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News from Princess Alexandra Hospital
September-October• Issue 6
UQ Centre for Online
Health Deputy Director
Assoc. Prof. Anthony Smith
with Federal Health Minister
Hon Peter Dutton and
Indigenous Health Worker
Cecil Brown, try out the fully
equipped van that travels
to remote communities and
connects them to specialists
at PA Hospital via Telehealth
New Telehealth centre a boon for rural and
remote Queenslanders
Queensland has claimed
a knockout blow against
the tyranny of distance
in health care with the
opening of The University
of Queensland’s Centre of
Research Excellence (CRE) in
Telehealth.
Health Minister Peter Dutton
officially launched the new CRE in
Princess Alexandra Hospital on 10th
September.
The new $2.5 million CRE, hosted
by the University of Queensland
and led by Professor Len Gray, will
focus on settings where access
to health services is especially
challenging such as small rural
hospitals, residential aged care
facilities, disabled and older
Australians requiring home care,
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities.
Professor Gray and his team will
seek to identify the reasons for the
slow uptake in these settings in
the context of general practice, and
will work with a number of service
providers to develop, implement
and evaluate a telehealth program
suitable to their needs.
UQ Centre for Online Health Deputy
Director Associate Professor
Anthony Smith said the telehealth
centre would focus on delivering
health services to remote and
regional areas, connecting citybased specialists with patients
across the State.
“More than a million Queenslanders
live in remote and regional areas,
sometimes hundreds of kilometres
from a health clinic or access to a
medical specialist,” Dr Smith said.
“Telehealth, which links clinicians
at health services with patients,
using techniques such as email and
videoconferencing, will connect
people living in remote places
with specialist services not readily
available in rural and remote areas.”
Dr Smith said the centre would
support collaboration between
research teams working to develop
capacity in telehealth for everyone
in Queensland.
“However, it will have a significant
focus on Indigenous Australian
healthcare, working to improve
the health status of indigenous
Australians, who have a lower
expectancy than their nonindigenous counterparts, mainly
due to a higher prevalence of
chronic health conditions.
Continued Page 3
Duck Race Photos, page 8
> Inside Cover
> From the Executive
> This month
Dr Stephen Ayre
Executive Director
PAH-QEII Health
Network
The past two months have been
extremely busy for our staff and as
the end of the year approaches,
it is timely to acknowledge their
continued dedication to caring for
our patients.
This year has seen an enormous
amount of work done by staff
to improve our performance
including reducing elective surgery
wait times. I am pleased to say
that we have made significant
inroads in this area, with 91%
of patients across all categories
receiving their surgery within
recommended timeframes
(September 2014 quarter). Of
course, there is still work to be
done but I am pleased by the
achievements to date.
On 10th September, Federal
Health Minister Peter Dutton
officially launched The University
of Queensland’s Centre of
Research Excellence in Telehealth,
which is based at Princess
Alexandra Hospital (PAH). This is a
great facility and is a real boost to
the way we provide health care to
rural and remote areas.
Our new Transit Care Hub is rapidly
taking shape with construction
almost complete. The new
facility is impressive and will
provide a much more welcoming
environment for our patients and
staff. I cannot thank our staff
enough for their patience and
cooperation during construction of
this fantastic facility.
Allied Health professionals and
Allied Health assistants from
throughout Metro South Health
attended this year’s Allied
Health Showcase at PAH on 17
October. The event highlighted
the important work our Allied
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New Telehealth Centre of Excellence improving access
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Metro South Heath Allied Health Showcase: Ideas into action
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Who’s Who at PAH / Staff Award:Emily Allen
From the Executive
Advanced training in heart failure course
Telehealth improving access continued
The news in Tweets
New Diabetes High Risk Foot pathway improving quality
Diabetes Fast Facts
5
Prestigious Photographic Prize won by PAH staff member
Taking Maintenance into the electronic age: Tablet trial
National Nutrition Week
First PAH patients receive Chemotherapy in the Home
Tim Way wins national radiology award
Queensland pioneers Breastscreen bookings
Big Red Kidney Walk
PAH staff save 295 lives with blood drive
Exercise rehabilitation for patients after cancer treatment
8
Mental Health Week activities
PA Lifestyle Program
PA Research Foundation: Duck Race Results
PA Research Foundation
5th Acoustic Neuroma Conference
PAH Dietitian wins UQ’s 3 Minute Thesis Competition
UQ/PACE Library
New Shuttle bus
Aiming to be NEAT: improving safety through efficiency
10
ieMR launches allergies and alerts
Health staff undertake each and
every day, working hand-in-hand
with clinicians to enhance patient
outcomes.
The ieMR project to transition
patient records to electronic
format continues. This is an
exciting project and one which will
eventually see PAH become a digital
healthcare facility. Read more about
ieMR on page 16.
G20 is due to commence in
Brisbane from 14-16 November.
Staff are advised to check the
website https://www.g20.org/
community_information/brisbane_
locals/traffic_and_transport
because there will be significant
changes to public transport and
road closures. Staff are advised to
allow for up to 1.5 hours travel time
in addition to their usual commute,
if they are travelling through
designated areas.
“
91% of patients
across all categories
are receiving their
surgery within
recommended
timeframes
”
WhisPAH is published monthly by the Media and Communications Unit,
Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Article Submissions: Please forward ideas, articles and photos to PAH_
Marketing&[email protected], or phone 3176
7899 so we can attend your event.
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
News <
2nd Advanced Training in Heart
Failure Management Course at PAH
The course, held on 23
October benefited 10
trainees from across
Australia and involved
two days of education,
presentation, live
procedures, and technology
The News
in tweets
demonstrations around the
management of heart failure.
echocardiography, implant
management and trouble-shooting.
D
Targeted at Cardiology Consultants
and Advanced trainees in
Cardiology, the scientific faculty
from PAH Cardiology Unit addressed
key procedural topics from imaging,
Electrophysiologist, Dr Gerald Kaye
said the course provided valuable
audience interaction during the
operative procedures allowing
participants to learn the latest
approaches.
D
“This program aims to update
the latest management of heart
failure with both devices and drug
therapies and involved two live
real-time implants of the latest heart
failure defibrillators which have
a new pressure sensor to detect
changes within the heart on a daily
basis,” he said.
“The course also has the
opportunity to showcase new heart
failure devices that are in a research
phase to improve pressure changes
within the heart,” Dr Kaye said.
Cardiology is looking to expand on
the programme and numbers for
next year to benefit more trainees.
