Coleraine District Health Service Year in Review
4 October 2007
The large audience at the Coleraine District Health Service Year in Review last Monday, was told the Coleraine and Merino healthcare facilities redevelopment was a major focus for the health service during the year,
The CDHS Year in Review report was presented at the meeting, which reported on the provision of funds by the Department of Human Services to purchase land at Coleraine and Merino as a highlight.
DHS approval and funding was also provided to complete schematic design and business plans for the proposed redevelopment.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on funding approval in the last State budget to proceed with the redevelopment, it was reported that Western District Health Service had confirmed its commitment to the planned redevelopment project with the commencement of the building of three independent living units on the St. Joseph’s site. The Health Service has allocated $400,000 from its reserves to the project as part of the early works package due for completion at the end of this year.
In her report on other highlights for the year CDHS Management Committee chair, Sandra Adams, said the health service was committed to ongoing and improving performance, “and we were pleased that the Annual Food Safety Audit conducted by external surveyors found that our catering service and facilities were fully compliant with all standards”.
“The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency made an unannounced visit to Valley View Nursing Home and Wannon Hostel in February. Both facilities were found to be fully compliant with the standards reviewed by the Surveyors with the feedback being very positive regarding the quality of care provided to residents and commitment to ongoing quality improvement.”
“It is also pleasing to have patients give CDHS a tick of approval in the latest external Patient Satisfaction Survey completed by the Department of Human Services. As always there is still room for improvement and we will be striving to continually do better,” Ms Adams said.
The guest speaker at the Year in Review was Professor James Dunbar, Director of Greater Health, who enthralled the audience outlining the content of his recent publication about Dr Jayant Patel, better known as “Dr Death”, who was employed as a surgeon at the Bundaberg Hospital.
Prof Dunbar’s focus was the cultures, personalities and circumstances which allowed Dr Patel to continue operating, despite a series of complaints from primarily nursing staff and patients and their families, and consequent deaths attributed to him.
Staff service awards were presented by Western District Health Service Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jim Fletcher.
CAPTION: Recipients of CDHS Staff Service awards at the Coleraine Year in Review were Marie Grinham, Margaret Mary Baulch, Cath Stiglich.
Front: Jane Bunge and Val McIntosh.