Caulfield Hospital

A familiar face will be gracing screens across the nation as our very own Arvin Garcia takes to the kitchens in the Great Australian Bake Off!

Arvin has been working at Alfred Health’s Caulfield Hospital for the past decade, his first job in Australia since moving from the Philippines.

“After living here two years, I started missing the home-cooked meals I grew up with and the food from home, so I started baking,” said Arvin.

“Then, it became a great way for me to escape the stresses of work and life. I baked one cake for one of my friends and it sort of took off from there.

“But I realised I enjoyed the creative process of designing cakes.”

As Bed Access Manager at Caulfield Hospital Arvin is also known for his baking prowess, turning pantry staples into something extraordinary for friends. He's even dazzled us at staff events, most recently making a cake to mark the 10th anniversary of Alfred Health's Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre.

You can catch him on season seven of The Great Australian Bake Off weekly, from Wednesday 18 September at 8.30pm on Foxtel and Binge.

Best of luck Arvin, we know you’ll make us proud!

One of our leading trauma doctors is urging e-scooter riders to take greater personal responsibility when it comes to use of the popular energy-efficient vehicles.

Associate Professor Joseph Mathew works on the frontline of The Alfred’s busy trauma service and says simple safety measures can help avoid life-altering injuries.

“Due to physics and the way people crash, it’s commonly the face, brain,spine and upper limbs that bear the brunt of a fall – often without the protection of a helmet,” he said.

“The injuries can be quite devastating – with traumatic brain injury a very common occurence. Lives have also been lost.”

A/Prof Mathew said the majority of those presenting to emergency departments with injuries sustained from e-scooter accidents are between the ages of 15-45.
Many of these injuries can be avoided by taking basic safety precautions, such as wearing helmets and not drinking and driving.

“We have to take personal responsibility seriously,” he said.

“When you go out and have a few drinks, look out for your mates in the same way you would if they had their car keys with them. Don’t let someone you care about get on get on an e-scooter when they are alcohol or drug affected.”

Our hard-working nurses now have access to additional transformative training and development opportunities, both locally and abroad, thanks to a new fund backed by the generosity of donors.

Coordinated by The Alfred Foundation, The Alfred Nurses Fund will support further improvements in patient care by enabling professional development for more nurses – including support for research projects, observation of global best practice or attendance at conferences.

These opportunities will deliver ongoing community benefits, as nurses will bring back ideas and experiences to their colleagues and the broader health sector.

Thank you to everyone – including nurses past and present – who supported the launch of The Alfred Health Nurses Fund this week.

If you're interested in supporting the fund, visit here: https://bit.ly/3Xuunmg

Happy International Dog Day!

If you’ve been at The Alfred recently, you may have spotted therapy dog Steven, along with owner Janette Wilson, making a visit to our inpatient psychiatry unit.

Famous for his “big floppy ears that drag along the ground” and the way he “wags his tail and wants to be around everybody,” Steven can be a welcome distraction from the challenges of being in hospital.

“It's a very stressful role, so sometimes it's nice just to have a couple minutes out of your day where you can focus on something else other than work,” said Elle, a psychiatric nurse.

“For consumers as well, it helps them step out of what they're going through, and gives that therapeutic benefit to everybody.”

Steven’s work involves walking around the units and wards, receiving pats and spending time with people to help reduce stress, alleviate pain and bring about a sense of calm.

“It breaks up their day, makes them smile, it makes them chat about something that's completely different to anything they've talked about today,” Janette said.

“So, it might be about dogs, but it might be about something completely different. It might be about football.”

Steven is one of six pet therapy dogs that visit The Alfred and Caulfield Hospital. To become a pet therapy team, volunteers and their dogs go through an extensive recruitment process involving interviews, screening and behaviour training.

“I’ve been doing it for 14 years now, and I love meeting all the different people,” Janette said.

“I love seeing them smile. I like seeing the dog smile. You can see Steven smiling now.”

You may have seen sunflowers dotted across the hospital recently.

But did you know they have an important meaning?