Trainees participate in a live cath lab procedure
via video conference.PA Hospital via Telehealth
r Arnold Ng on 7News: worldfirst clinical trial to reduce
the risk of cardiovascular disease
in diabetics (II) ow.ly/Bpvm6...
iabetic foot ulceration,
infection & amputation has
cost Metro South Health almost
$50M in 3 yrs - PAH has High risk
foot service solution
P
rof Ian Scott in @theMJA
: There is a real need to
deprescribe in older people to
prevent adverse drug events
ow.ly/BKHRW
U
p to 30% of hospital
admissions for patients over
75 are medication related. Dr Ian
Scott speaks on @9NewsAUS
ow.ly/BNQjw
#
DidYouKnow there was an 8%
increase in direct care nurses
at PAH last financial year - that’s
200 nurses! ow.ly/BQGgW
P
AH supports ‘Start the
conversation’ initiative
developed through the
‘Supporting Patients to be Smoke
free Project’ ow.ly/C2VY1
D
Telehealth research improving access
r Colin Page- Fri & Sat nights
after midnight, most patients
presenting to emergency would
be mainly alcohol related ow.ly/
C2WEi
Y
our Mental Health Promise
–Eat healthier meals and cut
back on bad habits? ow.ly/CttQa
N
ew Chemo in the home
Program saves patient 23
hours in a seven day treatment
cycle plus the costs of travel,
parking ow.ly/CxnxD
T
UQ Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj, Director of Centre for Research Excellence in Telehealth, Prof Len Gray, Hon Peter Dutton and Metro
South Health HSCE, Dr Richard Ashby at the launchpital via Telehealth
From Page 1
“Some patients don’t receive the
care they require because of the
difficulties of having to leave their
community for an appointment or
treatment,” Associate Professor
Anthony Smith said.
The screening service comprises a
custom-designed screening van with
telemedicine equipment on board,
W HISPAH SEPTEM BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
with wireless telecommunication
links so specialists in Brisbane can
assess children from a distance
using information collected by
health workers in the community.
he difference: #physio will
get you back on your feet;
#OccupationalTherapy will help
maintain your independence at
home #OTWeek
Are you following us?
3
> News
Metro South Health forges new path to improve
quality of life for diabetes patients
“Ultimately, we would like all of our
GPs to use this pathway to refer
patients at the earliest opportunity
so that we can have the best
chance of improving their patients’
outcomes.”
Diabetes
fast facts:
Moorooka’s Byron Albury, who has
type 2 diabetes and cerebral palsy,
was referred to PAH’s High Risk Foot
Service with a long standing nonhealing infected wound.
Every day, 62
Queenslanders are
diagnosed with the
condition including two people
with type 1 diabetes, and 60
people with type 2 diabetes.
“I met the senior podiatrist who
convinced me that ‘we can fix this,
but it’s going to take a long time’.
My care has included podiatry,
vascular and wound care nurses,”
Mr Albury said.
“Now the wound has decreased in
size and is just in between two toes
and not quite so painful. I can’t
fault this treatment … it has really
improved my quality of life.”
Podiatrist Wayne Pugh with patient Byron Albury
CREDIT: Stuart Quinn
Diabetes-linked foot disease
does not have to lead to
amputation. That’s the
message from Princess
Alexandra Hospital’s (PAH)
High Risk Foot Service.
right time.”
Lead Podiatrist Wayne Pugh
said a new pathway has been
implemented for GPs and hospitals
in the Metro South Health area,
enabling them to work together to
better manage diabetes patients.
“The key to their success was GPs
referring patients with active foot
disease early to specialist’s services
within the community and at local
hospitals.
“Lower limb complications such as
foot ulceration and infections are
recognised as the leading cause
of admissions and amputations in
patients with diabetes. In the past
three years alone, this has cost
Metro South Health almost $50
million in patient care,” Mr Pugh
said.
”The majority of amputations can
actually be prevented, if patients
accessed specialist care early.
“The Princess Alexandra Hospital
High Risk Foot Service has - in
collaboration with the Greater
Metro South Brisbane Medicare
Local, GP’s and specialists across
our health service - developed a
series of pathways and teams to
simply, quickly and effectively get
patients with diabetes and active
foot disease the right care, at the
4
Mr Pugh said in the UK this model
has reduced their diabetic foot
amputation rate by more than 50%
and had improved their patients’
quality of life.
“Metro South Health has developed
a pathway to support GPs to ensure
their patients get fast direct access
to the appropriate care they need.
“Pathways have also been created
for our emergency departments
at Princess Alexandra, Logan
and Redland hospitals to ensure
patients get direct access to
appropriate care.”
Mr Pugh said High Risk Foot Service
Networks had been created at the
hospitals and across Metro South
community services to provide
equity of access and ensure patients
get fast, direct access to specialist
care.
“These pathways and networks
are already benefiting patients,
preventing amputations and
improving their quality of life,” he
said.
If you have diabetes and foot
problems such as ulceration,
infection, non-healing wounds
or unexplained foot deformity
then please see your doctor or
if you know someone who has
these symptoms please share this
information.
Diabetic
Foot
Pathway
is on our public Internet
site at:
www.health.qld.gov.au/
pahospital/services/
diabetic-foot-pathways.
asp
1
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By 2031, there will be up to
700,000 people with type
2 diabetes, and 160 new
cases diagnosed each day - that’s
one person diagnosed every nine
minutes.
3
Australia has one of the
highest rates of type 1
diabetes in the world
and its incidence is increasing.
It affects 10 to 15 per cent of
people with diabetes and there
are currently over 120,000
Australians living with type 1
diabetes. There are approximately
1825 Australians diagnosed with
type 1 diabetes every year.
4
More people die
from diabetes and its
complications than from
breast and prostate cancer
combined.
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People with unmanaged
diabetes could die up to 15
years younger.
Type 2 diabetes can be
largely prevented through
healthy eating, exercise
and maintaining a healthy weight.
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people are
three times more likely to
develop type 2 diabetes than nonindigenous Australians.
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Half of all women
diagnosed with gestational
diabetes will develop type
2 diabetes later in life.
Overweight or obese
children are at increased
risk of type 2 diabetes.
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
News <
Prestigious Photographic prize
won by PA Hospital staff member
Cancer Workforce
Development Officer,
Suzanne McCorkell has won
the Moran Contemporary
Photographic Prize for 2014
for her work titled ‘Time out
from Training’.
Suzanne said her two passions,
professional photography and
cancer care, inspired her to accept
the invitation to be a Scar Stories
photographer.
“I love that Scar Stories aims to
empower young people who are
living with cancer,” she said.
“Imagery evokes emotion, and
emotion resonates with people. My
winning image is juxtaposition as it
showcases toned athletes embraced
in a beautiful still serene space,
then again when the eye travels
down and their amputations are
revealed. There are several stories
being told in this image.”
Suzanne is overwhelmed to be
acknowledged by the Moran
Arts Foundation and the highly
acclaimed judges. “I feel honoured
The theme of National
Nutrition Week 13-17
October was to ‘Cook, Eat,
Enjoy’ with people asked
to take part in the National
Nutrition Week Challenge
– to cook every meal, every
day for 7 days.
to have photographed
two very inspiring people
as part of the Scar Stories
campaign.”
“Not only are Chris
and Bridie training
and competing on the
international circuit, they
also provide education
and mentoring for other
people with disability.
If that doesn’t send a
message about overcoming
adversity, nothing will,”
Suzanne said.
The Moran Arts Foundation
supports the Arts in
Australia, and fosters
portraiture skills and
excellence in photography.
