Media Releases

For further information please contact St John of God Hospital, Geraldton on (08) 9965 8888.

10 April 2008

Three Geraldton St John of God Health Care employees have been chosen from a
national field to develop and implement an immunisation program in East Timor as part of the St John of God Health Care Social Outreach and Advocacy Program.

St John of God Hospital, Geraldton registered nurse Beau Philp will travel to Bakhita District, a mountainous area approximately two hours drive north of Dili, to implement an immunisation manual developed by work colleagues and East Timor nursing project program developers Jane Leung and Tresna Wood.

Beau Philp will up skill Bakhita health care workers to implement the training manual, enabling an ongoing immunisation program to be established in the region. The program will contribute to the East Timor Ministry of Health ambition to immunise at least 80 per cent of the country's population for diseases such as measles, tetanus toxoid, mumps, rubella and tuberculosis by 2010.      

The immunisation manual has required extensive research by Jane Leung and Tresna Wood to ensure the manual is easily understood by East Timor health care workers, including a round the world search via email for a Creole Tetum translator. Funded through the St John of God Health Care International Health Strategy, the project is one example of the diverse work opportunities available to St John of God Health Care employees under their Social Outreach and Advocacy program.

"It's been a really interesting process going through all of the information to put the (immunisation) manual together so it can be used by people with a different education level, such as bringing the terminology down to a usable level," Jane Leung said.  

"The opportunities within St Johns are vast and endless . . . it is a place that you can do things other than putting yourself in a little box and staying there, there are a lot of challenges, certainly a lot of variety, and a lot of opportunity." 

St John's flexible working environment allowed Tresna Wood, who has a young child, to job share the role of developing the immunisation manual with Jane Leung.

"I love (St John's) whole philosophy and their mission and values . . . it's a much more holistic view of work, you don't just come in, do your work and leave, to be involved in a project like this just encompasses all of that and reinforces that your job can be so much more," Tresna Wood said.

The opportunity to travel to East Timor to implement the immunisation manual is a dream come true for Beau Philp who, after his own children left home, trained as a nurse with the intention of working internationally with minority groups.

"The opportunity to help kids (in East Timor) get back on their feet and get families healthy again is very exciting, it's quite difficult to get into international health and to have the opportunity to do that through St John's is wonderful," Beau Philp said.

"We're going up there to establish a trust relationship and assist (the East Timorese) in their life and we'll give what we can from ours . . . you know I used to talk about immunising kids in East Timor even before I started nursing. It's quite strange it worked out that way."

Beau's journey to Bakhita has been delayed due to civil unrest in East Timor. It is hoped the country's current curfew will be lifted on April 24, 2008.

17 November 2006

Local specialist care soon available for Geraldton babies St John of God Hospital, Geraldton has received approval from the Department of Health and Ageing to operate a neonatal care unit following inspection of the facility by the WA Department of Health earlier this year.

The level 2 nursery will provide skilled, specialist care to newborn babies including babies of more than 32 weeks gestation with minimal complications, those requiring cardiorespiratory monitoring, intravenous fluid administration, tube feeding and phototherapy.

One of the prerequisites for licensing is the availability of a Specialist Paediatrician and the hospital has been fortunate to receive the commitment and support of Resident Paediatrician Dr Mohammad Jehangir, as well as other medical staff. It is expected that the unit will reduce the transfer of babies needing pecialist care to Perth and allow women and babies to stay closer to their families.

"Applying to operate a neonatal care unit was one of our operational aims this year," CEO/DON of St John of God Hospital, Geraldton, Tammy Batten, said. "It is part of a larger strategy to provide maternal services directed at the needs of individuals, their families and the community."

Other service improvements include a commitment to the provision of ward based post natal education, recommencement of our popular post natal program and a review of home visiting services.

The neonatal unit began operations in September 2006.

St John of God Health Care is Australia's third largest private health care group, with 11 hospitals and pathology services in Victoria and Western Australia.
For further details please contact:
Nicci Tsoukalas ph: 9965 8881 email: nicolette.tsoukalas@sjog.org.au

19 April 2006

St John of God Health Care has appointed Ms Tammy Batten as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Director of Nursing (DON) at its Geraldton hospital.

