LOOP IN THE
HMC REFLECT ON THE YEAR PAST
CAREGIVER OF THE MONTH WINNERS AND NOMINEES FOR OCTOBER
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GRATITUDE FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS
Hospital Management Committee (HMC) Wrap Up
Lisa Norman, SEM General Manager & CEO
As we reflect on what has truly been a big year, it’s a moment to acknowledge not only the many challenges we faced but also the incredible milestones and achievements that make us so proud. 2024 has been a year filled with both remarkable growth and meaningful change, and each of you has played an important part in making this year a success.
This year, we bid farewell to two key figures whose contributions were integral to our success. John Monagle was a pivotal leader as the first DMS at Berwick, where he provided exceptional medical leadership across SEM. He played a critical role in developing new clinical services, especially after the opening of our new hospital in 2018 and during the challenges of COVID, when we had to innovate new models of care. Linda Allen also made an indelible impact through her leadership of the redevelopment of Langmore and the relocation of services from Pinelodge. Linda’s calming, compassionate approach ensured that challenges were met with justice and integrity, and that all stakeholders were supported throughout the process. We thank John and Linda for their dedication and wish them the best.
We are also excited to welcome Jonathan Barrett as our new SEM DMS. Jonathan has already proven himself to be an exceptional leader, gaining respect across the team with his calm, thoughtful approach during complex clinical scenarios. Jonathan’s appointment as chair is a testament to the trust and confidence the team has in him.
As we celebrate our successes, we also take a moment to recognise the outstanding work of our caregivers. Our 2024 Caregiver Awards highlight the incredible contributions of our team:
Day Oncology Team (Berwick): For their commitment to successfully implementing the CHARM application, ensuring safe and evidence-based medication delivery. Their efforts have been so successful that they are now helping other St John of God sites with the rollout.
2 East Team (Berwick): For their compassionate care of palliative care patients, particularly a couple who were able to share a final romantic dinner before the husband’s passing. Their ability to provide comfort in difficult moments is exemplary.
Leanne Bluett (Berwick): A nurse in our operating theatres, Leanne received an astonishing 10 nominations from her colleagues. Her dedication to excellence and compassionate care is evident in every aspect of her work.
Michelle Lisao (Frankston): Michelle consistently displays excellence in her infection control work, and in particular, displayed compassion, respect and exceptional care during a needle stick incident.
Jinu James (Langmore): Jinu goes above and beyond in the discharge of his duties. He is a consummate team player with excellent attention to detail. He is always compassionate and respectful towards patients and their recovery.
Every one of our caregivers contributes to the outstanding care we provide, and this is reflected in our high rates of patient, doctor, and caregiver satisfaction. SEM is truly the envy of other St John of God sites and local hospitals, and I’m often asked by peers how we consistently achieve such exceptional results. My answer is always the same: it’s because we have an outstanding team, united in our commitment to delivering the best possible patient experience. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this possible.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage you to take time to appreciate the people around you, and to care for yourself. Find time to do something that nurtures your soul and allows you to recharge after a busy year.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about the opportunities that await us. Together, we will continue to provide exceptional care and build on the solid foundation we’ve laid.
Thank you once again for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The South East Melbourne HMC reflect on 2024 and the key achivements
and challenges.
Danny Antonopoulos SEM Director of Finance
The 2023-24 financial year is now over and we finished with the below statistics.
St John of God Berwick Hospital
• Separations for the year were 30,230 up 8% on FY23
• Patient days for the year were 63,199 up 3% on FY23
• Procedures for the year were 17,588 down 1% on FY23
• Births for the year were 899 down 37 births on FY23
• Hospital revenue was up 4% on FY23 at $98.9m
St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital
• Overnight separations for the year were 1,223 down 7% on FY23
• Overnight patient days for the year were 14,011 down 10% on FY23
• Same day separations for the year were 3,773 up on FY23
• Hospital revenue was down 19% on FY23 at $13.6m
St John of God Langmore Centre
• Overnight Separations for the year were 872 up 18% on FY23
• Same day separations for the year were 2,298 up 1% on FY23
• Hospital revenue was up 21% on FY23 at $14.7m
A financially challenging year but great to see everyone pulling together to make our hospitals the best they can be for our patients and caregivers.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Sara Crees
SEM Director of Corporate Services
As we are approaching the end of another year I would like to take the time to reflect on all the achievements that the corporate services teams have accomplished.
