Commending The Breakfast Club

Congratulations are extended to the Primary Health Clinic/Needle Syringe Programme (NSP) which was nominated for a small business award at the Premier Regional Business Awards.

Most specifically, the nomination was in recognition of the Breakfast Club Program which provides healthy nutritious breakfasts to the clients who access the NSP. The Breakfast Club Program fills a need not otherwise met in the community, and so has quickly expanded from a weekday service operating between 9:00-11:00am to an all-day breakfast.

Food is donated from Avocare in Dandenong, including cereals, bread, spreads, chips, lollies, cakes, fruit, yoghurt and breakfast biscuits.

Not only does the Breakfast Club Program help individuals in need from a nutrition perspective, it is also an innovative way to engage with clients in a more relaxed setting offering support, information and referrals to allied health services if necessary.

It is a quality example of how Monash Health engages with, and in, the community to provide exceptional healthcare.

Unfortunately, the Breakfast Club Program did not win the small business award, but was highly recognised for its positive approach to healthcare and was presented with a plaque.

Colourful, textural music



David George with his sensory piano at Unit 1, Dandenong.

A new piece of equipment is gratefully welcomed at any ward, but rarely are they so colourful and visually striking that people are instantly drawn to it.

For the staff and clients at Unit 1 at Dandenong Hospital, their new addition is hard to miss; a wonderfully bright and intriguing upright piano.
This ‘sensory piano’ is the work of Mental Health Registered Nurse – Adult Bed Based Service David George who, with the help of some friends, brought this wonderful project to life.
“I used to bring my guitar in a bit to play in the ward, but I was always keen to have a piano here as a more permanent fixture,” he explains.
“Then one day I saw this piano available online and thought it could be great for the ward, so I contacted Kelly Isle (Nurse Unit Manager – Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit) and told her my idea, and thankfully she was really supportive.”
With the help of friend Sasha Brandt, David arranged to collect the piano, and was immediately hit with a further idea.

“The plan was really just to collect the piano and find a way to get it tuned so we could use it in the ward. However, when I saw it I started to get a whole lot of different thoughts, largely built around the work we’ve been doing in sensory modulation. From there, the plan quickly grew.”
At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking that the piano is just brightly painted with some fabrics and textures adhered to the panels, but every element has been carefully planned and designed. Each key has been individually coloured, there are strips of felt on either side on the piano wall, and a coarse sandpaper feel adorns the top. A similarly bumpy set of hand prints have prominence on top of the keyboard cover, while a patch of chalkboard allows for some interactive creativity.

“I love to work with clients about how they are feeling, and then associate those feelings with sounds,” David says. “With this piano I get to take that to another level. Along with the sound, there is a smooth end and a rough end, along with the colours and textures – all of which provide an avenue for someone to explain how they feel.
“Some clients find it is incredibly difficult to talk about their emotions. The piano opens up a new way to communicate with them. I can get the individual to play a note, point to a colour, or perhaps highlight a texture that they relate to, and then use that as a basis to understand how they feel and plan a way to move forward.”
While it still needs a tune, David has already been able to put the piano to work, drawing praise from clients and fellow staff alike.
“David’s passion, drive and energy for music, along with the individual approach to his work, are commendable,” says Kelly Isle.
“He repeatedly brings fresh ideas and approaches to the ward to enable the patient group to express, vent and learn about emotions in a constructive way – and this benefits them through their treatment journey.
“The ward has engaged in initiatives this year such as the Safewards, which aims to reduce conflict and containment on the inpatient unit. David’s sensory piano compliments our aspirations to continue building a safe, engaging and therapeutic environment for our patient group during their time of crisis.”

If anyone knows of a piano tuner who may be willing to donate their time to bring the piano back to full musical glory, contact Kelly Isle at Unit 1.

People Matter Pulse Check Survey

The results of the People Matter Survey were delivered in September 2014. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People are excited about the work we do here, feel a great sense of support and team spirit, and would entrust Monash Health with a sick friend or relative.

It was also clear that we could improve in a number of key areas. Accordingly, we have introduced improvements to:
-          employee safety
-          leading change
-          delivering patient centred care
-          providing more opportunities for job satisfaction.

It is a time of significant change for our service, and we are focussed on creating a bright future for our whole team, as we tackle the upcoming challenges. To do that effectively, we need to hear your thoughts, so we will conduct a People Matter Pulse Check Survey during May.

