Published on 21 June 2023
Click on the below headings for this week’s Weekly Wrap.
What's On
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World Continence Week 2023 (19-25 June 2023)
Over 5 million Australians – 1 in 4 people aged 15 years or over – experience bladder or bowel incontinence. This World Continence Week we share the stories of those with lived experience of incontinence and encourage others to seek help to empower them to live confident lives.
“It’s important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else. When you tell your story, you free yourself and give other people permission to acknowledge their own story.”
Iyanla Vanzant, author, lawyer and American inspirational speaker
Incontinence is not just a woman’s or an older person’s issue, nor is it an inevitable part of ageing. Incontinence is a common condition that can be treated and proactively managed. Incontinence can affect people at any age, but in many cases, it can be prevented, better managed or even cured. Seeking advice from a health professional is the first step.
Lack of support for incontinence and its associated costs affects thousands of Australians ability to seek and maintain employment. Sharing experiences of this makes the community aware and may motivate greater help and investment strategies for incontinence support and management.
To find out more and access free resources, including podcasts, webinars, fact sheets, videos and online magazine Bridge, please visit continence.org.au/world-continence-week
Incontinence – the numbers. Incontinence is more common than you may think.
Source: https://www.centerforurologiccare.com/patient-education/urinary-incontinence-2/
- Over 5 million Australians – one in four people aged 15 years or over – are incontinent
- 80% of people who experience urinary incontinence are women
- Over 1.34 million Australian boys and men experience incontinence
- 46% of people who experience incontinence are under the age of 50 years.
- One in three women who have ever had a baby wet themselves.
Where to get help:
Western Continence service
The Western Continence Service offers a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and management of urinary and faecal continence issues.
You can refer your patient or yourself to the Western Continence Service at Western Health: WesternContinenceService@wh.org.au
For further information: Western Continence Service
Continence Foundation of Australia
You can also access help via the Continence Foundation of Australia or contact the Helpline, see details below.
For help and more information about incontinence call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 for free, confidential advice from Nurse Continence Specialists, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm AEST.
Promotion of World Continence Week at Western Health:
We will be running a promotional stall at Sunshine Hospital outside of the retail pharmacy from 1100-1400 hrs on Wednesday 21.06.23.
Please stop by for some giveaways and information on Continence issues, Western Continence Service and where to seek help.
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INSPIRE Awards – now open for nominations
Is there someone or a team at Western Health who has inspired you?
The INSPIRE Awards recognise and celebrate those employees and volunteers who foster a positive workplace at Western Health and whose actions inspire others to live our values. They enable us to recognise and promote some of the great work being done by employees and volunteers at Western Health.
Anyone can nominate:
You can nominate online via the Inspire Award Internet site or you can complete a word version of the form and email it to inspire@wh.org.au
Completing your nomination:
Please ensure that you take the time to explain what the individual or team that you are nominating did which has made a difference to your experience or the experience of others.
Provide examples in as much detail as you can of how they fostered a Positive Workplace at Western Health and demonstrated Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Safety in their work.
(A minimum of 3 of the values must be addressed in your nomination).
Please note that we may share what you say in your nomination as part of the Award Presentation process.
Nominations close on July 31st 2023.
If you have any questions regarding Inspire Awards please email: inspire@wh.org.au
News and Updates
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Sustainability Survey and Pop-Up Stall
We truly appreciate your input on Western Health’s sustainability journey and approach. We’d love to hear what is important to you. Your responses will help us shape our business approach when it comes to environment, social and governance outcomes.
The survey will take up to 10 minutes to complete, so we can get a better understanding of what you think, and we would love your participation.
To take part, please complete the survey by Mon 3 July 2023. All answers can be completed anonymously.
If the button doesn’t work, please copy and paste this URL into your web browser: https://survey.figbytes.biz/index.php/283531?lang=en
The survey is being hosted by Western Health’s partner, FigBytes. FigBytes is a Sustainability Platform which captures operational data and connects strategy, reporting and simplifies stakeholder engagement.
