RDNS 2009 Annual Report - Royal District Nursing Service

ContentsRoyal District Nursing Service Limited ABN 49 052 188 7171 Welcome2 2009 at a glanceStaff Achievement Awards3 Report from the Chairman & CEO5 RDNS. Everyday.16 Financial Summary17 Our Executive Team18 Thank you! –Our generous donors20 Facts & Figures23 Our Directors25 Corporate Governance StatementThank you To our clienTs and sTaffTo the clients and staff of RDNS who have so graciouslyparticipated in this Annual Report, we extend our heartfeltthanks and appreciation. Thank you for allowing us into yourhomes and lives, for providing insight and understanding,and for so generously sharing your stories.PaTrons’ councilDr Sally CockburnLady April Hamer OAMDarvell Hutchinson AMThe Honourable Jeffrey Kennett ACThe Honourable Joan Kirner AMSimon Molesworth AM QCLady Primrose Potter AC DLJSir Gilbert Simpson KNZM QSMHome and Community Care (HACC) servicesprovided by Royal District Nursing Service are jointlyfunded by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

Welcome to theRoyal District Nursing ServiceAnnual Report 2009RDNS.Every day.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 1

2009 at a glanceClients visited 33,213Visits made 1,718,540 *Hours of care 581,503Cars 598Distance travelled 8.9 million kmStaff 1,400* Visits include direct care and client related contactsStaff Achievement AwardsThe Staff Achievement Awardsis a peer-nominated, annual awardsscheme which recognises RDNS staffmembers for their accomplishments.The awards identify excellence in clientand customer service, innovation andcreative thinking.The ouTsTanding clinicalouTcome awardAwarded to a direct care staff member whohas displayed extraordinary commitment to aparticular client and their condition in a way thathas seen that client achieve a significant andpositive clinical outcome.Winner: Sarah Boothby RDNS YarraThe Beyond The call of duTy awardAwarded to a staff member who has eithershown repeated displays of working beyondthe normal requirements of their daily role or hasbeen responsible for an extraordinary, individualact of going ‘beyond the call of duty’ in the courseof their work.Winners:Sharon McNeil Marketing & PlanningMichael Vermeulen Information ServicesThe leadershiP awardAwarded to a staff member who has shownremarkable leadership, whether that leadershipis of people, programs, projects or specialities.Winner: Maureen WilkinsonCustomer Service CentreThe sTar Performer awardAwarded to a staff member who has displayedoutstanding service in their field and hasdemonstrated integrity, professionalism, abilityto draw respect from colleagues and clients/customers alike and has shown an on-going andgenuine commitment to RDNS and the communitywe serve.Winners:Mandy Shannon RDNS Diamond ValleyTerry Gliddon RDNS Institute2|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

Report from the Chairman & CEOIt is our pleasure to bring to you the AnnualReport, covering a year of achievement anda year of challenges. Much has happenedwithin Royal District Nursing Service; muchhas happened or been mooted in healthcareat Commonwealth government level; we havehad to deal with the impact of the global financialcrisis and we have been busy pursuing excitingstrategic directions.The Board of Directors has determined, inconjunction with senior management, a pathof growth and diversification for RDNS whichhas already seen us set up services and officesin Hobart, in conjunction with the TasmanianDepartment of Health and Human Services,and in Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand.Our new New Zealand subsidiary has secureda contract with the Auckland District HealthBoard, so that Royal District Nursing ServiceNew Zealand now employs over 100 staffcaring for some 500 clients. We see this asan important step in establishing a substantialRDNS presence in New Zealand, employingNew Zealand staff and sharing our clinicalexpertise in community care. Implementationof RDNS services in Auckland presentedmany challenges and opportunities and it isa credit to all involved that this has been sucha success, with much positive feedback aboutthe quality of our services and the skills of ourNew Zealand staff.In parallel, we are looking to extend the depthand breadth of our services in Australia andwe have been successful in gaining fundingfrom the Commonwealth government forCommunity Aged Care Packages (CACPS)and Extended Aged Care at Home Packages(EACH and EACH-D) of care. We have beengranted provider status by WorkSafe Victoriato undertake worker health checks undera newly-established government initiative,which encourages employers to promote theimportance of health checks such as bloodpressure, cholesterol and blood glucosechecks to their staff.We are strongly committed to growingRDNS to expand our services beyond historicboundaries, and work continues to increaseboth our revenue base and geographiccoverage. Our plan requires this to be donequickly and without the assumption of unduerisk. We look forward to reporting the resultsof our efforts next year.We underwent a full Australian Council onHealthcare Standards (ACHS) accreditationsurvey in the second half of 2008 and receivedmany notable and affirming comments fromthe surveyors, including:‘A leader in home nursing services…RDNS is leading the way withinnovative care.’‘RDNS is recognised as a leaderin domiciliary care.’(Report of the September 2008 AustralianCouncil on Healthcare StandardsOrganisation-Wide Accreditation Evaluationand Quality Improvement Program Survey ofRDNS, including assessment against HACCNational Service Standards).Our Customer Service Centre (CSC), whichis now in its second year of full operation,is drawing great interest from many acrossthe health industry, both in Victoria andbeyond. We set out some years ago toestablish a centre which, whilst technicallyadvanced, would offer meaningful supportand improved levels of personalised service toour clients, stakeholders and staff. This is nowbeing achieved, with industry best practiceperformance levels being routinely deliveredand, importantly, the capability to adapt to thechanging face of health and community-basedcare. In Tasmania and New Zealand, we haveeffectively mirrored aspects of the technologywhich sits behind our Melbourne CSC, enablingus to enter new health markets and delivernew services.The financial position of RDNS remains sound.Our balance sheet is strong, with a very goodequity position and no debt. However, wehave had to endure a downturn in the valueof our investments and a reduction in theearnings coming from our investments. Further,the capacity of many donors has also beenrestrained in the wake of the financial downturn.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 3

RDNS. Every day.The rain is falling. It is springtime and despite the light showers andlow temperature, the birds are content; they chirp and play under thecanopies of tree branches in early bloom. Across Melbourne, the dawnis rousing people from their overnight slumber: there is the familiar clinkof breakfast bowls; the pouring of coffee; the steam from hot showersthat usher in the start of a new day. It is Thursday, and while the peopleof Melbourne prepare themselves in myriad ways for the coming day,hundreds of individuals are already immersed in the responsibilitiesthat their working day entails.They are the nurses and staff of Royal District Nursing Service and today,with a seemingly endless list of people to visit and care for, is a day likeany other. Twenty-fours a day, every day of the year, it is like this.As communities rise and sleep; as alarms pierce the early morningstillness; as peace descends in the dead of night; the staff of RDNSwind their way through our streets caring for people who could beour friends, colleagues, neighbours, family.This is their story. This is a day in their life.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 5