The School Workshop
Program encourages children to be
imaginative and creative, building
valuable skills and confidence.
The Moran Contemporary
Photographic Prize invites
photographic entries that interpret
‘Contemporary Life in Australia’ with
an emphasis on day-to-day life.
Cook, Eat, Enjoy
for National
Nutrition Week
“By providing meal plans,
shopping lists, recipes and
gym passes, we wanted to
give our staff and hospital
visitors the inspiration
and motivation to plan
ahead, eat well and feel
good,” said dietitian Hilary
Jimmieson.
Aside from the amazing message
Suzanne’s work conveys about
living with cancer, the 2014 Moran
Contemporary Photographic Prize of
$50,000 was a nice bonus.
The dietetics team had
‘Name the Grain’ and ‘Name
the Vegetable’ games and
prizes to raise awareness of
healthier alternatives and
how they could be used to
prepare healthy meals.
Suzanne’s work is now the property
of the Moran Arts Foundation and
can be viewed at Juniper Hall in
Paddington, Sydney.
Transitioning to electronic maintenance
Metro South Health Building
Engineering and Maintenance
Services (BEMS) are currently
trialling to move from a paperbased work order process to
a paperless mobile solution
with enhanced history and
maintenance information
available directly to the trade
staff.
hours taken to complete jobs,
ordering of parts, completion of
standardised maintenance forms
and general comments linking
directly into the Qld Health FAMMIS
system.
These tablets may soon become
another standard tool of the trade
for staff throughout Metro South
BEMS.
National Nutrition Week
also coincided with the
launch of the new PAH Staff
Cafeteria menu and visitors
to the display were treated
to samples of the fresh new
salad combinations.
Some of the benefits this proof
of concept should offer include
real time job updates visible to all
trade staff, the ability to access
maintenance history and service
manuals in real time, and electronic
storage of information that includes
“It was a fantastic week
which offered a great
opportunity to raise
awareness of nutrition
amongst the PAH staff and
hospital visitors,” Hilary
Jimmieson said.
W HISPAH SEPTEM BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
Natasha Israel, Ken Coomber and Murray
Tyne with the mobile tablet to be used by the
trade staff on the ground, at each work location
5
PA Hospital now providing
chemotherapy in the home
Cancer treatment at Princess
Alexandra Hospital (PAH)
is taking things to the
lounge room with a new
Chemotherapy in the Home
option for some cancers.
Cornelis Valent from Holland Park
West will be the first PA Hospital
patient to sit in his favourite chair,
put his feet up and have his week of
chemotherapy from the comfort of
home with the help of Metro South
Health community-based Post Acute
Care Service.
Nurse Practitioner in Haematology
Cancer Services at PAH, Rosita Van
Kuilenburg, said the option to have
Chemo in the Home was about
designing a service that meets the
needs of a specific patient group.
“Cornelis is in the criteria of patients
who can receive this treatment
safely at home,” Rosita said. “He
has had 47 cycles of chemo so
far without incident so it’s safe
to recommend him for treatment
at home where he will be more
comfortable, his family is there
for support, and our community
team are able to develop a strong
relationship with the family in the
home.”
The process of actually delivering
chemotherapy in the home
depends on having a pre-arranged
appointment time so that the PAH
Cancer Services Pharmacy can
have the chemotherapy drugs
ready within an hour. A nurse from
the Post Acute Care Service then
collects the chemotherapy from PAH
to take to his home.
Patient Cornelis Valent celebrates
his last chemotherapy treatment in
Day Care before
transitioning to Chemo in the Home
with Leanne Stone, Rosita Van Kuilen
burg, Chrissy
Carrington, Scott Martin; and Metro
South Health Post Acute Care Nurse
s Catherine Willner,
Jill Moloney and Narelle Fernandez
Queensland
pioneers
pre-booked
breastscreen
appointments
“Being treated in the home
saves Cornelis 23 hours in a
seven day treatment cycle plus
the costs of travel, parking and
the necessary coffees to get
him through each visit,” she
said.
“For our Chemotherapy
Day Care treatment facility,
this means seven hours of
treatment time per week that
can be allocated to another
cancer patient.”
“While Chemo in the Home
is only an option for one
of our haematology drugs
at the present time, we are
investigating more options to
be undertaken within the next
year,” Rosita said.
BreastScreen Queensland has
commenced an Australian-first trial
where appointments are pre-booked to
encourage more Queensland women to
access free breast screening services.
Cornelis is excited to be
the first patient to receive
chemotherapy in the home
because, ultimately, it saves
time for everyone along the
journey.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg
announced the trial in October which
involved more than 2000 Queensland
women who had not been to a
BreastScreen Queensland service
before or were existing clients due for
their two-yearly appointment.
“This is easier as I don’t have to
wait as long and the time of the
appointment at home changes
less,” he said.
Women in the trial are sent a letter
with an appointment time at either a
BreastScreen Service Centre or mobile
van visiting an area near them.
“The nurses organise a time
that suits me and they come
straight to my home. I’ll miss
the nice people in Day Care but
I’ll still visit once a month when
I come to see the doctor.”
“We want to see all eligible women
in Queensland accessing the
Government’s free BreastScreen
services,” Mr Springborg said.
The Minister said it was promising to
see the trial has already resulted in 40
women attend an appointment at their
local BreastScreen service who hadn’t
previously accessed services before.
Tim Way’s national radiography award
Deputy Director of Medical
Imaging, Tim Way, was awarded
the Nicholas Outterside
Medallion for his outstanding
contribution to the Radiography
Profession and the Australian
Institute of Radiography.
Tim was the sole recipient of this award
which was presented at the Combined
Scientific Meeting in September 2014, in
Melbourne.
Tim’s journey through Radiography
6
has spanned 40 years with his skills
focussing on interventional angiography
primarily at PA Hospital (PAH).
Tim has been the Assistant Director of
Medical Imaging at PAH since 1994 with
additional responsibilities through the
Australian Institute of Radiography.
While Tim was not present at the
conference in Melbourne to receive his
award, PAH radiography staff
from PAH were very proud to
see their much admired and
respected colleague recognized
on the national stage.
Tim Way
awarded
Nicholas
Outterside
Medallion
(below)
“As women aged 50 to 74 years are
the group most at-risk of developing
breast cancer, I think it’s important
all these women make the time for
an appointment every two years.
Screening is still the most effective
way to detect breast cancer early and
it only takes half an hour and is oneon-one with a friendly female health
professional,” Minister Springborg
said.
“I am encouraged to see the numbers
continue to increase. BreastScreen
Queensland has performed 61,845
breast screens this quarter which is
almost a six percent increase,” he said.
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
Big Red Kidney Walk
“This is the first time the consumer
organisation has organised
such connectivity for the Kidney
community in Brisbane,” Amber
said.
“Kidney Health Australia set up a
BRKW Patient Steering Committee
to help coordinate the day with an
amazing show of support from the
community.”
