RDNS 2010 Annual Report - Royal District Nursing Service

Royal District Nursing Service Limited ABN 49 052 188 717Contents1 Welcome3 The RDNS Group – 2010 at a glance4 From the Chairman and CEO6 Operational Highlights8 Staff Achievement Awards10 Our work in Regional Victoria12 Our work in New South Wales14 Our work in Melbourne16 Our work in Research and Education18 Financial Summary19 Our Executive Team20 Thank you ! Our generous donors24 Facts & Figures28 Our DirectorsPatrons’ 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 QSMThank youTo the clients and staff of RDNS whohave so graciously participated inthis Annual Report, we extend ourheartfelt thanks and appreciation.Thank you for allowing us into yourhomes and lives, for providing insightand understanding, and for generouslysharing your stories.32 Corporate Governance Statement32 RDNS Limited’s Subsidiary CompaniesHome and Community Care (HACC)services provided by Royal DistrictNursing Service are jointly funded by theVictorian and Australian Governments.

Welcome to theRoyal District Nursing ServiceAnnual Report 2010Flexible, Responsive, Efficient,Progressive.These words are not just a list of ideas. They are ananswer to the question of who we are, what drives usand why we do what we do.This year, through our Annual Report, we’d like todemonstrate what these words mean to all of usat Royal District Nursing Service.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 1

introduction2|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

the rdns group – 2010 at a glanceOur 1,664 staff caredfor 34,907 clients.They made 1,818,305visits,* delivering 697,363hours of care. Our fleetof 605 cars travelleda total of 9.2 million km* Visits include direct care and client-related contactsNB: Figures comprise operations in Australia and New ZealandRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 3

setting into an all embracing one in whichthe importance and value of communitybasedcare takes higher significance.Expanding our service through growthand diversification required changes toour management structure. We havecomplemented our already strongexecutive and experienced managementgroup with a small number of new seniorteam members this year, bringing inexperienced people from the corporate,consulting and New South Wales healthsectors.In June 2010, our Customer Service Centrecommenced the delivery of a nationaltelephone-based health advisory serviceunder contract to government and this,together with a number of eHealthdirections and initiatives in which RDNSis involved, heralds potential new areas ofhealthcare services and opportunities.As we grow RDNS services beyondVictoria, we are ever mindful of theimportant work which our staff hasundertaken across the greater Melbournearea day-by-day for the last 125 years.The Governor-General Quentin Bryceofficially launched our 125th birthday yearon 17 February atop the Eureka Tower.Looking out across modern Melbourne,we were given a moving account ofthe work of current RDNS nurseCatherine Quinless.She reminded us in vivid and evocativeform of the compassion each nurse bringsto the delivery of care and the quality ofthe services provided.Financially, the company has maintaineda solid and sound position and whilstthe value of some investments togetherwith income earned on investments hascontinued to disappoint, our underlyingfocus on maximising the resourcesapplied towards supporting client care hascontinued. The financial balance whichnot-for-profit organisations like RDNSneed to achieve, between maximisingservices today, planning to develop andinvesting in future service needs fortomorrow and maintaining a healthybalance sheet cannot be underestimated.Our Board is very conscious of the valuedsupport we receive from our staff, ourfunders, our supporters and our donorsand considerable rigour continues tobe applied in pursuing and maintainingstrong and sustainable risk managementand financial management practices andpolicies.In November 2009 Jillian Pappas retiredfrom the RDNS Board of Directors afternine years of service, including four yearsas Chairman. Jillian’s leadership and focuson sound governance principles wasvalued by directors and management atRDNS and we wish her well for the future.We have been undertaking a search forfuture directors and hope to soon be ableto appoint someone with experience ofthe health industry in New South Wales.During the year we established a Boardfor our wholly owned New Zealandsubsidiary company, RDNS New Zealandand have been successful in appointingthree highly regarded and experiencedNew Zealand directors to that Board.We thank our directors for their diligenceand application to the governance ofthe affairs of RDNS. There is much forour directors to be concerned with andtheir support has been invaluable. Oursenior management team has workedhard and applied themselves with greatcommitment to the many challenges andopportunities described in this report andwe similarly thank them for their work.Paul MontgomeryChairmanDan RomanisChief Executive OfficerRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 5

Operational HighlightsBusiness development, progressin technology and successin research and educationunderpinned our manyachievements throughoutthe year.Business development• Established new services in parts of regional Victoria and in New SouthWales. Began providing services to around 30 Local GovernmentAreas on behalf of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) undertheir Community Nursing Program. Also won the tender to providemore DVA funded services throughout all regions of metropolitanMelbourne. Appointed as an approved provider of domestic assistance,personal care and in-home respite by the HomeCare Service of NewSouth Wales.• Commenced initiatives addressing the needs of people with chronicdiseases, including a partnership with Healthways Australia, resultingin people having access to integrated care at home that comprisesnursing, allied health, domiciliary care, care coordination, telephonicand web-based support and telemonitoring.• Introduced a new online referral system on the RDNS website, allowingprospective clients, family members and friends to make directreferrals to RDNS. This is part of our ongoing commitment to meet thechanging needs of the community, as well as staying in touch withevolving modes of communication and technology.Reviews and benchmarking• Client satisfaction survey measured the opinions of 1,600 randomlyselected clients regarding service delivery. A satisfaction result of 89.6%was received – 3.8 points higher than the industry benchmark. Aboveindustry scores also received in key performance areas such as: howwell nurses explain treatment and care; the technical skill of nurses;respect for clients and carers; the likelihood of clients recommendingRDNS to others.• Satisfaction of the RDNS Customer Service Centre (CSC) was surveyed.In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with almost 300customers. Findings showed the CSC is achieving a high level ofcustomer satisfaction (93%). Health professionals indicated 84%satisfaction, showing that we need to continue to address this aspectof our customer service to bring it in line with overall satisfaction levels.From little things big things grow:125 years of RDNS6|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