mid-morning10.02 amIt’s just after 10 and Alison has swiftly visited another client before arriving at Ada’s house. Ada squintsslightly as she ushers Alison into the kitchen, joking about the ‘immaculate degeneration’ that affectsher eyesight. But it is for a nasty leg ulcer that Alison is visiting today. Three times a week for almostthree months Ada has been visited by RDNS to attend to the angry sore that begun with a knock to herlower leg. Alison carefully removes the bandages and delicately tends the almost healed wound. Shelooks pleased with the progress and happily confirms with Ada that she will need only two visits a weekfor a few more weeks before the wound is completely healed. Ada looks equally pleased as Alisonrelaces the compression stocking that helps prevent her leg from swelling.10.26 am“Come in if you’re good looking!” is the lively call through the kitchenwindow. Alison responds to the cheeky invitation from Jean witha broad grin, and enters via the back door of her home. Jean hasdementia but she is able to remain at home thanks to the supportof her family and also that of RDNS. Jean has already been visitedthis morning by one of RDNS’ Community Care Aides to help showerher: it is now time for her to take her medications and attend to hereye drops. Jean is in fine spirits and, amidst the swift but detailedprocess of checking medication charts and assembling her tablets,the conversation flows warmly. Her home shows the evidence of hercondition: hand-written notes on walls and appliances reminding herof what to do but, as she talks and enthuses about her upcomingmeal at the Dingley pub, there is a strong impression of happinessand contentment. Alison completes her visit and bids Jean farewell.The Dingley pub beckons, but so do Alison’s other clients.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009|7

afternoon12.12 pmAlison knocks on the weathered frame of Stephen’s front door. The house is old andin a poor state of repair. Inside, the walls are stained yellow from years of living and thecarpet has shrunk away from the skirting boards, protesting decades of foot traffic. A bubblywoman answers the door and heartily invites Alison in, recognising her immediately. It isStephen’s mother. She ushers Alison down the hallway and into the main room, which iscrammed with items and objects and knick-knacks from almost every era. From a darkenedbedroom emerges Stephen and takes his place in his chair. He is coughing hard andAlison comments immediately, as she prepares his many medications. Like a number ofAlison’s clients, it is mental illness that is Stephen’s main affliction. Alison hands him his dailytablets but she is clearly concerned by his hacking cough. She persuades him to make anappointment with his doctor and looks happier as a result. Before she leaves she checks thestate of his feet, which have had problems; those too seem to be on the improve. It is lessthan a 20 minute visit but the impact on Stephen’s life, and his mother’s, is profound.1.47 pmTwo more visits have been made to clients with various medical needsand now Alison arrives at Marjorie’s door. The rain is heavier again asAlison lets herself in; “Who is it? Is that you Alison?” is the gruff shoutfrom the kitchen. Alison is met by Marjorie, with wild silver hair and adefiant glint in her eye. The small home is full of stately but well-wornfurniture and on the wall sits a single picture of a beautiful young womanand her five year old son. On closer inspection, it is apparent that thewoman is Marjorie; the boy is her son Patrick. Alison sits herself atthe kitchen table and gets Marjorie to work: first a series of puffersfor her chest; then a procession of tablets. She checks her feet, as shesometimes needs to organise podiatry on Marjorie’s behalf. The frontdoor opens and Patrick enters from the drizzle; the young face fromthe picture on the wall still evident in this tall man. He lives with Marjorieand greets Alison warmly. Alison is efficient but ever precise in heractions. Her skilled eyes and ears, honed from years of nursing, arealert to changes in her clients’ situations, but today she is content all isas it should be. She leaves for her next visit, as mother and son farewellher until next time.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 9

2.26 pmIt’s mid-afternoon and Alison attends her last visit. Gladys answersthe door of her warm and tidy apartment: “Oh, it’s the district nurse,”she says, seemingly surprised. But then, dementia has that effect,and Alison is quick to put her at ease before settling them bothat the small kitchen table. It is a very quiet affair, the quietest visitof the day. There is gentle small talk about Gladys’ family and animminent appointment at the hairdresser. Alison fills in the medicationchart, supplying Gladys with her tablets as she goes, which shedispenses from the locked-box which is kept in her home. Red andangular, it is the safe that houses medications that assists Gladysand so many of Alison’s clients to stay in their own homes.2.48 pmAs children enter the last few minutes of their school day,Alison is heading back to the RDNS site. Here she will completeher paperwork, send faxes and referrals to doctors, pharmaciesand others, all on behalf of her clients, before making her wayback to the sanctuary of her own home.3.52 pmAlison has completed her tasks, but by RDNS standards,the day is still young. As office workers across Melbournestir their last cups of tea for the afternoon, nurse Maxis checking the list of clients he is scheduled to see thisevening. In typical Melbourne fashion, the rain has givenup and a golden afternoon sun accompanies Max as hesets out on a shift which will take him well into the darkevening hours.10|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

late afternoon4.27pmIan doesn’t mind a chat and the relationship he haswith Max is clearly affable and trusting. Max entershis home with a smile and quickly goes to work,opening the distinctive locked-box and assemblinga variety of pills. “It’s for my epilepsy,” explains Ianwith a disgruntled nod, obligingly swallowing eachtablet without the aid of a glass of water. “You getused to it,” he says with a wry smile. Ian shows Maxa letter from the hospital; it concerns an appointmentthat he feels Max should know about. Max readsthe letter and makes a note on his mobile computer,assuring Ian that he will work around the hospitalappointment to ensure Ian gets his regular RDNSvisits that day. Ian looks more relaxed, as Max deftlyadministers eye-drops: “You take one medicine forone problem and it creates another!” Ian remarkswith annoyance at his dry eyes. It’s quick but it’seffective and Max is soon back on the road.4.53 pmVal is a gentle soul; shy and almost bashful, though sheobviously likes Max and ushers him through her front door.She lives here with her brother, who helps care for her asshe manages her mental illness. Twice a day an RDNS nursevisits her, so crucial is the need for her to take her medicineswith timely regularity. “I gotta keep on my medication, don’tI Max? I gotta keep on them Max,” Val enthuses, as Maxarranges her colourful tablets. Max enquires about her day;it has been one of cleaning and she seems satisfied. “Howwas the wedding you went to, Max?” she asks of his recentsocial event with genuine zeal. Max shares the highlightswith Val, all the while carefully completing her medicationchart and updating her records. His manner is relaxed andfriendly but his application to the task at hand is meticulousand concentrated. A balancing act. A skill. A blessing forpeople like Val.5.02 pmAs he leaves Val’s home, Max receives acall from RDNS’ Customer Service Centre –a client has cancelled a visit that evening.He thinks quickly on his feet and decideshow to best modify his schedule.5.13 pmThe sun is low in the sky and Max is about to enter another client’s house.It’s a quick procedure: an enema for a client with no family or other supports.“Someone has to do it,” Max says quite matter-of-factly with a half-grin.“And it helps keep him at home.” As he exits the house he receives anothercall from the Customer Service Centre – the cancelled visit is back on.More shuffling of the schedule.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 11

