Tresna Cuttris, Ruth Azzopardi, Lyn Jamieson, Karen Bull, David Anderson, Robyn Digby and Judi McKee cut the cake.

Today current and past staff members celebrated 10 years since Peninsula Health first opened its purpose-built Aged Care and Rehabilitation Unit, The Mornington Centre.

The 60-bed facility was opened by then Health Minister, Daniel Andrews, on 28 November 2007. In 2014 the Centre expanded once more, with the addition of another 30 beds and more ambulatory care services.

Site Senior Physiotherapist Peter Hough has worked at The Mornington Centre since it first opened, replacing the ageing Mt Eliza Centre.

“The team has always done a fantastic job – from working in a challenging, decaying facility at the Mt Eliza Centre, to working with a more complex patient population now,” says Peter.

“Ten years ago the average age of patients we saw were in their 70s, now they are well into their 80s. It’s been amazing to see the increased professionalism in the fabric and process of the place.”

Diversional Therapist Maureen Donovan has also worked at The Mornington Centre since it first opened.

“We still maintain a small team feel, even with all of the growth and changes that we have been through, which is really positive,” says Maureen.

“The facilities and also our understanding about how to deal with confused people have improved so much over the last 10 years. It’s really rewarding working with patients and making that human connection with them on their journey.”

Kerry Johnston, PSA Manager, still remembers the day they moved patients from the Mt Eliza Centre into the brand new Mornington Centre.

“I was running back and forth from the Mt Eliza Centre to here, to get cutlery so we could feed the patients,” says Kerry.

“My role has changed a lot over time. As we bought in more ambulatory care and X-Rays, the PSA’s have had to step up. It’s very challenging and every day is different.”

Lillian Wagstaff will celebrate 20 years of service with Peninsula Health next June, half of which have been at The Mornington Centre.

“Seeing all of the changes and watching the Centre grow has been a real highlight for me,” says Lillian.

“As PSAs we do a variety of jobs now and I do really enjoy it.”

Current and former staff enjoyed a BBQ lunch, cake and a special rendition of Happy Birthday to mark the occasion.

Lillian Wagstaff, Karen Bull, Kerry Johnstone and Robyn Digby.

Sally May, Peter Hough and Maureen Donovan.

Daniel Andrews opening the facility 10 years ago.

Jessica Mills
JMills@phcn.vic.gov.au

The post Happy 10th Birthday to The Mornington Centre appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Frankston Hospital will be transformed into a world-leading teaching hospital and research institution, if plans for its expansion are approved.

The multi-million dollar blueprint was unveiled today by Peninsula Health, which operates Frankston Hospital, Rosebud Hospital, The Mornington Centre, Golf Links Road Rehabilitation Centre and community health programs on the Mornington Peninsula.

The expansion of Frankston Hospital would deliver 115 more beds for the local community by mid-2021. There would also be seven new operating theatres and an expanded maternity department, which would match the projected growth in population. A detailed feasibility plan is being undertaken for this $200-$300 million development and is scheduled to be completed in February 2018.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, David Anderson, said the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community will benefit from a bigger, better Frankston Hospital.

“The plans we have released today detail our vision for Frankston Hospital, and the longer-term vision for a future health and education precinct with Monash University,” said Mr Anderson.

Frankston Hospital Chief Operating Officer, Brendon Gardner, says the expansion is integral to meeting the community’s healthcare needs over the next two decades.

“As our population grows, it is vital we grow with it,” said Mr Gardner.

“In order to continue to deliver world-class healthcare to the local community, we need the facilities to match the expertise of our doctors and nurses.”

“The health and education precinct will help us attract the best and brightest minds to Frankston, so we can meet new health challenges in the coming decades head-on,” added Mr Gardner.

The health and education precinct would include dedicated clinical teaching and research spaces operated in conjunction with Monash University.

Pro-Vice Chancellor of Monash University Peninsula campus, Professor David Copolov AO, said that the University is excited to build on its partnership with Peninsula Health.

“We look forward to partnering with the Hospital to expand our teaching and research activities in Frankston,” said Professor Copolov.

“This crucial project has the full support of the local community who understand the importance of having access to the best of care, close to home,” added Mr Anderson.

It is estimated the expansion of Frankston Hospital would also generate 1,000 new jobs in the local area, half of which would be permanent positions.

More information about the plans is available online here.

Media Contact

Steve Pearce, Head of Communications & Media

0429 327 664 or stevepearce@phcn.vic.gov.au

The post Plans revealed for a bigger, better Frankston Hospital appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Ida Noonan with her daughters Wendy Mack and Joan Joiner-McDermott.

Ida Noonan has seen and done many things in her 99 years – but breaking a bone, having an operation and spending a few weeks in hospital were all foreign experiences for her until November this year.

“I was sweeping the leaves in the garden and the phone rang. I moved quickly, my foot got stuck on my rubber shoes and I hit the pavement,” recounts Ida, when explaining how she ended up in Rosebud Hospital.