If you have any technical difficulties or would like to discuss please reach out to the Western Health Sustainability Team on: sustainability@wh.org.au.
Come see us at the Sustainability pop-up table (for some water-saving freebies) at Sunshine Hospital from 9 am – 1.30 pm on Thurs 22 June 2023, located outside the Pharmacy.
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Medsafety Updates Newsletter – June 2023
The June 2023 edition of the Medsafety Updates Newsletter, produced by the Western Health Pharmacy department, is now available.
The newsletter aims to relay important medication information to all clinicians throughout Western Health and to notify clinical staff of medication changes that may impact on practice. The newsletter can be accessed by clicking here. There is also an online survey available for completion. This assists in being able to make improvements in future issues. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
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Basic Life Support - a change has occurred
It is with great excitement that the Resuscitation team can confirm the large organisational change to BLS Mandatory Training has occurred.
Moving forward, when staff complete their BLS mandatory training they will be asked to choose their pathway as shown below:
Summary of pathway:
- Senior medical staff complete online BLS Mandatory Training Quiz and recertify every 2 years
- Staff completing BLS for the first time at WH complete mandatory face to face assessment, complimented by online eLearning module and a knowledge check quiz (both of these online components are optional but advisable learning)
- All other staff that have completed BLS at WH before and require annual mandatory training should complete the BLS online mandatory training quiz, complimented by optional online eLearning module and practical hands on CPR practice at a local ward level or through simulation training. If staff are unsuccessful after two quiz attempts they will be directed to complete a face to face mandatory assessment.
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NSQHS Standards – Live Literature Searches
Primarily aimed at clinicians working in Australian hospitals who wish to find evidence to support best practice in line with Australian National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and researchers, safety and quality staff, health service managers, policymakers, and consumers. These searches are provided through a joint initiative of Health Libraries Australia (HLA) and Health Libraries Inc. (HLI). They have been adapted and expanded to reflect NSQHS 2nd edition.
The searches are provided in PubMed, as a platform that is freely available and a source of quality health evidence. They are designed to provide high specificity (relevance) so that results returned will be of immediate use. The base search focuses on a hospital setting and is limited to the last 5 years. Subsets are provided for each topic:
Full Text Options
- Open access content is sometimes available directly from PubMed
- Install the Western Health Library’s LibKey Nomad browser extension. PDFs will appear in the PubMed results page.
- Use the Library’s Custom PubMed Link in another tab before using the links on the page.
- Use one of the other options available on the library’s Locating Journal Articles
- If not available from the above, you can request the article from the library.
Accessing the Library at Work
All eligible staff can access electronic library resources from any networked PC or device connected to
Wi-Fi network without the need to login.Accessing the Library Remotely (offsite access)- Library membership is required to access library resources using non-networked or personal devices.
- When accessing electronic resources through the library website from offsite you will automatically be asked to enter your library membership number and surname.
- Library Membership is free and can be completed online.Please email the library if you experience issues when registering (e.g. error messages).
For more information please contact the Western Health library team.
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Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality
Public sector employers and employees have a mutual responsibility to work together to create pride in public sector workplaces, deliver responsive public services, earn the community’s trust in the public sector and support the government of the day in serving Victorians.
Western Health publishes its Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy and a register of gifts, benefits and hospitality offered to and accepted by Western Health staff on its website annually
https://www.westernhealth.org.au/AboutUs/CorporatePublications/Pages/default.aspx
As the end of the reporting year approaches, staff are reminded:
- not to (for themselves or others) seek or solicit gifts, benefits and hospitality
- to refuse all offers of money
- to declare all offers valued at $50 or more of gifts, benefits and hospitality (whether accepted or declined) here WH Gifts Register – New Item
- to seek written approval from their manager to accept any non-token offer.
For more information about the minimum accountabilities of public sector employees in relation to gifts, benefits and hospitality, please visit the Victorian Public Sector Comission website https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/ethics-behaviours-culture/gifts-benefits-hospitality/.