Scott Hawkins (R) from
Burke St Home Dialysis
with his daughter Ellen
Hawkins living with PKD
and their dogTinkler
Kidney Health Australia
(KHA) had an amazing
turn-out to Brisbane’s Big
Red Kidney Walk on 14th
September, with over 500
participants pounding the
pavement at Orleigh Park,
West End.
Healthy
Deaf
Minds
Health Project Officer with KHA,
Amber Williamson, said kidney
patients, carers, family friends,
Queensland kidney researchers
and health professionals (Sunshine
Coast, Brisbane, Redlands and Gold
Coast) came together for a day of
connectivity and enjoyed a 2 and
5km walk.
Brisbane Hellenic Lions Club hosted
and donated a BBQ, Charlie and
Liz’s Fruit Mart from West End
donated fruit, CocaColaAmatil
donated Mount Franklin water
and we had a Mini Health Precinct
set up at the walk. This included
representation from DonateLife,
Heart Foundation, Cancer Council
QLD and Kidney Health Australia,
with Diabetes Queensland and
Beyond Blue contributing materials.
A highlight was the Kid’s Corner
with a jumping castle, face painting
and healthy lifestyle games and
activities run by ‘Life. Be in it’
Funworks. There was also a raffle of
over 18 prizes donated through the
steering committee.
“Participants heard from our
Queensland researchers into kidney
disease as well as an inspiring story
from a kidney patient who received
a transplant over 44yrs ago,” Amber
said.
Full Day Workshop Facilitated by Leading
International Expert Dr Brendan Monteiro
Supporting People who are Deaf in Mental
Health and Criminal Justice Settings
Healthy
Deaf
Minds
11 November 2014
Deaf Children Australia and Queensland Health Statewide Consultation Service Deafness &
Mental Health are pleased to present a workshop providing insights into mental health and deafness for
deaf sector, legal, health and allied professionals, along with deaf community members.
Delegates will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the communication issues and
deprivation that many deaf people encounter, and the forensic aspects of mental health and deafness. They
will also learn about the difficulties deaf people face in the Criminal Justice System and the use of Sign
Language Interpreters in mental health and court settings.
Full Day Workshop Facilitated by Leading
International Expert Dr Brendan Monteiro
Be part of a unique opportunity to learn from leading international expert Dr Brendan Monteiro.
Dr Monteiro has been a Consultant Psychiatrist in the field of Mental Health and Deafness since 1987
and has published extensively in the field. He has been instrumental in setting up and directing Forensic
Services for Deaf People in the United Kingdom. Dr Monteiro has been a past Council Member of the British
Society of Mental Health and Deafness (BSMHD) and the European Society of Mental Health and Deafness
(ESMHD). He co-chaired the 1st World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness organised by the ESMHD.
Brendan has received a Pioneering Award from Galludet University with the citation ‘whose ground breaking
work in the advancement of mental health practice in the deaf community has paved the way for all who
come after’.
Supporting People who are Deaf in Mental
Health and Criminal Justice Settings
11 November 2014
Deaf Children Australia’s purpose is to remove barriers to the personal development and social inclusion
faced by children and young people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Venue:
Russell
Strong Auditorium,
Parking:
Princess Alexandra
Deaf Children
Australia
and Queensland Health Statewide
Consultation
Service Hospital,
Deafness &
Princess
Alexandra
Road
Metro
Carhealth
Park $18
day for
Mental Health
are pleased
toHospital,
present aIpswich
workshop
providing insights into
mental
and per
deafness
deaf sector, Woolloongabba
legal, health andQueensland
allied professionals, along with deaf
community
members.
Fully accessible: Captions, interpreting
Time:
9.30am
registration
for ato10am
start their
– knowledge of the communication
and hearing loop
Delegates will
have the
opportunity
enhance
issues and
finishmany
at 4.15pm
deprivation that
deaf people encounter, and the forensic aspects of mental health and deafness. They
will also learn about the difficulties deaf people face in the Criminal
Justice
System and the use of Sign
Register
Now
Cost:
$198 inc. GST
(professional)
andcourt
$99 inc.
GST
Language Interpreters
in mental
health and
settings.
www.trybooking.com/99157
(community member/student)
Be part of a unique opportunity to learn from leading international expert Dr Brendan Monteiro.
Registrations
October Psychiatrist in the field of Enquiries:
[email protected]
Dr Monteiro hasClose:
been a 21
Consultant
Mental Health
and Deafness since 1987
and has published extensively in the field. He has been instrumental in setting up and directing Forensic
Brought to you by:
Services for Deaf People in the United Kingdom. Dr Monteiro has been a past Council Member of the British
Proudly
supportedSociety
by:
Society of Mental Health and Deafness (BSMHD) and the
European
of Mental Health and Deafness
(ESMHD). He co-chaired the 1st World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness organised by the ESMHD.
Brendan has received a Pioneering Award from Galludet University with the citation ‘whose ground breaking
work in the advancement of mental health practice in the deaf community has paved the way for all who
come after’.
“The best part of the day was really
seeing a connection between our
kidney Patients and their family
members from across all of our
Metro South Health hospitals Logan, Redlands and PA Hospital,”
Amber said.
The Big Red Kidney Walk event
nationally has raised over $155,000
which will be directed to kidney
research which helps to improve
health outcomes for patients, or
those at risk of Kidney Disease,
assist in developing State and
Federal Government kidney related
health policy and assist in building
Australia’s evidence base to drive
and underpin accessible and
equitable service.
PAH blood
donations
saves
295
lives
The Mobile Donor Centre
visited the PAH recently
with amazing results.
Over three days, the Red Cross
collected 98 bags of whole
blood and 1 bag of plasma,
saving a total of 295 lives.
Donated blood helps cancer
patients, people with blood
disorders, mothers-to-be,
newborn babies as well as
trauma and surgical patients.
Giving blood is a simple and
very rewarding experience with
a single blood donation helping
to save the lives of three others.
Thank you to all PAH staff
members who rolled up their
sleeves and donated.
The donor mobile will be
back at PAH from 3-5th
December: Call 13 95 96
to make a booking
www.kidney.org.au
Deaf Children Australia’s purpose is to remove barriers to the personal development and social inclusion
faced by children and young people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
WVenue:
HISPAHRussell
SEPTEM
BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
Strong Auditorium,
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba Queensland
Parking:
Princess Alexandra Hospital,
Metro Car Park $18 per day
Fully accessible: Captions, interpreting
7
> News
Cancer exercise program lifting
the weight of fatigue
Mental
Health
Week
Mental Health Week,
6–12 October, raised
awareness about mental
health issues and
coincided with World
Mental Health Day (10
October).
Mental illness can affect anyone,
any time and can influence every
aspect of their life, including
relationships, study or work.
Metro South Addiction and
Mental Health Services staff
held a range of local events to
support Mental Health Week
this year.
Patients Mary-Lyn Elvery and Stephen Scaroni participate in Cancer Rehabilitation Exercise clinic with Physiotherapist Emma Mitchell
PA Hospital’s 12 week
Cancer Exercise program is
lifting the weight for patients
who have undergone
treatment for cancer.
