemplify the kind of workplace culture that fosters innovation and inclusivity.

    As we move forward, let’s carry the spirit of Diwali with us — a reminder that our diversity is a source of strength, and together, we illuminate the path to success.

    Here’s to a workplace where every culture is valued and celebrated!

    Outer Community Team

  • Survey Results

    Throughout the transition and integration project two surveys were sent to gauge the effectiveness of the project and identify any areas we may have missed.

    A pulse survey was sent in June, before the transition date of 1 July. This survey was directed at all staff involved in the transition project and aimed to gather feedback and conduct a ‘check-in’ on the experiences during the transition to Western Health.

    The second survey focused on key insights and reflections and was directed towards workstream members, as well as executives and senior managers involved in the transition and integration project, both within the Mental Health department and broader divisions within Western Health.

    Thank you to everyone who took part in these surveys, this data is highly valuable for the team to reflect on our work, and to use moving forwards as we continue to develop as a division within Western Health.