THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN PRIVATE HOSPITALS ASSOCIATION December 2011
RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE
This year’s recipients of the APHA/Baxter awards for Quality and Excellence
POLICY PATTER AS I SEE IT LEGAL MATTERS PHARMACY FOCUS
ARTS IN MEDICINE
Creating the optimal environment for healing
MODEL SURVIVORS
Smiles, confidence and beauty despite cancer
Values and cultures in
Private Hospitals
2011 winners, left to right: Zena Coffey, Paul Esplin and Amanda Klahr
Do you know a remarkable nurse? Recognise the outstanding efforts of a remarkable nurse by nominating them in one of three categories:
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Nurse of the Year Innovation in Nursing Graduate Nurse of the Year
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Winners announced at a gala awards ceremony on Thursday 10 May 2012 at Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex.
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Nominate now and make a difference It’s said that small acts can make a big difference. This is certainly true, when it comes to the HESTA Australian Nursing Awards, because each person nominated for an award receives a certificate of congratulations. “This gesture is an important part of the HESTA Australian Nursing Awards,” says HESTA CEO Anne-Marie Corboy. “Recognition plays a vital role in rewarding personal achievement. A certificate lets all those who’ve been nominated know their work is appreciated.” While only nurses, midwifes, personal care attendants and assistants in nursing are eligible to be nominated, it’s important to remember that anyone can make a nomination. “Nominations are a chance for patients, patients’ families, colleagues or employers to say ‘thank you’, and to tell the community about their ‘above and beyond’ personal experience with a nurse,” Ms Corboy says. “The achievements of remarkable nursing professionals are heart-warming, inspirational, courageous and empowering — and the Awards are an avenue to share these stories.” Visit hestanursingawards.com for more information about the Awards, gala dinner and to nominate. What our judges say... The HESTA Australian Nursing Awards judging panel is made up of trained nurses, academics and industry representatives. “Remember this is your one chance to tell us about the remarkable nurse you’re nominating — so tell us as much about their accomplishments as possible.” “When evaluating nominations, I look for that extra something that makes it stand out against the rest — where the person has thought ‘outside the square’. It’s really important that these special qualities stand out clearly and examples are the best way to illustrate these qualities.” Unveiling the winners The 2012 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards gala dinner takes place on Thursday 10 May. Following months of anticipation, the winners of the Nurse of the Year, Innovation in Nursing and Graduate Nurse of the Year categories will be announced. About us HESTA has more than 750,000 members, 100,000 employers and $18 billion in funds invested for the retirement of our members. We are the Fund more people in health and community services choose. Proudly presented by:
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Australian Private Hospitals Association Diamond Sponsor:
Major Sponsors:
Platinum Associate Members Health Super Pty Ltd HPS Pharmacies
Gold Associate Members
3M Healthcare Active Partners in Health Solutions Air Liquide Healthcare Pty Ltd Avant Insurance Limited B. Braun Australia Pty Ltd BMDi TUTA Healthcare Pty Ltd Ccentric Group Pty Ltd CDC Software Coregas DLA Piper Global-Mark Pty Ltd Health Industry Plan Holman Webb Lawyers Intrinsix Pty Ltd Johnson & Johnson Medical Knight Frank Australia Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd Medline International Two Australia Pty Ltd Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd Nexa Group Pty Ltd Unique Care Pty Ltd
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Australian Private Hospitals Association Chief Executive Officer: Director, Policy & Research: Director, Communications & Marketing & Editor: Communications Officer:
APHA National Council Steve Atkins Henry Barclay Alan Cooper Anne Crouch Philip Currie Robert Cusack Lynleigh Evans Ray Fairweather Christine Gee Alan Kinkade Moira Munro Craig McNally Kathy Nagle Amanda Quealy Chris Rex Richard Royle Geoff Sam Daniel Sims Dr Mark Stephens Denise Thomas George Toemoe Stephen Walker
Michael Roff Barbara Carney Lisa Ramshaw Rebecca Angove Healthecare Pty Ltd Cura Day Hospitals Group Friendly Society Private Hospital Eye-Tech Day Surgeries Sydney Adventist Hospital St Vincent’s Private Hospital Skin and Cancer Foundation St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital Toowong Private Hospital Epworth HealthCare Perth Clinic Ramsay Health Care Western Hospital Hobart Clinic Ramsay Health Care UnitingCare Health Healthecare Pty Ltd Ramsay Health Care Chesterville Day Hospital Metropolitan Rehabilitation Hospital PHA NSW St Andrew’s Hospital
Private Hospital is published six times a year (February, April, June, August, October and December) as a joint undertaking between the Australian Private Hospitals Association Ltd (ACN 008 623 809) and Globe Publishing (ACN 116 377 354). APHA Office: Level 3, 11 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 Postal Address: PO Box 7426, Canberra BC ACT 2610 Phone: (02) 6273 9000 Fax: (02) 6273 7000 Email:
[email protected] Website: apha.org.au Globe Publishing: Suite 3.15, 22-36 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 Postal Address: PO Box 57, Glebe NSW 2037 Phone: (02) 8218 3400 Fax: (02) 8218 3488 Website: globepublishing.com.au Advertising Enquiries: Adam Cosgrove Phone: (02) 8218 3412 Email:
[email protected]
Material in Private Hospital is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent from the copyright holders (APHA). Private Hospital welcomes submissions and a diversity of opinion on hospital-related issues and will publish views that are not necessarily the policy of the APHA. All material must be relevant, cogent, submitted to APHA and accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope, or submitted electronically by emailing
[email protected]. Electronic images must be to print standard – 300 dpi or higher. Please retain duplicates of all hard copy text and illustrative materials. APHA does not accept responsibility for damage to, or loss of, material submitted. Neither APHA, Globe Publishing or their servants and agents accept liability, including liability for negligence, arising from the information contained in Private Hospital.
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Contents December 2011
23
28
In focus: Values and cultures in private hospitals
Regulars 08
Editor’s Letter With Lisa Ramshaw
28
Arts in medicine Creating the optimal environment for healing
10
President’s Report With Chris Rex
30
Model survivors 38 Smiles, self confidence and beauty at the Choices Fashion Parade 2011
12
As I See It With Michael Roff
15
News From APHA and beyond
46
Quality in Focus With Christine Gee
48
Policy Patter With Barbara Carney
50
Pharmacy Focus With Michael Ryan
52
Legal Matters With Alison Choy Flannigan
54
Since the Last Issue
58
Member Benefits
62
On The Ground With Julie Turner
33
36
Top marks for Burnside State and national recognition of excellence Knitting for nurses Cairns knitters help international midwives
Staff retention Epworth HealthCare is focusing on environment and culture
Also in this issue 20
23
The Congress in 44 pictures Networking, presentations and entertainment
Sharing experience Chinese surgeons learn from St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital
APHA/Baxter Awards for 56 Quality and Excellence Innovative programs in private hospitals
Valuing Private Hospitals
40
Redevelopment at the SAN Milestone development will cater for expected increase in deand
42
Reporting quality and compliance Healthscope launches a website dedicated to performance data
38
30 40
37
Ending the year on a good note
facility (as much as I’d like to) and find out what is happening at your facility. By providing case studies you make the magazine fresh and interesting. I love reading the articles submitted by our member hospitals for each edition. Through these articles one can really get a flavour and feeling of the culture and community at each facility. As this is our end of year edition, we decided to focus on the special culture that exists in so many of our hospitals and I hope you too get a sense that our sector is strong, vibrant and forward-looking. Speaking of looking forward, it will only be days before the big Christmas and summer holiday period. If I look back over the year, it’s been a cracker for APHA and I can only hope 2012 will be just as great. From all of us at APHA, we wish you a happy Christmas season and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
Private Hospital magazine has been recognised for excellence, adding to the many other successes APHA has achieved this year
Lisa Ramshaw Editor Private Hospital
[email protected] Twitter: @priv8hospitals Facebook: valuingprivatehospitals
Y
OU are currently reading one of Australia’s top member magazines as determined by Publishers Australia. I was very proud to have Private Hospital magazine named one of three finalists in the Publishers Australia Excellence Awards in the Association or Member Organisation Magazine of the Year category. This is a huge honour and accomplishment for APHA as there are thousands of custom magazine titles produced in Australia. Part of the reason this magazine was recognised is because it caters well for a specific market. The private hospital sector in this country is varied and vibrant and we seek to include articles that are relevant, timely and interesting to those in the sector. I like to think that we are succeeding. Recently Denise Thomas of MetroRehab Hospital sent me an email: “I must say Private Hospital is the only magazine I hold onto in the office throughout the year and often flip through prior articles. As an independent hospital operator it is a
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valuable resource for me in keeping abreast of what is happening.” It takes time and effort from many people to make Private Hospital the magazine it is. I’d like to thank Rebecca Angove, APHA’s Communications Officer and the magazine’s editorial assistant for helping put the articles together each edition. We also have quite a few regular contributors – Chris Rex, Michael Roff, Christine Gee, Barbara Carney, Michael Ryan and Alison Choy-Flannigan – all of them faithfully write a timely column for each edition and the magazine would be far less pertinent without their commentary. The team at Globe Publishing do a great job of layout, design and managing our advertising. The magazine would be very different if it was not for their efforts. And finally, I’d like to thank all of the readers and subscribers, especially those who have submitted articles for consideration and provided information for us to highlight. You are our eyes and ears on the ground – I can’t visit every member
Photography: Chris Canham
Editor’s Letter
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President’s Report with Chris Rex
This year’s Congress gave us plenty of lively debate and interesting sessions
A
T THE recent APHA Congress, it was good to see some lively discussion during the panel session with insurance fund representatives regarding some of the more challenging areas that affect the private healthcare industry. Issues such as means testing the private health insurance rebate, doctor gaps and private patients in public hospitals, received a good hearing from the panel of experts including Mark Fitzgibbon from NIB; Shaun Larkin from HCF and Richard Bowden from Bupa. From the insurer perspective, doctor gaps call into question the private health insurance value proposition and they would obviously like to see these minimised. The issue of private patients in public hospitals continues to be a bugbear for private hospitals. The marketing campaigns conducted by some public hospitals – particularly in Victoria and New South Wales – to retain private patients in the public system is an interesting circumstance given at the same time they have burgeoning waiting lists. We are aware that some public hospitals go to the extent of employing staff to keep private patients in the public system. As suggested by the insurers during the discussion, it is not in anyone’s interest for
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private hospitals to be unsustainable. The private sector needs to compete better on the grounds of faster access, good quality clinical outcomes and our hotel-like services. The rest of this year’s Congress was extremely enjoyable and thank you to all the speakers, sponsors and participants for your great contributions. Congratulations particularly to the winners of this year’s APHA/Baxter Awards for Quality and Excellence in private hospitals including John Flynn Private Hospital (Clinical Excellence); Epworth Rehabilitation, Brighton (Ambulatory Care) and Hollywood Private Hospital/Joondalup Health Campus (Community Involvement). You can read more about the innovative projects at these hospitals on page 23. Of course, without the support of our Diamond sponsor, HESTA, and major sponsors (Baxter; BD; Covidien; Forbo Flooring; Fresenius; Gow-Gates Insurance; IBM and Molnlycke) it would be far more difficult for the APHA to conduct the range of quality activities it undertakes, including the Congress. We are also delighted to welcome two new major sponsors for 2012 – ME Bank and Olympus. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome one of the nation’s largest operators
Photography: Cliff Kent.