• Thank you to Nicki Hockley who stepped into my role whilst I was on
parental leave for the first half of the year
• Berwick celebrated the first year of room service in July
• Langmore updated the patient menu
• Leadership changes in Catering and Cafe
• We continue our efforts to work towards being more environmentally sustainable and many more that are not listed here.
I would like to thank all caregivers for their dedication and continued high standard of care they show each and every day to our patients even the smallest interactions can have positive impact.
Next year I am looking forward to working together with all caregivers to continue to make a difference to our patients experience.
Dr Jonathan Barrett SEM Director of Medical Services
I’m now 4 months into my new role, and I am very grateful for just how welcome I have been made to feel by all the staff and VMOs. SJGHC is a remarkable place to work, with a very strong focus on patient care.
A number of national projects have given me the opportunity to see how SEM is considered country-wide, with recent examples including the roll out of CHARM in oncology and the obstetric review. On every occasion it is clear that the standard of care provided at SEM is exemplary.
Thank you also to the many VMOs who volunteer their time in craft groups, committees and meetings. Your input and representation is crucial to the hospital understanding an increasingly complex business with a strong clinical focus. We simply could not adapt and respond to new developments and innovations without your expertise.
I want to recognise the dedication and adaptability demonstrated by all caregivers and VMOs during what has been a tough time for private healthcare and health, in general, in Victoria. Thank you also for continuing to choose SJG as a place to work and practice.
I hope that you have time to relax and recover over the Christmas period. I look forward to meeting and hearing from more of you in the new year.
Hospital Management Committee (HMC) Wrap Up
Sue Hallifax, SEM Business Development Manager
As Christmas speeds towards us, I look back with joy on 2024. I was fortunate to take 9 weeks to travel this year and had a wonderful holiday with a mix of catching up with overseas family, cycling the Camino in Portugal and Spain with friends and traveling 95000 kms in Europe. I feel very grateful to have been able to do so and had some unexpected blessings on my return.
When I left my team each had their own challenges, Lisa’s marketing workload was high, our new GP Liaison Keely was two weeks into the role, Julie was recruiting to fill roles in consulting and had the challenges of settling new team members into consulting, and Erinn had agreed to cover my role and lead the team while I was away. I was concerned about the challenges they faced.
However on my return it was evident that the team truly flourished while I was away, I am delighted to say they exceeded in their challenges and we go into 2025 a stronger team with excitement to meet what the NY brings. A bonus is that Erinn has stayed on in HMC as Executive Manager which means we get to work on a number of strategic projects together.
BD is all about supporting the doctors and specialties where our patient admission activity is generated. As I look back on 2024 a few of my highlights
• At Langmore we have been delighted to welcome new psychiatrists to consulting and admitting, during mental health month we had x community members access mental health services to our community, and most recently we have had a targeted GP engagement campaign and launched an GP Advice Line to better meet their needs in accessing mental service needs for their patients.
• At Frankston we held a GP event on Parkinson’s, Pain and Palliative care early in the year, and lunch meetings with GP practices have enabled our RAN’s to remind GP’s of the services we can offer.
• At Berwick our maternity service has remained strong through the retirement from obstetrics of 3 of our much loved obstetricians, our theatres are full and a new neversay-no approach to list requests has seen us meet our case targets
Our strength at SJG is our people and I am super proud to work here. I hope you each find time to rest and enjoy your loved ones over the festive season.
Allison Merrigan, Berwick Director of Nursing
As always, it seems that the past 12 months have flown by and we are ready to welcome in a new year. 2024 has certainly been a year of change as we have engaged with a number of projects that have impacted most departments.
The changeover of our intravenous pumps to a new supplier was a significant project for the clinical units but one that was accepted with the usual level of enthusiasm and commitment to best practice. Our rehabilitation outpatient team has seen an amazing increase in referrals and services offered. So much so that they have outgrown their temporary home. Early in 2025, they will be relocating to Stephenson House (opposite Langmore Centre) to a much more spacious area that will make the patient and caregiver experience so much better.