evening5.33 pmMax arrives at a supported residence for adults with Down’s Syndrome.He enters as if one of the family and is greeted with a hearty “Hi Max!”from some of the residents. He is seeing Susan today. She has diabetesand his assistance is vital so that she properly manages her condition andcan live in this comfortable facility she calls home. As he completes hisvisit, the phone rings - again. It’s the CSC. The visit is cancelled – again.The son of a client had been a little confused about the medicines he wasto give his mother. He has now sorted it out. No need to come tonight.6.07 pmIt’s almost dusk and as dinners are prepared throughout the suburbs,the work of Max and his colleagues continues. Peter’s cat has enjoyeda fine day frolicking in the garden and has retired in the front of the fireas Max takes Peter through the routine he performed with Alison at thestart of the day. Once again, the task is precise and professional. Maxchecks Peter has enough of all his medications and is satisfied with hisblood-sugar readings. He moves into the fading rays of daylight withplenty of work still to do.6.31 pmPeggy answers her door and Max is greeted by the smell of toastedsandwiches. The chilly wind clutches at him as he makes his wayinto the warm house. Peggy is unusually quiet, Max observes, as heprepares her medications. Some are for dementia, some are for herdiabetes, but he senses something is not quite right. Max checks herblood sugar and the mystery is solved. Her blood sugar is very low andMax is concerned to raise it immediately. He locates some jelly beansand Peggy quickly eats them. He then sits with her as she nibblesher toasted sandwich. It takes some time, but Max is concernednot to leave her. As he waits for the food to take effect, he administersher medications and completes her client notes, making a point tosuggest that Peggy has a chat with her doctor about a couple of recentlow readings. Ten minutes later another blood reading is taken – 5.2.Max is satisfied and Peggy is already brighter. The sky however is not:the last of the sun’s rays have disappeared until morning.12|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

7.13 pmIda looks concerned as Max enters her small and sparsely furnishedflat. At 83, she has seen a lot of life, and she has little need or desirefor anxiety or stress. A visit from someone earlier in the day has left herfeeling tense. As she talks with Max, she seems to gain comfort, knowingthat in him she has someone she can trust. And trust him she does: toprovide her with her medicines and administer the eye-drops that keepher glaucoma at bay. Max reminds her that she is in control and can stillmake her own decisions, with assistance from her family, if she feelspressured by her earlier visitor. She thanks him with clear appreciationas he steps into the increasingly cool evening.7.49 pmMickey shuffles to the door in herfamiliar RSPCA pyjamas. “I supportthe RSPCA,” she reminds Maxbefore handing him a copy of “100Birds to See Before You Die”. It is aquirky punctuation in an otherwiseserious business: making sureMickey takes her tablets andinhalers and puffers before theevening lengthens too much.Mickey shows the same trust inMax as she did in Alison earlier inthe day, although, like this morning,all care is carried out just insideher front door. This is Mickey’shome, and she decides howthings happen. Max completesher medication chart and clientnotes with precision before wishingMickey a good night. The warmglow of her porch light pierces theotherwise darkened street andMax heads off into the shadows.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 13

8.11 pmFreda has contended with her fair share of physical difficulties in herlife. A problem with her bones has meant a raft of complications,including hip replacements. They have helped, but they haven’tsolved her underlying problem and at 88 years old, it is now amatter of managing her pain. She sits in bed, a plasma TV in frontof her, as Max enters her room. She is matter of fact about her painand Max is determined to help her manage it. The aim is to get herthrough the night with as little discomfort as possible. Max noticessome of her medications need replenishing and completes theappropriate paperwork before handing her painkillers. The night canbe long and unforgiving and Freda’s doctor ensures via Max and hisRDNS colleagues that she receives exactly the right combinationof medicines. There are other things to attend to: Max ensures sheis comfortable in bed and her feet are correctly placed in a supportframe. There is a wheat bag to prepare for added pain relief and anight-time drink to sustain her. The world outside is quiet and Maxcompletes his task with calm assuredness. For Max, it is all part ofhis evening’s work; for Freda it is an essential conclusion to her day.8.51pmMax re-enters the dimly lit street and completes some client noteson his mobile computer. There is one more client to see. He lovesthis work, he says, and in the evening there is a tranquillity which heenjoys as he undertakes his tasks. Soon he will be back at RDNS,completing outstanding client notes and making sure people likeFreda have their medication orders faxed off in order to alert thepharmacist first thing the following day. Max smiles under the streetlights: it’s all part of a day’s…a night’s…work.9.03 pmThe night is still, apart from a light breeze that rustles the lightly perfumedtrees. Across the city people settle into their regular night-time activities:reading, watching television, cleaning up after a long day. The RDNS siteis different at this time of day: there is no bustle of nurses preparing toundertake morning visits; no heightened chatter or the mechanical droneof computers, printers and faxes. Instead, the office area is quiet, gently litand calm. Sitting in front of their mobile computers are nurse Jackie andCommunity Care Aide Lorna. It is the night shift, and ahead of the duo aremany hours of client visits. The nature of what they do is slightly differentfrom their daytime colleagues, but just as vital. They travel as a pair –mainly for security – but it is clear that as most of Melbourne sleeps, theybenefit from having each other’s company. There are clients across a fewsuburbs to see tonight, and a range of care to be provided.9.53 pmIt’s already been a long day for June Evelyn. After a nasty fall and a periodin hospital she has returned to her warm and cherished home. She is stillvery sore and bruised, but well enough to be discharged. But this is herfirst night back at home, and without any other support, she is grateful forthe arrival of her night visitors, Jackie and Lorna. June Evelyn’s mobilityis limited and she walks slowly with a frame: there are medicines to takeand she requires help with medicated creams and with preparing herselffor bed. An artist all of her life, her many works of literature, drawingand painting adorn her home and provide a fitting background for themethodical work of Jackie and Lorna. Despite her recent trauma, thereis a knowing look in her eye, as if she has learnt at least some of life’ssecrets over her 82 year journey. Her movements, and that of her visitors,are measured and watchful, but she is eventually ready to retire to herown bed after an enforced period of absence. It is a simple pleasure thatshe cherishes and she acknowledges the role Jackie and Lorna haveplayed in helping make it possible once again.14 |Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

10.48 pmThe wind has lifted and the temperature has dropped again as Jackie and Lorna make theirway up the drive of two sisters with schizophrenia. Long-term clients of RDNS, they are ‘acouple of characters’ Lorna explains, but this night, the welcome is extended to their trustedcaregivers only, not to cameras. The care is swift, well-rehearsed and absolutely necessaryif the two are to remain together and in their own home. ‘Medication management’ is theofficial term; the careful administration of a combination of drugs that bring relative normalityto these two sisters and countless others in RDNS’ care.11.21 pmMidnight is just around the corner, and with the darkness of night comes the pain ofincurable disease. The next visit is to a newly admitted client, Rosie: the treatment ispalliative care. Jackie and Lorna are seeing her to ease her pain and to help make the laststage of her journey as peaceful as possible. It is challenging and confronting: housesthroughout the same street radiate the warm glow of lamps and night-lights and televisions,but in this home a harsh reality is proclaiming its cruel truth. But it is still home to Rosie,and this is where she has chosen to complete her life. There is dignity here, and respectand courage.12.03amMidnight has come and gone: it is a new day.But Norma is wide awake as the RDNS pairpull up outside the quaint house she shareswith her husband Gordon. They have beenmarried 62 years and the journey of their loveaffair is written large on the walls of their home.From the early days of blooming romance, tothe raising of children, through to the moremodest adventures of these later years,photos speak loudly of a life fully lived and alove that runs deep. Norma smiles broadly asshe ushers Jackie and Lorna in from the coolair, but there is sadness in her eyes as well.Gordon is gravely ill; these are the last stagesof untreatable disease but it is at home thathe will endure until the last. The spite of hiscondition will not part them in these last days,although it has tried its best. Norma caredfor him by herself at first, but it was too muchfor even this robust 86-year-old, and now shehappily, gratefully, relies on Jackie, Lorna andtheir colleagues. “I just couldn’t cope withoutthem,” says Norma, looking wistfully towardsthe bedroom in which her husband is restingmore peacefully now that Jackie and Lornahave finished their task.the small hours12.38 amThe night wind is bracing and haughty as itgreets Jackie and Lorna once again. They enterthe warm sanctuary of their car and refer totheir client list, housed reliably on their mobilecomputer. Despite the relative silence that willaccompany them throughout the night, thereis still much to be done over the coming hours:clients with complex care needs and pain tobe managed; others who need to be manuallyturned in their beds to provide comfort andalleviate pressure. At around 7.30am Jackieand Lorna will complete their duties, just asAlison and Max before them, and the 24 hourcycle of care will be complete. Until, as the birdsrise from their slumber at the first hint of dawn,and as much of Melbourne follows shortlyafterwards, the next band of RDNS nurses andsupport staff begin the sequence all over again.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009|15