For you - this is a quick survey that can be completed in less than 5 minutes, on your computer or smart device.  It is entirely anonymous.

For us – it is a chance to hear whether our initiatives are having a positive impact on our workplace, and tells us where to best focus our efforts.

The survey will be open from 4 May – 29 May.
 

To access, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PulseCheck2015, or simply scan the code below.

Please contribute.

Once were Warriors

Before and after...

 

Proving that the staff of the mental health program are indeed ‘tough cookies’, there appears to be a growing trend to tackle mud-based obstacle runs.

In April, some 24 participants from Dandenong Mental Health (along with Trish Dito from Moorabbin) tackled the Miss Muddy at Sandown Racecourse with all entrants completing the 5km course in approximately an hour and a quarter.

This follows the efforts last December from a smaller team of Kaylene Rowe (Operations Manager), Jakqui Barnfield (DON), Reggie Traynor, Rachel Gwyther (Clinical Nurse Consultant), who joined forces to take on the Warrior Challenge.

Conquering 30 obstacles over a gruelling 15km of mud and dirt at the picturesque Lake Mountain, the team finished looking a little worse for wear (you should have seen the bruises), but with a great sense of achievement and smiles all round.

Well done everyone.

Backyard blitz for Stepping Stones

The outdoor area at Stepping Stones Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Monash Medical Centre received a garden makeover over summer, when volunteers from the Rotary Club of Clayton and Bunnings South Oakleigh joined forces for the day.

The generous team sweated it out in the sun, replacing tired outdoor furniture with a new timber setting, filling timber planter boxes with colour plants and lining the outdoor fencing with bamboo for a warm garden feel.

Massive heartfelt thanks are extended to Warren from the Rotary Club of Clayton, along with the Bunnings South Oakleigh team of Ameetha, Amerigo and Graeme for their incredible efforts and exceptional generosity.

With the warmer weather upon us, this rejuvenated outdoor area will be wonderfully well-received, and create a genuine difference to everyone from the Early in Life Mental Health Service.

 

 

Warren from the Rotary Club of Clayton (second from left), joined the South Oakleigh Bunnings team of Ameetha, Amerigo and Graeme to generously donate their time and resources for a garden makeover at the Stepping Stones Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Monash Medical Centre.

 

 

Wellness and Recovery Centre now open at Dandenong



Professor David Clarke (Monash Health Mental Health Program Medical Director), Lawrence Harvey (Wellness and Recovery Centre Manager), and Julie Campbell (Nurse Unit Manager), cut the ribbon to officially open the new Wellness and Recovery Centre. 

The relocation of the Monash Health Wellness and Recovery Centre (WRC) from Monash Medical Centre to Dandenong Hospital was made official with the opening of a wonderful refurbished four-bed unit in early December 2014.

A dedicated team of staff and supporters were on hand to launch the new facility, which offers a supportive and positive environment for patients with eating disorders.

The new facility has purpose-built spaces for relaxation and a dining room for meal support therapy. The service is a part of West 4 and takes the total bed numbers to 40 for the ward.

Speaking at the launch, Professor David Clarke, Monash Health’s Mental Health Program Medical Director, commented that the unit addressed many of the issues and concerns identified with the previous site, and stood to be a wonderful addition for Monash Health and the patients within our catchment.

Congratulations are extended to everyone involved in this project. The collaboration between the mental health program, general medicine and the West 4 nursing team should be commended as an example of partnerships for better service.

Patients presenting with serious eating disorders are some of the most vulnerable, and this unit is a positive environment to aid their recovery.

Your new digital newsletter

As we all settled into 2015, we are very pleased to launch the new ‘electronic’ Monash Health Mental Health eNewsletter.
 
This newsletter will be circulated throughout the entire mental health program staff – providing an opportunity to communicate to colleagues, proudly convey achievements, shed light on activities and programs, and help unite this incredible area of health.
Most importantly, this is your newsletter. And in order for it to be the best it can be – and contain the information you want – it needs your help.

Mental health is a diverse, challenging and rewarding area of health. It is filled with stories, events, successes, new ways of thinking and more – and these should be shared. However, given how diverse mental health is, it is very hard for any one single person to know everything that is going on.