“I hit my hip. I had to crawl inside to the phone and ring my daughter who called an ambulance.”

The great-great-grandmother was taken to Rosebud Hospital Emergency Department (ED) in shock.

“I was so cross it was a silly accident,” says Ida. “I had never been in hospital before except to have my children – no operations, or falls, nothing.”

Ida was in pain and needed an X-Ray to assess the damage. Luckily for Ida, Rosebud ED has specially designed new X-Ray capable trolley beds, which were purchased from the funds raised at the inaugural Rosebud Hospital Summer Appeal in January this year.

“Instead of transferring a patient via a slide to another bed, X-Rays can now be performed on the actual trolley bed, which reduces the pain and difficulty of a transfer,” explains Damien Barbour, Head of Radiology at Rosebud Hospital.

“It is more beneficial for the patient, reduces the amount of discomfort, and the turnaround times for X-Rays are improved.”

The X-Ray showed that Ida had fractured her hip, and at 99 years old, she needed to have her first operation.

“They put a screw in my hip. If I go to the airport now it will go ding, ding, ding…” laughs Ida.

The Rye resident of almost 50 years was pleased to be able to complete her rehabilitation after the surgery close to home at Rosebud Hospital.

 “The care has been marvellous, everyone has been so good. I highly recommend this hospital to everyone I could not have been treated better,” says Ida.

The Rosebud Hospital Summer Appeal will be held this summer from December through to February, to raise funds for vital new equipment for the ED.

“When people come into the ED, we need to be prepared to act fast,” says Jessica Hall, Associate Nurse Unit Manager of Rosebud Hospital ED.

“From broken bones, to more life threatening conditions, the support from the local community helps us to provide the very best of care close to home, both for our residents and visitors to the Southern Peninsula.”

You can support Rosebud Hospital ED this summer by donating or hosting your own fundraising event. Visit www.rosebudhospitalsummerappeal.org.au for more information.

Jessica Hall and Damien Barbour with a patient in one of the new X-Ray capable trolley beds.

The post Ida’s first operation goes smoothly thanks to summer hospital appeal appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Peninsula local Ben Amey knows the ocean well – as a fisheries officer and avid surfer he spends majority of his time in and around the water.

He never expected to be rushed to Rosebud Hospital Emergency Department (ED) for a life-saving procedure after his Monday morning surf almost turned fatal.  

 “It was a big surf day at Tibir Street in Rye – a place I’ve surfed hundreds of times before and know really well,” recalls Ben.

“A big wave crashed right in front of me. I duck-dived underneath it, got exploded underwater and flipped backwards a few times.”

Lucky for Ben, through his training with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, he was able to stay calm and hold his breath as the set of waves held him down. However there was nothing he could do to protect himself from the rocky reef under the break.

“I felt my back hit a rock first. About two seconds later it felt like someone smashed me with a baseball bat underneath my ribs on my right side.”

“When I finally came up out of the water I could feel my ribs moving as I was trying to breathe.  I couldn’t really breathe that well due to the fact that my ribs had gone through my lung – but I didn’t know that at the time.”

What Ben did know was that something was badly wrong. His friend helped Ben get into shore and then walk one kilometre along the beach back to the car.

“With every step I gave a yell or a scream, I was in a lot of pain,” explains Ben, who arrived at Rosebud Hospital 15 minutes later.

“They gave me some pain relief and assessed my condition. The X-Ray showed that all the air was draining out of my lung on the right side.”

Ben’s injury was serious and without emergency treatment it could have been fatal.

After diagnosing Ben with a punctured lung, the team acted fast, performing a procedure under local anaesthetic, where a chest tube was inserted to drain the lung and allow it to re-inflate.

The injury was a big blow to Ben – it meant no surfing, no diving and no flying.

“I got pretty upset when I heard that – my job is diving a lot of the time and I was meant to go overseas in two weeks.”

“The physical care I received at Rosebud Hospital ED made me feel confident and comfortable I was in very good hands. I also had to deal with the emotional side of what had happened and found the support I received from the doctors and nurses really got me through a difficult situation.”

The Rosebud Hospital Summer Appeal is being held this summer from December through to February, to raise funds for vital new equipment for the ED.

“I have lived and worked on the Mornington Peninsula for 10 years and it is vital that the local community support facilities like Rosebud ED that deals with emergencies and life threatening situations like mine on a daily basis,” says Ben.

“No-one is immune from accidents and you never know when you are going to need support from the amazing staff at Rosebud Hospital ED.”

“They truly are angels and a lot of the time I think their work and compassion goes unrecognised, so it’s very important that as a community we get behind our local hospital and do as much as we can to support them, as they support us in our time of need.”

Eight weeks on, Ben is almost fully recovered, back at work and hopes to be back surfing soon.

The post Ben survives freak surfing accident thanks to Rosebud Hospital’s Emergency team appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Summer is here and so is the silly season as we head to the beach, the park and the bush to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year.