Financial SummaryINCOME STATEMENTFOR ThE yEAR ENDED 30 JuNE 2009RDNS 2009 RDNS 2008$ $Revenue from continuing operations 95,522,645 89,979,817Net gain / (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment (86,004) 359,199Total revenue 95,436,641 90,339,016Total expenses 95,796,521 88,505,326Surplus from continuing operations (359,880) 1,833,690BALANCE ShEETAS AT 30 JuNE 2009RDNS 2009 RDNS 2008$ $Total current assets 13,166,058 9,540,908Total non-current assets 19,889,678 22,101,503Total assets 33,055,736 31,642,411Total current liabilities 21,654,295 19,983,931Total non-current liabilities 2,813,103 2,348,927Total liabilities 24,467,398 22,332,858Net assets 8,588,338 9,309,553Reserves 2,896,192 3,295,260Accumulated surplus 5,692,146 6,014,293Total equity 8,588,338 9,309,55316|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

Our Executive TeamClockwise from front left:david aBerdeenGeneral Manager, Human Resourcesevan gordonGeneral Manager, Marketing and Planningmark smiThGeneral Manager, External Relationsdr lisa donohueGeneral Manager, RDNS Helen Macpherson SmithInstitute of Community Healthian cashGeneral Manager, Information Servicesrosemary hoganExecutive General Manager, Client Servicesdan romanisChief Executive OfficersTelvio vidoExecutive General Manager,Strategic and Support Servicesfiona hearnGeneral Manager/Director of Nursing,North and West RegionsanThony BoffaGeneral Manager, Finance and AssetsmarTin wischerGeneral Manager/Director of Nursing,South and East RegionsRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 17

Thank you!Every gift is important. As we strive to keep pace with thedemand for our services, your support is more important than ever.We would like to thank the individuals,philanthropic trusts and organisations listedbelow for their wonderful support during the pastyear. We also sincerely thank the many donorswhose names we have been unable to list.If you can help RDNS please send your gift today or call RDNS on(03) 9536 5222 to donate. You can also make a secure onlinedonation at www.rdns.com.auMajor donors – $15,000 and overJack Brockhoff FoundationCity of MelbourneCity of YarraIan Rollo Currie EstateFoundationMarian & E H Flack TrustEstate of Mrs Ella Mavis FordEstate of the LateGlen W GriffithsH & L Hecht TrustMrs Margaret HendersonClive Johnson TrustPam & Alfred E G Lavey TrustLeading SolutionsLord Mayor’s Charitable Fund$10,000 – $14,999ANZ Charitable Purposes Victoria:Sir John Minogue Bequest, VCFGeneral FundBerwick Opportunity Shop IncCollier Charitable FundKimberley FoundationJames N Kirby FoundationHerbert & Dorothy LancasterCharitable TrustMr Alexander StewartJoe White Bequest$1,000 – $9,999Ms Janet AdamsMrs A E AllisonMr Max AndersonMrs Rita AndreAndrews FoundationWilliam Angliss (Vic) Charitable FundAnti-Cancer Council of VicMrs Nola ArmstrongMr Tim ArmstrongMiss Valerie AwburnBanyule Watsonia RSL TrustMr Ross BarkerMrs Brenda BaxterMr Noel BelcherBesen Family FoundationMr Robert ButlerMiss Georgina CaldwellMr Edwin CameronMrs Dorothy CarltonGeorge Castan FamilyCharitable TrustMrs Nora CayleyHelen Macpherson SmithTrustDame Elisabeth MurdochAC DBEMrs Merna OlverEstate of William MaxwellPotterTattersall’s George AdamsFoundationTelstraVictorian Health PromotionFoundationEstate of Ian Alfred WalkerEstate of Thomas W WhitelawJ O & J R Wicking TrustSylvia Caddy Charitable TrustCommunity Enterprise FoundationMrs Helen CookDr Nancy CowlingEstate of Elaine M CoxMr J CurtainMrs Paula CurtisD’Accord (Vic) Pty LtdMs Gael DanaherMrs Diana De KesslerMs Margaret DeanDepartment of Planning &Community DevelopmentEstate of Susan Prentice DouglasMr Stephen EarpMs Elizabeth EastgateEstate of Stanley EganEltham Rural GroupEstate of Leslie Alfred FisherMr Con FoscolosMr Paul FosterMr Glenn FouseFreemasons Public CharitableFoundationMr & Mrs Syd & Thelma GreedyMrs E M GroatGrosby Family TrustMs Sally-Anne HainsMiss Dorothy HigginsHobart District Nursing ServiceMs Patricia HolmesiGroup Australia Pty LtdMs Andra JacksonMs Julie JacksonMr Lionel JohnsonMs Marian JonesMr Cyril KaighinKaringal Bowling ClubMrs Angela KayserMiss E M KellyMrs Vivienne KeyMrs Betsy KingLeighton Holdings LimitedMrs Laura LewisEstate of Florence Clara LawrenceFlora & Frank Leith Charitable TrustLioness Club of Deer ParkLioness Club of DromanaLions Club of Rye IncMrs A I LongworthMr Brian LoweMiss Nannette LowthMrs Barbara LyonMrs Pat MahoneyMrs Ann MarshMr Craig MayoMr James McKenzieMr John McPhee MBE ADMMrs Daisy MerrettMorris Family TrustMr Nicholas MulesEstate of Ian Michael NowackMiss M O’SullevanMr Michael ParisMr Alexander ParkerMr Graham PearcePen Computer Systems Pty LtdPierce Armstrong FoundationPublic Relations Institute of AustraliaMr Gary RichardsonRitchies SupermarketMr Ian Robertson BEMRotary Club of FootscrayRotary Club of Pascoe Vale IncRotary Club of Rosebud IncMr Greg Shalit & Ms Miriam FaineMiss Jane SheridanSt Michael’s Global ConcernsCommitteeMr & Mrs D & B SutherlandTalkPoint Pty LtdMs Carolyn TatchellMrs Nancy TelfordMs Katrina TullMr Ian TylerMr & Mrs John & Marie WarnockMr Alfred WheatlandGary White FoundationWomen of the University Fund$500 – $999Mrs Betty AbrahamMrs Kathleen AllenMiss Margaret BainMs Christine ButcherCatholic Ladies College ElthamMr Alan CohnMr & Mrs Keith & Jean CombenMrs R E CostelloMr John CovellMr Brian CoxMr Peter DavenportMs Esma DickerMrs Noel DobbinsMs Jean FordMs Anne Gaides & Dr Chris CallahanMr L B GeorgeMr Adrian GodfreyMrs Dorothea GordonMrs Jean HadgesMr Paul HelandHenry & Robert D’Esterre Taylor’sCharitable FundMrs Lilian HerlihyMrs Mary HiltonMr John HopkinsID-ME Pty LtdMr David JohnstonMr L A F JonesMrs Valda JonesMs Mary KeilyMrs Dianne KleinhenzMr Herman KortenhorstMr John LanderMr Joseph LashbrookMr & Mrs Jim & Alison LeslieMr Alan MathesonMr D T McGregorMr & Mrs John MelvilleMr Arthur MorganMrs Pauline MorrisonNorthern Masonic WidowsAssociationMr Geoff O’CallaghanMr Thomas PeckMiss Isabella PoloniMs Maria PriwitzerMiss Margaret RawMr Alan RayMr Frederick RenoufMrs Lorna RobinsonMr Jack RogersMr Paul SimonMr Rex SimsMr Hugh SmartMrs Betty SmithMr Keith SmithMr Henry L Speagle OAMMrs Ethel St JohnMs Georgie StubbsTheresa Salmon Charitable TrustMrs Susan TyzzerMr Gerard VeitchMs Catherine WardMr William WaterfieldMrs Elizabeth WellerProfessor Bruce WestMrs Judith WilliamsMr David WischerMr Stuart YoungCorporate sponsorsCommanderRACVTelstraIn kind donationsClarendon LawyersFreehillsiGroup AustraliaPrint BoundRednoiseWomen of the University FundAll of the many volunteers who haveassisted with RDNS Christmascards.Constant CompanionsMrs Rosemary AdamsMrs Lorraine A’HearnMr Douglas AlkemadeMrs Julie AncoraMr Grahame AndersonMr Edward AppleyardMrs Hilda ArblasterMrs Nola ArmstrongMrs Doreen Ashley-BrownMrs Nancy AzzaliniMiss Judith BachMrs Edna BainbridgeMr Frank BainesMrs Colleen BakerMr Peter BallDr William BamfordMr Les BannerMrs Catherine BarnardMrs Eunice BarrMiss Joan BatsonMiss Olwen BawdenMr Christopher BerryMs Maree BirdMrs Lorraine BirtwistleMr Ross BlairMrs Sigrid BodeMr Bruce BoellMrs Margot BoneMrs Sheila BoultonDr & Mrs Clive & Anne BowmanMr Reg BrewerMrs Pamela BrownMrs Hilda BruceMrs Marjorie BryantMr Paul BurnessMrs Mary Cain18|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

