Media Releases

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Peta Tomlinson
Telephone : (03) 9788 3381
Mobile: 0429 786 756
Email: peta.tomlinson@sjog.org.au

08 August, 2008

Patients have voted St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital as a top tier facility among rehabilitation hospitals around Australia.

 The latest Patient Satisfaction Survey released by international health care monitor Press Ganey Associates shows St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital has improved in almost all areas of health care provision. The hospital in Cranbourne Rd, Frankston, is now ranked in the 99th percentile - meaning the top 1 per cent - of rehabilitation hospitals surveyed in Australia and New Zealand.  

Press Ganey is the healthcare industry's largest independent provider of satisfaction measurement and improvement services. Its surveys monitor a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including nursing and medical care, patient comfort (waiting times, standard of rooms etc), food quality, and level of communication.

Last year's survey put St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital in the 67th percentile, so to achieve 99th position this year is a huge improvement. The biggest improvements were made in nursing care, the patient admission and discharge processes, meals, and visitors' facilities.

The hospital's strong leadership, under the direction of Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Lisa Norman, is credited with driving this achievement.  Assessors from the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards praised the hospital's leadership during their periodic review in February, noting "strong leadership from Lisa - the general atmosphere is a credit to the team here".

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital has been on a path of continuous improvement since St John of God Health Care, a leading not-for-profit Catholic private health care organisation, acquired the facility in March 2004. A major renovation was undertaken last year to improve patients' rooms and ensuites, and this year, works have included completion of a comfortable lounge where patients can relax with their visitors, a Therapeutic Garden developed in partnership with the Frankston Sunrise Rotary Club, and extensive garden landscaping.

In addition to on-site facilities including a Hydrotherapy Pool and dedicated Physiotherapy and Cardiac gyms, the hospital also has a visiting hairdresser and podiatrist, a kiosk, Chapel and Pet Visiting Room - all designed to assist recovery and to make patients and their visitors feel more at home. A kitchen restructure has ensured that the level of food service is second to none, with an executive chef preparing tasty and nutritious meals using fresh seasonal produce.

Pastoral Care is also provided to ensure that all patient needs - physical, emotional and spiritual - are met. This is in keeping with the mission of the Sisters of St John of God, the organisation's founders, to welcome and serve everybody regardless of their religious beliefs, and to respect the dignity, values and rights of all people.

30 June, 2008

Langwarrin artist Debbie Chard has created a series of inspirational paintings for St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston.

The paintings depict the hospital's mission and values - Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Justice and Excellence - in stunning abstract compositions of colour and texture.

As St John of God Nepean is a rehabilitation hospital, Debbie's paintings reflect the healing process. The mission painting, for example, is called the Lines of Life. "It shows that life is not just one road - it goes up and down, and we may take different paths along the journey," says the artist.

In Respect, which is about respecting every individual's right to dignity, the artist's own hand prints can just be made out behind an earthy palette of tangerine, rust and gold. The Compassion painting is warm and comforting, reflecting the example of compassionate care which the Sisters of St John of God, founders of the St John of God Health Care organisation, first set over 140 years ago. The Hospitality painting is designed to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, Debbie says. In the Patient Lounge, where patients and their families often go to relax and chat, the artist went for the wow factor. "People in there are well enough to be out of their beds and enjoying company - so I want them to feel good and happy," she says.

Debbie was commissioned by St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing, Lisa Norman, after she admired her work elsewhere. The artist also did the artworks at the Langwarrin Hotel, and has paintings installed at the new Frankston Visitors Centre, Frankston Private Hospital and numerous private residences. A keen exhibitor at local art shows, Debbie also paints for charity - auctions of her works have helped raise funds for, among others, breast cancer research, the National Heart Foundation, tsunami relief and charitable trusts. Her paintings have also been sold to private collectors overseas.

Debbie, who is self-taught, has been painting since childhood. She started an art course once, but never finished it, preferring to follow her own inspiration.

The artist sees colour in everything around her - and that, together with her love of texture - is the basis of all her works. Debbie also has a strong belief in inner strength, and the power of one. "You can create what you want to create," she says.

21 November, 2007

Walkers step out to raise awareness of chronic lung disease

Breathless, not helpless
Paul Ford gave up smoking 20 years ago, but it left a dreadful legacy. Long after quitting, he was diagnosed with emphysema, a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which robbed the Hastings grandfather of the pleasure of riding horses and forced the formerly tireless worker to uncharacteristically slow down.

Mr Ford is among the 16.6 per cent of Victorians - or one in six Australians - over 45 who suffer debilitating COPD conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma, which cause shortness of breath. On Wednesday, November 21, he marked World COPD Day by joining walkers around Australia in the Catch Your Breath Walk for COPD, spreading the message: breathless, not helpless.

Frankston's walk in Ballam Park was organised by St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, where Mr Ford attends the hospital's pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Program co-ordinator Jo McLaren said that smoking is the most likely cause of chronic lung disease, the risks increasing with age. While COPD cannot be cured, tailored rehabilitation can improve quality of life. "The outpatients attending our program learn how to correctly exercise, which is hugely important in rebuilding their strength and health, and strategies that will hopefully stop repeated hospitalisations. The key is to exercise at a comfortable pace - and to not be down on yourself about the disease."

For Mr Ford, who for 40 years was a 60-a-day smoker, the six-week rehabilitation program removed the fear of his disease, and taught him how to modify his lifestyle. "It put me back in control of my life," he said.

World COPD Day is held each year by the Australian Lung Foundation, which cites COPD as Australia's fifth biggest killer.

The foundation's chair Peter Frith's advises anyone who feels breathless to speak to their doctor. "Fortunately, if you are diagnosed early there are a number of things you can do to help get the most out of our lungs, meaning you can do more with the breath that you've got," he said. "This includes exercises, medication and support."

And the best thing anyone can do, agrees Paul Ford, is to stop smoking.

02 November 2007

As shocking as the road toll is, there's another frightening statistic. For every death that occurs on our roads another 11 people are badly injured.

Recovery can take months or years, and the pain may never go away.
It is by journeying with these long-term victims of road trauma that allied health professionals in the rehabilitation field can find some of the most rewarding aspects of their career.

While the injuries of road trauma survivors often include musculoskeletal problems (fractures and soft tissue injury), 90 per cent also suffer traumatic brain injury. The complexity of their problems attracted neurological physiotherapist Valentina Maric to specialise in this field.