Dr Jonathan Dowling, Deputy Clinical Director of Frankston Hospital Emergency Department, has these tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer.

Be careful when it comes to sun exposure “A lot of people get lots of sunburn over the summer period.” “Be sure to always wear sunscreen – remember to slip, slop, slap.” Australia has one of the highest levels of UV exposure and highest rates of skin cancer in the world – people need to remember to protect themselves from the sun.

Play it safe by the water “Take care around the water, especially with children.” “When you’re at the beach obey local safety signs.” “We do see drownings and immersion injuries as well as people diving into shallow water and injuring themselves.” A report by Life Saving Victoria found there was a 20 per cent increase in drowning deaths in Victoria in 2016/17. If you are heading to the beach this summer, you can find the closest beach patrolled by life-savers here.

Monitor alcohol consumption “There are lots of people celebrating over the Christmas period but drinking and driving is a bad mix. Try to organise a designated driver or get a taxi or Uber rather than driving. Don’t take the risk of injuring yourself or your friends and family.” “We do see a lot of alcohol related injuries in the Emergency Department over summer – so people who drink too much alcohol not only sustain injuries themselves but often create injuries for others as well.” “It’s important for people to moderate their alcohol and not do silly or irresponsible things while intoxicated.” A standard drink in Australia contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, but the drinks you buy often contain more than one standard drink. Check out this guide for how many standard drinks are in the wine, beer and spirits you buy at the pub

Be aware of your surrounding environment “We do get snake bites and people who have injured themselves by picking up a stonefish at the beach for example.” “A lot of this risk-taking behaviour occurs while people are intoxicated, however everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings while outdoors at all times.” The warmer weather brings out all kinds of wildlife, including snakes. Whether you’re at the beach, on a bushwalk, gardening or playing golf, you might come across potentially dangerous wildlife. These animals are usually not harmful as long as you leave them alone – so watch where you’re walking or swimming so you don’t accidently come into contact.

If you or your family member needs health advice over the holidays, you can contact Nurse-On-Call 24/7 on 1300 606 024. For urgent medical assistance call 000 or head straight to one of our Emergency Departments at Frankston and Rosebud Hospitals.

The post Dr Jon’s Summer Survival Guide appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Charlie and Mia are part of the Pet Therapy Program which operates at all of Peninsula Health’s main hospital sites.

Every week, along with their owners Ann and Angela, Charlie and Mia come into Frankston Hospital to visit patients on the wards and in the dialysis unit.

Their visits are always welcomed by both patients and staff, who enjoy having a pat or cuddle with Charlie and Mia and a chat with Ann and Angela.

The post Furry, friendly and fabulous – Pet Therapy volunteers making a difference at Peninsula Health appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Seven times this year Rosebud local Lawrence Kenney has endured the frightening experience of not being able to breathe.

Each time, he has been rushed to Rosebud Hospital Emergency Department where doctors and nurses worked quickly to help the 85-year-old to breathe again, saving his life.

“The last time it happened I was at home on the veranda early in the morning and I just couldn’t catch my breath, I was gasping for air,” recalls Lawrence.

“My neighbour came in and he took me in to Rosebud Hospital.”

Lucky for Lawrence, who suffers from emphysema, the hospital is just minutes away from his house.

“It’s in a handy position,” says Lawrence.

“The care is excellent and all the staff members are absolutely beautiful – you couldn’t wish for a better place to be. They certainly look after you.”

After being stabilised in the Emergency Department, each time Lawrence has been transferred to Walker Ward to recover and regain his strength.

“I know all of the staff members and they know me – even when I’m passing by out in the street they stop and talk to me,” says Lawrence.

Lawrence has a special bond with the staff at Rosebud Hospital and after each stay he comes back again, once he has been discharged home, with big bags of chocolates to thank everyone who has looked after him.

The Rosebud Hospital Summer Appeal will be held this summer from December through to February, to raise funds for vital new equipment for the Emergency Department, so our doctors and nurses have everything they need to provide the best possible care to people like Lawrence.

You can support Rosebud Hospital ED this summer by donating or hosting your own fundraising event. Visit www.rosebudhospitalsummerappeal.org.au for more information.

The post Lawrence thanks staff for saving his life seven times in 2017 appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Dr Danielle Feigin and the Wassertheil family.

Dr Danielle Feigin epitomises the definition of patient care and is always the first person to offer help, no matter what the situation, according to her colleagues.

On 12 December Danielle was awarded the Jeff Wassertheil Medal for Excellence in Emergency Medicine.

“Danielle has contributed to many aspects of emergency medicine and care within the department, including the development of staff in her role as the medical education registrar,” said Dr Mohan Kamalanathan, who was one of the first recipients of the medal in 2009.

“In the words of her colleagues, Danielle’s caring and easy going temperament are evident when caring for patients and she is highly respected and regarded by nursing and medical staff alike.”

