Download Annual Review 2013/14 - West Wimmera Health Service

WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
HEALTHCARE
A SH A R ED SENSE OF P U R P OSE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
CONTENTS
The Value of Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Vision, Mission, Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
President's Report – From the President's View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
– The Cutting Edge of Rural Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
A Noteworthy Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Our Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Community, Volunteers, Donations and Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Statement of Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Strategic Directions Targeting Health Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Statistics Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Financial Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Clinical Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Aged Care in Our Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Acute Patient Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Allied Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Radiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Disability Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Medical Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Medical and Clinical Visiting Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Quality of Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Stories of Quality of Care in Allied Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Consumer Care and Community Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Dimensions of Quality in Residential Aged Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Quality and Safety for Our Patients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated Infections . . . . . 64
Corporate and Quality Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Environmental Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Occupational Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Staff 2013-2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Human Resource Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Staff Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Governance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
A large number of individuals bring a
multitude of skills to form an effective,
professional health service. At WWHS many
have joined our ranks from overseas. Linda
Knight (walking next to CEO John Smith in
the cover photograph), is a typical example.
Linda came to work at Nhill from Zimbabwe
following robust support for her migration
application from the CEO and executives.
Having successfully completed the move to
Nhill, Linda soon discovered she was part of
a multicultural team that shared a cohesive
sense of purpose that characterises West
Wimmera Health Service and the people who
work under its aegis.
Residential Aged Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
COVER STORY
Lines of Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
The Board of Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
The Executive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Clinical Governance at West Wimmera Health Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Accreditation Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Sponsors / Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Help Support Your Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Reader Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
HEALTHCARE - A SHARED
SENSE OF PURPOSE
This Annual Review/Quality of Care Report is
an all encompassing report by West Wimmera
Health Service to our communities, colleagues
and partners. The Report is a comprehensive
overview of the achievements, successes and
disappointments for the reporting period 1
July 2013 – 30 June 2014 and is a companion
documents to the Annual Report 2013-2014.
Items contained in this report specifically
pertaining to quality satisfy the Victorian
Department of Health’s guidelines for reporting
the safety and quality of our care.
The Report will be released at the 2014 Annual
General Meeting of the Service to be held in the
Nhill Community Centre at 8.00 PM on Friday 21st
November 2014.
The Guest Speaker at the meeting will be Dr Peter
G. Habersberger AM, a renowned Cardiologist,
long serving member of the Royal Australian
Naval Reserve.
This Report will be available at all sites of West
Wimmera Health Service, by contacting 03 5391
4222 and can be found on the Internet at www.
wwhs.net.au/publications
Your comments on this publication would be
most welcome.
OUR VISION
To establish a health service
without peer through the pursuit of
excellence and by opening the doors
to innovation and technology.
OUR MISSION
West Wimmera Health Service is
committed to the delivery of health,
welfare and disability services which
are compassionate, responsive,
accessible and accountable to
individual and community needs,
which result in quality outcomes for
the people of the West and South
Wimmera, and Southern Mallee.
THE VALUE OF COMMUNICATION
OUR VALUES
This Annual Review overviews the events, activities, management
STRONG LEADERSHIP AND
MANAGEMENT
and people that represent the performance and progress of West
Wimmera Health Service during the financial year 2013-2014.
The accessibility of the information this publication contains and
We value our organisation and will
encourage exceptional professional
skills and promote collaborative
teamwork to drive better outcomes
for our consumers.
A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
the manner of its presentation are important to us.
Safety will always be our prime
focus.
As a health service it is vital that we tell our story well – to
A CULTURE OF CONTINUING
IMPROVEMENT
our communities, to our staff and to health professionals in
Australia and around the world who may consider joining us. In
addition we are required to keep the government of Victoria up
to date with every aspect of our Service, to make a valid call for
benefactors and fundraisers to support the work we do and to
an array of suppliers and business relations to demonstrate the
professionalism of our organisation.
The consistent quality of our communications across diverse
media channels has been recognised at the highest level for
its excellence.
The delivery of superior care to our
consumers motivates a culture of
quality improvement in all we do.
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF
THE ENVIRONMENT
Our Service is managed in ways
which recognise environmental
imperatives.
RESPONSIVE PARTNERSHIPS
WITH OUR CONSUMERS
We maintain a productive
relationship with our communities
and stakeholders through open
communication, honest reporting
and a willingness to embrace
constructive suggestions.
More importantly it has proved to be an integral component in
establishing understanding and support in our communities and
helping to grow our Service in scope, scale and quality.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
1 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
THE PRESIDENT’S VIEW
The central purpose of West Wimmera Health Service
is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in
our diverse communities. This Report clearly sets out
the progress made towards meeting that imperative.
In my first term as Chair it is with confidence I report
to our stakeholders the solid performance of West
Wimmera Health Service for 2013-2014, details of
which are contained in this Report.
Astute financial management in a
testing economic climate resulted in a
small Operating Surplus which will make
sure West Wimmera Health Service
retains its role as a key provider of
healthcare for the communities of rural
remote North West Victoria.
Each year the Board sets targets
to meet its essential imperative by
providing a broad spectrum of services.
I am pleased to report our performance
and degree of success against these
targets. This included compliance with
regulatory obligations and, in particular,
the access of our communities to an
essential selection of health services.
The result was excellent and a true
reflection of the Board's comprehensive
forethought and planning.
This Report also brings to the forefront
the benefits of instigating our Capital
Infrastructure Plan to “support the
delivery of clinically appropriate
and cost-effective care in the most
appropriate setting” .
STRATEGIES AND PROGRESS
In this, the second year of addressing
the Statement of Priorities, an
agreement to meet objectives set by the
Department of Health, Victoria, we met
all and exceeded many of the targets
set.
Performance against our Strategic
Directions 2012-2015 policy was strong
and has provided a sound base for the
progress expected in the coming year.
Performance details against these
strategies can be found on page 22.
BOARD COMPOSITION
There were no changes to the
composition of the Board this year,
however, Darren Walter, who was
appointed to the board on 1st July
2011, bringing a host of community
knowledge to the board-table did not
seek re-appointment. Thank you for
your valuable contribution Darren.
WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
I express my gratitude and appreciation
to you one and all and look forward to
even greater achievements in the next
reporting year.
MOVING FORWARD
Given the health reforms set to take
place in the coming year this Service will
continue to lead rural health care and
retain the diverse nature of services
currently available.
In accordance with our Vision of being 'a
health service without peer' the board
is adamant to maintain the Service's
leadership in providing broad-based,
high quality healthcare for our rural and
remote communities.
THANK YOU
I am privileged to be elected as Chair
of this impressive Health Service, and I
take the opportunity to thank all Board
Members for their commitment of time,
energy and undoubted desire to retain
West Wimmera Health Service as a preeminent service being able to maintain
its social, environmental and financial
sustainability.
2 Of course the Board could not carry
out its duties without the unparalleled
support and advice of the Chief
Executive Officer, the Executive
Directors, Managers and the 500 plus
people who form the team that makes
this organisation ‘tick’.
Leonie G. Clarke JP
President
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
THE CUTTING EDGE OF
RURAL HEALTH
The diversity of staff, services and facilities at
West Wimmera Health Service unite to create
an environment of exemplary hospitality and
comfort. Our industry-leading systems, assets
and work practices ensure our communities
receive first-rate healthcare, in a timely and
accessible manner close to home.
SUMMARY OF OUR YEAR
This report discloses the activities,
achievements and challenges of West
Wimmera Health Service for the
reporting period 1 July 2013 to 30
June 2014. It measures performance
against targets, describes the methods
employed in delivering our services, and
ensures conscientious compliance with
regulatory and reporting standards.
Financially, WWHS continues to be
very well placed. This year’s operating
surplus of $14,000 was an important
achievement ensuring patients,
residents and clients continue to
experience exemplary services.
BUSINESS EXPANSIONS
PROPOSED MERGER OF
SERVICES
Our proposed amalgamation with
Dunmunkle Health Service will see
increased service delivery as we unite
with them in the provision of top
class healthcare to the communities
surrounding Rupanyup, Minyip and
Murtoa in the North Western Region
of Victoria.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
This union is in the public interest and
we envisage it will offer sustainable
health services to the region and ensure
a more effective and efficient use of
public funds. It will also offer increased
stable health-related employment in
the Dunmunkle area.
We now await the Government’s
approval of this request.
MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
EXPANSION
We are exploring, in conjunction with
Tristar Medical Group, a very innovative
concept of employing a General
Practitioner to be based at Nhill
Hospital. General Practitioners in our
Hospitals and Residential Aged Care
Units have Visiting Rights but are not
directly employed by the Service.
If the concept comes to fruition it will
add a very different dimension to our
medical services in the support for
nursing and existing Tristar General
Practitioners, expediting medical
reviews diagnostic matters, medical
administration and importantly may
be a model for other small rural health
services to take up.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
In a busy year for capital investment
we have focused on four significant
infrastructure projects:
• Completion of the ‘New’ Goroke
Community Health Centre;
• Construction of the Natimuk
Medical and Allied Health Clinic;
• Construction of the Allied Health,
Day Centre and Community
Rehabilitation Centre, Nhill;
• Construction of residential
accommodation for students and
staff is underway.
Workplaces designed specifically
for the programs and activities they
are to be used for promote efficient
and cost effective work practices.
They also provide an environment
conducive to the delivery of safe, high
quality care and it is our premise that
our planned capital development will
continue to add value to every aspect
of our Service.
3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
NHILL COMMUNITY GARDEN
We have continued working with the
Hindmarsh Shire Council and Regional
Development Victoria to expand
the Community Garden. The garden
has doubled in size since it opened,
with continued interest from a broad
spectrum of community members.
The garden, a very positive community
project, brings many sections of the
community together in a healthy,
learning and enjoyable activity. It gives
rise to the integration of many sections
and many age groups including the
Karen community and the clients of our
Disability Service.
We are presently investigating funding
opportunities to increase rain water
storage at the site to allow the garden
to be expanded.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE
FUTURE
While the Commonwealth and State
Governments provide a component
of our funding, they do not provide a
total financial solution. It is becoming
evident that we will be required to make
increased financial contributions to
the provision of our services in future
years. Given this prospect the Board
of Governance decided to embark
on a major fundraising initiative,
pursuing a $5 million target for use on
Capital Projects.
This is astute governance.
4 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
If successful the Appeal will set the
course of our ability to deliver ever
improving services in the future.
SURGICAL SERVICES REVIEW
In June 2013 the Department of
Health initiated a review of procedural
services at the Nhill Hospital.
The Review was conducted by an
expert panel of prominent Medical
Practitioners who visited Nhill
to investigate first hand surgical
processes, including interviewing
Surgeons, General Practitioners and
nursing staff.
The Surgical Review provided a
resounding endorsement of elective
surgery at Nhill Hospital, noting that
“the range of procedural services
undertaken at Nhill Hospital is
considerable and impressive for a rural
hospital. We do not recommend ceasing
or changing the range of surgical
services at Nhill.”
A number of recommendations were
made aimed at enhancing the safety and
quality of service provided including
the purchase of new equipment,
greater collaboration with the Regional
Hospital and ensuring that some
surgeons stay overnight following
theatre sessions in order to supervise
patients through the important first 24
hours post surgery.
All such recommendations have now
been implemented and we move
forward confident in the knowledge
that surgical services at Nhill Hospital
will continue to be provided in a safe,
effective and efficient manner.
MEDICAL SERVICES REVIEW
The result of the Surgical Services
Review has encouraged us, in
conjunction with the Department of
Health, Ballarat Health Service and
Wimmera Healthcare Group to conduct
a similar review for medical services.
We are presently seeking advice from
the Department about how we should
plan such a review and which eminent
practitioners would be best suited to
assist with this process.
We are making unflagging efforts to
ensure what we do is the best course
of action to guarantee our services are
impeccable!
The new Goroke Community Health Centre - an
example of how fundraising can ensure quality
infrastructure for West Wimmera Health Service
DENTAL CARE
The Graduate Dentist Program
funded by Dental Health Service
Victoria Voluntary Dental Graduate
Year Program provided two graduate
dentists this year. Why was that
important? The funding provided the
salary for the graduates and also a
mentoring allowance.
The program assists us to provide
ongoing clinical support for new
dentists, enhancing their practice
experience and professional
development. It also significantly
benefits the community, providing an
increased dental workforce and service
delivery capacity.
RURAL FLYING DOCTOR
SERVICE
Visits from the Royal Flying Doctor
Service to our smaller sites have been
a welcome contribution to oral hygiene
programs and more importantly for
parents to have the recommendations
of an experienced Dentist addressing
the future dental care requirements of
children.
In this region where it is sometimes
difficult to access dental services
these visits proved to be an incredible
bonus. For children to undergo a
comprehensive review of the status
of their teeth at no cost, in their
community and for parents then to have
the opportunity to act on the result is a
tangible improvement within our dental
services program.
POLITICAL LOBBYING
We have passionately lobbied the
Federal Government about the
proposed repeal of the Australian
Charities and Not-for-profits Act 2012
(Cth) and Charities Act 2013 (Cth).
We voiced our concern that abolishing
these Acts would limit the ability of
public hospitals to attract donations
from charitable funds. We have also
advocated against federal cuts to
health funding and discussed our
apprehension about the reallocating
of funding under the Medicare Locals
scheme, and the effect these initiatives
will have on our services.
We are committed to lobbying the
Federal and State governments for
better healthcare and facilities in the
West Wimmera and the Southern Mallee.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
The next twelve months will involve
adapting to significant issues relating
to healthcare reforms in all sections of
our Service, and the restructuring of our
funding sources.
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE
REFORM
The National Health Reforms put in
place this year will test our capability to
sustain the model of care we efficiently
and effectively provide within current
policy.
Significant changes are on the horizon
for Aged Care services. We have
commenced making structural changes
within our administrative staffing
to ensure the requirements of the
reform agenda are met. We have also
endeavoured to alert our consumers
to impending changes and possible
implications for residential aged care
and lifestyle support.
Through the Rural Primary Health
Services program, health and ageing
services will be streamlined by
consolidating 159 Commonwealth
funded programs in this sector into 18
larger and more flexible funds. We look
forward to seeing how this model will
affect our operations.
GRAMPIANS MEDICARE
LOCALS
The advent of Medicare Locals may
well cause significant changes to
our organisation in the near future,
depending on the influence it will
have on Primary Healthcare funding
and service delivery. There is some
uncertainty surrounding the future
of this program, and it is important to
note that we must maintain a Board of
Governance in its own right, which will
preserve its authority and autonomy at
all times.
The Review recommended replacing
Medicare Locals with a smaller number
of Primary Health Care Networks.
As a result the Grampians Medicare
Local is to be disbanded and the
communities serviced by West Wimmera
Health Service will be incorporated into
the Grampians and Barwon South East
Primary Health Care Network, which will
cover an area from Geelong and Ballarat
through to the South Australian border
and present a significant change to
how primary health care funding and
services are delivered.
Given the important role that primary
health care plays within our Service,
from district nursing through to
allied health such as physiotherapy
and occupational therapy and health
promotion activities including
community nursing and Planned Activity
Groups the Board of Governance will
monitor closely changes to programs
and endeavour to work closely with the
new Primary Health Care Network to
ensure we retain current services and
indeed gain new services appropriate to
the needs of our individual communities.
NEW SERVICES
We are currently investigating the
feasibility of establishing a Laundry
service. This initiative will create more
local employment opportunities,
generate a material revenue stream
and ensure we have increased control
over the cost and quality of the end
product. Further research will take place
in the next year to ensure such a project
is viable.
We remain a leader in rural health
services where our patients are always
number one! In line with our Purpose, the
common thread running through every
element of this Service is to provide a
platform to assist the members of the
communities which form West Wimmera
Health Service to manage their health
and improve their lifestyle.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
NETWORKS
In 2014 the Commonwealth Government
undertook a Review of Medicare Locals
throughout Australia. The report found
that many patients were experiencing
fragmented and disjointed primary
health care that was impacting
negatively on their health and wellbeing.
5 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
VISION AND CHALLENGES
Looking into the next twelve months,
the Service will seize every opportunity
to achieve its vision, delivering health,
welfare and disability services which are
compassionate, responsible, accessible,
and accountable to individual and
community needs, and which result in
quality outcomes for all.
In achieving our vision, we will face many
challenges, given our ageing population,
which will increase the demand for
broad ranging healthcare provision.
We must ensure healthcare remains
accessible for the significant portion
of our community with a low socioeconomic status, particularly in the face
of rising operating and capital costs
and restricted and fragmented funding
sources. We must continue to deal with
distance as we deal with the seven
highest health risks affecting rural
areas which include arthritis, depression
and anxiety, cancer, heart disease,
diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke.
Finally, we are tasked with ensuring our
processes remain flexible, effective
and progressive and that funding will be
available where it is needed most!
CULTURE OF SUCCESS
West Wimmera Health Service has
demonstrated its ability to handle
change effectively servicing our
patients, residents and client’s needs
despite our ageing population and
increasing financial constraints.
Our astute management, commitment
to service delivery, use of innovative
practices and sheer persistence
provides us with a ‘culture of success’
ensuring we will always rise to the
occasion as future challenges present!
John N. Smith PSM
Chief Executive Officer
6 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Darren Gebert, Luke Oldaker, John Smith,
Linda Knight, Tenille Gould, Charlotte King.
John Smith, CEO, leads his dynamic staff with
proficiency, reinforcing a positive culture for
progress throughout this remarkable Health Service.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
7 A NOTEWORTHY YEAR
OPENING OF GOROKE
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
The new Goroke Community Health
Centre was opened on Friday 4th
October 2013 by Mrs Gwen Bourchier,
a long standing member of the Goroke
community and, with her late husband,
Harry were major donors to the Centre.
The Centre was constructed at a cost of
$1.63 million and contains:
NEW CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
FOR UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
CONTINUING EDUCATION –
CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT
IN CARE
Clinical placements for undergraduate
Speech Pathology students have been
created in 2013-14 resulting in:
Our workplace environment
nurtures and supports continuous
education and access to courses to
upgrade qualifications.
• A wider clinical placement
experience opportunity for
Speech Pathology students in a
rural setting
• Four Consulting rooms – for use by
• Professional development in terms
of student supervision for the
incumbent Speech Pathologist
• A combined Dental / Podiatry Clinic
• Recruitment potential through rural
Visiting Medical Practitioners and
other Health Professionals.
bringing Dental Services to Goroke
for the first time in many years.
• Physiotherapy unit.
• Renovated Activities area, including
a new covered outdoor area.
• Multi-disciplinary meeting room
with video‑conference facilities.
• Spacious Management and
Administrative Centre.
The ‘new’ Goroke Community Health
Centre will ensure that the community
of Goroke has access to excellent
quality healthcare for many years
to come.
FINALIST VICTORIAN PUBLIC
HEALTH CARE AWARDS
The Board, Executive and Staff were
delighted to be chosen as a finalist in
the Victorian Public Health Care Awards
in the Premier's Awards for Rural Health
Service of the Year.
It was indeed an honour to be held above
our peers and in such esteem by the
review panel. To be a finalist and Highly
Commended is testament to the high
quality of care our Service provides.
experience opportunity
• Embedding clinical placement and
student supervision into Speech
Pathology Department profile
ACCREDITATION – FULL
COMPLIANCE IN ALL AREAS
We undertake a series of external
accreditation processes which measure
our performance across Acute Inpatient
Care, Residential Aged Care, Disability
Services, Radiology and Diagnostic
Imaging, Home and Community Care,
Food Safety and general cleanliness of
the healthcare environment.
It is very gratifying to note that in
2013/14 full compliance was achieved
across all programs confirming external
endorsement that West Wimmera
Health Service is providing safe and
quality care to the communities it
serves.
RIPERN NURSES
Three Registered Nurses have
completed RIPERN training and
another has started training and will
complete the course next year.
The RIPERN nursing model enables
practice at a more advanced,
autonomous level in collaboration
with other clinicians for the benefit
of the patient.
Endorsed RIPERN Nurses are able to
make autonomous clinical decisions
for many of the patients who
present at Primary Care Casualty
Urgent Care and are able to obtain,
supply and administer an approved
limited range of medications which
are indicated within the Primary
Care Manual for particular clinical
diagnoses thus reducing the need
for a medical practitioner to review
patients in Primary Care.
Among the many skills gained are
simple suturing and the appropriate
application of a temporary support
for a fractured limb before a longer
lasting plaster. Each RIPERN nurse
will be credentialed to undertake the
advanced skills they have developed.
APPRENTICESHIPS
A number of staff have commenced
apprenticeships and traineeships
to gain qualifications which will
assist the Service to continue to
provide quality healthcare and
facilities; Commercial Cookery,
Business, Aged Care, Disability,
Front Line Management,
Occupational Health and Safety,
Home & Community Care, Carpenter,
and Electrical Tagging.
Registered Nurses Judith Thomson and Trish Heinrich were
awarded prestigious Sir Albert Coates’ Memorial Trust
Rural Nursing Scholarships, offered specifically for the
post-graduate training of rural emergency care nurses.
8 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
9 A NOTEWORTHY YEAR
DENTAL SERVICES INTRODUCING
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Progress continues in the Dental Clinic with the new intra-oral
camera enabling patients to observe exactly what the Dentist
sees during the course of an examination. The Orthodontic
service and its use in school student screenings have also
benefitted from this new equipment as has the specialist
advice and care provided by our visiting Oral Surgeon.
The new Orthopantogram (OPG) machine has also brought
a new perspective to our Dental Services t providing a
panoramic view of the mouth, teeth and bones of the upper
and lower jaws allowing the Dental Surgeon to make a more
informed decision on treatment.
10 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Demi Holcombe, Federation University Student
Nurse taking advantage of the diagnostic imaging
available from the new OPG machine while on
work placement at Nhill Hospital .
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
11 A NOTEWORTHY YEAR
12 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
PREPARING STUDENT
AND NEW STAFF
ACCOMMODATION
UNITS IN NHILL
Construction commenced on three residential
houses in Nhill which will provide quality
accommodation for:
• Undergraduate and Post-graduate student
placements;
• New staff relocating to work at West Wimmera
Health Service;
• Medical Practitioners taking up practice with
Tristar Medical Group
Embarking on this innovative project is indicative
of the broader thinking necessary to make sure we
are aware of emerging challenges such as attracting
staff and students to our Service.
When it comes to construction and maintenance at
WWHS we are one step ahead. The skilled, qualified
Engineering & Maintenance team are able to tackle most
tasks. Here Aaron Beer with Craig Henley are installing
the kitchen in the new accommodation units.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
13 A NOTEWORTHY YEAR
NHILL COLLEGE AND WEST
WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
IN PARTNERSHIP
In consultation with the Nhill College
and Nhill Police it was discovered that
domestic violence and self-harm are
areas for concern within our catchment.
A comprehensive assessment of all
Year 7 school students took place to
understand self-esteem, motivation
for self-harm and bullying. 75% of
students were assessed to be at risk
with 2% having had suicidal ideation
and thoughts of self-harm. As a result
intensive programs have been put
into place at the school and across the
community for more than 100 students.
EXTERNAL CLEANING AUDITS
– OUTSTANDING RESULTS
Extraordinary results in external
cleaning audits are the ‘norm’ for
West Wimmera Health Service. We are
required by the Department of Health
to regularly monitor the cleanliness of
each area of our facilities and measure
whether we are providing a safe
and clean environment for patients
and residents.
WHY IS MAINTAINING A
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT SO
IMPORTANT?
Excellent results minimise risk of cross
infection, increase the level of patient
satisfaction and reflect a positive image
of the health service:
OUR RESULTS
• 100% audit outcome achieved for
cleaning standard audits conducted
in the very high risk area of the
Operating Theatre.
• 98% achieved for audit in the high
risk area of Acute, far exceeding the
target of 85%.
• 97% achieved for audit in the
medium risk area of Radiology, far
exceeding the target of 85%.
THE WIMMERA SOUTHERN
MALLEE HEALTH ALLIANCE
(WSMHA)
The Alliance was formed in 2010 and all
member services have just re-signed
the new memorandum of understanding.
14 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
The driving force for its existence is a
commitment to ensure the provision of
a continuously improving, appropriate,
and geographically accessible mix of
high quality hospital and community
based health services for residents
of the Wimmera Mallee sub-regional
planning area.
The primary outcome in any decisions
that the Alliance make will enhance
services for stakeholders. Alliance
members have an ongoing commitment
to work as equal partners based on
mutual respect thereby acknowledging
the different and complementary roles
and responsibilities each Health Service
plays within the Region.
The Governance Committee meets
quarterly and members include the
Board Chairs and CEO’s and other
representatives of each health service.
The Primary Care Partnership team also
attends as the Project Managers.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Health
Alliance is gratified with what it has
achieved in its three short years.
(WSMHA Newsletter)
CANCER RESOURCE NURSES
Better access to cancer services for
our residents will be the result of a
new program introduced through a
joint project between the Grampians
Integrated Cancer Service and the
WSMHA to introduce this welcome
resource at West Wimmera Health
Service and other Services of
the Alliance.
Nurses have undertaken training
and visited the cancer services in
Ballarat and Horsham to learn from
their experiences and expectations.
The community is appreciative of the
addition of this new role. Staff are
embracing this opportunity to make a
difference for someone on the difficult
journey of living with cancer.
While the nurses are not specialists
in the area of Cancer Nursing, their
training and experience add another
dimension to the care and support
available immediately and near to home.
The Cancer Resource Nurses also
maintain a Cancer Resource Hub
which is a display of current brochures
and pertinent information for
the community.
ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE
– MEETING A COMMUNITY
REQUEST
A survey of the Goroke Community
seeking them to prioritise the services
they thought were important to bring to
Goroke revealed Dental services as the
highest priority.
The request was realised by partnering
with the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Mobile Dental Care Team. Dental
appointments for the week of the 3rd
February 2014 thirty six patients were
examined and during the week of 26th
May 2014, twenty eight patients were
seen. This initiative has meant that
patients from Goroke have had access to
Dental services in their local community
where none existed previously.
VICTORIAN HEALTH
EXPERIENCE SURVEY
New in 2014, the Victorian Health
Experience Survey (VHES) provides
opinions from patients who have
been admitted to an acute hospital
bed in Victoria and is conducted by
an independent Research Institute on
behalf of the Victorian Department of
Health.
It is completely anonymous providing
patients with the opportunity to
contribute frank and honest responses
to questions providing hospitals
with a unique insight into the patient
hospital experience.
Importantly, the Survey enables us
to compare our patient experience
with like size services as well as all
Victorian Hospitals.