The Alfred, Sandringham Hospital and Caulfield Hospital have become the first metropolitan hospitals in Victoria to roll out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which supports patients with non-visible disabilities by signalling to those around them that they may need extra understanding, help or time.

“Coming to hospital can be overwhelming and we’re always looking for ways we can help all patients feel more at ease,” says Jenny who works with hospital volunteers like Brian (pictured) at The Alfred Centre reception to support visitors when needed.

“When we see someone wearing a sunflower pin or lanyard, that’s our cue to take a bit more time to find out if there’s something they need – whether it be a glass of water and chat, a quieter space to wait, or help to organise a ride home.”

To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4fUEjwn

Our feet are home to 250,000 sweat glands, 8000 nerves, 107 ligaments, 33 joints, 26 bones and 19 muscles, but did you know that as many as one in five Australians suffer from foot pain?

With foot pain linked to conditions such as heart disease, circulatory issues, gout and diabetes, the diversity of each day is something that podiatrist Sikhie Samarasekera says drew him to the profession.

“Every day is different,” said Sikhie. “I have always been interested in a career in health care, but I chose podiatry in the end because of how diverse the case load can be.

“Some days we're up on the wards supporting patients who are acutely ill due to their foot wounds, other days we're working together with other medical teams in our outpatient clinics.”

Professional foot care has been around for thousands of years and the positive, and at times profound, impact that podiatrists can have on patients’ lives is also a highlight.

“It is rewarding to see the same patients frequently and be able to see the difference I have made to their lives, including getting them back to doing the activities that they love,” said Sikhie.

“I think if you're someone with an interest in hands-on-care and problem solving, podiatry is a great career to achieve that fulfillment and have an impact.”

What better way to understand how our hospitals and services function than getting face-to-face with those who care for and support our patients?

That’s exactly what our new Chief Executive, Adam Horsburgh, did last week as he hit the wards to meet some of our frontline staff at Caulfield Hospital. He said that learning about our services and hearing directly from employees is a priority for him.

“I’ve had such a warm welcome, and it was great to meet so many clinical and office staff in my first week with Alfred Health,” Adam said.

“I am very excited to work alongside such talented individuals across the health service to build on the organisation’s reputation as a leader of acute and complex healthcare in Victoria.”

A new gym has opened in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Caulfield Hospital, with the latest fit-for-purpose training equipment offering patients a greater variety of ways to rebuild their cardiovascular fitness following a heart attack or other cardiac event.

The modern exercise room is made possible by a generous donation from the hospital’s Cardiac Support Group, with Unit Manager Mary-Anne Beer expressing her gratitude to the group for their continued support.

“We have patients who will come to us from such a variety of backgrounds before their cardiac event, and even some quite young patients who are very strong and fierce otherwise,” said Mary-Anne. “Overwhelmingly, their goals will be that they just want their life back and to return where they were before.

“So, this more targeted equipment means we can safely reintroduce high-level exercise for them, which is fantastic for their self-esteem and the majority of the patients who come through here.”

“We even have a gentleman we’re helping with his golf swing!”

Secretary of the Cardiac Support Group David Robertson, who was on hand to help officially open the new rehab room, explained that the new cardiac rehabilitation exercise room was a proud example of the support group’s donations at work.

“Our voluntary organisation has been running for more than forty years and is made up entirely of cardiac care patients, and so the donations that we receive are almost entirely from people who have been through the unit, and who are highly appreciative of the rehabilitation services that they receive here,” said David.

“We continue to recognise the role of exercise following cardiac surgery or cardiac events.”

So You Need An Operation?

A new podcast series aims to help make preparing for surgery even easier, with patients and what they want to know front of mind for co-hosts A/Prof Christine Ball and Dr Jamie Smart.

“I think we realized that there wasn’t much out there for patients which explained the whole journey,” said Dr Smart. “Patients would get information about specific things like quitting smoking or the type of surgical procedure they’re having, but there's so much more to the whole patient journey.

“So that was where the idea for the podcast started.”

To learn more and start listening today, visit: https://bit.ly/3XEHyRW

As the weather cools down this long weekend, we're urging you to be particularly careful around fires.