Ms Maric is one of only a few physiotherapists working on the Mornington Peninsula to hold a Masters of Physiotherapists, neurological stream. Her skills are utilised in the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) stream at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston, whose patients last year included 200 road trauma victims.

Ms Maric is part of the hospital's wider multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals who will help survivors along their long road to rehabilitation. Relationships begin early, with survivors arriving as inpatients following their release from an acute hospital, and often staying for months.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital also has an extensive outpatient program, and its continuum of care philosophy ensures that the relationship continues long after the patient has returned home, via their outpatient treatment.

In addition to rehabilitation physicians and nurses, the hospital's clinical team includes a full range of allied health professionals: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists (clinical and neuro), dietitian, social workers and allied health assistants. Any or all may be involved in a patient's care, depending on individual needs.

The nature of their work means that the carers share in both the highs and lows of a patient's rehabilitation experience, but Ms Maric says the joys are worth it. She recalled one occasion when a severely injured road accident patient was helped to stand for the first time, after two years of rehabilitation. With his family and allied health team watching the moment encouragingly, "there were tears all round".

ABI team occupational therapist Seona Burkett agrees that the rewards are great in rehabilitation.

"We develop a rapport with patients that I don't believe could be achieved in any other setting. With every gain, no matter how small, we feel privileged to share the journey with them."

30 October 2007

Life has a habit of throwing curve balls. Just when we least expect it, an accident, illness or need for surgery can temporarily veer us off our chartered course.

For times like those, St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital can be your guardian angel. Research has proven the benefits of rehabilitation in restoring mobility and independence - and the peninsula's only dedicated, fast-stream private rehabilitation facility, conveniently located in Frankston, will soon get you back on track.

Inpatient and outpatient care is available, providing the rehabilitation most appropriate for your lifestyle. Innovative programs are run by a skilled team of health care professionals who will work with you to achieve your best outcomes, either in group or individual sessions.

Our specialised treatments cover a range of conditions including heart attack or heart surgery, orthopaedic surgery, head trauma, spinal injury, joint replacement and stroke. People with Parkinson's, chronic pain or lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema
can also be helped by our tailored programs.

At St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, healing is enhanced in a peaceful environment that nurtures the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual wellbeing of those in our care. Our team of specialists includes rehabilitation physicians, rehabilitation nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers, a dietitian and psychologist. Trained pastoral practitioners are also on hand to help you journey through the broader issues that often arise as life changes. And, our Executive Chef provides a top quality food service catering to all dietary requirements, and prepared fresh daily on site.

The hospital's renovated facilities include dedicated cardiac, physiotherapy and occupational therapy gyms, hydrotherapy pool, chapel and patient lounge. We even have a Pet Visiting Room so your four-legged friends can visit you as well.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital is a division of St John of God Health Care, a leading, not-for-profit provider of private health services, hospitals, pathology and social outreach services in Australia and New Zealand. Its programs are covered by private hospital insurance - no 'extras' cover is required - along with TAC, DVA and WorkCover.

June 2007

Dr Nathan Johns has been appointed as Medical Director of St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital. He replaces Dr Barry Rawicki.

Dr Johns has worked at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital since February 2005. This followed his graduation as a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, where his training focused on the areas of neurological and brain injury rehabilitation.

Dr Johns' current specialty interests include orthopaedic trauma, brain injury, cardiology, oncology and pain. Together with hospital staff he has developed an outpatient brain injury team, a pain management course and a novel oncology rehabilitation program. 

Dr Johns previously worked as a consultant rehabilitation physician to the TAC Medical (Clinical) Panel and consults at Epworth Rehabilitation Brighton.

25 April 2007

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's cardiac programs put broken hearts back together.

Surviving a heart attack is the beginning of a lifelong journey. St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Emma Boston says: "Heart disease is a natural part of ageing. Whether or not it eventually catches up on you will depend on how smart you are to try and escape it."

While we all have cardiac disease within our make-up, genetics and lifestyle factors can determine whether or not it will ever be a problem. And while key triggers are widely known - smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise - heart attack can occur in anyone, of any age, even when it's least expected.

Both the World Health Organisation and the Heart Foundation of Australia recommend that to reduce the risk of further cardiac events following heart attack, heart surgery or other heart problems, attending a cardiac rehabilitation program is a must. St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiac Maintenance programs incorporate exercise, education and support to help survivors sustain their healthier lifestyle changes.

Among them is retired GP Dr Trevor Le Brooy who admits that, being in the medical field, he "knew what he had to do" after a routine angiogram picked up cardiac irregularities. A non-smoker, with low cholesterol, he didn't feel he could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.

"I was in two minds, but I went anyway and was glad I did," said Dr Le Brooy, whose family has a history of heart disease. "I was impressed by Emma (Boston) and her team as they have a lot of empathy. They treat their patients as people, not numbers, and I found that a big plus. They also emphasised the fact that I need to be careful about weight control and regular exercise."

John Galotta, another patient, credits St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's Cardiac Maintenance Program with motivating him to maintain a dramatic weight loss. Twelve months after his heart attack, Mr Galotta swims and bike rides almost every day, enjoys his healthier food choices, and has kept off the 35 kgs he lost. "Yes, they got through to me," he says of Emma Boston and her team. Mr Galotta can swim 50 laps of Frankston's Jubilee Park pool "without even getting out of breath" and continues to enjoy his daily ration of home-brewed light beer. 

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Department offers a wide range of specialist inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services. During Heart Week (April 29 - May 5) the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department will be offering activities to patients and staff alike to help highlight the important message:  "Chest Pain - Call 000".

For more information contact Emma Boston, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, on 9788 3365 or email emma.boston@sjog.org.au

18 January 2007

Inspired by the caregivers at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, car crash survivor Luke Robinson has achieved his tertiary dream.

Almost two years to the day since being severely injured in a high-speed car accident, Luke Robinson will take his first steps towards helping other road trauma survivors.

Having overcome all odds to pass Year 12 with flying colours, Luke, 19, from Langwarrin, has gained a place in Monash University's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Peninsula Campus. It's a "dream entry" for the plucky teenager, whose TER score of 91.05 easily secured his first choice. "I was a bit relieved, as I didn't want to move to Bundoora," (his second choice), said Luke.

