Message from the Chief Executive
As of today, we have:
- 21 COVID-19 positive inpatients.
- 11 employees with COVID-19. They are in isolation at home and doing well.
- 55 employees in precautionary quarantine.
The Premier has taken the significant step of announcing a State of Disaster in Victoria, with Stage 4 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne. The message could not be clearer – we must all play our part as individuals and as a community if we are to get beyond the current crisis.
I ask everyone to make sure you understand your personal responsibilities at this time.
Changes to visitation
To keep our sites, patients and people safe, we have updated our visitor restrictions to align with the latest DHHS guidance. The new visitor guidelines include more specifics about who can visit, and who qualifies as a caregiver. Learn more about our visitor restrictions here.
Model of Care
Our original COVID-19 Inpatient Model of Care has been refined over time. Our experience during the first wave, and the experiences of other health services in Victoria, have helped inform changes to how we deliver care in the current context.
A/Professor Georgia Soldatos, Program Director Acute, Subacute & Community gave a comprehensive presentation on our current model of care at today’s Employee Forum, which you can view here.
A/Professor Rhonda Stuart to join DHHS COVID-19 response experts
I often reflect on the remarkable people we have on our team at Monash Health. One of these is Associate Professor Rhonda Stuart, our Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, who has made such a significant contribution to our COVID-19 response.
I am pleased to advise that Rhonda has been called to join the Department of Health and Human Services public health team as a Deputy Chief Health Officer. This is recognition of Rhonda’s outstanding expertise and tireless work ethic. Rhonda will continue her work here at Monash Health while working at the Department two days per week.
Please join me in congratulating Rhonda on this significant achievement.
We are beginning another six weeks of restrictions that will test us all, so we need to continue to pay attention to our wellbeing, and to look out for each other.
I am confident that together we will meet this challenge.
Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive
Key Messages
Expressions of Interest for Monash Health Rapid Response Teams: nurses (RN/EN) aged care
We are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Registered and Enrolled Nurses to assist with the emerging challenge in local private aged care facilities. This is a critical time in the aged care sector, and Monash Health has mobilised a team to provide operational support for private aged care facilities within our catchment during COVID-19 outbreaks. Find out how to register your interest here.
PPE requirements for Code Blues and MET calls
On 31 July 2020, we moved to a higher level of PPE requirements for our health care workers attending Code Blues and MET calls. Please note further detail on the Code Blue and MET call PPE requirements. Site-specific details can be found here.
Join us on Thursday at 2pm to acknowledge our STAR winners
The STAR (Say Thanks And Recognise) program acknowledges individuals and teams who bring to life and demonstrate their commitment to our guiding principles and values.
Over the coming three Thursday Employee Forums, we will celebrate our winners and hear about some of the fantastic achievements of our colleagues. Read more here.
Time to vaccinate if you haven’t already
As a Monash Health employee vaccination or declaration is mandatory. If you have not declared or had your vaccine, you will have now received two individual emails with details of your options. Please take action as soon as possible.
Managers should visit the BI portal and check the status of each of your team members.
Emergency, NICU, PICU and ICU must reach 100% to meet the requirements set by DHHS.
We must be vigilant about family violence
As Victorians continue to follow advice and stay home in line with the new Stage 4 restrictions, the advice to our community from Our watch is that “we must be vigilant to a ‘second wave’ of increased family violence”. Learn more here.
Can you help fight COVID-19?
Monash Health is part of a trial of COVID‐19 prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine in front line health and allied health care workers. If you are a health care professional involved in care of COVID‐19 patients, you can register at www.covidshieldtrial.com.au.
Recovering from COVID-19 at Monash Health – meet Michael
The COVID-19 pandemic is more than just numbers and data. Hear more about Michael Rojales, a 46-year-old who has had a difficult journey as he recovers with Monash Health’s expert care.
Health and Safety Representative update
With the ever-changing landscape presented by COVID-19, now is the time for Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) to be involved in making our workplaces safer. Find out the latest information you need, including the details of the next Safety Cafe here.
50/50 Doctors give it 100% : Dr Krystle Chong
‘50/50 Doctors’ are a team of Monash Health Women’s and Newborn doctors who split their time working 50% on research and 50% in their clinical role. Read the first in our series about these new roles, highlighting Dr Krystle Chong, the first registrar appointed.
Continue to take advantage of wellbeing resources
Take advantage of the health and wellbeing resources we have available for you, including the Call a Psychologist service and the employee assistance program. Don’t forget the basics of your physical health and remember we have links to resources online for you and your teams, including a helpful guide to stretching at your desk, wherever that desk might be.
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.