New research, led by Alfred burns specialist Dr Stephen Goldie, has found a clear link between petrol burn injuries and public holidays, showing petrol burns are 20 per cent more likely to occur on a public holiday.

“Time and time again we see people injured in fires where petrol has been used. These accidents that are largely preventable," said Dr Goldie.

The data also shows people are admitted to hospital with severe petrol burns on 95 per cent of public holidays.

"This long weekend, the message is simple – don’t use petrol anywhere near a fire.”

For more: https://bit.ly/4aQuGet

For National Reconciliation Week this week, staff at Alfred Health came together for a panel discussion exploring the importance of asking the question 'are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?'

“This week is an opportunity to reflect on our collective role to close the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians," said Chief Experience Officer Laura Wilkinson.

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Keyanna Hood agreed, reflecting on the role that such discussions play in demonstrating dedication to making positive changes and improving Aboriginal health outcomes.

“It’s extending the hypothetical olive branch from the healthcare sector to First Nations people.”

We are fortunate to have more than 200 volunteers and 100 volunteer consumer advisors who share their time, knowledge and skills with us each year.

Together, they support our patients, visitors and staff and National Volunteer Week is their time to shine.

Head of our volunteer program, Gillian, says volunteers make a selfless contribution and we must celebrate the incredible work they do across our hospitals and other services.

“Whether it is a friendly face at reception, supporting patients in the wards, conducting patient experience surveys or participating in workshops and committees, our volunteers make a real difference,” Gillian said.

“We are very proud of our volunteers and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness and compassion with everything that they do.”

Happy National Volunteer Week!

Interested in a career in nursing at Alfred Health?

If you’re a third year nursing student, don’t miss our in-person Graduate Nurse Program Recruitment Events on Tuesday 28 May and Tuesday 4 June.

For Mietta, the program has provided a great opportunity for her to experience and learn from a range of clinical environments.

"The program both challenged and supported me in developing my clinical skills and nursing practice," said Mietta.

"The learning opportunities enhanced and strengthen my clinical skills and shaped me into a responsive, safe, resilient and capable nurse."

Hear about how to apply as a registered nurse with Alfred Health, as well as our 2025 Graduate Program, career opportunities and more, by visiting https://bit.ly/45qSRik

Please note: a virtual event is also being held on11 June for non-metropolitan based students.

Patients, staff and community gathered together at Caulfield Hospital to commemorate Anzac Day and reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the those who have served their country.

During the First World War, more than 18,000 soldiers required care at our hospital on Kooyong Road, which was established as an army hospital in 1916.

With a long history of Alfred Health staff serving and providing care – both during times of conflict and of peace – we honour their legacy and say thank you.

Lest we forget.

We've opened the first public-funded adult concussion clinic in the state at Caulfield Hospital, to help patients like Jasmin who are experiencing ongoing effects from concussion.
The clinic was developed in response to emergency department staff seeing almost 700 patients each year severely impacted by concussion, but not having any follow-up care to refer them on to.
Concussion symptoms, including headaches, brain fog, issues with speech, smell, sight and memory, can last for many months. Now, patients will have access to a multi-disciplinary team of physios, OTs, neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists and more, to help them recover.
Find out more about the clinic: https://bit.ly/4cyXNoI
Read Jasmin's story on ABC: https://ab.co/3TVpGQL
Picture credit: ABC News, Danielle Bonica

Members of the Alfred Health family braved the heat yesterday at the Midsumma Pride March to show their support for LGBTQIA+ staff, patients and wider community.

“I was proud to see so many Alfred Health staff – along with their family and friends – participating," said Alfred Health Chief Executive Professor Andrew Way. “It was moving to see such a diverse group there, all expressing their support for equality.”

Thanks to all who attended and helped to continue making it such an important event in our calendar!

With temperatures set to rise in Victoria this weekend, staying healthy and safe in the sweltering heat is a community effort.

Older adults, young children and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly susceptible to ill-effects of extreme heat.