The medal commemorates former clinical director of Peninsula Health’s Emergency Department, Associate Professor Jeff Wassertheil’s leadership and contribution to emergency medicine, prior to his passing in September 2008.

“Jeff instilled in us a sense of integrity, professionalism and patient centred care,” said Mohan, who worked with Jeff when he first started at Peninsula Health.

“He always strived to deliver academic, emergency medicine with care and mentored us to becoming better clinicians.”

Danielle thanked her colleagues for their support and Jeff’s family for the award.

“I love working at Peninsula Health and I love working with all of my colleagues in the Emergency Department – I feel so comfortable here and you guys help me to shine and do the work that I do so thank you all very much,” said Danielle.

“Although I never met Jeff, just by hearing the way that everybody speaks about him, he sounds like such an incredible man, both as a doctor and family person. The fact that his whole family is here today is really testament to who he was.”

Jeff’s wife Correnne said she was pleased to see the work Jeff started in the Emergency Department continuing on, as the hospital grows and expands.

“It’s hard to imagine this is the tenth presentation and it’s been 10 years since Jeff passed. But it’s been wonderful that the hospital has kept in contact with me and kept me informed as to what’s happening,” said Correnne.

“I’ve been reading about the purchase of the tennis courts for further expansion of the hospital and it’s great to see that the work started before Jeff and with Jeff has continued to move on.”

Congratulations Danielle on being recognised for your outstanding contribution to Emergency Medicine.

Read more about the proposed expansion of Frankston Hospital here. 

Danielle with her proud daughter Natalie and mother-in-law Monica.

Danielle with her daughter and Emergency Department colleagues.

Danielle and Dr Mohan Kamalanathan.

The post Dr Danielle Feigin recipient of tenth Jeff Wassertheil Medal for Excellence in Emergency Medicine appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Patient Shirley Burt with her sketch published in the calendar.

It’s been over sixty years since Shirley last did art – now she’s a published illustrator thanks to the Art in Dialysis program at Peninsula Health.

“I didn’t know I could sketch – I hadn’t done it since High School,” says Shirley Burt, a dialysis patient at Frankston Hospital.

Shirley is part of the Art in Dialysis program at Peninsula Health, where an art therapist from Frankston Arts Centre does art with dialysis patients once a week.

Haemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy for people with stage 5 kidney disease. These people, like Shirley, have to attend dialysis three times a week for an average treatment session of five hours.

“Art day goes very quickly,” says Shirley.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of doing it and also watching what everyone does and the pleasure they get out of how well they are doing their art.”

Facilitated by art therapists, patients can do painting, drawing, mosaics and sculptures.

“When I started the art therapist used to give me branches off gumtrees and I’d sketch them from life,” explains Shirley.

A collection of art work produced by dialysis patients has been made into a special Art in Dialysis calendar, which is available to purchase.

Proceeds from the calendar will be put into expanding the Art in Dialysis program for more patients.

One of Shirley’s sketches is featured in the calendar.

“My drawing in the calendar is of a bottlebrush that’s in our front garden at home. I picked it, bought it in and sketched it,” explains Shirley.

“It turned out very soft – I couldn’t believe I could achieve that”

“I was so excited to be chosen to be in the calendar and it came up so well. My children all thought it was lovely and bought one.”

Shirley now plans to start doing art at home and hopes to move into watercolours.

You can purchase an Art in Dialysis Calendar for $15 from the Pink Ladies Café at the main entrance of Frankston Hospital, the Frankston Hospital Dialysis Unit and Rosebud Hospital Dialysis Unit .

Patient Alan Deery, with his artwork Christmas at the Farm published in the calendar.

Jessica Mills
JMills@phcn.vic.gov.au 

The post Dialysis patients get arty for special calendar appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Janet Payne has spent more than half of her life working at Peninsula Health and she has no plans for retirement yet.

“I started as a medical record clerk in 1977,” recalls Janet.

“I had small children at the time and I thought it was just fantastic, I was so excited to get the job.”

Since then, Janet has gone on to work on two big projects for Peninsula Health – the opening of the first overnight stay unit in 1990 and the formation of Hospital in the Home in 1994.

“Hospital in the Home was a brand new initiative and we were the first one in Australia.”

“It was such a new thing and all the people I worked with were very forward thinking.”

Ironically, the very first patient Janet and the team had in Hospital in the Home was Frankston Hospital’s longest serving staff member at the time.

“The lady had worked at Frankston Hospital for 50 years and it just so happened that she was on the ward and was suitable to be our first patient,” says Janet.

Hospital in the Home is a program where patients who are stable are looked after at home, rather than in hospital.

As the department’s administration officer, Janet is the first point of contact for these patients every day.

“We are like an acute ward and we help patients with whatever they need, whether it’s meals or home help or personal care.”

“I really enjoy the patient contact I have in my role – I speak to patients on the phone many times per day.”

The Mt Martha grandmother of four says it’s the people and the different opportunities that have kept her at Peninsula Health for four decades. 