The March 2005 crash at the Lower Somerville Rd/Eramosa Rd intersection left Luke with multiple injuries including a fractured ankle and nerve damaged arm, and traumatic brain injury. He was 17 at the time, and just five weeks into Year 12 at Flinders Christian Community College, Tyabb.

For the next 12 months, St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston, became Luke's "second home". His studies on hold, Luke attended the hospital almost daily, working through a tailored, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program comprised of speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, medical treatments and neuropsychological assessments.

By February 2006 Luke was still undergoing treatment, but well enough to return to school. With the help of St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's driver assessment and rehabilitation program, he was able to obtain his driving licence. And during the year, his resolve to become an Occupational Therapist firmed.

"My time at Nepean was like two years of work experience, really, and the way that relationships formed between therapists and their patients very much appealed to me," he said.

Luke was particularly inspired by occupational therapists Jenny Witterick, who helped him to get his licence, and Tim Fletcher, whom he describes as "a great role model".

Chief Physiotherapist Rhonda Craig said that "everyone here knows Luke, and we are all excited for him".

"We are so happy that Luke has got to where he wanted - that's what rehabilitation is all about."

Luke still attends the hospital three times a week for rehabilitation on his arm. He knows his university workload will be tough this year, but with the determination he has demonstrated so far, there's no doubting his commitment.

31 July 2006

Lisa Norman has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital in Melbourne's bayside suburb of Frankston.

Lisa, who commenced in the role today, was formerly Director of Clinical Services at Beleura Private Hospital, a 119 bed hospital in Mornington. Immediately prior to her appointment, she was consulting in healthcare in the area of process improvement.

St John of God Health Care's Regional Manager Melbourne Hospitals, Mr Allan Boston, said Lisa was an enthusiastic, motivated and professional senior nurse manager with four years experience at an executive level in private health care and nine years experience in nurse management.

Lisa's former roles have included Unit Manager of the Emergency Department at Knox Private Hospital, Assistant Director of Nursing (Emergency Services) and Director of Nursing at The Valley Private Hospital.

"Lisa is passionate about nursing leadership and is enthusiastic about her new role and the opportunity it gives her, in conjunction with the hospital's doctors and caregivers, to continue building the hospital's services and profile," Mr Boston said.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital is a 56 bed specialist rehabilitation hospital in Frankston offering neurological, orthopaedic, cardiac and reconditioning programs to inpatients and outpatients. It is one of only nine freestanding private specialist rehabilitation hospitals in Victoria and the only one serving Melbourne's south-east growth corridor.

St John of God Health Care is Australia's third largest private health care group, and a prominent Catholic health care organisation, operating 11 hospitals in Western Australia and Victoria, as well as pathology services across both states. 

18 May 2006

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's CEO/DON Suzie Hooper has accepted a new role in rehabilitation development.

The role of Group Coordinator Rehabilitation Services Development has been designed to meet a growing demand for rehabilitation services in Victoria and Western Australia, where St John of God Health Care operates 11 hospitals and pathology services.

To take on this role, Suzie has stepped aside from her role as Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston.

Based in St John of God Health Care's Melbourne office, Suzie will promote the value of rehabilitation as part of a holistic health care model. She will assist chief executive officers at the group's hospitals to explore and implement rehabilitation services to meet the needs of their local communities. This will include assisting with two of the group's Social Outreach and Advocacy initiatives - rural health and aboriginal health.

Suzie has specialised in general and cardiac rehabilitation for much of her career and has been CEO/DON at Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital since 2003.

"I have been at Nepean for four years and during that time have been fortunate to work with a wonderful team of extremely dedicated and committed people to develop the hospital into a great health care service for the people of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula," Suzie said. "We now boast an extensive range of inpatient and outpatient programs focused on producing the best outcomes for our patients, and managed by expert physicians and specialists in rehabilitation medicine.

"St John of God Health Care has recognised the value of and need for the development of comprehensive rehabilitation services across their healthcare group. I am delighted to now have the opportunity to use my expertise to facilitate this development in my new role."

As of Monday, 22 May 2006, Jeanette Cronin will be Acting CEO/DON of St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital. Jeanette will remain at the hospital until a permanent appointment is made, and then return to her substantive role of Continuum of Care Coordinator at St John of God Hospital, Berwick.

24 April 2006

Douglas Merrie was 19 and keen to fight "for King and country" when war was declared on Sunday, 3rd September 1939. He arrived ready to sign up on Monday morning, only to discover he was already being drafted as a compulsory trainee.

Having grown up with horses, Doug talked his way into the horse transport section of the Cavalry Field Ambulance. He was in charge of handling horses for the stretcher bearers' squad.

When after a period of training he sailed out of Sydney Harbour on the Queen Mary, the excited young soldier was looking forward to a long ocean journey. To his dismay, the liner headed south, 500 miles past Tasmania, to avoid a German radar. Eventually, via Freemantle, the troops were on their way.

Their destination - of course a secret - turned out to be Singapore. Mr Merrie and his mates enjoyed nearly 12 months as a garrison force in Malaya until "all of a sudden, the Japanese came into the war" and they were to see action for the first time. "Things were getting pretty desperate, so our men were sent all over the place," he recalled. "We never fought as a whole division." During two weeks of intense bombing at Merseng, the Australians' defences were so strong that "only one of our men got killed - and he was a sergeant, who went running out to check his porridge."

Later, with the Japanese fast approaching, it was revealed that a group of Australians had been wounded or captured "up north". High command initially decided that Doug's field ambulance should hold their position and meet the Japanese wearing red crosses and holding candles - the idea being that they would be taken unharmed and allowed to treat their wounded comrades. But at the last minute, what seemed like a risky decision was reversed, Mr Merrie recalled. The allies retreated until they "ran out of land" and were captured at the coast.

While interned at Selarang, one of up to seven Prisoner-of-War camps that made up the notorious Changi, Doug saw many examples of the never-say-die ANZAC spirit. When ordered by their Japanese captors to sign agreements promising not to try and escape, many signed themselves as Ned Kelly. But they couldn't escape anyway, Mr Merrie said. "We were white people in a black people's country. They were very poor, and there was a bounty on our heads if we did escape." After six years of service, including three and a half as a PoW, Doug Merrie returned to Australia.

