Colac Area Health Annual and Quality of Care Report 2009

Community Services
The Primary Care Division at Colac Area Health has
been through a number of changes over the past
twelve months, including a change of name from
Primary Care to Community Services.
Along with the change of name came a restructure
which saw the Community Programs and Family
Services Teams come together to form the Family
and Community Programs Team. Community
Nursing moved from Community Services to Clinical
Services. Restructure has again raised the issue of
staff office location. The new Family & Community
Programs Team found itself situated between the
Polwarth and Otway buildings not the most desirable
situation, so another move to Polwarth for some staff
is imminent. Staff must be congratulated on their
co-operation and patience in this never easy process.
The outcome, however, should ensure a cohesive and
supportive team environment.
Marie Shea was appointed to the position of Director
Community Services & Strategy in July 2008. On the
resignation of the Director Corporate Services, Garry
Ellis, in March 2009, Marie assumed the role Acting
Director Corporate Services and Marg White moved
into the position of Acting Director Community
Services.
Another significant staffing change in Community
Services in 2009 came with the resignation of Pauline
Maunsell from her position as Allied Health Team
Manager, having been at Colac Area Health for 29
years. Pauline was a sole practicing Dietitian when
she began in 1980 and went on to experience many
changes and developments during her time at CAH,
including the amalgamation of the Colac District
Hospital with the Colac Community Health Centre in
1995 to form Colac Community Health Services which
later became Colac Area Health.
Pauline assumed the role of Allied Health Team
Manager in 2004, remaining passionate about her
field of nutrition and staying active in the sector,
regionally, statewide and nationally. Pauline was
highly respected throughout the organisation; a
highly skilled clinician and leader who was greatly
admired by her staff and colleagues. Thoughtful
and respectful, Pauline was both approachable and
consultative and her skills knowledge will be a great
loss to this organisation. In April 2009 at a farewell
function at Otway Estate Winery & Brewery, Colac
Area Health thanked Pauline for her very significant
contribution to the organisation and wished her well
in her retirement.
Jennifer Black was appointed to the Manager Allied
Health Team position in April and brings with
her a wealth of experience from her former roles
with Pathways and Barwon Health. Jennifer is an
Occupational Therapist by profession and has had
significant management experience. She has been
warmly welcomed by the Allied Health Team.
Picking up on the strategic planning process for
Community Services initiated by Marie Shea has
been interesting with active participation and input
from all staff in Community Service. The plan is in its
final stages after a stimulating and productive day
with consultant Roger Hastrich. Development of the
plan has provided staff with the opportunity to set
key directions, identifying four priority areas around
which to set goals, i.e. Leadership, Access and Equity,
Growth and Sustainability and Staff Health and
Wellbeing. The plan has a three year timeframe and
will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
The Allied Health Team underwent a significant
review process in August 2008 and has developed
an action plan for improvement and change. The
identified action streams include; service provision,
workload organisation, workforce development and
support and student activity. The action plan will
include areas such as data collection and reports,
co-ordinated intake, professional development and
student placement. Members of the team are to be
congratulated on their commitment to the process
and their work in developing the action plan and
implementing the changes.
The Neighbourhood House has been successful in
obtaining a “volunteer grant” from the Modernising
Neighbourhood House Grants. A total of $35,000
has been approved to create a reception area
and to update visual aids for the volunteers. The
Neighbourhood House is also part of the $88,000
grant to become an eco-living centre, with Lorne
38 Colac Area Health