“People are surprised when they hear I’ve been here for so long but I have done lots of different things so I’ve been very happy with the variety of duties I’ve had over the years,” says Janet.

Janet’s daughter and brother also work at Peninsula Health, but they still have quite a few years of catching up to do before they come close to her 40 year milestone!

Congratulations Janet on 40 years of service with Peninsula Health.

Jessica Mills
JMills@phcn.vic.gov.au 

The post Forty years of service and more to come for long-serving staff member Janet appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Peninsula Health researchers have been successful in securing a number of funding grants, which will allow them to conduct important research into health issues affecting residents of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.

These conditions, which are highly prevalent in the Peninsula Health catchment, include stroke, heart attacks, diabetes and dementia.

Congratulations to the below researchers for being awarded significant funding grants in these important areas.

Stroke

Dr Nadine Andrew, Senior Research Fellow in the Professorial Academic Unit has been awarded an NHMRC project grant ($556,000) as lead investigator for a study using comprehensive linked data to evaluate enhanced models of primary care in the management of people with stroke and other chronic diseases.

Dr Andrew is also a chief investigator on another NHMRC project grant ($1.8 million) for a multinational effectiveness trial of an occupational therapy pre-discharge home visit package for patients with stroke.

Professor of Medicine, Velandai Srikanth, is a chief investigator on an NHMRC project grant ($4.4 million) for a multinational trial in stroke rehabilitation. This trial seeks to identify the timing and amount of rehabilitation that would generate best outcomes for patients with acute stroke.

Cardiovascular disease

Professor Jamie Layland, who leads cardiovascular research at Peninsula Health, is a chief investigator on a $3.3million NHMRC project grant to investigate the use of intracoronary thrombolysis in patients with heart attack. This is a major multicentre international trial which is testing the delivery of thrombolysis directly into the affected coronary artery.

Diabetes, brain ageing and dementia

Professor Velandai Srikanth has been awarded a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship ($480,000) to support research into the impact of poor metabolic health (diabetes, obesity) on brain health, with a view to finding ways to prevent the acceleration of cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr Christopher Moran, Geriatrician and Senior Lecturer in the Professorial Academic Unit, was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to study the contribution of neuro-inflammation to the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes.

The post Exciting times for research at Peninsula Health with major funding success appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Patients and visitors to Frankston Hospital are the big winners with 450 dedicated car parking spaces opening tomorrow (Thursday 21 December 2017).

Car parking at Frankston Hospital is now future-proofed, just in time for the proposed $200-300 million expansion plans released last month.

Peninsula Health staff and volunteers also benefit from new dedicated parking places close to the main entrance to Frankston Hospital.

The new car parking spaces were officially opened by Mr Paul Edbrooke, Member for Frankston.

“This significant expansion solves our parking problems for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers at Frankston Hospital,” said David Anderson, Peninsula Health’s Acting Chief Executive Officer.

“The additional spaces future-proof our car parking, so there is enough capacity for our proposed expansion plans for the hospital.”

Frankston Hospital will be transformed into a world-leading teaching hospital and research institution for the Mornington Peninsula, if plans for the expansion are approved.

The proposed expansion of Frankston Hospital will deliver 115 more beds for the local community as well as seven new operating theatres and an expanded maternity department.

The car park construction process has also allowed for upgrades to the existing parking facilities, with lifts and more CCTV coverage added for increased safety.

“The community will be delighted to hear that all of our multi-storey parking facilities now have lifts so everyone can access our car parks and the hospital with ease,” said Brendon Gardner, Chief Operating Officer of Frankston Hospital.

“There will be no car parking fees increases as a result of the new multi-storey car park – parking fees at Frankston Hospital continue to be among the lowest in metropolitan Melbourne,” said Mr Gardner.

The proposed expansion of Frankston Hospital will generate 1,000 new jobs in the local area, half of which would be permanent positions, if the plans receive State Government backing.

For more information: Steve Pearce, Head of Communications & Media

0429 327 664 or stevepearce@phcn.vic.gov.au

The post Bigger, better car park for Frankston Hospital appeared first on Peninsula Health.

At Peninsula Health, our surgical team are heavily involved in research so they can provide the very best care to the people of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.

Medical students, registrars and residents were recognised for their excellence in surgical research at the annual Surgical Symposium on 15 December.

Congratulations to all of the Award recipients.

The Professor Jonathan Serpell Prize for Research and Endeavour in Surgery 2017

First prize winner

Rachael Leung, medical student and 2018 intern at Peninsula Health

Topic: Broadening our understanding of the perforasome concept: mapping the angiosomes of deep inferior epigastric artery perforators with computed tomographic angiography

Rachael Leung, Associate Professor David Hunter-Smith, Director of Surgical Research and Professor Jonathan Serpell. 

Second prize winner

Dr Dasun Ganhewa, Masters of Surgery student 2017

Topic: Complications of implant arthroplasty for basal thumb arthritis

Dr Dasun Ganhewa, Associate Professor David Hunter-Smith and Professor Jonathan Serpell. 