Following a national search and recruitment process, Ms Batten accepted the dual executive role today, with her tenure in the position becoming effective on 8 May 2006.

Ms Batten has an extensive background in nursing and senior health management in both Western Australia and the United Kingdom. Most recently, Ms Batten held the role of Acting Operational Manager and Acting Director of Nursing at St John of God Hospital, Geraldton. She has been a caregiver at the Geraldton facility since 1997 and has previously acted in the role of CEO for six weeks last year.

St John of God Hospital, Geraldton's previous CEO, Mr Kim Snowball, will relinquish his role and immediately commence his new position as St John of God Health Care's Group Director Social Outreach and Advocacy, relocating to St John of God Health Care's National Office in Perth within the next few months.

"We are delighted that Ms Batten has accepted our offer of appointment and know that she will be a great asset to the Geraldton St John of God Health Care team in her new role," said Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Stanford.

St John of God Health Care is Australia's third largest private health care group, with 11 hospitals and pathology services in Western Australia and Victoria.

5th December 2005

St John of God Hospital Geraldton has been awarded full accreditation from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) accreditation for a period of 4 years.

The accreditation, under a revised assessment process, is a status achieved by only 30% of hospitals in 2003 and 39% in 2004 following the introduction of mandatory criteria.

Accreditation assesses and recognises that a health care organisation meets defined standards, with some of these designated as `mandatory'. That is, the organisation must display a higher level of achievement to be accredited as without these, the quality of care or safety of patients could be at risk. St John of God Hospital has surpassed this requirement to be awarded `extensive achievement' for some standards.

The award was officially presented by Bishop Justin Bianchini at a ceremony to mark the occasion held on Tuesday, 6th December.

Kim Snowball, Chief Executive Officer said today, "ACHS accreditation against national standards sends a clear message to the community that St John of God Hospital, its management and staff, are committed to excellence in health care with a strong and continuing focus on safety, quality and performance".

"It is clear that consistent and sustained effort in pursuing continuous quality improvement and attention to recording, measuring and responding to issues underpinned this excellent result and is a testament to the dedication of all our caregivers".

"I would like to commend all involved including our patients, doctors, visitors and suppliers for their support and commitment to improving the services offered. Continuous feedback is vital to ensure that we continue to provide services directed at the needs of individuals and communities in ever changing circumstances".

"Our community expects a high standard of health care, and we are pleased and proud that St John of God Hospital Geraldton has been recognised for meeting this expectation".

The ACHS, an independent, not for profit organisation which has received international recognition for excellence in assessment and evaluation accredits 63% of public hospitals, 74% of private hospitals and 67% of total hospitals in Australia.

Ends...

20th October 2005

St John of God Hospital has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Geraldton in 1935 when the Sisters of St John of God responded to a call from Bishop O'Collins to provide hospital services in the region. Today the hospital is a modern, high quality service providing a choice for the residents of the Midwest in meeting their health needs
such as maternity, surgery, paediatric, medical and palliative care, with the backup of the wider St John of God Health care group.

One of only two private not for profit hospitals outside Perth, the St John of God hospital, Geraldton has been rated amongst the top ten private hospitals in Australia by a national rating agency who independently canvasses, doctors, patients and staff of the hospital on the quality and value of the service and the results are a testament to the dedication and commitment of all of the hospital caregivers.

"The Geraldton and wider Midwest communities can also be rightly proud of the part they have played in reaching this milestone. Only through the generosity of the community and the support of local doctors has the hospital been able to achieve so much and become such an integral part of peoples lives in the Midwest." Mr Snowball Chief
Executive Officer said.

"In recognising this milestone the final and most heartfelt thanks must go to the Sisters of St John of God who committed themselves to serving the community and providing their ministry through the hospital. The Sisters worked through good times and bad to bring the community the healing touch of Jesus Christ. Whether it's the joys of childbirth, the grief of losing a loved one or the vulnerability and reminder of our mortality through illness, it was providing compassionate care and support and being there for people in their time of need that we most remember the Sisters over the past 70 years." He said

"While we have fewer Sisters directly involved with the Hospital, we often have people comment to us that the hospital is a very welcoming and friendly feel to it. I would like to think that this represents the continuation of the Sisters spirit and dedication to hospitality for those in need that has been passed onto those who now provide the treatment and care to patients. We hope that this distinctive care in offering something beyond excellent clinical treatment by doctors and nurses will remain a hallmark of the Hospital" He said

St John of God Health Care Geraldton has been operating and offering a range of private health care services to the Midwest community since 1935 and we have been pleased that independent surveys of our patients have rated our hospital amongst the top ten private hospitals in Australia.