With the initial goal to improve
the fatigue associated with
chemotherapy and radiotherapy
treatment, the program also focuses
on increasing cardiovascular fitness,
bone and muscle strength.
Physiotherapist, Emma
Mitchell, said that the ongoing
health benefits were the main
encouragement for patients
participating in the classes.
“The program has now been running
for a year with an improvement in all
outcome measures for each patient
showing improved cardiovascular
endurance, improved upper and
lower limb strength, and improved
general quality of life through
reduced fatigue,” she said.
“We didn’t expect such a positive
response from the patients because
it was a new program and we didn’t
know how invested they would be
in an exercise program full stop. In
fact, a lot of the participants asked
to extend their exercise program
beyond the 12 weeks.
8
The classes involve an hour circuit
held twice a week on Tuesday and
Thursday afternoons and include
cardiovascular, resistance, core and
balance exercises.
All patients have an initial
assessment before starting the
class to establish strength and
endurance measures, undertake
a quality of life questionnaire and
patient’s individual exercise goals
are established.
Stephen Scaroni from Coorparoo
is making the most of the program
with a renewed commitment that he
wants to do things while he still can.
“I am going on holidays in January
so I need to increase my strength
and stamina. Also, exercise is good
for coping with the stress of cancer,”
he said.
“Exercise could be the difference
between being one of the lucky ones
that lasts 10 years post diagnosis or
not, so I’m giving it a shot.
“I truly believe the only reason I’m
alive when I’m dealing with multiple
health issues is my renewed focus
on a healthy lifestyle so the 12
week program is a great support,”
Stephen said.
The class is suitable for patients
recovering from all types of cancer
so breast, prostate, head and neck,
lung and blood cancer patients are
all gaining similar benefits from the
experience.
Events included the Zest for
Life Festival at Logan including
an indoor soccer tournament,
wellbeing activities at Capalaba,
Thrive by the Bay enabling
networking with mental health
and wellbeing organisations and
Sanity Fair in Musgrave park,
West End.
“The feedback that we are getting is
that the patients have really enjoyed
the rapport they are building with
others in the class who are going
through the same journey,” Emma
said.
“Of those people who have
completed the 12 week program, we
have conducted a 3 month follow up
call and all of them have continued
to engage in regular exercise,
including those who weren’t active
prior to diagnosis. We even had
an 82 year old sign up for gym
membership!”
Also as part of the week,
the Queensland School of
Hard Knocks was officially
launched on 10 October by
The Honourable Lawrence
Springborg, Minister for Health
and Dr Jonathan Welch AM.
The School of Hard Knocks
Institute partners with leaders
in the arts, education, health,
corporate and welfare sectors
to provide high quality arts,
cultural and wellbeing programs
for disadvantaged people,
creating pathways to education
and employment.
For more information
www.schoolofhardknocks.
org.au
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
PA Lifestyle <
5 All Natural Energy Boosts
You’re sitting at work, and you feel
yourself drifting off. Your head is
bobbing, and you’re minutes away
from zonking out completely. Sure,
you plan to hit the hay early tonight
to make up for it, but you need help
NOW. (Snoring or drooling through
that important meeting won’t make
a good impression on your boss).
Lucky for you, there are a few things
you can do to increase your energy
during the day that don’t involve
downing five cups of coffee. Read
on for 5 healthy ways to get a boost
when you’re feeling sluggish.
Go Outside
If possible, get thee to the great
outdoors for a quick energy boost.
Spending time outside can help
you kick sleepiness to the curb, and
studies have shown that exposure
to nature has been linked with
increased energy and a heightened
sense of well-being. Other research
has found that those who got active
outside scored higher on measures
of vitality and enthusiasm and
lower on depression and fatigue.
It’ll only take a few minutes, too.
Take a quick walk, a few breaths of
fresh air, or even enjoy your lunch
or coffee break outdoors whenever
possible during a busy workday.
Get Some Sun
Light and darkness help set
your internal clock, so it’s only
reasonable that a little light can
perk you up, too. Sunlight especially
provides the body with natural
cues to promote wakefulness. For
a bigger bang for your buck, head
outdoors to get some fresh air and
sunshine. But if that’s not possible,
head to a window for a few minutes
of natural light to help you snap to
your senses.
Drink Your Water
Drink up! Instead of heading for
the coffee pot, hit the water cooler
instead and sip on some H2O. One
study showed that being dehydrated
caused a loss of focus and a sense
of fatigue, among other negative
symptoms. It doesn’t even take
much dehydration to have this
effect; the dehydration that was
induced in this particular study was
only one percent lower than optimal
hydration levels. So keep a water
bottle with you at all times, refill it
often and drink throughout the day
to fight off both dehydration and
the tiredness that comes from an
unquenched thirst!
Just Move
It seems counterintuitive, but
exercising regularly doesn’t wear
you out—it actually increases your
energy over the long term. Studies
have shown that sedentary people
who exercised reduced fatigue
more than in people who weren’t
active. When you need a quick
energy boost, going for a short walk
or doing a few jumping jacks are
an instant way to shock the fatigue
out of your system.
Anything that gets
your heart pumping
and blood flowing
can do wonders.
Caffeine
Caffeine in the form
of coffee or tea is a
tried-and-true energy
booster. It’s OK and
even beneficial for
healthy adults when
used in moderation.
But if you find
yourself hitting the
coffee pot for a pickme-up every day or needing more
and more coffee over time than
you once used to use, you could be
perpetuating the cycle of exhaustion
by over-caffeinating and preventing
yourself from falling asleep easily at
night. For most healthy adults, two
to four cups of coffee a day aren’t
harmful. You can also enjoy caffeine
in the form of a couple squares of
dark chocolate or some green tea for
additional antioxidants.
No matter how you get your energy
lift, be sure to avoid energy drinks
and questionable supplements as
too much caffeine may increase
blood pressure and disturb heart
rhythm, whereas supplements
can have unintended effects and
interactions with other medications
or health issues. Just know that
a good snooze is always the best
solution, but when you can’t get
the sleep you need, these safe and
healthy energy boosters can help
get you through your day.
Sources
Mayo Clinic, “Caffeine: How Much is
Too Much?” www.mayoclinic.com
NHS, “Beat the Workplace Energy
Slump,” www.nhs.uk,
ScienceDaily, “Energy Drinks May
Increase Blood Pressure, Disturb
Heart Rhythm,” www.sciencedaily.
com
ScienceDaily, “Spending Time in
Nature Makes People Feel More
Alive,” www.sciencedaily.com The New York Times, “The Benefits
of Exercising Outdoors,” www.
nytimes.com
Time Magazine, “Bad Mood, Low
Energy? There Might Be a Simple
Explanation,” www.time.com
Curried chickpea and spinach patties
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small brown onion, finely
chopped
2 tablespoons rogan josh curry
paste
Add onion. Cook, stirring, for 5
minutes or until softened. Add
curry paste. Cook, stirring, for
1 minute or until fragrant. Add
spinach. Cook, stirring, for 2
minutes or until spinach wilts.