72 randomly selected patients from our
Service participated in the first survey
April – June 2014, 94% rated their
Overall Hospital Experience as either
'very good' or 'good’, our Overall Care
was rated at 94% compared with a peer
result of 97.8% and a state-wide result
of 92.1%.
We rated particularly well on a number
of measures including; care and
treatment received from nurses; short
length of time on the waiting list prior
to admission to hospital; care and
treatment from allied health staff.
The results have been analysed,
including areas requiring improvement,
and actions are now in place to ensure
we provide an unparalleled experience
for our patients at all times.
Executive Director of Finance and
Administration, Ritchie Dodds expressed his
congratulations and that of all staff to Chief
Executive Officer John Smith on being presented
with the prestigious Sidney Sax Medal by the
Australian Hospital and Healthcare Association.
SIDNEY SAX MEDAL – A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
“A lifelong commitment to delivering
high quality health services in Australia,
particularly in rural communities,
was acknowledged by the Australian
Healthcare and Hospitals Association
(AHHA), John Smith, West Wimmera
Health Service Chief Executive Officer
was awarded the prestigious Sidney
Sax Medal for 2013.
There is no doubt that John Smith has
the interests of rural communities
at heart and works with the utmost
commitment to ensure their future is
assured. It is with this sentiment and
with recognition of his contributions
across the health sector that the AHHA
is pleased to award John with the 2013
Sidney Sax Medal.” (AHHA)
The award recognises outstanding
achievement in, and contribution to
the development and improvement of
the Australian healthcare system – and
while there are many very dedicated
professionals who are worthy of such
recognition, John Smith stands out in
the crowd.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
15 OUR SERVICES
AGED CARE
ALLIED AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Aged Care Assessment
District Nursing
Home Care Package Program
National Respite for Carers Program
Residential Hostels & Nursing Homes
Ante/Post Natal Classes
Asthma Education
Cancer Council Victoria
- Cancer Awareness
Cancer Support Group
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Community Health Nursing
Continence Education
Diabetes Education
Dietetics
District Nursing
Drug and Alcohol Program
Emergency Relief Program
Exercise Groups –
Aerobics, Falls & Balance
Group, Gentle Exercises
& Tai Chi
Farm Safety Education
Fitness Assessments
Football Practice for Farmers
Fun Fit & Fabulous
Gateway to GirlPower –
Nhill, Kaniva, Rainbow
Guys & Gals School Program
Gym/Weights Program
Hairdressing
Health Education and Promotion
Wimmera Machinery Field Days
Healthy Habits Happy Life,
Stroke Awareness Presentations
Men’s Health Week
Hearing Services
Home and Community Care
Hospital in the Home
Hospital to Home
CLINICAL
Acute Hospital Care
Admission and Discharge Clinic
Audiology
Dental Diagnostic
Dental Prosthetic
Dialysis
Domiciliary Midwifery
ENT Surgery
Gastroenterology
General and Specialist Medical Care
General and Specialist Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery
Maternity Shared Care Clinic
Nursing Traineeships
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Ophthalmic Surgery
Oral Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Palliative Care
Pathology
Pharmacy
Post Acute Care
Primary Care Casualty
Psychiatry
Reconstructive Surgery
Regional Discharge Planning Strategy
Immunisations staff WWHS and
major local employers
Kindergarten Screenings
Speech Pathology,
Occupational Therapy,
Physiotherapy,
Massage Therapy
Maternal and Child Health
Meals on Wheels
Men’s Sheds
Mother/Daughter Puberty Nights
National Diabetes Service
Nutrition Education
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Orthodontic Referral
Pap Smear & Health Check
Clinics
Physiotherapy
Planned Activity Groups
- (Adult Day Centres)
Podiatry
Puberty Biz for Grade 6
Children and Parents
Puberty Nights for Boys
QUIT Trainer
Radiology –
CT scanning, ultrasound, X-ray
Rural Primary Health Service
Secret Men’s Business
Social Work
- Welfare and Counselling Service
Speech Pathology
Strutting Strollers
WorkHealth Checks
DISABILITY
Adult Day Service
Advocacy
Community Access
Community Inclusion Program
Exercise Program
Food Preparation and Sales
Futures for Young Adults
Garden Maintenance Program
16 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Individual Support
Living Skills
Respite Care
Retail Assistant Training
Supported Employment
Therapy Programs
Vocational Training
REGIONAL
SERVICE SUPPORT
NURSING HOMES – HOSTELS
Allambi Elderly Peoples Home,
Dimboola
Avonlea Hostel, Nhill
Dunmunkle Health Service
Edenhope Hospital
Goroke P-12 College
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Jeparit Primary School
Kaniva College
Kindergartens - Nhill, Jeparit, Kaniva,
Rainbow, Goroke, Lutheran Primary
School (Nhill)
Natimuk Primary School
Nhill College
Rainbow College
Rainbow Primary School
Rural Northwest Health
St Patrick’s Primary School, Nhill
West Wimmera Shire Council
Woomelang Bush Nursing Centre
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Education
Engineering and Maintenance
Environmental
Health Information Management
Hospitality
Library and Resource Centre
Volunteers
NHILL
Iona Digby Harris Home
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
NATIONAL RESPITE FOR CARERS
PROGRAM (NRCP)
HOSPITAL TO HOME (H2H)
The program supports patients in
the transition from hospital to home.
Patients must live in municipalities
associated with West Wimmera Health
Service.
HOSPITAL IN THE HOME (HITH)
HITH is the provision of hospital care
in the comfort of the person’s own
home. Patients are regarded as hospital
inpatients and remain under the care of
their treating medical practitioner.
TRAINING AND ALLIANCES
Traineeships
Universities
– Australian Catholic, Charles Darwin,
Charles Sturt, Deakin, Latrobe,
Federation, Melbourne, South Australia
Wimmera Football League
– Physiotherapy
Wimmera Hub Inc
Work Experience
Work Placements
This program aims to enhance
the quality of life for carers and
care recipients, who are frail older
people, people with dementia, young
people with a disability and people
with a terminal illness in need of
palliative care.
The program contributes to the
support and maintenance of caring
relationships between carers and their
dependent family members or friends
by facilitating access to information,
respite care and other support
appropriate to the individual needs of
carers and those people for whom they
care.
KANIVA
Archie Gray Nursing Home
Kaniva Cottages Hostel
JEPARIT
Jeparit & District Nursing Home
Jeparit Hostel
RAINBOW
Rainbow Bush Nursing Home Annexe
Rainbow Bush Nursing Hospital Hostel
NATIMUK
Natimuk Bush Nursing Home Annexe
‘Allan W Lockwood’ Special Care Hostel
Trescowthick House Hostel
POST ACUTE CARE (PAC)
Provides community based services
such as community nursing and
personal care.=
HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE
PROGRAM (HACC)
This program provides care in home
and community settings to frail
older adults, younger people with
disabilities and their carers, promoting
independence and avoiding premature
or inappropriate admission to long term
Residential Aged Care.
Home Care Packages are planned and
coordinated packages of care to help
older people remain living in their
own homes. They are funded by the
Australian Government to provide for
the complex needs of older people.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
17 COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEERS,
DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING
FUNDRAISING APPEAL OFF
TO A GREAT START
The “Health of our Communities Appeal”
began in May 2014 and to date has
raised $1 million which as a result of the
process adopted is a wonderful start.
After a careful preparation including
several months of individual discussions
throughout our service region during
which we received many helpful
suggestions which emphasised we
should not conduct a “big bang” appeal
seen to be “Nhill centric”.
SEVEN SEPARATE APPEALS
Given such sentiment six separate
fundraising campaigns addressing
Natimuk, Kaniva, Nhill, Jeparit, Rainbow
and Goroke communities were instigated
clearly stating that funds raised in
each location will be distributed in that
community.
With our Patron, Philip Cramer, a seventh
appeal comprising high-level contacts in
Melbourne to more generally fundraise
for the expensive projects which are
centred on and particularly pertinent to
Nhill Hospital. It is important to note the
appeal focuses on gathering five-year
pledges so that planning of progressive
expenditure of funds can be instituted.
The management of seven campaigns
is proving complex. Our process at this
stage is centred on consultation with
people we believe may lead the program
and contribute in many ways themselves.
It is our intention to conduct a “public
appeal” embracing all communities
simultaneously mid 2015.
KANIVA
At Kaniva the target is $1 million to
provide the funding for a new Aged
Care facility which will adjoin the Kaniva
hospital. Local, personal leadership
provided has been invaluable and
the gathering of groups who with
compassion have delivered the great
importance of this new facility to that
community..
An amount of $245,000 has been
pledged in Kaniva at this early stage
still leaving a substantial amount to
be raised.
18 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
The majority of the gifts to date have
been “one off” with the commitment
to consider further support for this
project. Had gifts so far committed
been five-year pledges the amount
raised would be nearing half our goal.
GOROKE, JEPARIT AND RAINBOW
The importance of planned pledges over
the entire campaign period cannot be
over emphasised. To ensure this project
proceeds funding intentions must be
clear.
Having become the proud recipients
of brand new facilities, the Goroke
community is being canvassed
for pledges to assist with funding
services at Goroke and Nhill given the
importance of the care amenities being
developed will assist the communities’
general needs.
The Kaniva campaign is full of promise!
NATIMUK
In May a concerted effort was applied
to attract “gap funding” of $200,000 for
the New Medical & Allied Health Centre
which is poised to open soon. The result
has been outstanding with pledges
amounting to $260,000 over the next
five years received.
NHILL
The hub of West Wimmera Health
Service, “Nhill Hospital” with many of the
central services to fund, has set a target
of $1.8 million for an urgent renovation
of the Kitchen and Medical Record
Department. 160,000 fresh meals are
provided yearly from this antiquated
facility.
Substantial submissions and
approaches have been made to the State
Government for these funds, which
regrettably have been unsuccessful.
Given this is the case we must now turn
to the generosity of our communities to
ensure this vital project will proceed.
$350,000 to address important
renovations to upgrade facilities at
Jeparit and Rainbow Hospital and Aged
Care facilities is now being sought.
MURRAY TO MOYNE
CYCLE RELAY
Twenty one cyclists entered the annual
Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay in our 20th
year of participation in the event.
The team raised $9,251.00 through
fundraising events such as the hugely
successful “Loop the Lodge” Fun Run
held on Sunday 13th October 2013
with 120 participants from Horsham,
Bordertown, Nhill, Goroke, Kaniva,
Jeparit and Rainbow. We are looking
forward to this the event growing even
bigger and better in November 2014.
The Murray to Moyne team also took
part in the ‘Friday Fiesta Program’ at the
Nhill Lake for the month of February. It
was great to be a part of this community
event whilst promoting our team’s
fundraising efforts.
VOLUNTEERS
To complete the MIRA (Allied Health
Services) Centre we are fundraising
for $1.2 million. For the Day Procedure,
Surgical Unit where increasing numbers
of procedures demand renovations
and modernisation to accommodate
facilities for this popular mode of care
we seek to raise $450,000.
We acknowledge the many individual
volunteers and groups whose invaluable
contributions are so appreciated
by West Wimmera Health Service:
Auxiliaries, Church Groups, Community
Groups and Schools assist through
fundraising, entertainment, assisting
with activities, reading and outings for
our residents – much appreciated.
Nhill campaigning is in its infancy and
in conjunction with our Patron Mr Philip
Cramer, we are working diligently in
Nhill, Melbourne and beyond to solicit
support and funding, which to date is
very encouraging given an amount of
$535,000 has already been committed.
Volunteers are an essential element
of West Wimmera Health Service and
bring joy and comfort to patients
and residents. A long term volunteer
of over 30 years said “It is a pleasure
volunteering and being supportive of the
residents whenever possible.
The pleasure I receive is also
reciprocated by the residents and it is
always lovely to see their happy faces”.
A much appreciated volunteer at Oliver's
Café for over 15 years said “I enjoy
mixing with the Cooinda clients and
find them warm loving people. After
retirement I had the time and wanted
to be involved and contribute to the
community in some way. I have found
volunteering very rewarding.”
A volunteer new to the town decided
that volunteering would be a great way
to meet people and to help others. She
has now been volunteering at Iona for
about 6 months along with her little
daughter who brings such enjoyment
to the residents. “As I was new to town
I didn’t really know anybody and I enjoy
visiting our special friends to make them
feel special.”
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
AND NEXT YEAR...
Fundraising will continue throughout
the year with a special emphasis on the
Capital Campaign and we look forward to
the outcome.
Darren Taylor, Maintenance Handyman at
Natimuk Residential Aged Care Centre
measuring in preparation for installing
signage on the waiting area wall in the new
Medical & Allied Health Centre.
Our Health Service is such an important
component of the six communities
which make up West Wimmera Health
Service. It is the major employer in most
communities, it offers healthcare locally,
vulnerable members of the community
are quickly integrated into our programs,
assisted to access services, offers
such a wide variety of services – how
fortunate we are.
In 2014-2015 please place your strength
behind the Capital Campaign which
will contribute enormously to each
community. It will also make sure all
retain the remarkable facilities and
services which we are privileged to have
in place now.
19 DONATIONS 2013/14
$ Amt
VV Marshman Trust
Director of Nursing, Kaniva, Lesley Hawker with Alwyn Dyer, leader of the
Kaniva Capital Campaign Team making suggestions for the Plans for the long
awaited Hostel Units planned to be built at Kaniva if the Campaign is successful.
BEQUESTS AS A
FORM OF GIVING
In an ageing community such as ours
many people are restricted as to how
they can help and are unable to make
pledges of support. However, there
are others who may well consider that
after properly caring for family and
loved ones it may be possible to make
a Bequest to this appeal. Bequests
are part of this campaign and those
who adopt this approach are to be
recognised and thanked as valuable
donors now, during their lifetime.
WHAT NOW?
150,000
Dyer Families
50,000
Collier Charitable Fund
45,000
JM & TF Sudholz
10,000
William Angliss Trust
5,000
Millington Family Trust
5,000
Under $200
3,496
Loop the Lodge Fun Run
2,633
Senior Citizens
2,352
Sarah Stott Trust
2,313
Murray to Moyne
2,113
Nhill Hospital Ladies Auxiliary
2,000
Nhill Duck & Jazz Committee
2,000
Cooinda Ladies Auxiliary
1,950
Avonlea
1,921
The fact that the first million dollars
has come from a small number of gifts
is testament to the process of working
silently with prospects who have the
ability to support this Campaign.
Chocolate Sales
1,273
There are many of our most successful
citizens and significant businesses,
Philanthropic Trusts and Foundations
to access yet. We anticipate they will
seriously consider our submission
and with their support numbers the
goal in each community will be more
achievable.
Bequests are the fastest growing
source of fundraising income in the
western world today.
WWHS CAPITAL GRANTS 2013 2014
Jessie Guest
812
Wood Raffles
532
Peter & Denise Ralph
500
IR & LJ Hately
500
Westvic Spares
500
Estate of Elma Graetz
500
SMI Services Pty Ltd
500
Margery Wallis
500
Estate of Mytrle Lennon
435
Caltex
400
Hugh Delahunty MLA
300
Horsham Sports & Community
Centre
265
Elders Ltd
250
Jetfire Protection Pty Ltd
250
PFD Food Services Pty Ltd
250
Ahrens Group Pty Ltd
250
TC Fire
250
Source
Purpose
Total
Department of Health
Home and Community
Care Minor Equipment
20,726
Department of Health
Residential Aged Minor
Capital
50,000
Rural Energy
250
Cec Hopper & Sons
250
Barry Johnson
250
Nhill Pharmacy
250
Bow Bakery
250
Department of Health
Infrastructure
Replacement
59,300
Department of Health
Medical Equipment
Replacement
74,700
Lake Charlegrark Country Music
250
Department of Human Services
Minor Equipment
3,409
Nhill College
226
Foundation for Rural and Regional
Renewal
Snappy Seconds
Refurbishment
3,500
Dr Mark Chehade
200
DN & HM Wilson
200
St Peters Lutheran Church Guild
200
Dulkeith Computer Solutions
200
Hindmarsh Shire Council
200
Nhill Fire Brigade
200
Australian Government / Australian
Catholic University
Equipment
for Education
Accommodation
Australian Government
Natimuk Medical Centre 350,000
8,000
569,635
20 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
GRAND TOTAL (AUD)
296,970
STATEMENT OF PRIORITIES – A SUMMARY
What is the Statement of Priorities? The Statement of Priorities (SoP) is a formal funding and
monitoring agreement between the Health Service and the Secretary for Health. The agreement
which is signed annually facilitates delivery of or substantial progress towards key shared
objectives of financial viability, improved access and quality of service provision.
HOW IS THE STATEMENT OF
PRIORITIES DIFFERENT FROM
THE STRATEGIC PLAN?
The Statement of Priorities agreement
has priorities based on the Victorian
Governments health policy.
West Wimmera Health Service then
proposes deliverables which align
with state policy and relevant to
the community in which we operate.
Agreement by both parties finalises the
Statement of Priorities Charter.
The deliverables set out in the
Statement of Priorities closely align
with the organisational Strategic Plan
therefore there is similarity in the
documents.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Effectively the Strategic Plan
encapsulates the vision adopted by the
Board of the Health Service locally, and
the Statement of Priorities ensures
the Health Service is working towards
the larger picture of Victorian Health
outcomes.
LOOKING AHEAD TO
2014-2015
HOW DID THE SERVICE
MEASURE UP TO THE
DEPARTMENTS STATEMENT
OF PRIORITIES TARGETS?
West Wimmera Health Service will
always strive to meet the priorities
established with the Department
through achieving the deliverables
which are relevant to our communities.
The Service was fully compliant with all
targets and achieved deliverables for all
priority areas.
The priorities for the Statement of
Priorities remain focusing on new areas
such as Heart Health, concentrating
on the Karen population and Board
assessments.
Shanae Bastin, rushed from school with a suspected fracture, was grateful to have the quick response
of Dr Shepherd Chifura and Dr Wei Cheng Chen to attend to her at Jeparit Hospital. The Doctors cover
the Jeparit and Rainbow communities, a far cry from the days when only one doctor was available.
21 1
2
1
3
2
4
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
9
10
7
8
10
9
8
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS TARGETING HEALTH ISSUES
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS PERFORMANCE 2012-14
The Strategic Directions for West Wimmera Health Service adopted by the Board to cover
the three year period 2012-2015 set an unwavering commitment to move towards more
responsive, clinically appropriate and cost effective healthcare planned specifically to stay
ahead of the dynamic environment of the health industry and importantly to target the health
issues of the people who rely on us for healthcare.
1. M
ATCH SERVICES WITH
OUR COMMUNITIES’
CHANGING NEEDS
• Full accreditation status achieved
across all programmes of care
delivery including: Australian
Council on Healthcare Standards
EQuIP Accreditation, Aged Care
Standards Agency Accreditation,
Home and Community Care
(HACC) Community Care Common
Standards, Diagnostic Imaging
Accreditation and Disability Service
Standards.
• Recruitment and retention of
Visiting Medical Practitioners
across all communities.
22 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
• Review of Surgical Services at
Nhill Hospital with an outcome that
“surgical services are being delivered
in a safe and effective manner
and that surgical services at the
current level of complexity should
continue to be performed at Nhill”.
A resounding endorsement!
• Memory Lane Cafés in conjunction
with Alzheimer's Australia and
Department of Health have taken
place. Sessions are held monthly
in Nhill and also occur at Rainbow,
Goroke and Natimuk.
• The WHY (West Wimmera,
Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack) project
has commenced in the areas
of Occupational Therapy and
Physiotherapy and delivering
services in all regions.
• A Cancer Care Nurse has been
employed 0.2EFT as a resource for
clients living with cancer.
• The Nhill Community Garden
situated on WWHS land adjacent
to Cooinda is flourishing with
people from the Karen Community,
students from Nhill College and
Nhill Lutheran School, participants
from Cooinda and others from the
Nhill Community making use of
the garden.
• Funding of $28,500 was successful
through a Regional Growth Fund
“Putting Locals First” grant with
Stage 1 of the project which is
to establish garden beds, water
supply, and pathways being
achieved.
Dr Alvin Ng, with relaxed Karen patient Eh Kyan
Kyaw Tha Ei, happy to have Registered Nurse
and qualified interpreter May Hei Eh Kyaw Kyaw
assisting him during his dental examination.
2. IMPROVED ACCESS
TO SERVICES
• Introduction of CT (Computed
Tomography) Scanner at Nhill
Hospital and increase in Diagnostic
Radiology Services.
• Increase in Dental Services through
commencement of new Dental
Clinics in Rainbow, Goroke & Kaniva.
• Large increase in number of
patients receiving Macular
Degeneration Injections since
commencement in June 2012.
Restoration of vision provides a
quality of life where the patient
can safely navigate daily activities
of life. Patients able to receive
treatment locally, no longer having
to travel to Melbourne/Adelaide
every six weeks, saving overnight
accommodation and 800km
round trip.
• Agreement signed with Wimmera
Health Care Group to share a
physician on site in Nhill monthly
which will commence early
2014‑2015.
3. E
NHANCED
COMMUNICATION WITH
OUR COMMUNITIES
• Recognition of the importance of
increasing consumer engagement
with introduction of Consumer
Position on the Clinical Quality
Governance Committee.
• Details of our Aged Care Residential
facilities published on My Aged
Care website to inform prospective
residents of accommodation and
financial options.
• Ladies Auxiliaries and Friends
and Relatives Groups active in
all communities with Nursing
Management participating in
meetings.
• Large presence in local and regional
media platforms showcasing
services, achievements and health
promotion informing communities.
• Community meetings held in
all six townships to inform
community members and listen
to opportunities for enhancing
services provision.
• Annual General Meeting held with
outstanding attendances in 2012
and 2013.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
• Participation of Allied Health staff
in local Agricultural shows and
health expos.
• Launch of modern Website and
Facebook site to target the “tech
savvy” generation of stakeholders.
• Fundraising Appeal meetings held
in each community to support and
inform of capital infrastructure and
associated financial imposts.
4. M
AINTAIN AND ENHANCE
OUR FINANCIAL
SUSTAINABILITY
• Contracted a specialist health
economist to review our
performance using bench marking
parameters and industry data
specifically relevant to our key
service areas.
• Meetings held with Federal
Members of Parliament to argue the
case for increased funding for rural
and remote public health.
• 9th consecutive surplus recorded
in 2013/14.
• Net surplus before capital of
$14,000.
• Capital investments - $ 4.37 million.
23 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
• Current Ratio – 0.72 in line with the
Department of Health’s benchmark
minimum of 0.7.
• Turnover $33.8 million.
• Capital purpose income $722,000.
• Donations totalling $493k received
in 2012/2013 and 2013/14,
including $250,000 from VV
Marshman Trust as part of $400K
total donation over three years for
Mira Stage 2, received $100k in
12/13 from Marshman Trust plus
another $150k in 13/14.
5. ADOPT A FLEXIBLE,
COLLABORATIVE
APPROACH TO RESOURCE
ALLOCATION IN THE
REGION
• WWHS is now a member of the
Wimmera Southern Mallee Health
Alliance Building Capacity initiative
in addition to the founding Alliance
group.
• Due diligence to amalgamate
with Dunmunkle Health Services
in responding to their invitation
to consider to amalgamation
with them. Submission to do so
submitted to Minister of Health.
6. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
• A highlight was the opening of
the Goroke Community Health
Centre on 4th October 2013. This
community has a state of the
art facility capable of providing
support services for health
maintenance into the next decade
and includes:
• Expanded clinical areas including
new consulting rooms for Medical
Practitioners and Allied Health
Professionals.
• Public Dental facility created
• Expanded Day Activities Program
area for elderly people of the
community.
• Initial planning undertaken for the
real time intelligence project with
Ballarat Health Services to promote
sharing of patient information to
more effectively manage step down
process.
• Clinical Executive Meetings
between WWHS and Wimmera
Health Care Group enhancing
clinical communication and
resource sharing.
24 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
• Physiotherapy – Royal Melbourne
Hospital Orthopaedics.
• Wound – Tertiary Wound Specialist
– Department of Health Wound
Care Nurse.
• Dietetics – Ballarat Health Services
redevelopment project in final
stages at June 2014.
• Building commencement of 3
new Accommodation Houses in
Macpherson Street Nhill due to be
completed late 2014.
• Mira Redevelopment Stage 2
Health services to neighbouring
hospitals that would otherwise not
receive such services, including
Woomelang Bush Nursing Centre,
Dunmunkle Health, Edenhope
District Memorial Hospital, Rural
Northwest Health and Dimboola
Aged Care Facility.
specialist and tertiary services
offered locally via telehealth:
• Improved Disability access.
• Natimuk Medical Clinical
• Relationship built with Ballarat
• WWHS outsources significant Allied
• Introduction of a number of
• Residential Aged Care/Acute
for community meetings,
workshops, and self-help groups
• Finance Department office
Health Services and Edenhope
District Memorial Hospital for the
provision of laundry services.
8. U
SE THE LATEST
TECHNOLOGIES MORE
EFFECTIVELY
• Community access areas created
• Health Promotion Plans developed
in partnership with Wimmera
Primary Care Partnership and Local
Government Councils undertaken.
Region Executive Nurse Network,
Grampians Regional Health Alliance
Finance Committee, Nhill Town
Committee, Hindmarsh Economic
Development Strategy Advisory
Committee.
relocated to a more central and
accessible are within the Nhill
Hospital.
incorporating planned activity
group and rehabilitation, design
and planning has been finalised
with construction works to begin in
July 2014.
7. S
TRENGTHEN AND EXPAND
OUR PROFESSIONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
• CEO membership on a number of
key stakeholder bodies including
Australian Council on Healthcare
Standards Board – Vice Chairman,
Australian Council on Healthcare
Standards International Board
– Treasurer, Victorian Health
Industrial Association Board – Vice
Chairman, Australian Hospital &
Healthcare Association Council,
National Health Alliance, Friends of
Alliance Council.
• Executive Team represented on
various Boards and Committees
including: Women’s Health
Grampians, Small Rural Executive
Nurses Network, Grampians
patients – Geriatrician/Physician
Ballarat.
Dietitian Mentoring.
• Completion of a ‘Wireless Network”
at Nhill and Kaniva hospitals has
enabled staff to access and update
aged care resident information
including resident care plans,
charts and assessments, at the
bedside.
• Installation of a fully integrated
security system throughout the
Nhill campus.
9. B
UILD OUR PEOPLE’S
CAPABILITIES
• 13 Middle Managers have
successfully completed the
Advanced Diploma of Business.
