Board Chair - MURRUMBIDGEE MATTERSMAGAZINE - VirtualCare - Murrumbidgee Local Health District
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MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINE
THIS ISSUE:
VirtualCare
FAREWELL
Board Chair
PAGE 1
CONTENTS PUBLICATION
About Us..........................................................................2
VirtualCare conquering isolation ....................................3 We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of
Creative Thinking: A fresh look .......................................4 the land covering MLHD and remind people that we live
Pharmacy Outreach to extend........................................5 and work on Aboriginal land.
Runs on the VirtualCare board .......................................5
Frail Blazers - exercise for seniors....................................5 Welcome to the 15th issue of Murrumbidgee Matters
Globetrotter sets sights on road less travelled...............6 Magazine.
Hospital Monitoring for patients isolating at home .......7
Virtual Antenatal Classes ................................................7 This quarterly publication is developed by MLHD.
From the Chief Executive ...............................................8 Information is correct at time of printing.
Farewell Gayle - A decade of service ............................10
Board Chair's Message..................................................12 Publication costs are subsidised by income generated
Director Message: Paul Braybrooks ..............................12 from advertising.
Meet our People: Rosemary Garthwaite......................13
Medical Intern follows in fathers footsteps ..................14
Lived Experience enriches role .....................................16 FRONT COVER
Supporting and showcasing rural medicine .................18 Gayle Murphy, MLHD Board Chair
Training partners: MLHD & Notre Dame chalk up
ten years of medical training ........................................20
Photo Gallery: International Nurses Week ..................22 CONTACT US
Photo Gallery: Volunteers Week ..................................24
Reduce risk of seasonal flu with good hygiene ............26 EDITORIAL
Photo Gallery: Palliative Care Week .............................28 Rebekah Manwaring
Photo Gallery: Around the traps...................................30 Communications Officer
0412 324 122
E: MLHD-News@health.nsw.gov.au
Heather Hillam
ABOUT US Communications Officer
E: MLHD-News@health.nsw.gov.au
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) provides a range
of public health services to the Riverina and Murray regions of
Juanita Golland
NSW, Australia.
Online Communications Officer
We provide services across a geographic area of about 125,561 0436 911 758
square kilometres to a population of more than 240,700 E: MLHD-News@health.nsw.gov.au
residents. People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
heritage make up four per cent of the population. ADVERTISING
As the largest employer in the region, with more than 3,800 Setchen Brimson
healthcare staff working across 33 hospitals and 12 primary Executive Services Manager - Communications
health care centres, we are supported by hundreds of T: 02 5943 2010
volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to enriching E: setchen.brimson@health.nsw.gov.au
the lives of people in our care.
MURRUMBIDGEE LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT
Our services are provided through:
Level 1, 193-195 Morgan Street
• 1 Rural Referral Hospital Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
• 1 Base Hospital E: MLHD-FeedBack@health.nsw.gov.au
• 8 District Health Services www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au
• 5 Community Hospitals
• 16 Multipurpose Services All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be
• 2 Mercy Care Public Hospitals reproduced without written permission of
• 12 Community Health Posts Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
• 1 Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service
OUR VISION
Wellness is our Goal
Excellence is our Passion
Our People are Our Future
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINE
Virtual
VirtualCare
conquering isolation
Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s “Currently we might send a nurse out will mean staff and the patient no longer
virtual care services are building to see a wound after surgery, and that have to hold the iPad; it will sit at eye
momentum, with a recent funding boost might be necessary for the first few level, enhancing the patient experience,
set to improve and increase health times, but by the fourth time the patient and with less handling improve infection
service delivery via videoconferencing might be able to check in by video.” control.
and remote monitoring using devices like
The funding, announced in early May, The grant is also funding an exciting
computers and mobile phones.
will enable virtual hubs to be created software purchase, which will mean
Murrumbidgee Internal Transformation in about 30 sites across the district, safer and higher quality care for mothers
Team virtual care lead, Andy Corrigan, including local hospitals and community and babies at nine MLHD birthing sites.
says a recent NSW Health grant will build health centres, ensuring people who Cardiotocography equipment, which
on pockets of virtual care excellence that don’t have internet access at home have monitors foetal heart rates, will soon
already exist within MLHD over the next access to virtual services. provide live information to any medical
12 months. or midwife specialists providing support
Andy says this is important, as
from a larger facility, increasing the risk
“We had to do some fast learning in this Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network
of positive clinical outcomes for mother
space throughout COVID-19, and now data shows about 23% of local residents
and baby, and decreasing the likelihood
the community are more open, aware have no internet access at home. It
of a transfer to another hospital.
and wanting choices, so we are listening will also minimise connectivity issues
to that demand and their preferences,” caused by irregular internet connection, Further adding to patient safety is a suite
says Andy. reducing time that staff and community of new cameras, recently installed across
members have to spend troubleshooting. the district, which enable specialised
“MLHD is now really investing in offering
clinical advisory services to zoom in
people choice, to make sure they get the Patients in MLHD’s rural hospitals will
and see emergency situations with
care they need closer to home, where also have better access to specialist
extraordinary clarity (from the ceiling-
ever possible. When you can get care services, with about 20 new ward-
mounted cameras, specialists could read
closer to home, that is better for you, based carts set up with a computer,
a business card sitting on a desk). Andy
your family, your recovery and wellbeing. speaker and camera that are ideal for
says MLHD is the first district to have
It’s about overcoming the disadvantage quality videoconferencing. Andy says
finished overhauling its Care Camera
that comes with isolation.” this will make it easier for inpatients to
Network, providing 24/7 support to
communicate with a hospital pharmacist,
Andy says about 20 per cent of MLHD staff in emergency departments, and
geriatrician or Aboriginal Health Worker
out-patient services are currently maternity, paediatric and other wards.
