Published on 13 December 2023

  • Public Fertility Care Service launch

    The new Public Fertility Care Service at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital was officially launched on Monday. Delivered in partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital (the Women’s), the service is available to individuals and couples of all genders.

    GPs and specialists can now send referrals for triaging to the Women’s, which is leading Victoria’s Public Fertility Care Service.

    “We are excited to provide public fertility care at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s,” Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Lauren DeLuca said.

    “People who have been trying to conceive naturally but have been unsuccessful and those people whose situation or health may prevent or impair fertility can access the service.”

    For more information, read the story on our website:  https://bit.ly/3NiXaEY

  • Leading the way in diversity and inclusion

    Western Health’s Alex Potter, Operations Manager – Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity, Consumer Inclusion and Disability Liaison Services, has been announced as a member of the LGBTIQA+ Ministerial Taskforce and as a Co-Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Working Group.

    The Taskforce and Working Group provide an important channel for the voices of LGBTIQA+ communities into government, building a pathway alongside the government’s LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program. 

    Over the next two years, the groups will focus on building leadership and capability, and enhancing LGBTQIA+ metropolitan and regional networks across Victoria. 

    Alex was also part of the team that recently received a $50,000 Women for Western Health Giving Circle grant for their project Creating a Safe and Affirming Western Health for our LGBTQIA+ Communities.

    Alex and Jan Kilicaslan presented their project at the Western Health Foundations’ Pitch Event, sharing Alex’s story as a trans person, and together they explained how their project could support Western Health in creating more inclusive spaces for the estimated 100,000 LGBTIQA+ people in our western suburbs catchment.

     

     

     

  • Don't forget festive lunches are on this week

    We still have a few festive lunches scheduled for this week, check out the dates below.

    There will also be different entertainment at our sites, including our favourite furry friends from Lort Smith Pet Therapy, choirs and photo booths.

     

  • Our volunteers are taking a summer break

    We’d like to inform staff that our volunteer programs will be closed for one month over summer, so our volunteer team can spend time with their families and friends and take some time to recharge for the busy year ahead.

    Our volunteers last day will be Friday 15th of December 2023 and they will return on Monday 15th January 2024 (hospital based and auxiliary volunteers only).

    It will also allow the Volunteer Management Team time for planning and preparation for new roles and programs operating across the service in 2024.

    Please note, this means there will be no volunteers attending our sites during this time with the exception of the Bacchus Marsh Opportunity Shop, which will close on Friday December 22, 2023 and it will reopen on Monday January 8, 2024.

    Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who make such a valuable contribution to our health service!

  • Reduced Digital Technology Services (DTS) Service Desk operating hours

    For the period between 21 December 2023 and the 12 January 2024, Digital Technology Services (DTS) will reduce the operating hours of the Service Desk, operating from 7am – 7pm on weekdays.

    This reflects the anticipated reduced call volumes and challenges due to staffing. The Service Desk hours for weekends and public holidays (7am – 4pm) will not change.

    During the proposed reduced Service Desk hours, EMR support will not change.

    The EMR support team do not currently cover the hours between 7pm – 10pm, as an EMR on-call roster currently covers this. The change will be that between 7pm – 10pm, calls will be directed to the after-hours administrator, who will raise the call with the first line DTS on-call support staff member.

    This is the same process Western Health has had in place for the past few years, operating between 10pm – 7am on weekdays, and 4pm – 7am on weekends.

    You can contact Digital Technology Services (DTS):

    WH DTS Service Desk: (03) 8345 6777 or Ext: 56777
    Portal: http://servicedesk.wh.org.au
    Email: servicedesk@wh.org.au

  • Show your support by voting for culturally sensitive maternity care

    Support your colleagues and help showcase the success of culturally sensitive maternity care by voting for the Baggarrook Yurrongi in Shaping Australia Awards by Universities Australia.

    Western Health is incredibly proud to be part of the Baggarrook Yurrongi partnership with La Trobe University, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Royal Women’s Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women.

    The program is designed to improve the health of First Nations mothers and babies through culturally responsive continuity of midwife care.

    It led to the development of our very own Galinjera Maternity Program at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital where a small team of dedicated health professionals provide culturally sensitive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout their pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period.

    First Nations mothers and babies have had significantly poorer outcomes than non-Indigenous mothers and babies. 

    The Baggarrook Yurrongi program has led to new, culturally safe models of care for First Nations women, or women having an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander baby.

    The program has led to positive changes with many more babies born at a healthy birthweight and gestation, as well as reduced admissions to neonatal intensive care.

    Baggarrook Yurrongi is a Finalist in the Shaping Australia awards by Universities Australia in the Problem Solver Award Category, which recognises work ‘that has changed or has the potential to change the lives of Australians for the better.’

    Please support the program by voting for the team.

    The voting process is easy and takes only a few seconds:

    You can vote here, just click on the heart and enter your name and email address.

  • 2024 Pride March Registrations are now open!