• 5 staff have successfully completed
Certificate IV in Disability Studies.
• 4 nurses are undertaking Rural
and Isolated Practice Endorsed
Registered Nurse (RIPERN) course
with another 3 enrolled in 20142015.
• Expansion of the Injury
Management Team who support
and educate Middle and Senior
Management on effective return to
work process.
• 25 Occupational Health & Safety
Representatives and Managers
have completed the one day
refresher OH&S course between
2012-2013 and 2013-2014.
Tim Seymour and Nathan Ruge (foreground)
checking construction levels.
10. STRENGTHEN OUR
GOVERNANCE,
PERFORMANCE,
TRANSPARENCY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY.
• Introduction of an electronic
Quality Register that links
directly to the Risk Register
providing timely and accurate
information relating to Continuous
Improvement throughout the
organisation.
• Strengthening the Clinical
Quality Governance Committee
membership with a specific
emphasis on credentialing.
• The improved performance of our
credentialing process has been
noted by the Department of Health
in relation to Credentialing and
Scope of Practice and Partnering
for Performance, and identified as
a good example for the application
of a local performance discussion
record template with guidelines
for use and applicability criteria
with 0.2 EFT or less Visiting
Medical Officer (VMO) or General
Practitioner (GP).
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
• Implementation of a new
Committee Structure to ensure
robust review and enhanced
performance.
• New Clinical Quality Governance
Accuracy and proficiency by skilled
craftsmen is setting a sound
structure for the construction of the
Community Rehabilitation Centre.
Committee has increased clinical
expertise to strengthen review
of credentialing and policy
development and review.
• Proud to be a Finalist in the
Premier’s Rural Health Service of
the Year Award 2014.
STRATEGY-INSPIRED
As we commence the final year of this
phase of Strategic Planning our minds
are turning to the direction the future
progression of this Service will take,
and how we our planning must ensure
this Service will cement its place as
the central focus for healthcare for the
communities of West Wimmera Health
Service.
Improving the health and wellbeing of
the people in our diverse communities
will always be the objective we pursue.
25 STATISTICS OVERVIEW
Measurement of the services we deliver provides a clear insight into
the inspiring outcomes achieved for our patients, clients and residents.
ACUTE INPATIENT – PERCENTAGE OCCUPANCY BY SITE 2013/14
100
80
60
40
20
0
Jul
Aug
Rainbow
Sept
Jeparit
Oct
Nov
Kaniva
Dec
Nhill
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Budget 2013/14
Percentage occupancy varied considerably across our four acute inpatient sites. Several facilities have a very small number
of beds which increases occupancy volatility. Occupancy levels at Kaniva, Jeparit & Rainbow were affected by a period of
time when there was no Medical Practitioner available in these communities. WWHS has worked diligently to recruit Medical
Practitioners to work at these locations.
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
– PERCENTAGE OCCUPANCY 2013/14
100
Weighted Inlier Equivalent
WEIGHTED
SeparationINLIER
(WIES)EQUIVALENT
ComparisonSEPARATION
(WIES) COMPARISON
2000
80
1500
60
1000
40
500
20
0
0
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Nursing Homes
Target Nursing Homes
Hostels
Target Hostels
Nursing Homes and Hostels maintained excellent occupancy levels throughout
the year. WWHS is proud to be able to offer quality residential aged care to the
rural and remote communities of Nhill, Kaniva, Jeparit, Rainbow and Natimuk,
communities providing elderly and vulnerable members of these communities
with the opportunity to remain close to family and friends
26 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 2009/10 2008/09
Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separations (WIES) is the mechanism used
to measure the mix or type of acute patient treated, and is also used by
Government to provide funding to hospitals. Episodes of care are funded
based on the condition treated, length of stay and whether a procedure was
undertaken. This type of funding is known as 'casemix funding' and provides
a fairer method of funding with hospitals receiving funding based on the type
of patients treated.2013/14 had the highest WIES result in the past five years
and 6.4% more than treated in 2012/13.
ALLIED & COMMUNITY HEALTH
– NON-ADMITTED OCCASIONS OF SERVICE
ACUTE CARE – PERFORMANCE BY CATEGORY
Note
2013/14
2012/13
Variance
Department
Patients Treated - Total
1
2211
2210
0.0%
Occupied Bed Days
- Total
2
8930
8728
2.3%
Occupied Bed Days
- Acute
3
8572
8071
6.2%
Occupied Bed Days Nursing Home Type
3
358
588
-39.1%
Note
Diabetes Education
Dietetics
Massage Therapy
Occupational Therapy
2013/14
2012/13
Variance
731
1058
-30.9%
1632
3003
-45.7%
771
712
8.3%
2381
3084
-22.8%
Podiatry
3120
4175
-25.3%
Physiotherapy
3928
5916
-33.6%
Speech Pathology
1006
1570
-35.9%
Social Work
960
627
53.1%
Maternal and Child
Health
1701
1670
1.9%
Centrelink
Percentage Occupancy
63.00%
58.50%
7.7%
Average Length of Stay
(Days)
3.9
3.67
6.3%
Procedures Total
745
870
-14.4%
85
28
203.6%
0.7847
0.7107
10.4%
362
316
14.6%
Dental - Public
2
2526
1351
87.0%
DVA NHT Occupied
Bed Days
Dental - Private
2
957
1035
-7.5%
Average DRG Weight
676
4039
-83.3%
Primary Care Casualty
(Emergency+Other)
Visiting Surgeons
1977
1891
4.5%
Radiology
3
4825
3222
49.8%
Total Allied and Primary
Health
1
27553
33669
-18.2%
183047
180908
1.2%
Tota Meals Provided
1. T
here was a decrease in allied and community health throughput with many
departments experiencing periods where staff vacancies were difficult to
fill. By the end of the year all departments were again fully staffed. 2. Dental
throughput was substantially above the previous year with an increase in
staffing levels, including the employment of a graduate dentist. Dental
clinics also commenced in Kaniva, Rainbow and Goroke. 3. Radiography
throughput was 50% above the previous year with strong demand for this
service including CT Scan
HACC Funded
Activity Hours
Note 2013/14 2012/13 Variance
District Nursing
4503
4571
-1.5%
Day Centre
36107
28027
28.8%
Physiotherapy
1039
651
59.6%
Podiatry
1132
1162
-2.6%
Speech Pathology
68
42
61.9%
Occupational Therapy
426
349
22.1%
87
76
14.5%
Dietetics
There was an increase in HACC Hours, particularly in the areas of Day Centre,
Physiotherapy and Speech Pathology
Rural Primary Health
Note
Service (RPHS) Program
Physiotherapy
Community
Nursing Nhill
Community Nursing
Edenhope
Health & Fitness Centre
Social Work
1
4
WIES
5
1630.44
1500.7
8.6%
DVA WIES
4
94.92
130.46
-27.2%
TAC WIES
1.09
8.89
-87.7%
Renal WIES (Dialysis)
39.6
58.45
-32.2%
1. The number of patients treated was similar to the previous year.
2. There was a 2.3% increase in occupied bed days due to patients at
smaller sites having longer lengths of stay as a result of complex
medical conditions.
3. A
cute occupied bed days were above that of the previous year,
nursing home type bed days continued to decline
4. Throughput in DVA programs was unpredictable with one over
budget and the other below budget
5. T
here was an 8.6% increase in Weighted Inlier Equivalent
Separations (WIES) due to an increase in the complexity of
conditions treated. Great care is taken to ensure that patients
are treated safely in the most appropriate setting, however every
attempt is made to ensure patients are treated close to home, if
that is possible.
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
– PERFORMANCE BY CATEGORY
Nursing Home Days
Note
2013/14
2012/13
Variance
1
26194
27275
-4.0%
16110
16250
-0.9%
Nursing Home
Discharges
Hostel Bed Days
80
55
45.5%
Hostel Discharges
41
32
28.1%
2013/14
2012/13
Variance
752
771
-2.5%
1362
1634
-16.6%
Percentage Occupancy
Nursing Homes
1
93.20%
97.0%
-3.9%
750
682
10%
Percentage Occupancy
Hostels
2
95.90%
96.80%
-0.9%
699
1849
-62.2%
506
656
-22.9%
1. T
here was a decrease in nursing home occupancy compared to the
previous year.
2 . Hostel occupancy levels were similar to that experienced the previous year.
The Rural Primary Health Program is a Commonwealth Government funded
program aimed at providing additional primary health services to rural
and remote locations. This program operates at all WWHS sites and also at
Edenhope. 1. The Health and Fitness Centre closed midway through the year
with funds from this program reallocated
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
27 STATISTICS OVERVIEW
ADMISSIONS BY POSTCODE 2013/1
MOST COMMON REASONS FOR ADMISSION TO
WWHS HOSPITALS 2013/14
WIES
No. of Cases
ADMISSIONS BY POSTCODE 2013/14
Nhill
Goroke
388
Kaniva
Dimboola
Lens Procedures
143
Rainbow
Jeparit
Dental Extractions and Restorations
63
Horsham
Warracknabeal
Murtoa
Edenhope
Other
Oesophagitis and Gastroenteritis
51
Colonscopy, Sameday
45
Knee Procedures
45
Respiratory Infections/Inflammations
38
Endoscopy Check/Follow-up, Sameday
36
Haemodialysis
Other Digestive System Diagnoses
35
Respiratory Infections/Inflammations
34
Back Pain and Sciatica
34
Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy
30
Dysequilibrium
29
Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease
29
Cellulitis
29
Other Factors Influencing Health Status
28
Chest Pain
27
Otitis Media and Upper Respiratory Infections
25
Rehabilitation
24
Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections
23
Red Blood Cell Disorders
23
Heart Arrhythmia, Cardiac Arrest and
Conduction Disorders
22
Bronchitis and Asthma
21
Syncope and Collapse
20
Dialysis was the most common reason for admission to hospital and comprised
17.5% of all admissions. 143 lens procedures were performed restoring the
gift of sight to 143 people.
Bordertown
& District
85.4% of acute inpatient admissions were from our immediate
catchment area, an increase from 84% the previous year.
A major purpose of local hospitals is to provide services that
meet the needs of local communities, we are achieving this goal
evidenced by the high percentage of local people being treated
in their local hospitals 9.5% of admissions were from within the
Wimmera sub-region and another 2.3% from towns just over the
South Australian border.
Being able to provide elective surgical services to patients from the
wider sub-region decreases the elective surgery burden on regional
and metropolitan hospitals and assists in ensuring that patients
from the Wimmera area are able to have their operation performed
in a timely and safe manner without having to travel long distances.
ElectiveSURGERY
Surgery By
Type
2013/14
ELECTIVE
BY
TYPE
2013/14
Orthopaedics
Ophthalmology
ENT
Gynaecology
General Surgery
Dental
WWHS provides a range of low risk elective surgery. This is an
important service as it allows patients to be treated locally, at
the same time decreasing the burden on larger regional and
metropolitan hospitals.
A total of 605 elective procedures were undertaken in 2013/14.
General Surgery and Ophthalmology were the busiest specialties.
28 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
For the ninth consecutive year the Service has reported an operating surplus
(Net Result before Capital and Specific Items). This outcome is testament to
our financial agility and in particular our ability to continue to find new revenue
streams while at the same time keeping a close eye on our costs.
While the $14k net result before
capital items is comparatively low it
remains a commendable effort for the
Service to have effectively balanced
its budget given the difficult financial
environment faced throughout the year.
OPERATING INCOME
($33.75M)
Victorian State Government
(predominantly the Department
of Health) sourced grant income
comprised 54% of total operating
income (2012/13: 52%) followed
by Commonwealth Government
Residential Aged Care Subsidies on
22% (23%).
OPERATING EXPENDITURE
($33.74M)
Total employee related costs made
up 78% (76%) of total operating
expenditure emphasising the critical
role that our staff play in the level and
quality of care we provide.
CASH AND INVESTMENTS
At 30 June 2014 the Service held total
cash and investments of $7.858m
comprising $4.339m for the Service’s
own funds and $3.519m in residential
aged care accommodation bonds.
The lower result in 2014 is due
primarily to capital works expenditure
associated with the new Natimuk
Medical Clinic and the Macpherson
Street, Nhill student housing projects
as well as less residential aged care
bonds being held compared with the
previous year.
This outcome keeps the Service
relatively well placed in terms of being
able to meet its short to medium
term operating and capital cash
requirements.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
FINANCIAL RATIOS
CONSULTANCIES
CURRENT RATIO: .72
Consultancies during the year costing
less than $10,000 (exclusive of GST)
per consultancy, the number and total
cost (exclusive of GST) of engagements
was not applicable to West Wimmera
Health Service. However consultancies
which exceeded $10,000 are required
to be declared.
The Current Ratio (Current Assets
divided by Current Liabilities) is used
to indicate how well the Service is
able to meet its short term financial
commitments. At 30 June 2014 the
Service’s Current Ratio was 0.72 (1.18
at 30 June 2013) which is slightly above
the Departmental benchmark level of
0.70.
QUICK ASSET RATIO: 1.21
The Quick Asset Ratio is similar to the
Current Ratio but provides a better
indication of the Service’s short term
solvency by only including those current
assets and current liabilities of an
easily liquefiable nature. This result
means that the Service has $1.21
($1.43) in liquid assets for every dollar
of short term liabilities.
ADVERTISING EXPENDITURE
Declaration of this item was not
applicable to WWHS this year.
EX-GRATIA EXPENSES
There were no ex-gratia expenses made
by the Service during the financial year.
DEBT TO EQUITY (GEARING)
RATIO: 0.22
This ratio is used to indicate the
degree to which the Service is reliant
on externally sourced funding and the
result at 30 June 2014 of 0.22 (0.29)
shows that only a very small amount of
such funding is required.
DEBTORS DAYS: 32
On average it took the Service 32 days
(29) to recoup money owed to it for
patient, client and resident fees over
the year.
CREDITORS DAYS: 29
This measure shows that it took the
Service on average 29 days (28) to pay
its creditors over the year.
29 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
FINANCIAL POSITION – PERFORMANCE CHANGE AND OBJECTIVES
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN OUR FINANCIAL
POSITION INCLUDING SIGNIFICANT FACTORS
THAT AFFECTED OUR PERFORMANCE
The Service experienced a significant reduction (10%)
in Commonwealth Government Residential Aged Care
Subsidy Income. This was primarily due to lower than
normal occupancy rates but which had substantially
recovered toward year end.
The consequential negative impact on the Service’s
net operating result was sufficiently offset by positive
outcomes for items such as Private Inpatient Fees, Aged
Care Resident Fees, Dental Grants, Radiography Income
and Medical & Surgical Supplies so that a surplus Net
Result before Capital and Specific Items result was
achieved.
Re-evaluations carried out with effect on 30 June 2014
resulted in the fair value of the Service’s property (land and
buildings) and transport fleet increasing significantly over
the year.
The amount of these upward revaluation was $17.5m for
property and $152k for transport. These revaluations had
no effect on the Service’s Net Result before Capital and
Specific Items as these amounts were taken directly to
the Asset Revaluation Surplus in the Balance Sheet which
increased from $14,341m at 30 June 2013 to $31.993m at
30 June 2014.
EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO BALANCE DATE
There were not any events subsequent to balance date
which had a significant effect on the operations of the
Health Service in subsequent years.
10.28
525000
437500
7.3
350000
6.15
7.13
6.7
7.86
9.09
10.3
10.87
612500
262500
4.34
4
2
175000
87500
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
Including Accommodation Bonds
Excluding Accommodation Bonds
30 We held some $4.4m of such monies at 30 June 2014
against its originally budgeted amount of $5.5m. The
lower than expected outcome was principally due to the
substantial completion of the capital works associated
with the new Natimuk Medical Centre occurring earlier than
was originally anticipated.
700000
10
0
We also aim to retain sufficient levels of untied cash and
investments at all times so that short to medium term
operational and capital objectives remain achievable from
a financial aspect.
NET RESULTS BEFORE CAPITAL GAINS
12
6
A key financial performance indicator for West Wimmera
Health Service is the Net Result before Capital and Specific
Items for which the Service budgeted to achieve a $15,227
surplus for the year. The result actually achieved was
$14,204.
NET RESULTS BEFORE CAPITAL GAINS
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE
CASH AND INVESTMENTS
8
THE OPERATIONAL AND BUDGETARY
OBJECTIVES OF THE HEALTH SERVICE THIS
FINANCIAL YEAR AND PERFORMANCE
AGAINST THOSE OBJECTIVES INCLUDING
SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES AND
ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE YEAR
WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
2014
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
OPERATING EXPENDITURE
INCOME STATEMENT – 5 YEAR COMPARISON
OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Financial Year Ending 30 June
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
$'000s
$'000s
$'000s
$'000s
$'000s
Revenue
28,396
29,453
32,496
33,582
33,751
Employee Related Expenditure
(20,162)
(21,212)
(22,210)
(23,937)
(24,662)
Non-Salary Labour Costs
(1,042)
(1,104)
(1,458)
(1,553)
(1,498)
Supplies & Consumables
(2,208)
(2,218)
(2,263)
(2,269)
(2,099)
Other Expenses
(4,352)
(4,722)
(6,353)
(5,719)
(5,478)
632
197
212
104
14
Net Capital Items & (2,398)
Specific Items
(2,847)
(2,211)
(2,120)
(3,839)
Net Result before Capital Items
Emplo
Gener
Admin
Medic
Inform
Techn
Food
OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Electr
Repai
Employee Related Costs
78%
General Supplies & Services
5%
Administrative Expenses
4%
Medical & Pharmaceutical Supplies 3%
Net Result for the Year
(1,766)
(2,650)
(1,999)
(2,016)
(3,825)
BALANCE SHEET
Financial Year Ending 30 June
2010
2011
2012
2013
Information & Communication
Technology
3%
Food Supplies
3%
Electricity, Gas & Water
2%
Repairs and Maintenance
2%
2014
$'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s
Current Assets
11,108
11,636
11,408
8,761
Non-Current Assets 49,944 46,885
45,842
50,013
65,783
Current Liabilities
9,941
Total
Total
OPERATING
INCOME
(9,287) (10,002) (11,391) (12,975) (12,170)
Non-Current Liabilities
(639)
Net Assets (Equity)
49,959
(802)
(897)
47,189 45,190
(981)
(1,082)
47,465 61,292
CONSULTANCIES (NOT CONTRACTORS) WHOSE CONSULTANCY
AMOUNTED TO $10,000+
Consultant
DVA Navion
Project
Capital
Fundraising
Total Project
Fee Approved
$’000s
Total Fees
Incurred
$’000s
Future
Commitment
$’000s
163
100
63
Victorian State Government Grants 54%
Victorian State Government Grants 54%
Commonwealth Government
Commonwealth
Government
Residenmal
Aged Care
Subsidies 22%
Residenmal Aged Care Subsidies 22%
Pament Fees
Pament
Fees
Other
Revenue
15%
3% 15%
Other Revenue
Commonwealth
Government Grants 3%
3%
Retail
Sales
2% 3%
Commonwealth
Government Grants
Interest
Retail Sales
1% 2%
Donations
1%
Interest
Donations
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
1%
1%
31 CLINICAL SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
Our residential aged care units provide an environment in
which residents feel assisted and encouraged to live their lives
meaningfully. They are ‘home’ for our residents and it is the
positive attitude of our staff that makes them feel at home.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR
Accreditation at all units this year
was very special. Accreditation is
assessed every three years on two
pre-determined days by highly qualified
assessors. At least one unannounced
visit at each of our nine sites occurs
each year. Assessors look at records,
policies and procedures, interview
staff, residents and families to
determine our quality of care across 44
outcome standards.
We received our accreditation with a
score of 100%! Assessors did not find
any instances of non-compliance at the
unannounced visits. We are very proud
of this effort.
This year, we received significant
funding from the Department of Health
for equipment to aid lifting, mobility
and early assessment for clinical
management of residents’ needs.
Facilities in Nhill and Natimuk received
$20,000, while Rainbow, Jeparit and
Kaniva received $12,000 each.
This equipment has increased comfort
and safety for residents and staff
across our organisation.
Other significant achievements include
our continued access to an experienced
and respected Geriatrician, installation
of a breakfast bar and sensory room
at ‘Iona’. The breakfast bar increases
resident experiences by providing a
comfortable place reminding them to
sit and eat, while the sensory room is a
restful environment designed to inspire
the senses.
Staff training throughout the year
covered elements from medication
management to legislative and
regulative requirements, how to
recognise and report situations
such as elder abuse, and manual
handling, ensuring our standards are
industry leading.
32 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Montessori training was introduced
in all residential units. Staff, applaud
the philosophy which is an asset in
developing individual care plans for
residents, and assists in a meaningful
way to encourage different behaviours.
Broadening the scope of Montessori
will continue to improve activities
and lifestyle for residents living
with dementia.
Our residents are able to access every
type of allied health professional which
is a hallmark of our Service, with high
calibre staff ensuring the physical,
social and emotional needs of residents
can be met immediately.
Over the coming 12 months, we
anticipate some changes to our
residential aged care delivery due to
the Aged Care Reforms, which will
affect access, cost, and resident
decision-making.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
With state-wide aged-care reforms
coming into play in July 2014, WWHS is in
good stead, as senior staff and financial
officers have attended metropolitan
and regional information sessions in
preparation for a smooth introduction
to the changes.
The reforms will see consumer choice
and industry marketing promoting
competition with each other to
attract residents.
We will also advance Montessori
training with additional furnishings and
equipment being planned to support
the program, as well as further staff
training scheduled, being ever mindful
that Aged Care is our ‘core business’.
Dulcie Hogan, Resident of Bowhaven Hostel,
Rainbow, welcomes husband Les for his daily visit.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
33 CLINICAL SERVICES
Kayleen Kingwill, Aged Care Administration
Officer, West Wimmera Health Service,
discussing care options for their mother with
Trudy and Peter Gebert.
AGED CARE – THE CHANGES
BECOMING A RESIDENT
West Wimmera Health Service Services
provides residential aged care on a
permanent or respite basis at five
sites throughout the Wimmera Mallee
Region.
To become a resident in any aged care
facility requires an assessment by an
Aged Care Assessment (ACAS) Officer.
The ACAS service can be accessed
through any West Wimmera Health
Service site.
Our residents receive the individual
attention they require from
professional and committed staff. Our
staff pride themselves on their genuine
dedication to deliver the highest
standard of care 24 hours a day, every
day of the year.
West Wimmera Health Service Services
provide care that is planned to suit the
individual. We encourage our residents
to live their lives to the fullest and make
the most of what we have to offer.
As from 1st July 2014 the
Commonwealth Government will
introduce sweeping changes to the way
residential aged care will be managed
including to resident classification and
funding processes.
34 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Referral to the ACAS service can be
made by your General Practitioner,
service provider, family member or
carer or by self-referral.
“Aged Care Assessment Services
(ACAS) are independent teams who
assist frail older people and their
carers identify what kind of care will
best meet their needs. Assessment
teams are multi-disciplinary and can
include health professionals such
as medical officers, social workers,
nurses, occupational therapists and
physiotherapists.
They conduct comprehensive medically
based assessments for those needing
community services or aged care
residential services. They assess for all
restorative and potential care options”
(Aged Care in Victoria)
YOUR FIRST INTERVIEW
ABOUT PROPOSED
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
At initial interview which will usually
be with the Director of Nursing you will
have the opportunity to tour the facility
and explain any matters that may need
clarification you have.
Discussion will embrace:
• Best choice of facility for the care
required
• General Practitioner - choice
of General Practitioner. If the
GP is unable to visit provision
is made for a choice of caring
General Practitioners and medical
specialists who offer services to
West Wimmera Health Service
residential units.
A meeting with the Aged Care Finance
Officer will transpire and the following
items will be addressed with the
intending resident, family and/or carer.
• Accommodation options and
appropriate facilities
• Daily care fees
• Accommodation payments
• Out of pocket expenses
Rainbow Dance Club members, Alan and Laurie
Bretag enjoy their weekly dances with Rainbow
aged care residents, community members and
staff but not as much as our residents.
Dulcie & Les Hogan, Lauris & Alan Bretag, Adele
Vincent, Dorothy Gould, Joan Jones, Val Roll.
AGED CARE IN OUR COMMUNITY
WWHS facilitates a number of community home care
packages for clients, designed to assist ageing community
members to live in their homes for as long as possible.
Currently, our packaged services include domestic assistance,
transport, social outings, maintenance, personal care and
respite care.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
Demand is increasing substantially
for the 20 home care packages WWHS
delivers. These packages are managed
by a case manager who sets up services
and monitors the client to ensure their
needs are met, and are available in all of
our communities.
We are also providing support to carers
of our clients, enabling them to enjoy
breaks through the National Respite
for Carers Program. This type of care
is managed and tailored individually,
ensuring the best outcome for both
client and carer.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Caring for the aged in our
communities takes many forms.
High Care, Low Care, Care in the
community and sometimes the
integration of many elements.
Volunteers from the community who
visit our aged care units add so much
extra to the day for our residents and
visitors who appreciate their interest
enormously
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
Home care packages are set to change
with aged care reform, meaning clients
will have a much bigger say in the way
money allocated to their package is
spent so that their goals meet both
physical and social needs.
This is a very innovative and
challenging approach to the delivery
of this specialist program. 29
specialist program.
35 Adelaide McKenzie enjoying the company of
Registered Nurse May Hei Eh Kyaw Kyaw in the
calm surroundings of Nhill Acute Hospital.
36 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
MAY'S STORY
A LONG JOURNEY FROM THAI-BURMA BORDER TO NHILL
Hi! My name is May JH Hei and I am a
Karen from Thai-Burma border. I was
born in a refugee camp called Klert
Koht in Thailand. This refugee camp
was shut down and our family moved
into a new camp nearby called Mae La
Refugee Camp. I was one year old at
that time. I lived there until I turned 16
years of age. Through these long years
of growing up in a refugee camp, I had
no idea of how the actual normal world
would be outside the camp.
Our camp was very crowded and barbed
wires fences all around us. There are
still approximately 50, 000 refugees in
Mae La Camp. We were not allowed to go
outside of the barbed wire. Every entry
site of the camp was patrolled by
soldiers. The United Nations (UN) gave
us food monthly with a ration. They gave
us rice, fish paste, oil, yellow peas and
chilli which we made food out of these
supplies. I attended school in the camp
which taught by the local teachers and a
few foreigners who were volunteering.