We are delighted to have had a Veteran Partnering Agreement with the Department of Veteran Affairs since 2002 and continue to see increasing numbers of patients over 65 admitted to hospital.  In fact, in 2004 nearly half of our patients were in this age group and we continue to develop ways to improve our care of older people.

In addition to the excellent care and treatment available at the hospital we also offer

• Coordinated discharge services in collaboration with community service providers
• Veteran Liaison Officer who is cognisant of the needs of older people and in particular the needs of Veterans
• Access to allied health services to aid rehabilitation following illness, injury or surgical procedures
• Pastoral care services to ensure we continue to meet the social, psychological and spiritual needs
  for all our patients, and
• The opportunity for carers of older people to board with them if desired

For further information contact the hospital on 9965 8888
 

May 9, 2005

St John of God Hospital in Geraldton rated in the top 6 hospitals of 79 public and private hospitals surveyed nationally, according to a recent independent survey of its employees.  It also rated in the top 5 private hospitals in Australia.

"We are delighted with such an outstanding result as it recognises the hospital as a great place to work by the people who know best, our caregivers" said the Hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kim Snowball.

" Not only did we rate highly amongst other hospitals in the survey, our results have shown a continuous improvement since we first started surveying several years ago."

The survey examined almost every aspect of employment and relationships amongst caregivers within the hospital including their support for one another and their focus on patient comfort, safety and high quality care.

"Following a concentrated effort, there was a remarkable improvement in the areas of teamwork, customer focus and quality compared to last year's survey results, even to the extent that we are rated amongst the very top hospitals in these aspects." he said.

"While the results from the survey paint a rosy picture, we will continue to focus on areas for improvement and will work with our caregivers to ensure we continue to offer a friendly, supportive and caring environment."

Ends

Mr Kim Snowball
Chief Executive Officer

1st July 2004

St John of God Health Care Geraldton is part of a new initiative working with more than 100 health organisations across Australia to improve medication systems for safer patient care.

It is estimated that around 140,000 hospital admissions each year are associated with problems with the use of medicines.  Medicines account for up to 20% of all things that go wrong in health care and are estimated to cost $380 million per year in the public hospital system (AIHW 2002a).

Medication Safety is a key strategic goal for the Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACS&QHC). The NMSBC has been established to develop and drive a 'platform for action' to accelerate improvements in medication safety for patients across Australia. The NMSBC aims to achieve a national improvement in medication safety by:

• reducing patient harm, associated with medication use, by 50 per cent among the patients or clients of participating health care teams from throughout Australia,and
• developing a national network and system to sustain and transfer the improvements in medication safety to other health services across Australia following the completion of the Collaborative.

This 'Breakthrough Collaborative' is bringing together health care organisations with a common commitment to redesign medication systems and make major rapid changes to improve patient care. Groups of practitioners from different sites meet periodically to learn about ideas for change, quality methods and to exchange their experiences with making these changes.

So far learning methods and change strategies from peers at collaborative events has been a powerful way to stimulate rapid improvement for St John of God Health Care Geraldton. Reporting our progress on a national scale and hearing how colleagues in other states have made changes and overcome problems has been a motivating way to obtain practical ideas.

Sharing of ideas and improvements on a national scale are facilitated through the Collaborative web site, regular teleconferences, site visits and a range of Learning Session events conducted every three months with up to 260 health professionals in attendance.

Teams are focused on improving patient care and medication safety in two key areas or waves. Wave 1 concentrates on acute health systems and Wave 2 concentrates on the interaction between the acute and community systems. With more than 700 health professionals across Australia actively participating St John of God Health Care Geraldton are working on the following projects:

• Analysis and redesign of incident management system with a focus on medication safety
  
• Review of our management of patients prescribed Warfarin with the objective of improving
  processes to reduce harm

St John of God Health Care Geraldton is currently reviewing their patient education and discharge practices for those prescribed Warfarin and invites past and present patients to have their say or complete a simple questionnaire. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact Tammy Batten (Project Coordinator) on 99 211233.