An enjoyable and lively Congress
of private hospitals, Healthscope, to the APHA and to personally welcome Rob Cooke and his team to the Association. We are very much looking forward to the contribution of Healthscope to the APHA. With the addition of Healthscope to the membership, the APHA now represents approximately 80 percent of private hospitals in Australia. Finally, in this last issue of Private Hospital for 2011, I would like to thank the APHA secretariat for their outstanding efforts in 2011. It has been an extraordinarily busy year with the means testing private health insurance issue, but the small team has risen to the challenge and performed extremely well. On top of that, they ran an excellent Congress in October. Particular thanks to Michael, Barbara, Lisa and Kathryn for their great efforts and their support of me and the APHA Council during the year. Merry Christmas to all members. I look forward to seeing you in 2012.
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As I See It with Michael Roff
Those promoting the means testing legislation are not all helping the cause
I
HEAR A LOT of things when I am wandering the corridors of parliament lobbying on behalf of private hospitals. I have been told that the government was serious about getting the legislation to means test the 30 percent rebate passed and had assigned special advisers who are experts in political strategy to ensure this happened. That was back in March and about three or four advisers have moved through the job since then. I have been told that government was courting the votes of various independent MPs with promises of even more funding for their electorates. You have to laugh at the irony of a government willing to spend big on political bribes to pass a so-called savings measure. More recently, I have heard that (presumably because the other approaches have failed) the government was trying to enlist the support of various public health sector advocates to spruik for the means testing legislation. These people are being asked to lobby the independent MPs on the basis that there may not be enough money to spend on public hospitals/e-health/ dental care/aged care/community care (get the idea?) unless the means testing legislation is passed. I have heard that some of these organisations have agreed, perhaps
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reluctantly, to do the government’s dirty work, but without any success. This was all supposed to be secret and to look like the organisations were lobbying off their own bat. However, these ham-fisted attempts at “independent” third party support for the government’s legislation have faltered for two reasons; firstly, the people and organisations doing the government’s bidding were naïve enough to think they would not be found out and, secondly, the people they were trying to lobby are not that naïve. There are also some organisations that think they are helping the government by speaking out publicly on the issue, when the government has been avoiding public debate on an issue they know the public does not support. For example, the head of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association recently told ABC Radio not only that she had been lobbying the independent MPs to support the government’s plan but she and her organisation (representing public hospitals) would also support phasing the rebate out. She said: “We see the means testing of the private health insurance rebate as introducing much greater equity into that tax measure. Over a period of time it may be that that measure could be dropped altogether.” So while the government has been trying not to scare the horses by saying that means
Photography: Chris Canham
Strange bedfellows
testing the 30 percent is the only change they are making, their bedfellows are telling everyone this is just the first step and the rebate should be abolished altogether. There is no doubt in my mind that even if the government was minded to move in that direction, they would not want it mentioned publicly before they have won the first stage of the debate. As I travel the country and talk to people in state Health Departments and the public hospital system about the future under “health reforms”, there are some clear messages emerging. Public hospitals could not cope if there was any utilisation shift from private hospitals and there will need to be an increased role for private hospitals in the delivery of health services. It is time for some of the dinosaurs involved in the health policy debate to drop their outdated ideological baggage and cast their thinking forward, rather than reaching into the past.
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APHA News
Stroke treatment: fast broadband can save lives
Greenslopes’ cancer services will be expanded by the addition of radiation oncology
Development continues at Greenslopes Private Hospital THE Ramsay Health Care Board has approved the business case for the next stage development of Greenslopes Private Hospital. This will be the third major development since Ramsay Health Care took over the hospital in 1995 and will support the expansion of existing services as well as the introduction of a new service, obstetrics. The development will be consistent in design and layout with the previous developments, staying with the contemporary hotel-like theme. To meet the growing demands in surgical services, Greenslopes will build four new theatres, of which two will be fitted out initially, and a 32-bed ward similar to the John French Wing. To future proof the hospital, the development will also include shell construction for an additional 32-bed ward to be fitted out once the additional two theatres come online.
Greenslopes’ expansive cancer services will be further complemented by the introduction of radiation oncology to the Greenslopes campus. The addition of two state-of-the-art linear accelerators will allow patients to receive all their cancer treatment at Greenslopes. The hospital believes this will provide the hospital with the most comprehensive cancer care service in Brisbane. The new obstetrics service will include a 26-bed maternity ward and 16-cot nursery with capacity for eight delivery suites. The introduction of obstetrics will be an exciting expansion for Greenslopes and we are confident the hospital will deliver a very high standard private maternity service for Brisbane. A large amount of planning and preparation has been undertaken already so the facility should see construction commence in the next 2-3 months.
BROADBAND champion Dr Mukesh Haikerwal AO, Chair of the Council of the World Medical Association, recently demonstrated how a Telestroke video link operating through the National Broadband Network (NBN) can save the lives of stroke victims — no matter where they are in Australia. He showed an audience from academic, corporate and government sectors attending a CEDA (Committee for Economic Development of Australia) event how the NBN will extend the reach of high-speed broadband, enabling wider access to telehealth services in regional areas and to more GPs, medical specialists, other health providers and importantly, to patients in their own homes. This allows medical professionals separated by distance to simultaneously participate in real-time video consultations, including exchange of patient data, to provide high-quality and timely diagnosis and treatment of patients. Using high-speed broadband video conferencing and ‘Attend Anywhere’ telehealth management software, the demonstration linked CEDA with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Wangaratta District Base Hospital. Broadband multiple conferencing in such cases enhances the possibility of effective treatment to occur within the “golden hour” of the attack. It also ensures that the type of stroke suffered is diagnosed correctly and that the appropriate therapy can be safely applied. Broadband allows the stroke neurologist to access, in high definition, a computerised pictures archive via a secure link, just using standard computers. This system enables rural doctors, nursing and allied health staff to top up their skills in the management of acute stroke. ➤
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APHA News
MEDICAL Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Chief Executive Officer, Anne Trimmer launched the Medical technology in Australia: key facts and figures 2011 booklet at the opening of the recent MTAA conference MedTech 2011: Medical technology – building sustainable healthcare.
“The publication provides a fascinating overview of the industry and its place in the Australian healthcare system,” said Ms Trimmer. Ms Trimmer also announced a broader research project to survey the entire industry – any company with a medical device registered on the ARTG. The result
Snapshot: The Australian medical technology industry in 2009-10 • Was made up of local manufacturers (30 percent), subsidiaries of global companies (27 percent) and importers and independent distributors (43 percent). • Included over 500 medical technology companies. • Employed over 17,500 people. • Was responsible for over 35,000 medical device groupings listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); the number of actual devices may be approximately 1 million according to the TGA.
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• Was mainly located in NSW (54 percent), followed by VIC (24 percent), QLD (11 percent) and WA (7 percent). • Had a total annual revenue in the order of $7.6 billion. • Imported products to the value of $3.3 billion and exported products to the value of $1.2 billion. • Included 53 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) with a combined market capitalisation of $2.4 billion. • Spent $388 million on R&D (2008-09).
will be a more comprehensive profile of the sector, which will support MTAA‘s push for increased recognition of the industry and its potential. “While medical technology is approximately five percent of total health expenditure, it readily lends itself to reshaping the allocation of total spend. The bulk of the healthcare budget is expended on operating costs such as personnel and hospital organisation costs,“ said Ms Trimmer. “Medical technology can be used to redirect some of the operating cost expenditure to other parts of the healthcare system, for example, by reducing the need for increased numbers of hospital beds, or hospital staff, and by avoiding the need for hospitalisation through improved out of hospital care.” Medical technologies provide life-saving assistance to patients in need, deliver long-term sustaining quality of life and provide aid to improve the day-to-day comfort of patients. Without medical technologies, patients would not be able to walk (implantable hips and knees), hear (cochlear implants and hearing aids), see (intraocular lenses), or survive (cardiac pacemakers and implantable defibrillators).