Mrs Grace CairnsMr John CairnsMrs Alison CalwellMs Margaret CampbellMrs Susan CannonMs Joanna CapozziMr Peter CarpenterMs Anne CarrollMrs Nora CayleyMrs Trix ChambersMr John CharitosMrs Molly CheahMr Norman ChesterfieldMrs Margaret ChristensenMrs Iona ChristiansonMs Jean ChristieMr Leslie ClaringbullMrs Ann ClarkeMr Jack CliftonMrs Patricia ColganMr John CookeMr Brian CoxMr Dennis CreasyMrs Joyce CrosbyMr Ron CruickshankDr Philippa CurrieMrs Maire DaleMrs Sheila DanielsMrs Joy DavenportMs Gayle DaveyMrs Margery DaviesMr Lyle DavisMrs Mary DavisMr John DawsonMr & Mrs Robert & Judith De BruynMrs Elaine DempseyMrs Betty DentonMrs Gloria Di TomassoMrs Janet DickinsMs Norma DicksonMr Richard DitterichMr Blair DixonMrs Mary DoakMr John DollimoreMrs Sarah DonnanMs Helen DonnellanMr & Mrs Richard DooleyMrs Diane DottMs Carolyn DownesMiss Patricia DoyleMs Mary DuckworthMs Anne DuffieldMr John DunnMrs Tulay DururMr Con DuyvestynMr Gary DyasonMiss Nancy ElliottMrs Betty FabryMrs Stella FaidyMrs Jane FarrMr Tony FergusonMrs Ruth FirkinMrs Norma FirthMr & Mrs H & P FordMs Sara FotheringhamMs Anne Gaides & Dr Chris CallahanMrs Joan GaleMr Brian GardeMr William GatesMiss Daphne GendleMrs Lore GermainRev Joan GilchristMrs Joyce GilchristMrs Joyce GillespieMr & Mrs Norman & Gladys GilliesMr Kim GladigauDr Reuben Glass &Mrs Ann Cebon-GlassMr Adrian GodfreyMrs Patricia GoodmanMrs Marjorie GoughMrs Sandra GoughMrs Sharon GrahamMiss Yvonne GrayMr & Mrs Michael & Rosalie GreenMr Fred GreensladeMr Geoffrey GriffithsMr Donald GroveMrs Rae HamiltonMs Peg HamptonMr Peter HardimanMrs Gwenda HardingMr Tom HarleMrs Barbara HarradineMrs Serena HarrisonMr Daryll HartMrs Dorothy HartMrs Valerie HarveyMrs Esme HaworthMrs Dorte HenriksenMrs Helen HewittMrs Dorothy HibbsMrs Jane HillMr Geoffrey HilliardMrs Joan HolleyMs Patricia HolmesMrs Claire HoltMs Alex HomeMrs Lorraine HookMrs Ruth HopkinsMrs Jennifer HornidgeMr Donald HoskingMrs Esma HoughtonMrs Noelle HowellMrs Patricia HoyleMr Robert HudsonMrs Della HutchinsonMrs Maureen IrvingMrs Margaret JacobsMrs Ellen JanszMs Robin JeffsMrs Diane JenkinsMrs Marjorie JobMrs Karen JoelMrs Marjorie JohnsonMiss Lorraine JonesMr Arthur JoslynMr Ronald JukesMs Margaret JungwirthMs Margaret JunorMrs Anneli KaendlerMs Ann KangMrs Veronica KastelanMr Don KatugampalaMrs Angela KayserMrs Marjorie KeanMrs Elaine KeenanMrs Rose KeleyMr Patrick KellyMrs Peggy KempMs Susan KempMrs Isobel KerrMr & Mrs Alan & Charon KhorMr Richard KnightMrs Margaret KovacicMrs Irene KowalaMr John LanderMrs Joan LangfordMr David LastMr & Mrs Robert & Alma LaycockMrs Jean LeeMrs Madge LeighMrs Hilde LesheimMrs Ettyann LevyMr Ronald LinsdellMrs Constance ListerMr Thomas LoganMrs Pamela LoggMrs Ruth LordMr Tony LoveDr Zena LoweMrs Ailsa LukeMr Brian ManderMr Reginald MannixMrs Margot MarshallMs Catherine MartinMr Alan MathesonMrs Julie MatthewsMs Margaret MayMs Joanne McCoyMr John McCredieMrs Mary McGowanMr James McKenzieMs Janet McLeanMr & Mrs David McLieshMr Noel McMinnMrs Lucy McRaeMrs Robyn McWilliamMs Margaret MillerMrs Margot MinogueMs Jan MollerMr Maurice MonigattiMr A L MooreMiss Margaret MorrisseyMr & Mrs Gil & Betty MulingMr Bevan MullettMs Lorraine MurphyMrs Lorna NazierMr Peter NewtonMiss