Message from the Chief Executive
As of today, we have:
- Two COVID-19 positive inpatients
- No employees with COVID-19
- One employee in precautionary quarantine
Thank you for the response to our most recent COVID-19 employee survey. More than 4,000 of you have already given your feedback. I want to again encourage you to take a few minutes to offer your thoughts on what we’ve been doing well in recent months and any areas in which we can improve.
Your insights will help us adapt, adjust and elevate our approach to COVID-19 right across the organisation. The survey is open until the close of business today (Friday 6 November). Don’t miss the chance to have your say.
I want to also acknowledge the work and adaptability of our clinical and clinical support teams as we transition our model of care to reflect the lower number of COVID-19 cases.
The expansion of our virtual events has been a feature of our response to COVID-19. Employee Forums, Manager Forums and Medical Grand Rounds are just a few examples of where we’ve been able to take these events to larger audiences than ever before.
This concept will continue with this year’s Length of Service Awards for 2020, which will be run as a series of virtual events. While COVID-19 means we can’t host the traditional face-to-face event and awards presentation, these events will recognise and celebrate some of our outstanding people and pay tribute to their dedicated service, while also allowing more of us to attend than ever before.
Length of Service Awards events
10+ years, and 5+ year volunteers 5.30pm to 6.45pm, Tuesday 24 November
15+ years 5.30pm to 6.45pm, Wednesday 25 November
20+, 25+ years 5.30pm to 6.45pm, Tuesday 1 December
30+, 35+, 40+, 45+ years 5.30pm to 6.45pm, Wednesday 2 December
The details of how to watch these virtual events will be provided closer to the event dates.
We’re using a YouTube live stream and our Length of Service Awards Facebook group to enable your friends, family, and colleagues to join the celebrations with a simple link. You can find out more at monashhealth.org/length-of-service-awards.
Thank you once again for your dedication and fine work.
Andrew Stripp Chief Executive
Key Messages
Beyond the Mask Episode 5 – Dr Saras Mane
Episode 5 of our Beyond the Mask series gives insight into the effect of the pandemic on our clinicians through the eyes of Resident Doctor, Dr Saras Mane. From delivering difficult news over telehealth to using the EMR to full effect, or collectively mourning the humble beard, listen in to how COVID-19 has challenged and inspired Saras and those around him. Watch here.
Meet Annette Bezzant – 2020 RSA National Award for Clinical Excellence winner
Annette Bezzant is a nurse practitioner at Monash Health and is passionate about holistic kidney disease management. Her work spans across two decades and has led her to become one of the first nephrology nurse practitioners at Monash Health. Recently, Annette was awarded the Renal Society of Australasia’s 2020 National Award for Clinical Excellence, a testament to her ongoing dedication to providing the best possible health outcomes for patients with kidney disease. Learn more here.
Employee Survey closes today – over 4,000 have responded, have you?
We’ve already had a strong response to the COVID-19 employee survey, but we’re keen to drive those numbers up higher. This is your opportunity to take five minutes and tell us what is working and where further effort is needed. The survey is open until the close of business today (Friday 6 November). Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say now.
Length of Service Awards 2020
Monash Health is recognising and celebrating exceptional people providing exceptional outcomes, with the Length of Service Awards 2020.
For the first time, we will hold the Length of Service Awards as a series of virtual events to keep everyone safe but still acknowledge the outstanding service of our employees. Learn more at monashhealth.org/length-of-service-awards.
Clean up well underway
The final steps in the initiative to clean up Monash Health facilities are well underway.
Commencing on Monday 9 November, the General Services team will work with managers to remove items that have been identified for disposal. This will help to free up space in our clinical and office areas. Work is ongoing to assess storage requirements and availability.
Register for the Gathering of Kindness
We are excited to be participating in the Gathering of Kindness next week. Launching on Monday 9 November, there will be activities running every day of the week. Join us for the employee forums throughout the week, where we will celebrate kindness and reflect on its role in healthcare.
Don’t forget to register for the sessions that are running on World Kindness Day, Friday 13 November. These sessions will cover topics such as resilience and demonstrating kindness in healthcare. You can find more information about how to register for the sessions on the Monash Health COVID-19 website. Read more about what’s on. Learn more here.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a day to honour the members of our armed forces and commemorate Australians who died in the line of duty. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed across Australia. We encourage all Monash Health sites and employees to take some time out this Wednesday (11 November) to stop and reflect. Learn more about Remembrance Day here.
Upcoming events
Stay up to date with events on our COVID-19 website for Monash Health employees.
Employee Forum, 2pm Tuesday 10 November
Allied Health Assistant Day 2020, 9am-2pm Wednesday 11 November
This online event will be live-streamed via Webex. AHAs who are doing outstanding things will share their experiences with other AHAs from across Australia.
Manager Forum, 2pm Wednesday 11 November
Employee Forum, 2pm Thursday 12 November
Thursday’s Employee Forums have a wellbeing focus.
A special edition of the Employee Forum. Chief Medical Officer Dr Anjali Dhulia will be hosting a Schwartz Round with a focus on kindness. Schwartz Rounds are forums where both clinical and non-clinical employees can come together to discuss the emotional and social aspect of healthcare.
World Kindness Day 2020, Friday 13 November
A number of sessions will run throughout the day that focus on the themes of kindness and resilience.
8-9am – Simon Anderson, researcher behind the ‘Public Policy and the Infrastructure of Kindness in Scotland’ report
9.30-10.30am – Dr Chris Turner, founder of Civility Saves Lives
11am-12pm – Expert panel on the notion of resilience with Julia Harper, David Clarke, Dr Carmel Crock and facilitator Sharee Johnson.
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.