Currently a patient at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Mr Merrie will be one of the countless brave veterans honoured during the hospital's Anzac Day service. To be held on Monday (April 24) at 2pm, the service will include readings by Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Suzie Hooper and a playing of the Last Post and Reveille by Jack Simpson (whose daughter Rhonda Craig is the hospital's Chief Occupational Therapist). Tea and Anzac biscuits will then be served.

21 April 2006

At 41, Allan Williams considered himself "too young" to worry about his health. He was a smoker, overweight and a self-confessed couch potato, but didn't see any reason to change.

Chest pains and shortness of breath had been diagnosed two years earlier as asthma. Yet when pain that "wouldn't go away" persisted in January this year, Allan made a second trip to the emergency department. Tests revealed no evidence of asthma - but a heart attack in progress. Diabetes and high blood pressure were further added to the shocking diagnosis that "totally spun out" Allan, a disability services worker from Frankston.

A triple bypass was required. Following this major surgery, Allan attended a five week Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital in Frankston. During twice weekly sessions, including one hour of exercise and one hour of health information, Allan learned to eschew the "lazy" habits he had so easily slipped into.

Allan discovered he had "just about every risk factor". "I was the laziest bum," he said. "I loved fatty food and I wouldn't exercise." From now on, Allan resolved that his doctor's advice would be "gospel".

He quit smoking right after the operation, but realising that a dramatic weight loss was going to be his greatest challenge, Allan enlisted an ally: his partner, Tammy Brimmell. The pair took a team approach towards his recovery.

Tammy accompanied Allan to most of his rehabilitation sessions, so that together they could learn how to make lasting life changes. St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital encourages spouses to attend its program. "Heart problems are not experienced in isolation - they can affect family members just as significantly," said Rebecca Symons, Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-ordinator. "A lot of our program participants say they gain the skills and confidence to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle after sharing their journey with other people who've had a similar experience."

While Allan exercised in the hospital's cardiac gym, Tammy talked to other spouses exchanging personal stories and coping tips. She found the dietitian's sessions particularly valuable, learning how to read food labels, watch for hidden fats, and cook healthier meals. "I wanted to learn about Allan's condition, so I would know how to help him," Tammy said.

Allan now exercises every day, and enjoys fruit and vegetables for the first time in his life. He has learned the benefits of eating fish two or three times a week, and that his down-sized meat portions should be no bigger than the palm of his hand. He has shed 12.5 kgs in less than three months in pursuit of his healthy weight goal.

With hindsight, Allan considers his heart attack to be "a blessing in disguise". As a partner and father, he wants to enjoy a long and healthy life. He's also keen to share his life-changing messages with others - particularly young people - before bad habits take hold. Rebecca Symons says this shows the positive side of a cardiac event. "We often tell our patients they can be the best role model for others," she said.

 The National Heart Foundation's Heart Week (April 30 - May 6) has the theme Healthy Weight, Healthy Life, reminding us that cardiovascular disease is still Australia's leading cause of death for both men and women.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital is celebrating the week with a number of activities, including a Heart Week lunch on Thursday, May 4 for past patients, their partners and staff. The lunch will be a "heart smart" barbecue featuring foods such as fish, lean meats, corn, baked potatoes and salad. A raffle will be held to raise funds for the Heart Foundation and everyone will be asked to dress in red for the day.

For information and healthy living/recipe ideas, contact the Heart Foundation on 1300 36 2787 or www.heartfoundation.com.au

20 April 2006

By devoting his life to caring for the poor who were ill or in need, St John of God (1495-1550) left a legacy that endures today. Five centuries on, a range of worldwide networks founded in his name continues to provide a wide variety of care for the sick and disadvantaged. In addition to St John of God Health Care - one of the largest not-for-profit health care providers in Australia - the Hospitaller Brothers of St John of God provide significant mental health services in NSW and Victoria as well as in Europe, the UK and USA.

John of God had an impulsive urge to help people the moment he saw a need, without stopping to think how practical or embarrassing his actions might be. To the ordinary folk of Granada, Spain, where he founded a hospital on literally a wing and a prayer, he became known as the "father of the poor".

Three hundred years later, a congregation of sisters bearing his name was founded in Ireland during a time of great need, to help the starving and degraded people in County Wexford.

In 1895, eight of these Sisters of St John of God answered the call to bring their nursing skills to Western Australia, to care for the many victims o f typhoid and other diseases. Soon, more women joined these talented and courageous "Pioneer Sisters" and over ensuing years they opened hospitals in three Australian states. St John of God Health Care was born.

By adhering to the humble dedication and hard work of the Sisters of St John of God spanning more than a century, St John of God Health Care has grown to become a prominent Catholic health care organisation. In this millennium, it faces new challenges, namely a diminishing number of women with a total life dedication to the mission of the organisation. The board of directors has responded by ensuring its senior leaders receive a thorough knowledge of the historical and spiritual origins of the group.

To this end groups of senior leaders with St John of God Health Care have, for the past two years, followed an annual pilgrimage to Ireland, retracing the steps of the original group of women who pioneered the congregation known as the Sisters of St John of God. The pilgrimages take place twice a year and include visits to historical sites of significance in Dublin, Wexford and Newry in Northern Ireland. This will "deepen our understanding of how these pioneering women responded in faith to the needs or 'signs of their times'," said Brendan Egan, Director of Mission at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, who is one of this year's pilgrims travelling in May. The group will then travel to Granada in Spain to learn about St John of God and his powerful life story of radical commitment to the poor and sick of his time.

"Our challenge is to travel as pilgrims, and not simply as tourists," Mr Egan said. "We journey together as a group with an openness to the mystery of God's working in our own life and the life of St John of God Health Care. Hopefully the experience will assist us in our ongoing role within the organisation in responding to the `signs of the times' with the wisdom and vision of these founding women."

St John of God Health Care, a Catholic not-for-profit health care provider, is one of Australia¿s largest private hospital operators. It has 11 hospitals - acute, rehabilitation and psychiatric - in Western Australia and Victoria, as well as pathology services across the two states. In addition, its $10.3 million Social Outreach & Advocacy program works across six key areas of need: Aboriginal Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, International Health, Mental Health, Palliative Care and Rural Health.

7 March 2006

Career or motherhood can be an agonising choice for professional women, but thanks to initiatives by one family-friendly employer, "having it all" is no longer just a pipedream.

St John of God Health Care, which runs St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, recognises that its predominantly female workforce has responsibilities outside of their careers. For its range of policies that promote work-life balance, St John of God Health Care has been named an Employer of Choice for Women for the fourth consecutive year. The award is presented by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency.