Western Health’s Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy Prompt Documents is currently under review to ensure it meets the VPSC’s minimum accountabilities in relation to gifts, benefits and hospitality. If you are unsure as to what you are required to do in relation to any gift, benefit or hospitality offered to you in connection with your role at Western Health, please contact Legal Services at legal@wh.org.au or visit the Legal Services intranet page for phone numbers http://inside.wh.org.au/departmentsandservices/LegalServices/Pages/default.aspx
Training and Development
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Bacchus Marsh and Melton: Clinical emergency code training sessions
From 9am Monday, 3 July 2023, the internal number for emergencies at Bacchus Marsh Hospital and the Melton sites will change to 2222. This important change in standardisation of in-hospital emergency numbers to 2222 which is being implemented both nationally and internationally.
A key component in transitioning the clinical services at Bacchus Marsh and Melton is to align the Rapid Response Systems for the deteriorating patient with Western Health processes to ensure patient and staff safety.
Clinical code training sessions titled “New Codes on the Block” will provide staff with details required for the new emergency number and clinical codes rollout.
Training sessions are mandatory for all nursing staff.
All other staff are welcome and encouraged to attend.For all enquiries, email: kristy.hodge@wh.org.au
Session times and locations are below:
Melton Health Hub
All session times: 1440-1515Bacchus Marsh Hospital
All session times: 1400-1445Day Date Melton Room Bacchus Marsh Room Tue 13/06 Pink room Simulation Room Wed 14/06 Pink room Simulation Room Thurs 15/06 Conference room 1 Simulation Room Fri 16/06 Pink room Simulation Room Mon 19/06 Conference room 1 Simulation Room Tue 20/06 Pink room Simulation Room Wed 21/06 Conference room 1 Simulation Room Thurs 22/06 Pink room Simulation Room Fri 23/06 Pink room Simulation Room Mon 26/06 Conference room 1 Simulation Room Tue 27/06 Pink room Simulation Room Wed 28/06 Conference room 1 Simulation Room Thurs 29/06 Conference room 1 Simulation Room Fri 30/06 Pink room Simulation Room -
EMR Phase 2.1 Training
As we get closer to the July EMR Phase 2.1 Go-Live, please see below for an overview of the training requirements for staff who currently use the EMR, and those who will commence using the EMR from the Go-Live.
When does EMR Phase 2.1 WeLearn training start?
Staff training for the new EMR Phase 2.1 functionality is available online in WeLearn.
Who needs to complete WeLearn training?
- All staff who work in the EMR Phase 2.1 key clinical areas will need to complete online WeLearn training.
The EMR Phase 2.1 key clinical areas are:
- Cancer Services
- Emergency Medicine and Access
- ICU and Critical Care
- Perioperative and Anaesthesia
- Specialist Clinics (including Community clinical documentation)
- Women’s and Children’s
- Staff who currently use the EMR outside the EMR Phase 2.1 key clinical areas will have access to new EMR functionality with the Go-Live and so may also need to complete online WeLearn lessons.
This will be determined by the following three questions. Staff who answer yes to any of the following three questions will need to complete the associated lesson.
- Do you need to review patient information in ED?
- Do your patients require enteral feeds?
- Do you need to complete passports to surgery?
The estimated time it will take to complete WeLearn training will be noted on each training package.
The WeLearn package does not need to be completed in the one session, it will be saved as you progress through it and can be returned to at a later time.
More information
Further information on EMR Phase 2.1 training is available in this short video.and on the Digital Health information site, including:
- Steps to follow to access training
- How to practice what you have learned
- How to access further support or book a classroom training session
For queries about EMR Phase 2.1 training please contact WHS-EMRTrainers@wh.org.au
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Education and Learning Upcoming Short Courses
POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITY!