Photography: Thinkstock
Snapshot of the medtech industry in Australia
em m pr
APHA News
L-R: Chris Murphy, CEO; Megan Stirling, RN; Dr Peter Davidson, Haematologist; Joanne Butler, RN; Dr Rick Abraham, Oncologist; Karen Gray, RN; Dr David Grimes, Oncologist; Ms Pip Youle, Executive Director – Research, Cancer Council Qld; Jacinta Poole, RN
North West Private Hospital opens its new oncology unit IN October, North West Private Hospital officially opened its recently relocated Oncology Unit. Oncology is one of the key clinical services that North West Private provides to the community. It supports a number of surgical specialties on site, particularly colorectal, breast and endocrine. The unit was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Ms Pip Youle,
the Executive Director – Research, for Cancer Council Qld. The opening was also supported by Dr David Grimes, Dr Rick Abraham and Dr Peter Davidson, without whose support, along with numerous specialist surgeons, the Oncology Unit would not be the success that it is today. In particular, Dr David Grimes has had a long association with the unit and was
fundamental in its initial establishment. The contribution of the nursing staff involved in pre-admission, theatres, wards and oncology who develop a caring and special relationship with patients and their families was recognised. The hospital encourages its staff to protect and preserve this contribution into the future, as it is always the people that make a service, not just the physical space. ➤
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APHA News
35-year high in the number of Australians covered by private hospital insurance New figures issued by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show that more Australians are covered by private hospital insurance now than at any other time in the past 35 years Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said the figures show the private health insurance industry is in good shape. “When private health insurance incentives were introduced in 1997, the rationale was that the sector was struggling and incentives were needed to bring it back to life. What we now see is a private health insurance sector that is going from strength to strength. The figures released by PHIAC show that in the September 2011 quarter: • 10,353,096 people (45.6 percent of the population) were covered by hospital treatment insurance policies, an increase of 97,421 people from June 2011;
• 12,009,358 people (52.9 percent of the population) were covered by general treatment policies, an increase of 121,161 from June 2011; and • 12,024,482 people (52.9 percent of the population) were covered by hospital,
general, or hospital and general treatment combined policies, an increase of 122,567 people from June 2011. More information is available at www.phiac. gov.au/for-industry/industry-statistics
Ruth Sheridan jumped into a burning car to save two teenagers. The brave nurse from the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, was in Ballarat visiting family when she
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drove past the crash scene. A Holden sedan with four young people on board had spun out of control about 8.15pm on Sunday, slamming roof-first into
a power pole and catching fire. Ms Sheridan climbed in, gave the female driver and male front seat passenger her wet cardigan so they didn’t breathe in smoke, and calmed them as others tried to put out the flames. Emergency crews had not arrived so Ms Sheridan rushed to help. Police said they would probably have died if it weren’t for Ms Sheridan and others who used garden hoses to put the fire out. Ms Sheridan, 33, said it was hard to see what was going on because of the smoke and the power pole, which fell on the car. “I just took my cardigan off and started hitting the flames while other people were using the hoses,” she said. She didn’t consider herself a hero. “I think there are a lot of people who would have done the same thing,” she said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.”
Image courtesy of Ian Wilson Source: Herald Sun
Brave nurse rescues teenagers after car crash
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APHA National Congress 2011
Welcome
Reception Delegates were welcomed to the 31st Annual Congress with drinks and nibbles at the Zeta bar, Hilton Hotel, Sydney.
31st Annual
APHACongress Evolution through Innovation: The Congress treated delegates to a range of speakers and topics over two days.
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Pre-Dinner Cocktail Party Delegates and invited guests were busy networking before the gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel.
APHA/Baxter
GalaDinner
Photography: RG Photography
Hosted by Today Show host and Gold Logie winner Karl Stefanovic, the night was one of glitz and glamour, followed by entertainment from Lisa Hunt and Forever Soul that got everyone on the dance floor.
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APHA National Congress 2011
The team from Epworth Rehabilitation Brighton, winners of the 2011 APHA/ Baxter Award for Quality and Excellence in Ambulatory Care
31st Annual APHA
Photos by RG Photography
National Congress The year’s Congress provided much food for thought and recognised excellence in the private hospital sector
T
HIS year was the 31st Annual APHA National Congress held at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney. The theme was Private Hospitals: Evolution through Innovation and the Congress provided a platform for exploring the essential connections between private hospitals, governments, technology and patient care. The Congress was organised with a streamed approach that focused on five themes: Safety and Quality, Mental Health, Community Health Innovation, Health Workforce and Communications and Marketing.
Throughout the Congress, delegates could attend sessions on a range of topics across all five themes. From innovations in surgery to the power of social media in healthcare, each session was delivered by speakers who knew their industry and field and presented with a high quality of knowledge. Delegates were encouraged to set up Twitter accounts at the APHA stand, where they could attend tweet camp and get a Twitter account. For the first time, delegates could submit questions for speakers and follow conversations online by using the hashtag #APHACongress on Twitter.
December 2011
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APHA National Congress 2011
Photography: RG Photography
The 2011 APHA/Baxter Awards for Quality and Excellence were presented at the National Congress Gala Dinner, which, as always, was a highlight of the Congress. The night was a celebration of the pursuit and achievement of excellence by private hospitals and showed the high quality and innovative services they provide. It was a glamorous affair hosted by Today Show host and Gold Logie Winner Karl Stefanovic. The delegates arrived to a ballroom that was transformed into a beautiful black and white masterpiece for the evening of fine dining and celebration of the work private hospitals do around Australia. This year’s APHA/Baxter Awards for Quality and Excellence were awarded in three categories: Ambulatory Care, Community Involvement and Clinical Excellence. There were some great entries and the winners were most deserving. The Ambulatory Care category recognises those private hospital facilities nationally that have excelled in the provision of clinical treatment and demonstrated excellence in
The team from John Flynn Private Hospital, winners of the 2011 APHA/ Baxter Award for Quality and Excellence in Clinical Excellence
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patient care in an ambulatory care setting. Epworth Rehabilitation Brighton won the 2011 APHA/Baxter Award for Quality and Excellence in Ambulatory Care for their innovative Multidisciplinary Falls Prevention Intervention Program named C.A.R.E. The challenge for the team at Epworth Rehabilitation Brighton was to develop a Multidisciplinary Falls Prevention Intervention Program for the rehabilitation setting and ambulatory patients that would significantly decrease the number of falls and then sustain this reduction. It also needed to accurately identify patients on admission who were at risk of a fall, which involved each member of the multidisciplinary team. The resulting program named C.A.R.E. represents Communication, Assessment, Response, Recovery and Education, the major components of this successful program. The Community Involvement category recognises the contribution of a private hospital to the broader local community. Ramsay Health Care Western Australia won
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The team from Ramsay Health Care WA, winners of the 2011 APHA/Baxter Award for Quality and Excellence in Community Involvement
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ALL THE WINNERS SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS. THIS AWARD PLACES THEM AT THE FOREFRONT OF AUSTRALIAN HEALTH the 2011 APHA/Baxter Award for Quality and Excellence in Community Involvement for its innovative Mole Patrol campaign. The joint initiative from Joondalup Health Campus and Hollywood Private Hospital was a two-month campaign that ran over summer 2010/11. It aimed to promote skin-cancer awareness among the Perth community and offered free melanoma screening checks by qualified specialists and nurses at various locations around Perth. The Mole Patrol campaign provided more than 2000 people with free skin checks. The Clinical Excellence category recognises quality of care and patient outcomes across an entire hospital. John Flynn Private Hospital took out the 2011 APHA/Baxter Award for Quality and Excellence in Clinical Excellence in recognition of its Hand Hygiene in Health Care guidelines.
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The project was rolled out across the entirety of the large hospital. It included hand hygiene education, submitting data to a national body and providing feedback of progress to staff. The training and education included 100 one-hour face-to-face education sessions that involved all of the 1400 hospital staff as well as Visiting Medical Officers. All the winners from this year’s APHA/ Baxter Awards should be proud of the achievements they have made. The recognition of this award places all recipients at the forefront of Australian health. The Gala Dinner continued after the official presentations and speeches were wrapped up with a live show from Lisa Hunt and Forever Soul. The Hip Hop, RnB persuasion got everyone in the mood to dance, sing and shake it on the dance floor. No-one was left sitting down by the end of Lisa’s performance. It was a fantastic end to the night.
December 2011
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In focus: Making a difference PHAQ Conference 2012
Has your hospital implemented an innovative initiative worthy of
national recognition? Call for abstracts
PHAQ extends an invitation to all private hospitals and day hospitals to consider submitting an abstract for the 2012 Innovative Practice in the Private Sector Conference and Awards to be held on 18 June 2012.
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HAQ in partnership with HESTA Super Fund will host this popular conference in Brisbane on 18 June 2012. The conference provides a platform to showcase and reward innovation in the private hospital sector from across the nation. The 2012 Awards attract a category award prize of $1,000 to the winning hospital, in addition to each of the category winners being eligible for an overall prize of a further $4,000. Abstracts are now being sought in four categories: • Clinical Innovations • Non-Clinical/Operational Innovations • Innovations in Education and HR Management • Innovations in Marketing and/or Community Awareness.
The conference program will be structured around the 16 selected abstracts that will be finalists for the 2012 Innovative Practice in the Private Sector Awards. Innovative practice need not necessarily involve major projects - practical solutions to common problems will also be considered for presentation however there will be a focus on demonstrated outcomes. Small hospitals and day hospitals are also encouraged to submit.
Guidelines for the submission of abstracts, together with an abstract submission template may be obtained by contacting:
Lucy Fisher
Executive Director Private Hospitals Association of Qld Tel: (07) 3279 7600 Fax: (07) 3279 7601 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.phaq.org
Closing date for submission of abstracts – Monday 20 February 2012 26
December 2011
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1.
Bates DW, et al. Incidence of adverse drug events and potential adverse drug events. Implications for prevention. ADE prevention study group. JAMA, 1995 Jul 5 274 (1):29-34
2.
Westbrook J, Lo C, Reckmann M, Runciman WB, Braithwaite J, Day R. The effectiveness of an electronic medication management system to reduce prescribing errors in hospital. 18th Annual Health Informatics Conference. August 2010.
Private Hospital Dec 2011
References:
Art therapy In Rural focus: andValues remote and hospitals cultures in private hospitals
Arts in
medicine St Gabriel’s praised for its use of art in healing
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December 2011
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IT IS LOVELY AND BRIGHT IN HERE, WHICH SEEMS TO HELP THE CHILDREN HEAL FASTER AND THEIR PARENTS RELAX MORE
St Gabriel’s Ward Nurse Unit Manager Grace Luder, artist Kendall Perkins and young patient Kenneth Eckhoff admire the artwork in the paediatric unit
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HEN families enter St Vincent’s Hospital Toowoomba’s paediatric ward the first thing they notice are the smiling fish, twinkling starfish and grinning octopuses that adorn the walls. And while most people may think the colourful artwork by renowned Australian artist Kendall Perkins is there merely to distract the hospital’s youngest patients, there are deeper philosophical reasons for creating this cheerful atmosphere. “It is lovely and bright in here, which seems to help the children heal faster and their parents relax more and see the hospital as a
friendly place for the family and less of a cold, sterile environment,” St Gabriel’s Ward Nurse Unit Manager, Grace Luder said. “The children particularly love spending time just sitting in the playroom.” The ward’s innovative model of care, including the extensive use of art murals and colourful historical displays to establish an optimal environment for healing to occur, has earned St Gabriel’s international acclaim. St Vincent’s Health and Aged Care Regional Archivist, Del Cuddihy recently presented St Gabriel’s Art and Health Project at the Summer Intensive on the Arts in Medicine, run by the University of Florida and Shands Hospital in Gainesville Florida. “Shands Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the USA, with top-50 rankings in eight specialities in the 2011 edition of America’s Best Hospitals, published by US News & World Report,” Ms Cuddihy said. “It has a philosophy of care that believes that the arts are an integral component to healing and has instituted an extensive artist-in-residence program as well as using the visual arts to transform the physical hospital setting through interior design, art exhibitions and installations. “Since the conference, St Vincent’s has been inundated with requests from all over the world to share its model of exceptional care.” Ms Cuddihy and St Vincent’s Hospital Toowoomba’s General Manager, Carl Yuile were invited to showcase the project to an international audience at the Art of Good Health and Wellbeing Conference at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.
