HOSPITAL NEWS New stroke prevention device on the peninsula Peninsula Private Hospital, Frankston is among the first hospitals in Australia to implant the first-inclass WATCHMAN® Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure device for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who require blood thinning medications to reduce their risk of stroke. Atrial Fibrillation affects approximately 15 million patients worldwide and is a disorder that disrupts the ability of the heart to beat regularly and pump blood efficiently. Patients in AF are at a greater risk for stroke due to the migration of clots formed in the LAA. Blood thinning medications have previously been the only therapy for reducing stroke risk in these patients. “WATCHMAN is an important device for patients at risk of stroke who have atrial fibrillation and are unwilling or unable to take long term blood thinning medications such as Warfarin,” said Dr Greg Szto, Interventional Cardiologist at Peninsula Private Hospital. “The adoption of this procedure and technology may greatly reduce the need for blood thinning medications and decrease the number of strokes in this high-risk patient population.” L-R: Ms Lisa Alberta RN, Dr Rodney Teperman, Dr Kar Saibal MD Cedars-Sinai New York, Dr Greg Szto, Dr Paul Geldard, Dr Geoff Alison Southern Health. 8 TRW WINTER 2013 RSL Donates $1.75million to PTSD research at Greenslopes Lights, Camera, Action at Mt Wilga Mildura fosters future healthcare leaders John Flynn & Pindara join forces to maximise their graduate potential The Queensland Branch of the RSL and Mates4Mates has donated $1.75 million to the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) based at Greenslopes Private Hospital to fund a three year project into post-traumatic stress disorder. The project is a world first study that will look at the genetic links between PTSD and other serious illnesses such as chronic liver and heart disease. GMRF researcher and QUT Faculty of Health Executive Dean Professor Ross Young said the aim was to develop more effective ways of assessing and treating service personnel with the disorder. “We want to understand the types of genetic environmental risks that contribute to PTSD in Defence personnel and the best way to treat those who become traumatised,” Professor Young said. “Our current approaches tend to focus only on the psychological experiences but we believe a more coordinated approach should examine the impact of chronic PTSD on physical health. “For example, PTSD patients are more likely to suffer from serious lung, liver and heart diseases but we don’t know why.” Prof Young said the project would also investigate whether the genetic factors that predispose veterans to PTSD also increased their likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse. “This project will develop a truly holistic picture of PTSD veterans, leading to more personalised and effective treatment.” The most recent Defence study shows at least eight percent or 2491 of those deployed between 2002 and 2009 now have PTSD. GMRF will recruit 300 serving and ex-serving personnel to take part in the project involving research collaborators from QUT and the University of Queensland. Mt Wilga Private Hospital, in conjunction with the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA), recently hosted a production crew on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, to develop a self care educational resource for patients called “Lymphoedema – Survive and Thrive: How to Look After Your Lymphoedema”. Mt Wilga Private Hospital’s Lymphoedema unit has an established reputation, both nationally and internationally, with a team of therapists who have collectively over 80 years of experience. An opportunity recently came about to harness this experience due to a bequest from a previous patient at Mt Wilga, who was so pleased with the reduction in the size of her leg, and the subsequent positive affect on her life following treatment, that she wanted other people also to benefit from the advice she had been given. It was the patient’s wish that the money be used to help people with Lymphoedema who might have difficulty accessing full treatment. The filming took place over three full days, with patients, clinicians, and Dr Helen Mackie, a rehabilitation physician at Mt Wilga volunteering their time to share stories and experiences of either living with lymphoedema, or providing advice on self-care strategies. The DVD covers topics such as basic self-massage techniques, skin care, garment care and exercise suggestions, but emphasises that these strategies do not replace the need to consult a qualified Lymphoedema Therapist. The DVD was launched at the State Parliament of NSW by Marie Ficarra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Hon. Jillian Skinner, Health Minister, as part of Lymphoedema Awareness Month in March. The event was attended by clinicians, patients and carers, who all agreed that the resource was highly valuable and long overdue. The resource is available in a number of formats including a web video that can be downloaded off the internet through the ALA website www.lymphoedema.org.au/ Mildura Base Hospital nurse unit managers are now better equipped to lead and manage following participation in an emerging leaders course. The Leadership and Management Coaching Program, “Changing Culture – Enabling Capability” challenges managers to reflect on their own performance in developing strategies to better meet the needs of their community, consumers, staff and colleagues. The Enabling Capability program is a strategic model of professional development gained from “on-the-job learnings”, using real world scenarios or events to drive growth in capability, whilst supporting sustainable change. The program incorporates coaching, mentoring, service improvement, reflection and self-development plans. Simone Heald, Director of Nursing at Mildura Base Hospital said the program had been extremely beneficial not only to the participants, but to the whole organisation. “I am extremely supportive of this program and have seen positive change in these managers over the last 6 months,” Simone said. Jayne Lamb, Principal Nurse Educator at Mildura said it the course had been “inspirational”. “It has provided me with skills and confidence to take my leadership and management activities to a higher level.” said Jayne. In March 2013 John Flynn and Pindara Private Hospitals held “Nursing on the Coast with Ramsay Health Care”, an information evening for student nurses on the GradPlus program which is on offer at both facilities. Two current graduates Juanita Birt and Renee Kubala were able to give over 100 attendees a candid snap of life as a graduate and the support received on their programs. Juanita has been on the Graduate Program at Pindara since February 2013 and Renee Kubala, at John Flynn since August 2012
The Ramsay Way Winter 2013
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