Education and Learning are excited to encourage and support Western Health Nursing staff to pursue further studies at a Post Graduate level with the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers the following course and has a mid-year intake in 2023, commencing in July 2023: (Please see the ACU website to enrol). We encourage applications for the Department of Health Post Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship (closing date: June 30th) so get in quick!! Further Information: 2023_ACU_Clinical_Nursing_flyer.pdf (westernhealth.org.au)- ADULT DETERIORATING PATIENT (NON-OBSTETRIC)
- BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS)
- CENTRAL VENOUS ACCESS DEVICES (CVAD) WORKSHOP for WH Staff
- CENTRAL VENOUS ACCESS DEVICES (CVAD) – REFRESHER FOR WH STAFF
- INVASIVE LINES & CANNULATION
- FISHER & PAYKEL SESSIONS
Upcoming courses for June 2023:
- 8/6/2023: Diabetes Study Day
- 19/6/2023: Night Duty: Occupational Violence
- 22/6/2023: CVAD Workshop
- 22/06/2023: VAC Therapy Study Day
- Please visit the Education INTERNET link for further list of courses available on Welearn: Courses and Inservices (wh.org.au)
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Safety Share – Earthquakes
Earthquakes although rare in Australia they can still happen. In 2021, an earthquake in Victoria raised concerns from staff at Western Health. The earthquake shook buildings and, in some areas, caused damage to buildings. Although nobody was hurt and no buildings were damaged at Western Health, there were concerns from staff about what to do during an earthquake. Did you know that you shouldn’t try moving during the actual shaking, or that sheltering next to the building is dangerous?
We would like to give you some information about what to do in an earthquake in the event of this happening again. Please follow the link to a power point on some myths and facts, do’s and don’ts in an earthquake.
If you have any questions feel free to contact either Peter Heyes or Louise Livsey in Emergency Management.
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Specialist Certificate in Clinical Leadership
Apply now with this Expression of Interest form:
WH Specialist Certificate in Clinical Leadership 2023-FINALSCCL Expression of Interest Dec 2022
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It's never OK - long-term dangers of violence
Acclaimed author and podcaster Meshel Laurie interviews Forensic Pathologist Dr Linda Iles, Forensic Physician Dr Joanne Parkin, Forensic Radiologist Dr Chris O’Donnell, Family Violence Advisor Megan Bagnall and Detective Sergeant Guy Menhennitt in this short training video, which is aimed at increasing awareness and response capabilities within the health sector, to address the risks associated with presentations of non-fatal strangulation.
Non-fatal strangulation – The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (vifm.org)
Managing non-fatal strangulation in the emergency department | Emergency Care Institute (nsw.gov.au)
*if a patient presents and family violence is suspected or disclosed. The following question should be asked. Has anyone physically hurt you? If yes, Has anyone applied pressure to your neck?
Get Involved
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Mock Accreditation Feedback Survey
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Mock NSQHS Standard Accreditation Survey held from 5-8 June 2022. Surveyor Ros Pearson highlighted the enthusiasm of staff to show how best care is provided in their areas. Ros will be writing up a report on the mock survey shortly and we will share key messages with all staff.
To learn from the experience gained by undertaking the Mock Survey we are asking you to complete this short 5 minute survey on your experiences, perceptions, and suggestions from the mock survey process.
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Give us a YARN! call for donations of wool
Anyone have a COVID Project that failed?! (Don’t we all!)
Did you rage quit and throw your project in the back of the cupboard never to be seen again?
Did one of your failed COVID Projects include learning to knit some sort of jumper / scarf?
Have you considered donating your left over yarn? The Auxiliaries and Volunteers who knit for Western Health would be very grateful for your donation!
We would love your baby wool (nylon mix) 3 ply or 4 ply or any type of 8 ply wool/acrylic yarn! Make Marie Kondo proud, give thanks and let go!
Baby wool is softest for newborns.
8 ply wool / acrylic can be used for crocheted/ knitted blankets, including baby blankets and large football coloured blankets.
If you have any other ply sizes, we would be happy for the donation to sell in our Op Shops.
Western Health volunteer knitters want your Yarn!
The wonderful volunteers will transform your donated yarn and needles into lovely little jumpers (Childrens) and scarves, beanies and blankets (including football blankets), to be sold in our Op Shops and Craft Carts to raise money for Western Health Foundation.
Alternatively if you feel generous, we would love ongoing donations of yarn as well, please get in contact with me to make arrangements.