Recognition and awards• Success in the 2009 Minister’s Awards for Excellence inAged Care with RDNS winning in the ‘Excellence in Trainingand Staff Development – Community’ category for thesuccessful implementation of a training program to supportthe employment and integration of Division 2 RegisteredNurses. High commendations received for our recent efforts infield-based computing and leadership in cultural liaison.• Success in the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards with ‘HighCommendations’ in two categories: the ‘Premier’s Award’category for the work of RDNS’ Homeless Persons Program;and the ‘Minister’s Award’ category for our commitment tocultural liaison.Technology and infrastructure• A comprehensive refresh of the entire fleet of over 1,000mobile computer devices was conducted. These devicesrepresent the most important tools-of-trade for our clinicalworkforce, providing real-time access to client information,scheduling, on-line medical resources, email and otherimportant functions to assist in the delivery of care.Major improvements include: extended battery life,a three-fold increase in connectivity speed and theintroduction of a superior standardised operating system.Each of these advances allows nurses to more fully andefficiently dedicate their time to client care.The multimedia package was designed around key elementsthat influence venous leg ulcer healing; promote chronicdisease management; optimise recurrence prevention;and which are conducive to better health and wellbeing.Refinement and full implementation of LUPP will beprogressed as a priority in 2011.healthcare reform• Significant developments on the national healthcare frontprompted an active response, with RDNS remaining firmlycommitted to ensuring that health reform delivers increasedaccess, better services and more community-based healthcareoptions.In a submission to the Senate Finance and PublicAdministration Committee, we commented further on COAGreforms relating to health and hospitals. We acknowledgedthat the Australian Government is taking on the challengeof introducing reform of Australia’s healthcare system, butexpressed concerns that the majority of funds and newspending appears to be allocated to existing programs.We recognised there are many positive elements to thereforms in train but maintained that sustainability can onlybe assured if funding is shifted from the in-patient setting tothe full spectrum of the community setting with a focus onkeeping individuals and the community well, and less relianton high-tech and expensive hospital treatment.Research and education• RDNS’ ‘Leg Ulcer Prevention Program’ (LUPP), led by theRDNS Helen Macpherson Smith Institute of CommunityHealth, was completed and delivered substantive outcomes.LUPP comprised a tailored client education packagedeveloped by RDNS clinicians and researchers, which wasimplemented and evaluated at eight RDNS sites.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 7

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Our work in Regional VictoriaWhat it means to be flexible.Our belief is that it is by working withpeople that you get the best results.One of the ways we achieve that is bybeing flexible – fitting in with people’slives, not rearranging them.10 |

Our work in New South WalesWhat it means to be responsive.It’s not enough to just let the world go by.Not when there’s much to be done. With somany people in need of professional care,RDNS is perfectly positioned to answer the call.And answering it we are.At 87 years old, Jack has had his fair share of challenges in life. He explainsnonchalantly that he got through the war pretty well, recalling wistfullyhis three lengthy tours of duty and the fact that many of his mates got“banged up pretty badly”. He was an air gunner on a Beaufort Bomberand saw action in many parts of the world. Ironically though, it was hislove of rugby, skiing and golf that has required him to undergo fourknee operations and two hip replacements.He endured those procedures with the same resilience that got himthrough the war unscathed and enabled him to run a successfulimporting business in Sydney for many years. And his resilience has beentested again in recent times. It started with a fall in the middle of the night,one from which he couldn’t pick himself up and for which the ambulancewas called. “Once the ambos are called, it’s hospital,” Jack quips. It begana series of trying events that ultimately saw him in hospital for a longperiod of time.12|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

Multiple scans and a battery of othertests revealed a number of clots on Jack’sbrain, for which he needed urgent cranialsurgery. Jack points to the fine, faint lineon his forehead, as he sits in the sun in thegarden of his home in Sydney’s northernsuburbs. In the background, boats zigzagtheir way across the harbour and Jackrelaxes on the back veranda of the housethat he and wife Von bought in 1960.He says that it was a long and testingepisode for both of them. Four hospitals ineight weeks, he explains matter of factly,with Von travelling through Sydney trafficmultiple times a week to support him.“I just wanted to get home!” Jack exclaims.And home he was able to come, oncethe threat of his initial situation had beenaddressed. But he needed support to getthere, and Von needed support as well.At the suggestion of the hospitaldischarge planner, and under theDepartment of Veterans’ AffairsCommunity Nursing Program, Jack didcome home. Waiting to assist him wasKim and her colleagues from Royal DistrictNursing Service.It’s new territory for RDNS, the first timein New South Wales. It’s new territory forKim as well, who had previously worked inhospitals but was looking for somethingthat would provide deeper involvementwith clients and more continuity of care.Kim and her colleagues visit Jack everydayand have also linked him into podiatry andphysiotherapy services. He has improvedgreatly, growing stronger with each visit,but there is still more work to do, and Kimwill be there to do it.“She’s a wonderful girl, this Kim,” saysJack, acknowledging that without thehelp of Kim and her colleagues, lifewould be very different. His gratitude isobvious, but as a self-made businessman,war veteran, proud father of four andgrandfather, he says he initially found ithard to accept the subsidised care thatexists to help people just like him. Kimand Von reassure him that after a lifetimeof giving to the community, it is his turnto receive the care that he needs to givehim back quality of life and restore hisindependence.The breeze has lifted as the sun plays inbetween the clouds. Von asks Jack if he isgetting cold, as Kim completes her notesfor the morning. “No, I’m fine thank you,”says Jack, looking out on the view thathe has enjoyed for half a century. Todaythough, after so long away from home,the stunning seascape seems just thatlittle extra special for Jack.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 13

