Portland District Health Annual Report 2005 - South West Alliance of ...

StaffThe efforts of our staff are appreciated particularlyover what has been a difficult year.We acknowledge the role these staff play in providingquality care to our patients, residents and clients.We also express our thanks to our Visiting MedicalOfficers for their participation and interest in thehospital, which includes their membership of anumber of hospital sub-committees and internalcommittees and participation on the on call roster.We would like to acknowledge the service provided toPDH and the community by Dr Peter Reid who aftermany years of service resigned in March 2005 to takeup a position in Mount Gambier.We congratulate those members of staff that havetaken the initiative to further develop their skills andundertake ongoing education. Board members alsohave undertaken governance training through theNOUS organisation.With limits on our expenditure, emphasis has beenplaced in providing education locally, and we thankour local educators including Bruce Caslake, TheaBrown, Jenny Ridler, Lyn McNaughton, NoeleneMabbitt, Gaynor Denboer, Lisa Pietschmann, MiffyMaddox, Caroline Berry, Loren Drought & JennySmith.To those staff members who left during the yearwe thank them for their services and support. Wewelcome new staff appointed during the year andtrust that their time at Portland District Health issatisfying and enjoyable.Board Appointments – Portland District HealthWe welcomed Marianne Kuljis to the Board inNovember 2004.Mr Matt Pistner was also appointed to the Boardhowever he received a transfer in his work beforebeing able to take up his position.During the year we said farewell to Dr Jenni Purdiewho took up a senior position as manager of PointHenry Smelter and to Mr Ian Stanford who resignedin March 2005 after serving since 1998.The Board expresses its appreciation to retiringmembers Mr Andrew Wilson, Mr William Bassettand Mrs Carmen Ward who have indicated that theyare not seeking reappointment.In November, Mr Vin Gannon was re-electedPresident of the Board of Management.We thank all members of the Board for thecontributions they have made to the organisationduring this difficult period. The willingness ofmembers to give so generously of their time is greatlyappreciated.Community SupportThe community has again been generous in its supportand we thank the service clubs and auxiliaries, oursponsors, volunteers, other groups and individualsthat have provided support to the organisation duringthe year both financially and through their voluntaryassistance. This support is most appreciated and hasmade events such as the fete, and Murray to Moynepossible.The efforts of our volunteers daily brighten the lives ofour patients, residents and clients.The contribution made to the patients from visitsby the clergy and community organisations is wellreceived and appreciated.Department of Human ServiceThe Department of Human Services (DHS) has beenextremely supportive of the organisation during thisdifficult period. We look forward to the guidance andsupport of the DHS through our Regional Director ofHealth, Mrs Jan Snell, and officers of the Department,Mr Geoff Iles, Ms Jill Dunbar, Mr Gerry Sheehanand Mr Stuart Müller to securing the best health andsupport services for our district community.Outlook for 2005/2006Despite the difficulties of the past year, PortlandDistrict Health has much to look forward to.We look forward to the commencement in early Julyof Marie Shea our new CEO. Marie comes to us witha wealth of experience from a range of senior roles inthe health field.We look forward to the review of the organisation’sstrategic planning that will better align clinical servicesand service provision with human resources.We look forward to a successful year as we rebuild ourfinancial situationWe look forward to an exciting year of capital worksas our new nursing home takes shape and our daysurgical unit is constructed.We look forward to the development of the conceptof a medical centre to assist with our on- call rosterand shortage of medical staff.Vin GannonPresidentBoard of ManagementDr Syd AllenActing Chief Executive Officer9