Building for a brighter future - GHA Central

Review of Operations: Environment and Information Technology
WGHG is committed to
doing our part to protect
our environment.
We are constantly
identifying improvements
in our systems to ensure
we minimise harm to
the environment.
Information Technology (IT)
Environment
To minimise water consumption levels,
valves installed in taps and showers
this year are expected to reduce water
consumption across West Gippsland
Hospital by five million litres per
annum. The Manager of Engineering
Services reports to the Department of
Human Services regarding energy and
water consumption levels. The Manager
also reports to the National Pollutant
Inventory annually on waste emissions
to air, water and landfill. This report is
mandatory. WGHG does not exceed any
benchmark limits for any substances.
A streamlined recycling system is
used by the Environmental Services
(ES) department for newspapers, paper
and cardboard, glass and aluminium.
Products for recycling are sent to
a recycling site weekly. The ES
department utilises user-friendly
chemicals, which are non-harmful
to the environment. Strict guidelines
govern the use of any other chemicals
required for special cleaning. Chemicals
are never mixed, which decreases
harmful effects to the environment.
Valves replaced in taps and showers at WGH
is expected to reduce water consumption
by five million litres. Pictured is Engineering
Department staff member Len Cole replacing
a valve in the Emergency Department
washroom.
IT Support Officer Simon Schreyer
demonstrates Internet Protocol based
video conferencing to Health Information
Services Manager Diane Draper at her
desk.
Major significant improvements were achieved across the Group this year
as a result of several small projects being achieved by the IT Department.
The introduction of internet protocol based video-conferencing is proving
very successful. This allows staff members to attend important meetings
held anywhere in Australia without leaving the office. This is both time
and cost efficient.
Outcomes:
➤ Upgraded the Microsoft Office suite of programs providing improved
document management
➤ ‘My Work Plan’ staff appraisal tool now available on Intranet, improving
staff access to relevant documentation
➤ Installed a specialised hands free wall telephone system in the
Operating Theatre to allow surgeons to access critical telephone calls
➤ Implemented ‘staff on leave’ calendar on Intranet providing streamlined
reference to staff availability
➤ ADSL contract transferred to new provider resulting in significant cost
savings
➤ Implemented Medical Imaging Viewing Station in Emergency
Department to provide digitised viewing of diagnostic images to
expedite diagnosis and treatment
➤ Implemented Internet Protocol based video conferencing at the
desktop and staff trained
➤ Restructured IT help desk and streamlined communication access
to the IT Department
➤ Reviewed and restructured telecommunications support and
documentation
Future Directions:
➤ Finalise the electronic point of sale system in the cafeteria
➤ Implement a new Healthsmart Patient and Client Management System
➤ Introduce a voice over Internet Protocol telephone system
➤ Introduce wireless LAN/WAN facilities
➤ Implement an electronic patient referral system
➤ Investigate wireless modem access for roaming staff
➤ Review status of existing photocopier resources to ensure equipment
is adequate to meet use demands
➤ Investigate electronic business access potential
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