At St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, which is run by CEO/Director of Nursing Suzie Hooper, flexible working hours and job-sharing options are offered to many of the 194 staff members (which the hospital refers to as caregivers), 89 per cent of whom are women. It allows for part-time rostering, self-rostering to suit family requirements, and the ability to work at home if need be.

"We have a large casual workforce, particularly in nursing, which allows for family and other commitments," Ms Hooper said. "Family leave is granted for caring for sick children and caregivers who work office hours can elect to work school hours as required." The hospital also provides paid maternity/paternity leave when it is not required to by law, paying eight weeks for the mother, and one week for the father. It offers paid Caregiver Wellness Days on a rotational basis, pampering staff with an off-site day of reflection and relaxation so they can recharge and revitalise. "The wellness days demonstrate our care and concern for our caregivers and are an opportunity to show our appreciation for their hard work and commitment to providing quality health care," Ms Hooper said.

And there's no glass ceiling at the hospital, with even those in senior roles enjoying flexibility in their working hours. Deputy Director of Nursing Jacinta Watt, who has a six-year-old daughter, works a flexible 24-hour week. Nurses Rebecca Nolan and Stella Taylor job-share the role of Nurse Unit Manager with hours to suit both parties. One is a parent of small children, the other prefers a flexible roster to accommodate sporting commitments.

"We are very keen to see our senior caregivers grow into management roles but are aware of the difficulties that women in particular can face whilst trying balance career aspirations with their family responsibilities and pleasures," Ms Hooper said. "Our flexible hours and part time appointments give people the opportunity to explore their potential without giving up their family and social life."

When nurse Bianca Taylor left to have a baby, she was able to extend her maternity leave to 15 months to accommodate breast feeding. She now works 30 - 38 hours per fortnight on a roster of her choice that fits in with childcare. Speech pathologist Georgia Fosberg was also able to pick her own hours on her return from maternity leave. Georgia works three days a week, while her husband Jorgen, who works at the same hospital as a physiotherapist, has reduced his hours to four days a week to share in the parenting of their son. "It is very fulfilling being able to retain a balance between my professional career and that of being a mother," Georgia said.

For receptionist Karen Ross, working from 9.30am to 4pm (or 30 hours a week) is "an absolute dream". The arrangement means she can walk her daughter to school, while her husband, who finishes work earlier, is able to pick her up.  "Our daughter is not missing out on anything by having both of her parents there for her," she said.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital was one of the highest ranking divisions in the St John of God Health Care group for caregiver satisfaction in the 2005 survey by Press Ganey (the healthcare industry's top satisfaction measurement and improvement firm), Ms Hooper said.  "This demonstrates our commitment to getting it right for our caregivers.  Being a family-friendly work place ensures we have happy and committed caregivers who appreciate the 'St John of God difference'.

20 February 2006

All visitors are welcome at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston - including the four-legged variety.

Recognising the special bond that exists between people and their pets, and how important that bond can be in assisting recovery, the hospital has set up a pet visiting room where patients can be reunited with their favourite animals.

Dogs are the most frequent visitors, followed by cats. Guide dog puppies have also been brought into the pet room, for the enjoyment of patients and staff alike.

For some patients, like widower Paul Clarke of Cranbourne, it was regular visits by his Airedale terrier Rigg that kept up his spirits during a lengthy rehabilitation from a broken ankle. "He greets me with love, unashamedly," Mr Clarke said. Rigg has been his faithful companion for six years. Their bond has strengthened over the past year as Rigg helped Mr Clarke through a sad time following the loss of his wife.

For Pauline James, of Mornington, the pet room provided the first chance to meet the newest member of the family. Z, a lanky but loveable 11-week-old Rhodesian ridgeback pup who had just arrived from Sydney, was brought in by her daughters and granddaughters. Mrs James said it was wonderful to meet the new arrival "before he gets any bigger!"

The hospital's Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing, Suzie Hooper, said research had proved the health benefits of having pets, particularly for older people. "There is also research that shows the benefits to sick people who are allowed access to their pets during convalescence," Ms Hooper said. "Pets are a very important part of people's lives."

The pet visiting room has a separate outside entrance so pets can come and go without setting foot in the rest of the hospital.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital is a specialist private rehabilitation hospital servicing Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas. A division of St John of God Health Care - one of Australia's largest health care providers - the hospital offers a wide range of neurological, orthopaedic, cardiac and reconditioning programs for inpatients and outpatients, tailored to meet individual needs.

31 January 2006

Though he is 18, Monday, February 6 will be an important "first day of school" for Luke Robinson.

The milestone marks a return to Year 12 studies for the Langwarrin teenager, 11 months after a horrific car accident shattered the world as he knew it.

Luke was a passenger in the Lower Somerville Rd/Eramosa Rd collision that left him with a fractured ankle, a nerve damaged arm and traumatic brain injury. He was 17 at the time, and just five weeks into Year 12 at Flinders Christian Community College, Tyabb.

Following initial treatment at Frankston and the Alfred hospitals, St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston, was to become Luke's "second home" for the best part of the next year.

While the broken bone healed after surgery, his brain injury required an ongoing, multidisciplinary treatment program comprised of speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, medical treatments and neuropsychological assessments. Luke has attended as an outpatient, returning to the hospital almost daily.

Although Luke's therapy will continue this year, it will be more in more of a monitoring and support capacity. His return to fulltime study indicates his treatment has come "full circle", according to neurological physiotherapist Valentina Maric of St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's acquired brain injury team. "It's been a progressive program," she said. "Luke has gone from inpatient to outpatient and we are now supporting him going back to school and resuming his daily activities." Luke has even managed to regain his learner's permit - revoked on medical grounds following his brain injury - thanks to the hospital's specialised driver training program.

The hospital also referred Luke to an education advisor to assess his capabilities and study workload. The advisor will work between the hospital and school to adapt Luke's environment to best suit his needs. "The biggest issue for me now is concentration, but it's getting better week by week," Luke said. He also has difficulty coping with noise, though that is improving, too.

As Luke looks back on what has been "the most challenging year of my life - easily, by far", he said the accident had put life in perspective.

"I've thought more about what I want to get out of life," he said. "I've decided to give everything a go, because you don't know how short life is. Basically, I don't dwell on the little things any more. There is so much bigger stuff. I try to be more positive and see every obstacle as an opportunity."