Third prize winner

Dr Jessie Xu, plastic surgery registrar 2017

Topic: Managing advanced Dupuytren’s disease with collagenase: is there a suitable cohort?

Dr Jessie Xu, Associate Professor David Hunter-Smith and Professor Jonathan Serpell. 

Peninsula Health Orthopaedic Research Prize 2017

First prize winner

Dr Elie Haddad, Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Officer

Topic: Hip fracture management at Peninsula Health: how do we compare to our colleagues throughout Australia and New Zealand?

Dr Elie Haddad and Mr Nigel Broughton, Head of Orthopaedic Research 

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Certificate of Outstanding Service

Mr Robert Stunden – paediatric surgeon

Mr Robert Stunden and Professor Jonathan Serpell. 

The post Celebrating surgical research and endeavour at Peninsula Health appeared first on Peninsula Health.

This year, Balnarring mechanic Eve Cains-Hope asked her friends and family to get her something different for Christmas.

In lieu of gifts, Eve instead requested they make a donation towards her shaving her head, with the proceeds going to the inpatient oncology ward at Frankston Hospital.

“Every year for Christmas I try to do something to give to others – that’s what Christmas is supposed to be about, giving and happiness,” explains Eve.

“Usually I just do something small like pay it forward by buying a gift for someone that might not have something for Christmas and this year I decided to do something that would reach a few more people.”

“I wanted to support people who are struggling day to day with fighting cancer, which is why I decided to raise money for my local hospital.”

Eve says her friends, family and workplace have all been incredibly supportive and have helped her to raise almost $2000 for cancer patients at Peninsula Health.

“We ended up doing the shave at my work, Balnarring Motors. A few of the customers all came in and also donated.”

“I’d been growing my hair for the last two years so I was nervous to cut it all off but I was happy to do it because it’s for a good cause.”

“I’ve even gotten a few compliments about my new hairstyle; my clients are calling me Sinead O’Conner,” laughs Eve.

Every year more than 1500 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula alone.

 “I feel grateful that I am in a position where I can enrich other people’s lives,” says Eve.

“As far as the missing out on my hair goes – thinking about young girls going through chemotherapy and losing their hair but still enjoying their life gave me a bit of perspective. It’s really nothing, it’s not a loss at all – the fact I can give back to people makes it worth it.”

Help us put the very best equipment in the hands of our Emergency Teams this Christmas by giving a gift to our Emergency Appeal.

Jessica Mills
JMills@phcn.vic.gov.au

The post Eve shaves her head for cancer patients at Frankston Hospital appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Jean Botha is one of the new Security Guards at The Mornington Centre.

Security guards are now in place at Rosebud Hospital, Golf Links Road Rehabilitation Centre and The Mornington Centre.

The increased security presence will play a vital role preventing and deescalating violent and aggressive situations, patrolling hospital grounds, escorting staff to their cars and responding to Code Grey calls and duress alarms, according to Fiona Reed, Executive Director of Nursing at Peninsula Health.

“Our healthcare workers care for our patients at their most vulnerable, and they deserve to be safe and respected in the workplace,” says Fiona.

“Occupational violence in health environments is a serious issue with the potential for tragic outcomes. No matter the situation, violence towards staff at Peninsula Health is never ok.”

As well as security being increased, security guards now use wearable audio-visual recording devices. Security staff members have reported that incidences of violence and aggression have started to reduce once the aggressive patient or visitor is notified that they are being recorded.

The Mornington Centre is a purpose built aged care and rehabilitation facility, Golf Links Road houses two rehabilitation units, a palliative care unit and Carinya, an aged persons mental health residential care facility and Rosebud Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services from community health to emergency care.  

The additional security guards are part of a broader health network campaign to prevent and reduce violence and aggression against healthcare workers and volunteers.  

“Having more security is good news for staff, patients and the many visitors who come through our doors every day.”

Read more about Peninsula Health’s response to occupational violence in our Quality Care magazine.

The post New security presence at Rosebud Hospital, Golf Links Road and The Mornington Centre appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Name: Michelle Vuat

Role at Peninsula Health: Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Frankston Emergency Department

How long have you worked at Frankston ED for?

Seven years. I have completed my graduate year with Peninsula Health, as well as my post graduate certificate in Critical Care. I have also worked in the Intensive Care Unit.

What does a typical shift in your role involve? Is there such a thing?

Yes I would agree that no two days are the same in the Emergency Department, however there are some things we can predict. On average we will see over 200 patients a day and we have surges of patients at approximately the same times. In my role as the Associate Nurse Unit Manager, I work as the Floor Manager, managing the flow into and out of the Emergency Department. I work closely with the Consultant (doctor) in charge managing the flow and appropriately responding to the most unwell patients and utilising our resources accordingly.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in emergency nursing?