     

    Every year on the first Sunday of February Melbourne comes together to celebrate and support the LGBTIQA+ community for Pride March.

     

    The Pride March, which occurs annually as part of Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival, is an opportunity for members of the LGBTIQA+ community, allies, friends, family and supporters to come together to celebrate gender and sexuality diversity.

    Western Health is proud to support our LGBTIQA+ community and once again participate in Melbourne’s Pride March.

    We encourage all members of the LGBTIQA+ community, allies, friends, family and supporters to participate in the 2024 Pride March. Join the Midsumma Pride March to march with those who can, and in solidarity for those who cannot.

     

    2024 Pride March 

    When: Sunday February 4, 2024

    Where: Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens, St Kilda

    Cost: FREE

     

    To register your participation in Western Health’s cohort for the 2024 Pride March and to register interest in joining Western Health’s Pride Network, please complete the registration form.

    Learn more about Midsumma Festival or the annual Melbourne Pride March here.

  • Enter the Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research

    Submissions for the next Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research are now open.

    The awards celebrate the best and brightest in Victoria’s medical research community, including the recent achievements of early-career researchers who are completing or have recently completed a PhD.

    These researchers can be nominated for awards in five categories:

    • Basic Science Researcher
    • Clinical Researcher
    • Aboriginal Researcher undertaking research in any field of health and medical research
    • Health Services Researcher
    • Public Health Researcher

    The winner of each category will receive $5,000, while the recipient of the Premier’s Excellence Award will take home an additional $15,000 in prize money.

    Submissions close on 7 January 2024. Researchers are encouraged to submit their research projects, and to support their fellow researchers to apply.

    For more information visit: health.vic.gov.au/about/premiers-awards-for-health-and-medical-research

  • Tune into the AGM on Monday December 19

    On behalf of the Board Chair, Ms Robyn Batten AM, the Board of Directors and Executive, you are invited to attend the Western Health Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 19 December, 2023 at 3:30pm.  

    Join us online to hear from Robyn Batten about the year that was and from our Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Russell Harrison about what’s ahead for Western Health.  

    You can join the virtual AGM at the scheduled time via this link: https://bit.ly/40Vp7YV 

    A recording of the AGM will be available on the Western Health website at the conclusion of the event.  

  • Everything is half price at the Western Health Opportunity Shops

    The Western Health Opportunity Shops (Op Shops) are having a huge sale with half price off everything.*

    Williamstown Hospital Op Shop – 47 Ferguson Street, Williamstown 

    Footscray Op Shop – Footscray Hospital 

    *excludes handmade cards and knitwear/crochet items 

    Bacchus Marsh Opportunity Shop – Gell Street, Bacchus Marsh. 

    Get in quick before the store closes for the Christmas break (Williamstown and Footscray closes on December 15 and Bacchus Marsh on the December 22).

  • Get in quick to secure your free BankVic wall calendar

    The popular BankVic wall calendars (A2 size) are available from the Western Health Foundation Office (ground floor, Footscray Hospital – opposite the library).

    Calendars can be collected from the Foundation office Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.

    Please note, the Foundation office will be closed from December 22 and will reopen from January 3.

  • Free donuts from the Western Health Foundation

    Western Health Foundation are thanking Western Health staff for their sensational efforts in 2023 with Krispy Kremes! Celebrate the season with a free donut and say hello to the friendly Western Health Foundation team. 

    Dates, times, locations:

    Sunshine Hospital: 18 December, 10am – 12pm, opposite the pharmacy
    Footscray Hospital: 19 December, 10am – 12pm, opposite the security office
    Melton Hospital: 20 December, 9am – 11am, upstairs staff room in the Melton Community Services Building
    Bacchus Marsh Hospital: 20 December, 12pm – 2pm, staff tea room
    Williamstown Hospital: 21 December, 10am – 12pm, 1st floor, administration corridor
    Sunbury and Western Central Production Kitchen: 21 December, staff tea rooms

    Donuts will be put aside for those staff working night shift.

    Many thanks to Krispy Kreme for donating donuts through their Doughforce program, which is based on expressing thanks to those who work hard to support their communities.

    If you would like to know more about their fundraising efforts, you can visit their website. Alternatively, visit their western suburbs store at Highpoint to purchase a sweet treat!

     

  • Keep your cool at the local pool - Fitness Passport

    Fitness Passport pools at gyms, leisure and aquatic centres, will deliver holiday entertainment for an endless summer of fun, family memories and happy faces, without breaking the bank.

    • A huge network of pools, close to home, work, or even your holiday destination

    • Family memberships from $24.95/week

    • Unlimited visits

  • Gym deal: free for the rest of the year and a $100 visa prepaid card

    Your onsite Health Club EFM is offering staff the opportunity to join the gym and enjoy the rest of the year absolutely free! No charge until January.

    Set yourself up for 2024, your best year yet with 6 weeks of free gym membership to finish 2023 and a $100 visa prepaid gift.

    Only 15 memberships available, please Jarrod on 0401951734, or email sunshine@efm.net.au