The National Gallery has an acclaimed Art and Dementia program and the conference showcases best practice arts and health programs incorporating visual arts, music, theatre, dance, comedy, circus arts, creative and narrative writing, film, digital media, interior design and architecture from Australia and around the world. Mr Yuile said the hospital’s success had been made possible by the generous support of the Toowoomba Regional Council through a Regional Arts Grant. “This grant enabled us to realise our vision to provide exceptional paediatric care in the only licensed paediatric unit on the Darling Downs,” Mr Yuile said. “It is important and beneficial for our whole community when health services in Toowoomba receive international recognition and Council should be acknowledged for the foresight they have shown in collaborating with St Vincent’s for the good of our community.” Mr Yuile also acknowledged the support from local firm Hutchinson’s Builders and artist Kendall Perkins. “We plan to initiate more Arts in Medicine programs and are interested in hearing from any artists who could volunteer for a few hours a week at St Vincent’s,” he said. ‘We may not be as big as the hospitals in the USA, but we like to think we are as innovative. St Vincent’s was, after all, one of the first hospitals in the world to host a Sister Kenny Polio Clinic in the 1930s and we want to continue to build on that innovation.” By Madeleine Tiller
December 2011
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Employee engagement Rural andValues remote hospitals In focus: and cultures in private hospitals
Model
survivors Cancer patients become fashion models for the night
Kristina Andersson looking gorgeous
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by a Trudi escorted lot Pi k in sl ta Qan
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CHOICES WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING ME HEAL AND REALISE I WASN’T ALONE. I AM TRULY GRATEFUL FOR THE PEER SUPPORT Kristina Andersson
“To me, Choices is a unique concept in that it empowers and reminds us that living is not all about the destination but the learning and joy in getting there.” Trudi made her modelling debut at the event. “I was diagnosed at 30 with a tumour in my left breast in March this year, only three months after my wedding. “The Choices program has been a god-send for my family and I throughout this time. Particularly the staff and the Young Women’s Support Group where I’ve met some beautiful people who really just get what you are going through.” Peer support is an important focus of the event and the models often become lifelong friends through the shared experience. They offer each other support along the journey with cancer. Choices Manager, Janine Porter-Steele said many happy memories are created on the night for the models, their families and their friends to cherish. “The event, now in its fourteenth year, has a real sense of community spirit due to all those who pull together to donate their time,
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products and services to make it all happen. We simply couldn’t do it without them.” Choices offers anyone who has been affected by a diagnosis of breast or gynaecological cancer a safe haven, a place to find expert advice, support, up-to-date information and friendship. The services are available to anyone, no matter where they live or are being treated, and can also be accessed by friends and family who may need support when a loved one is dealing with their cancer journey. Choices provides a great deal of outreach support through its rural regional program, home visits, telephone consultations and community education. It also offers patients and their families a drop-in centre at The Wesley Hospital that is available for all, not just Wesley patients. The vast majority of services are provided free of charge, with some therapeutic services offered at a heavily subsidised rate. Choices receives no funding from the government or any other cancer organisation and relies entirely on the generosity of the community for support.
December 2011
Photos: Hendrix Photography
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EN breast and gynaecological cancer patients took over the catwalk on 20 October at Victoria Park Function Venue to show that smiles, self confidence and beauty are still possible, even when you are undergoing cancer treatment. They transformed into fashion models for the Choices Fashion Parade 2011: Come fly with me, an annual event supporting The Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices Program (Choices). Choices Patron, Mr Kevin Walters said the aim of this unique event is to celebrate life. “The models are survivors and this provides a very positive message not only to all women who have been diagnosed, but also to their family and friends who support them,” Mr Walters said. “It certainly shows everyone that life is for living.” Kristina, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, is one of the models this year. “I feel privileged to participate in the 2011 Choices Fashion Parade, having been a guest at last year’s and seeing how much camaraderie and fun was to be had by all involved. “Choices was instrumental in helping me heal and realise I wasn’t alone. I am truly grateful for the peer support, secret women’s business information sessions and wonderful exercise and relaxation programs that Choices delivers, thanks to the generosity and caring of so many people.
Our model s from our annual fashion parade hel d in support of Choices
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In focus: Values and cultures in private hospitals Peri-operative Services Manager Leanne Rowlands at Epworth Eastern
Staff
retention Epworth HealthCare is focusing on environment and culture to retain staff
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December 2011
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In focus: Values and cultures in private hospitals
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RRIVING at Epworth HealthCare’s newest hospital in Melbourne’s eastern corridor in 2008, Leanne Rowlands embraced the challenge that lay ahead. Epworth Eastern needed a strong manager to establish a large peri-operative team that could deliver the best patient care in a young hospital that was still in the process of building theatre lists and developing surgical streams. Epworth Eastern is the largest not-forprofit private hospital in Melbourne’s eastern corridor. It has 223 beds, including an 18-bed critical care unit. Its principle focus is cardiac, vascular, orthopaedic, urology, colorectal and general surgery, and it also offers oncology and endoscopy services. Over time, Leanne has helped recruit more than 180 people, always keeping in mind their needs - flexibility, team structure, ongoing training opportunities and importantly, she acknowledges, an attractive environment. “We spend a lot of time thinking about how it feels to be a patient coming into theatre and then try to develop every process from there – from the customer service point of view,” says Leanne. “Many patients tell us they’re fearful about their conditions, so remembering their vulnerability is a priority. As a consequence of this we also continue asking ourselves ‘what do staff need around them so they can improve the experience for patients?’. Our theatres are new and bright and our corridors are clear because I feel strongly that keeping the environment inviting is as important for staff as it is for patients. As well as providing an ordered pleasant atmosphere, I think it inspires confidence.” Leanne’s talent for recognising Epworth’s culture also came into play throughout the recruitment process. As a staff leader, she holds firmly to her belief that dignity and respect are the main tenets of a great workplace. “I am surrounded by good leaders here at Epworth. Staff know they are trusted to perform at their best level. The expression ‘give you enough rope to hang yourself’ is apt
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Peri-operative Services Manager Leanne Rowlands with part of the Epworth Eastern team
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WE WORK HARD TO PROVIDE WHAT STAFF WANT AND OUR MANAGEMENT PROVIDE IMPORTANT ROLE MODELS
in a way, because while managers don’t actually let that happen, staff are expected to show initiative and take responsibility. A strong reward and recognition program is part of the Epworth culture. There is also wonderful community spirit and people are always putting their hands up to volunteer to help the Salvo’s food kitchen,” said Leanne. “I believe our staff retention rate is high because we work hard to provide what they want and our management teams provide important role models. Epworth is a happy place to work as documented in the BPA staff
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surveys. An overwhelming majority of our staff said they really like working here.” Leanne was among six Epworth leaders who were nominated for SACS Awards in 2011 and was a finalist. The awards recognise outstanding initiatives in government and not-for-profit sectors that contribute to efficiency and effectiveness while improving the workplace for your colleagues. While thrilled to be nominated, she says all the staff deserved to win because a team is as good as their leader and vice versa. By Colleen Coghlan
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Employee engagement Rural andValues remote hospitals In focus: and cultures in private hospitals
Carmel Pearce, RN provides high-quality care to a patient at Burnside
Top marks for
Burnside Burnside Hospital tops SA in patient survey
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FROM THE MOMENT PATIENTS WALK THROUGH THE DOOR, THEY SAY THEY HAVE A SENSE OF WARMTH, WELCOME AND TEAM WORK THAT EXTENDS THROUGHOUT THEIR STAY
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HE BURNSIDE Hospital in Adelaide has received both the State Gold Award and National Bronze Award in the 2011 Medibank Private Member Experience Survey – the largest and most comprehensive survey of patient satisfaction in Australia. Patients who had stayed overnight in one of 148 participating private hospitals between October 2009 and September 2010 took part in the survey. Over the 12-month period, 464 of Burnside’s in-patients received questionnaires, of which 169 (or 36 percent) responded.
Based on 52 indicators, the survey results are analysed and compiled into a ‘Member Experience Index’ and compared with those of hospitals in the same category. Burnside achieved a patient satisfaction score of 79 (compared to the overall average score of 70) to take out both state and national honours. According to Chief Executive Nick Warden, the survey results are a tangible measure of the united team effort that helps to deliver the very best in clinical care and service for patients. “We achieved satisfaction scores of between 98 and 100 percent in 15 areas that clearly make a real difference to each patient’s hospital experience,” Nick said. “These included the clinical skills and knowledge of our visiting medical and nursing/midwifery staff, their caring and compassionate attitude, room cleanliness, our response to patients’ individual needs and how well staff communicate to help patients prepare for and understand their treatment.” Typical of the surveyors’ comments were that “it is a continual whole-of-team effort to create an environment that looks and feels good always… it is a product of a great values system.” Nick believes that listening to and learning from feedback everyday helps to boost the hospital’s strong patient-centred culture. “There’s a real sense of soul at Burnside – it’s about the willingness of our staff to go the extra mile to make each patient’s stay a little more comfortable,” he said. Heather Messenger, Director Clinical Operations, agreed saying that staff genuinely want to connect with patients to
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help them feel valued, respected and cared for as an individual, not a number. “From the moment patients walk through the door, they say they have a sense of warmth, welcome and team work that extends throughout their stay,” Heather said. “Our culture of care goes beyond the clinical to preparing meals with the freshest of ingredients, which we’d happily serve our own families, and standards of cleaning that are at least equal to or better than those in our homes. We make sure that everything that supports safe, high quality care performs at its best.” Heather said this philosophy extends to staff. “It’s about employing the right people, respecting their diversity and offering the best possible training and personal and professional support throughout their career so they can provide patient care and service to be proud of.” Nick added that delivering an excellent patient experience doesn’t happen overnight but rather was the result of “shared values and a commitment to doing the very best for patients every day”. He believes that it is this constant ‘effort to excel’ that contributes to so many Australians choosing private hospital care for themselves and their family. These latest awards are just one measure of high quality care. In 2010, Burnside Hospital received 21 extensive achievement ratings under the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program (EQuIP). The hospital has been continuously accredited with ACHS since 1985.