To keep up to date with the latest developments in the NMSBC visit www.medicationsafety.com.au or phone toll free Tel: 1300 307 357.

Reference: Dr Libby Roughead & Dr Susan Semple, July 2002, Second National Report on Patient Safety - Improving Medication Safety, The Australian Council for Safety & Quality in Health Care.

28th April 2004

The opening of two new expanded and refurbished family rooms in the St John of God hospitals maternity service completes a package of measures that the hospital has undertaken to provide a first class midwifery service to women in the Mid West.

Mr Snowball, St John of God hospital CEO said "The changes were introduced after discussions with maternity patients and feedback on the service. Many women valued having the extra space and the modern decor in which to relax and involve their families at this wonderful time. We have already had very positive feedback on the new rooms in the past few weeks."

"We were very fortunate to receive funding support from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing of almost $117,000 to help us to offer the new facilities and to also upgrade our Ultrasound unit and purchase two electronic double beds" he said.

"We have seen an increase in the number of women choosing to have their babies with us. While the rooms may contribute to that we also think that word has spread about the hospitality that we offer, including a celebration dinner for the parents at no extra cost, free ante natal and post natal classes both lasting for six weeks" Mr Snowball said.

"I suppose having seen increases in private health insurance coverage to more than 45%, many women are choosing to use our facilities more and more and are enjoying the extra pampering they receive. We are also able to tailor our service to the needs and preferences of the mothers. For those wishing to leave the hospital early we have home visits by a midwife and for those seeking additional help or information we have educational videos
and midwives are able to spend time with new mothers" he said.

"We have also worked closely with the doctors to ensure the full maternity service represents value for money and I am pleased to be able to say that for the major health fund most doctors now offer a no gap service for a normal delivery. I would urge women to check this with their doctors early in their pregnancy" Mr Snowball said.

" The Maternity service is now first class and our most recent feedback from our patients and comparison to other private hospitals has seen us rated in the top three private maternity services nationally. This is a wonderful endorsement of the service from catering and nursing through to the facility we provide. The upgrade will ensure we are able to continue to offer a Rolls Royce service to the women of the region.

22nd March 2004

St John of God Health Care Geraldton will use more that $173,000 in Commonwealth funding to acquire the best surgical and hospital equipment available to improve patient care.  O'Connor MP Wilson Tuckey announced the funding coup for Geraldon's private hospital under the Federal Bush Nursing, Small Community and Regional Private Hopsitals program on Friday. 

SJGHC Chief Executive Officer Kim Snowball said "We are delighted with the news.  It will enable us to purchase a range of medical equipment from camera heads to bed warmers that will bring us right up to date. It will also allow us to treat more patients and will improve the quality of service.  It will cover prcedures such as orthopaedic and eye surgery.  This is the equipment we haven't been able to afford for some reason or anouther so this Commonwealth funding really ensures our future."

Mr Snowball said it was important Mid West residents had a choice of health care and that communties retained access to quality private helath services.  "We are only one of two private hosptials outside Perth, so it is cruicial that our service is the bet it can be."

Text courtesy of the Geraldton Guardian 22.3.04

27th February 2004

GERALDTON now boasts its own specialist eye clinic thanks to a new medical partnership and about $70,000 in new equipment.

Visiting ophthalmologists Nigel Morlet and Malcolm Burvill have created a one-stop eye clinic at St John of God Specialist Centre, serving public and private patients.They have also increased the frequency of visits to Geraldton from about twice a month to weekly.

St John of God Health Care chief executive Kim Snowball said the new clinic provided a more streamlined service to patients.He said it would reduce waiting times, remove the need to travel to referrals in different centres across town and increase specialist availability to Mid West people.Dr Morlet said the $70,000 in new equipment represented a vast turnaround from the 30 year-old equipment he had previously been using.He said the service had been very well received by patients."They really like it, they say the place is much nicer and they're getting a far better service," he said.

Mr Snowball said attractive visiting specialist arrangements also served to encourage more medial specialists to practise in the Mid West. Dr Morlet agreed saying one doctor had already expressed interest in joining the new eye clinic.