My interest in emergency care first began years ago when I was a Surf Lifesaver. I was exposed to Basic Life Support and responding to emergency events and deterioration at an early age. I still get a ‘rush’ in not knowing what is coming in the door next and having the dynamic skills to be able to respond to critical life threatening situations in a timely and appropriate manner.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The most rewarding part of my current role is watching first-hand the growth of the nurses I work with. The nursing graduates often start with apprehension transitioning into our crazy and demanding ED world. However with the right support, education and guidance, they grow into confident and competent clinicians. Watching the post graduate students grow into seniors leaders in the department is just as rewarding.  

What is your most memorable moment from working in the ED?

My most memorable moment working in ED was my first experience with a cardiac arrest. I was a graduate at the time, and I remember it being a ‘lightbulb moment’ of realising the Emergency Department was bigger than my allocated 3 cubicles. The arrest was a young person and the outcome wasn’t good for the patient, but to this day, I remember the teamwork. As a junior nurse, watching in awe how the team functioned in cohesion with one common goal. This experience further reinforced that I wanted to continue on to post graduate qualifications. I saw the critical care nurse role as dynamic, critical thinking and vital in the arrest situation.  

What would you say to other people considering applying for a job at Frankston ED?

You’ll either love it or hate it. Emergency nursing isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok. But if you do love it, it will be the most rewarding career you can imagine. The differences and impact that you make on your patients’ lives everyday cannot be measured. The sense of teamwork and the friendships with your colleagues that will grow are unlike any other.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to make the most out of my annual leave, so travelling overseas every year is a huge priority for me. During my travels, I have completed volunteer work with vulnerable populations in developing countries like Nepal and Cambodia, which I find hugely rewarding. In my spare time day to day you’ll find me at the beach, walking and swimming with my puppy Obi and catching up for brunch with friends.

Help put the very best equipment in the hands of Michelle and our Emergency Team by donating to our Emergency Appeal. 

Find out more about employment opportunities for nurses at Peninsula Health. 

The post Careers at Peninsula Health: Q&A with Michelle Vuat appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Nurse practitioner Gail with Charlotte and Julie. 

When Julie Richardson was a little girl, she’d often come to Rosebud Hospital to visit her Mum and Dad at work.

Now, a few decades later, Julie is a senior nurse and Patient Services Manager at her parents’ former workplace. 

Rosebud Hospital is also the first point of call, and shining light, when any of her family needs emergency care.

Eight weeks ago it was her daughter Charlotte who needed help from her local hospital.

“We have a rocky office chair in our house and I was watching Youtube and I fell,” explains nine-year-old Charlotte.

“I tried to protect my head and I put my elbows down.”

The impact of hitting the ground broke Charlotte’s arm.

When she got to the Emergency Department, nurse practitioner Gail Van Summeren looked after Charlotte and the made the process of coming in to hospital not even a little bit scary, according to the grade 3 student.

“The care was really, really good,” says Julie.

“Gail was super friendly and being a nurse practitioner she’s so knowledgeable. She was able to explain the X-Ray and exactly what it meant.”

Charlotte’s right arm was put in a half caste and she got to go back home and back to school with minimal interruption – apart from her Christmas concert.

“I couldn’t do most of the moves,” says Charlotte.

Julie and Charlotte both agree Rosebud Hospital plays a vital role caring for the community – Charlotte has been in before for treatment for an injured pinkie finger and sprained ankle, and her brother came in with a 5cm stick in his foot. Every time they say the care has been exceptional.

The Rosebud Hospital Summer Appeal is being held this summer from December through to February, to raise funds for vital new equipment for the ED, so our doctors and nurses have everything they need for fixing broken bones and providing lifesaving emergency care.

You can support Rosebud Hospital ED this summer by donating or hosting your own fundraising event. Visit www.rosebudhospitalsummerappeal.org.au for more information.

Charlotte’s arm is now much better thanks to Gail and the team at Rosebud Emergency Department. 

The post Rosebud Hospital the first stop when this senior nurse’s family needs care appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Mari Barry and her team have had great success in helping men stop their violent behaviour. 

In the last year around 5,000 male perpetrators of family violence from the Bayside Peninsula catchment were referred to Peninsula Health’s family violence service. 

“Demand continues to grow and it is expected to continue to grow as the profile of family violence is raised,” explains Mari Barry, Program Manager, Counselling and Family Violence at Peninsula Health.

Through the Men’s Behaviour Change Program, the Family Violence team at Peninsula Health have had success in assisting men to take responsibility for their abusive behaviours, and build more positive relationships.

“Research done by Monash University across the state, showed that 60% of men who had completed Men’s Behaviour Change Programs had not reoffended for up to two years post the programs,” explains Mari.

The programs are research and evidence based and focus on assisting men to take responsibility for their behaviours, as well as the impact that these behaviours have on their families, most often their partners and children.

“The myths and expectations of ‘happy ever after’ don’t really fit with healthy relationships,” explains Glenda Johns, Team Leader of Peninsula Health’s Family Violence Program.

