The Ramsay Way 2016 | 03 19 L to R: Jayne Beresford, community mental health nurse, with Kay Williams, Peel Health Campus Community Engagement Manager, and Lisa Thornton, Peel Health Campus Student Social Worker, providing blankets and supplies at the Mandurah Homeless Awareness Day. Hollywood Brings Together PTSD Support Groups To enhance the provision of care for individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Hollywood Private Hospital hosted an education and networking event for representatives from groups that support PTSD patients and their partners. Throughout the month of August, Warners Bay Private Hospital (WBPH) supported “Share the Dignity”. This very worthy cause helps homeless women and women in domestic violence shelters with what many take for granted; something that is rarely spoken about. Share the Dignity provides these vulnerable and at risk women with female sanitary items during their monthly period. Sometimes it can be a case of whether to buy food or these necessary items, and some go without; we hope that we can continue to help raise awareness and support this cause. Peel Provides Support to the Homeless 'Homelessness Counts' was the theme for Homelessness Week 2016 and Peel Health Campus was fully behind the campaign. The hospital was out in action on Mandurah Homelessness Awareness Day – a day on which the local Peel community comes together to raise awareness and provide food and services to those in need. Peel Health Campus teamed up with health service GP Down South and provided basic survival packs including warm blankets, drinking bottles, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletries. Peel Health Campus Community Engagement Manager Kay Williams said it was an honour to be representing the hospital and to be part of the day. “Events like this are crucial when it comes to raising community awareness of homelessness but there is also a need to raise people’s understanding of homelessness; and that’s why being here is so important”, said Kay. Hospital CEO, Dr Margaret Sturdy, shares in the Mandurah community’s growing concern regarding homelessness across Australia and the increasing homeless population in the Peel Region: “Homelessness is everywhere and it’s not uncommon to see those without any permanent place of residence in our emergency department or hospital. It’s not just about helping those in need but also empowering them by helping them to increase community connections and contacts.” From Soldier to Civilian The philosophy that prevention is better than a cure is at the heart of a new study, which will aim to identify factors affecting veterans’ ability to reintegrate back into civilian life. “From Soldier to Civilian” has recently started at the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF), based at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Results will eventually be used to help develop screening tools to identify those who may struggle with adjusting to civilian life after their military service before they leave the Defence Force. The long-term goal is to develop a more targeted reintegration training program to prevent the onset of significant mental health problems. Project Lead, Dr Madeline Romaniuk, said, “We have had overwhelming support for this project from the veteran community so far, demonstrating the importance of addressing reintegration difficulties through research.” The study is part of GMRF’s Veteran Mental Health Initiative, and is fully funded by a $5 million grant from RSL Queensland. CEO, Miriam Dwyer, said GMRF is committed to working with the veteran community and their families to find solutions that improve lives. “It is our responsibility as a nation to use every skill and resource at our disposal to address this significant issue,” said Ms Dwyer. The rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in veterans can be up to ten times higher than in Australia’s general population, and those with PTSD were found to be 80% more likely to experience other psychological disorders including anxiety and depression. Findings from the PTSD Initiative, a study of 300 Vietnam veterans conducted in partnership with RSL Queensland, showed a significant increase in the risk of sleep disorders, stomach ulcers, and liver and gastrointestinal problems. If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046 COMMUNITY NEWS Warners Bay Sharing the Dignity Members of the 13 attending organisations with the event organisers. The event was held at The Hollywood Clinic, and was attended by 13 community based organisations. Dr Mathew Samuel, Psychiatrist at The Hollywood Clinic, organised the event to allow care providers to learn from the experiences and programs delivered by others. Through education and increased awareness, more comprehensive services and support can be provided to individuals affected by PTSD, including veterans, police and emergency workers. Dr Samuel said “Treatment of PTSD is complex and it is essential that organisations assisting those affected by the condition have the necessary knowledge to deliver the best possible care and patient outcomes.” The Hollywood Clinic’s Coordinator of Trauma Recovery Programs, Doug Brewer, presented at the event, educating attendees about the hospital’s long history of PTSD care and the support provided to patients. Hollywood CEO Peter Mott stated “Our patients benefit from the expertise of some of Western Australia’s leading psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and mental health nurses. As a leader in the area of mental health, we are committed to continually improving our services and ensuring members of the community are provided the highest level of care.” GMRF CEO, Miriam Dwyer at recent ADF training exercises in Shoalwater Bay.
The Ramsay Way - 03 - 2016
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