Colac Area Health Annual and Quality of Care Report 2009

Corangamarah
Front Entrance
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the
wonderful staff in Acute Services for supporting
me in my new role.
Angela Holland
Nurse Unit Manager
Acute Care Unit
Corangamarah Residential
Aged Care Facility
The past twelve months has seen some significant
and exciting changes for Corangamarah. A
restructure of the management positions led to
the appointment of myself as the Assistant Director
Clinical Services – Aged Care, commencing
in January. I was Director of Nursing at Mercy
Health and Aged Care Colac for three years prior
to coming to join the team at Colac Area Health
(CAH) and have worked in the Aged Care Industry
for the past eighteen years. The appointment of
Maurie Oates to the position of Care Coordinator
in March completed the management team for
Corangamarah. Maurie returns to CAH after an
absence of twelve years. Prior to his return he was
Director of Nursing at South West Health Care -
Camperdown and Cobden District Health Service.
This newly formed team has set a number of goals
for the next twelve months and we look forward to
an exciting year ahead.
One of the most exciting improvements
for Corangamarah in 2009 has been the
commencement of the garden redevelopment.
This included the relocation of individual
community, Lions Club and Rotary Club of Colac
West pavers to a more prominent position at the
front of Corangamarah. Two new garden and
entertainment areas were created for the North
and South wings. The North garden benefited from
a new deck protected by a shade sail, drought
resistant plants, a new irrigation system, and
extensive garden furniture and sculptures. The East
garden was redesigned to improve the access due
to the steep incline at the front of Corangamarah.
This included the installation of bench seats,
drought resistant plants, a new irrigation system,
and a seating area under a shade sail complete
with a new water feature. Stage three of the
redevelopment was the front of Corangamarah
which once again utilised drought resistant plants,
bench seats, an easy access pathway from the
front of Corangamarah to the pedestrian crossing,
and the extension of the parking bay. A new
sculpture called “The Guardian of the Mount” was
commissioned for the front of Corangamarah
symbolising Mount Corangamarah.
Although Corangamarah is only three years old
this August some significant improvements and
renovations have occurred internally in order
to create a more home like environment for our
residents, family and friends. This includes new
window furnishing for all residents’ rooms and
planned painting of feature walls in resident
rooms, lounge areas and corridors later this year.
Average occupancy for the past year has sat at
88.6% but the end of this financial year has seen
an increase in resident admissions ending the
year with occupancy of 92% in June. Enquiries for
admission to Corangamarah remain strong and a
waiting list has recommenced.
Due to the generosity of our community, we are
grateful for the opportunity to be able to enhance
the resident’s lifestyle by purchasing additional
furniture and equipment. We continue to value the
support from our many volunteers as well as the
family and friends of residents in Corangamarah.
Staff working in Corangamarah continue to
support and mentor four trainees completing their
Division Two Registered Nurse Certificate IV in
Health (Nursing), which they will complete by the
end of 2009. These trainees will be the first group
to graduate as Medication Endorsed Division 2
Registered Nurses. Four staff graduated from their
traineeships as Division 2 Registered Nurses at
the end of 2008. Many staff have also taken up
the opportunity to attend education offered by
the CAH Quality and Staff Development Unit. Two
Division 1 Registered Nurses are due to graduate
with an Advanced Diploma of Management in
October 2009.
2009 Annual and Quality of Care Report 23