In year 2005, the UN government open
the door for our refugees to settle
down in the developed countries
such as Australia, America, England,
Sweden, etc. My family chose to apply
our new lives in Australia. To be able
to be successful, we had to go through
interviews and medical check which
took a very long process depends on
each family situation. It took 1 to 4 years
to be able to know whether you are
successful or not. For our family, it took
nearly 3 years to come to Australia.
A few months after the successful
medical check, we had to attend an
orientation week of the new life. We had
learnt the basic everyday living about
housing, bills, cooking, crossing road,
traffic light, etc. Looking back, it was
liked a dream at that time. I was so
excited and couldn’t even study for my
final exams.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
On the 14th of February 2008, our
family which consist of my pregnant
mum, dad, me and my two little brothers,
we had landed safely to our now called
homeland, Australia. My little sister
was born after our 4 months arrival
in Australia.
I was lucky enough to be in an age range
where I can attend the high school when
I first arrived. I spent 1 term in Western
English Language School to improve my
English speaking and writing. After that,
I started my 2nd semester year 10 in
Hoppers Crossing Secondary College.
I took Victorian Certificate of Education
(VCE) subjects for year 11 and year 12
for the next following 2 years. After
two and a half years in high school,
I had made enough score to get into
university. I chose to study Bachelor of
Nursing because of the experience that I
had in the Mae La Camp. I had witnessed
many deaths of the refugees due to lack
of healthcare supplies and qualified
healthcare workers.
After 3 years I graduated as a registered
nurse in 2013. I was hoping that, one day
I can go back and work in Thai-Burma
border to help out the poor people and
the refugees with the knowledge and
the skills that I had learnt in this country
as a registered nurse.
And now here I am in West Wimmera
Health Service (WWHS) to put the
theories I learnt into practice. I am doing
graduate nurse program at Nhill and
very grateful that WWHS let me fulfil
my dream.
I am also helping the Karen people from
Nhill with interpreting English related to
the healthcare in my spare time.
Thank you WWHS for giving me this
wonderful opportunity
37 CLINICAL SERVICES
ACUTE PATIENT CARE
CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS
SPECIAL GUESTS AT WEST
WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE.
West Wimmera Health Service continues to provide
outstanding acute facilities. We’ve made a concerted effort
to reduce the clinical look of our facilities providing instead
a vibrant and inspiring décor across our sites, making
patients as comfortable as possible.
Bringing your child into hospital for an
operation can be quite confronting both
for you and your child.
We have also up-skilled a nurse to
provide asthma care, and added a
palliative care resource nurse who
is based in Nhill but accessible at all
campuses.
We offer a wide range of hospital and
ambulatory care with 35 beds in Nhill,
seven in Rainbow, six in Kaniva and
four in Jeparit.
Our Admission and Discharge
Department provides stable and
comprehensive services, ensuring
clients know what to expect from
surgery, and are aware of pre- and
post-operative requirements such
as preparation for the procedure
and lifestyle restrictions during
recuperation.
This equipment was funded by WWHS,
and will ensure care provided is safe in
all facilities.
Exemplary screening policies mean
we have a wound infection rate of
‘nil’, as we continue to follow strict
guidelines set by the World Health
Organisation, the Australian and New
Zealand College of Anaesthetists and
Australian College of Operating Room
Nurses and Australian/New Zealand
Standards.
We have trialled many ways to make
the visit a more positive experience
and have found that the first step is to
encourage them to bring their favourite
toy into hospital.
DRIVING TO THE OPERATING
SUITE
Next, driving the shiny red car to the
Operating Suite is the highlight of their
stay. Driving themselves and ‘teddy’ to
theatre also removes some of the fear
factor out of the whole process for
parents as well as the child. Big smiles
instead of tears as the child heads for
the Theatre Suite happy.
Continuing access to these specialties
is crucial to the wellbeing of our
community, reducing the need to
travel huge distances for specialist
treatment which is critical to enabling
patients to retain the support of
family and friends at all times.
When the child and ‘teddy’ arrive at the
Theatre door the child has to answer
questions for ‘Teddy’ too. Children are
asked what their name is and what
“Teddy’s name is, their date of birth (if
they are old enough to know) and what
operation they are having today?
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
Our well-equipped theatre operates
every week, with visiting surgeons
specialising in Ear Nose and Throat,
Orthopaedics, Oral Dental, General
Surgery, Ophthalmology, and
Gynaecology.
We will improve preparation for
patients undergoing colonoscopies,
working with the surgeons, preadmission clinic and pharmacist to
achieve better outcomes for our
patients.
Once admitted to the operating
Theatre ‘Teddy’ goes through the same
procedures as the child such as the
cardiac dots being put on to ‘Teddy’
as well.
One of our biggest achievements this
year is the introduction of a macular
injection service, which has assisted
many people maintain their eyesight
for a significantly longer period of
time.
The general surgeons have met with
WWHS managers and doctors to
explain the surgery they can perform
in Nhill, and make it known we intend
to increase General Surgery for
next year. We will also obtain more
equipment to meet standards and
ensure patient safety.
THEATRE
Generally, waiting times for surgery
are exceptional, with most people
having surgery within six months of
their initial consultation.
A range of new equipment was
purchased to ensure we consistently
deliver optimal care to our patients,
including a video laryngoscope,
peripheral nerve stimulator, magnets
for use with patients with pacemakers,
and biological monitoring incubator.
38 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
It is the intention to re-evaluate
the way we disinfect and sterilise
instruments to ensure such standards
are best-practice and in accordance
with the new Australian/New Zealand
Standards to be released.
We will continue this annual audit
program for this purpose.
Another comforting touch is they wear
their own favourite pyjamas rather
than a Theatre Gown and there are
DVD players for movie watching during
their stay.
Children receive an admission pack with
colouring pages and word searches
based on healthy food choices and
the new children’s menu with tempting
healthy food options served in rainbow
coloured bowls.
QUALITY & SAFETY ASSURED
A Specialist Paediatric Anaesthetist
is a central part of the Operating Suite
Team for child patients as are General
and Specialist Surgeons.
We are continually researching ways to
make a trip to hospital more welcoming,
comfortable and without fear.
Jack Dodds in his favourite blue pyjamas can’t wait to get on the road to
the Operating Suite. Nurse Pam van Kempen is hoping he doesn’t receive
a speeding fine on the way.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
39 CLINICAL SERVICES
WOUND MANAGEMENT
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
WWHS continues to provide specialty
wound-care services to patients in
the acute setting, as well as in aged
care. Specialist wound-care services
increased this year, with a wound clinic
providing assessment, management and
advice to outpatients and community
members as well as inpatients.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
Our wound-care service is set to
commence exciting research this
year, and has ethics approval from
the Ballarat Health Services and St
John of God Hospital Human Research
Ethics Committee.
DIALYSIS
With increased staff training, our
dialysis can expand from one to two
sessions per day as required. The unit
continues to run three days a week,
providing reliable treatment for
patients, with the capacity to offer
vacation care to dialysis patients
travelling through the region.
The refurbished unit and office space
allows staff to manage treatment more
effectively, facilitating discussion
between clients with specialists in a
more private space.
It has been a challenging year in dialysis,
with three much-loved patients
passing away. Remaining patients
and staff were grateful to receive
counselling support from the Royal
Melbourne Hospital.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
The dialysis unit will continue their
impressive record with no infections, as
well as increasing dialysis capacity by
involving enrolled nurses in the unit.
Wound Care Nurse Cindy Bone had great success this
year with a radically innovative regime which cured
long term leg ulcers for a very grateful patient.
40 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
ALLIED HEALTH
Our team of qualified health professionals provides services in the acute, rehabilitation,
residential aged care and community settings. We will break down the barriers and health
inequalities existing within our communities to enable opportunities for improved health
outcomes.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
Our Community and Allied Health
team consists of expert staff in their
respective fields, meaning we are able
to offer and implement a wide range of
initiatives designed to strengthen our
community.
This year, a significant achievement
was working in partnership with West
Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack
Shire Councils to develop the ‘WHY
Project’, offering Occupational Therapy,
Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Dietetic
services across all Shires, administered
by WWHS.
Developing and implementing a Healthy
Ageing initiative across our catchment
was another key achievement.
This program ensures older people
within our communities are connected
to services and programs across the
region, offering information sessions
and programs relating to staying strong
and living at home for longer.
We also targeted the mental health
of young people in our community,
initiating and implementing a mental
health program for school students in
conjunction with Nhill College.
These programs are effective in
reducing health inequalities among
our community members, enhancing
community participation and promoting
health across our region.
WWHS was involved in exciting
major research, investigating
the effect of different types of
fluids on patients with swallowing
difficulties. This research is being
conducted in collaboration with the
University of Melbourne and Baker
IDI, and has approval to continue until
December 2015.
The wide variety of programs delivered
is a credit to the diversity and
strength of our Community and Allied
Health team.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Podiatrist Bianca Jones discussing treatment options with Colleen Ross in
the Podiatry Consulting suite at the new Goroke Community Health Centre.
The multidisciplinary team ensures
quality health outcomes for our clients,
and includes the following:
COUNSELLING
We provide a professional and
accessible service dedicated to
improving the mental, physical and
psychological wellbeing of individuals
who wish to improve their lives and the
lives of those around them.
PODIATRY
WWHS Podiatrists deal with the
prevention, diagnosis, treatment and
rehabilitation of medical and surgical
conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our expert staff focus on prevention,
assessment and treatment of physical
disorders and the promotion of
movement and health.
MASSAGE
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Massage therapy improves circulation
by bringing oxygen and other nutrients
to body tissues. It relieves muscle
tension and pain, increases flexibility
and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid
and other waste, which reduces pain and
stiffness in muscles and joints.
The Speech Pathology Department
provides effective and efficient
intervention for those with
communication and swallowing
disorders.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Experienced District Nurses provide
nursing care which allows people to
remain in their own homes, maintain
their independence, or have additional
support after discharge from hospital.
Occupational Therapists assist people
to maintain or gain the skills and
confidence to complete activities and
tasks that are meaningful and useful
to the person. They can recommend
specific tools and/or equipment that
can be of benefit to the client.
DISTRICT NURSING
District nurses assist clients
with administration of medications,
wound management, continence
management, and personal care, and
thus enhance quality of life for clients.
41 CLINICAL SERVICES
Russell Hallam, Chef in Charge, Nhill Hospital, at
work early to receive delivery of the beautiful fruit
and vegetables used for the freshly cooked meals
served every day.
DIETETICS
WWHS dietitians advance good
health by promoting better choices
around nutrition, which includes food,
menu planning and cooking methods.
DIABETES EDUCATION
Our expert staff are trained to teach
people with diabetes how to better
manage their medical condition and
conduct a sustainable lifestyle.
HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE
This program provides services to frail,
aged, people with a disability and their
carers, who live in the community.
PLANNED ACTIVITY GROUPS
These groups are designed to help older
people and people with disabilities
stay healthy and active by engaging in
interesting and fun group activities.
42 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Planned Activity Groups are also a
great way to stay informed about health
and community services offered within
the community by West Wimmera
Health Service.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
WWHS will continue to enhance the
rehabilitation and mental health
services available to our community
clients. Planning is underway to develop
a Rehabilitation Centre, offering expert
facilities for people to receive health
rehabilitation in Nhill, as well as a
Cancer Resource Centre.
We will continue enhancing the mental
health services offered for young
people, working more closely with
the schools across our catchment to
implement programs.
WWHS has committed to developing
health promoting plans over the next
three years in conjunction with the
Wimmera Primary Care Partnership
and Local Governments. Priority areas
identified include mental health and
physical activity.
We will also continue our clinical
research, ensuring we remain a leader in
the health industry.
GRANTS RECEIVED
WWHS has been allocated additional
HACC funding for:
• PAG Care Planning - $5,435
• Minor Capital - $20,726
Received $4,800 from the Department
of Health for Allied Health training
of staff to attend seminars and
conferences.
RADIOLOGY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
Radiology enjoyed another very
successful year, with increasing
patient attendance in computerised
tomography (CT), ultrasound, and
general X-ray.
The quality of dental images was
vastly improved with the installation
of a state-of-the-art dental X-ray,
or orthopantomogram (OPG). This
machine also enables us to perform
some procedures for the first time,
saving patients trips outside the
region for examinations such as lateral
cephalograms.
We will continue to improve the use of
the OPG, developing sterilisation and
infection control practices to ensure
standards remain best practice.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
A team approach has strengthened
our Radiology Department, improving
service delivery. To improve patient
confidentiality we are investigating the
possibility of developing a dedicated
waiting area and reception.
COMPLIMENT
When patient Elly took X-rays from the
Nhill hospital to her Melbourne-based
orthodontist, the orthodontist said the
X-rays coming from Nhill were some
of the best he has ever seen, and the
radiographer should be commended.
PHARMACY
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR
Inspected by the Victorian Pharmacy
Authority this year, our pharmacy
service passed with flying colours.
We continue to provide consistent
and effective pharmacy services,
implementing recommendations from
the internal audit, and introducing
a temperature data logger to all
medication fridges.
This monitors our fridges continuously,
assisting us to confidently evaluate the
temperature to ensure safe storage of
medications.
Our pharmacy continues to be a member
of the Medication Reconciliation
Working Party Members auspiced by the
Department of Health, ensuring correct
selection of the ‘right’ medication for
the ‘right patient’.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
In furthering our medication
reconciliation efforts we are developing
our own hospital formulary, which will
stabilise our existing pharmacy stock
usage and help improve the system
between doctor prescribing and
medication delivery.
We will also investigate better patient
medication summary software to
replace existing systems with the
endeavour of providing more complete
patient care information at the time of
discharge.
43 CLINICAL SERVICES
DENTAL
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR
Dental Services flourished this year
with significantly increased program
delivery. Undoubtedly the highlight
of the year was opening the Kaniva
and Goroke Dental Clinics in February.
These modern facilities, together
with well-trained staff, ensures
WWHS continues to deliver the most
comprehensive dental services in
our region.
Our graduate dentist program
continues to be a tremendous success,
attracting one talented graduate to our
service every six months, with three
graduates currently being mentored by
our senior dentist.
This program ensures our dentists are
up-to-date with the latest practices and
technology, keeping us at the forefront
of oral health promotion.
NEW – ALTERNATIVE TO
TRADITIONAL BRACES TO
ALIGN TEETH
We were successful in retaining a senior
dentist on a permanent part-time basis,
meaning we can offer a significantly
broader range of general and advanced
dental procedures.
Our senior dentist specialises in
Invisaline, an orthodontic treatment
using clear, removable aligners as
an alternative to traditional metal
dental braces.
Continued investment in training made
it possible for two dentists to become
certified to provide conscious sedation,
with other dental staff undertaking
programs such as Certificate IV in
Health Promotion and Certificate III in
Dental Assisting.
WWHS is committed to making dental
services accessible to all members of
our communities.
Our sustained partnership with the
Royal Flying Doctors volunteer dentists
helps us ensure dental services are
freely available, providing free checks
and treatment through their regular
three-monthly visits.
44 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
With the help of Dental Health Services
Victoria, we also had access to portable
dental equipment for two months thus
providing oral health services to 15
primary schools during this period.
Our Rainbow clinic has also seen
increased program delivery, moving
operations to weekly instead of
fortnightly.
Equipment upgrades continue to
improve our service delivery as with
digital X-rays, we provide faster
imaging services and access images
from all four dental clinics.
Digital Inter-oral cameras were
purchased, taking images in the
mouth so patients can gain a visual
understanding of what the dentist has
achieved.
Finally, WWHS Dental Clinics are now
all paperless, increasing efficiency
in our clinics and making them more
environmentally friendly.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
Over the next year, Dental Services
will aim to increase promotion of good
oral health in the region, continuing our
commitment to making Dental Services
accessible to everyone.
As well as maintaining our four Dental
Clinics, we will continue our partnership
with the Royal Flying Doctors, deliver
free school screenings, and organise
a mobile dental van to reach outlying
areas within our region.
We will continue to provide oral surgery
services in Nhill, with the ability to
treat patients in the dental chair or in
the hospital theatre, and are looking
to facilitate dental implant services in
the future.
Senior Dental Surgeon Aziz Baluch has brought a
new orthodontic treatment to our Dental Clinics.
Using clear aligners as an alternative to metal
dental braces has been a success as patient
Alison Welsby agrees.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
45 CLINICAL SERVICES
DISABILITY SERVICES
‘Cooinda’ Disability Service based at Nhill supports people
with disabilities and ensures achievable individual outcomes,
encouraging personal development while promoting positive
interaction and participation within the wider community.
Cooinda offers individual support based
services for eligible participants, with
choices of interesting programs and
activities with, supported employment
opportunities, for people with a
disability who require guidance and
assistance to perform employment
duties.
This is a special feature of our program.
DAY SERVICES
HIGHLIGHTS FOR COOINDA
DAY SERVICES INCLUDE:
• Participation in the Oral Health
Promotion for people with
disabilities entitled ‘Keep the
Wimmera Smiling’ incorporating
participants from Cooinda,
Wimmera Uniting Care Horsham,
Woodbine Warracknabeal and
Edenhope and District Memorial
Hospital.
• Introduction of joint programs with
Wimmera Uniting Care Day Service
with each agency hosting activities
on alternate weeks resulting in new
and renewed friendships.
• Competing in the Tri State Games,
an annual sporting competition
held over five days in various
towns throughout South Australia,
New South Wales and Victoria
where Cooinda participants were
successful medal recipients.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Our supported employment sites of
Oliver’s Café and Snappy Seconds
continue to provide valuable education
and on the job training which feature
support and work experience in a busy
enterprise.
Supported employees learn skills to
enable them to work in hospitalities
or retail under the guidance of trained
supervisors.
46 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Those working in the café learn the
importance of food preparation and
presentation, customer service and the
importance of cleanliness and correct
food handling skills.
At Snappy Seconds supported
employees are given training in
customer service, selection of
and display of goods for sale and
deportment.
The Stores Department of West
Wimmera Health Service has now
combined with Maintenance in
providing work opportunities in an open
employment environment for supported
employees, teaching work ethics,
responsibilities and expectations of
working in a busy hospital setting.
Accreditation of the Commonwealth
funded business services in 2013 was
once again successfully accomplished.
In July 2014 both State and
Commonwealth funded programs will
be audited against the new Disability
Standards.
LOOKING AHEAD
Cooinda staff continue to participate
in information sessions showcasing
the outcomes of the Barwon
National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) trials.
The NDIS is a generational reform
that will deliver a national system
of disability support focused on the
individual needs and choices of people
with unfortunate handicaps.
NDIS will progressively roll out in
Victoria from July 2016 to July 2019.
The Service will closely monitor the
reform to maximize opportunities
to provide meaningful programs,
activities and employment to people
with disabilities in our catchment area
and also capitalise on the benefits this
reform program may bring.
“I used to do gymnastics when I lived
in Melbourne and I like riding horses.
Vaulting joins the two things together.
It is a cool thing to do and I am proud
of myself when I do the routines”
Amy Brown with very patient pony Chrystal
getting ready for a fun day of riding and
horsemanship in the clean clear air of the
countryside.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
47 CLINICAL SERVICES
Dr Alex Stepanov consulting with Loma Wallis in the Tristar Medical Clinic,
Kaniva. The appointment of Dr Alex, a second General Practitioner for Kaniva,
is the result of our close working relationship with Dr Kahled El Sheikh, which
has resulted in a full complement of practitioners for West Wimmera Health
Service communities – certainly against the trend for other small rural
communities where doctor shortage is endemic.
48 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
MEDICAL REPORT
EXPANDING THE DIMENSION OF CARE
West Wimmera Health Service continues to provide a broad range of medical services to
the communities of the Western Wimmera. Visiting Specialist Surgeons and Anaesthetists
conduct regular elective operating lists in Nhill, allowing local residents to have surgery close
to home and avoid extensive journeys to Regional and Metropolitan for elective surgery.
Tristar Medical Group provides
General Practitioner services in Nhill,
Jeparit, Rainbow and Kaniva as well as
supporting the Primary care Casualty
Units and after hours coverage for acute
and emergency patients.
Dr Harsha Aluthge left the Tristar
Medical Group practice in Nhill during
the year. Prior to his departure, we were
delighted to learn Harsha had received
his Fellowship of the Royal Australian
College of General Practitioners. We
wish Harsha and is family well and thank
him for his work at the Tristar Clinic and
for his contribution to West Wimmera
Health Service.
Drs. Anthony Anachuna, Irfan Hakeem,
Aysha Rasul, Paul Moyo and Shepherd
Chifura have continued to work across
the Tristar clinics and West Wimmera
Health Service sites. Drs Nneka (Stella)
Anachuna and Debby Chinogara have
also been working in the Tristar clinics
and have recently been joined by Drs.
Wei Cheng Chen and Oleksiy (Alex)
Stepanov, working in the Tristar clinics
in Jeparit and Kaniva respectively.
West Wimmera Health Service (Nhill)
continues to provide a comprehensive
range of specialist surgical services
including: General Surgery (Messrs.
Stehen Clifforth, Peter Tung and
Uvarasen Naidoo from Glenelg Surgical
Clinic); Orthopaedic Surgery (Mr Chi
Gooi); Ophthalmic Surgery (Dr Mark
Chehade); Gynaecological Surgery (Dr
Ian Jones); and Ear, Nose and Throat
Surgery (Mr Laurie Ryan).
The delivery of surgical services has
been facilitated by a very supportive
group of General Practitioner
anaesthetists including Drs Stuart
Perry, Malcolm Anderson and Kim Fielke.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Robert
Ray, visits from Ballarat to Nhill on a
monthly basis to provide consultant
anaesthetist services and provide
specialist oversight and guidance
for anaesthetic, critical care and
resuscitation services across West
Wimmera Health Service. Dr Ray’s
contribution is very highly regarded a
gratefully acknowledged by staff and
patients alike.
Maintaining this range of surgical
services in a small rural hospital
setting presents special challenges
for operating room, day procedure,
ward and after hours staff. In order
to ensure that West Wimmera Health
Services is addressing these challenges
and undertaking an appropriate range
of surgical services, a comprehensive
review of surgical services was
undertaken in 2013. This review
provided expert guidance on the safe
and effective delivery of elective
surgical services now and in the future
at West Wimmera Health Service totally
endorses the levels of competences
which prevailed prior to this revision.
During 2014, regular visits to West
Wimmera Health Service from general
physicians based at Wimmera Health
Care Group in Horsham will commence.
Two physicians will alternate fortnightly
visits to Nhill Hospital to conduct
general medical clinics as well as
providing a consultation and referral
service. This is a very welcome
development which will provide
specialist medical care in Nhill and
reduce the need for patients to travel
for such specialist consultations.
credentialing, definition of scope of
practice and performance of general
practitioners, specialist Visiting
Medical Practitioners, dentists and
other practitioners as well as matters
relating to performance improvement,
accreditation, legislative compliance,
clinical risk management and consumer
engagement.
Over the past year a Grampians regional
Credentialing Committee has also been
established and West Wimmera Health
Service is exploring how this committee
might be integrated with the work of the
Clinical Quality Governance Committee.
The Quality and Clinical Governance
Committee also works in close
liaison with the Clinical Improvement
Committee which is responsible for
the implementation, operation and
improvement of clinical processes and
outcomes throughout West Wimmera
Health Service.
All Visiting Medical Officers regularly
undertake continuing medical
education, attending seminars,
tutorials, conferences and workshops
relevant to their practice at West
Wimmera Health Service.
On behalf of the local community,
West Wimmera Health Service thanks
its general practitioners and visiting
specialist medical practitioners for their
ongoing support and the high quality
clinical services that they continue
to provide.
The West Wimmera Health Service
Clinical Quality Governance Committee
meets Bi monthly and reports to
the Board of Governance on the
49 CLINICAL SERVICES
MEDICAL & CLINICAL
VISITING CONSULTANTS
CONSULTANT EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR MEDICAL
SERVICES
Dr I S Graham MBBS MHP AMEE
FRACMA
GENERAL SURGEONS
DENTAL SURGEONS
SONOGRAPHERS
Dr Aziz Baluch BDS(Syd) ADOH(Ade)
MPH(Syd) MOSC(Syd) MRACDS(Syd)
Ms A Kellaway BMed Radiography
(Diagnostic Radiog),
Dr Alvin Ng BDSc(Melb)
Grad Dip Medical Sonography
Dr Anamalay Ayasamy BDS(Singapore) FDSRCPS(UK) FICD
Mr S Jones B App Sci (Medical Radiations),
Grad Dip Ultrasonography
Mr S Clifforth MBBS FRACS
Dr Lok Chern Muk (Dr Ricky
Muk) BDSc(Melb)
Mr P Tung MBBS FRACS
Dr Lisa Li BDSc(Hons)
Mr U Naidoo MBChB FCS(SA) FRACS
Dr Leanne Just BOH(HONS)(Qld)
Graduate Diploma of Dentistry(Qld)
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS
Dr C Gooi MBBS FRACS
Mr J Patrikios MBBS MS FRACS
CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
Dr M Chehade MBBS FRANZCO
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
PRACTITIONERS
Miss A Cass MBBS FRACS
Mr L Ryan MBBS FRACS FRCS DLO
CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIAN
AND GYNAECOLOGIST
Dr I Jones MBBS FRANZCOG
VISITING DENTAL SURGEON
Dr A Ayasamy BDS FDSR CPS FICD
SPECIALIST ANAESTHETIST
Dr R Ray MBBS FANZCA
ORAL HEALTH THERAPISTS
Erika Alegre BOHSc
Hayley Downey BOHSc
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr K El-Sheikh MBBS FRACGP
FACCRM DPM DPS CASA Pilot Medical
Officer
Dr P Moyo MB ChB
Dr S Chifura MB ChB
Dr H Aluthge (from April 2014) MBBS DFM RCGP(UK)
Dr A Anachuna (from December
2012) MBBS
Dr I Hakeem (from December
2012) MB ChB
Dr A Rasul (from March 2013) MBBS
Dr J Thomson MBBS
Dr K Graham MBBS DRANZCOG
FRACGP MPH TM Grad Dip Clin Edu
Dr D Chinogara MB ChB
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
ANAESTHETISTS
Dr N Anachuna MBBS
Dr M Anderson MBBS FRACGP DA FACRRM
Dr O Stepanov MD
Dr W Cheng Chen MBBS
Dr K Fielke MBBS DA FACRRM
CONSULTING PHARMACISTS
Dr S Perry MBBS FRACGP
Mr W Mascoll BPharm MAACP AACP
Dr N Provis-Vincent MBBS BMedSci (Hons) FACRRM
Ms D Norton BPharm AACPA Dip Med
Herbalism
SPECIALIST GERIATRICIAN
AND PHYSICIAN
STAFF PHARMACIST
Dr R Shea MBBS FRACP
Mr K Emmett BPharm MPS
SPECIALIST GERIATRIC
NURSE
CONSULTING RADIOLOGY
SERVICE
Mr G Taylor RN Post Grad Dip
Psych Nurs
CONSULTANT MANAGER
Mr M Yau BPharm MPS
Mr P Trenery Dip App Sci
(Med Radiog), Grad Dip
Ultrasonography
RADIOGRAPHERS:
Mr T Harlow Dip App Sci, Grad Dip
App Bus
Ms A Kellaway BMed
Radiography(Diagnostic Radiog), Grad
Dip Medical Sonography
Ms S Worsley Dip App Sci (Medical
Radiations)
Mr S Jones B App Sci (Medical
Radiations),
Grad Dip Ultrasonography
LAKE IMAGING PTY LTD RADIOLOGISTS
Prof A Pitman MBBS BMedSci
FRANZCR
Dr R House MBBS FRANZCR DDU
Dr A Firkin MBBS FRANZCR
Dr A Meakin MBBS FRANZCR
Dr M Mittal MBBS FRCR(UK)
FRANZCR
Dr L Zentner MBBS BA FRANZCR
ANZSNM
Dr C Trotman BDS(UK) LDS(UK)
FDS(UK)FRANZCR
Dr K New MBBS FRANZCR
Dr K King MB ChB(UK) FRANZCR
Dr A French MBBS FRANZCR
VISITING OPTOMETRISTS
WIMMERA EYE CARE
Hannah Guyatt BOptom Therapeutical
Endorsed (AHPRA)
VISITING AUDIOLOGIST
ADELAIDE DIGITAL HEARING
SOLUTIONS
Benjamin Wood BMRad (RT), MAud,
MAUDSA (CCP)
MCGRATH FOUNDATION
BREAST CARE NURSE
Ms Wendy Crafter RN MBCN
Dr ‘Sammy’ visits Nhill Dental Clinic monthly for consultations and
extractions in the Operating Theatre, such as Wisdom Teeth or when
many teeth require removing. The Dental Team is supported by the
Theatre Manager, Sharon Sanderson and the Dental Clinic Team.