Ruth NichollsMr Geoff O’CallaghanMs Anne O’ConnorMrs Debra O’FarrellMs Lesley OgdenMr Edward OldhamMr Norman O’LearyMs Janine O’NeillMrs Nance O’RyanMr Kevin O’SullivanMrs Susan ParisianMr Alexander ParkerMrs Joan ParrettMrs Janet PatersonMr Don PeckhamMrs Joyce PenmanMrs Patricia PetchMr Vincent T PowellMrs Edna PrestonMr Maurice PritchardMr Thomas PritchardMr Emmanuel PsailaMrs Sandra QuinlanMr John RadfordMrs Carol RamsbothamMr Graeme RandallMrs Sheila RandellMrs Maria RaperMrs Joyce RavertyMrs Diane Redman-HeathMs Judith ReesMs Yvonne RenardMrs Pamela RichardsonMrs Cheryl RintoullMrs Lorna RobinsonMr Chris RogersMr Dan RomanisMrs Kathleen RouseMr Alister RoweMr John RoweMrs Kathleen RushbyMrs Rose SadlerMr Bernie SagebrechtMr Edwin SalisburyDr Robert SalterMr Jack SandersMrs Pamela SandsMrs Irene SchwabMrs Mona ScottMrs Pauline SearleMs Elizabeth SeviorMrs Joyce SharpMr John M ShawMr Kevin SheatherMr Khik H SieMrs Dulcie SimmonsMr Robert SimpsonMr Rodney SimpsonMr Ken SimpsonMrs Pamela SinclairMrs Dianne SkehanMr Howard SkittMr Mohammad SlametMr Bernard SmallacombeMr Dennis SmithMrs Doreen SmithMrs Esna SmithMrs Janette SmithMr Keith SmithMrs Margaret SmithMrs Marilyn SmithMrs Valda SmithMrs & Mr Wendy & Ian SmithMr William SmithMr Henry L Speagle OAMMs June SpeedMrs Shirley StanleyMrs Helen SteinerMrs May StephenMr Henry StevensMs Kiera StevensMr Alexander StewartMrs Benita StribleyMr Rudi StrykMs Georgie StubbsMr Anthony SullivanMr Ian SurenMiss Phyllis TantiMs Carolyn TatchellMrs Gwendoline TaylorMrs Judy Tham-GazzardMrs Beryl ThomasMrs Virginia ThompsonMr William ThompsonMiss Ruby ThomsonMrs Irene TilleyMr Thomas TilligMrs Esther TimsMrs Elizabeth TobiasMrs Judith TuckMr & Mrs Can & Sema TuncerMr Henry TurnbullMiss Jean UrieMr Hugh VallanceMs Marie VassalloMrs Elsie VealMr Gerard VeitchMr Michael VermeulenMrs May VernonMr Ronald VidmerMrs Joy VincentMr Ronald WadeyMs Sarah WalkerMr Graham WallMr Gary WallinMs Jacqueline WallingMrs Jennifer WatsonMr Bryan WearneMr Ian WeaverMiss Patricia WebsterMr Ronald WhiteMr Reginald WhitingMrs Judith WightMrs Peggy WigneyMrs Jennifer WilliamsMr Norris WilliamsMr George WillisMrs Doreen WilsonMrs Patricia WinnettMr David WischerMs Valentina WolzakMrs Natalie YeowardMr Martin ZeeuweMs Valentina WolzakLifetime CompanionsMiss Judith BachMrs Irene BerryMiss Bea BoardmanMr Rodney BrightMrs Barbara BurrowsMiss Ruth DoigMr Stephen EarpMrs Catherine ErdosMr William FinighanMs Anne Gaides & Dr Chris CallahanMiss Heidi GasserMiss Gwendoline GillardMs Margaret GladstoneMrs Gillian HannanMrs Helen HarbeckMr Ray HarbertDr Margaret HendersonMrs Patricia HoldensonMr & Mrs Terence & Janet KeefeMrs Betsy KingMrs Judith KnightMr John LanderMrs Patricia LawsonMr Donald LindenMr Brian LoweMiss Nannette LowthMr Anthony LuxMrs Ruby MarshallMr Philip MayersMs Inge MeldgaardMiss Edna OlsonMrs Kathleen PookMr Emmanuel PsailaMs Pamela PurtonMrs P J RandallMr Stuart RobinsonMrs Audrey SmithMr Brian SmithMr Henry L Speagle OAMMr Harold SwantonMr Ferdinand Ten-TyeMr Ian WalkerIn memoryDonations of $1,000 or more weremade to honour the following:Mr Peter FongMr Raymond LyonMr Charles WellerMrs Moira WischerRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 19

