New Cold Cap machine at Mildura A number of chemotherapy patients at Mildura Base Hospital are now benefitting from the Loddon Mallee region’s first ‘Cold Cap’ machine. The machine can prevent or minimise hair loss by cooling the scalp during chemotherapy treatment, reducing blood flow and reducing the effect of chemotherapy drugs on the hair follicles. Previously, patients who wanted to prevent hair loss were forced to travel to Melbourne or Adelaide for each cycle of therapy, but the purchase of the machine means we can now provide this service locally. The $42,000 Cold Cap machine was purchased with money donated by individuals, organisations and businesses in the Sunraysia community, together with a $25,000 contribution from MBH. Major community contributors included the Mildura Lions Club ($8000) and the Rotary Club of South Mildura ($2000), with contributions also made by Fishers IGA Community Chest and the Greek Elderly Citizens’ Club. Donations to Mildura Base Hospital are always directed to the product or service intended and never go into consolidated revenue. Linacre Leads the Way in Electronic Discharge Linacre Private topped the charts in July with GPs receiving Ramsay’s new Electronic Discharge Summary (EDS) within 48 hours of discharge for well over 90% of patients. Feedback from both GPs and VMOs has been consistently positive, praising the initiative for the significant improvement in both accuracy and timeliness of patient information, resulting in improvement in continuity of care. With Linacre being one of the initial trial sites, and after a steady program of introducing specialties throughout the year, Linacre was able to finalise implementation at the end of June. This achievement was collaboration between a number of departments, including the MAC Chairman, nursing team, the business office team (who captured every single GP!), RPS and the IT project team. Perinatal Mental Health Unit Opens at Mitcham Private Mitcham Private Hospital is now providing specialised care for mothers experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety and other related conditions. Women and their partners may go through a wide range of emotional experiences during pregnancy and the year following birth. Having to deal with so many changes can place some women at risk of developing or having an exacerbation of an existing mental health condition. Linda Allen, Chief Executive Officer, said, “With our doctor and staff experience in Maternity, Mother Baby and Mental Health Services we were constantly receiving enquiries from the community asking us to assist women with post-natal depression and other pregnancy related mental health disorders” In response to these enquiries, the hospital has opened a six bed perinatal mental health unit that has been specifically refurbished to provide home-like, comfortable surroundings. Admission to Mitcham Private’s specialist unit is always on a voluntary basis, with patients understanding and accepting the need to actively participate in their own recovery process. Women are admitted under the care of a psychiatrist with their babies (up to 12 months old) and partners welcome to stay as well. The underlying philosophy of the new perinatal mental health unit is to help mothers adjust to motherhood, bond with their baby, and for infants to develop a secure attachment to their primary carer. HOSPITAL NEWS Father Peter Bramsen and Liz Lowndes from Mildura Lions Club presents the cheque to Gayle Danson (Chair MBH Community Advisory Committee), with MBH CEO Julia Morgan and Director of Nursing Janet Hicks. Specifically refurbished patient rooms provide home-like, comfortable surroundings. Dr Raju Lakshmana, Director of the Perinatal Mental Health Program. Perinatal mental health unit staff Libby and Karen. 10 The Ramsay Way 2016 | 03
The Ramsay Way - 03 - 2016
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