50 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Dental Nurse Sharyn Morrison,
Sharon Sanderson, Theatre Manager,
Dr Stuart Perry, Dental Nurse Andrea Deckert,
Dr Anamalay Ayasamy
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
51 QUALITY OF CARE
STORIES OF QUALITY OF CARE IN ALLIED HEALTH
WOUND CARE
Creativity is sometimes an essential
element of healing.
A patient, Shirley, had suffered from
chronic leg ulcers for nine years,
enduring countless tests, numerous
bouts of surgery, many infections,
complicated treatments and lots of pain.
She was admitted to the Nhill Hospital
in February 2014 with an infection in her
right leg and three non-healing ulcers on
the left leg.
Her General Practitioner, the West
Wimmera Health Service Specialist
Wound Nurse and her Surgeons, thought
broadly and decided to try Negative
Pressure Wound Therapy in their
efforts to heal the wounds. This therapy
entailed attaching dressings to a pump
which applied pressure to the leg
encouraging new tissue to grow.
The treatment proved successful and
the ulcers began to improve to the point
she was able use a smaller pump allowing
her to walk freely and two months after
the treatment began Shirley was able
to return home - her wounds completely
healed after nine years!
Dear John,
and the entire
I am writing to thank you
therapists of Nhill
physiotherapy and massage
ant care that helped
Hospital for their magnific
d shoulder and arm
restore my severly damage
to full functionality.
an care were
Their professionalism and hum
walked the corridors
inspirational. Every time I
how lucky we are to
at Nhill Hospital I thoug ht
spital in our town.
have such a wonderful Ho
It is truly world class..
My sincere thanks,
Kim
An expensive treatment but worth it.
West Wimmera Health Service Wound
Care Nurse provides speciality services
to patients in our hospitals, as well as
Hostel and Aged Care patients at all
campuses of the Service.
The role has recently expanded and this
same specialist wound care and advice
is now available to outpatients in the
community.
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY –
DETERMINATION, SKILLED
PRACTITIONERS AND
INNOVATION
Kim’s happy ending took a while.
During a long awaited holiday overseas,
Kim had a nasty fall almost severing
her arm at the shoulder. The severity
of her injuries meant she had to
undergo urgent surgery in less than
satisfactory conditions leaving her
with a critical infection.
52 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Kim's Letter to John Smith
Arriving home, Kim underwent further
surgery at a prominent Metropolitan
Hospital, but after eight months she was
still unable to use her arm.
After the surgery Kim returned home
to continue intensive rehabilitation
with the team at West Wimmera
Health Service.
Desperate for help, she began
working with the West Wimmera
Health Service Physiotherapists
and Massage Therapists. The
treatments complemented each other;
physiotherapy improved her movement,
and massage helped with scar tissue
and pain. Three months later, she
returned to her Melbourne Specialist for
assessment. He was astounded with her
progress under the care of this team.
THE OUTCOME
Given that Kim was fit and very
determined backed by an excellent
Physiotherapy team behind her, Surgeon
Mr Treseder, decided to undertake a
world-first operation on her shoulder.
Just over 15 months later through the
skill and initiative of her Surgeon, West
Wimmera Health Service therapists and
her own determination, Kim achieved a
full recovery and now has full use of her
arm.
Kim expressed her utmost appreciation
to everyone involved in her return
to full movement and praised the
expertise and skill of the Allied Health
Practitioners available at West
Wimmera Health Service.
Kim Moyle has made a remarkable recovery from an extremely
serious freak accident thanks to expert care from West Wimmera
Health Service Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists and
an eminent team as well as her own determined approach to her
rehabilitation. Physiotherapist Emma Smith with Kim setting
a new program of exercises to maintain the movement in Kim’s
shoulder.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
53 QUALITY OF CARE
CONSUMER CARER AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
KAREN COMMUNITY
AT HOME IN NHILL
WWHS has been responsive to the Karen
community needs. In order to ensure
this community has improved access to
healthcare staff work with interpreters
and family members to ensure that
clients understand and are part of their
treatment regime.
Dieticians provide supermarket tours
and cooking demonstrations for a
greater knowledge of Australian type
food which the children were asking for.
EXTENDING THE VARIETY OF
INGREDIENTS
We have worked with the Nhill
Neighbourhood House and IGA
Supermarket to ensure that products
and fresh food typical in a Karen diet is
readily available in Nhill ensuring their
nutrition and preferred ingredients are
available.
The wider range of foodstuffs available
has been welcomed by the whole
community, broadening choice and
variety for all.
54 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
DOING IT WITH US NOT FOR US
HEALTH PROMOTION
WWHS has focused on a model of
care that ensures clients are working
towards taking responsibility of their
own health outcomes. In combination
with the principles of Department
of Health “Doing it with us not for us”
Publications and applying an Active
Service Model, all Community Health
Clients are directly involved in their
assessment and treatment plan.
VISION
By ensuring that clients and/or
carers are directly involved we have
witnessed a 75% increase in compliance
rates of treatment meaning that
clients are recovering quicker from
mental health issues requiring less
counselling services and referrals for
specialists care.
“Breaking down the barriers and health
inequalities that exist within our
community to enable opportunities for
improved health outcomes”
West Wimmera Health Service will
strengthen its integrated health
promoting, health service attributes by:
• working in partnership with
agencies and members of our
community,
• seeking to reduce health
inequalities among our community
members,
• enhancing community participation,
• identifying cultural differences
within our community members,
• ensuring that health promotion
interventions focus on the
determinants of health and;
• providing evidence based health
promotion initiatives to enable our
community to take responsibility
for their own health.
Our integrated health promotion
vision is endorsed by organisational
strategies, policies, procedures,
position descriptions and service
planning documents commit to the
health promotion concepts and
frameworks of the World Health
Organisation Ottawa Charter model,
the Department of Human Services
Integrated Health Promotion
framework, the Social Determinants
for Health framework and community
capacity building models.
MENTAL HEALTH - A PRIORITY
WWHS collaborated with the Wimmera
Primary Care Partnership, Local
Government, Schools, Police and
General Practitioners in the region
to determine the areas of health
promotion that need to be targeted.
As a result the areas of Mental Health
and Physical Activity were determined.
One of our major health promotion
activities over this financial year has
been to work together with local schools
given it had been highlighted to WWHS
staff there was an increase in self
harm and negative self-esteem among
students in Years 7-9.
A total of 90% of students across the
region in these classes have access to
a counsellor with information nights
for students and their parents having
been provided. Students have been
given tools to deal with their everyday
situations and resilience training has
been offered with 85% of students
reporting they have increased selfesteem as a result of the program
and self-harm rates have dropped
significantly by 80%.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion West Wimmera Health
Service has prioritised mental health
and although we still have more work
to do, we have increased the mental
health services available for clients and
patients.
In addition, we have increased
the tele-health arrangements
between specialists and allied
health practitioners meaning less
travel is required for member of our
communities to access specialist review
appointments. We will continue to
increase our networks and connections
with Metropolitan hospitals and other
specialists to consolidate and advance
on the gains we have witnessed.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
RESEARCH
CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS
West Wimmera Health Service is
proactive in the area of research and
development. We provide treatment
and services in accordance with
evidence based practice and are also
leaders in the area of research.
There is a very small Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander population
within WWHS catchment, however, we
are constantly aware of the need and
are committed to ensuring culturally
appropriate services are supplied.
Working in conjunction with researchers
from the Baker IDI, to complete two
studies. One relating to swallowing
management. The other to Wound
Healing. Approval was obtained through
Ballarat Health Service and St John of
God Hospital Human Research Ethics
Committee with the approval number
HREC/11/BHSSJOG/20
CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS
FRAMEWORK STANDARDS
RESEARCH – MANAGEMENT
OF SWALLOWING
• The Service is committed to
The aims of the Swallowing
Management study is to investigate
the effects of thin fluid consumption in
patients who have been prescribed with
thickened fluids. As a result we expect
that patients will benefit from increased
consumption of fluid intake and better
of quality of life. Currently we have
investigated 22 patients, all of whom
have shown a marked improvement
in their fluid intake and quality of life
measures.
WOUND HEALING RESEARCH
In addressing Wound Healing,
West Wimmera Health Service is
investigating healing wounds utilising
Olivamine, Cream which is proven to be
a more potent and effective formula
utilised in the United States of America
for this purpose, however not yet
available in Australia.
As a result we expect and have
witnessed in 6 patients to date that
persistent wounds and have been
healing and responding to the use of
Olivamine, where they weren’t healing
previously utilising other products.
This research conducted on West
Wimmera Health Service premises is
internationally recognised and will
contribute significantly to evidence
based practice methods in the
swallowing and wound healing fields.
These innovative and ambitious
projects, the outcomes of which may
transform in medical care of these
particular health concerns.
In response to such standards WWHS
ensures at all times best practise is
observed.
• 100% of staff are provided with
education relating to the provision
of culturally appropriate services
to clients and patients.
ensuring culturally appropriate
services are delivered and a
Cultural Diversity Awareness plan
exists in the form of a policy at
organisational level.
• Accredited interpreters are
provided for patients in need.
• The Service has access to
interpreters available via the
telephone or face to face.
• Inclusive practice in care planning
is demonstrated, including but not
limited to Dietary, Spiritual, Family,
Attitudinal, and other Cultural
Practices and needs.
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Consumers, Carers and Community
members are involved in the
planning, improvement and review
of programs and services of the
nature on an ongoing basis
• Professional development
opportunities are provided for
all staff.
Photo: Teacher, Mr Haydn Wearne surrounded
by happy students Drew, Sophie and Jordan who
all agree the Guys and Gals Program presented
by WWHS Community Nurse Michelle Barber
at the Goroke College is a great success. It has
built confidence, encouraged peer support and
made them aware of their feelings and the feeling
of others.
55 QUALITY OF CARE
LINDA KNIGHT'S STORY
Brave, courageous, bold! How else could one describe the decision to leave one’s homeland,
friends and family to move to a small rural town in a country largely unknown to Linda or her
family? Linda’s intrepid decision was life changing. No doubt there has been home sickness to
conquer and times of loneliness but in the end she is safe and happy in her new land and proud
of her achievements.
My 10 years with WWHS
ntry, and become
to survive in a foreign cou
ago, my only thought was
rs
yea
10
e
babw
Zim
for my
When I left
be capable of standing in
mention then, that I would
ed
dar
had
ne
anyo
If
our main income earner.
back.
dered and probably turned
facility, I would have shud
manager in an aged care
is daunting. We knew
new life at the age of 53
this, making a completely
e
don
ually
act
e
hav
und was
you
Unless
ern. Our only common gro
system, or the weather patt
ing
bank
the
n,
tow
the
k Australian!
no one, didn’t know
ning to understand and spea
However, we are still lear
lish.
Eng
e
spok
we
t
tha
t
the fac
are of – endless
ound support that I was unaw
me, there was much backgr
fund
HS
WW
did
manent
only
Not
effort required for our per
e over 50, and the hug e
eon
som
ng
loyi
emp
h
wit
paperwork involved
n in the pay office.
ty, John Smith and Gordo
ondence with Christine Duf
resp
cor
er
emb
rem
I
ce.
residen
But 10 years on, I don’t
g I have ever undertaken.
thin
cult
diffi
and
ging
llen
lost everything
This has been the most cha
much loved parents, who
assist with the support my
to
able
n
bee
e
hav
I
g.
reg ret one thin
support us. This would
to rely on our children to
them, but we don’t need
ort
supp
can
I
did.
we
n
whe
tinued in Zimbabwe.
have been so, if we had con
to learn and
rs. It took me a long time
ing profession for 30 yea
nurs
the
in
ally
form
ked
I had not wor
so much from residents and
is a privileg e. I have learnt
e
car
d
Age
in
g
kin
Wor
ion has to be
become proficient here.
epted. My greatest admirat
by the way I have been acc
bled
hum
am
I
e.
alik
ues
work colleag
ble and incredibly diverse.
for Di. Her job is unenvia
have
t on leave. This too, would
replacement when she wen
her
as
me
try
to
me
in
She had enough faith
ort from the staff.
been impossible without supp
compassionate.
me to be more patient, and
My time in Iona has taug ht
judg emental and impetuous.
And I have learnt to be less
this new start in life.
to WWHS for giving me
I will always be grateful
Kind reg ards
Linda Knight
56 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Dietitian Stephanie Daly explaining meal
options and menu planning with Mavis
Manning at Rainbow. Dietetics - a great
service for small towns.
THE IMPACT OF DIETITIANS
Our Dietitians have an impact in a many areas of healthcare. They are pivotal in menu planning
for the acute hospitals, they work with the Karen community introducing them to unfamiliar
produce in our supermarket; with the elderly to help them plan for cooking for one; conducting
supermarket tours taking the mystery out of understanding food labelling.
At a time when the incidence of obesity
in the Wimmera Region is extremely high
our Dietitians are an essential part of
the health promotion team promoting
healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.
EDUCATION AND TEAM
SUPPORT - A SUCCESS STORY
Obesity affects many Australians,
including Lee-Joy and her daughter Sam
and is a major cause of Chronic Disease
in this region of Victoria.
When Lee-Joy and Sam were referred
by their General Practitioner to a West
Wimmera Health Service Dietitian they
were severely overweight.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
The Dietitian, and their General
Practitioner, from Tristar Medical
Group, Nhill, worked with the ladies to
develop a Meal Plan which they believed
they could follow. The Plan included
fortnightly appointments and regular
check-ups with the General Practitioner
and the Dietitian.
Both ladies had a history of
unsuccessful attempts to lose weight
over the years so it was decided to move
them onto a medically formulated meal
replacement program containing the
correct balance of nutrients required to
maintain optimum health.
Their Four Stage Program commenced
with an Intensive regimen, followed
by Transition, Maintenance and
Stabilisation phases.
This program is designed to bring
about sustainable change as patients
transition towards healthy eating. It’s
not a quick fix, however, Lee-Joy and
Sam were dedicated to the program,
maintaining a positive attitude and
supporting each other throughout.
With ongoing education and support
from West Wimmera Health Service and
Tristar, the women have lost 17.4kg and
14.9kg respectively.
THE OUTCOME
Importantly, both are continuing to
embrace healthy eating habits and are
still losing weight!
57 QUALITY OF CARE
DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY
IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
Pressure Injuries 2013/2014
In 2006 the Department of Health introduced a suite of
Quality Indicators that all public sector Residential Aged Care
Organisations are required to report upon on a quarterly basis.
These indicators relate specifically to
common risks that may impact on the
quality of life of those residents within
our aged care facilities, and include:
• Prevalence of pressure injuries
• Prevalence of falls and fall related
fractures
• Use of physical restraint
• Residents prescribed nine or more
medications
• Prevalence of unplanned weight loss
By collating and analysing this data
we are able to compare outcomes
with other aged care organisations,
and identify clear trends that we can
address to minimise the impact of
such risks.
This enables us to improve individual
resident care and becomes our focus for
continuous improvement, to which we
aspire.
Over this period our focus on continuous
improvement has demonstrated that
we have sustained excellent results in
all five areas, with a great improvement
in the identification and management
of pressure injuries and continued low
rates of falls and related fractures,
physical restraint, medication use and
unplanned weight loss.
PREVALENCE OF PRESSURE
INJURIES
Pressure injuries can occur in anyone
with reduced or restricted mobility.
A Pressure injury, the result of damage
to the skin and underlying tissues, is
often caused by the inability to change
position independently.
Sustained pressure and associated
friction can lead to damage of the skin
and underlying tissues, and if untreated
can also affect the muscles and bones.
Prevention strategies used to reduce
the likelihood of a pressure injury
developing include regular position
changes, good hygiene and skin care,
and a healthy diet.
58 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
The most likely areas susceptible to a
pressure injury are bony areas; heels,
elbows, the back of the head and the
coccyx (tailbone).
These injuries are staged by severity,
with Stage 1 being general redness of
the skin, to Stage 4 which is a wound
that involves muscle and bone.
The constant monitoring of our
resident’s skin enables early detection
of the signs associated with pressure
injury at the earliest stage (Stage 1), as
the interventions required to reverse
a Stage 1 injury are simple and noninvasive.
Early intervention has revealed that
more serious injuries can be prevented
if a stage 1 injury is identified early and
treated appropriately.
Residents are regularly assessed for
risk of developing a pressure injury,
and with skin assessments routinely
conducted to identify any pressure
injury at the earliest possible stage is
where the least skin and tissue damage
has occurred.
Interventions applied to facilitate good
blood supply to the skin and reduce
the likelihood and severity of pressure
injuries include:
• Good nursing techniques which
involves frequent positional
changes, moisturisation of the skin,
use of aids that reduce skin pressure
– heel protectors, chair cushions,
positional pads are utilised for this
purpose.
• Dietitians assess nutritional
status and recommend dietary
supplements that encourage healing
of skin and surrounding tissues.
• Occupational Therapists are able
to specify aids which provide relief
from pressure “hot spots”.
• Ill-fitting footwear is a common
pressure source. The Podiatrist is
able to review current footwear and
recommend appropriate footwear
for this ailment.
PRESSURE INJURIES
2013/2014
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
Stage 1
WWHS
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
STATE
The majority of recorded pressure
injuries were of the least severe stages,
with no stage 4 pressure injuries
assessed during this time.
PREVALENCE OF FALLS AND
FALL RELATED FRACTURES
Unfortunately falls within aged care
residences homes are not always
preventable, but we are able to assess
our residents to determine likelihood
of falling, and as a result implement
interventions which will reduce the
likelihood of falling and its impact on
their quality of life.
In order to reduce the risk of falls, whilst
maintaining the independence of our
often frail elderly residents we:
• Assess each resident to determine
their level of risk, and review this
assessment if the resident’s health
status changes.
• Ensure the home is safe and free of
clutter, allowing residents to walk
freely around the home.
• Provide appropriate mobility aids.
• Have a multidisciplinary approach
to falls prevention, with the health
care team recommending relevant
interventions for each individual
resident who experiences a fall.
The safety of the residents within
our aged care facilities is a very high
priority, always being very aware of the
need to encourage residents to be as
independent as they can.
To align such principles with this we
ensure the environment is conducive to
resident activity and movement, with
our staff alert at all times to risks that
could cause or impact on falls.
Resident cognitive abilities directly
influence the frequency that a resident
falls.
Our experience reveals that we are
lower than the State average for
falls and fall related fractures for the
2013/14 period.
To continue to reduce the number of
falls our residents experience and
the injuries sustained the following
interventions are routine:
All falls are reviewed by the “Falls
Working Group”, formulate and
recommend strategies to assist in
the reduction of fall occasions, which
include:
• Programs to improve balance and
gait
• Appropriate footwear is evidenced
• Mobility aids – full range of frames
and sticks are available
• Activity programs to reduce the
impact of poor cognition are
incorporated in facility activity
plans
• Alert devices – to alert staff that a
resident deemed at risk of falling is
mobilizing unassisted
The Health Care Team, involving nursing,
medical practitioners and allied health
staff review “frequent fallers” to
establish the impact of medications and
treatment regimens, and suitability to
Falls 2013/2014
maintain
independent good health.
RATE OF FALLS 2013/2014
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
Referenced Department of Health
and Ageing Decision Making Tool:
Responding to issues of restraint in
aged care: www.health.gov.au/internet/
wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/ageingdecision-restraint.htm
WWHS
STATE
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Fall related Fractures
USE OF PHYSICAL
RESTRAINTS 2013/2014
1.20
0.96
0.72
Physical restraint is the restriction of a
resident’s movement or behaviour.
0.48
In the past various methods of physical
restraint were commonly applied in an
attempt to reduce the number of falls
experienced.
0.00
Research has since shown that physical
restraint does not reduce the number
of falls experienced, but actually can
increase behaviours and the severity of
injuries sustained by those falls.
RESTRAINT IS NEVER
CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE.
West Wimmera Health Service currently
has an aged care resident who has
requested to have bed rails up at night,
to provide a sense of safety.
Prior to implementing this request we
have:
• Sought formal written consent
from the resident, family and
treating Medical Practitioner
• Risk assessed the use of bed rails
• Assessed the resident’s mobility
while in bed with rails up
Within all of our aged care residences
the use physical restraints to restrict
a resident’s movement or behaviour do
not routinely prevail.
All such requests require all parties
to agree to the use of bed rails being
appropriate and safe for each individual.
Assessments are undertaken by the
nursing, medical and allied health staff.
Written consents are obtained from the
resident and/or their family.
Nursing staff closely observe and
monitor resident’s safety whilst in bed
with bed rails raised.
Rate of Falls
Use of Physical
Restraints 2013/2014
0.24
Intent to
Restrain
WWHS
Physical
Restraint Devices
STATE
The table data demonstrates the
average of our use of physical restraint
is currently above the State average,
but relates entirely to 1 of our 123
residents who has chosen to have bed
rails insitu while sleeping.
RESIDENTS PRESCRIBED NINE
OR MORE MEDICATIONS
Constant review to ensure residents are
prescribed the medications to address
current conditions, and in a form that
best meets the individual resident
requirement and is easily tolerated.
By identifying residents prescribed
nine or more medications we are able to
instigate constant regular medication
reviews.
Medication reviews are regularly
conducted by nursing and medical
practitioners, in consultation with the
pharmacist and Consultant Geriatrician,
and if required the psychogeriatric
team.
Our policy is to routinely review the
number and type of medications
prescribed for each of the residents
within our aged care facilities.
Those residents prescribed nine or more
different medicines are identified and
further reviewed by the team, which
includes the nursing and pharmacy staff
together with the patients’ Medical
Practitioner.
This group review the medicines
prescribed, and whether they are still
appropriate need to be revised or
ceased.
59 QUALITY OF CARE
Reasons why residents are prescribed
multiple medicines include:
• Some residents have a number
of chronic medical conditions
which require individual close and
constant management.
• Residents entering the “twilight”
stage of life often benefit from
additional medication intervention
to allow them to enjoy a dignified
end of life which is as pain free as
possible.
• Increased frailty, and acute illness
result in specific medications being
prescribed
Medication Use 2013/2014
INCIDENTS OF 9 OR MORE
PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
2013/2014
5
4
3
Residents have their weight verified
on a monthly basis, to identify those
experiencing unplanned weight loss, and
weight loss over a 3 consecutive month
period.
Those residents which have been
identified as having significant weight
loss are further reviewed to determine
if additional nutritional supplements
may be appropriate.
A Dietitian assesses these residents and
may recommend dietary supplements
that have more calories, to maintain or
increase weight; being in a form that is
palatable and enjoyed by the resident.
The ability to swallow often impacts
on a resident’s ability to eat and drink
adequately.
2
1
0
WWHS
STATE
PREVALENCE OF UNPLANNED
WEIGHT LOSS
Resident’s weights are monitored on a
monthly basis, together with significant
weight loss over a 3 month period.
Unexplained weight loss is reviewed by
the health care team that encompasses
Nursing, Medical, Dietetics and Speech
Pathology personnel.
A complete review addresses:
• Current medical condition – Weight
is often the result of an illness or by
the resident entering the “twilight”
stages of life
• The resident’s dietary preferences,
likes and dislikes
• Caloric intake which may
be boosted with nutritional
supplements in a variety of forms
and consistencies.
• The resident’s ability to swallow
adequately, and if deficiencies
are detected then diet and fluid
consistencies may be adjusted
60 This vigorous system of routine
monitoring of unexpected weight loss
has increased the awareness staff need
to identify early, thus implementing
strategies prior to significant weight
loss having a detrimental impact on the
resident’s medical condition and quality
of life.-
WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
The fragility of those within our care is
clearly seen by the state rate for this
indictor as seen in the chart.
No matter the circumstances we
continue to provide our residents with
high quality care to ensure they have a
quality of life which will always provide
them with comfort, choice and above all
dignity.
BENEFITS
By collecting and monitoring this
complete suite of quality indicators we
are able to identify at an early stage if a
resident is at risk of becoming medically
unwell, any symptoms impacting
on their general welling, and thus
compromising their enjoyment of life.
By identifying deteriorating conditions
early we are able to implement changes
to the care planning which can reverse
changes in health status, whilst
ensuring resident care preferences are
respected.
Our concerned effort to add to the
quality of life of our senior citizens.
