Published on 28 June 2023

Click on the below headings for this week’s Weekly Wrap.

What's On

  • 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

  • Gynaecological cancer symposium for nurses

    Nurses are invited to join Western Health Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Sumitra Ananda, who is also one of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre’s (VCCC) Alliance Research and Education Leads, for a one-day symposium.

    The event focuses on management, supportive care and survivorship issues and features a stellar lineup of more than 20 speakers and panellists across the spectrum of gynaecological cancer care.

    You’ll learn the most up-to-date knowledge, featuring consumers with lived experience, clinical nurse consultants, senior cancer nurses, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, palliative care experts, clinical trial experts, and allied health professionals.

    Topics covered include: supportive care, including the integration of distress tools in nursing management. Common survivorship issues and corresponding nursing interventions to support will also be discussed.

    Find out more: https://vcccalliance.org.au/events/gynaecological-cancers-management-supportive-care-and-survivorship-issues-for-nurses/

  • Seated massage is back!

News and Updates

  • “Together, improving Best Care” Timely Emergency Care Collaborative (TECC)

    Western Health is participating in the Timely Emergency Care Collaborative (TECC).  It is a Department of Health-led initiative involving 14 other healthcare networks, which seek to improve timeliness of emergency care through improving system-wide patient flow.

    Our emergency departments, inpatient areas, and operations will work together to help identify opportunities, develop solutions and test these to support improvements in quality and safety.

    Everyone who works in healthcare wants to do a good job. To provide Best care, we need to create safer and calmer environments. Calmer for staff to do their best work together, which makes it safer for patients.

    We will be working on many different initiatives and ideas to improve patient journey.  Some ideas will be big, some small, some easy to achieve, some more challenging.

    Look out for further updates in the Westerly about how our ideas and trials have been progressing!

    For more information, contact Renie Lloyd on 0481 064 892 or email TECC@wh.org.au

  • Mini bins for desks roll-out

    At Western Health, we are committed to managing waste in an environmentally responsible way, and committed to all aspects of sustainability, including staff wellbeing.

    Between 15-30 July 2023, mini bins for desks will be rolled-out to all office areas.

    A central collection red bin will be provided for general waste in each area. The desk mini bins are to be emptied by staff into these when they are full – a bit of extra getting up and walking helps too.

    The good news is that this small change to our office spaces will reduce damage to the environment and increase a bit of healthy activity.

    To help us make this impactful change, use the red bin to dispose of general waste. Our recycling process remains the same – for all other recycling waste please use the correct recycling bins.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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: 1440-1515    		 Bacchus Marsh Hospital
    All session times: 1400-1445
    Day   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?

    1. 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
    1. 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

  • 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)
  • Safety Share – Uncontained Code Blacks

    Continuing on our information about uncontained code blacks we would like to give you more information on the Escape, Hide, Call, Take Action advice we have in our procedure.

    Today we are going to discuss what ESCAPE means:

    If you have credible information about the location of the offender and can safely escape, this should be your first priority. Do not run into or gather in open areas. Take cover along the edges of buildings, fence lines, rows of tress. Move as far away from the building as you can.

    Please follow the link for more information https://westerly.wh.org.au/news/response-to-uncontained-code-black-escape-hide-calltake-action/

    Remember an Uncontained code black will be put over the P.A system, if you hear a code black uncontained remain in your area and lock any doors you can.

    If you have any questions feel free to contact either Peter Heyes or Louise Livsey in Emergency Management.

  • 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

  • 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)

    *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

  • Sustainability Survey

    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.

  • 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.

    Mock Accreditation Feedback

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Maxxia upcoming Western Health onsite dates

    Book a 15 minute face to face consultation by clicking here!

    Upcoming Visits:

    Footscray Hospital

    Adjacent to the Security office

    • Tuesday 11th of July  – 11:00am – 1:00pm
    • Wednesday 26th of July – 12.30pm – 2.30pm
    • Thursday 10th of August – 9.00am – 11.00am

    Sunshine Hospital

    Main walkway near pharmacy

    • Tuesday 11th of July – 2:30pm – 4:30pm
    • Wednesday 26th of July – 9.00am – 11.00am
    • Thursday 10th of August – 12.30pm – 2.30pm

    Williamstown Hospital

    Hub Area

    • Thursday 3rd of August – 9.00am – 11.00am
    • Tuesday 3rd of October  – 11:30am – 1:30pm
    • Tuesday 5th of December  – 11:30am – 1:30pm  

    Melton Health Services

    Community Services Building Upstairs Staff Room

    • Wednesday 2nd of August  – 12.30pm – 2.30pm
    • Wednesday 4th of October  – 12.30pm – 2.30pm
    • Thursday 7th of December  – 12.30pm – 2.30pm

    Bacchus Marsh Hospital

    Staff Lunch Room

    • Wednesday 2nd of August – 9.00am – 11.00am
    • Wednesday 4th of October – 9.00am – 11.00am
    • Thursday 7th of December – 9.00am – 11.00am

    Sunbury Day Hospital

    Consulting Room 5

    • Tuesday 8th of August – 11:30am – 1:30pm
    • Wednesday 8th of November – 9.00am – 11.00am
    • Wednesday 7th of February 2024 – 9.00am – 11.00am

    How we can help

    • How salary packaging works
    • How to use pre-tax funds towards daily living expenses such as mortgage, rent, clothes, school fees etc.
    • How to use pre-tax funds towards restaurant & holiday expenses
    • Manage your salary packaging benefits through one smart card.
    • How to set up and navigate your way through your Maxxia app.
    • Current vehicle offers available
    • Salary packaging a new, used or existing vehicle with a novated lease

    Cant make it? Email education@maxxia.com.au with your contact details and enquiry

  • 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:

    1. Download the Nike App and sign up to become a Nike Member.
    2. Make an in-store appointment. Download the flyer to access the booking website.
    3. 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).
  • 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.

  • Comedy Festival Showcase

    Melbourne Comedy Festival favourites are back in town.  

    With “Our Exclusive” sample of The Comedy Festival shows from this year and last year.   

    This will be a night where you are guaranteed the best medicine – plenty of LAUGHTER !!!!  

    You will get to enjoy over 2 Hours of great stand-up comedy.   

    When: Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Friday 7th, Tuesday 11th OR Wednesday 12th July.

    Doors Open: 6.30pm (if you want to come & buy some dinner/snacks at 6.30pm – Joe King Bistro Menu 

    Show Starts: Starts: 8pm (runs for 2+ hours)  

    Cost: NO ENTRY FEE CHARGE (for the show, normally $35pp) 

    Where: The Comics Lounge 26 Errol St Nth Melb  

    To book: email laughs@thecomicslounge.com.au with your name, number of tickets & which show you would like, your confirmation email will be sent straight to the bookings office.