The Day Oncology Unit was involved in the introduction of a new chemotherapy software system, CHARM, which meant a complete change to how they managed the care of their patients. Again the team was outstanding in their involvement and commitment to this change.
We have also managed a new HR system, Workday, a new rostering system, UKG and a new procurement system!
Most importantly, we have continued to provide exceptional patient care which is the hallmark of SJG Berwick. Our patient satisfaction score has remained one of the highest across the St John of God Group and patients have praised the level of caregiver professionalism, attention to individual needs, amazing food and a clean and bright environment. What a team effort!
My sincere thanks to each of you for bringing your heart to work each day. Our most valuable asset is our caregivers and I am grateful for your dedication and hard work that has such a positive impact on our patients, families and each other. I also want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas. I hope you can take time to enjoy something that brings you peace and joy and my thanks to our caregivers who will be working over this Christmas period.
Jacinta Watt, Frankston Director Of Clinical Services
As we enter into Summer and the end of 2024, I reflect on the last 12 months and the wonderful skills, resilience and flexibility of the Frankston team.
We have cared for many patients and delivered a record number of outpatient sessions. We have expanded our programs, grown our palliative care service and responded to community needs.
Eveline Soon, SEM Quality & Risk Manager
As 2024 draws to a close, it is timely for us to reflect on and celebrate our many achievements and successes.
Our patients have shown their approval in our consistently high NPS scores and the glowing feedback is a tribute to the fantastic work that all teams do as they strive to make everyone’s experience memorable.
The constant comment I hear from patients, visitors Drs and the community is there is such a wonderful feeling in the hospital and they feel at home. Whilst we know we deliver clinical excellence and outstanding hospitality and compassionate care, to have people feel at home and safe is a remarkable gift.
Frankston has faced its challenges in 2024 and all teams have risen to the challenge with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude which again demonstrates the wonderful spirit of Frankston caregivers.
I wish all caregivers a safe and happy Christmas and thank you all for the incredible work you all do as we look forward to 2025.
We continue to always be ready for short notice assessments. This was clearly demonstrated by Langmore’s successful achievement of our short notice assessment in August 2024. The assessors commended the hospital for the safe, professional and high quality care provided to our patients, and gave suggestions on how we could further build on the excellent care we provide.
We have also embedded the Child, Young Person and Vulnerable Adults Framework across SEM hospitals. This ensures we are providing the highest standard of care for children, young people and adults at risk in our hospitals, in an environment where they can thrive, flourish and heal.
Everyone has worked incredibly hard this year to meet the needs of our patients and caregivers. I would like to thank every caregiver for your dedication and commitment to patient safety and high quality care.
I hope you are able to find some time to relax and refresh over this festive season. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.
Hospital Management Committee (HMC) Wrap Up 2024 reflection
Rhonda O’Connor, SEM Director of Mission Integration
As 2024 draws to a close, I look back with gratitude for each and every one of our Caregivers who have contributed to the care and wonderful culture that we have created at each of our sites.
A few of my highlights:
•The strengthening and growth of our Volunteer engagement that had declined after the COVID years. It is wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm of these volunteer caregivers who give so generously of their time.
• The smooth transition to our new Pastoral Manager Tracy Medlin following the retirement of Karen Rolfe, and the development of our pastoral team as they support our patients and families.
• The renewed Caregiver of the Month program that celebrates our caregivers who have gone above and beyond in their care and living our values. In the four months this new program has been running we have had over 150 individual nominations and 7 team nominations – and many of these have been from our patients. It is truly heart-warming to read the nominations and see that our care, and values are so alive and strong throughout our hospitals.
I want to wish each of you a safe and blessed Christmas however you spend it with your family and friends.
My thanks to you all!
Shelley Cooper, Langmore Director of Clinical Services
As we move towards a new year, it is important for us to reflect upon the challenges and successes we have experienced in 2024. Thank you to each and every caregiver for your care, compassion and dedication to our patients and each other over the past 12 months.
Langmore has continued to grow inpatient services this year. We have seen an increase in admissions over the past 12 months to our mental health and alcohol and other drug units and added Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing for PTSD to our service.
