Annual Report 2011 - Calvary Health Care Bethlehem

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Calvary Health Care Bethlehem 2010 – 11 Annual Report 32 Projects & Partnerships Project for Improving Care for Patients with Huntington’s Disease The purpose of the project was to develop an improved model of care for Huntington’s Disease patients during their inpatient admission. We focused on this group of patients because they often experienced difficulties settling into the ward environment, due to their complex combination of disorders of movement, thinking and behaviour. One of the major outcomes of the project was the development of a Diversional Therapy program. The results of this program have proven to be a sound success. A diversional therapist was employed, who managed to create meaningful relationships with the patients and guide them with an array of activities which engaged each individual in an unique manner. Activities included music, exercise, painting and conversation. Most importantly there was a sense of confirmation of the worth of each patient who participated. Families also noticed the positive effects of the program and experienced comfort that their loved ones were being supported and cared for in an atmosphere that optimised their ability to function and engage with life. The Spirit of Life – Leaders in Our Work ‘Social Communication Changes in Progressive Neurological Conditions: The Impact on Carers’. This research project emerged from our clinical observations within the specialist progressive neurology service. It was consistently observed that carers of patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Huntington’s Disease (HD) and advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS), noticed alterations in behaviour and emotional functioning. Carers found reduced empathy, loss of emotional reactivity and increased aggression, the most difficult changes to adjust to. Such changes were often significant causative factors in relationship stress and breakdowns. From these observations we felt committed to lead research in this area. The research received funding from the Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation and Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia. Over 100 of our patient and carer couples participated in the research. Data collected from 49 patients with MND and their nominated carers, 30 with HD and 20 with MS. Thirty control participants also completed the research. Preliminary analysis demonstrated that individuals with distinct progressive neurological conditions displayed different levels of impairment in emotion recognition and social communication. To date our research has been presented at the Speech Pathology in Sub-Acute Care Meeting, the 4th Pacific Rim Conference of the Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment and the International Neuropsychological Society. Our research continues to lead advancements in social communication in progressive neurological diseases in Australia. St Teresa’s ward continues to be a world leader in care of patients with Huntington’s Disease.
The constant advancements of our research culture, continues to see our staff actively invited to present at national and international conferences throughout the year; confirming we are leaders in our respective fields. Research
Page 1 and 2: Annual Report 10- 11 ‘The Spirit
Page 3 and 4: Chief Executive Officer Message Dr
Page 5 and 6: We have been taking care of the com
Page 7 and 8: Best Practice Australia Staff Satis
Page 9 and 10: Average Length of Service by Staff
Page 11 and 12: The Executive Team DR. JANE FISCHER
Page 13 and 14: Centre for Education and Developmen
Page 15 and 16: Our commitment to providing quality
Page 17 and 18: Level of satisfaction with the over
Page 19 and 20: Clinical Indicators - Falls The rat
Page 21 and 22: Information Management Governance C
Page 23 and 24: Investing in Technology Infrastruct
Page 25 and 26: Our Services On Our Wards For St Lu
Page 27 and 28: Neuro-Ambulatory Service An integra
Page 29 and 30: Dietitian Services The nutrition se
Page 31 and 32: Projects & Partnerships Redevelopme
Page 33: Our Education Supporting Pakistan A
Page 37 and 38: Research Applications The following
Page 39 and 40: Community Engagement Community Advi
Page 41 and 42: Fundraising Acknowledgements Commun
Page 44: Calvary Health Care Bethlehem 476 K

Annual Report 2011 - Calvary Health Care Bethlehem

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