You can helpWe need your help to care for the sick and elderly in our community.Being a charity, RDNS relies on the gifts of supporters to help meetthe ever-increasing demand for our services.If you can help, simply fill out this form and send it, along with yourdonation, to the address below.Yes! I would like to helpNameAddressPostcodeTelephone (H)(W)EmailEnclosed is my donation of:$25 $50 $75 $100 Other $Enclosed is my cheque/money order payable toRoyal District Nursing ServiceOr please charge my:Visa Mastercard AmexCard No.Name on cardSignatureExpiry dateYou can make a credit card donation over the phone by calling(03) 9536 5222 or securely online at www.rdns.com.auAll donations of $2 or more to RDNS are tax deductable.Please send me further information on how to include RDNS in my WillI would like information on making a regular monthly donation to RDNSReturn your completed form to:Royal District Nursing Service31 Alma Rd, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182Telephone (03) 9536 5222Facsimile (03) 9536 5333Email fundraising@rdns.com.auwww.rdns.com.au

Facts & Figures 2008–09Explanation of tables and graphsVisits and client-related contactsComprises face-to-face visits with clientsas well as a count of ‘client-related contacts’,which are activities undertaken on behalfof a specific client though not in theirpresence. (For example, a visit to a client’sGP, attendence at a case conference or timespent communicating with other serviceproviders involved in a client’s care).Admissions by source of referralThe greatest proportion of referrals to RDNScontinues to come from public hospitals whereRDNS Liaison nurses are pivotal in coordinatingdischarge planning.Top ten classification by occurenceThe table graphically demonstrates the diversityof conditions RDNS clients present with.Visits by care typeThe core focus of RDNS is clearly demonstratedto be the provision of support and maintenanceservices to clients in their homes.Episodes of care and visits by RDNS SUPPORT SITEClient admission by source of referralRegion Support Site Episodes % Visits* %Eastern Box Hill 2,374 6.3 97,282 5.7Camberwell 1,397 3.7 62,129 3.6Knox & Lilydale 2,892 7.6 141,985 8.3Eastern total 6,663 17.6 301,396 17.6Northern Diamond Valley 2,672 7.1 100,295 5.8Heidelberg 1,841 4.9 62,734 3.7Moreland & Gisborne 2,701 7.1 99,743 5.8Yarra 1,303 3.4 56,267 3.3Northern total 8,517 22.5 319,039 18.6Southern Berwick & Cranbourne 1,995 5.3 64,564 3.8Caulfield 1,765 4.7 99,517 5.8Frankston 1,819 4.8 82,529 4.8Moorabbin 1,857 4.9 142,504 8.3Rosebud 2,064 5.4 74,584 4.3Springvale 1,923 5.1 65,164 3.8Southern total 11,423 30.2 528,862 30.8Western Altona 3,080 8.1 102,787 6.0Essendon & Lionsville 1,915 5.1 79,476 4.4Sunshine 3,921 10.4 111,950 6.5Western total 8,916 23.6 294,213 16.9RALLY Healthcare total 58

Number of clients treated for the year 2008 – 09: 33,213Top ten ICD-9-CM* classification of diseases and injuries:number of occurrences and percentage 2008– 09Classification of diseases and injurieswithin ICD-9-CM (Primary Diagnosis)Conditions at RDNS within the Main ICD-9-CMcategories Occurrences %Symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions Urinary incontinence (7%) ** 6,731 16Post-operative care 6,636 16Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Leg ulcers and cellulitis (11%) ** 5,808 14Injury and poisoning Wounds (7%) ** 4,105 10Neoplasms Malignant neoplasm (7%) ** 3,130 8Mental disorders Dementia (2%) ** 2,931 7Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic diseasesand immunity disorders Diabetes (6%) ** 2,912 7Diseases of the circulatory system Venous ulcers (1%) ** 2,401 6Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s diseases (2%) ** 1,912 5Genitourinary system Urinary retention (1%) 1,068 3Other 3,889 9TOTAL 41,523 100* International Classification of Diseases (9 th Revision) Clinical Modification.** Each ICD-9-CM classification consists of a number of conditions.This figure represents the frequency of the conditions’ occurrence within the ICD-9-CM classification.Visit hours by care type 2008 – 09Support andmaintenanceAcute /Post acute Palliative Other TOTALVisit at home 428,993 25,536 24,982 58,228 537,739Visit at school / work 3,114 111 93 10,804 14,122Visit to hospital (liaison) 664 330 52 15,176 16,222Visit to hospital (not liaison) 553 2 32 1,807 2,394Client attended centre 2,009 164 4 6,259 8,436Bereavement visit 80 4 253 60 397Other 89 0 0 2,104 2,193TOTAL 435,502 26,147 25,416 94,438 581,503Note: Visit hours exclude client-related contact hours.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 21

Facts & Figures (continued)CuLTuRAL DIVERSITy OF CLIENT pOpuLATION 2008–09% of clients born in non-English speaking countriesREGIONSWestern45 55Southern28 72Northern44 56Eastern28 72%010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100Non-English speaking countriesEnglish speaking countriesaddiTional informaTion aBouT culTural diversiTyof clienT PoPulaTion• RDNS clients originate from 146 countries• RDNS clients speak 105 languages• 34% of total RDNS clients are born in non-English speaking countries• 0.6% of total RDNS clients are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait IslanderStaff• RDNS staff speak 48 languages• 15% RDNS staff speak a language other than EnglishLanguage Services• 38% increase in the use of on-site interpreters• 16% increase in the use of the RDNS Language Line(an automated telephone interpreter system for clients and carers)22|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

Our DirectorsL–R: Michael Roberts, Professor Leon Piterman, Jillian Pappas, Noel Armstrong, Desmond Benjamin, Dr Michael Murray, Paul Montgomery, Marion Lau, Jan Begg, Peter Brindleynoel armsTrongFpRIA68RDNS Director since 2006;Deputy Chairman since 2009Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Audit and Risk,Remuneration and NominationsNoel’s expertise in strategiccommunication is supported byover 35 years experience in theindustry. Prior to moving intocorporate and public affairs in 1972,Noel had worked for newspapersand radio; and produced televisionnews and current affairs programs.In 1978, Noel establisheda Victorian-based strategiccommunications consultancywhich he sold to Hill and Knowltonin 1989. He continued to work asGeneral Manager, Victoria, beforebecoming Chief Executive of thecompany’s Australian operations.He was later appointed ExecutiveChairman of Hill and KnowltonAustralia and New Zealand andExecutive Vice President of thecompany in the Asia Pacific Region.In 1996, Noel become the Directorof Corporate Affairs at EpworthHospital and worked there until hisretirement in May 2006. During thattime, Noel worked on the integrationof the Freemasons business withthe Epworth Group and waspartly responsible for the overalladministration of the three hospitalcampuses at Richmond, Box Hilland Brighton.Whilst working at Epworth, Noelsuccessfully established a companyto assess and analyse the customerperformance of call centres of majorcorporations throughout Australia.Noel is also a past member of theBoard of Management of AlexandraDistrict Hospital.Jan BeggBSc (hons), MBA52RDNS Director since 2004Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Finance (Chair)Jan has extensive experience atsenior executive level in the areasof strategic consulting, projectmanagement, sales and marketing,change management, softwaredevelopment and business unitmanagement.As an experienced consultant,Company Director and ExecutiveManager, Jan brings a soundunderstanding of organisationalchange initiatives to RDNS - fromstrategic planning to harvestingbenefits from successfulimplementation.Jan’s recent experience includescorporate governance of majorprojects at ANZ Banking Group,project setup and business casedevelopment for the VictorianPublic Service and pharmaceuticalresearch and development projectmanagement.She has also consulted to majorgovernment and corporate businesswithin Australia, New Zealand, UKand USA and is active in developingscholarship funding for theMelbourne Business School.Apart from her role at RDNS, Jan isalso Managing Director of Azulin PtyLtd and a Member of the AustralianInstitute of Company Directors.desmond BenJaminFGAA FAICD67RDNS Director since 2001Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Audit and RiskDesmond has had extensiveexperience as a Director, ChiefExecutive, Non-Executive Director,Chairman and Board consultantacross a broad spectrum of bothpublic and private companies.His honorary work has includedpast President of the CompanyDirectors Association, Save theChildren, Toorak and South YarraRotary Clubs and Life Education.Desmond was also a past ZoneChairman of the Salvation Army RedShield Appeal and a past Treasurerof the Toorak Red Cross.Apart from his responsibilitiesat RDNS, Desmond is currentlya shareholder and Director of aprivately owned home gardenand agricultural chemical supplierand a Non-Executive Director of aprivately owned retail lifestyle chainand consultancy.PeTer BrindleyBachelor of Commerce (Economics& Finance), Grad Dip of Business(Accounting), CpA43RDNS Director since 2009Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Assets, FinanceRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 23