In August, we underwent our first Short Notice Assessment Accreditation, and successfully completed the assessment with no not met or met with recommendations. Our patients continue to advise us verbally and on NPS of the positive impact our care, compassion and understanding has had on their lives and that of their loved ones.
2024 has also been challenging for our hospital. We have made some difficult decisions to ensure our sustainability in a challenging environment, including program closures and workforce changes. Our team has celebrated the contributions of those we have said farewell to, and faced changes with professionalism.
Our team of psychiatrists has grown in 2024, placing us in a unique position to support our community with new services in 2025. We look forward to the addition of ADHD and trauma services to our inpatient and day programs early in the year.
As the 2024 comes to a close, a huge thank you for all you do for our patients, community and each other. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful summer and festive season.
Frankston
Winner
Trihna Korde, Grade 3 Physiotherapist for excellence
Nominees
Helen Yu, Granada ANUM for excellence
Michelle Lisao, Infection Prevention for excellence
Langmore
Winner
Berwick
Winner
Caitlin Kennedy, Executive Assistant for excellence
Nominees
Irene Hunter, Outpatient Rehab for excellence
Allie Vyner, Anaesthetic nurse (RN) for excellence
Nikita Adriel, 4 East ANUM for hospitality
Katelyn Vincent, Exercise Physiologist for excellence
Polly Ivett, Volunteer for excellence
Margaret Kingman, Volunteer for excellence
Nominees
Sue Hart, ECT mental health nurse for excellence
Emily Fraser, Psychologist for excellence
Maria Zacharopoulos, Patient Services Team Leader for excellence
Steph Giacomini, Heatherton nurse for hospitality
Emina Music, Heatherton nurse for compassion
All caregivers on 2 East on 17-10-24 for compassion
Sandi Newman, 2 East PCA for compassion
Angela Ruiz, PCA for excellence
Fiona Missen, Preadmissions Nurse for respect
Fiona Arthurson, 2 East EEN for excellence
Monica Crimson, ICU/CCU NUM for respect
Melanie Despot, ICU/CCU ANUM for excellence
Environmental Services caregivers for excellence
Samantha MacRae, Day Surgery Recovery Nurse for respect
Berwick & Langmore News
ACIPC Award winner
Congratulations to Priscilla Singh, Infection Control, winner of the Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control Impact Award for 2024!
The ACIPC Impact Award honours individuals or teams for significant contributions to infection prevention, reducing infection risks or preventing infections in the community.
Relay For Life
Our amazing Berwick St JOGGERS team took part in the recent Relay for Life, raising awareness of cancer and paying tribute to those who have recovered, those who are battling their diagnosis and those who have sadly passed away.
Well done to everyone who took part and represented SJGHC.
BERWICK: Caring for our caregivers
The Quiet Room has long been a sanctuary for caregivers, offering a peaceful retreat from their demanding day.
Recently, the addition of a state-of-the-art massage chair has enhanced this space, providing caregivers with a personal wellbeing experience.
The massage chair offers a range of benefits, from relieving stress and improving circulation to relaxing tight muscles and boosting mood by increasing endorphin and serotonin levels.
Regular use can also improve sleep quality, posture, and mental clarity, while supporting immune function and aiding in muscle recovery.
In addition to its therapeutic effects, the room serves as a space for prayer and mindfulness, fostering both physical and mental well-being. To ensure privacy and uninterrupted time, the room can be reserved via a convenient QR code, allowing caregivers to fully recharge in a peaceful environment.
Berwick & Langmore News
Langmore Centre: Mental Health Month
St John of God Langmore Centre held 5 free community wellbeing sessions during October, Mental Health Month.
The sessions were aimed to provide education to members of the community, whilst raising awareness of Langmore Centre and reducing stigma around mental health and wellbeing.
The topics included blokes and retirement, menopause and mental health, mindful movement, caring for the carer and new parents mental health.
The Allied Health team, Sue Hart (Mental Health Nurse) and Berwick Gynaecologist Dr Reema Kohli presented and hosted the sessions, which were well attended. Participants reported they found the information valuable and beneficial.
The Mental Health Month community sessions form part of Langmore Centre’s strategy to engage with members of the community and to promote their inpatient services and day programs.
October was Breast Cancer Month and the Berwick McGrath Breast Care Nurses and Day Oncology Unit, along with pastoral services, held the annual Mini Fleld of Women.