when they need to, rather than waiting
delivered by telephone, but adding video
for face-to-face visits. “If someone comes into an Emergency
to a consultation in the patient’s home
Department at a small hospital site, staff
brings a much better chance to develop “Specialist services might only get to
can link in to the MLHD Critical Care
a relationship and rapport. a small rural hospital once every two
Advisory Service for immediate help, if
weeks, so virtual care means more
“Video is better when it comes to they need it,” he says. g
frequent contact and support,” Andy
checking in on someone’s wellbeing,
says.
because just over the phone it can be
difficult to really gauge how people are MLHD has 50 iPads which are used as a
going,” he says. back-up to the ward carts, supporting
about 50 inpatient consultations each
“It also has huge potential for things like
day. The new funding will ensure they
wound care.
are attached to a stand on wheels, which
PAGE 3
CREATIVE
THINKING
Time to take a fresh look at how we do things around here
With some creative thinking, virtual care in a partner, who might be at work or out the community is saying they want to
has potential to significantly improve of town, or an interstate relative or other get care closer to home and it’s our
patient experiences, not just from a family members who can’t be present. responsibility to make it happen, where
clinical perspective, but by enabling possible.”
“People on dialysis or chemotherapy
patients to share significant moments
might be able to receive education Please email your creative ideas to:
with loved ones, or delivering support or
virtually while they are receiving MLHD-virtualcare@health.nsw.gov.au
information when and where it’s needed.
treatment, rather than having to travel g
Murrumbidgee Internal Transformation for a separate appointment.
Team’s virtual care lead, Andy is
“Wouldn’t it be great if Aboriginal
encouraging discussions across the
patients could be connected with an
district that get people thinking beyond
Aboriginal Health Worker within 10
the benefits we understand now, like
minutes of arriving at an emergency
saving isolated patients from having to
department, if there isn’t one on site.”
travel.
Andy says an advertising campaign will
“You might have a midwife or nurse
soon encourage community feedback
visit newborn babies in their houses
and ideas on how virtual care can
to take measurements and physically
enhance health care experiences.
assess mum and bub’s wellbeing. We
will continue to do that. But virtual care “We need to find people who think
could provide a great opportunity to link differently and have ideas, because
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINE
Pharmacy outreach set to extend further
A small three-month trial at “We were trying to make an effort
Gundagai and Narrandera has to provide a service that was more
shown potential for MLHD’s team of personable than a phone call,” says
hospital pharmacists to use a video John.
consultation to discuss medications
“We know face-to-face is ideal and
with patients before they are
preferred, but geographically it has
discharged.
its challenges in a rural local health
MLHD District Chief Pharmacist, John district, especially when we only have
Carroll, says pharmacists ran through pharmacists based in four locations.”
a printed medication list given to
John says if the virtual service
patients upon discharge, explaining
progresses to a more formal model,
any medication changes made during
there is potential for it to also include
their hospital stay and answering
consultations on admission and
any questions about their current
transfer, and during the patient’s
medication regimen.
hospital stay as well. g
Runs on the VirtualCare board
Across MLHD, our clients and And patients with cognitive
patients have already had a changes or dementia have been
taste of what benefits can stem able to sit with a nurse specialist
from virtual care services. as they connect online with a
specialist geriatrician; the team
Some people presenting to
working together to create a
emergency departments
treatment plan.
with acute mental illness
have received Mental Health Below are more detailed
Emergency Crisis support from accounts of virtual services that
clinicians based elsewhere. have potential to improve health
care outcomes for people across
People preparing for bariatric
the district. g
weight loss surgery have logged
on for education sessions, from
the comfort of their own homes.
Frail Blazers exercise classes
for seniors
COVID-19 could have brought to a dramatic end MLHD’s Frail
Blazers group exercise program for frail elderly clients. But
with some creative thinking and a new approach, the Wagga
Wagga-based program started online in April, giving clients
continued access to strengthening exercises and as a valued
social outlet.
The transition to online has provided some unexpected
bonuses; some participants have demonstrated better
technique – maybe due to there being less distractions than in
face-to-face sessions - and it can now be offered across more
rural locations. People previously unable to travel to attend One of those group members is Frank Skinner, 95, who was
sessions in person have also started participating. feeling isolated even before COVID-19. Gut issues meant he
wasn’t confident to leave home to socialise or exercise – a big
Senior Aged Care Physiotherapist, Merrin Moran, says it has
adjustment given the international travel he and his wife Kath
been rewarding to see participants try something new and give
once enjoyed.
virtual care a go.
Being able to follow the exercise program on his tablet, from
“With some group members aged into their 90s, it has been a
the comfort of his own home has proven a godsend, enabling
great learning experience for all involved, and one we hope to
him to work on his strength and balance while also enjoying a
further develop across MLHD.”
chat and making new social connections. g
PAGE 5
Globe-trotter sets sights on roads less travelled
He realised his family could have aged care support across the district,
stayed at home and communicated he’s aware that people often assume
just as effectively with the specialist via older people won’t be able to work with
computer with a camera and speaker. technology.
“When the doctor says they want to see COVID-19 inspired changes which proved
you in three months, you just do it,” he that wrong. With geriatricians no longer
says. able to travel across the district, a new
approach was essential. And now, Andy
“Looking back, I realised I didn’t have the
says MLHD geriatricians offer a great
confidence or awareness to ask whether
service virtually, particularly out west.
this could be done differently. That was
an eye-opener for me.” “It means people can get a diagnosis,
advice and intervention faster than they
That personal experience and new
would if they waited for a face-to-face
way of thinking was fortuitous, given
assessment, which is great,” he says.
that Andy went on to lead virtual care
within the Murrumbidgee Internal “It may not be perfect, because
Transformation Team. ideally you would have it face-to-face,
but during COVID it was better than
He is encouraging all MLHD staff to
nothing.”
think about what care they could offer
virtually, and he’s asking our patients and He says one silver lining from the
consumers to speak up and ask for it. COVID-19 cloud is that it changed his
whole way of thinking about delivery of
“The need for face-to-face clinical care is
virtual care being limited by patients’
never going to disappear,” says Andy.
abilities, knowledge or experience.