A Speech Pathologist will determine
need in this instance, and may
recommend a diet which is of a
consistency that the resident can easily
swallow and digest.
A resident’s weight is inclined to
fluctuate in times of acute illness
or when entering the end of life
experiences.
It is vital residents are provided with a
nutritional diet which they are able to
choose and want to eat, and is also in
form they can tolerate and sustain.
Unplanned Weight Loss 2013/2014
UNPLANNED WEIGHTLOSS
2013/2014
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
Weight Loss
3+kgs
WWHS
Weight Loss of
3 Month Period
STATE
Betty McKenzie relaxing with Registered Nurse
Ancy Bijup potting plants in the mobile "French
Garden" which is the source of much enjoyment
for patients and residents at Jeparit Hospital and
Hostel.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
61 QUALITY OF CARE
QUALITY AND SAFETY FOR OUR PATIENTS
At West Wimmera Health Service safety of our patients are our chief concern. High safety
expectations are set and these are monitored by the examination of key indicators of
quality care, these include safe use of blood and blood products, preventing falls, preventing
and managing pressure injuries, medication safety, best practice concerns and all aspects
associated with Occupational Health and Safety.
PRESSURE INJURIES
The number of Pressure Injuries
recorded across the Service increased
in 2014 from 16 in the previous twelve
months.
10
0
Not described
Number of Pressure Injuries by type by year
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
West Wimmera Health Service
commenced participation in a High
Definition Three Dimensional (HD3D)
project, funded by the Victorian
Department of Health, which is being
run for 6 months across the Wimmera
Sub-region. Nurses in the field will be
supplied with cameras which will take
3D images of wounds. These images will
then be uploaded to a central computer
where the Wound Care Specialist
employed by the Service can view the
images and provide expert opinion
regarding wound management.
2013/14
2010-11
This graph demonstrates the types of pressure
injuries at WWHS, emphasising that a great many
injuries have been detected and treated before
they become severe and require extensive
treatment
MEDICATION INCIDENTS –
Medication
Incidents
by primary type
A FIVE YEAR
COMPARISON
2009-10
WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
20
/ Unstageable
62 30
Stage 4
Education of our staff has again been
the focus of our efforts in combating
the number and severity of pressure
injuries. Our resident wound care
specialist nurse has instigated new
resources on the Service intranet
so that staff can access the latest
information and education relating to
pressure injury prevention; it provides
an online interactive program designed
by wound management experts.
2012-13
The 2011-12
number of patient medication
incidents
has remained relatively
2010-11
similar over the past three years as
2009-10
demonstrated by the graph below.
40
Stage 3
No Stage 4 pressure injuries were
recorded in 2013/14; this is important
as this type of injury is the most serious
requiring intensive and sustained care.
50
Stage 2
Patient and resident assessment of skin
integrity is key to early detection of
pressure injuries. Our aim is prevention
rather than reaction when dealing
with pressure injuries with special
mattresses, gel pads and attention
to the nutritional needs of patients is
paramount.
in our
hospitals and residential aged
2013-14
care facilities.
60
Stage 1
Twenty eight (28) pressure injuries were
recorded in 2013/14 compared to 72
five years previously. This reduction was
brought about by a mixture of thorough
patient assessment and the use of new
equipment designed to reduce the
injury to the tissues of the human body,
particularly over bony prominences of
the body.
MEDICATION SAFETY
Pressure Injuries
- a–comparison
over time
PRESSURE
INJURIES
A FIVE
Safe administration of medications has
YEAR COMPARISON 2013/14
a direct relationship to safe patient care
Severity of Pressure Ulcer
Meeting the needs of our community in
a responsive and safe manner is a key
objective for our Service.
Wrong Patient
Wrong Dose
Wrong Drug
Omitted Dose
The rate of medication incidents per
thousand bed days has decreased from
2.09 in 2012/13 to 1.21 in 2013/14.
This result has been achieved through
a combination of staff education,
awareness of the incidents occurring
across the Service and an investment of
following up each incident with the staff
involved.
No adverse patient outcomes occurred
as a result of a medication error during
the past year. Despite this, medication
errors are thoroughly investigated and
practices put in place to improve our
performance.
Dr Anachuna Anthony
supported the initiative of
a Venesection Clinic for the
treatment of patients with
excess red blood cells. Clive
Knight listens intently as Dr
Anthony explains the way his
Venesection treatment will
work. Venesection is used when
you have too many red cells in
your blood which may cause the
blood flow to become sluggish
which may increase the chance
of developing problems such
as blood clots. By removing
the extra cells the risk of
that happening is reduced.
Venesection is the simplest
method of reducing the number
of red cells in your blood. The
method used is similar to the
procedure used for donating
blood.
PREVENTING FALLS
Preventing falls or reducing the severity
of the outcomes of falls continues to be
a safety objective of our Service.
Our falls health care team comprising
physiotherapists, nurses, Visiting
Medical Practitioners and occupational
Number
of Falls examine all
therapists
thoroughly
patients who fall or have the potential
of doing so.
Number of Falls by Year
NUMBER OF FALLS – A FIVE
YEAR COMPARISON 2013/14
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2013/14
2012/13
2011/12
2010/11
2009/10
Numbers of falls have remained relatively
constant over the past 12 months compared
with previous, as indicated in the above graph .
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
A comprehensive care plan is
established with the patient and
their family members to ensure that
all possible methods to prevent falls
are put in place; such efforts include
an environment free of obstacles,
appropriate footwear that fits the
foot well and providing the ability for
patients and residents to easily solicit
staff assistance when needed.
Patient cognitive ability plays a key role
in falls, and as such patients are not
always aware of their limitations when
walking unaided.
Mild discomfort and first aid for the
patient or resident occur in 99% of
falls but occasionally the outcome and
treatment is more severe, sometimes
resulting in a fractured bone. In 2013-14,
four patients or residents suffered
a fracture: such incidents undergo
an extensive clinical review of the
circumstances leading to the fall and
the injury sustained.
Patient and residents requiring
Dementia care remains an area of focus;
we intend to continue to introduce
new methods of patient and resident
activities to engage people living with
wandering tendencies but poor physical
strength.
BLOOD AND BLOOD
PRODUCTS
Meticulous attention is made to the
need of providing blood or a blood
product to a patient by our Visiting
Medical Practitioners as it is usually in
such short supply.
The healthcare team take time to ensure
patients fully understand the need
for Blood or Blood Products and their
consent must be obtained prior to its
administration; in 2013-14 this occurred
in 100% of occasions.
During 2013-14, no incidents occurred
where the wrong type of blood was
administered to a patient.
PERFECTION - OUR AIM
Safe, efficient clinical care, doing
no harm remains our number one
priority. Our aim is to improve on
these indicators of quality of care and
strive to implement new strategies to
assist our clinical practitioners in their
endeavours.
63 QUALITY OF CARE
PREVENTING AND CONTROLLING HEALTHCARE
ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS
There are five main areas of focus to
prevent infections at West Wimmera
Health Service – these are:
• A clean environment
• Promoting Hand Hygiene
compliance
• Promoting staff immunisation,
• Surveillance
• Staff education
MAINTAINING A CLEAN
ENVIRONMENT
Cleaning is the prerogative The
Environmental Services Department
are responsible for the daily cleanliness
of our premises. Audits of cleaning
practices are undertaken continuously
both by designated staff (Internal
Auditing) and in July each year by
Auditors independent of West Wimmera
Health Service (Independent Auditors).
Results of the Internal Audit is reported
and submitted to the Department of
Health, Victoria, March and November.
Results of the External Audit are
submitted to the Department of Health,
Victoria.
During the Audits three categories
are reported: Category A-very high
risk areas such as the Operating Suite,
Category B-high risk areas such as
Wards and Kitchens and Category
C-which are medium risk areas such as
Allied Heath Consulting Rooms.
Our results for the external audit in
2014 were Category A-99%, Category
B-100% and Category C- 100%.
What a great result! Absolute
reinforcement of the successful
implementation and observance of
the continuous improvement of the
cleaning regimes by this Service and
the contribution of this department
to achieving virtually zero healthcare
associated infection at West Wimmera
Health Service.
64 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
HAND HYGIENE AUSTRALIA
West Wimmera Health Service has
participated in the auditing of hand
hygiene compliance since 2007. We
now report this data to Hand Hygiene
Australia, three times each year through
VICNISS the Victorian Healthcare
Associated Infection Surveillance
Coordinating Centre.
We audit the staff as they go about their
tasks caring for patients and assess if
they clean their hands by washing or
using Alcohol Hand Rub as frequently
as is indicated by the Five Moments of
Hand Hygiene.
We have achieved respectable
compliance, with a rate that is
consistent and slightly above the
national average. The National
Benchmark is 70% however the current
target is now 75%.
We reported our Hand Hygiene
Compliance in October 2013 as 78.3%,
in March 2014 it was 77.9% and in June
2014 it was 81.2%. We audit staff in
five areas of the health service for each
audit reported.
The average Australian compliance for
June 2014 was 81%.
Our staff influenza vaccination
uptake rates have improved, a group
of Immunisation Nurses undertook
workplace vaccinations at such
businesses in Nhill as Luv-a-Duck, IGA
Supermarket, Solicitors, Nhill College
and the Hindmarsh Shire
UNDERTAKING SURVEILLANCE
Auditing and reporting of practices
and activities are an integral part of
the Infection Control and Prevention
of any health service. Assessing the
hand hygiene of staff, looking at the
environmental cleaning of our facilities
and counting the number of staff who
have accepted the vaccinations offered
is a small part of the total package of
surveillance.
Surveillance is looking objectively
at what staff are doing, looking at
the outcome of their activities and
assessing whether we can alter what we
do to improve the result in the future.
Throughout the year we have assessed
how we do things in relation to infection
control in the theatre, sterile stock
department and the dental surgeries;
how we manage waste, staff exposures
and wound dressing techniques.
In 2014 the National influenza
vaccination target rate was 75%.
We continue to closely monitor our
Aged Care Clients. We undertook a Point
Prevalence Audit (an audit designed
to take place on one day to obtain a
snapshot of clients with infection and
antibiotic treatment) of the residents
of our nursing homes, comparing our
data and that of other hospitals in the
Grampians Region.
Between March and June we were able
to achieve a vaccination rate of 67.3%
across the West Wimmera Health
Service. While not reaching the 75%
target set we did improve our Influenza
Vaccination Rate among staff from
59.7% in 2013
These results will be compared with
other Regions in Victoria. The data will
then be submitted to a European study
and will provide us with information
about how we treat this infection, how
our rates compare to other areas and
show us what we could improve.
PROMOTING IMMUNISATION
To promote immunisation for Staff and
in the wider community, we undertook
an active program of influenza
vaccination clinics this year.
WWHSACUTE
Acute CLEANING
Cleaning %%
WWHS
Audit
byBY
Category
A
UDITResults
RESULTS
CATEGORY
100
2014
2013
2012
99
98
97
96
95
VHR
HR
MR
WWHS Cleaning results by category per year
WWHS
HANDHygiene
WWHSNATIONAL
National Hand
HYGIENE
A
UDIT
%
Audit % Compliance 2011-2014
COMPLIANCE 2011-2014
120
Audit 3
100
Audit 2
80
Audit 1
60
40
Rhonda Dunham preparing to use the new Ecolab
cleaning system which has reduced chemical use
and cost while achieving outstanding results
in cleaning audits. An advantage of the system
is the labels which are screen printed onto the
containers eliminating fading and peeling which
can become a safety issue.
20
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
STAFF EDUCATION
STAFFInfluenza
INFLUENZA
Staff
Vaccination
VACCINATION
%
RATE
% Rate 2012-2014
2012-2014
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2014
2013
2012
Given
Refused
Unknown
Percentage of staff vaccinated, refused
vaccination and of unknown status
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Education targeting the crucial
importance of controlling and
preventing infection is an important
element of our education program for
all employees. A basic introduction
to Infection Control is included in
the Orientation package for all staff.
Compliance with mandatory education
units according to the department of
employment is closely monitored.
Education is acknowledged as an
essential element of the process of
preventing and controlling infections
within a health service. It reinforces
appropriate decisions about the care
of infected patients, while avoiding the
spread of infections from one patient to
another.
Some subjects in the program are
constants such as Hand Hygiene and
others are varied for each group of
staff.
The formal education compliance for
2013-14 is for Clinical staff: 99.28%
and Non-clinical: 100%. The total staff
who have attended Infection Control
education is 99.64%
Informal education is constant and may
include on the spot education about
management of a specific disease or
how to use a new product.
WHY DO WE PLACE SUCH
IMPORTANCE ON THE
PREVENTION OF HEALTHCARE
ACQUIRED INFECTIONS?
As a patient or resident in a West
Wimmera Health Service facility you
can be assured the utmost effort
is placed on keeping you safe from
Hospital Acquired Infection.
65 CORPORATE & QUALITY SERVICES
It takes an enormous number of departments and individuals working together towards a
common goal to make an organisation as diverse as West Wimmera Health Service function
effectively, safely and efficiently. Quality care comprises many facets in addition to medical,
nursing and allied healthcare.
A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Providing a clean and attractive
environment for patients plays an
important part in the road to recovery. It
is also important as a means of reducing
the risk of patients contracting hospital
acquired infections.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR
This year’s external cleaning audit
highlighted the immaculate cleanliness
and tidiness of our campuses, with our
four acute hospital sites at Nhill, Kaniva,
Jeparit and Rainbow recording a 99%
compliance result.
This is the second consecutive year
we’ve received this excellent result,
meaning WWHS is substantially
above the 85% benchmark set by
the Department of Health regarding
cleaning standards.
Our nine residential aged care facilities
also achieved an excellent outcome,
receiving a score of 97% for the second
year in a row.
Following a detailed tendering and
review process conducted in accordance
with Health Purchasing Victoria (HPV)
requirements, we introduced a new
cleaning system this year, resulting in a
13% reduction in the use of chemicals
and an associated saving of $3,500 per
annum.
A further improvement has been noted
by decreasing the size of chemical
containers from five to two litres,
reducing manual handling risks.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
This year, we took proactive steps
toward decreasing our environmental
footprint, introducing a new chemicalfree cleaning system to our Natimuk
residential aged care facility.
Microfibre cleaning has been used for
several years in Iona Digby Harris Home,
Nhill, providing residents with a clean
and chemical free environment.
66 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Over the next year, we will introduce
microfibre cleaning system into the
remainder of our aged care facilities,
before introducing it to the acute ward
areas.
ENGINEERING AND
MAINTENANCE
The physical environment at all sites is
impeccably maintained and presented,
ensuring front-line clinical care is
always provided in a safe and pleasant
environment. Engineering staff at each
site undertake routine repairs and
maintenance and complete a detailed
preventative maintenance program
comprising daily, weekly, monthly and
annual checks.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
Our progressive capital redevelopment
program replaces and improves
physical infrastructure in a planned and
financially sustainable manner every
year. This year’s projects included:
Completing and officially opening the
Goroke Community Health Centre;
Making major upgrades to the Nhill
nurse call system, eliminating the risk
of system malfunction and flow-on
effects; Developing a Dental Clinic at
Goroke, which included installing a new
Dental Chair and suction equipment,
and providing X-ray; Upgrading the
Kaniva and Rainbow Dental Clinics,
installing new X-ray equipment
and X-ray viewers; Installing a new
commercial dishwasher in the Nhill
Hospital Kitchen, replacing the existing
30 year old unit; Upgrading our staff
accommodation house at Macpherson
Street in Nhill, including repairs and
painting; and Building three houses
in Nhill to provide accommodation
for undergraduate and postgraduate
students completing placements with
us, as well as other staff requiring
short-term accommodation and visiting
medical officers.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
A site risk survey undertaken by
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority
at Nhill this year provided us a good
rating, indicating that we control risks
well. This review provided a number of
recommendations we are now putting
into place.
Predicted budgetary constraints will
test our capacity to continue to provide
the exceptional physical infrastructure
we presently enjoy, but we will meet this
challenge head-on, striving to find ways
to ‘do more with less’.
EDUCATION
Ongoing education makes sure we
remain at the forefront of modern
practices. It is very important to the
sustainability and success of our
organisation.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
This year, we actively promoted
education in a number of ways: Engaging
undergraduate students by providing
supervised placements in nursing
and allied health; Up-skilling staff
in all departments to increase their
knowledge and qualifications; Ensuring
our care is best practice by encouraging
staff to attend internal and external
conferences and seminars; and offering
mandatory training in critical areas
such as fire and evacuation, medication
management and manual handling for
all staff.
This year, 475 undergraduate clinical
placement days were undertaken,
including a Speech Pathology placement
for the first time in five years. Compared
with 45 days in 2012 13 and applications
for 2014-15 already standing at 595.
The healthcare sector has witnessed an
increase in occupational violence and
aggression and as a result we are taking
proactive steps to mitigate the risk of
this behaviour.
Hilma Summerhayes, supported employee, delights in
her role meeting customers at Oliver’s Café and Leanne
Wallis is bringing more sweet treats for sale.
We have provided training to 209 staff,
teaching them strategies to prevent
these kinds of incidents from occurring.
Our commitment to furthering
qualifications of our staff is evident
with the enrolment of three Hospitality
and Environmental Services staff in
Commercial Cookery apprenticeships,
with a further three staff currently
enrolled in a Certificate IV Disability
course.
Nine staff have also successfully
completed ‘barista’ coffee training,
guaranteeing Oliver’s’ Café and Kiosk
will continue to serve the best coffee in
Western Victoria.
FRESH FOOD SERVICES
We understand that meals can be
a highlight for many residents and
patients, and we make the effort to go
above and beyond to cater for individual
tastes. Patients and residents at all
sites enjoy tasty, nutritious, freshly
cooked meals made with locally-sourced
ingredients.
Menus are prepared in conjunction with
our Dietitians and Speech Pathologists,
ensuring food provided is not only tasty,
but healthy and safe for everyone.
Our kitchens also provide meals for a
number of external groups including
Senior Citizens and Meals on Wheels.
We are delighted to support these
community partnerships.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
This year 183,047 meals were provided,
.8% less than the previous year. This
year’s external food audit indicated
all sites are fully compliant with food
safety regulations and guidelines.
Olivers Cafe' is a commercial cafe
operating in the business precinct
of Nhill. It provides employment
opportunities for supported employees
from Cooinda Disability Services and
has proved very effective in showcasing
their individual talents to the wider
community.
Olivers Kiosk at the Nhill Hospital
provides delicious light meals and
fabulous coffee, appreciated by
visitors, patients and staff and another
opportunity for supported employees
to work in the community.
MOVING FORWARD
INVESTIGATING A NEW
SERVICE?
A recent assessment of the new
arrangement revealed general
dissatisfaction with the service. So
taking into account the cost associated
with transporting the linen to and from
a Regional Centre and also comments
from our clients, many of whom raised
concerns about the poor quality,
particularly with personal laundry.
Therefore we are now investigating
the possibility and sustainability of
establishing our own laundry service
covering all West Wimmera Health
Service sites including personal laundry
for aged care residents.
If the investigation proves positive and
the project goes ahead it would be a
very progressive community building
action, providing local employment
opportunities, support local businesses
and importantly result in significant
cost savings and a better quality service
for West Wimmera Health Service. A win
win situation for all!
Clean linen for patients and for use
across the service by cleaning and
catering staff is a critical element for
the everyday work of our Service as is
the personal laundry service for our
aged care residents.
At the end of 2013 an evaluation of the
laundry services provided by an external
contractor was undertaken and in light
of the findings a contract was drawn up
with a different provider.
67 CORPORATE & QUALITY SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE YEAR
ELECTRICITY
HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
A plan to replace incandescent and
fluorescent lights in our buildings
has commenced, with a total of 560
LED lights being installed in all new
facilities. This has decreased our energy
consumption by 112,420 kilowatt hours,
with a resultant saving of $33,700
per annum.
An energy auditor was engaged for the
first time this year to assist us to meet
our obligations for appropriate energy
conservation in our new staff and
student accommodation in Nhill.
WATER
We ‘farm’ water from roof tops by
directing the rainwater to three 22,000
litre tanks for use in toilets, washing
machines and hot water systems. Water
conservation of this nature reduces our
reliance on mains water supply, reducing
our costs and also the possibility of
water being wasted as storm water.
WASTE
WWHS is conscious of reducing
its environmental footprint,
conscientiously recycling cardboard,
paper and plastic products in all
of our administrative, clinical and
support services.
Equipment no longer in use and suitable
for resale is also recycled. Our secondhand retail outlet Snappy Seconds sells
a variety of items, from desks, chairs
and curtains to computers.
DOMESTIC HOT WATER
The gas-fired hot water service in the
Mira Medical and Allied Health Centre
at Nhill was replaced this year with an
electrical service. This has reduced
our LPG consumption by 18% in three
months, providing a more efficient and
stable water heating source.
68 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
As a result of this audit, double-glazed
gas-filled windows have been installed,
reducing noise levels by at least 50%
while maintaining the internal thermal
environment. This will significantly
reduce energy consumption and our
cost of providing this accommodation.
In a first for construction at West
Wimmera Health Service, insulation
has been installed to the ceilings, walls
and subfloors of all new constructions
creating a thermal barrier. By doing
this, we have created an environment
requiring minimal energy input to
maintain a comfortable setting for
occupants.
LOOKING TOWARD THE
FUTURE
We will now focus on new methods of
managing our heating, ventilation and
cooling systems at the Nhill Hospital to
ensure maximum efficiency.
We trust that research currently
underway will see innovations in the
forms of heating and cooling we install
in our buildings, such as using solar
and vacuum technology to preheat hot
waterloops.
It is anticipated that a direct result of
these efforts will realise a reduction in
energy costs, particularly relating to
liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
New accommodation for students and staff
construction by West Wimmera Health Service
Engineering & Maintenance staff – Rob Schneider,
Aaron Beer, Tim Seymour busy carting material.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
69 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Cody Gersch, Administration Clerk manning the
Nhill Hospital Reception Desk. Cody is gaining
experience in all areas of the Administration
Department.
