Message from the Chief Executive
Download the latest Chief Executive update here.
Further easing of the government’s community restrictions, coupled with a return to school for some students this week, sees us entering a new phase in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We expect further Coronavirus cases to come as people move around and interact more, so we need to use this time to prepare effectively.
Part of this is managing our energy levels, and you should consider taking some leave before the demand for our services increases during the winter months. With overnight travel permitted from 1 June 2020 and school holidays coming up, now could be a good time to take a break and recharge.
Before taking leave, and as part of our usual operations, please make sure you are up-to-date with all required training so that we can continue to provide safe and effective care for our community.
All patient-facing employees must complete their online and face-to-face PPE training before 1 July 2020.
Similarly, the successful completion of targeted and mandatory training is critical. We’ve put together a tailored suite of online training modules, available via LATTE, with all those you are required to complete automatically assigned to you. Among these is the new, mandatory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness eLearning Package, which is timely as we celebrate Reconciliation Week.
As a health service, 83.5% of our employees have received their flu vaccination or signed the declaration form. Help us hit our target of 100% by visiting our Infection Prevention offices at Dandenong Hospital, Casey Hospital or Monash Medical Centre – or visit the drive-in immunisation clinic. You can now download your flu vaccination certificate.
All registered or enrolled nurses, midwives and nurse practitioners must renew their registrations with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia by this Sunday (31 May 2020).
Ensuring we are accreditation-ready is another focus area for this period. Auditing your area and work is part of our business-as-usual approach to good governance, safe patient care and high quality outcomes.
Finally, I’m delighted to see some representatives of our talented and committed workforce feature in this TV advertisement to support the Monash Health Appeal, the proceeds of which will enable our researchers to expand and enhance the great work they are doing in the fight against COVID-19. The ad will be featured on TV, radio and online and follows a letterbox drop to more than 330,000 households across south-east Melbourne.
Thank you for your ongoing care and commitment.
Martin Keogh
Chief Operating Officer
Key Messages
Monash Health COVID-19 research appeal – advertisements now playing
Keep an eye and ear out for advertising for the Monash Health community fundraising appeal to support research into new treatments for people with COVID-19. The TV ad will feature on Nine’s channels, with additional advertising across radio and online. Read more here.
Video celebrates Casey Hospital’s new ICU
Casey Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit is now operational. Along with other new facilities, and added specialties, the new ICU will significantly change the way Casey Hospital cares for patients and the community. This short video offers an insight into the opening, the excitement of clinical teams, and the new facilities themselves. Read more here.
NEW: Access your flu vaccination certificate and record of immunisation
The Infection Control team has made it even easier for you to manage your flu vaccination status and record of immunisations. You can now download your 2020 flu vaccination certificate, and access your record of immunisation for vaccines received at Monash Health or declared as administered elsewhere. Read more here.
Clinell wipes rollout underway
Clinell wipes for cleaning of clinical equipment will become progressively available over the coming weeks in a staged rollout across Monash Health. Wards and units will be contacted prior to the rollout in their area, and the Infection Prevention team will work with Nurse Managers to ensure correct setup and use.
Nurses respond to call to upskill to the ICU
In early March, our Nursing and Midwifery Education and Strategy team – in partnership with our Critical Care Program – put out the call to all employees interested in returning or upskilling to work in the ICU. The team was overwhelmed when more than 300 employees responded. Read more here.
Boards are important tools
Your unit’s Welcome to Ward board is often the first thing people see when entering your area. It’s essential that this information is up to date, accurate and reflects the great work happening in your ward. Likewise, your Quality Board is an important tool in delivering safe and high quality care to our community. Read more here.
BCG trial update
Last month, healthcare workers were invited to take part in a WHO-endorsed research trial to investigate whether a BCG vaccine can help reduce the impact of COVID-19. The trial has now been amended and is reopening for enrolment. The requirement of participants having had ‘no previous influenza vaccine’ has now been removed. Read more here.
Introducing social worker, Caroline Rhodes – enhancing our response to family violence
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an added level of risk for victim survivors of family violence. Senior Social Worker and Family Violence Lead, Caroline Rhodes, has provided a direct specialist family violence response for patients as well as secondary consultation for social workers and employees across Monash Health. Read more here.
Embedding the right EMR workflows is important for safe patient care
After introducing the EMR across all our hospital sites, we are now focusing on ensuring the workflows are embedded as part of everyday care. Documentation of clinical activities in the EMR is necessary to ensure safe and effective care is provided, so keeping the system up to date in real-time is of high importance. Read more here.
Health and wellbeing needs beyond ‘flattening the curve’
A webinar featuring a panel of experts will discuss what healthcare workers can do to recognise and support their health and wellbeing needs beyond ‘flattening the curve’. The event will be hosted by Safer Care Victoria and facilitated by Victoria’s Chief Allied Health Officer, Adjunct Associate Professor Donna Markham. Read more here.
Remember to take care of yourself
Please continue to prioritise your health and wellbeing. There is a range of resources available to you on the Monash Health employee website that are specifically tailored to our teams.
Ensure you are working to the most up-to-date advice
The information about COVID-19 is changing rapidly. Ensure you are working to the most up-to-date advice by referring to the Monash Health Employee Coronavirus website. To make accessing the site quicker, you can create a shortcut on your smartphone by following these instructions.
All managers are requested to share these updates with their teams and discuss at stand-ups and handovers. Please print a copy and display it in communication books and on employee noticeboards.
As advice and information evolve, please consult the latest updates and visit the Department of Health and Human Services and Monash Health COVID-19 website for employees regularly for the latest.