Drop off points, please mark bag/ donations “Give us a YARN attention Jasmine Funda”
- Footscray Op shop Wed, Thurs, Fri – 11-3pm.
- Williamstown Op Shop 11 – 3pm Mon – Fri.
- JK Craft Cart – Tues, Wed 9.30am – 3pm.
Please call me on 0401 684 977 for further information.
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Small change creates big change
Make a pre-tax donation direct from your pay
The Western Health Foundation have launched their staff giving program “Small change creates big change”
Your small change has the ability to make a big impact to support staff, patients and their families.
We are all aware of the huge need for support for our most vulnerable patients and community. Small change creates big change helps to provide support when and where it’s needed.
Nominate your regular pre-tax donation and sign-up today. Complete the personal details form here and return the completed form to peopleservicesoperations@wh.org.au
Last year alone, the Western Health Foundation provided more than $700,000 to fund new equipment, patient and staff support and world-class research, including:
- Purchasing new ECG machines to support the rollout of the EMR project
- Fellowships and scholarships for staff development
- Culturally sensitive Welcome Packs for patients who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- Care packs to help patients undergoing cancer treatment
- Purchasing mobility aids or medication for patients who are in great hardship.
If you have any other questions about the Foundation or donating, please contact the Western Health Foundation at Foundation@wh.org.au
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Footscray Community Library want your second hand books (again) !
Please consider donating your used books to our Community Library located in the foyer in Footscray Hospital Main entrance!
We would love books that are:
- Not fit for sale – but still readable?
- clean
- slightly worn,
- good quality,
- may have some pen marks, page folds
- but still readable
How to donate? Easy! Please place your books directly into the Community Library on your way into work!
Books suitable for donation are:
- Indigenous books
- Adult fiction/non- fiction
- Young adult
- Childrens books
- Magazines – gardening, cooking, gossip magazines
Language: Of course, Footscray is a multi-cultural, diverse community, therefore:
- Books in English in big and usual print,
- multi lingual – as we are happy to receive books to reflect these languages including: Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Slavic languages, African nations languages, Asian, and all others!
We have partnered with Footscray Library to provide further donations monthly, including Vietnamese and Mandarin books.
Staff Benefits and Special Offers
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Enjoy 40% off at the Nike Company Store
On behalf of the Western Health Foundation, our valued corporate partner Nike are extending the invitation for all staff to enjoy 40% off at the exclusive Nike Company Store in South Melbourne.
The store is a VIP invite only store, exclusive to Nike staff, sponsored athletes and corporate partners.
This limited time offer is available between 1 – 31 July 2023 and is only redeemable in-store by appointment.
How to redeem:
- Download the Nike App and sign up to become a Nike Member.
- Make an in-store appointment. Download the flyer to access the booking website.
- Present your employee staff ID and Nike Membership Pass via The Nike App at your in-store appointment.
Conditions of entry
- Offer valid for one shopping visit per employee and by in-store appointment only, invitation is non-transferable.
- Employees may bring only one adult guest – guest must check in at the same time (children under 18 may accompany adults).