“Most men want to have a good relationship but their choice of behaviour may not necessarily match their intention.”

“Their use of abusive behaviour sets up a situation where they are able to exert a greater level of power and control over their partner and children. This often happens when men do not want to take time to really fully understand the complexities involved in family relationships and the importance of being respectful of the on-going needs of others.”

Men’s behaviour change group work provides the opportunity to consider different perspectives and options of how to be consistently respectful to provide a safe and healthy environment for the people in their lives.

As well as the men’s behaviour change program, Peninsula Health also runs the ‘Keeping Families Safe’ program, for adolescents who are violent in the home. The program works with both the adolescent and family members in a non-blaming, non-shaming way to enhance safety and wellbeing and improve family relationships. The program includes the opportunity for parents and adolescents to participate in group work along with other families.

Call 1300 665 781 to access Peninsula Health’s family violence program.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence you can call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732. If you are in danger, call 000.

The post Stopping family violence on the Peninsula appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Katie Elsegood is used to being the one caring for others in her role as a nurse at Frankston Hospital.

However the tables were turned and Katie was the one being looked after, with multiple complications during her third pregnancy.

“I had a very rare pregnancy condition called collastasis, which is when your liver doesn’t cope with the amount of hormones and you end up itching non-stop 24 hours a day – it was horrible,” recalls Katie.

“It also has a higher rate of stillbirth. On top of that, he was also a smaller baby and at 32 weeks an ultrasound found I had a placenta abruption.”

A placenta abruption can cause bleeding in the mother and may interfere with the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients.

With so many complications, the Cranbourne mother says it was a relief to be looked after by the team at Frankston Hospital.

“It was just a relief because I didn’t have to question what they were doing I wasn’t worried about if everything would be ok because I knew I was in good hands.”

“I felt really at ease with what their plan was – they gave me the best possible care and had me come in every few days for monitoring, ultrasounds and blood tests.”

Jesse was safely delivered via c-section in August at 35 weeks and then spent 13 days in the Special Care Nursery.

Katie has had all three of her children at Frankston Hospital and says if she was to ever have another baby, she’d choose Frankston yet again.

“Absolutely I’d choose Frankston Hospital every time, I couldn’t be happier with the care.”

The post Baby Jesse delivered safely after multiple complications appeared first on Peninsula Health.

Happy New Year!

Here’s six easy yet important things to do to make 2018 your best year yet.

1. Make an Advanced Care Plan.

Advance care planning involves making a plan for future health and personal care should a person lose their decision-making capacity.  Advance care planning captures peoples’ values and wishes. It enables them to continue to influence treatment decisions, even when they can no longer actively participate. Although it may be a topic people prefer not to think about, it is an important thing to do to make sure you and your family are on the same page, should something happen. Read about Valma’s experience here.

2. Now Christmas is over it’s time to refresh your diet and focus on healthy eating.

Do you ever eat to the point you feel like you are going to be sick? It may be time to consider practising mindful eating. There are lots of ways to do this, including stopping eating in front of the TV or when staring at your phone – instead focus on what you’re eating. Another easy way to improve your diet is to eat more vegetables. Here’s five, easy and cheap ways to eat more vegetables.

3. Make time for exercise.

Regular physical activity has important benefits for physical and mental health. It reduces the risk of many health problems such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, musculoskeletal problems, some cancers and unhealthy weight gain. The Australian government recommends you do 2.5-5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week.  One easy way to fit in exercise is to combine it with your commute to work. Why not ride or walk to work? Or if you’re not close enough to do that, get off a station early or park further away and walk the rest of the distance to work.

4. Volunteer at Peninsula Health.

More than 800 volunteers currently complement the care and treatment of patients and clients across all the sites of Peninsula Health. Volunteers help out in the wards, kiosks, Emergency Departments, activity rooms, reception areas, in the community and participating in fundraising activities. You can read about Karen’s volunteering experience here. There are also opportunities for consumer representatives who represent patient, consumer, carer and community views on how we provide our services, through participating in our Consumer Participation Program which includes: Community Advisory Groups, Committees, Working Groups and other activities. Read about Dereen’s role as a consumer representative here.

5. Become an organ donor.

In 2016, 503 people in Australia donated their organs, saving the lives of 1,447 people who received an organ transplant. If you are willing to one day save lives as an organ and tissue donor, register your donation decision online today. It only takes a minute or two, all you need is your Medicare Card number. Jodi is the Nurse Donation Specialist at Peninsula Health and supports families at the time of organ donation. Read more about Jodi and the service she provides at Peninsula Health here.

6. Support your local hospital

The Rosebud Hospital Summer Appeal is currently underway to raise funds for new equipment for Rosebud Emergency Department. Why not get your friends together for afternoon tea and get everyone to bring a gold coin donation for the appeal? We are also looking for volunteers to participate in the appeal in Rye, Rosebud and Dromana on Friday 12 January.

The post Six New Year’s Resolutions to make a reality in 2018 appeared first on Peninsula Health.