70 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
STAFF 2013 - 2014
Brendon Abernethy
Gwen Agustin
Jillian Albrecht
Melanie Albrecht
Erika Alegre
Karen Alexander
Raelene Alexander
Alicia Alexander
Michael Alexander
Amanda Alexander
Judy Allen
Gary Allison
Wendy Altmann
Sharyn Andrews
Sam Anthony
Glenda Aristides
Marie Arnold
Shirley Ashfield
Jenny Asplin
Kelvin Asplin
Ange Atta
Dawn Austin
Shirley Avery
Robert Bahr
Anjali Balakrishnan
Aziz Baluch
Michelle Barber
Kaye Baron
Anne Barry
Bill Bartholomew
Sharon Bartholomew
Rebecca Bastin
Heather Batson
Hayden Baxter
P’leh Be Nyo
Susanne Beattie
Kellie Beattie
Clint Beattie
Wendy Bedford
Bridie Beer
Aaron Beer
Ancy Biju
Julie Bloomfield
Cindy Bone
Anthony Bone
Emiley Bone
Tracey Bone
Kaye Borgelt
Elizabeth Both
Maria Bottrell
Lisa Braybrook
Tony Breavington
Russell Brown
Shelley Brown
Amanda Brownsea
Donna Burns
Connie Burns
Glenda Bush
Dayle Buttigieg
Lisa Buttigieg
Kim Campbell
Lachie Campbell
Lindsay Cannell
Helen Cannell
Sue Carracher
Mark Carracher
Taryn Carter
Katelyn Carty
Toni Casey
Barb Cavanagh
Peter Cavanagh
Anuja Chacko
Debbie Chaston
Remya Chathamparambil
Ramesan
Pat Chequer
Rickie Chequer
Bianca Chifura
Erol Chilton
Peter Chilton
Pamela Clark
Janine Clark
Robyn Clark
Carolyn Clark
Chris Clark
Deborah Clifford
Janice Clugston
Melissa Coad
Pamela Coates
Pauline Colbert
Alexi Conboy
Faye Connell
Charles Cook
Helene Cook
Kerryn Cook
Colleen Cook
Emma Cooper
Jackie Cooper
Annie Coustley
Kerry Coyne
Sophie Cramer
Marianne Cramer
Carolyn Croke
Anthony Croke
Janine Dahlenburg
Alison Dahlenburg
Stephanie Daly
Jisha David
Jeena David
Melissa Davis
Andy Davis
Jodie Day
Sandra Decker
Andrea Deckert
Christine Deckert
Alyce Deckert
Jim Delarue
Kellie Dickerson
Michelle Dickinson
Aimee Disher
Shenae Dixon
Sharon Dixon
Ritchie Dodds
Thomas Dryburgh
Jamie Duffy
Jennifer Dufty
Christine Dufty
Julie Dunford
Lynette Dunford
Rhonda Dunham
Olena Dyer
Wendy Eden
Nina Edmonds
Tiarna Edwards
Rachael Egan
Michelle Eldridge
Jessica Eldridge
Carol Elliott
Sheryl Ellis
Susie Ellis
Stacey Ellis
Kaye Emmett
Kevin Emmett
Wendy Essex
Vicki Etherton
Kerry Exell
Carmel Feder
Caroline Fischer
Anne-Marie Fischer
Jan Fisher
Loretta Fisher
Chantelle Fisher
Wendy Flavel
Neena Francis
Katrina Fraser
Nanette Freckleton
Margaret Frew
Tyrone Friebel
Lorretta Fuller
Rhona Fulton-Drendel
Deb Funcke
Mary Gabbe
Laura Gabbe
Katrina Gagliardi
Zen Garcia
Sharon Garwood
Wendy Gawith
Helen Gay
Carol Gebert
Darren Gebert
Kylie Gebert
Alicia Gebert
Prameela George
Sharon George
Amritha George
Geena George
Cathrine Gersch
Cody Gersch
Sandra Gilbert
Michelle Giles
Gwenda Gilpin
Dena Gleeson
Kent Goldsworthy
Michael Goode
Teresa Gould
Tennille Gould
Leonie Graham
Ian Graham
Beverley Grant
Ashley Grant
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
Lawrence Grayling
Jenny Grayson
Dianne Green
Robyn Gregor
Jennifer Greig
Helen Greig
Harsha Gunawardena
Beverly Hage
Yvonne Hall
Megan Hall
Russell Hallam
Allison Halliwell
Anne Hamilton
Cynthia Harberger
Janine Harberger
Judith Harrington
Steph Harris
Belinda Hartigan
Jess Hartridge
Anita Hassall
Elizabeth Hawker
Lesley Hawker
Leah Hawker
Emma Hawker
Tina Hayden
Yingying He
Janet Heenan
May Hei
Trisha Heinrich
Josh Heinrich
Craig Henley
Debra Hill
Sandra Hinch
Casey Hiscock
Susan Hiscock
Thaylor Hofmaier
Terri-Ann Hogart
Rachael Hormann
Lyn Hourigan
Cassie Howe
Than Than Htoo
Jonathon Hurst
Kathleen Hutson
Kellie Hyde
Brenda J Jackson
Diane Jackson
Phillip Jackson
Tracey Jarred
Maggie Jarvis
Denise Jensz
Nakita Jewell
Jan John
Saina John
Niceson John
Desley John
Wayne John
Cheryl Johnson
Matt Jones
Brian Jones
Yvonne Jones
Bianca Jones
Kevin Jones
Jerric Jose
Jismon Joseph
Saleena Joseph
Bony Joseph
Debbie Jozeps
Leanne Just
Deborah Kakoschke
Martha Karagiannis
Aman Kaur
Lucy Keam
Vanessa Keberling
Judith Keller
Ann Keller
Rowena Keller
Karen Kennedy
Kate Kennedy
Sue Kennedy
Sunil Kesavan
Fiona King
Alannah King
Mary King
Amanda King
Charlotte King
Kayleen Kingwill
Linda Knight
Margaret Krelle
Fiona Krelle
Anna Krommenhoek
Sheena Kurisumkal Paul
Jono Kyle
Gladys Kyle
Libby Lacey
Jessica Lacey
Warrick Lang
Janine Launder
Neree Launer
Kristine Laverty
Lisa Lawes
Julie Leddin
Cassy Leffler
Barbara Leffler
Dianne Leggo
Caitlin Lehmann
Karen Lester
Lisa Li
Katrina Lloyd
Sally Lockwood
Michelle Lowe
Cheryl Lowe
Bree Lowe
Bree Lowe
Lindy Lowe
Darren Lyall
Lynne Lynch
Kerri Lynch
Lyn Maddern
Kate Maddern
Marion Major
Sharyn Makin
Shinta Manuel
Brooke Marra
Vicki Marshall
Trudy Marshall
Katie Martin
Melissa Martin
Fay Martion
John Martion
Priya Mathew
Brony Mathews
Gaile Mayne
Mila Mazou
Dale McCartney
Andrea McCartney
Karyn McCartney
Jen McDonald
Dianne McDonald
Bonnie McEldrew
Michelle McGennisken
Catherine McKenzie
Sheryl McKenzie
Lynne McKenzie
Jessica McKinley
Julie McLean
Jane McPhee
Casey Mellington
Michelle Menzel
Susan Menzel
Ann Merrett
Tracey Merrett
Maree Merrett
Shelley Merrett
Kevin Merton
Neville Michael
Shayne Michael
Tracy Midgley
Lisa Miller
Graham Miller
Jacci Mills
Sandra Millward-Coyne
Trudi Moar
Breanna Moar
Emma Moore
Tracey Morphett
Sharyn Morrison
Nicole Mottillo
Chloe Mulraney
Kate Munro
Sarah Murn
Steve Murphy
Jacqueline Nash
Tilley Nash
Sarah Natali
Lisa Newcombe
Pam Newton
Nicole Nicholls
Bridget Nossack
Megan Nossack
Jaimee Nossack
Leanne O’connor
Semira O’heaney
Linda O’heaney
Polly O’heaney
Luke Oldaker
Brenda O’leary
Jayne Oliver
Natalie Orriss
Rhianna Paech
Dion Paech
Minnie Pancho
Ellen Panozzo
Lucy Paterson
Mick Patrick
Feby Paulose
Peter Pearce
Ann Pearce
Mariah Peele
Tracie Peoples
Liz Pfeiffer
Bev Phillips
Kate Pilgrim
Selina Pilgrim
Jess Pilgrim
Bobbie Pitt
Loata Pitt
Sandra Pollock
Bec Powell-Hodges
Rhonda Preston
Courtney Preston
Pamela Price
Leslie Prichard
Rosemary Pritchett
Tahnee Purchase
Samantha Purches
Sally Purvis
Katrina Rabone
Pat Rabone
Jebi Rajamani
Anis Rajwani
Reju Reghuvaran Nair
Chris Reichelt
Anne Renfrew
Jenni Rentsch
Carla Reodique
Lynne Rethus
Natasha Rich
Joylene Rich
Christine Richards
Claire Riches
Judith Ridgwell
Christine Rintoule
Josh Rintoule
Natalie Robinson
Lesley Robinson
Brenda Robinson
Lynley Robinson
Angus Robinson
Wendy Robson
Joylene Rohde
Val Roll
Rosemarie Rose
Alicia Rosewall
Teresa Ross
Helen Ross
Tamhika Ross
Denise Rowe
Rosie Rudd
Graeme Ruse
Jessie Rushbrooke
Revai Rutsate
Tania Ryan
Helen Ryan
Melissa Ryan
Laurie Ryan
Sharyn Salt
Debra Sanders
Sharon Sanderson
Catherine Saul
Kristina Savicin
Judy Schier
Deb Schilling
Amy Schnaars
Nicole Schneider
Robert Schneider
Julie Schneider
Rebecca Schultz
Denise Schulz
Wendy Schulze
Debra Schumann
Nicole Schumann
Kellie Lynne Schwarz
Ellen Scott
Janine Seater
Tim Seymour
Wendy Shalders
Karen Sherlock
Kerryn Shrive
Janet Shurdington
Karen Shurdington
Julie Simpson
Bree Sinclair
Wendy Sleep
Susan Sluggett
Melanie Smith
Jessica Smith
John Smith
Keryn Smith
Dean Smith
Emma Smith
Shirley Sproule
Sini Sreekanth
Sree Sreekumar
Chris Stanford
Casey Stasinowsky
Amanda Stephan
Vonni Stephan
Jackie Stevenson
Elaine Stewart
Denise Stimson
Debra Stonehouse
Hilma Summerhayes
Omega Swinnerton
Sue Taylor
Darren Taylor
Sindi Taylor
Glenn Taylor
Lucas Terry
Val Terry
Ann Thomas
Vicki Thomas
Basil Thomas
Helen Thomson
Judith Thomson
Glenis Tink
Tess Toquero
Karl Towler
Shirley Treble
Margaret Trenery
Nick Twigg
Jarmila Tyrril
Emma Ussing
Fiona Van Den Idsert
Pam Van Kempen
Bibin Vijayakumar
Adele Vincent
Amanda Von Benecke
Melanie Wagg
Robyn Wagg
Angela Walker
Erin Wallace
Leanne Wallis
Helen Wallis
Rosalie Wallis
Krystal Wallis
Kirstie Ward
Annie Watson
Donna Watson
Marc Watts
Valerie Webb
Karen Webb
Rhys Webb
Elaine Webster
Megan Webster
Kerrie Webster
Hannah Wedding
Kristen Weir
Chris Weir
Phoebe Welch
Annmaree Wells
Alison Welsby
Darren Welsh
Joanna Werner
Karen Wheaton
Linda White
Tiarne Whitworth
Carol Willersdorf
Cheryl Williams
Desiree Williams
Tammy Williams
Wendy Wills
Nan Wilson
Kristian Wilson-Hooper
Elizabeth Witmitz
Norelle Witmitz
Julie Woolcock
Julie Worsley
Claire Wotherspoon
Lisa Wotherspoon
Stefani Wyatt
Narmada Yantrapati
Martin Yau
Janet Yong
Rhonda Zivkovic
71 Kaniva the Falls Prevention Stars. All staff at Kaniva
have worked hard to reduce the number of patient and
resident falls or trips this year and have improved their
performance immensely. Congratulations Kaniva!
(L-R) Carol Willersdorf, Fiona Van Den Idsert,
Lisa Buttigieg, Narmada Yantrapati, DON, Lesley
Hawker, Taryn Carter, Helen Ryan, Breanne Moar.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The quality and scope of the many and varied health services
we provide are heavily dependent on our ability to maintain a
motivated and properly trained workforce.
Throughout the year we incurred a
total salary and wage cost of $24.7
million to employ 563 staff across a
variety of disciplines. We continued to
make good use of basic database and
communication systems to ensure these
staff remained competent, motivated
and well trained to perform their duties.
We achieved an average compliance rate
of 99.56% for mandatory education
elements such as police checks, fire
and emergency training, CPR, basic life
support and professional registration.
No days were lost to industrial action
throughout the year, testament to the
professional relationships we maintain
with both Victorian Hospitals Industrial
Association (VHIA) and relevant
employee unions.
Our employees continued to enjoy free
access to our independently provided
Employee Assistance Program which
offers a wide range of health and
personal assistance giving our staff and
their immediate families an extra layer
of support when needed.
72 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
At 12.4% staff turnover was lower
than for the previous year (12.8%) and
indicates a more satisfied workforce.
Lower turnover rates also mean less
costs required in order to attract and
retain new staff.
At 5.2% of basic wages (4.96% prior
year) our sick leave is higher than we
would like but this is not an uncommon
result in our industry given such issues
as ageing workforces and communities
in general.
The total of WorkCover payments
made to injured workers ($95k)
fell significantly compared to last
year ($160k) and is reflective of the
valuable work undertaken by our Injury
Management Team throughout the year.
Each year the Service participates in the
independently provided People Matter
Survey as conducted by the Victorian
Public Sector Commission. As shown
in the following table we continue to
report acceptable levels of agreement
across a range of indicators.
WWHS is bound by the rules and
regulations contained in the following
legislation:
• The Victorian Public Authorities
(Equal Employment Opportunity)
Act 1990
• The Victorian Equal Opportunity
Act 1995
• The Victorian Public Sector
Management and Employment
Act 1998
• The Commonwealth Disability
Discrimination Act 1992
• The Commonwealth Racial
Discrimination Act 1975
• The Victorian Public Administration
Act 2004
Through the application of Service
policies and protocols and monitoring
of compliance with relevant industrial
relations instruments we aim to:
• Ensure open competition in
recruitment, selection, transfer and
promotion
• Base employment decisions on merit
• Treat employees fairly and
reasonably
• Provide employees with a
reasonable avenue of redress
against unfair or unreasonable
treatment
• Avoid discriminating between
employees on the basis of their
gender, age, impairment, industrial
activity, marital status and religious
or political beliefs
We do not tolerate bullying or
harassment in any form.
LOYAL SERVICE – A PILLAR OF STRENGTH
FOR WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
30 YEARS
20 YEARS
15 YEARS
10 YEARS
John Martion
Janet Fisher
Cheryl Lowe
Desiree Williams
Sharyn Morrison
Lisa Braybrook
Deborah Schilling
Karen Alexander
Glenis Tink
Elizabeth Witmitz
Michelle Dickinson
Janet Heenan
Janet Shurdington
Hilma Summerhayes
Kelvin Asplin
Rebecca Bastin
Toni Casey
Phillip Jackson
Michelle Mcgennisken
Judith Thomson
Jessica Eldridge
Nakita Jewell
Barbara Leffler
Shirley Avery
Patricia Chequer
Kellie Beattie
25 YEARS
Kerri Lynch
Lorretta Fuller
Lisa Newcombe
Shirley Ashfield
Caroline Fischer
Judith Keller
Kaye Emmett
Carmel Feder
Linda Knight
Terri-Ann Hogart
Ian Graham
Sally Lockwood
Bree Lowe
RISK MANAGEMENT
In the context of West Wimmera Health Service, Risk can be defined as anything likely to
impact on any aspect of this Service. Such risks can be thought of in a negative light, however
they can also be an opportunity to improve the health and the safety of all patients, residents,
visitors and staff including the ongoing business operations of the organisation.
West Wimmera Health Service actively
manages risk and does this through its
compliance to the Risk Management
Standard, AS/NZS ISO 31000: 2009
Risk management – Principles and
guidelines.
An extensive internal and external audit
system is in place to review the systems
and processes in both clinical and
corporate functions of the organisation.
In 2013-14 such audits have included
medication management, occupational
health and safety, finance and medical
records management.
Nineteen (19) strategic and operational
risks have been documented on the
Service risk register assisting managers
document the controls for each risk
thus ensuring that the organisations
operations are not interrupted or
damaged.
The detail and accuracy of the risk
register and the effectiveness of
its controls is informed by incidents
that are documented and complaints
received from our consumers. A
rigorous electronic incident reporting
and feedback system ensures that
staff are able to appropriately record
issues as they arise and for managers to
investigate and treat then accordingly.
The number of incidents recorded each
year has stabilised. Each incident is an
opportunity to learn and improve on the
care provided.
Risk management provides the Service
with an opportunity to proactively
manage potential issues even before
they arise and for this reason risks
are examined on a monthly basis and
reported to the Board of Governance.
The research will treat participants’
wounds with Olivamine cream products
rather than simply dressing the area.
The study is expected to conclude in
December 2017, and will ensure WWHS
is at the forefront of best-practice
methods in Australia.
Total number of incidents
TOTAL
NUMBER
OF INCIDENTS
reported
by year
REPORTED BY YEAR
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
The project will investigate the efficacy
of the wound-healing cream Olivamine,
which is currently considered best
practice in the United States but is yet
to become available in Australia.
Total Number of incidents reported by year
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
73 CORPORATE & QUALITY SERVICES
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
West Wimmera Health Service prides itself on the highest
levels of safety in the workplace, a workplace where each and
every staff member has a responsibility for their own safety
but also for their colleagues, patients, residents and visitors
to the Service.
Our safe systems of work are
underpinned by:
• The Occupational Health and
Safety Act 2004
• Occupational Health and Safety
Regulations 2007
• Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act 2013
• Dangerous Goods (Storage and
Handling) Regulations 2012
Preventing and Managing Occupational
Violence and Aggression training has
been instigated as an on-line course for
all staff.
74 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
No notifications of serious staff injuries
resulting in hospitalisation or death
were made to the Victorian WorkCover
Authority in 2013-14; compared with
two in the prior year.
FUTURE
An action research project is being
considered to better understand the
safety culture of our organisation and
its workforce which will lead to the
development of a higher level of safety
first, safety at all times.
120
80
40
0
2013-14
Occupational Health and Safety
incidents over the past three years
have plateaued, as the graph below
illustrates.
An Injury Management Team has been
developed providing employees who
have been injured either at work or
at home with assistance to return to
work as quickly and safely as possible;
this is a collaborative effort between
the employee, management and the
employee’s healthcare team.
160
2012-13
Five key areas of health and safety
are monitored through the Victorian
Health Incident Management System.
In the last year, 116 incidents involving
aggression toward staff, manual
handling, occupational exposures to
body fluids, slips, trips and falls and
security incidents were documented;
this is 4 more than for the previous 12
months.
200
2011-12
HOW WE PERFORM
The new electric trolley with scissor lift
has assisted procurement staff in their
daily routine of lifting and moving the
immense number of boxes and parcels
which move through the Procurement
Department each day.
PER YEAR
2010-11
AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational
Health and Safety Management
System
We have invested significant funds in
the renewal of worn areas of carpeted
floor in high traffic areas to reduce
slips, trips and falls.
Number of OHS
incidents
NUMBER OF per
OHS year
I NCIDENTS
2009-10
• Compliance codes
• Australian/New Zealand Standard,
The main incidents of aggression
occur through the actions of residents
experiencing Dementia. Therefore
specific staff training in this area of
care has also been undertaken. As an
extra safeguard for these occasions
enhanced referral pathways for review
by our specialist geriatrician have been
introduced and the intricacies of special
caring for these residents has been
successfully explored.
Manual Handling
Aggression Incidents
Occupational Exposure
Slips, Trips & Falls
Security
Ryan Ganz participates in Orientation Day Fire
Training using the ‘BullsEye™ Laser-Driven Fire
Extinguisher Training System’. The equipment,
a collaborative purchase by Grampians Region
healthcare organisations uses technology to
bring realistic, effective Fire Training to the
education program.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
75 GOVERNANCE
Qualified, experienced, possessing skills and knowledge pertinent to setting the
direction and managing the progress of West Wimmera Health Service – these are
the fundamental principles required to be appointed by the Minister for Health to our
Board of Governance.
Governing a health service in rural
remote North Western Victoria
brings with it complexities and
challenges quite different from
those faced by the Boards of
Regional and Metropolitan services.
The Board is responsible to the
Minister for setting the strategic
directions of this Service and
monitoring compliance with state
and commonwealth acts, guidelines
and policies.
Board of Governance
as at 30 June 2014
Our Board is responsible for a
Service which spreads across
17,000 square kilometres and
includes 6 towns. Governing for
4 Acute Hospitals, an Aged Care
Residential Centre, 127 Residential
Aged Care Places, a Community
Health Centre, a Disability Service
and a providing a comprehensive
Allied Health Service at all sites
–a round trip of 375 kilometres
between sites - requires immense
planning and ‘out of the square’
thinking Collectively the Board
is committed to excellence in the
provision of healthcare for the
region of rural Victoria which relies
on this Service for their lifelong
health needs.
They are accountable to government
and to stakeholders for ensuring
that the Service is managed
efficiently and effectively, that the
services and care generated are of
high quality and are developed to
meet the healthcare needs of our
communities.
Mr D.P. Buckley
76 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
The Board is kept up to date
with developments in the health
industry by attendance at State and
National conferences, access to
current conference papers, internet
research, presentations by peak
bodies and seminars conducted by
the Australian Institute of Company
Directors.
At all Board, Committee and
Sub Committee meetings Board
Members are required to declare
when they may have a Conflict of
interest relating to an item on the
Agenda.
Ms L.G. Clarke JP – President
Mr R.S. Rosewall BA, SocSci –
Vice President
Mr H.G. Champness BA, Dip Ed,
Accredited Lay Preacher
Mr R.A. Ismay
Mr L.C. Maybery
Mr R.L. Stanford
Mrs J.M. Sudholz
Mr D.N. Walter
Mrs N.E. Zanker BA, Dip Ed
Audit & Quality Committee
Mr J.M. Hobday LLB – Chairman
Ms L.G. Clarke JP – President
Mr D.P. Buckley
Mr H.G. Champness
Mr L.C. Maybery
Mrs J.M. Sudholz
LINES OF COMMUNICATION
BOARD OF GOVERNANCE
Operations Manager
Director Capital Services
Manager Disability Services
Chief Executive Officer
CEO Personal Assistant
• Cooinda Day Programs
• Snappy Seconds
• Supported Employment
Manager Dental Services
Executive Director
Executive Director
Finance & Administration
Clinical Services
Executive Director
Corporate & Quality
Services
Executive Director
Medical Services
• Financial Reporting
• Information Technology
• Pharmacy
• Radiology
• Risk Management
• Security
• Clinical Governance
• Credentialing
Assistant Accountant
Manager Clinical
Operations
Manager Quality,
Safety & Ed ucation
Visiting Medical
Practitioners
• Acute Care
• Central Sterilising
• District Nursing
• Infection Control
• Maternal & Child Health
• Residential Aged Care
• Surgical Services
• Occupational Health
& Safety
• Quality Accreditation
• Training & Development
• Accounting
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Reception
Manager Personnel
& Payroll
• Human Resource
Management
Manager Procurement
& Inventory
• Inventory Management
• Purchasing
• Supply
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/2014
Manager Community
& Allied Health
• Centrelink
• Diabetes Education
• Dietetics
• Goroke CHC
• Health Promotion
• Home & Community Care
• Home Care Packages
• Massage Therapy
• NRCP
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Rural Primary Health
Service
• Social Work
• Speech Pathology
• WWHS Health & Fitness
Centre
Manager Engineering
& Maintenance
• Infrastructure &
Equipment Maintenance
• Vehicle Fleet
Manager Hospitality &
Environmental Services
• Food & Cleaning Services
• Meals on Wheels
• Oliver’s Cafe
• Oliver’s Kiosk
77 GOVERNANCE
THE BOARD OF GOVERNANCE
LEONIE G. CLARKE, President
RONALD S. ROSEWALL, Vice President
DAVID P. BUCKLEY,
BA SocSci
Former Business Proprietor
Electrical Contractor,
HV Field Operator
Term of Appointment: 01.07.11 – 30.06.14
Term of Appointment: 01.07.13 – 30.06.16
Term of Appointment: 01.07.11 – 30.06.14
Leonie, is serving her first term as President
of the Board of Governance. A Justice of the
Peace, Leonie has a wealth of experience
having served on the Board for 17 years. She
is acutely aware of the need for quality and
appropriate health care for rural communities
and the retention of medical and allied health
professionals. She is interested in maintaining
the high quality of services offered by West
Wimmera Health Service and the availability of
cancer services for rural people locally.
Ron maintains his dedication to the Service
as Vice President. His depth of knowledge and
significant expertise in disability services
offers well rounded experience for decision
making.
David is a member of the Goroke Pre School
Committee, the Recreation Reserve Committee
and is a Life Member of Goroke Apex Club. David
serves on the WWHS Board to play his part in
ensuring the survival of vital medical services
for small rural communities and he welcomes
the development of the New Goroke Community
Health Centre which offers essential medical,
allied health and community health services for
the surrounding area.
JP
Education Support Officer
WWHS Committees: Executive, Audit
and Governance, Clinical Quality and
Governance, Finance
Ron serves on the Boards of Regional
Information & Advocacy Council and Victorian
Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability
Inc. He is the Chairman of Wimmera & Southern
Mallee Health Alliance.
WWHS Committees: Executive,
Clinical Quality Governance
Board Meeting Attendance: 90%
WWHS Committees: Audit and Governance,
Finance, Clinical Quality Governance
Board Meeting Attendance: 100%
Board Meeting Attendance: 100%
HARVEY G. CHAMPNESS,
Retired Teacher,
Development & Environmental Worker
Term of Appointment:01.07.11 – 30.06.14
An accredited Lay Preacher, Harvey offers
the governing body another community
perspective and is keen to maintain
engagement and consultation. He is a trained
mentor with Volunteering Western Victoria and
wishes to retain quality of care and effective
and responsive governance of our Service.
Harvey is a committee member and Project
Manager for Kaniva District Landcare.
WWHS Committees: Audit and Governance,
Clinical Quality Governance
Board Meeting Attendance: 80%
78 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
RONALD A. ISMAY
Business Proprietor
Term of Appointment: 01.07.12 – 30.06.15
A long serving member of the Board of
Governance, Ron brings expertise in financial
and business management to the Board and
remains committed to the provision of quality
health services for our rural and remote areas
particularly for Aged Care. Ron has strong
representation within the Rainbow community
as Chair of the Town Committee, President of
the Rainbow College, President of Hindmarsh
Tourism and was recently appointed as a
Councillor of Hindmarsh Shire Council.
WWHS Committees: Clinical Quality
Governance, Executive, Finance
Board Meeting Attendance: 90%
LESTER C. MAYBERY
RODNEY L. STANFORD
JANICE M. SUDHOLZ
Term of Appointment: 01.07.12 – 30.06.15
Term of Appointment: : 01.07.13 – 30.06.16
Term of Appointment: : 01.07.12 – 30.06.15
Appointed to the Board in 1998, Lester has
gained significant experience in matters
pertaining to governance of health care in our
rural catchment. He is a Past President & Life
Member of Natimuk Bush Nursing Hospital,
Trustee & Chair of the Tooan Cemetery Trust,
Group Officer of Natimuk Fire Brigade, a
Director of Horsham Sports & Community Club
and a member of the Customer Committee,
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.
Rodney’s commitment to serving his community
continues in his commitment to West Wimmera
Health Service. The substantial experience
he gained with Wimmera Uniting Care and
Uniting Care PEX Geelong stands him in good
stead when looking at community needs.. He is
acutely aware of the need for the delivery and
equitable funding of appropriate and quality
health services in rural remote Victoria. Rod is
the Chair of the capital Campaign Project for
this Service.
A resident of Natimuk and an experienced long
serving member of the Board, Janice has a focus
on the continual development and renovation of
infrastructure within the Service and is highly
aware of the need for government support with
funding for the survival of Hospitals and Aged
Care facilities in our rural areas.
Primary Producer
WWHS Committees: Finance, Audit and
Governance
Merchandise Sales
Board Meeting Attendance: 100%
DARREN N. WALTER
NAOMI ZANKER
Term of Appointment: 01.07.11 – 30.06.14
Darren is heavily involved in the Goroke
community with representation with the
Sporting Complex and Recreation Reserve
Committees, Group Officer Goroke CFA and
a Life Member of Goroke Apex Club. Darren is
interested in how funding will be affected by
the new Health Reforms, and is committed to
accessibility of first class medical services and
is pleased the new Goroke Community Health
Centre has assured continued existence of
healthcare in that rural area.
WWHS Committees: Clinical Quality
Governance, Finance
Board Meeting Attendance: 90%
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
WWHS Committees: Audit and Governance,
Clinical Quality Governance
Board Meeting Attendance: 90%
WWHS Committees: Executive, Finance
Board Meeting Attendance: 80%
Primary Producer
Farmer / Home Duties
BA, Dip Ed, GAICD
Retired Secondary Teacher
Term of Appointment: 01.07.12 – 30.06.15
Naomi was appointed to West Wimmera
Health Service Board in 2009 having gained
governance experience with Nhill Lutheran
School and Avonlea Hostel for the Aged. Naomi
is the President of Gallery Central Nhill.
Naomi maintains particular interest in the
financing and government support for ongoing
rural and regional services, supply of local
services to minimise long distance travel.
WWHS Committees: Clinical Quality
Governance, Executive
Board Meeting Attendance: 100%
79 GOVERNANCE
THE EXECUTIVE GROUP
The Executive Directors are charged with the duty of
providing exemplary leadership to their team with empathy,
understanding and initiative to build an ethical workplace and
to foster long term achievements.
They are accountable to the Chief Executive Officer for the
performance, decisions and outcomes of their Department
and must be committed to embracing the the philosophy and
Mission of West Wimmera Health Service.
JOHN SMITH PSM
MHA, GRAD DIP HSM, FAICD, AFACHSM, AFAHRI,
FAHSFMA, AFAIM, CERT III OH&S
Chief Executive Officer
John provides the Board of Governance with comprehensive
information to enable prudent and astute decision making.
He executes the Board’s decisions and policies and manages
the business and human assets of the Service.
John is responsible for establishing a framework of strong
leadership and management to place the Service in a prime
position to take advantage of changes in health service
delivery, technology and financial strategies.