December 2011
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In focus: Values and cultures in private hospitals
Knitting for nurses Cairns knitters help international midwives
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DEDICATED and enthusiastic group of knitters, along with some generous anonymous donations, have contributed to the education of midwives around the world in a very unusual way. Cairns Private Hospital midwife Sylvia Calcagno and fellow midwives, friends, friends’ relatives, work colleagues and neighbours, have knitted a total of 20 blankets, 23 breasts and nine wombs that will assist the education of other midwives in different communities. Sylvia, head knitter of the group, said that it was very encouraging that the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) supports the training of staff in maternity care, irrespective of the country of origin or background. “I have been a midwife for many years and have cared for maternity patients in a variety of hospital and community settings. Midwives, no matter where they work, be it metropolitan areas, far flung rural regions or remote villages, all share a common passion and goal,” she said. “We all nurture, care and support our women during their childbirth journey, often forging very strong bonds of trust and friendship during this special time. “I was inspired after reading about the Yarning Table to be held at the ACM conference. This is a unique way to give our support and connect with fellow midwives
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and acknowledge the challenges in caring and nurturing their maternity patients.” The breasts and wombs will be used to educate midwives in Papua New Guinea and the blankets will be given by the midwives to pregnant women as an incentive to attend the midwifery clinics associated with the Hamlin Midwifery College of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.
Helen Bowman was one of the many midwives of the Cairns Private Hospital’s Women’s Unit who knitted to help the education of nurses in overseas communities
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Employee Rural andengagement remote hospitals Redevelopment
Dig Dig Dig! Milestone development for Sydney Adventist Hospital
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YDNEY Adventist Hospital’s $181 million redevelopment has started. The redevelopment of the hospital facilities at its Wahroonga site will help cater for the increase in demand for its services, anticipated to be 60 percent between now and 2026. Sydney Adventist Hospital (the San), is the largest single-campus private hospital in NSW with over 2400 staff, 500 volunteers and 700 specialist doctors. In 2010/11 it treated more than 53,000 in-patients and 175,000 out-patients. Stage 1 of the redevelopment is expected to be completed by late 2013 or early 2014.
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The 25,000sqm expansion will include: • An expansion of an existing clinical services building and refurbishment of existing areas, providing an additional 14 operating theatres and 180 new patient beds • A new entry and arrivals building • A purpose-built integrated cancer centre, providing one central entry point for cancer patients to screening, diagnostic, treatment, counselling and other multidisciplinary medical and allied health services • A multi-deck car park and other car parking spaces, increasing car parking by approximately 700 spaces to a total of 2000 on site.
The redevelopment will: • Increase in-patient bed numbers by 180 to a total of 538 beds and cater for an increase of 35,000 admissions a year • Provide 10 new VIP in-patient rooms • Provide additional medical consulting space • Meet patient expectations and keep pace with other hospitals • Maintain the San’s reputation for providing state-of-the-art technology, facilities and quality care • Meet the hospital Mission and deliver on the core values of the San Experience Excellence, Dignity, Integrity, Continuity • Maintain the hospital’s financial viability and enable it to remain strong and sustainable.
Meeting community needs The San has constantly grown to meet community needs. Highlights of that growth have included: • In 1979 offering Australia’s first private integrated cardiac surgery and catheterisation program • In 1996 opening NSW’s now largest private emergency care department • In 2004 establishing The Australasian Research Institute • In 2005 starting the innovative Hospital in the Home program • Becoming home to Australian or NSW first technology of the Green Light Laser, the Dual Source CT scanner, the EOS x-ray imager • Establishing or developing additional facilities and services like an Emergency Medical Unit, the San Day Infusion Centre, Sydney Haematology and Oncology Centre and Dalcross Adventist Hospital • In 2011 establishing Australia’s first private hospital clinical school, The Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School of The University of Sydney.
Stage 1 construction commenced in July 2011 and will be delivered in three steps. Step one has been completed with the construction of car parks to provide alternative car spaces for those displaced during other construction. Step two encompasses construction of the multi-deck car park, road infrastructure and the new entry building. This work is expected to finish by December 2012. Step three includes construction of the new Clinical Services Building including an Integrated Cancer Centre. This is expected to start in February 2012 and finish in December 2013. The start of the three-year program of works was celebrated with an official groundbreaking ceremony on 23 June 2011. Local Mayors, hospital supporters and other well-wishers joined current and former medical, nursing and administrative staff and project team members at the blessing of the works and official groundbreaking conducted by administrative, medical, staff and patient representatives.
San Chief Executive Officer, Dr Leon Clark spoke at the ceremony. “Today is the start of a milestone journey in the history of the San, which is already full of significant moments. While our mission has consistently been to apply Christian and holistic principles to demonstrate Christ’s message of hope, health and healing, the San has come a long way from the 61-bed hospital Sanitarium started in 1903 as a place where people learned to stay well. We have constantly evolved to meet the needs of our community and this Stage 1 Redevelopment is another exciting phase for us. “Numerous hospital administrations have worked tirelessly over years to ensure appropriate strategic infrastructure planning has been undertaken and numerous organisations have been involved in the discussions, planning, proposals and designs that go towards a development of this magnitude. No doubt there will be challenges as we balance the need to meet existing ongoing operational needs with the need to grow.” In devising the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony it was decided to reflect the elements of the San’s mission statement of “Caring for our patients, colleagues, community and ourselves.” Dr Clark was joined by the head of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr Jason
Sharp, Medical Oncologist and Director of the San Clinical Trials Unit - Associate Professor Dr Gavin Marx, hospital Mission Ambassador and enrolled nurse Zuali Barrett, and patient and volunteer Mrs Jill Arnott to undertake the ground breaking. Specially inscribed shovels were used have been retained as mementos of the occasion. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be involved in a redevelopment that will honour the altruism, the skills, and the vision of so many people who have in the past, or still work at, and support the San. And in a redevelopment that will enable healthcare professionals to continue to provide high quality care to the people in our local community,” says Dr Clark. “We look forward to celebrating the completion of the redevelopment with our community during our 110th anniversary year celebrations.” By Leisa O’Connor
December 2011
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Employee Rural and remote Safety andengagement qualityhospitals
& T
Reporting quality compliance Healthscope hospitals set a new standard in reporting
HE AUSTRALIAN private health system entered a new era of transparency when quality performance data from Healthscope’s 44 hospitals went live on a new dedicated website, www.myhealthscope.com.au. Healthscope is the first healthcare provider to publish the comprehensive performance and safety data of its hospitals online. MyHealthscope.com.au was launched in early November by The Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing.
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On the website, each Healthscope hospital is rated against established industry benchmarks in categories including falls, infections, rehabilitation outcomes, unplanned hospital readmissions, unplanned returns to the operating theatre and emergency department waiting times. Patients are able to access clinically significant information relating to any of Healthscope’s 44 hospitals. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are able to help patients assess the data.
MyHealthscope.com.au also offers useful resources for patients and visitors including tips for improving safety and preventing infection, such as hand washing techniques. Consumers were involved in drafting the website and reviewing the content, to make sure that it was relevant and clearly understood. Healthscope hospitals treated over 565,000 Australians in the last financial year. Our quality outcomes are strong; for any outcomes that fall below the required standard we put a swift action plan in place to improve our performance. Internal benchmarking already allows hospitals in the Healthscope group to learn from each other about best practice. Research shows that public reporting further energises organisations to improve or maintain high standards and focus on areas of priority, so by regularly measuring and now publishing this data, we aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Greater transparency will not only benefit patients, but also doctors, hospitals and the health system. The move is likely to be welcomed by the private health insurance industry because greater transparency will promote a reduction in preventable adverse events, which add significantly to health are costs and drive up health insurance premiums. At the same time, it is important to recognise limitations of the data. In some cases it may be unfair to draw too many conclusions when comparing data from two very different hospitals. For instance, a
y
e
hospital with an emergency department and coronary care unit may have higher adverse events than a specialist orthopaedics hospital performing largely elective surgery, for understandable reasons. Further development of the system does need to consider risk adjustment. Other commonly cited concerns include data quality, cost-benefit, lack of objectivity, selective reporting and gaming. Data may be misinterpreted and the few areas of poor performance given undue attention. We are well aware of these criticisms. However, if we waited until our data was perfect, we would never publish anything. In the United Kingdom and United States, public disclosure of hospital performance has been commonplace for up to 20 years. In Australia, the Federal Government has shown its commitment to developing the MyHospitals website for quality performance measurement, but progress can sometimes be slow because of the multitude of federal and state jurisdictions managing the hospital system. So far, the data on MyHospitals has been limited to waiting times and activity data, with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) infections recently added. Healthscope hospitals have been included in the MyHospitals website since it was launched in 2010. The Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards have worked hard to harmonise national data and Healthscope is following their recommendations. Where possible, Healthscope aims to collect quality indicators based on the recommendations of both of these bodies as well as MyHospitals. For example, we have used the standard definition for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) rates since 2009. We are reporting this indicator in the same way as the public sector. Healthscope will continue to follow those standards so there is no conflict between data as the MyHospitals website develops. One of the virtues of public reporting is that it makes it harder for doctors, hospitals or governments to suppress unwelcome information from the public. Vigorous and
Cathy Jones, Healthscope National Manager, Quality and Compliance
responsible use of the data should promote continuous improvements in all hospitals – and that can only be good for patient care. Traditionally the debate about private hospitals, private health care and private health insurance has focused on economic issues, as with the recent controversy over the 30 percent private health insurance
government rebate. Healthscope believes that the more important issue is the outstanding quality of care provided by Healthscope hospitals and many other private hospitals. It’s a great story and we like to think that MyHealthscope.com.au is just the first step in its telling. By Cathy Jones
December 2011
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In focus: Making a difference Education
Sharing experience Chinese surgeons learn from St Andrew’s orthopaedic expertise
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OUR orthopaedic surgeons from China visited St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital in October to observe hip replacement surgery performed by St Andrew’s-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Patrick Weinrauch. It was part of the Chinese surgeons’ three-day educational visit to Australia to study the surgical techniques and principles of joint replacement, including hip replacement. St Andrew’s was the Brisbane centre selected for the visit by surgeons from Shanghai and Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. Dr Weinrauch said St Andrews had been identified as being a centre of excellence where higher-level training could be provided for surgeons around the world,
particularly those from South East Asia. “We have the capability to provide an excellent educational service to other health providers, including audio-visual technology to assist in live intra-operative demonstration of surgical techniques. “The visiting surgeons were able to observe in theatre several hip replacement procedures of variable complexity. We were able to demonstrate the techniques we use and, with the benefit of an interpreter, explain our philosophy on hip arthritis management and joint replacement surgery, including pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care.” Dr Weinrauch said the feedback from the surgeons was that their visit to St Andrew’s had been a valuable experience.