Peter is a senior manager witha breadth of experience acrossvarious business disciplinesin both local and internationalenvironments.With a strong background infinance, strategy, sales andoperations Peter has worked inkey strategic planning and financeroles of major organisations suchas Dulux New Zealand, OricaNew Zealand and ICI Australia,as well as in general managementroles in both mature and start-upbusinesses.Peter has held various directorshipsand specific legal entity, statutorycompliance and public relationsresponsibilities during his career.He is currently working with theRACV as General Manager, RACVHome Services.Marion Lau OAM JPRN Div 1; RM; Certificate inGynaecology, Diploma in NursingAdministration; Bachelor in HealthServices Administration (BHA)66RDNS Director since 1996Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Clinical GovernanceMarion has excelled as an agedcare consultant, registered nurseand midwife and is also a mentorand business coach to the healthindustry and small business.Her vast experience includesMatron/Manager - Avenue Hospital,Windsor, Administrator and Advisorfor the Commonwealth Departmentof Health & Aged Care; Justice ofthe Peace; Director - ManagementConsultants and TechnologyServices; Member - MinisterialSmall Business Advisory Council;President - Chinese HealthFoundation; President - ChineseCommunity Society of Victoria andPast Chair - Ethnic Communities’Council of Victoria.Marion was the first woman tobe elected as Chair of the EthnicCommunities Council of Victoria –the Victorian Peak Body for EthnicSpecific Organisations, as well asthe first woman President of theChinese Community Society ofVictoria.She was awarded an Order ofAustralia in 1996 for her servicesto older Australians, as well asto the Chinese community. Inrecent years, she received theCentenary Medal for her servicesto multiculturalism and for her workas Chair of the Victorian EthnicCommunities Council.Other roles held by Marion includeExecutive member – EthnicCommunities’ Council of Victoria;President Elect 2009/2010 – RotaryClub of Elsternwick; Director– Doutta Galla Aged Services;Committee of Management – SmallBusiness Mentoring Service;Member – CommunicationsAlliance Consumer Council andCharter Member - Rotary Club ofElsternwick.Paul MontgomeryBA, LLB (ANU)60RDNS Director since 2005;Chairman since 2009Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Assets, Remunerationand Nominations (Chair)With a track record as one ofAustralia’s most respected law firmleaders, Paul specialises in strategyand leadership development andrecognises the importance ofits implementation from a clientperspective.Paul was a Partner of FreehillsMelbourne for 28 years andManaging Partner for 12 years.He is now an active director ofseveral private companies that haveactivities in a number of industries.Apart from his responsibilitiesat RDNS, Paul is also Director –Mental Illness Fellowship, Victoria.Dr Michael MurrayMBBS, FRACP, MPH49RDNS Director since 2004Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Clinical Governance(Chair)Michael brings a broad range ofmanagement, clinical and clinicalteaching experience to RDNS.He has extensive professionalnetworks in aged care includingNational Evaluation of the InnovativeCare (Rehabilitation) ServicesSteering Committee; ContinenceManagement Advisory Committee;Care of Older Australians clinicalreference group Australian Centrefor Evidence Based Aged Care(La Trobe University); AustralianAssociation of Gerontology (VicBranch); Continence Foundationof Australia (National); LyndenAged Care Association Board ofGovernance; Australian Societyfor Geriatric Medicine and theInternational Continence Society.Apart from his roles at RDNS,Michael is also Director ofGeriatric Medicine - St Vincent’s;Fellow - Australian Association ofGerontology (FAAG) and AdjunctAssociate Professor - AustralianCentre for Evidence Based AgedCare (ACEBAC).Jillian PappasBEc (Monash)61RDNS Director since 2000Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Assets, Finance,Remuneration and NominationsJillian has experience in researchand analysis in economics,copywriting, accountancy andfundraising.In addition to her responsibilitiesat RDNS, Jillian is also a CompanyDirector, President of MertonHall Foundation and a memberof Council of Melbourne GirlsGrammar.ProfessorLeon Piterman AMMBBS, MMed, MEdSt, MRCP(UK),FRCP (Edin) FRACGP61RDNS Director since 2006Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Clinical GovernanceLeon has extensive expertisein medical education, medicalresearch and clinical audit.He has published widely on clinicaland educational issues related togeneral practice and was awardedthe F.H. Faulding Prize for researchin General Practice in 1987, theSilver Jubilee Teaching Prize in1992 and the Hong Kong Collegeof General Practitioners Award forbest research project in 1994. Hehas over 90 publications in refereedjournals and co-authored the text“General Practice Psychiatry”.In June 2006, he was made aMember of the Order of Australia(AM) for service to family medicinethrough distance educationfor doctors in remote areas, toresearch and student training, andto international education.Apart from his roles at RDNS,Leon is also Professor of GeneralPractice - Monash University; Headof School - Primary Health Care andDeputy Dean - Faculty of MedicineNursing and Health Sciences. Heis also a member of the Board ofExaminers of the Australian MedicalCouncil and sits on numerousuniversity, professional andgovernment expert committees.Michael RobertsRegistered Nurse, Grad DipBus Admin53RDNS Director since 2005Member of RDNS BoardCommittee: Assets, Audit and Risk(Chair)Michael has more than 27 yearsexperience in healthcare as anurse, clinical service manager,and consultant. He worked in seniormanagement and clinical roles atSt Vincent’s Hospital Melbourneand other hospitals.Apart from his roles at RDNS,Michael is also a Director ofIridium Consulting – a Melbournebased healthcare consultancy.He specialises in problem solving,change management, serviceredesign and planning. Iridium’sclients include health departments,professional bodies, hospitals,community services, aged careservices and mental healthservices. He is also active inseveral community service fields.24|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009

Corporate Governance StatementOn 31 March 2003 the Australian Stock Exchange released the ASX Corporate GovernanceCouncil’s Principles of Good Governance and Best Practice Recommendations (‘ASXPrinciples’). Those ASX Principles require major publicly listed companies to disclose in theirannual reports whether their corporate governance practices follow the ASX Principles on an‘if not, why not’ basis.RDNS is not a publicly listed company and is not subject to the ASX Principles – indeedsome of them are not applicable to the not-for-profit sector. For over ten years the Board ofDirectors of Royal District Nursing Service has worked, as a key priority, on the developmentand adoption of processes and practices which are aimed at achieving best practice in goodgovernance in the not-for-profit sector. So, whilst not technically required to comply with theASX Principles, RDNS Directors have determined to use them as the basis for continuing torevise and update their own practices.The RDNS Board Charter, originally developed in 1996 /97, sets out the basis by which theRDNS Board fulfils its role and the Charter Statement (1999) provides further guidance on theway by which the Board/management/staff interface operates.In summary, the Board is a strong advocate of good corporate governance and seeksto ensure that all officers and employees of the company fulfil their obligations and theirresponsibilities to all stakeholders.ERC 090891Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2009| 25

Contact us Telephone FaxClients/general public 1300 33 44 55 1300 657 265Health professionals 1300 687 7464(1300 NURSING)1300 657 265RALLY Healthcare 1300 633 933 1300 791 162RDNS Head Office31 Alma Road, St Kilda, VIC, 3182 (03) 9536 5222 (03) 9536 5333www.rdns.com.au