Article courtesy of the Geraldton Guardian

September 2003

St John of God Health Care injects $175,000 to support Aboriginal maternal health

Dr Michael Stanford, National Chief Executive Officer for St John of God Health Care today announced its agreement with the Pilbara/Gascoyne Health region to maintain and expand a program to improve maternal health for Aboriginal women in the Pilbara region. The agreement is valued at $175,000 per annum and will maintain the program within five Pilbara communities and expansion to a further two communities over the next two years.

The program, known as the Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture Program was initially established in the Northern Territory and following evaluation was found to have profound effects on improved birth weights and health of mothers and babies in those communities participating in the program.

The program relies on and supports senior women in the participating communities to provide direct support to pregnant women and their families. The senior women encourage attendance at antenatal care clinics and provide advice on nutrition. Connections and support for involvement in cultural events is an important part of the program.

Dr Stanford said " Health research has clearly shown a direct link between health of mother and baby during pregnancy that has a lasting effect on the child right through to adulthood. As an example, low birth weights can influence predisposition to health risks in adult life including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke."

"St John of God Health Care has been keen to make a contribution to the health of Aboriginal people in this State and to do so in a way that supports the community to take the action and develop the skills needed to maintain healthy communities and life styles." He said.

"This particular program is one that has a strong community development focus and potentially major health benefits to Aboriginal people. While it has a long term outlook we feel it is an area of work that has lasting benefits rather than only treating immediate health problems." Dr Stanford said.

"St John of God Health Care is a "not for profit" faith based organisation that has been helping to meet the health needs of Western Australians for over 100 years. As part of our commitment in Western Australia we are offering the Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture program in up to 40 Aboriginal communities in the North West of the State. We have committed more than $1.3m over the next two years and this agreement has been an important part of that effort.

Mr Tim Shackleton, Regional Director said "We are delighted that St John of God Health Care has contributed to improving health outcomes through this program. It represents an important partnership between government and non-government organisations with a common goal to improve health in our region."

Dr Stanford said, "The Pilbara Gascoyne Health Region are important partners and we are pleased to be able to ensure the program is continued and further expanded in the region. I would like to take the opportunity to recognise the work of Mr Tim Shackleton, Regional Director and Dr Farhat Mahmood, Director of the Population Health Unit in supporting the program in the region for the past four years. I would also like to particularly recognise the hard work by Ms Margaret Rose, Program Coordinator, in implementing and maintaining the program through strong partnerships and close support of the participating communities. Margaret will continue this work as an employee of St John of God Health Care and help us to expand the program to other regions."

16th July 2003

St John of God Health Care received a top rating by patients in a national survey.
St John of God Health Care Geraldton has been rated in the top 10 hospitals nationally following a survey of 201 public and private hospitals. The hospital was also rated in the top two of 64 hospitals surveyed that were of similar size.

The independent survey of patients carried out by Press Ganey Associates interviewed patients about all aspects of their care while in hospital. This included clinical services and patient care provided by nurses, doctors and allied health practitioners, admission and discharge processes, comfort, meals, communication and responsiveness to people's needs while in hospital.

Mr Kim Snowball, Chief Executive Officer said "The view of our patients is the most critical test of our services and we are delighted that our patients have rated us so highly. The outstanding result is testimony to the care and dedication of our hospital care-givers and our doctors."

"For the people of the region it provides the confidence that St John of God Health Care is able to offer top level care and service locally, without the need to travel to Perth. We have a terrific team of people in Geraldton and this result is a reflection of their efforts." He said.

The assessments by patients included some specific services and the overall maternity service was rated the top of all private hospitals surveyed.

"The result for our maternity service is absolutely outstanding. For many younger families a major benefit of holding private health insurance is to be able to access safe, high quality maternity services that provide for their privacy and comfort. Having the best rated maternity service nationally at your door step is a wonderful result for Mid-West residents." Mr Snowball said.

"We are also focusing on further improvements to our maternity service by refurbishing rooms to make them more family oriented with double beds and high quality decor and fittings. We are developing packages to offer parenting support for new mothers. There has also been a response to concerns expressed to us that the payments for doctors was too high and I am pleased to say that for normal deliveries almost all doctors are now offering a 'no gap' obstetric service." he said.