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Quality in Focus with Christine Gee
Great progress with more to come
and quality agenda would be all the poorer. First and foremost are Michael Roff and the team at APHA. The work that they do in ensuring communication flows and in supporting efforts and endeavours dedicated to the area of safety and quality is outstanding. Stephen Walker has again led the members of the APHA Quality and Safety Taskforce on what has been a very busy year of consultation, advice and feedback of priority areas for private hospitals. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of Bill Beerworth, Bill Lawrence and Michael Smith and all members and staff of the Commission as well as the contributions of the members of the Commission’s Private Hospital Sector Committee, Dr Leon Clark, Dr Michael Coglin, Ms Anne Crouch, Dr Julie Hudson, Mr Kim Knoblauch, Dr Shaun Larkin, Mr Rohan Mead, Dr Annette Pantle, Ms Glenna Parker, Mr Steve Rubic, Mr Steven Walker and Dr Peter Woodruff.
It’s been a busy five years, but there is plenty more to do in 2012
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in Australian Hospitals 2011 and the establishment of a national approach to antimicrobial resistance; • National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and the associated Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme; • Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration Program; and • A variety of highly effective medication safety initiatives.
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More than 200 implementation supports or tools have been developed and published. Details of the multiple outputs of ACSQHC can be found in Chapter three of the recently released publication Windows into Safety and Quality in Health Care 2011 at www.safetyandquality.gov.au.
The theme of this edition of Private Hospital is Hospital Values and Cultures and it is in this spirit that I would like to acknowledge the efforts of some bodies and some key individuals without whom I believe the safety
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Acknowledgements
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A
S 2011 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year season – I look forward to bringing you more Quality in Focus news throughout 2012. It is certainly shaping up to be a very busy and productive year in terms of National Safety and Quality initiatives led by the ACSQHC. Before we embark on the next five-year journey with the Commission it is worth looking back at the results of work over the past five years. The ACSQHC has an ongoing program of significant national activity with outcomes that are demonstrating direct patient benefit as well as creating essential underpinnings for ongoing improvement. Examples include: • Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights; • Australian Safety and Quality Framework for Health Care; • National Hand Hygiene Initiative; • National Infection Control Guidelines; • National Clinical Handover Initiative; • Development of Antimicrobial Stewardship
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As I have said before, it is both an honour and a pleasure to be a member of the Commission and to Chair the PHSC. It is also important to acknowledge and thank Barbara Carney, APHA, Patrick Tobin, CHA and Lucy Fisher, PHAQ for their much appreciated efforts in the distribution of information and materials from the Commission and the PHSC across their memberships. Finally, congratulations to the 2011 APHA Baxter Awards Finalists and winners. The Finalists’ Showcase at the Congress in October certainly provided an illustration of some of the quality projects and initiatives that are undertaken across our private hospital sector. It is on the ground at the cold face of patient care that all of the efforts in safety and quality count most. These programs highlight the advances in patient safety and quality of care that are possible in organisations with values and cultures that not only support but embrace safety and quality in health care.
I welcome your feedback on this column and on any matters relating to quality and safety and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. I can be contacted via the APHA Secretariat
[email protected]
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TESTS INDICATE EFFECTIVE ELIMINATION OF THE FOLLOWING ESCHERICHIA COLI (E COLI) STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES PSEUDOMONAS and ASPERGILLUS NIGER CAMPYLOBACTER BACILLUS SUBTILIS SPORE SALMONELLA SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE December 2011 47 MRSA, C.DIFF(SPORE FORM) AND NOROVIRUS
Policy Patter with Barbara Carney
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What was finally presented to COAG represented a genuinely new structure for funding public hospitals and a real tightening of accountabilities for funding through the introduction of Activity Based Funding and the establishment of a National Health Pricing Authority, although the legislation to set up this body has not yet passed the Federal Parliament. What is missing in all of this reforming policy is any recognition that a sustainable and equitable hospital system for Australia must include the private sector. Indeed, at the Federal Government level, there has been a definite shift away from acknowledging the key role that private hospitals must play if elective surgery targets are to be met and public hospital waiting lists reduced. As our sector performs over 60 percent of all elective surgery in Australia each year, this surely shows either a failure of vision or an ideological position, or perhaps both. It has been and remains APHA’s policy position that an effective way to provide elective surgery is for the public sector to be able to enter into agreements with private hospitals to perform elective surgery on an on-going basis, rather than as a “last resort” option, for example, when an area health authority is failing to meet its targets and hastily contracts with the private sector to
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HIS time last year, this column was titled “Much patter but little policy”. Twelve months on, we can certainly say we have heard some heavy steps in the national policy arena in 2011. But are any of these steps being taken in the direction of private hospitals? The Federal Government and the states and territories have now made a deal on health funding. This COAG agreement, reached in August, is quite a long way from the original “bold reform” announced by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Health Minister Nicola Roxon, following their months of visits to public hospitals all over Australia. The COAG deal announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard is a significant retreat from the previous plan, which would have seen the Commonwealth assume a far greater role (and far greater risk) in the funding of public hospitals. The new system was to be financed by a “claw back” from the states of 30 percent of their GST revenue and it was this aspect that proved to be the first and greatest hurdle to the Rudd plan. Changes of government in Victoria and New South Wales gave every reason for those states to re-visit what had been agreed in principle by their predecessors.
Photography: Chris Canham and Thinkstock
Private hospitals are still the optional extra in national health reform
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Health reform ignores private hospitals
perform its back log of elective surgery. Such longer term arrangements will, given the capacity issues facing both sectors as our population ages, lead to new capital investment from the private sector as facilities could be built that were primarily or exclusively for public elective surgery patients. APHA has been encouraged by the discussions we have had recently at the state level about this issue and we will continue to engage with hospital networks and governments about working with them on elective surgery reforms. Private hospitals are also very conscious of the need to maintain the value proposition of health insurance for our insured patients, so many of whom have determinedly maintained their cover over their lifetimes, which is another reason why long-term planning and delivery is the only rational way to go in addressing the elective surgery issue in Australia. The biggest challenge for APHA over the year was again the attempt by the Federal Government to means test private health insurance. Members have been kept
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informed of our initiatives in defence of PHI. Many members have been very active in their communities and with the media in pointing out the damaging impacts on hospital and specialist services if people are forced to drop their private hospital cover. The Federal Government’s policy position on means testing has not officially changed. However, Health Minister Roxon recently admitted that these plans have been “frustrated”. This was good to hear. As this is the last Policy Patter for the year, I would like to thank the Chairs and members of the APHA Policy and Advocacy, Safety and Quality and Workforce Taskforces, and the Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Committees, who generously give their time to ensure that private hospitals’ voice is heard in national and state-level committees and that APHA’s policy positions are based on experience and expertise. I would also like to thank the many subject matter experts in member hospitals who are an invaluable source of information and advice to me in APHA’s policy work. Best wishes to all readers for a merry and safe Christmas and a happy and quality New Year.
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Pharmacy Focus with Michael Ryan
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OMPOUNDING (or extemporaneous dispensing) is the preparation and supply of a single unit of a product intended for immediate use by a specific consumer. Since 2004, when the TGA commissioned Review of the need for further regulation of extemporaneous compounding, there has been much discussion, consultation and speculation on the most appropriate regulatory response to this expanding area of pharmacy practice. By way of background, the TGA regulates compounding by commercial providers and interstate supply by pharmacies, but not individual hospital cleanrooms supplying their own patients or patients located within their own state. With the growth of day oncology units, many pharmacies have found that the majority of compounded products are chemotherapy items, many of which are
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prepared in the pharmacy’s cleanroom. Cleanrooms are usually self-contained facilities with their own dedicated ventilation systems. These, together with effective room design and facility operation, control particulate and microbial contamination through the control of air flow, temperature, and room pressure. Following the TGA Review, the attention of the National Coordinating Committee on Therapeutic Goods (NCCTG) has primarily been focused on ‘non-hospital’ pharmacies, however, the NCCTG’s definition of ‘non-hospital’ pharmacies appears to include contracted providers located in private hospitals, which fit the description of pharmacies which are ‘open to the public or located within hospital premises that are not subject to the oversight or clinical governance of the hospital’. Irrespective of practice type or location, pharmacy operators heaved a collective sigh of relief at avoiding the onerous and costly
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Is it possible to give an assurance that a product compounded by your pharmacy has been prepared under conditions that meet the highest standards for quality and safety?
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Managing risks associated with aseptic compounding of medicines
process of obtaining a manufacturing licence from the TGA for the preparation and supply of compounded products. Nevertheless, opinion within the industry is that some form of TGA approval will eventually be required. Notwithstanding the need for a manufacturing licence, any pharmacy (hospital or ‘non-hospital’) should be able to demonstrate its compliance with current standards of good manufacturing practice. If not, hospitals and pharmacies risk accepting a lesser standard in terms of items prepared or processes followed for individual patient use, because there is no legal requirement for licensing or approval. If we limit this discussion to sterile products compounded by the pharmacy (setting aside for one moment the many parenteral solutions that are prepared in wards and theatres), the following questions are worth asking: • Does the staff preparing your hospital’s chemotherapy products undergo regular validation? How many staff are involved and is there sufficient cover for unscheduled absences? • Is the aseptic facility certified and when was the most recent certification? • How old is the aseptic or cytotoxic preparation facility? How different are your hospital’s needs now, compared with when the suite was designed and installed?