Our work in MelbourneWhat it means to be efficient.Life can be busy. Particularlyfor families. That’s why weare committed to providingcare that is time effective andefficient. Which means moretime for clients to enjoy life.It’s a beautiful day in Mount Evelyn in Melbourne’s hills. The countryside is lush,evidence of the bountiful supply of rain over recent months. But local residentCheryll knows not to be fooled by the abundance of luxuriant foliage. Within afew short weeks Melbourne’s summer will strike with force and the green vistaswill quickly turn brown and dry as a tinder box. “We have a really easy disasterplan – we jump in the car and we’re out of here!” she says with straightforwardbluntness.Her sons Jarryd and Keagan shoot her a knowing look; they’ve seen theirmother’s determination many times in their life. And determined you have to bewhen you are raising a set of twins with cystic fibrosis.14|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

Cheryll remembers the early days, when she was told her newborns weresuffering from the menacing condition. The announcement left her numband despairing.With a daunting new world to navigate and as a single mother, it was withfear and trepidation that Cheryll stepped out into the unknown. “They werethe hardest twelve months of my life,” she recalls. But step out she did.And now, 15 years later, her sons have grown into young men, repletewith the exuberance and mischievousness of adolescence.The cystic fibrosis community is a close knit one, but with Jarryd and Keagan,there is a deep union. Unique and individual in their own right, they naturallyshare the special ties that being a twin brings, and the even deeper bond ofsharing one of life’s more cruel medical conditions.But, with energy that stands in defiance of their condition, they tackle theirdays with spontaneous enthusiasm and, as far as they are able, refuse tolet their condition get in their way. Their weeks consist of the usual raft ofactivities: school, homework, friends, computer games and walking theirdog Diesel.But every second week they have an important appointment with RDNS.Today it’s their nurse Katie who visits, maintaining a watchful eye over theirhealth, carefully monitoring them for signs of deterioration or possibleinfection, before guiding them in exercises to clear the sticky mucous fromtheir lungs. On other visits, it’s Julia, one of RDNS’ physiotherapists, whoapplies her skill and considerable influence to oversee an even more rigorousregime of physiotherapy. It means that the boys’ lungs remain as clear asthey can, and with that comes less risk of infection and complications, whichmeans less time in hospital.Jarryd expresses his disapproval of hospital and is grateful for Katie and Julia’svisits, as it allows him to live his life less interrupted. Keagan on the other handdeclares his like of the hospital ward, before Jarryd enthusiastically dispelsthe myth by pointing out: “Keagan only likes it for the food!” Keagan nods acheeky smile: “I eat everything,” he winks.The relationship between the boys and Katie is relaxed and trusting.Although all would prefer a life without CF, they are glad to have access tohealthcare that comes to them: efficient, focussed and effective, helpingthem to live relatively normal lives. RDNS has been there since they werebabies, and Cheryll says that without the help from the many RDNS nursesand physios over the years, things would have been more difficult.“We’ve been lucky to have them, especially early on. Apart from anythingelse, it’s meant I haven’t had to do it alone,” she says, recalling the longjourney her family and RDNS have travelled together.And travel is what is at the top of the twins’ minds, for within a few days theywill be setting off to Fiji on holiday. Cheryll is also looking forward to thebreak; well-deserved and an important opportunity to recharge. For she andthe boys know that soon enough, they will return to their “slice of heaven” inthe foothills and continue their life journey, with all of its highs and lows, andwith RDNS as their companion for as long as they need them.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 15

Our work in Research and Education

What it means to be progressive.It’s easy to rest on one’s laurels orjust follow the crowd. We’d preferto lead the way, particularly when itcomes to best practice. Our Leg UlcerPrevention Program is doing just that.As the oldest of 10 children, Glen knewfrom an early age what it meant to workhard. At just three, she was walking to theshops to fetch daily supplies – money inone hand, shopping list in the other. Shestill works hard, but these days it’s fordifferent reasons.Burdened by what she calls “dodgy hips”,these last years have been physicallyand mentally demanding, with multipleoperations, diabetes and other ailmentsafflicting this cheery and warm-heartedgrandmother. Her mood remains upbeatthough and she says she is relaxed mostof the time. She isn’t phased by too muchshe insists, but the sight of blood “gushingout of a huge hole” in her leg recentlyleft the 73-year-old rattled.“Back as a kid, mum just putmercurochrome on everything!” she sayswith a laugh, aware of the reality that agood dose of the old-world antiseptic wasnot going to fix this latest problem. Glenhad a serious leg ulcer which neededurgent attention. It was then that Glenmet Royal District Nursing Service.Initially it was about bringing the nastywound under control. Soon though, whengood progress had been made, Glenwas invited by her nurses to participatein RDNS’ Leg Ulcer Prevention Program(LUPP). LUPP is a new program at RDNS,pioneered by researchers within theRDNS Helen Macpherson Smith Instituteof Community Health, which aims toeducate and involve clients in the careof their leg ulcers, using the latestevidence-based nursing care. It involvesa multi-media education programpresented by RDNS nurses to their clientsin the comfort of their home and at thepace they require.Glen’s nurse Briony explains that Glenwas an enthusiastic participant in LUPP,keen to understand the causes of her legulcer and how to best treat it and evenkeener to reduce the risk of it recurring.With time and patience Glen, Briony andher other nurses worked through theprogram and, like so many other RDNSclients – some of whom had sufferedleg ulcers for years – Glen’s ulcer healedwithin a matter of weeks.Glen admits that at the outset she wasnervous that her ulcer wouldn’t heal andthat she would be stuck with a chroniccondition. “But as I did the Leg UlcerPrevention Program, I became moreconfident and had a belief that it wouldheal,” she explains. “Being able to seepictures and hear the information withmy nurses was a real help.”Briony agrees, explaining that LUPPhelps people to understand the processrequired to heal their leg ulcer and totake small steps at their own pace.“It encourages people to be moreinvolved in their own care, whichincreases the chances of healingand of ulcers staying healed.”Glen says that LUPP, which started as apilot study at a handful of RDNS sites, isthe reason that she achieved such goodhealing in a short period of time. “I don’tthink this would have healed withoutthe program. I’ve got these dodgy hips;I’m diabetic. I just couldn’t have got to adoctor three times a week for treatment,”Glen says, adding that being seen athome by RDNS brought “a great senseof relief.”And it is at Glen’s home, with its livelygarden and rich bird life, that Briony findsherself again, this time for a bad cut thatGlen received to her leg when gettingout of her car. Briony says that thereis no infection so she is hopeful it willheal with normal treatment. But Glen isreassured that if it does turn into anothernasty ulcer, Briony, her colleagues and theLUPP manual are just a stone’s throw way.And that brings a smile to Glen’s alreadycheerful face.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 17

Financial Summary18|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

Thank you!Our generous donorsMajor Donors – $15,000 and overCity of MelbourneWe would like to thank the individuals,philanthropic trusts and organisations listed belowfor their wonderful support during the past year.We also sincerely thank the many donors whosenames we have been unable to list.Every gift is important. As we strive to keep pace with the demandfor our services, your support is more important than ever.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 online donationat www.rdns.com.auCollier Charitable FundDanks TrustEstate of the Late Glen W A GriffithsEstate of Glykeria LambrouAlfred E G Lavey TrustLord Mayor’s Charitable FoundationMrs Merna OlverJohn T Reid Charitable TrustsTattersall’s George Adams FoundationTelstraEstate of Ruth WeissEstate of Dorothy Alice Witchell$10,000 – $14,999Besen Family FoundationCity of YarraEric Ormond Baker CharitableFundHerbert & Dorothy LancasterCharitable TrustFlora & Frank Leith CharitableTrustDame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBEOffice of HousingMs Helen Vaughan$1,000 – $9,999Mr Max AndersonMrs Rita AndreAndrews FoundationANZ VCFMrs Nola ArmstrongAustralian Software CompanyPty LtdMiss Valerie AwburnMr Rod BennettMrs Meg BentleyMrs Jeanette BorrieMr Leo BourkeMr Laurence BowesBrighton Inter-Church CouncilMr Edwin CameronMrs Dorothy CarltonCity of CaseyCommunity EnterpriseFoundationCybec FoundationMrs R E CostelloMr John CovellDr Nancy CowlingMs Vicky CurtisJohn & Ina Davey Trust FundScholarshipMs Margaret DeanMs Esma DickerMiss Valerie DouglasMs Lynette DowMs Elizabeth EastgateEltham Rural GroupEstate of George Walter BottEstate of Howard W P HobbsEstate of James CaseyEstate of Jean Kathleen EssexEstate of Kenneth Edward ReadEstate of Lilly SmithEstate of Richard GaleEstate of William O’BrienMr Con FoscolosMr Glenn FouseMs Sue GordonH V McKay Charitable TrustMs Sally-Anne HainsMiss Dorothy HigginsMrs Mary HiltonMr Darvell M Huchinson AM KSJMs Frances IlyineMs Hilary IrwinIvor Ronald Evans FoundationJack Brockhoff FoundationMrs Lucie JacobsMr Stanley JohnsonMrs Marie JonesMr Ludwig KellerKenneth James Pty LtdKimberley FoundationMrs Betsy KingMrs Laura LewisLioness Club of Deer ParkLions Club of Heidelberg-WarringalLions Club of Rye IncMrs Audrey LongworthManningham City CouncilMr Andrew McComasMr Andrew McDougallMr John McPhee MBE ADMMrs Daisy MerrettMs Rose NgaiMr Peter OgilvyOpen WaveMiss Mary O’SullevanMrs Judith OverbeekMr Michael ParisPen Computer Systems Pty LtdProbus Club Ladies of FrankstonBaysideRACVRACV Retail NetworkRDNS Former Staff AssociationRehabilitation Work GroupMr & Mrs Max ReidMr Gary RichardsonRotary Club of CoburgMr Greg Shalit & Ms Miriam FaineMrs Betty SmithSunshine FoundationSylvia Caddy Charitable TrustTalkPoint Pty LtdMs Sok Joo TanMrs Helen TaylorMrs Ann TregearMr James VauxMr & Mrs John & Marie WarnockMr Jon WebsterDr Valerie Yule$500 – $999Mr Robert AlabasterAll Souls Opportunity ShopMr & Mrs John & Ros AndrewsMrs Sheila AxelsonMrs Deirdre BarnettMrs Anne BaxterMr Noel BelcherMr Stephen BerryBeta Sigma PhiMr K BethellBotanic Gardens RetirementVillageMrs Pieternella BoumanMr Peter BrindleyMrs Frances BrumptonMrs Leonida BruverisMr Arthur ButcherCatholic Ladies CollegeMrs V J ChachsCitiPower Pty & PowercorAustralia LtdMr Alan CohnMs Frances CowieMrs E V CrohnMrs Nancye CuffeCWA DandenongMrs Eileen DaviesMiss Helen DaviesW D DistributorsMr Ronald DownMr Stephen EarpEltham North Primary SchoolMr Lindsay EnderbyEstate of Hilda Marion Lindsay RNMs Gertrude FassbenderMs Jean FordDr & Mrs J A & D M FrewDr Robert GableMrs Dorothea GordonMrs Pauline GreyH & K Johnston FamilyFoundationMrs Jean HadgesMrs Anna HahnMr J Arnold HancockMrs Hannelore HeitmannMrs Jean HirthMr Frank ImreiMs Nola JenningsMr David JohnstonMr L A F JonesDr Lindsay JonesMr William KellyMr Richard KnightMs Barbara LangleyMr Joseph LashbrookMr Frank LendvayMr & Mrs Jim & Alison LeslieMrs Jean LintonMrs Isobel LongMr Robert LongMrs V MansonMrs Jeanne MarsdenMs Vivienne McDonaldMrs J McIntoshMrs Margaret MichelmoreMr Paul MontgomeryMrs Marjory MorrisMrs Mary MorrisMrs Pauline MorrisonMrs Hazel MurphyMrs Laura NeilsonMr John PaisleyMrs T M ParryMr Thomas PeckMrs Anne PepperMrs Marjorie PortwinCaptian Charles J PotterMs Maria PriwitzerMr Alan RaeMrs Sheila RandellMrs Dulcie RichardsRiver Capital FoundationMrs Lois RobinsonMr Jack RogersMrs Jan RosenbergTheresa Salmon Charitable TrustMrs Mary SalterMs Margaret SaundersMr Maurice Scarlett20|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

Mr David ScarrMr Edward ScatesSharp DirectMr & Mrs David & Joy SkellernSt Marks Dromana & St GeorgesRed HillSt Paul’s Opportunity ShopState Revenue Office VictoriaMrs T O StephensMrs Doreen StevensonTecoma Treasure OpportunityShopMr Xay ThaiMr Ian ThomasMr Ian ThompsonMr Graeme ThomsonMr Keith ThorntonMrs Marjorie WallaceMr Frank WalshMrs June WanlessMiss Margaret Jane WashingtonMr William WaterfieldMr Alfred WheatlandMr Keith WilliamsMrs Sue WinnekeWomen of the University FundMr Laurie XuerebMrs Dorothy YoungMr Stuart YoungCorporate SponsorsCity of MelbourneCity of YarraOffice of HousingOpen WaveRACVIn Kind DonationsAustralian Software CompanyPty LtdFreehillsJohnson Winter & SlatteryRACVSharp DirectWomen of the University Fundand all of the many volunteerswho have assisted with RDNSChristmas cards and archivesConstant CompanionsMrs Rosemary AdamsMrs Judith AitkenMrs Kerry AlderuccioMr Douglas AlkemadeMs Barbara AllanMrs Joyce AllanMr John AllisonMrs Valda AmessMrs Valerie AndersonMr William AndersonMrs Antoinette AoueissMrs Kathleen ArmstrongMrs Lynne ArmstrongMrs Nola ArmstrongMrs Pamela ArvanitakisMrs Doreen Ashley-BrownMrs Nancy AzzaliniMiss Judith BachMs Erika BachmaierMrs Edna BainbridgeMr Frank BainesMrs Colleen BakerMrs Maria BalcerkiewiczDr William BamfordMrs Gerda BandmanMr Les BannerMr Peter BarkerMrs Catherine BarnardMiss Kerrie BarnhillMrs Eunice BarrMiss Joan BatsonMrs Marjorie BattenMs Cressida Batterham-WilsonMiss Olwen BawdenMr David BellMr William BennettMrs Dorothy BennettsMr Christopher BerryMrs Elizabeth BillsMs Leonie BingeMrs May BinghamMr Adrian BirchMr Peter BiroMrs Lorraine BirtwistleMrs Rachel BlacherMr Ross BlairMr Campbell BlightMrs Nelly BlomMrs Sigrid BodeMr Bruce BoellMrs Margot BoneMr Alan BorlaseMrs Helen BoshellMrs Sheila BoultonMs Charlotte BrackMrs Fiona BradleyMr Rodney BridgesMrs Casimir BrignellMr Henry BroadbentMr Brian BrookesMiss Susan BrookesMrs Mary BroughtonMrs Pamela BrownMiss Patricia BrownMr Colin BrowneMrs Marjorie BryantMiss Lois BunnMr Paul BurnessMrs Lynette BurtonMrs Mary CainMrs Grace CairnsMr John CairnsMr Raymond CairnsMrs Emma CaltabianoMrs Flora CameronMs Margaret CampbellMrs Susan CannonMs Joanna CapozziMrs Norma CarpenterMr Peter CarpenterMs Anne CarrollMs Robyn CarterMrs Nora CayleyMrs Trix ChambersMr John CharitosMrs Molly CheahMr Norman ChesterfieldMr Bok San ChingMrs Margaret ChristensenMs Jean ChristieMrs Xanthy ChristodoulouMrs Jennifer CioccioMr Leslie ClaringbullMrs Ann Marie ClarkeMs Joan ClarkeMr Peter ClaxtonMr Jack CliftonMrs Wilma CoffeyMrs Patricia ColganMrs Janet ConnardMr John CookeMs Carmela CoralloMrs Josephine CordinaMr Bryan CrawfordMs Karen CrawfordMr Dennis CreasyMrs Jennifer CritchleyMrs Valerie CromieMrs Deborah CrookMrs Joyce CrosbyMr Greg CrossMr Lindsay CrowMr Ron CruickshankDr Philippa CurrieMr James DagleyMrs Elizabeth DanbyMrs Judith DaniellMrs Sheila DanielsMr Ronald DarkMrs Sandra DaviesMr Lyle DavisMr John DawsonMr & Mrs Robert & Judith DeBruynMr Peter De PoelMrs Dorothy Deane-FreemanMrs Gail DelaneyMrs Elaine DempseyMrs Betty DentonMrs Beverley DeteringMrs Gloria Di TomassoMrs Janet DickinsMs Norma DicksonMr Richard DitterichMr John DollimoreDr Kate DonelanMrs Sarah DonnanMs Helen DonnellanMr & Mrs Richard DooleyMrs Diane DottMrs Coralie DowdMs Carolyn DownesMiss Patricia DoyleMr John DrummondMrs Vera DrysdaleMs Mary DuckworthMs Anne DuffieldMrs Pauline DuflouDr Paul DugganMrs Beverley DuncanMr John DunnMr Roger DunnMr Con DuyvestynMr Gary DyasonMr Gregory EcclestonMr Daryl EdwardsMiss Nancy ElliottMrs Lorna EnglishMr Graham EntingMr Armagan ErbayMr Sven-Cecilie ErikssonMrs Betty FabryMrs Stella FaidyMs Deirdre FarforMrs Jane FarrMs Kaye FarrowMrs Margaret FazakerleyMr Tony FergusonMs Jennifer FindlaterMrs Ruth FirkinMrs Norma FirthMrs Penelope FitzgeraldMrs Joyce FlemingMrs Prudence FletcherMrs Todd FolwellMr & Mrs H & P FordMrs Margot FormosaMrs Prudence ForsterMs Sara FotheringhamMs Anne Gaides & Dr ChrisCallahanMrs Joan GaleMs Carol-Ann GallMr Brian GardeMrs Catherine GarrardMrs Claire GartonMiss Daphne GendleMrs Lore GermainMrs Mary GhillerMrs Hilary GibsonMr Leslie GibsonMrs Wendy GibsonRev Joan GilchristMrs Joyce GilchristMrs Joyce GillespieMr & Mrs Norman & Gladys GilliesMr Kim GladigauDr Reuben Glass & Mrs AnnCebon-GlassMrs Faye GlassonMr John GleesonMr William GoodMrs Shirley GoodallMrs Patricia GoodmanMrs Marjorie GoughMrs Sandra GoughMrs Leanne GrantMiss Yvonne GrayMr Eric GreenMr & Mrs Michael & Rosalie GreenMr Fred GreensladeMr Corrie GreeveMr Geoffrey GriffithsMrs Rae HamiltonMs Peg HamptonMr Peter HardimanMr Tom HarleMrs Barbara HarradineMrs Helen HarrisonMrs Serena HarrisonMr Daryll HartMrs Dorothy HartMrs Valerie HarveyMrs Betty HassanMrs Diane HattonMrs Esme HaworthMrs Marjory HealeyMrs Wanda HenareMs Shelley HenleyMrs Dorte HenriksenMrs Helen HewittMrs Dorothy HibbsMrs Jane HillMr Geoffrey HilliardMrs Joan HolleyMrs Claire HoltMs Alex HomeMrs Roberta HonigmanMrs Lorraine HookMrs Ruth HopkinsMrs Jennifer HornidgeMs Valda HoskenMr Donald HoskingMrs Eileen HowardMr Garry HowellMrs Noelle HowellMrs Patricia HowellsMrs Patricia HoyleMrs Margaret HuckellMr Robert HudsonMrs Sylvia HylardMrs Maureen IrvingMrs Margaret JacobsMrs Valerie JamesMs Robin JeffsMrs Anne JenkinsMrs Diane JenkinsMrs Marjorie JobMrs Karen JoelMrs Marjorie JohnsonMiss Lorraine JonesMr Arthur JoslynMr Ronald JukesMs Margaret JungwirthMs Margaret JunorMrs Anneli KaendlerMrs Eileen KaminskiMs Ann KangMrs Anastasia KarakasidisMrs Veronica KastelanMrs Mary KatinisMrs Angela KayserMrs Marjorie KeanMrs Elaine KeenanMr Patrick KellyMs Susan KempMrs Isobel KerrMrs Helen KidmanMr Wayne KillingsworthMr Fred KinchelaMrs Irene KowalaMs Dorothy KowalskiMr John LabrumMrs Rasma LackovicMrs Christine LairdMr John LanderMrs Joan LangfordMrs Joan F Langley-BatesMr David LastMrs Daphne LaurensonMr Henry LawrenceMr Ray LawrenceMr & Mrs Robert & Alma LaycockMrs Merrilyn LeahyMr Colin LearmonthMrs Jean LeeMrs Madge 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Mrs Hilde LesheimMs Jill MulquineyMrs Ettyann LevyMrs Edna MurilloMiss Jane LewisMs Lorraine MurphyMrs Elsa LindsayMrs Lorna NazierMr David LindstromMrs Marian NealMr Ronald LinsdellMr Peter NewtonMrs Joan LippiattMrs Katherine NichollsMrs Pia LofhelmMiss Ruth NichollsMr Thomas LoganMrs Eve NicholsonMrs Pamela LoggMr Luigi NidoMrs Ruth LordMs Evelyn O’BrienMr Tony LoveMr Geoff O’CallaghanDr Zena LoweMs Anne O’ConnorMiss Nannette LowthMs Robyn O’DonnellMr David LuffmanMrs Judith O’DwyerMrs Ailsa LukeMrs Debra O’FarrellMs Margaret LumsdenMs Lesley OgdenMrs Beverley LuxtonMs Brenda O’KeefeMr James MackenzieMr Edward OldhamMs Faye MaddafordMr Norman O’LearyMrs Helen MaddiganMrs Dorothy OliverMs Carole MaesMs Eileen O’NeillMrs Audrey MaggsMs Janine O’NeillMrs Betty ManceMrs Nance O’RyanMr Graham MansonMr Kevin O’SullivanMr Albert MarrMiss Helen PapadopoulosMrs Gwendoline MarriottMrs Susan ParisianMrs Margot MarshallMr Alexander ParkerMs Catherine MartinMrs Jean ParkerMs Sonja MarusicMrs Joan ParrettMr Alan MathesonMrs Janet PatersonMrs Julie MatthewsMs Pamela PeckMs Margaret MayMr Don PeckhamMrs Phyllis McCaughanMrs Joyce PenmanMs Joanne McCoyMr Malcolm PenmanMr Bruce McCreadyMrs Pamela PenneyMr John McCredieMr Harry PerkalMs Valerie McFarlaneMr Franco PernaMrs Mary McGowanMr Barry PeverellMr John McInerneyMrs Jan PhillippsMr James McKenzieMrs Elisabeth PinxtMs Janet McLeanMrs Phyllis PoppelockMr Leslie McLeanMrs Patricia PrattMrs Gladys McMahonMr Laurence PrestonMiss Susan McMullenMr Hans PrinsMs Genevieve McNamaraMr Geoffrey PritchardMr Alan McPhersonMr Maurice PritchardMrs Lucy McRaeMr Thomas PritchardMrs Robyn McWilliamMr Emmanuel PsailaMr Fred MendelsohnMs Blanche QuilliamMrs Ingrid MenezesMr Andrew RamsayMrs Marisa MercandelMrs Carol RamsbothamMrs Lynn MetcalfMrs Ethel RamsdenMs Jillian MeyerMrs Maria RaperMrs Patricia MilesMs Maria RasoMs Margaret MillerMrs Joyce RavertyMrs Margot MinogueMrs Diane Redman-HeathMrs Maxine MissoMs Judith ReesMr Kevin MitchellMrs Margaret ReeveMs Jan MollerMr David ReidMr Maurice MonigattiMrs Diana RenouMiss Madeline MooreMrs Pamela RichardsonMrs Marion MooreMrs Cheryl RintoullMr A L MooreMrs Therese RissmanMr Thomas MoraleeMs Deborah RobertsonMr John MorganMrs Fiona RobinsonMr Maurice MorganMrs Lorna RobinsonMrs Charmaine MorrisonMrs Primrose RodieMiss Margaret MorrisseyMr Chris RogersMr & Mrs Gil & Betty Muling22|Mr Dan RomanisRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010Mr Thomas RossiterMrs Kathleen RouseMrs Georgina RoussisMr Alister RoweMs Frances RuffelsMs Elizabeth RussellMrs Rose SadlerMs Lynette SagonaMr Edwin SalisburyMr Brian Salter-DukeMr Jack SandersMrs Pamela SandsMr Donald ScallyMrs Carmen SchembriMrs Irene SchwabMrs Lila ScottMrs Mona ScottMrs Pauline SearleMs Elizabeth SeviorMs Denise ShawMr John M ShawMr Kevin SheatherMr Antony ShepherdMrs Hazel SherrattMrs Coral ShiellsMr Khik H SieMrs Pamela SieberMrs Dulcie SimmonsMiss Maimie SimpsonMr Robert SimpsonMr Rodney SimpsonMrs Pamela SinclairMs Patricia SincockMr & Mrs Charanjit &Davinderjeet SinghMr Howard SkittMr Mohammad SlametMr Muh SlametMs Wendy SlevisonMrs Phillipa SlingsbyMr Barry SlonMr Bernard SmallacombeMiss Meachel SmeetsMrs Betty SmithMr Brian SmithMr Dennis SmithMrs Doreen SmithMrs Janette SmithMrs Julie SmithMr Keith SmithMs Lesley SmithMrs Margaret SmithMr Richard SmithMrs Thelda SmithMrs Valda SmithMr William SmithMr Henry L Speagle OAMMs June SpeedMs Margaret SpicerMr Alexander SproullMr Vladimir StanisavljevicMrs Shirley StanleyMrs May StephenMr Alexander StewartMrs Benita StribleyMs Georgie StubbsMr Anthony SullivanMr Ian SurenMrs Beryl SyrettMrs Judith SzymanskiMrs Maria TantiMiss Phyllis TantiMs Carolyn TatchellMr & Mrs Neil & Bernadette TateMrs Gwendoline TaylorMr Jeffrey TaylorMr David TerryMrs Judy Tham-GazzardMrs Beryl ThomasMrs Hilary ThomasMrs Virginia ThompsonMr William ThompsonMrs Anne ThomsonMiss Ruby ThomsonMrs Irene TilleyMr Thomas TilligMrs Esther TimsMs Phyllis TisdaleMrs Elizabeth TobiasMr Keith ToogoodMr Graeme TregaskisMrs Janet TroupMs Jolanta TsenMrs Judith TuckMr & Mrs Can & Sema TuncerMrs Magdalena TurkstraMiss Josephine TurnerMrs Maureen UsherMr Hugh VallanceMs Nola Van EedeMs Jean Van TeylingenMs Marie VassalloMrs Elsie VealMr Gerard VeitchMrs Sandra VerdamMr Michael VermeulenMrs May VernonMrs Joy VincentMrs Margaretha VossMr Ronald WadeyMs Janet WalkerMrs Janet WalkerMr Graham WallMr Gary WallinMs Jacqueline WallingMrs Heather WalshMr Ivor WaltersMs Annette WantrychMs Janet WatkinsMrs Judith WatkinsMrs Jennifer WatsonMrs Sue WatsonMr Bryan WearneMr Ian WeaverMrs Patricia WebsterMiss Patricia WebsterMr Morris WellsMs Janet WestwoodMs Mary WhiteMr Ronald WhiteMr Reginald WhitingMrs Valma WilkinsonMrs Linda WilliamsMr Morris WilliamsMr Norris WilliamsMr George WillisMrs Nonna WillisMrs Betty WilsonMrs Lesley WilsonMs Marjory WilsonMrs Patricia WinnettMr David WischerMs Valentina WolzakMs Andrea WoodMrs Barbara WoodrowMrs Sharon WoodsDr Susan WotleyMrs Ann WrightMr Malcolm YatesMrs Natalie YeowardMiss Margaret YgoaMrs Pauline ZackMs Moorul Zahir MoulanaMr Martin ZeeuweLifetime CompanionsMiss Judith BachMrs Irene BerryMiss Bea BoardmanMr Rodney BrightMrs Barbara BurrowsMiss Ruth DoigMr Stephen EarpMrs Catherine ErdosMr William FinighanMr Paul FosterMs Anne Gaides & Dr ChrisCallahanMiss 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 OlsonMr John PaisleyMr Emmanuel PsailaMs Pamela PurtonMrs Priscilla RandallMr Stuart RobinsonMrs Audrey SmithMr Brian SmithMr Henry Speagle OAMMr Harold SwantonMr Ferdinand Ten-TyeMr Ian WalkerMrs Kathleen WelchIn MemoryDonations of $2,000 or morewere made to honour thefollowing:Mrs Marjorie VaughanMr David V HahnMrs Gail Bennett

Facts & Figuresthe rdns group:Episodes of care and visits by support region/siteRegion Support site Episodes %** Visits* %**the rdns group:Number of clientstreated for theyear 2009/ 1034,907exPLANATION OFTABLES AND GRAPHSVisits and client-related contactsComprises face-to-face visits with clientsas well as a count of ‘client-relatedcontacts’, which are activities undertakenon behalf of a specific client though notin their presence. (For example, a visitto a client’s GP, attendance at a caseconference or time spent communicatingwith other service providers involved in aclient’s care).METROPOLITANMELBOURNE –EasternMETROPOLITANMELBOURNE –NorthernMETROPOLITANMELBOURNE –SouthernBox Hill 2,390 6.2 101,955 5.6Camberwell 1,338 3.4 61,180 3.3Knox & Lilydale 2,920 7.5 141,603 7.8Eastern total 6,648 17.1 304,738 16.7Diamond Valley 2,715 7.0 105,347 5.8Heidelberg 1,864 4.8 63,990 3.5Moreland & Gisborne 2,619 6.7 106,533 5.9Yarra 1,191 3.1 58,088 3.2Northern total 8,389 21.6 333,958 18.4Berwick 2,072 5.3 62,712 3.4Caulfield 1,692 4.3 102,271 5.6Frankston 1,970 5.1 83,375 4.6Moorabbin 1,758 4.7 140,959 7.8Rosebud 2,142 5.7 72,024 4.0Springvale 1,885 4.8 66,715 3.7Southern total 11,519 29.9 528,056 29.1Admissions by source of referralThe greatest proportion of referrals toRDNS continues to come from publichospitals where RDNS Liaison nursesare pivotal in coordinating dischargeplanning.Top ten classification by occurrenceThe table graphically demonstratesthe diversity of conditions RDNS clientspresent with.Visits by care typeThe core focus of RDNS is clearlydemonstrated to be the provisionof support and maintenance servicesto clients in their homes.METROPOLITANMELBOURNE –WesternAltona 3,086 7.9 102,913 5.7Essendon 1,976 5.1 86,145 4.7Sunshine 3,884 10.0 107,011 5.9Western total 8,946 23.0 296,069 16.3RALLY Healthcare total 58 0.1 2,380 0.1Homeless Persons Program total 2,087 5.4 34,999 1.9Customer Service Centre total 200,113 11Liaison total 16