When Andy Corrigan’s one-year-old son “But what are the opportunities for
needed heart surgery, he and his wife “It’s up to us, as health professionals,
saving families from having to travel,
didn’t think twice about travelling from to change our thinking, and find ways
from the expense and the time away?
Wagga Wagga to Sydney. to make it work, rather than saying it
When it comes down to it, sometimes
doesn’t work for our client group.” g
Andy, who was managing MLHD there is no need for them to be there in
aged care services, and his wife – a person.”
"
sonographer – found the trip a struggle. Andy, 35, who now has three children,
Rarely do parents enjoy a 10-hour round aged four, two and two months, hasn’t
trip with two kids under four. They had
to take three weeks off work, and living
always lived with the tyranny of distance
affecting access to medical services. people can get a
away from home was expensive. But
they begrudged nothing. The trip was
He grew up in Sydney where he also
worked in allied health and medical diagnosis, advice
necessary. radiation services. And he has travelled
It was a different story when they extensively, working in Scotland, Ireland, and intervention
were asked to attend a follow-up Canada and the US, as well as Perth and
appointment, three months later. Again, Melbourne. faster than
they took time off work and travelled Andy’s wife was born in Wagga Wagga,
five hours each way with their two
young children. They felt fortunate to
so that’s where they decided to holiday they would if
after coming back from America. Their
stay at Ronald McDonald House and
have a government subsidy contribute
plan was to enjoy time with her family
while applying for jobs in Melbourne.
they waited for
to transport costs. But this time the trip But equipped with his Bachelor of a face-to-face
"
didn’t seem necessary. Applied Sciences in Radiation Therapy,
“It was a 15-minute consult with the
doctor, who looked at the scar, asked
and a Masters in Health Administration,
Andy secured work with MLHD, and has
assessment
us how everything was going, charged since held management roles in allied
us a few hundred dollars and sent us health and aged care.
on our way,” says Andy, who was left Having set up MLHD’s Regional
contemplating the cost – not just to his Assessment Services for Aged Care,
family, but the health system as a whole. which assesses eligibility for entry-level
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINE
Hospital monitored COVID-19
symptoms for patients isolating
at home
When Vijay Raval and his family moved from Melbourne to
Wagga Wagga earlier this year, they had no idea they had
COVID-19, or that they were about to experience high-quality
hospital care from the comfort of their new home.
Vijay, 29, says the family had no COVID symptoms when they
arrived in Wagga Wagga, but over the following few days his
mother, 52, had back pain from the road trip. When Vijay tried
to book her a doctor’s appointment and said they’d come
Vijay says it was reassuring when hospital staff reacted
from Melbourne, the practice followed protocol and asked his
instantly to changes on day five, when he started to feel a
mother to take a COVID test.
heaviness in his chest. He received a call from the hospital
To everyone’s surprise, the result was positive, sparking a saying his heart rate and oxygen levels had dropped.
prompt home visit from a MLHD doctor and nurse in full PPE. After answering questions about his levels of activity, staff
They tested Vijay, his wife and their young daughter, who also monitored him for a further two hours before asking him to
had no symptoms but returned positive results. drive straight to hospital.
“It is very difficult and it is a totally new place for us, and Collected from the car park by a nurse in PPE, he had a chest
we feel very bad about what is going on,” says Vijay, whose x-ray and was kept in isolation, before being deemed safe to
shocked family followed all precautions thoroughly and return home.
willingly, and isolated for 28 days in their one-bedroom house.
MLHD staff monitored Vijay and his family for 14 days. They
Just hours after their diagnosis, a nurse in full PPE visited made a video call twice a day, checking on their wellbeing, and
Vijay’s family again, this time with high-tech armbands which visited the family in person every second day, wearing full PPE.
would enable the adults’ heart rate, respiratory rate, blood
The only other times the family opened the front door was
oxygenation and skin temperature to be monitored remotely.
to bring inside groceries and food parcels that had been
MLHD had invested in technology knowing that while many delivered.
people with COVID only experience mild symptoms, some
Vijay says while it was a dramatic and challenging way for the
deteriorate rapidly. While patients are generally well enough to
family to start their new life in Wagga Wagga, he and his family
isolate at home, keeping hospital beds free for those who need
felt very well cared for and grateful not to have been admitted
them, monitoring their vital signs remotely provides an extra
to hospital. g
layer of safety.
Virtual antenatal classes
If there’s one thing COVID-19 wasn’t able to put on hold, it was
the arrival of babies, so the demand for antenatal classes didn’t
stop when the rest of the world seemed to.
For MLHD registered midwives Janine Sutton and Rachel
Quarmby that meant a total rethink in order to develop an
online offering for expectant mothers and their partners
birthing at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
And having run for 12 months, demand for the online program
has been so consistent that the four-week evening sessions
will continue virtually, even when expectant couples can Another said they were devastated when face-to-face classes
participate in person once again from Saturday 26 June. were cancelled, so having an online option was a huge relief.
Logging on to classes enabled one expectant parent to log in Another patient liked being able to see a video of the ward,
from a tractor while their partner participated from home. And saying it helped them become familiar with the space and what
the midwives enjoyed seeing participants sprawled on couches they could and couldn’t do, which put their nerves at ease.
at home, looking comfortable and relaxed, with the family cats “I think online classes should perhaps be an option for couples
and dogs generally present. who cannot make face-to-face classes,” they said. g
“I found it really good to be able to do it from the comfort of
our home, and it was great to have the breaks to stretch my
legs and get snacks,” one participant commented. PAGE 7
From the
Chief Executive
OUT AND ABOUT MLHD is also taking bookings for eligible people aged 40 to
49 for the Pfizer vaccination at the Wagga Wagga and Griffith
One of the greatest pleasures I have is getting out of the office public hubs. People aged 40-49 can register for the Pfizer
and visiting our facilities to find out what's happening 'on the vaccine on the NSW Government website: https://www.nsw.
ground'. gov.au/
Together with our Board Chair, each week I'm on the road as People will be contacted when a booking is available. Once
part of a regular program of visits to our health service sites a registration has been received, a member of the bookings
across the region. team will be in contact to schedule a time at the specific
The visits provide an opportunity for me to speak with staff, location.
consumers, residents, consumer advocates and Councils, For more information about COVID-19 Vaccinations email:
f o r d
listening to their personal stories and grass roots experiences to
u d
MLHD-COVID-19@health.nsw.gov.au
Jill L
get a better understanding of the real issues and challenges.