Clean rooms are not a ‘set and forget’ operation. Ongoing monitoring of air pressures, filter integrity, temperature and humidity is required, not just to ensure a preparation’s sterility is maintained, but to ensure the safety and comfort of the operators. As service demands increase, typical human behaviour is to accommodate changes as best as possible by using the resources and facilities available, rather than exploring the options to improve efficiency. In the case of clean rooms, advances in technology may mean that small changes can generate large dividends in terms of improved safety, faster turnaround and minimised product waste. The nature of aseptic compounding and the location of cleanroom facilities (usually isolated from day-to-day pharmacy activities) can sometimes produce an insular environment where regular critical review does not occur. Do staff have the opportunity to visit, interact and learn from other sites? Is there consistency of practice across different hospital campuses, or is everyone doing something different? How is the pharmacy applying advances in practice including new
monitoring systems for detection of surface contamination of finished products? An objective evaluation of the processes may identify areas of potential risk and opportunities for improvement. There are many issues that must be addressed when considering building or upgrading cleanroom facilities including workflow design, new technology, and changes to regulation. Finally, if the quality of facilities, processes
and staff training cannot be guaranteed, maybe it’s time to review these to provide the highest quality of product and peace of mind. Michael Ryan, Director, PharmConsult PharmConsult is Australasia’s leading hospital pharmacy consultancy advising hospitals on the operational, financial, professional, service, risk and legislative issues associated with hospital pharmacy services. www.pharmconsult.com.au
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December 2011
51
Legal Matters with Alison Choy Flannigan
Has the pendulum swung too far?
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RIVACY disputes commonly arise when the patient disagrees with the assessment of the hospital or the patient is mentally ill (not necessarily mentally incapable) and is in denial of their medical condition. Is the right of patients to change their medical records and in some cases to delete medical entries getting in the way of medical practice and patient care? With the decision of the recent privacy case discussed below and the introduction of the personally controlled electronic health record, this debate will continue to develop. In TB v South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service [2011] NSWADT 165, the Applicant, TB, who was elderly, appointed her daughter as her enduring guardian. TB alleged that South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service, now South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESIAHS) had breached Health Privacy Principle 8 (“HPP8”) pursuant to the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (the NSW Health Records Privacy Act) and section 15 of the Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 (NSW) (NSW Privacy Act) in relation to TB’s medical records. Provisions of this legislation apply to both the public and private sector in New South Wales and are consistent with the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth). TB’s daughter completed a Health Care Complaints Commission complaints form, which included a complaint regarding the
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inclusion of TB’s son’s details and details of two other siblings on TB’s Aged Care Services Emergency Team (ASET) form. SESIAHS declined to make the changes that she requested on the basis that: • it is a record of an event; • the original has been amended so that TB’s son’s details and TB’s other children’s details have been struck through but were still readable; • notes were placed on TB’s ASET Form that TB’s daughter had requested that TB’s son not be contacted; • the second ASET Form was stapled over the original; • the second ASET Form did not contain the son’s details and contained a further note that no other family members are to be contacted; and • SESIAHS refused to completely remove or blacken TB’s son’s details or TB’s other children’s details so that they cannot be read. SESIAHS argued that it could not delete health records pursuant to the State Records Act (which only applies to public authorities) and the Medical Practice Regulation 2008 (NSW). Section 21 of the State Records Act prohibits the damage or alteration of a state record. Clause 4 of Schedule 1 of the Medical Practice Regulations stated: 4. Alteration and correction of records A registered medical practitioner or medical corporation must not alter a record, or cause or permit another person to alter a record, in
Photography: Sue Ferris and Thinkstock
Privacy and consumer rights
such a manner as to obliterate, obscure or render illegible information that is already contained in the record. However, the Medical Practice Regulation did not apply to a “public health organisation” within the meaning of the Health Services Act 1997. Montgomery, Judicial Member held: • Section 20 of the NSW Health Records Act required SESIAHS to comply with HPP8, despite the provisions of the State Records Act and the Medical Practice Regulations. • it was important for SESIAHS to retain “records”. That may be important in a number of situations, for example, to show if mistakes have been made. However, for the reason argued on behalf of TB, he did not agree that the information in dispute was a record as defined in the Medical Practice Regulation. In his view, the information was administrative in nature. Accordingly, it did not prohibit SESIAHS from deleting details of TB’s family members from its records. • HPP8 is a beneficial provision. The legislative intent is that it be construed for the benefit of individuals. Pursuant to HPP8(1) the Respondent must make
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appropriate amendments to ensure that TB’s health information is accurate, relevant, complete and not misleading. In his view there is no overriding legislation that prevents SESIAHS from taking steps to do so by deleting details of TB’s family members from its records. Where the Respondent’s internal policies conflict with the applicable legislation, the policies cannot override the legislation. • SESIAHS did make appropriate amendments in compliance, however the amendments were not adequate. • SESIAHS was ordered to remove the original ASET form and destroy the document and correct the entry in the ASET form.
private health facilities, but still apply to medical practitioners appointed, employed contracted or otherwise engaged by a medical corporation. Laws regulating private hospitals often include requirements in relation to clinical records.
For more information, please contact: Alison Choy Flannigan, Partner Health, Aged Care and Lifesciences Holman Webb Lawyers alison.choyflannigan@ holmanwebb.com.au
Photography: Sue Ferris and Thinkstock
Following the introduction of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, the NSW Medical Practice regulation has been replaced by the Health Practitioner Regulation (New South Wales) Regulation 2010 (NSW). The provisions in relation to the keeping of medical records by medical practitioners and medical corporations do not apply to public health organisations and
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Australian Healthcare Industry specialist sinceOctober 19922011
53
Since the Last Issue
A busy few months APHA has been extremely busy in the past couple of months on a variety of issues
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IRST and foremost of course, the APHA National Congress was held 16-18 October at the Sydney Hilton. You can read all about it on page 23 of this magazine. Other initiatives include:
Mental Health Week 9-15 October 2011
The Mental Health Week campaign, We’re Here and We Care, was rolled out to APHA Member psychiatric hospitals to mark Mental Health Week 9-15 October 2011. The week was a success throughout all the facilities. Mental Health Week aims to educate and engage Australians about mental health and break down the stigmas surrounding it. APHA is hoping that through the posters, postcards and stickers, the message that ‘We’re Here and We Care’ was spread throughout the psychiatric facilities and will continue to do so. More information can be found on page 56 of this magazine.
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APHA meets with Federal Department on National Safety and Quality Standards
Council President Christine Gee, CEO Michael Roff and Policy Director Barbara Carney met with three Deputy Secretaries of the Federal Health Department on 5 October. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how private hospitals might be regulated in respect of the new national safety and quality standards, which become mandatory on 1 January 2013. APHA advocates a single, streamlined regulatory regime that will ensure that private hospitals can transparently demonstrate their compliance with the standards without adding unduly to the administrative workload of hospitals or government. This initial discussion was positive and we now have a commitment from DOHA to work with us towards a solution and a single point of contact.
Independent Hospital Pricing Authority
APHA made a submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into the National Health Reform Amendment (Independent Hospital Pricing Authority) Bill 2011. The Committee tabled its report on 15 September. The Committee has recommended that the Bill be passed. The Coalition Senators on the Committee made a separate report which recommended that the new Authority include in its membership a person who had substantial experience in the operation of non-government owned hospitals. This is in line with APHA’s recommendation in our submission that the Authority should draw on the substantial experience of the private sector in activity based funding. The Committee report quotes APHA on this issue and also quoted from our submission where we drew attention to the comparative lack of transparency in the reporting regime for the Authority. The Committee’s report may be found at www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/ fapa_ctte/ind_hospital_pricing_ authority/report/report.pdf. See pages 17,26 and 29 of the report for APHA’s contributions. The bill was passed through parliament on 21 November. CEO Michael Roff and Policy Director Barbara Carney participated in a consultation of the national pricing framework for public hospitals on 22 November. A framework document is being developed by consultants, who will submit this to the Pricing Authority by 19 December. APHA was informed that the intention is that this document will be released for public comment in January, when there will also be a further round of consultations with various parties. The final architecture of the new regime, including details of pricing for services, is due to be submitted to the Authority by March. The new system is due to be introduced on 1 July 2012. In our discussion with the consultants, APHA emphasised the need to ensure that the introduction of an activity-based funding system for public hospitals did not result in any perverse incentives being introduced. We also stressed again
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the desirability of drawing on the practical and technical expertise and experience of private hospital operators in the next round of consultations.
APHA launches Facebook Virtual Gift Store
In October, APHA launched the Facebook Virtual Gift Store. This is a Facebook application that allows you to send virtual gifts to other Facebook friends. The gifts are chocolates, a racecar, flowers, teddy bears, soccer ball and balloons. This is an interactive way to get involved with the Valuing Private Hospitals Campaign and continue to spread the word virally about the value of private hospitals in the community. Come and ‘Like’ our page to send your friend a virtual gift: apps.facebook.com/ aphagifts
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December 2011
55
news & events Valuing Private Hospitals
We’re Here
& We Care
Australia’s mental health facilities show patients they care for them
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RIVATE mental health facilities from across Australia came together for the first time to mark Mental Health Week this year from 9-15 October 2011. With a tagline of ‘We’re Here and We Care’, the extension of the Valuing Private Hospitals campaign aimed to highlight the vital work of private mental health facilities. Through the use of campaign posters, postcards and stickers, the hospitals informed patients and their family members about their important work in the mental health arena. The campaign materials also tried to break down some of the stigma surrounding mental health issues and
showed patients that they are not alone in their struggle with mental illness. Large A1 posters highlighted eight points about private mental health facilities and the treatments provided in the private sector while smaller posters highlighted one of four ‘fast facts’ about mental health issues. These included: • More than 400,000 Australians have days off work, school, or study every year due to mental health issues. • One in five Australian adults has spent a year of their life with a mental health disorder. • Nearly half of all Australian adults will experience a mental health disorder at
some point in their lives. • Around one million Australian adults and 160,000 young people live with depression each year. The campaign materials were supplemented with a ‘We’re Here and We Care’ page on APHA’s Facebook account during Mental Health Week. Alongside the grass roots campaign in hospitals, the APHA Secretariat managed a public relations campaign targeting local community publications. This resulted in 19 pieces of coverage which reached a potential audience of 1.28 million people. The coverage was predominately from local
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radio and newspapers, with one piece of coverage for Albury Wodonga Private Hospital featuring on the evening news bulletin on Prime local television news. Many APHA member facilities organised their own events to mark Mental Health Week as well. This was the first year that APHA member facilities have come together to recognise Mental Health Week and judging from the feedback from hospitals, it should not be the last. The APHA Secretariat is looking at ways to cement this firmly in the Valuing Private Hospitals campaign calendar for 2012. Of course, our flagship campaign, Private Hospitals Week, will be celebrated across the country from 26-30 March 2012. APHA is putting plans together for this exciting week and will be in touch with all member hospitals shortly in order for them to nominate a hospital Champion to coordinate efforts in their particular hospital for Private Hospitals Week 2012. In the meantime, if you would like more information about Private Hospitals Week 2012 or the Valuing Private Hospitals campaign in general, please contact Lisa Ramshaw, APHA’s Director of Communications and Marketing on 02 6273 9000 or
[email protected].