Recovery from brain injury can continue for five years. Luke has set goals and while school is a priority for 2006, he wants to play basketball again, take up his guitar, attend a concert, but most of all, get back to his first love - surfing.

"Luke will have to pace himself if he wants to do well," said Ms Maric, who was there with 140 people to celebrate Luke's 18th birthday in November. "He has been determined and motivated over the past year, and his positive attitude has helped his recovery. Now, Luke has identified school as most important, and we are here to help - but it is also up to him." "Yes," agreed Luke, "the ball's in my court this year."

Not every Year 12 student would be thrilled about giving up their summer and returning to school, but for Luke it is a different story. He looks forward to the set routine. "You need normalcy, especially when your life suddenly stops," Luke said.

Luke also believes his attitude to school has changed. "I reckon I'll try harder this year. I know what I want to do now - study behavioural neuroscience," he said.

16 December 2005

New Year is the one time of year when just about every smoker thinks about kicking the habit.

"We know that most smokers want to quit, and that more smokers aim to quit at New Year than any other time," said Quit's Executive Director Todd Harper.

Like best-laid plans, however, resolutions often go awry. As Mark Twain said: "Quitting smoking is easy. I've done it hundreds of times."

Eric Mitting of Frankston, a smoker since the age of 15, had thought about quitting time and again. It took a heart attack to make up his mind.

"The doctor looked at me and said, if you don't stop smoking, you will die - you won't be here in 12 months," Mr Mitting, a widower, said. "I might have lost my wife, but I still have three daughters, a son and four grandchildren." Also a member of four bowling clubs and a motor home club, he wasn't ready to go - so he quit cold turkey.

Though Mr Mitting says quitting three years ago "was the best thing I've ever done", the damage was already there. He has lost a great deal of lung capacity and now relies on oxygen 14 hours a day.

Vida Blundell, of Frankston, quit smoking 22 years ago, the day her grandson was born. Even though Mrs Blundell had led an active sporting life and considered herself to be fit and healthy, the damage smoking had caused to her lungs revealed itself a decade later. "It finally caught up with me," she said.

Mrs Blundell started smoking at 19, while doing her nursing training. Like Mr Mitting's experience, it was the culture of the time. "Doctors would have an ashtray on the desk in their office, and would offer patients a cigarette," Mrs Blundell recalled. With the permanent, long-term ill-effects now well known, and so much public awareness, neither Mr Mitting nor Mrs Blundell can fathom why anyone would smoke today.

Their chronic lung conditions cannot be cured. But both have learned to restore some quality of life by completing a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston. The eight-week program is available to outpatients on referral from their GP. It involves exercise sessions aimed at increasing physical tolerance, and education sessions to learn how diet, relaxation and behaviour modifications can help make day to day activities feel less exhausting.
 
Michele Foster, the hospital's Pulmonary Program Co-ordinator, says while smoking is not the only cause of chronic lung disease, it is a major contributing factor. She also doubts the oft-peddled stories like "my grandfather smoked all his life and he lived to 90". "It's been proven that smoking reduces your lifespan," she says. "Besides, I would like to test his lung capacity to see how it really is."

Mr Mitting and Mrs Blundell agree the program has improved their lives. They can resume more of their previous activities, and Mr Mitting even feels well enough now to plan a short trip in his motor home. "And I'm $70 a week better off," he adds.

To be successful, smokers must want to quit, says Quit's Todd Harper. Positive reinforcement can come by calling yourself a non-smoker as soon as you can. Support and guidance from Quit's trained advisors can also boost your chances of success.

"I would encourage anyone thinking about quitting for their new year's resolution to Quitline on 13 78 48 and speak to an advisor about organising a Callback," he said.

Excuses for not quitting: myths and reality
Excuse: I need cigarettes to deal with stress.
Reality: There are other ways to relax. Take deep breaths, and choose something you like doing as an alternative, like going for a walk, or listening to Quit's relaxation tape.
Excuse: I only smoke 6 - 8 cigarettes a day.
Reality: There is no safe level of smoking. Every cigarette is doing you damage. It's been estimated that regular smokers lose around 11 minutes off their life with every cigarette they smoke.
Excuse: I'll put on weight if I quit.
Reality: If people do gain weight, it's usually less then 2 kilos. Exercise and sensible eating while you are quitting is a good way to ensure weight gain is not an issue.
Excuse: I just smoke socially, not every day. I don't need to think about quitting.
Reality: Smoking is an addiction which has three parts: physical, habit, and feelings. Even if you don't smoke every day, you will have habits and feelings associated with smoking that do make you a smoker.
Excuse: I don't want to get depressed.
Reality: Quitting can make you feel more in control - you have the control, not the nicotine.
Excuse: It's "my time".
Reality: Everybody needs time out, but look for other ways that are better for you.
Excuse: My grandfather/uncle/the old guy up the road smoked all his life, and he lived to 80.
Reality: We all hear these urban myths, but the reality is the statistics are against you. One in 2 smokers die prematurely, half of them in middle age. Your old grandfather/uncle may have lived even longer if he hadn't smoked.
Excuse: I'm not ready to quit yet because of the stress from moving house/new job/relationship.
Reality: Okay, so now might not be the right time for you to quit, but don't keep putting it off. Think about setting a quit date, even if it's a few months off.
Excuse: I won't be able to deal with withdrawal.
Reality: Nicotine is an addictive drug, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit. But remember they are only temporary, and there is support available to help you get through them. Try calling the Quitline on 13 78 48, or ask your doctor or pharmacist about the products available to help.

16 December 2005

As a renowned stained glass artist, Peter Ferguson of Mt Martha has been the creative force behind some of the most beautiful church windows in Melbourne.

He cites his latest project as one of the most rewarding, because it opened up new scope for his artistic talent. For the first time in his career, the setting was a hospital.

Mr Ferguson and his brother Andrew were commissioned by St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, in Frankston, to create a series of stained glass windows for its new Chapel. The brief was to convey a strong Christian message with broader interfaith appeal.

The windows focus on the spirituality of healing through four panels depicting the life-giving elements of earth, wind, fire and water. Each panel incorporates a relevant quote from scripture - the creation story from Genesis (earth), Jesus calming the storm (wind), John the Baptist (the baptism of fire), and Jesus at the well (the water of life). Also depicted is St John of God Health Care's emblem the pomegranate, a fruit historically renowned for its restorative powers.