That’s why this newsletter needs you to share your stories, events, achievements and more. It doesn’t have to be long, it doesn’t have to be detailed and it doesn’t even have to be particularly well written – but it does need you to pass on the information.

So what constitutes an idea for the eNewsletter?

Some broad themes for submissions include:

1.       Pride

2.       Education

3.       Personal stories

4.       Noticeboard

Pride: Ideas that fall under ‘Pride’ might include achievements and awards, the awarding of a grant, a new position or appointment, the launch of a new program or recognition of a staff member’s service. As the name would suggest, these are the events or achievements that we should proudly share with each other and further afield.

Education: Given how diverse mental health is, it is very difficult for everyone to know what each other is doing.  An explanation of a service, the launch of a trial or pilot service, new research or a personal insight into our individual roles helps us all appreciate the work undertaken in the Mental Health Program.

Personal stories: Many staff members have wonderful experiences and positive community engagement while undertaking their work. The ability to share those experiences – either directly, or through a willing client – reminds us all of the positive elements of our work, and sheds personal insight that can benefit everyone.

Noticeboard: Upcoming events and announcements within the department give everyone an understanding of what is happening. Help generate support and pride by sharing them with others.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and suggestions are always welcome. 

We hope you enjoy your newsletter.

Submissions for the Mental Health eNewsletter, should be emailed to Jonathan Green in Public Affairs at jonathan.green@monashhealth.org

Wherever possible, please include a photo, and be sure to include all names of people in the image.

Taking the dark into light

The art room at the Dandenong Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) typifies all that is inspiring about the recovery work going on there.

The art room at Dandenong YPARC is flooded with natural light, has musical instruments at one side and surrounding the fresh, white work benches are walls holding artworks by the creative young people.

Emma is one of the talented artists whose work was on show at the YPARC’s first Family and Friends Night earlier this year. Emma’s beautiful drawing Bliss shows her standing on a look-out with a sweeping view of the famous surfing spot, Bells Beach, in south-eastern Victoria near the Great Ocean Road.

“My drawing is about me looking forward to a future. And coming here (to the Dandenong YPARC) has helped me visualise a future.

“I would not have drawn this if I had not seen health and hope,” she says.

In her recovery work, Emma says it’s important not to completely forget experiences which have come from dark places.

“I am feeling better and that also means I can still live with dark times. And sharing these experiences brings people together,” she says.

“I have learned a lot about acceptance and looking forward. And not disliking yourself for having issues. Recovery to me is about implementing better strategies for future living,” Emma explains.

She praises the openness of the Dandenong YPARC, in both its architecture and also the attitudes of the other young people and staff who are there.

“There’s a positive vibe here as soon as you come in. And I am totally grateful to the key workers who keep our recovery goals in check.”

Dandenong YPARC is run by Monash Health with partners Mind Australia and Youth Support and Advocacy Service.

Community partnerships to tackle ICE

A new initiative has been announced in Metropolitan Melbourne that aims to increase services and support in addressing growing ICE-related issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and the community.

The Aboriginal Metropolitan Ice Partnership initiative is an 18 month pilot project that reflects a new partnership approach between Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Alcohol and Drug services.

This exciting initiative will focus on assertive outreach, alcohol and drug support and clinical interventions, as well as better access to alcohol and drug services for Aboriginal people and families with ICE and other alcohol and drug issues. There are nine positions in total being recruited, including a Coordinator position based at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service as well as four Care and Recovery positions and four Counselling positions.

Alcohol and Drug Support Workers positions will provide culturally responsive support and advocacy for Aboriginal clients and their families in supporting improved access to alcohol and drug treatment in relation to ICE use. This will involve referral and support services for Aboriginal people (youth and adult) and will support integrated treatment and care pathways for clients with the highest needs.

The Alcohol and Drug Counselling positions aim to reduce ICE-related harms by providing an assessment as well as range of counselling interventions to assist clients and their family members to change harmful behaviours. This should increase their capacity to effectively manage ICE-related impacts including issues associated with addictions.

This role also links Aboriginal clients and their families to other appropriate services and supports the provision of holistic coordinated care according to the complexity of client and family needs within a recovery framework.

One Alcohol and Drug Counselling position will be based at Monash Health – for a copy of the position description please see www.monashhealth.org or contact Debra Alexander on 9792 7618 for information relating to applying for the position.