Building for a brighter future - GHA Central

Review of Operations: Acute (Hospital) Services
The Challenges
WGHG services continue to be in
demand requiring innovative programs
to be developed, implemented and
evaluated to ensure appropriate care is
provided. There is an increasing need
for preventative programs to target ‘at
risk’ patients who can be appropriately
referred for ongoing management in
their own home. By identifying risk
factors and referring patients to
appropriate services, preventative
programs and self-help groups, patients
with chronic conditions can maintain
their health and, as a result, require
fewer admissions to Hospital.
Implementing new programs and
introducing changes to clinical practice
can be a major challenge for staff.
Profile
West Gippsland Hospital (WGH) is an 83-bed acute facility in Warragul,
providing Medical, Surgical, Obstetric, Sub-Acute, Oncology, Haemodialysis,
Paediatric, Anaesthetic, Emergency and High Dependency Services, with a
full range of Allied Health Services. The Hospital treats approximately 10,400
inpatients with 15,000 emergency visits this year. The acute services are listed
on page seven of this report.
Objectives
1. Develop strategies for chronic disease management programs
2. Gain accreditation as a Baby Friendly Hospital
3. Establish community clinics in Trafalgar and Drouin
4. Develop a secondary prevention quality initiative for acute coronary
syndrome and congestive heart failure patients
5. Expand Haemodialysis Unit to accommodate two extra patients
6. Expand ambulatory care options
Outcomes
WGHG strives to ensure that staff
maintain and enhance their skills
to function effectively in a constantly
shifting healthcare environment.
Providing educational opportunities
is essential in the recruitment and
retention of professional staff.
To assist in the management of
the elective surgery waiting list,
and with funding provided by DHS,
an Elective Surgery Access
Coordinator was appointed in March.
As a result the waiting list was audited
to ensure those on the waiting list
wanted to remain on the list.
Ensuring timely access for patients
requiring surgery is a high priority
at WGHG.
1. Chronic disease management programs developed and strategies
implemented to educate patients with chronic conditions
2. Due to the redevelopment of the Midwifery Unit during the year,
the Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation is postponed until next year
3. District Nursing and Podiatry Clinic commenced in Trafalgar in February
4. Secondary prevention quality initiative developed and implemented for
acute coronary syndrome and congestive heart patients
5. Plans underway to expand Haemodialysis Unit to accommodate two
extra patients
6. Improvements to ambulatory care options identified and integrated
into acute and chronic disease management programs
Continuing Care Business Unit
(CCBU), District Nursing Service
(DNS) and Post Acute Care (PAC)
This Continuing Care Business Unit
operates to streamline the referral
and coordination of services delivered
to patients discharged from Hospital.
The Post Acute Care team links patients
to services to assist them to recover
at home after leaving Hospital. Referrals
to Post Acute Care are received from
the Hospital, Community Services, Local
Councils and individuals. This year
there were 1352 episodes of service,
319 more than last year, an increase
of 31%.
A new District Nursing clinic and
podiatry service opened in Trafalgar in
February increasing access for patients
in outlying areas. This clinic and the
additional clinics located at Longwarry,
Neerim South and Warragul, provide
assessment and treatment for wound
care, foot care, exercise monitoring
and supervision for patients needing
to maintain their mobility. A full range
of in home services is also provided for
patients unable to access the clinics.
A service to provide Lymphoedema
management was introduced during
the year and is provided by District
Nurses specifically trained in this field.
The Hospital in the Home program
provides an option for some patients
to receive treatment at home for
conditions that would otherwise require
a Hospital stay. This service, provided
byDistrict Nursing, continues its steady
growth with a 19% increase in patient
visits this year.
Future Directions
➤ Expand on risk assessment and secondary prevention programs
➤ Gain accreditation as a Baby Friendly Hospital
➤ Implement the "Living with Cancer" Education Program for cancer patients
➤ Review Day Surgery processes
➤ Strengthen programs for chronic disease management
➤ Review Palliative Care program for community and acute sectors
➤ Review equipment useage policies and pathways of care for Operating Theatre
District Nurse Anne Venville visits patient
Helen Ainscough in her home.
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