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Get moving at these new facilities available on your program! Western Health's new pricing
- Pascoe Vale – Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool *Seasonal Pool – Reopens December*
- Preston – Iron Kingdom – Preston 24/7
- Reservoir – Reservoir Health and Fitness 24/7
- Mount Beauty Swimming Pool
*Seasonal Pool – Reopens November*
- Myrtleford Swimming Pool
*Seasonal Pool – Reopens November*
- Noble Park Aquatic Centre
- Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool
*Seasonal Pool – Reopens December*
- Powerhouse Gym Bayswater North 24/7
- Reservoir Health and Fitness 24/7
- Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre
- Sky Fitness 24/7
- Snap Fitness Heidelberg 24/7
- Tangambalanga Swimming Pool *Seasonal Pool – Reopens November*
- The Sands Torquay Health Club
- Warragul Leisure Centre
- Heidelberg – Snap Fitness Heidelberg 24/7
- Keilor Downs – Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
- Kilmore – Kilmore Leisure Centre
- Lilydale – Genesis Lilydale 24/7 *Coming in October!*
- Meadow Heights – Derrimut
- Coolaroo 24/7
- Melbourne – Doherty’s Gym 24/7 – City
- Melton – Derrimut Melton 24/7
- Morwell – Latrobe Leisure Centre Morwell
- Mount Beauty – Mount Beauty Swimming Pool *Seasonal Pool – Reopens November*
- Myrtleford – Myrtleford Swimming Pool *Seasonal Pool – Reopens November*
- Newborough – Latrobe Leisure Centre Moe Newborough
- Noble Park – Noble Park Aquatic Centre
- Pakenham – Derrimut Pakenham 24/7
- Ballarat – Derrimut Ballarat 24/7
- Bayswater – Powerhouse Gym Bayswater North 24/7
- Bright – Bright Sports Centre
- Brunswick – Doherty’s Gym 24/7 – Brunswick
- Bundoora – Gym on Grimshaw 24/7
- Burwood – DeakinACTIVE Burwood
- Chelsea Heights – Kennedy’s Health and Fitness
- Churchill – Latrobe Leisure Centre Churchill
- Coburg North – Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool *Seasonal Pool – Reopens December*
- Craigieburn – Elevate 24:7 Fitness
- Dandenong – Doherty’s Gym 24/7
– Dandenong
- Epping – Crunch Epping – 18+ Only
- Flora Hill – La Trobe Sport Centre Bendigo
- Healesville – Healesville Fitness Centre
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Time to review your personal banking!
Your dedicated Relationship Manager Michelle can assist.
The start of the year is a great time to pause and reflect on your last year and put new plans in place for the coming year.
To help you get started, your dedicated Relationship Manager Michelle can work with you to review your personal banking and assist in making a plan for the coming year. Michelle is dedicated to providing support to Western Health staff.
She is proud to work for an organisation that supports its members and the community, which drives Michelle every day to want to better understand the banking needs of BankVic members.
It’s all part of BankVic’s commitment to the financial wellbeing of our members.
If you want to chat to Michelle to review your personal banking or would like to learn more about our latest home loan rate offers, give Michelle a call on 0418 415 096 or email mferry@bankvic.com.au.
Police Financial Services Limited ABN 33 087 651 661 trading as BankVic AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 240293.
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Fernwood Fitness partners with Western Health! 14-day trial pass available!
Fernwood Fitness, a women’s-only fitness club, is partnering with Western Health to ensure essential workers can prioritise their own health and wellbeing.
The partnership provides special discounted memberships available to the Western Health community, providing a saving of over $300. Additionally, for every membership activated, Fernwood will donate $100 to the Western Health Foundation and an additional $50 on the anniversary of each member’s original join date.
Fernwood and Western Health share a purpose to provide a place for women to focus on their health, fitness and wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment where their team of experts in women’s health and fitness can work along-side them to reap the immense physical and mental benefits that come with regular exercise.
To kick start this partnership, Fernwood is offering a free 14-day trial pass available to every female Western Health employee (and female family members) to try, starting now!
Register at any time by following this link https://join.fernwoodfitness.com.au/western-health-trial-pass/ or call your nearest club and mention they are a Western Health staff member or a family member of a staff member, and they’ll take care of the rest.
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BankVic calendars are back
Get in quick to secure your free BankVic wall calendar
The ever popular BankVic Wall Calendars (A2 size) are available from the Foundation Office (Ground Floor, Footscray Hospital – opposite the library).
Calendars can be collected from the Foundation office Monday – Thursday between 10am – 1pm.
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One Month Free Gym Membership - EFM Heath Clubs
Take control of your destiny by improving your health and fitness at EFM this Autumn. When you buy a one month gym membership you will receive your First month ENTIRELY FREE!
Plus a $0 Joining and cancellation fee. That’s 2 months of unlimited coaching and 24 hour gym access for the price of 1.
Call 0401951734 to register now.
Promo is available to 10 new members only.