Cool 10 minutes.
100g baby spinach
2 x 300g cans chickpeas,
drained, rinsed
1 egg
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup plain Greek-style yoghurt
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves,
finely chopped
Rocket and lemon wedges, to
serve
Step 1
Heat half the oil in a large frying
pan over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Place chickpeas in a food
processor. Process until roughly
chopped. Add spinach mixture,
egg, breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup
yoghurt and half the coriander.
Process until mixture is just
combined. Season with salt
and pepper. Refrigerate for 30
minutes. Shape 2 tablespoons
of mixture into a 2cm-thick
patty. Repeat with remaining
mixture.
W HISPAH SEPTEM BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
Step 3
Step 4
Heat remaining oil in a large
frying pan over medium heat.
Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes
each side or until browned
lightly. Transfer to a plate. Cover
to keep warm.
Combine remaining yoghurt and
coriander in a small bowl. Serve
chickpea patties with yoghurt
mixture, rocket and lemon
wedges
9
Great Brisbane Duck Race
gets
ing
Q u a ck
On Sunday 26th October Brisbane River was a sea of yellow as
thousands flocked to West End to Support the Duck Festival to
Stop Cancer!
The beautiful spring day kicked off with loads of musical
entertainment, Totally Wild animal shows and farms,
jumping castles, a roving Mad Professor, giant kid’s
games, a mouth-watering variety of food and an array of
music to keep everyone going. AND then there was the
on water entertainment with high octane racing ducks
keeping the crowds amused throughout the day, giant
Row Duck Boat Races and even Motorised Duck Races!
Come 2 o’clock thousands of yellow rubber ducks took
the plunge into the Brisbane River in the race that
quacks the nation, with one lucky duck winning its
owner a brand new $45,000 car thanks to Motorama!
This year’s winning duck was more than just a number,
Jacqui from Murarrie with lucky duck #18,734 has been
a huge supporter of the duck race for many years and
she knows first-hand the pain of losing a loved one
after her youngest son passed away last year from bone
cancer at the age of 21.
“Harris was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare
type of bone cancer, at the age of 19 and underwent
numerous rounds of chemo and radiation but because
the cancer was in his hip it was hard to treat.” Jacqui
said.
“We struggle to come to terms with the loss of our
beautiful son and our lives will never be the same again.
To lose a child to cancer is just devastating and we miss
him every second of every day,” Jacqui said.
“Sadly there are a lot of families out there going through
what we have been through, and there are no words to
take away the pain of losing a child, that’s why my hope
is to one day have the technology and better treatments
to save lives in the future and that can only be done by
supporting event’s such as the duck race and medical
research.”
The Great Brisbane Duck Race
“In the fight against cancer every minute of every hour
counts. The more we can support our researchers
and clinicians, the more research minutes add up to
hours and days - leading to life-saving treatments.”
Mr Topp said.
Second Prize - a boat valued at $10,000 thanks to
Port of Brisbane went to lucky duck #53,491. Third
prize - a $5000 travel voucher went to duck #4945.
This years’ duck race has raised record funds for
cancer research projects at the PA Hospital.
T H E R E S U LT S
First Prize Duck Race ($45k car)
J Smith
Second Prize Duck Race ($10k Boat/trailer)
C Ashe
This was Jacqui’s first time back to the duck festival after
losing her son so it was a particularly emotional day for
her and her family. She has been a wonderful supporter
of the race and taking home 1st prize couldn’t have
happened to a nicer person.
Third Prize Duck Race (Travel voucher)
J Hay
Fastest Motorised Duck
Motorama Toyota Moorooka
Fastest Team Non-Motorised Duck
UQ “DUQ’s with Quackatude
Top Fundraising Team
Tough Beautiful Chicks (Tammy Lye-James)
PA Research Foundation CEO Damian Topp said “The PA
is the site of the world’s first cancer vaccine, Gardisil, so
we think it’s a fitting place to try and find the next one,
and the Support the Duck Campaign is a way that we can
all be a part of making that discovery a reality.”
Top Fundraising Team Motorama
Motorama Toyota Moorooka
Top Fundraising PA Hopsital Team
3C Hearts on the River
Best Dressed Duck
Momentum Cloud MSN
10
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
‘FruitBar’ launches at the PAH
Following the success of the ‘BananaBar’
vending machines, a ‘FruitBar’ vending
machine has opened at the PA Hospital
making it easier for our staff and visitors to
lead healthier lives.
The daily serviced vending machine contains
fruit at the peak of its season including
Packham’s Pears, Granny Smith Apples, Pink
Lady Apples, Green Kiwifruit and Imperial
Mandarins.
themselves.
The concept was developed by Mackays
Produce Solutions, farming families and other
groups within the agricultural industry who
wanted to offer the community fresh fruit in a
convenient way.
The ‘FruitBar’ also aligns with the Healthier.
Happier. campaign run by the State Government
to encourage Queenslanders to adopt a
healthier lifestyle.
At the September 10 launch, PAH staff and
members of the public were treated to an
array of fresh fruit samples from the
produce farmers
W HISPAH SEPTEM BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
Do you know your
Health & Fitness Age?
Find out now!
11
> News
5th Acoustic Neuroma Conference
200 attendees from
multidisciplinary spectrum
as well as patients and
students from various parts
of Australia.
Dr Peter McNeill from St Vincents in
Melbourne was the keynote speaker
The 5th Biennial David
Brown-Rothwell Memorial
Queensland Acoustic
Neuroma Conference
was held on 30th August
and attracted almost
Metro South Health HSCE, Dr
Richard Ashby AM, opened
the event introducing keynote
Speaker, Dr Peter McNeill, a senior
neurosurgeon from St. Vincent’s
Hospital in Melbourne who spoke
from his extensive experience in
managing acoustic neuroma since
1985.
The 2014 conference also
showcased Queensland Health’s
leading role and activities in
managing acoustic neuroma with
presentations from surgeons
(ENT, Neurosurgery, Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery), physicians
(Radiologists, Medical and
Radiation Oncologists), and allied
health specialists (audiologist,
physiotherapists and speech
pathologist) from the Princess
Alexandra Hospital, Mater Hospitals,
Royal Brisbane and Women’s
Hospital and Prince Charles
Hospital.
The 2014 Conference was jointly
convened by the Queensland Skull
base unit (co-ordinated by John Yeh,
formerly co-ordinated by the Late
David Brown-Rothwell 1953-2011)
in association with Queensland
Acoustic Neuroma Association
QANA Inc and Audiology Australia.
The Queensland Skull
Base Unit ...
is a unique multidisciplinary
team in Queensland (currently
co-chaired by Assoc Professor
Ben Panizza – ENT surgeon;
and Dr Martin Wood –
Neurosurgeon) based at the
Princess Alexandra Hospital.