Over the past few weeks I had the great pleasure to visit our
western most sites at Tooleybuc and Moulamein. THINKING DIFFERENTLY
It is widely acknowledged that there is a critical shortage
These community outreach posts are so important in providing
of doctors across rural Australia, and it is difficult to attract
community care to these remote communities. I also visited
doctors and other medical professionals to rural and regional
Deniliquin and Barham where I had some great conversations
areas.
with staff and community members about what matters most to
them. Despite the best of intentions and a variety of approaches
over recent years, there are just not enough of the doctors
leaving our universities considering a rural career.
COVID-19 UPDATE Over the past few years, we have had to adapt and learn how
Murrumbidgee Local Health District has been supporting the we can continue to provide services, in adaptive ways.
Commonwealth COVID-19 Vaccination rollout over the past
few months with the vaccination of health care workers in our Our Base Hospital redevelopments at Griffith and Wagga
region. Wagga will provide greater access to specialist care. The new
Wagga Wagga Hospital Stage 3 building, called the Health
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a key priority and Services Hub, opened in May 21 and provides sub-acute,
vaccination is an important step in keeping people safe in our ambulatory, community and primary health care services
community. To date, we have vaccinated over 6,700 people from a single site on the campus.
across the District
Our real challenge is to grow our rural workforce. A
As part of the vaccination rollout we now welcome the generalist trained workforce can better support rural
opportunity to vaccinate the Families and Household Contacts healthcare and improve access to care. We have taken action
of HealthCare workers (16 +). This is available for all staff to skill our doctors, nurses and allied health clinicians to be
members and Visiting Medical Officers who work in the District. trained and recognised as rural generalists, working at the
top of their scope.
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINE
Below: Gayle and I have traversed the District and shared many great memories from award winning moments to infrastructure developments,
but the best - meeting our people.
The Murrumbidgee Rural Generalist Training Pathway, a trial of
a single employer model for GP trainees, is a first in Australia. FAREWELL BOARD CHAIR
More than an employment model, this is a training pathway to It is with sadness that we farewell our longstanding and much
enable doctors to obtain the advanced skills needed to work in loved Board Chair Gayle Murphy. Gayle has completed the
rural hospitals, and in primary care. maximum Board Director tenure of 10 years.
Since 2016 our Wagga Wagga ED Emergency Medicine Gayle started with the MLHD Board in 2011 and has been a
physicians have been running a teaching program for GPs to vigorous advocate for healthcare in our region. She has truly
gain the required Emergency Department experience to work immersed herself in the role of Board Chair, and has given
in our hospitals. Five years later our program, to be presented freely of her time to better understand the health needs and
at the Australian College of Emergency Medicine in July, has concerns of local people. I have spent many hours on the road
not only reduced the contraction of the workforce, but with Gayle, trekking a well-worn path to facilities so that we
progressively built the number of permanent doctors. can hear first-hand about what is happening on the ground.
The Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway has successfully I'd like to extend my personal thanks to Gayle for the many
attracted new graduates to our region and filled allied hours she has contributed, and on behalf of staff across the
health vacancies. These clinicians have been retained at the Murrumbidgee wish her well in her future endeavours. I'm
completion of the program, and have formed a professional sure we will see Gayle in future forums wearing a different hat!
network.
We are also training and credentialing nurses and nurse
practitioners to work at the top of their scope. Nurse
Delegated Emergency Care accredited nurses are authorised
to undertake assessment, intervention and discharge, Jill Ludford
following detailed protocols. Chief Executive
We will continue to think creatively and find new ways of
delivering safe, quality services to people across our region.
Out and about meeting the team at
Deniliquin Health Service
PAGE 9
FAREWELL
GAYLE
A decade of service to better health
After ten years in the hot seat, Murrumbidgee Local Health “Gayle truly immersed herself in the role of Board Chair,”
District’s Board Chair will retire at the end of June. acknowledged Chief Executive Jill Ludford. “She has given
freely of her time to better understand the health needs and
Gayle Murphy commenced with the Murrumbidgee Local
concerns of locals and truly given over and above what was
Health District (MLHD) Board in July 2011 and soon after was
required of her as Board Chair. We have spent many hours on
elected to the position of Chair.
the road trekking a well-worn path to facilities so that Gayle
Gayle has been a vigorous advocate for Murrumbidgee Local can hear first-hand about what is happening on the ground.”
Health District throughout her time as Chair and is a familiar
She has been a very active participant at every level from
face at all of the hospital and health service sites across the
Annual Public Meetings and Awards presentations to LHAC
District. She has traversed the region meeting and speaking
forums, Open Days, Expos, Information Sessions, Roadshows,
with staff, consumers, residents, consumer advocates and
Orientations and all manner of meetings. Her attendance at all
Councils listening to their personal stories and grass roots
of these events will be greatly missed.
experiences. Using this information and knowledge, Gayle
shares with the Board helping them all make informed Members of a Local Health District Board are appointed as
decisions. independent individuals by the NSW Government, after a
specific application and review process, and are required to act
A proud and vocal supporter of rural health, Gayle’s catch cry
in the best interests of the Board and the Local Health District.
“Go Murrumbidgee!” is often heard in celebration of great
achievements. Gayle has served under three NSW Health Gayle’s passion and commitment to the health district was
Minsters, Carmel Tebbutt, Jillian Skinner and the current acknowledged by the Local Health Advisory Committee
Minister Brad Hazzard and has ‘gone into bat’ time and again members at a farewell dinner in May. Her final Board meeting
for Murrumbidgee. will be in June 2021. g
In addition to chairing the MLHD Board meetings, Gayle has
been involved in a number of Board Sub Committees, of
particular note the HealthCare Safety and Quality Committee,
a subject closest to Gayle’s heart, and NSW BreastScreen.