He serves on many Boards and working groups and
amongst other representations is currently Vice President
of the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS),
Treasurer of the International Board of ACHS, a Council
Member of the Australian Hospital and Healthcare
Association and Vice President of the Victorian
Hospitals’ Industrial Association.
80 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
RITCHIE DODDS
BCOM (ACC), CA, FFIN, MBA, GAICD
Executive Director Finance and Administration
Ritchie is responsible for the Service’s Finance, Human
Resources, Information Technology, Procurement and
Administration functions.
Since 2006 Ritchie has cemented the Service’s strong
financial performance and its sound financial position.
Ritchie is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
in Australia and deputises for the Chief Executive Officer as
and when neccessary.
Ritchie represents the Service as Deputy Chairman of
the Grampians Regional Health Alliance Finance Sub
Committee.
DR IAN GRAHAM
MBBS, MHP, FRACMA
JANET FISHER
Executive Director Medical Services
Executive Director Clinical Services
Ian is responsible for the credentialing, appointment,
definition of the scope of practice and performance
management of Visiting Medical Practitioners, including
General Practitioners, Visiting Surgeons, Anaesthetists,
Gynaecologists, Physicians and Psychiatrists.
Jan is responsible for the management of Medical, Surgical,
Primary Care, Aged Care, Allied and Community Health and
the Goroke Community Health Centre, Radiology, Central
Sterilising, Maternal & Child Health and Pharmacy.
RN, RCNA, GRAD DIP BUS MAN
Ian is also Clinical Digital Education Consultant at the
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and privately
is a consultant in health management, education
and information technology.
In 2013 Ian was appointed to the international Board
of Directors of the MedBiquitous organisation based
at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA.
KAYE BORGELT
ASSOC DIP MED REC ADMIN, GRAD
CERTIFICATE MGT ORG CHANGE
Executive Director Corporate
and Quality Services
Kaye manages Engineering &
Maintenance, Catering & General
Services, Education, Health Information
Management, Quality & Accreditation,
O H & S , Risk Management and Security.
Kaye is studying for a Masters of
Health Science (Health Information
Management) and is a member of the
Victorian Patient Experience Statewide Reference Group, Grampians
Regional Health Information Managers
and Patient Management System
Operations Group.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
Jan is a Registered Nurse who holds an Advanced Diploma in
Business Management and has OH&S credentials.
Jan represents the Service on Regional Committees including;
State Aged Care Committee, Grampians Regional Executive
Nurses.
MELANIE ALBRECHT
LLB, BIS, GRAD CERT HSM, AFCHSE
Operations Manager
KATRINA PILGRIM
CERT IV BUS MANAGEMENT
(FRONTLINE)
Appointed in April 2006 Melanie
is responsible for the executive
management of Disability Services,
Dental, Aged Care Administration,
Contracts, Compliments and
Complaints.
Executive Assistant to
Chief Executive Officer
Melanie assists the Chief Executive
Officer with operational, organisational
and special projects.
As Minute Secretary to the Board of
Governance and associated committees
Katrina is responsible for ensuring the
corporate and strategic issues are dealt
with by the Chief Executive Officer.
Melanie completed a Masters of Health
Administration and Masters of Business
Administration with Latrobe University
during the 2013-2014 year.
Katrina provides executive service
to the Chief Executive Officer and
attends to Executive Departmental
requirements.
81 GOVERNANCE
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE AT
WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
ENHANCING CLINICAL CARE
West Wimmera Health Service, its Board
of Governance, Executive, Managers
and staff strive to provide the highest
level of care for its patients, residents,
clients and community. Excellence in
care provision requires a mindset of
continuous improvement, responsibility
and accountability and it is through a
rigorous clinical governance structure
that this has been achieved.
Our Service observes the four domains
of quality and safety in the Victorian
Clinical Governance Framework to
inform our clinical governance efforts,
they are:
• Consumer participation
• Clinical effectiveness
• Effective workforce
• Risk management
A Clinical, Quality Governance
Committee has been established
to ensure that Visiting Medical
Practitioners, Nurses, Managers, Board
Directors and Executive Personnel all
play a part in the safe and effective
provision of care to our community.
Importantly this committee monitors
the above elements of the governance
framework and ensures that the
custodians of the Service, the Board,
are fully informed and updated on the
outcomes of these four domains.
CONSUMER PARTICIPATION
Consumer forums are an effective
means by which our community can
provide their thoughts and ideas
regarding improving the services West
Wimmera Health Service provides. Such
forums also provide an effective means
for the community to be informed of
current and new developments such
as buildings, fund raising and health
services being offered.
Through the Victorian Health
Experience Survey we obtain real
insight into the needs of our community
and their feedback as to their
experience whilst in hospital.
The Service has a robust compliments
and complaints mechanism. This
process provides our consumers the
opportunity to engage the Service in a
direct conversation about issues they
82 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
wish to tell us about – these are taken
extremely seriously with a response
made very early as to the actions taken.
Our consumers are active participants
in their care planning with the health
care team through discussions on
treatment options, care pathways, and
advanced care directives.
CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS
Clinical audit and review is
a cornerstone to the clinical
effectiveness of our Service. Clinical
care is evaluated and reported through
all levels of the organisation and
allows clinicians to engage in policy
development and improvement of
Service quality.
We are indeed fortunate to have an
informed clinical workforce dedicated
to the provision of high quality and
effective care. Our Visiting Medical
Practitioners, Nurses and Allied Health
clinicians use national and international
standards of practice in the provision of
care to our community.
Distance from metropolitan Specialist
Visiting Medical Practitioners or Allied
Health Professionals is not a barrier
to specialist care. Innovative ways
are being used for our clinicians to
access advice and share care with our
health professionals via technology
such as video conferencing and Skype
thus reducing the tyranny of distance
although not totally eradicating the
demands of travel.
EFFECTIVE WORKFORCE
Credentialing and ongoing professional
development are key methods utilised
by the Service to ensure an effective
workforce. Credentialing provides
a thorough examination of the
qualifications and skills of a clinician
so that we are assured safe care will be
provided to our consumers.
Our staff participate extensive
professional development programs
provided at regional, state and
international levels, these are designed
to provide the latest information for
safe and effective care delivery while
reaching the highest quality care
outcomes for the consumer.
CLINICAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Management of Clinical Risk considers
patient care, the education, experience
and qualifications of our staff and
visiting health practitioners together
with the equipment we apply and
resource.
Conforming to the policies and
procedures of our organisation
as well as legislation (the law) and
standards pertaining to health care
are the cornerstones of Clinical Risk
Management.
In 2013-14, the Service underwent a
review of Hospital Procedural Services;
the surgical procedures and operations
undertaken in Nhill particularly.
The review was endorsed by the
Department of Health Victoria and
conducted by a panel of healthcare
experts. In October 2013, the results of
the review were provided to the Clinical
Quality Governance Committee (a
Board of Governance sub-committee).
An important sentiment of the review
was that procedural services at West
Wimmera Health Services should not
change and should continue to be
provided.
Fourteen (14) recommendations arose
from the review and these have been
fully implemented thus ensuring the
highest possible level of care and
support to the people of the Wimmera
and Southern Mallee exists.
OUR CENTRE POINT
Clinical Governance is the centre point
of the effective and safe delivery of
care to the community we serve. Our
staff, managers, executive and Board
all work within a framework designed
to ensure that patients, residents and
clients receive the care they require in a
manner that is of the highest standard
and with the best possible outcomes for
their ongoing health and wellbeing.
COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
COMPLIANCE WITH THE
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE
PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDING
ACT 1993
In accordance with the Building
Regulations 2006 under the Building
Act 1993,(The Act) each building in West
Wimmera Health Service is classified
according to its function.
A Building Permit is obtained for new
construction and redevelopment
projects where required. A Certificate of
Occupancy is obtained and displayed for
each completed project in accordance
with The Act.
A comprehensive preventative
maintenance program ensures essential
equipment and systems such as
fire systems, hot water systems, air
conditioning, emergency generators,
sterilizers and anaesthetic machines
are serviced regularly and maintained in
accord with manufacturer instructions.
APPLICATION OF THE
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
ACT (FOI)
The Victorian Freedom of Information
Act provides individuals with the
opportunity to access documents about
their personal affairs and the activities
of government departments from
government agencies, including public
hospitals.
The Chief Executive Officer is the
designated Freedom of Information
Officer.
West Wimmera Health Service FOI
application fees and access charges are
in accordance with State Government
regulations.
In 2013/14 thirteen requests, all relating
to access to medical records, were
received. Full access was granted in
each case.
There were no complaints lodged with
the Ombudsman by FOI applicants, our
administration of FOI matters, and no
appeals were made to the Victorian
Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
regarding access to records.
SUMMARY OF FOI ACTIVITY 2013/14
Number of Personal Requests Received
Number of Non-Personal Requests Received
Total Number of FOI Requests
Access Granted in Full
Application Fees Collected
Application Fees Waived
Charges Collected
Charges Waived
THE APPLICATION AND
OPERATION OF THE
PROTECTED DISCLOSURE ACT
2012 (THE ACT), INCLUDING
DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY
THE ACT
There were no incidences during
the year of this Act being activated
in relation to the operations of the
Service.
VICTORIAN INDUSTRY
PARTICIPATION POLICY
There was no relevant activity for this
reporting period.
NATIONAL COMPETITION
POLICY
Implementation and compliance with
the government policy statement,
Competitive Neutrality Policy Victoria;
and subsequent reforms were not
applicable to this Service for 2013/14.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
(FRD 22E)
In compliance with the requirements
of FRD 22E Standard Disclosures in
the Report of Operations, details in
respect of the items listed below have
been retained by West Wimmera Health
Service and are available to the relevant
Ministers, Members of Parliament and
the public on request (subject to the
freedom of information requirements,
if applicable):
• A statement of pecuniary interest;
• Details of shares held by senior
officers as nominee or held
beneficially.
• Details of publications produced
4
9
13
13
$257.00
$77.10
$97.10
$12.00
• Details of changes in prices, fees,
charges, rates and levies charged
by the Health Service.
• Details of any major external
reviews carried out on the Health
Service.
• Details of major research and
development activities undertaken
by the Health Service that are
not otherwise covered either in
the Report of Operations or in
a document that contains the
financial statements and Report of
Operations.
• Details of overseas visits
undertaken including a summary
of the objectives and outcomes of
each visit;
• Details of major promotional, public
relations and marketing activities
undertaken by the Health Service
to develop community awareness of
the Health Service and its services.
• Details of assessments and
measures undertaken to improve
the occupational health and safety
of employees.
• General statement on industrial
relations within the Health Service
and details of time lost through
industrial accidents and disputes,
which is not otherwise detailed in
the Report of Operations.
• A list of major committees
sponsored by the Health Service,
the purposes of each committee
and the extent to which those
purposes have been achieved.
• Details of all consultancies and
contractors including consultants/
contractors engaged, services
provided, and expenditure
committed for each engagement.
by the Department about the
activities of the Health Service and
where they can be obtained.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
83 GOVERNANCE
ACCREDITATION STATUS
WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?
Accreditation is an important means
by which the Service can attain an
independent review of the quality and
safety of the care it provides, against
national standards. The standards
determine the highest levels of care and
management; meeting these standards
is a clear indication to our community,
government and healthcare personnel,
of the excellence of the services we
deliver.
We open our organisation to survey by
a team of surveyors who are leaders
in their respective fields of the health
industry: Nurses, Visiting Medical
Practitioners Administrators and in
some instances, consumers. The Survey
Team is independent of West Wimmera
Health Service and therefore are able
to offer an unbiased assessment of our
Service and its capability.
ACCREDITATION METHODS
Added to this are a further 5 standards
developed by ACHS itself.
11. Service Delivery
12. Provision of Care
13. Workforce Planning and
Management
14. Information Management
15. Corporate Systems and Safety
These five standards monitor the
performance of non-clinical systems,
thus complimenting the 10 national
Standards.
The 10 National Standards were
introduced by the Australian
Commission on Safety and Quality in
Health Care in January 2013: from that
date mandatory compliance with these
standards is required by Federal and
State Governments.
The National Standards will have a
profound effect on our approach to
safety and quality for patients.
EQUIP NATIONAL
AGED CARE STANDARDS
In 2013, West Wimmera Health Service
embarked on its preparation for
accreditation under EQuIP National an
accreditation product of the Australian
Council on Health Care Standards. EQuIP
National incorporates the 10 National
Safety and Quality Health Service
Standards (developed by the Australian
Commission on Safety and Quality in
Health Care)
Aged Care Standards Accreditation is
a national, compulsory accreditation
audit against four standards:
The 10 National Standards are:
Forty Four expected outcomes support
the main standards – all of which must
be compliant at each three year review.
Residential Aged Care Facilities are
reviewed against the standards by the
Aged Care Standards and Accreditation
Agency. It is likely that there will be
changes to these standards over time
following the introduction of new Aged
Care policies by the Commonwealth
Government. e await those changes and
will determine how best to incorporate
them seamlessly across our Health
Service.
1. Governance for Safety and Quality
in health Service Organisation
2. Partnering with Consumers
3. Preventing and Controling
Healthcare Associated Infections
4. Medication Safety
5. Patient identification and
Procedure Matching
6. Clinical Handover
7. Blood and Blood Products
8. Preventing and Managing Pressure
Injuries
9. Recognising and Responding to
Clinical Deterioration in Acute
Health Care
10. Preventing Falls and Harm
from Falls
84 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
1. Management systems, staffing,
and organisational development
2. Health and personal care
3. Resident lifestyle
4. Physical environment and safe
systems
ACCREDITATION MATURITY
West Wimmera Health Service
has endeavoured to make quality
improvement a part of our every day
work and therefore our preparation
for accreditation and the evidence
supporting our work against each
accreditation standard is constantly
being collected. We have established
working groups to work through the
National Safety and Quality Health
Service Standards with each gathering
the necessary proof that we are a safe,
efficient and effective healthcare
organisation.
FUTURE:
The next 12 months will witness several
major reviews including Accreditation
surveys in each Residential Aged
Care Unit and a Periodic Review of our
Acute Hospitals against three of the
10 National Standards and also the
mandatory elements of EQuIP National.
Although Accreditation reviews
are compulsory, we have always
embraced them as an opportunity
to confirm where we are performing
well and to make improvements when
recommendations are made.
We address these audit processes
with confidence and as an occasion to
showcase the impressive levels of care
and service delivery we offer while
pursuing the seal of excellence we will
so proudly display.
AGED CARE ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
TYPE OF ACCREDITATION
Australian Council of Healthcare Standards
(EQuIP5)
OUTCOME
• Organisational wide survey conducted in December 2012
• Full, four year accreditation status awarded
• Outstanding Achievement was conferred in two areas, Research
and our work undertaken in Buildings, Signage and Equipment
– an award that acknowledges the leadership West Wimmera
Health Service demonstrates for others in these areas
National Safety and Quality Health Service
Standards
Mid Cycle, Periodic Review against the Standards:
• Governance for Safety and Quality in Health Care
• Partnering with consumers
• Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated Infections;
this will occur in 2015.
EQuIP National
Review of mandatory criteria of the EQuIP National Standards 11-15
Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency
(ACCA)
• Full survey undertaken at all Residential Aged Care Facilities
during 2012–13 resulting in full three (3) year accreditation
status, with compliance in all 44 criteria;
• Unannounced site visits have been conducted subsequently at
all homes following full compliance achieved
• In 2015 all Residential Aged Care Facilities will undergo full
survey’s against the Aged Care Standards
Home and Community Care (HACC)
Three national standards that include:
• Effective management,
• Appropriate access and service delivery
• Service user rights and responsibilities
Disability Services Accreditation
Accreditation reviews occur against the National
Disability Service Standards and the Victorian,
State Department of Human Services Standards
In December 2012 the Service’s HACC programs were surveyed
against the National Community Care Common Standards; full
compliance was received in all standards
A review by International Standards Certifications was undertaken in
July 2014 against Disability Services Standards, with full and ongoing
compliance noted.
Review of Cooinda Disability
Services against the six National
Disability Service Standards:
• Rights
• Participation and Inclusion
• Individual Outcomes
• Feedback and Complaints
• Service Access and
• Service Management
And five Statebased standards:
• Empowerment
• Access and Engagement
• Wellbeing
• Participation
• Service management
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING (X-RAY) ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
TYPE OF ACCREDITATION
OUTCOME
National accreditation in this field has been
mandatory since 2012 and includes general
x-ray, CT, and Ultrasound
In 2012 the Service successfully underwent a Stage II Diagnostic
Imaging Accreditation Audit conducted by Health and Disability
Accreditation Australia with full accreditation status granted: valid
from 16 May 2012 to 16 May 2016
Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) and
National Respite for Carers Program (NCRP)
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing reviewed the
CACP and NRCP programs in September 2012 with each program
successfully meeting the National Community Care Common
Standards at review
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
85 GLOSSARY
ACAS Aged Care Assessment System
ACFI Aged Care Funding Instrument
ACHS Australian Council on Healthcare
Standards
Australian Standards National
Standards developed by the Standards
Association of Australia/New Zealand
EQuIP Accreditation Evaluation
Quality Improvement Program
RFDS Royal Flying Doctor Service
FOI Freedom of Information
Telehealth use of telecommunication
and information technology to provide
clinical healthcare at a distance
GCHC Goroke Community Health
Centre
GP General Practitioner
RPHS Rural Primary Health Service
The Board The Board of Governance
WWHS
Best Practice Measuring results
against the best performance of other
groups
HACC Home and Community Care –
funding for services and programs
which are provided in the home or the
community
CACS&AA Commonwealth Aged Care
Standards and Accreditation Agency
Inpatient A person who is admitted to
an acute bed
Carers Carers of patient/clients who
are not part of the Service Care Team
IT Information and Communications
Technology
Catchment Geographical area for
which West Wimmera Health Service is
responsible to provide services
LED light emitting diode
VHIA Victorian Hospitals Industrial
Association
M&CH Maternal and Child Health
VMO Visiting Medical Officer
Medicare Local services for local
communities in line with local needs, a
National Health Reform initiative
W&SMHA Wimmera & Southern Mallee
Health Alliance
CEO Chief Executive Officer
CT Scanner Computed Tomography
Scanner
DH The Department of Health Victoria
DHS The Department of Human
Services Victoria
e-health the transfer of health
resources and healthcare by electronic
means
86 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
OHS Occupational Health & Safety
Outcome The result of a service
provided
Outpatient A patient/client who is not
admitted to a bed
PCP Primary Care Partnership
The Department The Department of
Health Victoria
The Service West Wimmera Health
Service
Values The principles and beliefs that
guide West Wimmera Health Service
WHY Project West Wimmera,
Hindmarsh & Yarriambiack Shires collaboration of HACC services
WWHS West Wimmera Health Service
INDEX
Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 84, 85
Dunmunkle Health Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Patient Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Acute Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 39
Education & Training . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,65 ,72
People Matter Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Aged Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Engineering & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 66
Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Aged Care in our Community . . . . . . . . . 35
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Aged Care the Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Executive Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Quality & Safety for Patients . . . . . . . . 62
Allied & Community Health . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Finance & Administration . . . . . . . . 29, 72
Radiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Australian Council on
Healthcare Standards . . . . . . . . . . 8, 84, 85
Financial Performance . . . . . . . . . . . 29-31
Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Freedom of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Residential Aged Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,
Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Goroke Community Health Centre . . . . 8,
RIPERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Government Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Royal Flying Doctor Service . . . . . . . . 5, 14
HACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rural Primary Health Service . . . . . . . . 27
Hand Hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17
Health Promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Snappy Seconds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Specialist Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Infection Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 65
Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Legislation & Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Staff Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cancer Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,
Board of Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78,79
Capital Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 13
Catchment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cleaning & Food Audits . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 64
Clinical Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Clinical Placements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Clinical Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Clinical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
Statement of Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Medical Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Statistical Performance . . . . . . . . . . 26, 28
Medical Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Strategic Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24
Medical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Student Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Medicare Locals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Surgical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Consumer Forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Mira Medical and Allied
& Community Health Centre . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tristar Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,
Corporate & Quality Services . . . . . . . . 66
Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Credentialing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Natimuk Medical &
Allied Health Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 18
Venesection Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Lines of Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Community Aged Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Community Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Consumer Carer Participation . . . . . . . 54
Cultural Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54, 55
CT Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Dental Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 44
Dialysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Dimensions of Quality
in Residential Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Disability Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Donations & Bequests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
National Health Reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
National Respite for
Carers Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Occupational Health & Safety . . . . . . . 70
Oliver’s Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Oliver’s Kiosk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Visiting Specialist Clinicians . . . . . . . . . 50
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Wimmera & Southern
Mallee Health Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,
WorkCover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Wound Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
OPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
87 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THANK YOU
We acknowledge the
generous sponsorship,
donations and bequests
and look forward to
continued support as
we forge further ahead
to provide outstanding
health services for our
communities
Design and Production Motiv Brand Design (Adelaide)
Co-ordination DMR Associates Pty Ltd (Nhill)
Photography Robert Geh (Adelaide)
Lawyers Ashurst Australia (Sydney)
Health Legal (Melbourne)
Russell Kennedy Pty Ltd (Melbourne)
Stewart & Lipshut (Nhill)
Auditor Office of the Victorian Auditor General
Internal Auditor WHK (Albury)
Architect Brown Falconer (Adelaide)
Bankers Commonwealth Bank
Westpac
Tania Ryan conducting patient
observation rounds.
SPONSORS
88 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Notes:
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
89 Notes:
90 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Help Support
Your Service
You can help us… to make the services we provide for
six communities become better and better.
YES, I am interested in supporting West Wimmera Health Service and would like further
information about the following:
Becoming a Volunteer
Joining an Auxiliary
Giving financial support through a Bequest or Donation
If you wish to discuss supporting our Service in this way please contact the
Chief Executive Officer who will explain in detail how arrangements can be made.
Alternatively, please complete the form below and return it to us at any one of our facilities.
Name..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Address . ...................................................................................................................................................................................... Facsimile....................................................................................
Mobile ........................................................................... Email............................................................................................
CUT ALONG THE DOTTED LINE ✁
Telephone . .................................................................. ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
91 Reader Survey
This Report is produced to inform our consumers, communities
and government about the range and quality of the services we deliver.
To make sure we provide the information you require and that we deliver the
services most needed by the people we serve we need YOUR assistance.
It would be extremely helpful to us if you could answer the following questions
and return to the Service please.
Tell us… what you think
Please circle the answer which most closely reflects your opinion.
Q1
I am a:
a) Consumer
b) Representative of Government c) WWHS Staff
d) Medical Practitioner
e) Health Industry Employee
g) Other (please specify)
f) Financial Supporter
Q2. D
oes this Report clearly explain West Wimmera Health Service and the services it delivers? Yes/ No
Q3. H
ow did it help your understanding or what could we improve to help your knowledge
of our Health Service?....................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Q4. D
o you feel you know more about the QUALITY of our programs and services from
reading this Report? Yes/ No
Q5. Were there any other topics you feel should be included in the Quality of Care Report next year?
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Q6. A
re there other services or programs you believe should be delivered by
West Wimmera Health Service?................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Q7. Have you seen or read a copy of this Report before? Yes/ No
If you answered Yes, where did you see or obtain a copy?.............................................................................
Q8. Do you have any other comments about the Report you have just read?...............................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
Thank you most sincerely for assisting West Wimmera Health Service in our drive towards continued
improvement in the quality and range of services needed by our communities and importantly the way
in which we tell you about them.
John N. Smith, PSM, Chief Executive Officer
West Wimmera Health Service PO Box 231, Nhill, Victoria 3418
Telephone 03 5391 4222 Facsimile 03 5391 4228
92 WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
✁
Email [email protected]
CUT ALONG THE DOTTED LINE John N. Smith PSM
Chief Executive Officer
Hopetoun
Wyperfield
National Park
Rainbow
VICTORIA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Big Desert
National Park
Residential Aged Care
KEY
Medical Centre
Lake
Hindmarsh
Hospital (Primary Care Casualty)
Hospital
Jeparit
Bordertown
E
Warracknabeal
Nhill
Kaniva
< ADELAID
(Primary Care Casualty and Surgical Centre)
A8
A8
Dimboola
Little Desert
National Park
B240
Goroke
B210
B240
Natimuk
Horsham
ME
LB
OU
RN
E>
A8
B240
Narracorte
Jilpanger Flora
and Fauna
Reserve
A200
Black Range
StatePark
Halls Gap
Grampians
National Park
WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE
Distance is no barrier for us as we deliver our services across
the breadth of a harsh but beautiful rural setting containing
national parks, the world renowned Mt Arapiles, a rock
climbers paradise, The Grampians Tourist Park and we are
just across the border from the South Australian wineries.
We have established expertise and skills, adapted care
routines, researched our communities, and analysed the
health conditions prevalent in those communities so that
we are able to take our services out to the people no matter
where they live in our catchment.
On the other hand the need for a higher level of acute and
aged residential care is also in our portfolio. Bringing
specialist medical and surgical services, a full complement
of General Practitioners, a state of the art Operating Suite,
short waiting times for surgery, a range of Dental procedures
meets the acute healthcare needs of these six communities.
Healthcare close to home – no matter where that is in our
catchment – West Wimmera Health Service is there to care.
A real service for real people!
WW205 / MOTIV
Advanced telecommunication systems, a fleet of vehicles,
portable patient equipment, a robust set of policies and
procedures, comprehensive ongoing education and staff
who are flexible and able to adapt safely to situations are the
backbone of long distance caring.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2013/14
C NHILL HOSPITAL
49 Nelson Street,
Nhill, Victoria 3418
T (03) 5391 4222
F (03) 5391 4228
COOINDA DISABILITY
SERVICES
Queen Street,
Nhill, Victoria 3418
T (03) 5391 1095
F (03) 5391 1229
GOROKE COMMUNITY
HEALTH CENTRE
Natimuk Road ,
Goroke, Victoria 3412
T (03) 5363 2200
F (03) 5386 1268
JEPARIT HOSPITAL
2 Charles Street,
Jeparit, Victoria 3423
T (03) 5396 5500
F (03) 5397 2392
Please use, re-use & recycle.
KANIVA HOSPITAL
RAINBOW HOSPITAL
7 Farmers Street,
Kaniva, Victoria 3419
2 Swinbourne Avenue,
Rainbow, Victoria 3424
T (03) 5392 7000
F (03) 5392 2203
T (03) 5396 3300
F (03) 5395 1411
NATIMUK RESIDENTIAL
AGED CARE CENTRE
EMAIL
[email protected]
6 Schurmann Street,
Natimuk, Victoria 3409
T (03) 5363 4400
F (03) 5387 1303
wwhs.net.au