Over 300 hours in the making, the panels were created using traditional stained glass techniques that were passed down to Peter and Andrew by their father, well known Melbourne stained glass artist John Ferguson. Each piece is individually cut, hand painted and soldered together before the completed work is fired in a kiln.

St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital is a division of St John of God Health Care, one of the largest not-for profit health care providers in Australia. Its services began in 1895, when eight St John of God Catholic nuns arrived from Ireland to tend to the health needs of West Australians.

Eleven acute and specialist hospitals in WA and Victoria now come under the St John of God umbrella. With Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital dedicated to helping patients recover from surgery, accident or illness, it was appropriate that the design of its Chapel's stained glass window also incorporates themes relating to health. "Hence the four elements: earth providing nourishment, air which is essential for life, fire which in the Australian context means bushfires (the rehabilitation experience - injury leading to recovery) and water, which reflects both our bayside locality, and the early Christian symbol of the fish," explained Brendan Egan, the hospital's Director of Mission.

The message within the stained glass is in line with St John of God's philosophy that health care means tending to the needs of mind, body and spirit. Nepean's Chapel is provided for all patients, visitors and staff, regardless of their faith or beliefs, as a quiet place for reflection and prayer.

Artist Peter Ferguson said the project was very satisfying artistically. He calls it "a colour meditation", where the four elements are interpreted in colours: autumn tonings for earth, white and blue for air, red and orange for fire, and blue/green for water. "It is a nice way for people to reflect on spirituality and values. I hope it will keep nourishing people for years to come."

26 October 2005

Switching from white bread to wholegrain is only one small step in the scheme of things, but it might be the one that could keep you standing on your own two feet.

This simple strategy is recommended by dietitian Amy Deagan to kick-start a healthy eating plan aimed at reducing the risks of diabetes.

The chilling message for this year's World Diabetes Day on November 14 is that 70 per cent of lower limb amputations are diabetes-related. And with over 194 million people worldwide having diabetes, that amounts to a lower limb lost every 30 seconds.

Ms Deagan, dietitian at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital in Frankston, says effects such as amputation, loss of vision and kidney damage are not immediately a threat following a diagnosis of diabetes. They can occur over time if the condition is poorly managed.

Healthy eating strategies will not only help the diabetes patient, but also those at risk of diabetes and/or heart disease. It involves a simple food plan the whole family can enjoy, setting up good habits for future generations.

Basically, says Ms Deagan, it's best to choose foods with a low glycemic (or GI) index. A low GI diet is also beneficial for weight loss, because as well as keeping blood sugar levels stable, these foods also help to control appetite and delay hunger. Low GI foods include wholegrain bread, porridge, rice bran, pasta, dairy foods, legumes such as kidney beans or baked beans, and lentils. Try to have at least three low GI foods a day, ideally one at each meal, Ms Deagan says.

"The first step in a new eating regime could be swapping white bread for wholegrain. Next you could change from regular potatoes to sweet potatoes, white rice to Basmati rice, add legumes (beans) to dishes, and introduce fish (fresh or canned) twice a week. Once all the cupboards are filled with these lower GI foods, it will be very easy to follow and also teach the kids good habits for the future."

Lists and brands of some low GI foods are available in the Healthy Shopping Guide produced by Diabetes Australia. Consumers can obtain a free copy by phoning 1300 136 588.

26 October 2005

Following the retirement of Dr David McConachy, St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital has welcomed on board its new Medical Director, Associate Professor Barry Rawicki.

Barry brings a wealth of rehabilitation expertise to the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula region. A specialist in acute rehabilitation, Barry has specific clinical and research interests in severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, spasticity and chronic pain management, along with sexual function and dysfunction in disability.

In addition to his appointment at Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, he is Head of Rehabilitation at Epworth Rehabilitation Brighton, and Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine, Monash University.

Barry has served as chairman of the Victorian Brain Injury Recovery Association, and chaired the Board of Continuing Education in the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. He is involved in teaching at undergraduate, post-graduate and post-specialist levels, and is a regular presenter at international conferences.

23 September 2005

For a policeman, a diagnosis that he can no longer drive, let alone speak without impairment, would be professionally devastating.

That was the grim news awaiting Hastings' Senior Constable Mark Walker after he fell 2.5m from a ladder, head first onto a concrete floor. When he regained consciousness a week later, Mark learned the extent of his injuries: a broken back, broken elbow, and multiple fractures of the skull. The injury to his brain was so severe that doctors told Mark he may not walk for 12 months, nor speak for well beyond that. Potentially, this could mean the end of his police career, and severe limitations in his family life.

"I just thought: no, sorry, I don't accept that," said Mark, a father of three. "I believed I could get back to where life was."

After four weeks of hospitalisation in Melbourne, Mark returned to his Somerville home. He started attending St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston, as an outpatient, under the care of its Acquired Brain Injury team.

The speed of Mark's recovery has amazed his caregivers. Immediately after his accident in May, Mark was physically incapacitated and struggled to speak a single word. "Just saying `drink' was an effort," he said. Thanks to his positive attitude, and a speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy program tailored to his individual needs, he is now walking normally and has regained most of his speech. The brain injury team at Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital even facilitated the restoration of his driver's licence, which had been suspended on medical grounds.

Mark cites the regaining of his licence as a major milestone. It meant he could once again drive his three sons to their various activities and sporting commitments, and went a long way towards restoring his pre-accident lifestyle.

He is also back at work at Hastings police station, albeit doing light desk duties, while continuing to undergo a rehabilitation program aimed at helping him return to active duty.

Mark says he always tackles everything in life with 100 per cent enthusiasm - an outlook which doctors agree greatly aided his recovery. He's even turned the accident into a positive, saying that as a police officer it will give him a fresh empathy with people who have 'non visible' impairments, such as brain injury or mental illness.

"I've realised through personal experience that even though your mind is still working at the same speed it always had, your mouth can't keep up," he said. "We've had that drummed into us for years, but it's different when you go through it yourself."

Mark's rehabilitation physician Dr Nathan Johns, who heads the Acquired Brain Injury team at Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, said Mark had made an excellent recovery from a very severe brain trauma. "We have transitioned him from doing virtually nothing at home, to full-time work within six weeks."

Brain injury often can bring long-term psychological problems, so Nepean's brain injury team stays with a patient as long as they need it. It could be for life, Dr Johns said.