In recent years Gayle has also joined the College of
Dermatologist’s Community Engagement Advisory Committee.
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINECLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: A decade of development: Tocumwal Health Service redevelopment, Wagga Wagga
Redevelopment, Harden-MPS Redevelopment, Gundagai MPS opening, Installation of Telehealth cameras, Mental Health safe
space at Young, Griffith Redevelopment sod turning, Deniliquin Maternity Services.
PAGE 11BOARD CHAIR’S MESSAGE
This is my final column as Board Chair for ensure our MLHD works at the top of their
Murrumbidgee Local Health District as I scope of practise.
have completed by term. Although I finish
Jill and I have enjoyed many road trips
in this role with some sadness I am excited
to our many facilities. The long drives
for the years ahead for MLHD.
in all types of weather have been well
The best part of my role over the last 10 worth it. We have learnt so much about
years has been the people. I have met our facilities, their needs, and their
some amazing people in our District. triumphs. We have met our amazing
Unselfish people who have given freely of volunteers – members of our Local
their time to assist those in need. I have Health Advisory Committees, our United
also spoken to people in our aged care Hospital Auxiliaries, Local Government
units who are living life to its fullest, giving representatives and those carers who give
me lots to smile and laugh about. so much support to their loved ones and
their communities.
It is hard to thank everyone, but I must
start with MLHD staff. Everyday they make I have so many wonderful memories.
me proud as they strive to improve the
I am always proud of what MLHD does
health care they give to their patients
everyday.
whether it is administration or on the floor
of our facilities. Quality safe care every Keep safe
time.
MLHD Board Chair Gayle Murphy Regards
Special thanks must go to Chief Executive,
Gayle Murphy
Jill Ludford and her Executive. I can say
Proud Chair
with all honesty they work tirelessly to
MLHD
PAUL BRAYBROOKS such important service to its community.
However, I worry how expectations and
BOARD DIRECTOR the cost of providing that expectation of
quality and diverse service is to be met.
I find it hard to realise that it is 10 years
After all the bricks and mortar are easy
since I was appointed to the newly formed
and comparatively cheap to provide. It
Board of MLHD. I can clearly remember
is the ongoing cost of meeting the local
the first few meetings of the new Board
community expectation of the high level
when we looked at each other and quite
of diverse service which is fast becoming a
frankly wondered what was expected of
real problem and is often compounded as
us as board members and how were we to
a politically driven issue.
function.
I hope I am not considered a defeatist
Some very capable board members and
when I admit that I am now pleased to
senior staff have come and gone over the
pass on this problem to wiser heads and I
decade, but the basic principle of trying
genuinely wish the Board and senior staff
to provide direction, advice and support
sound judgement and best wishes as they
to the organisation and its senior staff is
continue the struggle of providing quality
still the same. How health care is provided
service within ever tightening budgets.
has changed during this time, the costs
have risen, but the struggle to maintain As an aging consumer, I am after all relying
MLHD Board Director Paul Braybrooks a quality and equitable service within a on them being successful!
will be stepping down after 10 years given budget are just the same.
I take pride each time I drive through
Wagga Wagga and look across at the
new Base Hospital or I drive through
a small country community to see the
newly rebuilt MPS which is providing
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINEMEET OUR
PEOPLE
Rosemary Garthwaite
General Manager Aged Care
I trained at the St Thomas’s Hospital in London from 1977- I secured a job as a casual Registered Nurse at Corowa Health
1980 and qualified as a Nightingale Nurse. Service, with Greater Murray Area Health Service.
I gained some experience in respiratory and surgical services I have enjoyed a variety of positions since first arriving in the
following my graduation year which saw me move to area in 2000 which has seen me experience the following:
Cambridge, UK. Nurse Unit Manger Aged Care Corowa; Nurse Unit Manager
Acute Care Corowa; Health Service Manager, Corowa; Regional
In 1982 I had the opportunity to work in South Africa as a
General Manager for MLHD and currently my position as MLHD
Registered Nurse in Johannesburg in a Cardiac Intensive
General Manager Aged Care.
Care Unit. This experience ignited my passion for working in
Intensive Care and saw me travel back to the UK to complete I am a dedicated leader and enjoy working alongside clinicians
an accredited Intensive Care and Coronary Care certificate in to enable them to deliver safe care every day to meet the
Brighton, Sussex. needs of the consumers in their care. I am a passionate
advocate for Aged Care services and I feel very privileged to be
My overseas travel bug was still prominent and I gained
involved with elderly people and their families to ensure the
employment once again in South Africa, this time in Cape
services available in our communities are consumer focused
Town working in Intensive Care at Groote Schuur Hospital. My
and inclusive.
experience there was truly amazing and I had to learn at a very
fast pace. I have never worked with such sick people anywhere Family and Hobbies:
else throughout my career.
I have a supportive husband and two grown up children who
On returning to the UK in 1985 I was very restless and decided have been on the journey with me to expand my professional
that Australia was “calling” me and I was very keen to see a career.
new part of the world. I arrived in Australia in February 1996
I have always been involved with activities in the community
and commenced employment at the Repatriation Hospital in
and was the President of the P&C at primary school and also
Heidelberg, Victoria in Intensive Care.
secondary school.
I knew that Australia would be where I made my home and I
I enjoy travelling, reading and AFL footy and am looking
embraced every opportunity that came my way.
forward to retirement where I can be actively involved in
I stepped away from health for a period of six years and community events. g
had two jobs working as a sales representative for medical
equipment in Intensive Care and Neo-natal intensive care.
In 2000, I decided to have a “c” change and with my husband
and two children (aged 4 and 2) we moved to Corowa, NSW.