It was established to provide
surgical intervention in the
location of the skull where
multiple cranial nerves
originate, in close proximity to
the brain stem. The behaviour
of tumours in this location and
the surrounding structures can
pose a great challenge. The
Unit has became the state’s
referral centre in managing
these conditions and is an
indispensable service within
the Queensland Health.
PAH researcher wins 3 minute thesis
Princess Alexandra Hospital
dietitian and University of
Queensland PhD student,
Megan Rossi’s gut feeling
about kidney disease helped
her win UQ’s Three Minute
Thesis (3MT) competition.
PhD student Megan Rossi uses her gut
feeling to win the UQ 3MT competition
Megan said that participating in the
3MT had been a fantastic learning
experience that had allowed her to
develop better communication skills
essential to researchers.
“As a dietician I find it completely
frustrating that despite the
incredible research being done,
it’s the unfounded and potentially
dangerous nutrition messages that
influence industry,” Megan said.
“In kidney disease these bacteria
are less healthy and are known to
produce toxins that are thought
to aggravate heart disease as well
as lead to further kidney disease
progression.
Megan studies the role of pre and
probiotics in the management of
chronic kidney disease.
“While it is only early days
our research has shown that
manipulating the gut bacteria in
this population may be a promising
therapy for alleviating some of the
health burden associated with
kidney disease.”.
“My research is focused on the
community of bacteria that live in
our gut and outnumber human cells
ten to one,” she said.
ADVERTISEMENT
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WOOLLOONGABBA
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12
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Second Bedroom has own Bathroom and Ample Storage.
Laundry in Unit.
Secure Underground Car Space & Storage Cage.
Secure Building with Intercom.
Minutes away from P.A. Hospital, shops, cafes, restaurants & public transport.
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
UQ Library <
Military Medicine
For thousands
of years war has
proved an exacting
but efficient school
master for physicians
C.Connell –
Stanford School of Medicine
Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine wrote: “He who would become a surgeon should join an army and follow it”.
Second century physician Galen practiced his healing skills on the gladiators.
For all the destruction and chaos it wreaks, war spurs many medical advances. Of the many medical disciplines, trauma
surgery, emergency care and infectious disease treatments have jumped the furthest ahead, though throughout most of
recorded history it is disease that was the major scourge of armies – not arrows, bullets or bombs.
War Hospital: a true story
of surgery and survival by
Sheri Fink DR1313.7.M43
In April 1992, a handful of
young physicians, not one
of them a surgeon, was
trapped along with 50,000
men, women, and children
in the embattled enclave
of Srebrenica, BosniaHerzegovina.
There the
doctors
faced the
most intense
professional,
ethical, and
personal
predicaments of
their lives.
The Dressing Station: a
surgeon’s chronicle of war
and medicine by Jonathan
Kaplan R134.K35 2002 From treating the casualties
of apartheid in Cape Town to
operating on Kurdish guerrillas
in northern Iraq at the end of
the Gulf War, Jonathan Kaplan
has saved (and lost) lives in
the remotest corners of the
world in the
most extreme
conditions.
He has been
a hospital
surgeon,
a ship’s
physician,
an air-
ambulance doctor, and a
trauma surgeon. The Dressing
Station is a haunting look into
the nature of human violence,
the shattering contradictions
of war, and the complicated
role of medicine in this modern
world. New York Times Book review
With Healing Hands:
the untold story of the
Australian civilian surgical
teams in Vietnam by Gary
McKay and Elizabeth
Stewart
DS558.6.A8M3535 2009
From October
1964 until the
end of 1972
over 450
surgeons,
nurses, and
other medical
specialists
from
Australian
hospitals volunteered to
work in South Vietnam. They
brought expert medical care,
comfort and support to a warweary and traumatized civilian
population. The extraordinary
story of the work of these
Australian civilians at war is
told here for the first time.
The Medical War: British
military medicine in the
First World War by Mark
Harrison D629.G7H37 2010
The Medical War is unique
W HISPAH SEPTEM BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
among books on medicine in
the First World War. It also
differs from existing work in
considering the British Army’s
medical responsibilities for
non-British troops
and labourers,
principally
those of the
Indian Army
and various
colonial labour
detachments.
Blood on my hands: a
surgeon at war by Craig
Jurisevic
DR2087.7.J87 2010
Adelaide surgeon Craig
Jurisevic recalls his
grandfathers’ ordeal in a
Nazi concentration camp and
resolves to honour his memory
by offering his skills as a
surgeon to the victims of the
Serbian Kosovo conflict.
Co-written with award-winning
author Robert Hillman, this
book tells a story of terrible
suffering, of extraordinary
heroism,
and of the
savagery that
lies coiled in
the human
heart.
> All you need
to know
Our Staff
Manager
Wai Wai Lui
Phone: 33461185
Email: [email protected]
General Enquiries
Phone: 31762571
Email: [email protected]
Hospital Librarian
Christine Dalais
Phone: 3176 2504
Email: [email protected]
Medical Students Librarian
Jill McTaggart
Phone: 31762504
Email: [email protected]
Nursing and Allied Health
Librarian Marianne Sato
Phone: 31762504
Email: [email protected]
Our opening hours
24 hour swipe access via PAH
ID card
Staff and books available
Monday – Friday 10am-4pm
War and Medicine –
did you know……
T
he use of a tourniquet to limit blood
loss was known in Roman times
and may well have been developed
in the Roman army where its uses
included in amputation.
M
odern infection control borrows
much from the work of Florence
Nightingale during the Crimean War
in the mid 19th century. She ensured
hospital wards were cleaned and
ventilated leading to a dramatic drop
in mortality rates.
I
n World War I, French doctors first
formalised the system of triage to
treat mass casualties. Patients were
split into three categories to allow
prioritisation. Those who were most
likely to benefit from treatment were
selected ahead of those likely to live
and those likely to die regardless.
F
leming’s discovery of penicillin
in 1928 was initially over-looked
and was only made into an effective
drug in World War Two, when medical
researchers were seeking a method of
infection control in troops.
www.bbc.com/news/health
13
> News
New Shuttle Bus for patients
and staff
If you see a shiny new
machine transferring
patients from Ipswich Rd to
the main entrance, you are
looking at the hospital’s new
shuttle bus.
Manager of Porterage Services, Ben
Huxley, said the new bus was like an
early Christmas present.
“Who doesn’t love a new set of
wheels!” he said. “The best thing
about the new bus is that all of our
clients can feel part of the buzz of
having a new vehicle.
“The old bus had around
200,000kms on the clock but the
nature of the work it did meant that
it rarely got out of second gear. That
would take its toll on any vehicle,”
Ben said.
Patients, visitors and staff who
use the shuttle bus are spoilt
with the new Mercedes. It is more
comfortable, it is easy for our drivers
to operate, it has special disability
access with a wheelchair hoist and
additional step for alighting the
vehicle.
20 1 4
staff who are finishing at 9 or 11 pm
as they are delivered to their cars.
The shuttle bus runs Monday Friday 715 - 345 ferrying clients and
visitos from Ipswich Rd to the main
entrance; then after hours it plays
a valuable role delivering our staff
to their cars parked within the 1km
zone of the PA.