This event sees pink ladies displayed around the hospital and a service held which celebrates those who have beaten breast cancer, supports those going through their cancer journey and fondly remembers those who have lost their lives to the disease.
BERWICK: Breast Cancer
Gratitude for our volunteers
It’s a 2024 Volunteer Wrap and tis the season to give great thanks.
What a year it has been and what grateful hearts we have for all our dedicated volunteers at St John of God Health Care’s (SJG), South East Melbourne hospitals.
At this time of year many are writing wish lists for Santa. I’m writing a thank you list to you for all you have given in your role as volunteer to support caregivers in continuing to provide exceptional patient care at SJG.
Dear Volunteers,
Thank you for
• Warm smiles, open and empathetic hearts.
• Crack of dawn shifts.
• The umpteen coffees and teas made and light refreshments served with gentle care and respect.
• Laughs shared.
• Listening, accepting ears.
• For asking, “How can I help you?”
• Feedback given as to how we can improve.
• Extras – 1000 hearts made, school hand hygiene visits, display stand assistance, Sea of hands, Beanies for Babes, eBooks.
• Pack assembly, laminating, photocopying, collation, mail outs.
• Buddy shifts
• Showing the way with care, humour and concern.
• Helping with the ticket machine and listening to the grumps about parking availability.
• Maintaining healthy hygiene.
• Coordinating a replacement when you can’t make a shift.
• Taking on extra shifts when fellow volunteers are holidaying or unwell.
• Giving your time and talents. Did you know Margaret used to ride her horse around the tan, Brian opened a florist, Anne was a banker who established her own businesses? This is the tip of the iceberg of the skills and life experience that you share.
• Supportive and friendly words of encouragement to us all, and much more!
All these things you do to support caregivers, patients, visitors, each other and me. It is a great privilege to be the Volunteer Coordinator at SJG.
Wishing you a safe and peaceful Christmas, abundant blessings for the New Year. Looking forward to 2025 with you.
Erica Proposch, Volunteer Coordinator
Parkinson’s Program
The Frankston Allied Health team has been adding to its already well-known specialist Parkinson’s service with some exciting new programs and community collaborations.
The Proactive Parkinson’s programs are a new innovation allowing patients who have finished an outpatient therapy program to maintain these benefits in a fun environment with a drop-in style program. The programs run via the Active Health and Wellbeing service, which allows patients to book in, pay a small fee or use extras cover to access voice and movement sessions.
Patients have the option of booking into two different sessions, one which focusses on voice, which is run by speech pathologists and A music therapist, and the other session which involves physiotherapy and occupational therapy, focussed on movement. Eligible patients need to have been seen as an outpatient in the 3 months before first attending, but can attend as many sessions as they like thereafter. The group has gradually grown to be a popular addition to many patient’s weekly routines and the program has worked its way up to 8 participants in a session.
It’s lovely to see the connections made between the group participants. These social connections and supports for both the patients and their carers, are such a valuable bonus on top of the benefits of the exercise groups.
Participants are often seen spending time in the hospital café, catching up over a coffee. This provides further opportunities to practice using their “loud voice” and “big movements” together in a functional setting.
In addition to several past and upcoming presentations by our allied health teams at the Mornington Peninsula Parkinson’s Support Group, which is affiliated with Fight Parkinson’s, we are also excited to be involved in a pending podcast series organised by the support group! Keep your ears open for this!
Heading into 2025, we are grateful to continue to have such a fabulous connection with this part of the community and be able to offer such amazing services to our patients and their carers.
Gratitude for health care workers
Berwick
Babies: 2024 fun facts (Jan-
Year 6 students from St Margaret’s College, Berwick recently dropped into the Berwick hospital with a bag full of hand made cards with messages of gratitude for caregivers.
They had been completing a project exploring social issues and they chose healthcare. They learn about the high burnout rate in health care and that wellbeing was an issue among nurses.
They then organised for the younger Year 3 students to write cards of thanks to our nurses.
Oct)
Number of births: 774
389 girls
385 boys
Most deliveries: March
Sets of twins: 7 Premature babies: 56 (born at less than 37 weeks) Vaginal deliveries:
