Report of Operations - South West Alliance of Rural Health

Community Services Report27community nurseCommunity Nursing at OtwayHealth continues to help peoplelive well at home longer, providinga range of tasks from woundmanagement to Advanced CarePlanning.As people stay at home longer,there is an increasing need forhigher intensity generalist care;as well as an increased need torefer on to other services so carecan be coordinated for betterquality of life for the client.This year, the CommunityNursing Program has exploredsystems and processes thatimprove quality of care for alldemographics.Changes in the Community Nurseprogram include:• Building a framework forpractice in communitynursing.• Reviewing the position,making the Community Nurseresponsible for all personalcare needs in the community.• Implementing the ActiveService Model across theOrganisation.The following letter to the Apollo Bay News Sheet on November 11th 2010 succinctly shows how all theseservices within our community services division work together to help people to recover from ill health, or tomaintain good health:“The Editor, Thank you to Otway Health.Our family has been greatly indebted to Otway Health over the past month, they have such a wonderful servicewhich provides special caring home care for people requiring special home treatment.On the 7th August, Jack unfortunately had an accident in a Melbourne restaurant by missing a step, wherefalling resulted in a broken hip and torn shoulder muscle, spending four weeks in St Vincent’s hospital. Arrivedhome and was progressing well, he unfortunately had a setback which resulted in a three week stay in Geelonghospital. After the setback, Jack was unable to move and in extreme pain, the ambulance was called, the twowonderful paramedics were magnificent handling him with the utmost skill and care. On arriving home, we havehad the benefit of Anne Missen (the Community Nurse) who comes three times per week for showering, alwaysso bright and cheery. Cheryl for physiotherapy who has Jack back up on his feet. This treatment is now beingcontinued by Cheryl’s assistant (Allied Health Assistant) Liz who comes twice a week. Their physiotherapy isequal to that of the large hospitals. Tania, the occupational therapist who had recommendations for the home.All this care has Jack off the frame and he has progressed to a walking stick, all done in our own home withcaring, skilful, bright, cheery people. Thank you to these people and to Otway Health for providing such awonderful community service.Avis and Jack Coles.”