Improving ED efficiency and
safety: a case study
Princess Alexandra Hospital
in Queensland has doubled
the number of Emergency
Department (ED) patients
discharged within fourhours, according to a report
published in the latest issue
of the AHHA’s academic
journal, The Australian
Health Review.
Through reforms to ED and hospital
processes, Princess Alexandra
Hospital was able significantly
improve the percentage of patients
leaving the ED within four hours
from 32% to 62%, while halving
the average time in the Emergency
Department from 7 hours to 3 ½.
The report, “Aiming to be NEAT:
safely improving and sustaining
access to emergency care in a
tertiary referral hospital” details the
process the hospital implemented
to achieve these impressive results.
“The work being done at Princess
Alexandra Hospital provides
important evidence for emergency
department and inpatient teams
seeking to improve performance and
14
for health leaders seeking to drive
improvements in health service
delivery,” said Australian Healthcare
and Hospitals Association (AHHA)
Chief Executive, Alison Verhoeven.
The report authors also established
a link between the improved
efficiency of the emergency
department at Princess Alexandra
Hospital and a decrease in overall
hospital mortality from 2.3% to
1.7%.
“In highlighting the decrease in
overall patient mortality at Princess
Alexandra Hospital, we are able
to see a correlation between
the efficient treatment of those
individuals that are lower on the
triage scale and the freedom of time
to spend on those patients requiring
greater care. By discharging patients
requiring a lower level of care,
emergency department staff are
able to provide a greater quality
of care to those in need. We have
really focussed on making the
process for emergency admission
to our hospital more efficient and
safer,” said report author, Dr Clair
Sullivan.
2014
Ideas into
action
Nearly 300 allied health
professionals from across
our region came together
to hear guest speakers, see
presentations from their
colleagues on the latest research
and clinical improvements, and
participate in workshops.
Attendees were entertained and
inspired by guest lecturer Robyn
Moore - a renowned speaker and
nationally recognised voiceover
artist - who spoke about ‘the
power of the word in health
care’.
With 10 seats, it has the capacity
to host a mini karaoke party for our
Aiming to be NEAT
Metro South
Allied Health
Showcase
Special thanks to our sponsors
Bupa Australia, Hoyland
Medical, QSuper Fund,
Queensland University of
Technology (QUT) Faculty of
Health, and Think Mobility for
helping us make the day a
success!
“
PAH established a
link between the
improved efficiency
of the emergency
department at
Princess Alexandra
Hospital and a
decrease in overall
hospital mortality
from 2.3% to 1.7%.
”
“The improvement processes
for emergency care instituted
at Princess Alexandra Hospital
exemplify the focus Australia’s
public hospitals have on
efficiency and continuous quality
improvement, including the
implementation of Lean thinking
strategies to drive change,” says
Ms Verhoeven. “Princess Alexandra
Hospital is to be commended for
this work.”
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014
Extras <
My name… Leanne Jiggins
Song I am humming… Weird
Al Yankovic – Amish Paradise
– it is hilarious
Last purchase… Shoes for
my 14 year old who grows out
of them every few months
Number of years at PAH…
25 years – can you believe it!
Last dress up party I went
as… Xena Warrior Princess –
the thigh boots were the best
part!
My Alarm clock… My Mini
Foxie/Jack Russell namedJAX-comes in to wake me
because he needs to pee
Favourite Book/Movie...I
have every Stephen King book
ever written, but my favourite
is ‘The Stand’
First job… Student nurse
living in PAH nurse’s quarters,
always a good time to be had
and company to be kept
Looking forward to… My
Grandsons first birthday in
August, he is the cutest bub in
the world
Indulgence… Caramel in any
form
Best thing about me… My
sense of humour
First car… 1976 orange
sunbird – they don’t make
them like that anymore
My hobbies/interests… Bit of
a trivia buff and go every week
who’s who
at PAH
with Leanne Jiggins
My family… Proud Mum
to one amazing boy, two
awesome step kids (who
are no longer kids) and one
beautiful grandson. My partner
and I are pretty lucky!
My ward / Unit / Role…
Normally NUM for 3E/CCU, at
the moment CNC Magnet
Dr Boyle’s impending retirement
Dr Boyle has hung up the leads after being the Director of Neurology at PAH for 20
years.
He will officially retire from 2015 after taking some long service leave.
Dr Boyle’s legacy to PAH and to Queenslanders was his introduction of the
only public Deep Brain Stimulation service to Queensland in coordination with
neurosurgery, benefiting patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor.
last Neurology clinic on an
Dr Richard Boyle held his
surgeon Dr Scott Com
ENT
with
r
obe
Oct
t
Friday 31s
Vanessa Eden
ist
olog
Path
ech
Spe
and
He was integral to the establishment of a Neurology service on the south side of
Brisbane and the training of up to 50 future Neurologists through our PAH service.
> Staff Award September $100 sponsored by Starbucks
Emily Allen, SPOT Team
Emily has introduced innovation into
the Spinal Outreach Team’s regional
visit planning through development of a
database tool.
These tools assist the team to coordinate
client referrals, service provider
education, travel and visit logistics, plus
post visit follow up, for SPOT’s yearly
schedule of 14 regional visits.
The recent visit to Cairns saw 5 team members visiting 23 clients, sharing 3
hire cars, with 2 team members flying a further 600kms to Weipa, which is
an intensive plan for 4 days. The feedback from the team is that this ‘one
stop shop’ for regional visit coordination has really helped to streamline the
tasks associated with the visits, particularly when there are lots of clients,
service providers and SPOT staff to coordinate.
This ‘ideas into action’ approach is a great asset to the team and to
efficiency.
W HISPAH SEPTEM BER-O CTO B ER 2 0 1 4
PA Christmas
Market Day
Wednesday 3rd December
8.30am-1.00pm
Atrium Gardens
15
The Journey has started with exciting
stop-overs planned for the future
Here’s how the Project
Team is delivering change:
On the 3rd September 2014, the PAH ieMR Project Team successfully delivered “Allergies &
Alerts” which is another step towards the full ieMR System. The next stop includes Renal, Initial
Structured Documentation, FirstNet (ED), SurgiNet (Surgical), Reporting and much more.
•
Investigate any impacts
to people, processes and
technology (Our Business
Analysis, Technical, Clinical,
Planning and Support Team
Members)
•
Communications (who,
what, where, when and
why)
•
Training (learning through
the most effective method)
•
Change Champions (local
ambassadors in your work
units)
•
Floor Walkers (knowledge
with a smile)
•
Support (easy access via
multiple sources)
The journey started with our PAH staff who will be the users of the new functions. Extensive consultation was undertaken to
understand the needs and the impacts.
Staff Training
Champions
Stall held on 27
August 2014
Now the people who are using the new functions are part of the journey. Most importantly, the patients will see the benefits through
improved patient safety and continuity of care, thanks to everyone involved in the journey.
16
W HI SPA H SE PT E M B E R- OCTOBER 2014