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Member Benefits
APHA Member
Services Welcome New Members and Associate Members
Welcome to APHA’s two newest major sponsors: ME Bank and Olympus Australia. The APHA Secretariat is excited about working with both of these sponsors to develop a mutually beneficial relationship. We would also like to welcome new Associate member Metrofire Pty Ltd.
Contact us today!
Australian Private Hospitals Association PO Box 7426, Canberra BC, ACT 2610 P: 02 6273 9000 F: 02 6273 7000 W: www.apha.org.au E:
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December 2011
Member Benefits
As an employee of an APHA member hospital or associate member organisation you have access to special discounts and benefits! APHA members can take advantage of discounts with Qantas, QBT Travel, The Qantas Club, Accor Hospitality and Hertz rental cars. For contact information or further details in relation to any of APHA’s member benefits, please contact APHA or log in to the APHA website members-only area and download the information you need. If you don’t know or have a username and password, contact the APHA Secretariat, we are more than happy to get you connected!
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Industry update News from the healthcare and hospital industry
New era in patient safety and staff development Calvary Health Care Bethlehem is in the final stage of a progressive rollout of MedChart, an electronic prescribing, medication management and administration system from iSOFT. Mark Heenan, a senior nurse at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, says this is a new era in patient safety and staff development. “Staff have been won over by the simplicity of the system and the safety mechanisms introduced. Using the old paper based system you could get away with a lot of undetectable errors. MedChart has done away with most of those. People are more accountable and there is a clear audit trail if needed.” Calvary Health Care Bethlehem is the first facility from the Little Company of Mary Health Care (LCMHC) group, known as Calvary, to transform from a paperbased process to an electronic medication management system. The upgrade is part of
a program to enhance medication safety. Behind the successful MedChart implementation is a unique approach. Careful not to treat it as an ICT project, Tamara Prostran, LCMHC National PAS & Clinical Systems Manager, and the Calvary Bethlehem project team kept clinical staff at the centre of the rollout. “We understood that the project would fail without input and guidance from clinicians,” said Tamara. “Our task was not to design and deliver a working system, but to solicit and incorporate clinical user feedback until we had collaboratively created a system that made clinical care easier, faster and better. “Rolling out progressively, one ward at a time, instead of with a big-bang approach, has helped us to spend time with users understanding their needs and issues.” The iSOFT MedChart electronic prescribing, medication management and
Breakthrough technology to dramatically enhance care Australia’s healthcare sector has begun implementing a new webbased technology, Q-Flow, to ensure quality of care is at the core of the patient experience. The patient scheduling technology extends beyond queue management to enable surgeons and other hospital staff to accurately monitor the time they spend with each patient to improve patient scheduling and reduce waiting times. With remote patient check in capability, the system can send a text message in the instance of appointment delays to avoid patients having to wait. Surgeons
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and other staff can also check appointment schedules and patient flow from a smart phone, bringing a new level of accessibility to the healthcare industry. In Australia, the Q-Flow system, distributed exclusively by The NEXA Group, currently assists staff at Victoria’s Cabrini Medical Imaging Department to manage 100,000 procedures annually. The system has also been installed at The Prince Charles Hospital in Queensland as part of a major upgrade. Here it will manage the majority of people entering the hospital, from patients to visitors and those attending for tests.
administration (ePMA) system went live at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem ahead of schedule in July 2011. “Clinical system implementations involve a great deal of change management. Calvary Bethlehem’s staged rollout approach is a shining example of how to meet the change management challenge. Our MedChart implementation team has greatly enjoyed working with Calvary on this well designed and managed project,” said James Rice, iSOFT APAC Managing Director. With the MedChart electronic medication management implementation strategy proven at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem and the foundation for an EMR in place, LCMHC’s focus is now on repeating the process at other hospitals and hospices.
Socamel Easyserv Cook-Serve System Socamel, the experts in meal delivery solutions, have introduced yet another great product that is perfect for cook-serve in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Easyserv is a bulk-plated meal serving system that is reliable, affordable and easy to operate. Easyserv offers a hotel quality bulk-meal serving system with ergonomic design and exceptionally consistent temperature holding. This high quality product’s ‘easy clean’ external and interior structures are made entirely of stainless steel. The forced thermoconvection technology of the Easyserv system allows for a great variety of meals and preserves the food’s original properties and qualities essential to the satisfaction of the patients. The Easyserv range is available in two versions, holding either hot/cold or hot/ hot chambers and are each equipped with
a gantry including halogen lamps, sneezeguard and food probe. Comcater is excited to launch the Socamel Easyserv Cook-Serve System in Australia. For your nearset dealer call 1800 035 327 or visit comcater.com.au
Making Safety SaferSM* The healthcare industry has come a long way in preventing needlestick injuries and their potential dangers. Even so, blood exposure during a peripheral IV insertion is still a factor – and a risk – to healthcare workers and patients. Now blood exposure does not have to be “part of the job”. BD InsyteTM AutoguardTM BC with Blood Control Technology is proven to reduce the risk of blood exposure by 95 percent.1 Ninety-eight percent of clinicians stated they had no risk of blood exposure during insertion when using BD InsyteTM AutoguardTM BC,1 which means: • Less risk of blood exposure to bloodborne pathogens • Reduced need to clean up blood spills • Less need to worry about stopping blood • The potential to reduce add-on costs for clean-up supplies
In addition to these benefits, the push-button shielding technology is proven to reduce needlestick injuries by 95 percent.2 For more information, please contact your BD Account Manager, or call our Customer Service Team on 1800 656 100. *Versus non-blood control safety IV cannula. References: 1. Onia R, Eshun-Wilson I, Arce C, et al. Evaluation of
HESTA applauds introduction of new legislation HESTA CEO, Anne-Marie Corboy, has welcomed the introduction of new superannuation legislation which will have a major impact on retirement incomes for all Australians and will be especially beneficial for many of those working in health and community services. “It’s been widely acknowledged that nine percent super will not be enough to give most people the income they’ll need in retirement,” Ms Corboy said. “This is especially true for women who, on average, retire with only half the super of men due to equal pay issues and broken work patterns.” Approximately 85 percent of HESTA members are women, many of whom work part time and therefore are on relatively low incomes. “The contribution tax rebate will be a major benefit for this group of our members. This is an excellent public policy initiative. This measure, together with the Super Guarantee increase to 12 percent, will increase retirement savings for some of our members by 44 percent,” she said. “Removing the age limit for Super Guarantee contributions will further increase the savings potential of our members, who are increasingly working beyond age 70 in an industry where skill shortages are prevalent. “The government has taken an important step towards helping improve the quality of retirement achievable for millions of Australians,” Ms Corboy said.
a new safety peripheral IV catheter designed to reduce mucocutaneous blood exposure. Curr Med Res Opin. 2011;27(7):1339-1346. 2. Mendelson MH, Lin-Chen BY, Finkelstein-Blond L, Bailey E, Kogan G. Evaluation of a safety IV catheter (IVC) (Becton Dickinson, Insyte Autoguard): final report [abstract]. Eleventh Annual Scientific Meeting Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. 2001. Australia: Becton Dickinson Pty Ltd, 4 Research Park Drive, Macquarie University Research Park, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Toll Free telephone: 1800 656 100. BD, BD Logo, and all other trademarks are property of Becton, Dickinson and Company. © 2011 BD. AMED130
Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Limited ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, Trustee of HESTA Super Fund ABN 64 971 749 321. Please consider our Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about HESTA. Free call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au for a copy.
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On The Ground
Julie Turner ... with
Where do you work, what is your role and how long have you been there? I have worked at Westmead Private Hospital for the past six years and I have worked with Dr Naim Arrage (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) for the past 18 months. You were recently awarded a St John Ambulance Australia award for saving a man’s life, what happened? I was at a friend’s place for dinner when my husband looked out the front and noticed their next door neighbour had collapsed on the lawn. My husband called for myself and my friend to come and help. We knew this man, aged in his 50s, had a heart condition and had been told he needed a pacemaker, so we ran over and began CPR immediately. We called for the ambulance, but we were told there was a delay and the ambulance would take at least 20 minutes. In the meantime the fire brigade arrived and took over. They had a defibrillation machine and worked on him for 10 minutes. When the ambulance arrived the gentleman was transferred to hospital and luckily survived. What was your immediate reaction to the man’s heart attack? There was no talk, no discussion, the training just took over and we started CPR immediately without hesitating. What did you learn from the experience? That everyone needs to know basic CPR. My husband and children will be learning it. As long as you do something for the person, it is better than no help at all.
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Midwife Nurse, Westmead Private Hospital
What advice would you give to other people if they were faced with an emergency? Don’t hesitate, call triple 000 immediately.
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WESTMEAD PRIVATE HOSPITAL IS VERY PROUD OF JULIE AND HER ABILITY TO USE HER NURSING SKILLS TO SAVE A PERSON’S LIFE Tim Daniel, CEO, Westmead Private Hospital
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