Published on 7 June 2023

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

What's On

  • Wear purple on June 15 for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

    Next Thursday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

    This important day provides an opportunity to voice our opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on many older people. 

    Elder abuse is mistreatment of a person that is committed by someone they trust such as a partner, family member, friend, or carer. Elder abuse may be psychological, physical, sexual, or financial and can include mistreatment, controlling behaviour and neglect. 

    Staff are invited to wear purple to raise awareness about elder abuse and ageism. 

    Keep an eye out for information about pop-up stalls next Thursday at several Western Health sites with information, activities and giveaways.

    Visit the Westerly for the Western Health WEAAD toolkit, including activities and resources for your team, as well as posters and email signatures.

    Or, for a pre-prepared WEAAD pack, including giveaways, contact: WH Elder Abuse Prevention and Response Liaison Officer Carla Wilkie: 0423 842 103, or elderabuseenquiries@wh.org.au

News and Updates

  • 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. 

  • The Non-Weight Bearing (NWB) Respite Pathway

    The Non weight bearing (NWB) pathway to respite service is provided by the Division of Aged, Cancer & Continuing Care (ACCC) at Western Health. NWB pathway to Respite is a model where the patient’s journey will be followed  and tracked however the patient does not have to spend this period within a hospital setting. There will be an allocated SNAP clinical nurse consultant responsible for following the patient’s journey and co-ordinating the admission and discharge from respite.

  • 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:

    NSQHS PubMed Live Searches

    Full Text Options

    1. Open access content is sometimes available directly from PubMed
    2. Install the Western Health Library’s LibKey Nomad browser extension. PDFs will appear in the PubMed results page.
    3. Use the Library’s Custom PubMed Link in another tab before using the links on the page.
    4. Use one of the other options available on the library’s Locating Journal Articles
    5. 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.

  • Cessation of timesheet collection boxes

    In recent times we have been monitoring the usage of the payroll timesheet collection boxes at Footscray, Sunshine and Williamstown. There has been very little to no usage of these over the past 4-6 weeks.

    As a result a decision has been made to no longer engage a courier service for collection of these given there is no usage.

    This is in effect immediately.

    Please note that timesheets can be scanned and emailed to payoffice at WHpaydata@mh.org.au

  • 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
               
  • Elder Abuse learning hub

    This training is part of the project WH is a trial site for: Integrated Model of Care for responding to suspected Elder Abuse (IMoC)

    https://ealearning.dffh.vic.gov.au/

     

     

  • 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

  • 2023 Family Violence Workshops

    Various dates available. Click on the link to register and choose a date.

    1. A shared understanding of family violence-Register here
    2. Identifying and Screening for family violence-Register here
    3. Intermediate Risk Assessment and Management of Family  Violence –Register here
    4. Identifying and Responding to children at risk—Register here
  • New Child Safeguarding WeLearn modules

    New Child Safeguarding WeLearn modules

    1. Impact of FDV on the child (1 hour) Course: The Impact of Family and Domestic Violence on the child (wh.org.au)
    2. Family and Domestic Violence and Child Aware Practices ( 2-4 hours) Course: Family and domestic violence and child-aware practice (wh.org.au)

    Certificate available on completion to upload to WeLearn

  • 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 – 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.

    http://inside.wh.org.au/departmentsandservices/ohs/Documents/Emergency%20Management/Earthquake%20Presentation.pptx

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

  • Specialist Certificate in Clinical Leadership

Get Involved

  • 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.

  • Western Health Singers

  • 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.

  • Attention Veterans at Western Health

    The Office for Veterans, DFFH, is funding an Adventure Therapy program supporting Victorian-based veterans, 55 years or younger who are in the process of transitioning out of defence, or have transitioned, and are still struggling with integrating into civilian life. The program will run from 21 May to 10 Jun 2023 and include a 5-day river expedition.

    Two of Australia’s leading Adventure Therapy organisations will facilitate the program, Geelong Adventure Specialists and Adventure Works Australia. Both organisations are affiliated with the Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy.

    If you know anyone who would benefit from this program, please share the flyer with them. James Kolozsi, Director Safety, Risk and Emergency Management is also available to chat with anyone who has questions about the program and can share how adventure therapy has played (and still does play) a major role in his mental health journey, post his time in Defence.

    View the Navigate Program Flyer for Veteran Transition Support 2023 below. 

Staff Benefits and Special Offers

  • Don't wait till it's too late - Medicare Live Better

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • Power Saving Bonus

    The Power Saving Bonus is a $250 payment for Victorian households to help ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage them to compare energy offers and save money.

    The Bonus is available to all Victorian households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners.

    Find out more information here:

    PSB FAQs – Victorian Energy Compare