PAGE 13Dr Paul Foley, Junior Medical Officer
" I’m learning
really good skills
MATTERS
"
MURRUMBIDGEE
I can build on... ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINEMedical intern follows in
father’s footsteps…
Dr Paul Foley is a black-belt martial While studying medicine at the appreciate, because otherwise you have
artist, talented pianist and aspiring University of Newcastle, Paul got his no idea why. I’m learning really good
gardener. He is also one of the new first taste of Wagga Wagga’s enviable skills I can build on.”
interns starting work at Wagga Wagga lifestyle through an eight-week
He says his experience has been
Base Hospital this year. placement at Wagga Wagga Base
enhanced by Wagga Wagga having
Hospital. That positive experience left
Having turned 23 in March, Paul is not such a wide variety of consultants with
him pleased to be offered a Junior
quite the youngest of the city’s new varying specialties, who also practice
Medical Officer position at the hospital
doctors, but he could well be the first to general medicine.
late last year. Young doctors can’t
have recognised medicine as his calling.
afford to be fussy about their first “If a cardiologist is the admitting doctor
As a child, Paul loved science fiction
placement – if they knock back their for the day, they might oversee medical
and initially wanted to be an inventor,
first offer they’re not guaranteed a management of a patient’s chest
specialising in new devices that would
second – and Paul had more than his infection or bowel problems. That’s the
improve people’s lives, “like flying cars
own career to consider, having married thing I love about rural and regional
that had a force field, so people didn’t
his childhood sweetheart, Chantelle medicine,” says Paul.
get into car accidents or plane crashes”.
Foley, in December (fortuitously, after a
But he decided on a more grounded “They emphasise the need to be a
year of planning, the timing of their big
approach to helping others at age seven, generalist when working rurally and I
day coincided with a break in COVID-19
having watched on proudly as his dad feel like that makes you a better clinician
restrictions). So the couple, who became
made people feel better. because you consider the patient more
fond of one another in their early teens,
holistically.”
Paul’s father, a general practitioner, took appreciated Wagga Wagga offering
his family along when working as the Chantelle a range of rewarding career That’s in keeping with Paul’s long term
main medico for a conference for about options – she secured a new graduate career goals, as he is keen to follow in
500 people. Paul remembers watching registered nursing position at Calvary his father’s footsteps and become a GP,
with interest and awe as he fielded Riverina Hospital, where she works in potentially back at his father’s surgery
patient concerns throughout the day and the High Dependency Unit and aims long in Richmond or potentially as a Rural
beyond to “ridiculous o’clock”. term to work in intensive care. Generalist out in the bush.
“Seeing how he could have such an Paul grew up in North Richmond, at Paul’s two year contract commits him
impact on people in pain, treat them and the foot of the Blue Mountains, west of to Wagga Wagga for two years, but
give them medicine to help, and proper Sydney. That gave him enough exposure afterwards he is keen to do as much GP
care, so they’d be back enjoying the to the big smoke for him to know he training in rural areas as possible.
conference led me to being interested in didn’t like it – “I always hated the city”. Moving, however, looks like it might
medicine,” he says, having not heeded
Lifestyle issues aside, he also believes become more of a challenge, the longer
his father’s advice that there are less
medical training and learning the couple stays. Paul plans to buy a
stressful ways to make a living and help
opportunities are more varied and piano having played for 10 years and
people.
valuable in the country, with better made it through all of the Australian
"
relationships and communication Music Examination Board’s exams, he
I feel like [rural between junior and senior doctors. now finds it good stress relief.
At Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Any moving truck will need room for
medicine] makes he started work on the upper
gastrointestinal surgical team,
plants too “I’m definitely getting into
gardening while I’m here – mainly herbs
you a better sometimes assisting in theatre with
retracting, cutting and suturing.
and vegetables and certain succulents. I
have tried to make a tomato vine survive
before, but it wasn’t in very good soil
clinician because
He moved on to orthopaedics, and
will rotate through Rehabilitation, unfortunately. My wife and I are renting
Emergency Medicine and finish his so we are investing in little boxes so we
you consider the internship in General Medicine. can make a more permanent fixture
when we move.” g
patient more “All of the surgeons have been incredibly
"
lovely to me and inclusive of me in the
team. They are always trying to get me
holistically. to understand why we are doing certain
things and the rationale so I can perceive
where they are going, which I really
PAGE 15" Tiffany Thompson, Consumer Participation Coordinator
People have
such rich
experience and
so much insight
and wisdom to
"
share.
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINELived experience enriches role
"
Tiffany Thompson’s career progression “We have a Lived Experience Network
supports the notion that if you follow
your nose, and are open to unexpected I’m passionate with some amazing people who
participate in committees, provide
opportunities, you can end up exactly
where you’re meant to be. about really their feedback, and participate in co-
design, and we are working to develop
that further through our new online
Equipped with an events management
degree earned in the UK, Tiffany secured
opening up participation platform,” Tiffany says.
volunteer work with the Homeless World
Cup when she moved to Melbourne. opportunities for “People have such rich experience and
so much insight and wisdom to share,”
That set her on track for roles for says Tiffany.
charities supporting men’s health and people to share “Their journey with mental health, drug
vulnerable young people, which in turn
led her to Beyond Blue. That’s where
Tiffany learned just how much she
their feedback or alcohol issues is so diverse, and they
show so much strength and resilience.
valued hearing stories from people with
lived experience of mental health issues.
and have that “Having mental health issues doesn’t
mean you are going to be limited by it or
truly heard.
