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

General and Administrative Services DepartmentsWhilst across the organisation it has been a difficultyear, there have been exceptional results recordedfor departments within the General Services and theAdministrative Service Division.A highlight for these services was their performancein the August accreditation survey, with the surveyorsglowing in their compliments and commendations.The announcement towards the end of the year offunding for the Aged Care Project / Day Surgicalprojects provided a welcome boost as does participationin the world first pilot for the Virtual Services Projectwhich will trial the use of remote medical consultationvia sophisticated IT / Video links.This past year we welcomed Ros Jones as EnvironmentalServices Supervisor / Infection Control Nursetaking over from Carole Pietschmann who we sadlyfarewelled.Carole who is highly regarded by us all, ostensiblyretired, however the drug and alcohol service managedto coax her into another valuable role within PortlandDistrict Health – a role which she no doubt will excelin.Thank you to Kevin Tait, Wayne Pettingill, WendySculley, Steve Jones, Ros Jones and Steve Hendersonand their staff for an excellent contribution to PortlandDistrict Health.The next year offers much to be positive about.Engineering ServicesThe Engineering Department had a very productiveyear completing a substantial works and equipmentlist, maintaining essential services compliance, andundertaking plant and equipment upgrades.Ward Maintenance - This year the closure of SouthWard for annual maintenance went very well. Theseworks were completed utilising both in-housetradesmen and sub-contractors. Again we thank thestaff and VMO’s for their support.Plant Upgrades – The past year has seen a continuedeffort towards ongoing plant upgrades. Much of theplant has been upgraded in recent years, however thereis still plant remaining, requiring cyclic upgrades.These tasks will be scheduled in the future.Essential Services – Checks and repairs continueregularly at specified intervals and quarterlyinspections by Stokes Consulting take place to ensureongoing Form 15 Essential Services Compliance ismaintained. Again the Engineering Services staff areto be commended for the diligent manner in whichthey conduct and record these mandatory tasks.Contract Management – Throughout the past yearJanice Anderson has implemented a system to ensurewe meet the legal requirements of Worksafe, in regardto record keeping and compliance. It is essential tohave a system in place to record inductions, copiesof insurances, certificates and Red Card certificates.Earlier this year Alan and Jenny Rivett were successfulin tendering for the garden and grounds contract.Since this arrangement has been in place, there hasbeen a noticeable improvement to the visual aspectof the facility and many favourable comments havebeen received.Energy Reduction – As reported last year, all DHSfacilities are required to meet new energy reductionstrategies. Notwithstanding that we have already metand exceeded the required reductions with water andgas, in the past year we have managed to reduce ourpower consumption by 6,000 kWh. We will continueto implement strategies to reduce electricity use.Project Control Groups – Engineering Services hasbeen heavily involved in the design development forthe Aged Care and Day Procedure Unit. Flowing fromthis the department also has involvement in relocatingthe Dental Suite and Pharmacy. As part of this thedepartment has been working with the architects,service engineers and user groups. Design has beenfinalised with works due to commence. We thank thevarious user groups for their contributions.Refrigeration Mechanic / Electrician – Peter Reynoldscompleted his training, attaining excellent resultsand we have signed his early apprenticeship release.This in-house service has enhanced the department’sservice provision and has realised financial gains.Works & Equipment – Completed Tasks• Kitchen / cafeteria evaporative coolerreplacement• Replace illuminated signs at main entrance andAccident & Emergency• Replace kitchen exhaust unit• Palliative Care Suite• Women and Children’s Clinic• Ongoing plant upgrades• Rework radiology• South Ward closure• Create dual consult suite – Pre admissions• Relocate Nurse Unit Manager’s office in SouthWard• Spoon drain west spine• Plans finalised for the dental suite• Installation of double glazing in North Ward33