"Heat-related illnesses are a significant concern during hot weather, so symptoms like headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and nausea should not be ignored,” says Director of Emergency Services at Alfred Health Associate Professor de Villiers Smit.

“If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek shade, hydrate, and if necessary, seek medical attention.”

For more tips on staying healthy in the heat: https://bit.ly/3UkVDCz

The achievements of individuals and teams across Alfred Health were celebrated last week at the annual Recognising Excellence Awards.

A record 350 nominations were received across nine categories for the awards, including recognition of leadership, innovation, compassion and delivery of exceptional patient outcomes.

Chief Operating Officer Simone Alexander said the awards present an important opportunity to highlight the difference staff make right across the health service.

“The positive impact you have on the lives of your patients, your colleagues, and your community is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Simone.

Congratulations to everyone nominated for an award this year.

Pictured: Equity and Inclusion Team Award winners: Disability Liaison Officers (Emergency and Trauma Centre Rapid Response).

Thunderstorm asthma season continues until the end of December, and it's important for people who suffer from hayfever, particularly those with asthma, to be prepared.

One of the best things you can do is to make sure you are taking your preventer and sticking to your asthma management plan, says A/Prof Joy Lee, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine specialist at The Alfred.

“At any time of year – if you suspect you have asthma, it’s critical that you go to a GP for an assessment."

"There's a range of other ways you can be prepared - including signing up to alerts, staying indoors if it's a high risk day, and knowing basic asthma first aid."

Read more of A/Prof Lee's tips here: https://bit.ly/3Gd1bqg

Good luck to our clinical teams who are finalists leading into tonight’s presentation of the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

One initiative up for an award is our functional seizures clinic – Australia’s only public clinic dedicated to patients with seizures that are not caused by epilepsy.

If was after neuropsychiatrist Dr Toby Winton-Brown – second from the left – saw several patients experiencing functional seizures that he identified the need to establish somewhere for them to go in the public system. A partnership later formed between our mental and addiction health and neurosciences teams, and a unique clinic was born.

“We are fortunate to be able to provide this service for our patients, and the team is delighted to have our efforts recognised in this year’s mental health and wellbeing category,” Dr Winton-Brown said.

Good luck to members of our mental health and neurosciences team, as well as pharmacy and ICU, in addition to our volunteer program. Award or not, your efforts help our patients every day.

Excellent news overnight with the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre named winners of a 2023 Melbourne Award for excellence in LGBTIQA+ community care.

“If we are chosen as the successful recipient of this award, I believe this will draw attention to the community, start conversations and increase awareness of MSHC’s service and missions," said Professor Eric Chow last month, following the team being announced as finalists for the award. "I think these discussions will be a powerful catalyst for social change to reduce social stigma around HIV, sexually transmitted infections and sexual health.”

Discover more: https://bit.ly/3QCmSF0

Meet two of our wreath layers, Jennifer and Deborah, who featured at our Remembrance Day Memorial Service.

The pair represented the Alfred Hospital Nurses League, which brings together past and present nurses. The group has a rich history and, over the years, many of our dedicated nurses have travelled far and wide to serve their country during times of war and armed conflict.

Thank you to all of our staff who took part in the service, and special thanks to Wesley College and the Victoria Police Pipe Band for returning, once again, to bring music and colour to our moving occasion.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

The Alfred's Department of Infectious Diseases recently welcomed two guests from Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea, as a part of an ongoing relationship to help build capacity in the Pacific to combat treatment resistant infections.

‘Bug fights’: improving infection prevention in the Pacific | Alfred Health The Alfred welcomes two guests from Papua New Guinea as a part of an ongoing partnership helping to build infection prevention capacity in the Pacific

The Alfred's P.A.R.T.Y. program is returning to offer an opportunity for older youth aged 17-25 to experience the hospital's leading risk-related trauma education program for themselves.

The free 2.5 hour event – to be held on Thursday, November 16 – will combine the insights of health professionals, patient stories and the hospital setting to give attendees a better understanding of the realities of risk-related trauma.

Spots are limited, so follow this link to register your participation now: https://bit.ly/3u1f6Nn