"
defined by it for your whole life. You can
As someone with lifelong experience
still live a very rich, full, life, even when
of mental health issues, Tiffany could
you are dealing with mental health issues
sometimes relate to these stories. At Tiffany is a big advocate for the state- on an ongoing basis and you can and
other times it was an opportunity to wide ‘Your Experience of Service (YES)’ should expect to feel well and live your
learn. But understanding the value in survey, which is available to everyone life in a way that is meaningful to you.”
people sharing personal experiences who receives a MLHD mental health
– and the courage it took to share service, enabling them to provide ratings Tiffany says in many ways, it’s easy to
them – made for a natural progression and comments. make a huge difference to a person’s life
into managing Blue Voices, Beyond and recovery, simply by being kind, and
Blue’s community of people with lived More broadly, she also supports people showing compassion and empathy.
experience, and carers, who contribute to share their story of receiving services
for mental health, drug or alcohol issues. “Even if you’re not working in mental
their ideas and experiences to shape the
Anyone living in Murrumbidgee is invited health, have an awareness that everyone
organisation’s work.
to take part. They may have received walks around every day with their life
Seven years later, with the benefit of care at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital’s history and whatever is going on for
that rich experience, Tiffany and her Acute Mental Health Unit or Recovery them at that time.
young family left Melbourne for North Unit, or from community-based mental “When they present to any health
East Victoria, near her husband’s home health and drug and alcohol teams service, people are often at a vulnerable
town, and she settled into a job with working in Temora, Tumut, Young, time in their lives, and so I think it is
Murrumbidgee Local Health District it Griffith, Deniliquin or Wagga. Whenever really important to treat people with
seems destiny created for her. consumers or carers share their stories, warmth and compassion. Staff should
Tiffany, 37, coordinates MLHD’s they consent to how their contribution never underestimate the difference that
Consumer Participation Strategy for will be used. can make to somebody’s life by offering
Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Some clients choose to share their kindness and respect.” g
Services. Her main focus is ensuring stories directly with staff at meetings,
robust systems are in place to ensure highlighting a particular area that needs
people with lived experience of mental improvement or something that worked Your mental
health, drug or alcohol issues are
health matters
really well. Others give permission for
involved in decision making around excerpts to be included in resources for
their own healthcare and that they can
participate in service development and
others. to us, always.
improvement. Consumers and carers might also be No matter how you are
invited to participate in specific projects feeling, you can call the
“I’m passionate about really opening up or activities that require insights gained Murrumbidgee Accessline
opportunities for people to share their to chat with someone 24/7
through personal experience. This
feedback and have that truly heard; approach informed content for a new 1800 800 944
feedback on their service experience or booklet supporting people who present
their story as a whole,” says Tiffany. to an Emergency Department for a
“We can learn so much from that.” mental health, drug or alcohol issue,
aiming to provide relevant targeted Learn more about health services in your community
Learn more about local health services at
facebook.com/yourLH AC
facebook.com/yourLH AC
support and information, and reduce
stress caused by confusion. BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR LOCAL HEALTH
ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE OR CRISIS SUPPORT CALL ACCESSLINE 1800 800 944
OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL OR GP. IF A LIFE IS IN DANGER, CALL 000. PAGE 17
denimentalhealth.org.auThe Notre Dame ROUNDs Group 2021
Supporting and showcasing
rural medicine
Autumn has been a busy period for the were travelling through south western At the Notre Dame Rural Clinical School
Riverina Regional Training Hub (RRTH) NSW. This group of medical, nursing Wagga Wagga, they heard from locally
with activity focussed on supporting and allied health students spent time based medical students and Notre Dame
students interested in rural study, in Wagga Wagga, Temora, Griffith and alumni working locally as doctors of
training and careers in health, especially Hay meeting local community members their experiences studying, training and
medicine. as well as health professionals. The working rurally. Local MP Dr Joe McGirr
panel who welcomed them at WWBH welcomed the group too, sharing his
In mid-April medical students from the
included a graduate nurse, midwife, and his family’s experience of living and
Universities of Wollongong, UNSW and
three trainee doctors, JMO manager and working in the region. Social events
Notre Dame Rural Clinical Schools and
RRTH Executive Officer who shared their showcasing Wagga Wagga and the
trainee doctors from Wagga Wagga
experience and knowledge of training region provided the visiting students
Base Hospital (WWBH) headed out
and working rurally. with opportunities to yarn with locals
to beautiful Deniliquin for two days.
and explore how they too might follow
Initiated by Drs Grant Elliot and Martin Collaboration between the Royal
their aspirations to work rurally. The
Ryan, JMOs at Wagga Wagga Base Australian College of Surgeons, the
students also visited local primary and
Hospital and supported by the RRTH, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District
secondary schools to share skills and
two days showcased Deniliquin and rural (MLHD) and the RRTH has resulted
stories.
general practice. in the creation and funding of a new
General Surgery post at the Griffith Base As Winter approaches, focus turns to
The group was warmly welcomed
Hospital. This position has been filled supporting those who mentor, teach
to the Deniliquin District Hospital by
by Dr Xainab Nassem whom we warmly and supervise our medical students
Ginny Lange and her team. Drs Marion
welcome to the surgical team in Griffith. and trainee doctors. An Advanced Life
Reeves, Rachel and Ben James led
Support Instructors course for eighteen
the skills workshop and then with Drs Thirty-eight first- and second-year
new instructors is being hosted by MLHD
Marion McGee and Alam Yoosuff shared students from the University of Notre
and the RRTH in mid-July. This will be a
their experiences as rural general Dame rural health support group
great boost to the existing instructor’s
practitioners – the pleasures and the ROUNDS, visited Wagga Wagga between
group with doctors and nurses from
pain. Wonderful country hospitality was the 15 and 17 May. Welcomed to the
around the Riverina Murrumbidgee
extended to the delegates by Rachel and Notre Dame Rural Clinical School Wagga
involved. This will be followed later in
Ben James on their farm on the Edwards Wagga by A/Prof Catherine Harding and
the year by two point of care ultrasound
River providing an additional opportunity Student Coordinator Sharon Shaw , the
workshops in Wagga Wagga and Griffith,
to experience rural living. group heard from locally based Notre
deepening skills regionally. g
Dame medical students and alumni
In May we welcomed members of the
working as doctors of their experiences
NSW RDN’s Go Rural road trip who
studying, training and working rurally.
