RESPECT

The Companion Observer Program
is a prime example of HDHS staff
and UHA volunteers embodying the
values and mission of HDHS to meet
the needs of our community.
FOCUS ON PRESSURE INJURY
Raising community awareness, risk
assessment and referral are integral
parts of preventing pressure injuries
within the hospital environment
and in the community. The HDHS
Pressure Injury Working Party is
reviewing processes at HDHS to
ensure that intervention is offered
to those at greatest risk of pressure
injury. Preventative intervention is
increasing with the introduction
of new screening tools for use in
clinical situations, development of
patient information handouts, and
staff education by pressure injury
prevention specialists.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Public health is as much a
responsibility of HDHS as treating
the sick or injured.
A record number of staff members
were vaccinated in March and
April, 2013 to reduce the spread of
influenza. The HDHS flu vaccination
campaign also contributed to public
awareness of disease transmission
and prevention strategies.
Provision of childhood vaccination
clinics, upgrading of vaccine storage
systems and a thorough review of
vaccination processes all contributed
positively to public health, as has the
introduction of alcohol based hand
rub made available at point of care
within the hospital.
A continued focus on healthy
lifestyles saw nutrition and physical
activity messages highlighted
within HDHS and taken out into the
community at a variety of events
including Relay for Life, Bligh Park
Pregnancy and Parenthood Expo,
Australia’s Healthy Weight Week,
BreastScreen van on site at HDHS
Heart Week, Kidney Health Week,
and April Falls Day.
NEW HOME FOR BREASTSCREEN IN
THE HAWKESBURY
After a five year absence from
the district, the community rallied
together to celebrate BreastScreen’s
return to the Hawkesbury by
constructing a stable site for the
screening van on HDHS’ front lawn.
The position of the van will provide
easy access for Hawkesbury women
to breast screening services and is a
bold reminder of the importance of
mammograms.
INNOVATIVE SERVICE DESIGN
The introduction of new laser
technology and extensive training for
operating theatre staff has reduced
the number of urology patients
requiring transfer to tertiary hospitals
for the treatment of kidney and other
urinary tract stones.
A new program introduced to
the Hawkesbury recently is the
Community Medic, a first aid service
to the homeless community of the
Hawkesbury. HDHS has been liaising
with community medics as they
orientate themselves to services in the
district, assisting where possible with
information and referral to services
relevant to clients’ needs.
Expansion of our pre-admission
clinic offers pre-booked surgical
patients support, clinical assessment
and education prior to admission,
and assessment of their home
environment in preparation for
discharge.
FOOD FOR HEALTH
HDHS’ food and nutrition services
have received accolades for their
quality and professional standards.
This year’s Patient Satisfaction Survey
revealed that HDHS is providing an
excellent food service to its patients,
achieving an overall satisfaction
rating of 4.29 out of 5, benchmarking
higher than our public hospital
neighbours.
MEN’S HEALTH
Men’s health is a vital part of the life
of any community, yet HDHS is still the
only organisation in NSW to dedicate
a full time position to men’s health.
Highlights of the last five years since
the inception of this service include:
• Bloke’s Day - this successful day,
held annually, is assisting to build
awareness of the importance of
men’s health;
• A men’s ante-natal class which
assists fathers to embrace the
challenges of parenthood;
• Emotional support for men
struggling with relationship issues;
and
• Support for male victims of
domestic violence.
ACCESSIBLE ABORIGINAL HEALTH IN
THE HAWKESBURY
Life expectancy for Indigenous
Australians is 15-20 years less than for
non-Indigenous Australians. Closing
the Gap on Disadvantage is the
responsibility of all Australians and
appointing an Aboriginal Community
Liaison Officer (ACLO) position at
HDHS has been a significant step at
a local level towards this.
The ACLO role has two main
functions: firstly, to engage directly
with the local Aboriginal community
to improve their health; and
secondly, to improve accessibility
to the health services available
through HDHS.
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