Good early management by an inter-disciplinary rehabilitation team is critical, he said. "The team here attends to lots of different aspects. If we were just providing physiotherapy for Mark's back, then we mightn't have worked on his speech. In Mark's case, his speech therapy was focused on regaining the telephone skills he would need as a police officer and on learning non-verbal communication."

The whole program is devised and integrated with the aim of getting people back to work. It was a team effort, Dr Johns said, buoyed by Mark's own positive attitude and motivation.

As Mark continues working towards being the best he can be, he still manages to count himself lucky. He is also living proof of the message of this year's Brain Injury Awareness Week (September 19-25), that brain injury has many faces. The week aims to focus on the various causes and effects of brain injury - and also celebrate the many ways to help people with brain injury achieve their full potential.

"I'm still in one piece," Mark said. "Considering the extent of my injuries and what could have been the outcome, what more could I ask for?"

Mark also thanks his wife, Karen, for her support throughout the ordeal. "Without her, life would have been a lot harder," he said.

22 September 2005

Popular dance teacher Seena Bird, who has taught thousands of students in Dandenong over more than half a century, is temporarily doing the slow step.

Mrs Bird is recovering in St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston, after suffering a stroke in late August. She collapsed after tidying up the hall at the end of Tuesday evening classes.

The normally sprightly great-grandmother has been dancing for over 80 years, starting as a five-year-old in 1922. She learned all facets of dance including tap, musical comedy, acrobatics, ballroom dancing and highland dancing. She performed in shows in the days of vaudeville and danced in theatres before the movies started. At age 21, Seena was chosen for the first Borovansky Ballet Company - an offer she declined, preferring to teach.

Mrs Bird set up the Seena Bird Academy of Dance in Walker St, Dandenong, in 1978, taking over the school from then owner Florrie Stephens, with whom she has remained best friends. She has taught countless students, including the members of her own family, with Mrs Bird being the proud matriarch of four generations of dancers.

Some of her past students now bring their own children for training at the academy, which has expanded to four locations: Dandenong, Garfield, Berwick and Narre Warren.

At St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Mrs Bird is undergoing a range of treatments including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. She is making good progress and has retained most of the movement in her affected right side, while her speech continues to improve.

A lovely surprise awaited on her second day in hospital: as the hospital's 5,000th patient, Mrs Bird was presented with a certificate and bouquet of flowers by Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing Suzie Hooper.

Mrs Bird expects to return home to Mulgrave in a month. She is keen to get back to the academy, but says it is time to hang up her dancing shoes. From now on, she will be content to watch from the sidelines, sitting and chatting with Florrie.

21 September 2005

Life can change in a heartbeat - or more precisely, in the lack of it.

While more and more people are surviving heart attacks, and many people with a range of heart conditions are able to live healthy, normal lives, others face physical and emotional challenges down the track. This can often be the case for people diagnosed with Chronic Heart Failure, a debilitating condition that currently affects 300,000 Australians, with 30,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It is the most common cause of hospitalisation in people over 65.

For people living with heart failure, facing a decline in their health and an increased risk of hospitalisation, social isolation and depression can become major issues. Research shows that for people with heart conditions, peer support - sharing experiences and feelings with others in the same situation - helps alleviate anxiety and is effective in maintaining lifestyle changes and staying motivated.

A new social support group for people with Chronic Heart Failure living in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula aims to provide such a forum, helping to prevent further deterioration of their health.

Called Upbeat, the group will meet monthly at Peninsula Community Health Service, 62 Tanti Ave, Mornington. The group will be affiliated with Heart Support - Australia and is a satellite branch of Frankston HSA. Its first meeting will be held on Monday, October 10 at 2pm.

The group was initiated by St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation team, which recognised that while depression is common among heart failure patients - affecting more than 30 per cent - no heart failure-specific social support group existed for them on the peninsula.

The proposal was welcomed by those attending the hospital's Cardiac Maintenance Program, an exercise program specially designed for Chronic Heart Failure patients. The program is provided free of charge under the not-for-profit St John of God Health Care group's charitable commitment to Social Outreach and Advocacy.

Tony Burge of Seaford, Upbeat's acting social secretary, said that despite his active lifestyle with lots of social interaction, he was looking forward to being part of a group where his heart health issues could be openly discussed. "We all (heart patients) need interests to push us along," Mr Burge said. "We do our exercises, and keep pretty busy, but we also need to know what other people are doing. I feel I will be able to speak openly at the group."

For information about Upbeat, phone Mr Burge on 9785 7030. For information about the free Cardiac Maintenance Program for Chronic Heart Failure outpatients, phone St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation co-ordinators on 9788 3365.

9 September 2005

People living with Parkinson's Disease are learning new ways to enhance their quality of life, thanks to an innovative program being run at St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital in Frankston.

The Parkinson's program is designed to provide optimal function for daily living through an eight-week education series presented by health professionals. Topics covered include reducing the risk of falls, the importance of taking medication at the right time, strategies for increased mobility, relaxation and fatigue management, and nutritional advice.

The program is available to both inpatients and outpatients on a rolling basis, so people can start whenever they like. The weekly sessions also give program participants, who are encouraged to bring along a family member, friend or spouse, the opportunity to meet other people living with the neurological condition. They can exchange handy tips - such as how sleeping on satin sheets helps a Parkinson's patient turn over in bed - and what to do if you "freeze" mid-step.

The educational series, created by an in-house allied health team and believed to be the only one of its kind in Melbourne, is part of the hospital's Parkinson's Disease Program that also includes outpatient and inpatient services. It is linked to the Parkinson's Support Group in Frankston.

Neurological physiotherapist Valentina Maric says that a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease was no excuse to sit in a chair and do nothing. "Continue doing as much as you possibly can," she advised, adding that mobility equals independence.

Any Parkinson's patient with a doctor's referral can attend the education sessions and the cost is covered by most private health funds. For more information phone Parkinson's Disease Co-ordinator Cate Tissear on 9788 3333.

21 April 2005

Patients, caregivers, families and friends, along with representatives from Frankston RSL, gathered at the St John of God Health Care Nepean Rehabilitation on 21 April to commemorate ANZAC Day.

The service included a reflection by hospital Chief Executive Officer/Director of Nursing, Suzie Hooper, and one minute's silence - led by Frankston RSL memb