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINEAn Australian Government Initiative
Rural Pathways
to Post-Graduate
Medical Training
WAGGA WAGGA
GRIFFITH
RIVERINA
We can:
• Give you the information you need
about rural medical training pathways
• Help navigate a rural medical training
pathway for your career
• Connect you to career advice from
rural specialists
Contact Us
Ph: 02 8204 4607 Int Ph: 4607
Email: RRTHenquiries@nd.edu.au
RURAL STUDY RURAL TRAINING RURAL CAREER
PHOTOS: Autumn has been a busy teime for the Riverina Regional
Training Hub (RRTH) - from top: Birthing Skills Station: WWBH JMO nd.edu.au/riverina-rural-training-hub
Dr Grant Elliott, UoW Brianne Larson and Rebecca Newton; Country
Hospitality: the "Go Rural" group visit Deniliquin (centre) and Temora Riverina Rural Training Hub
Hospital (bottom)
twitter.com/rural_hub
PAGE 19TRAINING PARTNERS
MLHD and Notre Dame chalk up
ten years of medical training
Thank you MLHD for a decade of welcoming Notre Dame Rural
Clinical School students.
“Ten years ago Notre Dame medical students were
first made welcome by Murrumbidgee Local Health
District, continuing the region’s tradition of supporting
medical student training. Each year our students have
joined the local medical workforce – this would not
have happened without the support of many people.”
Associate Professor Catherine Harding,
Head of Clinical School, UNDA
In February 2011, the first Notre Dame medical students
arrived in Wagga. In that first year, a small number of fourth
year students came for four-week rotations. A small area
behind the Calvary Hospital was refurbished to provide a small
learning area and two offices for the new school. In 2012, we
welcomed the first six full-time students who studied across
both hospital campuses and in other healthcare facilities
throughout the region.
On August 4th, 2014, the then Assistant Minister for Health
Fiona Nash and Bishop Gerard Hanna, Bishop of Wagga Wagga
officially opened the new training facility on the rural clinical
school site. The Australian Government investment into medical
training locally meant that a purpose-built flexible training
space was available and paved the way for expansion of the
Wagga Wagga campus to our present day numbers of 15 third
and fourth year medical students plus up to three students
every four weeks on rural rotations.
In the first decade of Notre Dame in Wagga Wagga, over
60 full-time students and over 160 rotating students have
developed their skills in the region. In 2012, our first local Notre
Dame student took up internship in Wagga Wagga with many
opting to stay for intern and additional post-graduate years
since that time. Their accomplishments, including NSW JRMO
of the year, international Golden Scalpel’s games and numerous
research publications, would not have been possible without
local support. There are too many supporters to name them all
individually but collectively we have made this work.
Thank you for the last ten years. Looking forward to the next
ten years. g
PHOTOS: Opposite page clockwise from top:
>>> UNDA Alumni on the Med Ward: Dr Ariah Steele, Dr Kirra Parks Dr Megan
Telford, Dr Eleanor Handel.
>>> Notre Dame Gumi Race team 2014: Dr Marianne Turner, Dr Katherine Smith,
Dr Kevin Ng, Dr Carolyn Wijaya, Dr Joe Mendel, Dr Simon Minns.
>>> At the Front of Wagga RCS Graduating Year 4 2019: L- R Dr Daniel Szabo, Dr
Adele Evans, Dr Emma Thomas, Dr Himasha Nanayakkara, Dr Meleseini Tai Roche,
Dr Gabriel Atan Sanchez
>>> Opening of Wagga Clinical School 2014: Assoc Prof Joe McGirr Associate
Dean of Rural Schools, Professor Christine Bennett Dean of Medicine Sydney,
Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash, Professor Margot Kearnes, Pro Vice
Chancellor Notre Dame University, Associate Prof Catherine Harding, Head of
Rural Clinical School
>>> Foyer of Notre Dame Graduating Year 4 2020: (L – R) Dr Harry Jude, Dr
Kirsten Dukes, Dr Imogen Hines, Dr Thomas Goubar, Dr Grant Elliott, Dr Antonia
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
Ross Dr Kirra Parks, Dr Liz Monk, Dr George Mallat.Students 2016 Dr Chris Wilson,
Dr Sylvia Lim Dr Sofia Dominguez and mascots – Photo courtesy of the Wagga
Daily Advertiser. ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINEPAGE 21
PHOTO GALLERY
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY ACROSS THE DISTRICT:
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINEPHOTOS: Clockwise from top right:
Jerilderie, Lockhart, Tocumwal, Wagga District Office, Hillston and
Corowa
PHOTOS: oposite page: Clockwise from top right:
Temora, Young, Deniliquin, Berrigan, Gundagai and Griffith
PAGE 23PHOTO GALLERY
CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK ACROSS THE DISTRICT:
Temora: Local Health Advisory Committee
Deniliquin: Pink Ladies
Wagga Wagga: Wayfinders, Hospital Auxiliary and consumer advocates
Deniliquin: Murray to Moyne Volunteers
Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) Forum - 25 May 2021
MATTERS
MURRUMBIDGEE
ISSUE 15 WINTER 2021
MAGAZINEPAGE 25
Reduce risk of seasonal flu
with good hygiene
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging MPHN’s Acting CEO Julie Redway said hygiene practices are
all people to remember good hygiene practices again this simple and effective if done correctly and often.
winter to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading seasonal
“There is very strong evidence to show that good hygiene will
flu and other viruses.
dramatically reduce the spread of infections such as flu. People
Young children, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and should wash their hands correctly, cover their mouths and
those with high-risk medical conditions are often at higher risk noses with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, dispose of
of developing complications from the flu. their tissues into a bin, and stay at home if they are unwell,” Ms
Redway said.
MPHN Western Clinical Council Chair and General Practitioner
Dr Muhammad Shahzad Arshed said although flu vaccination “We are encouraging all people to take the time to follow these
remains a priority, good hygiene plays an important role in simple hygiene practices to help protect themselves and others
keeping vulnerable members of the community protected and throughout the winter flu season.” g
reducing pressure on health resources.
“We know vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu but we
should all remain vigilant with good hygiene practices to limit
the spread of the flu,” Dr Arshed said.
“Following good hygiene also ensures those in the community
who are vulnerable during winter and at risk of more serious
complications from the flu are protected.”
Wash your
hands
regularly
Cough and
sneeze into
your sleeve
For advice go to
Avoid contact healthdirect.gov.au
with others. 1800 022 222
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