VICTORIA/NEW SOUTH WALESTop ten ICD-9-CM* classification of diseases and injuries:number of occurrences and percentageClassification of diseases and injurieswithin ICD-9-CM (Primary Diagnosis)* Conditions at RDNS within the Main ICD-9-CM categories** Occurrences %Symptoms, signs & ill-defined conditions Urinary incontinence (8%) 7,178 17Post Operative Care 6,369 15Diseases of the skin & subcutaneous tissue Leg Ulcers and Cellulitis (11%) 5,595 13Injury & poisoning Wounds (6%) 4,268 10Neoplasms Malignant Neoplasm (7%) 3,021 7Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic diseases& immunity disorders Diabetes (6%) 2,962 7Mental Disorders Dementia (4%) 2,792 7Diseases of the circulatory system 2,633 6Diseases of the nervous system & sense organs Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases (3%) 1,968 5Genitourinary system Urinary retention (2%) 1,126 3Other 4,215 10Total 42,127 100As in the past years ulcers remain the highest diagnostic reason for admission to RDNS.* 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.VICTORIA/NEW SOUTH WALESVisit hours by care typeSupport andmaintenanceAcute /Post acute Palliative Other TOTALVisit at home 440,733 19,856 24,934 56,942 542,465Visit at school / work 3,278 171 71 10,741 14,261Visit to hospital (liaison) 455 311 73 10,222 11,061Visit to hospital (not liaison) 560 0 17 1,616 2,193Client attended centre 1,879 180 6 5,163 7,228Bereavement visit 82 3 298 54 437Other 151 0 0 2,184 2,335Total 447,138 20,521 25,399 86,922 579,980NB: Visit hours exclude client-related contact hours.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 25

victoria/new south walesPercentage of clients born in English/non-English speaking countriesRegionMetropolitan Melbourne – Eastern29 71Metropolitan Melbourne – Northern45 55Metropolitan Melbourne – Southern31 69Metropolitan Melbourne – Western45 55Regional Victoria28 72New South Wales19 81010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100%Non-English speaking countriesEnglish speaking countriesvictoria/new south walescultural diversity overviewCultural Diversity of Client Population• RDNS clients originate from 154 countries.• RDNS clients speak 118 languages.• 35% of total RDNS clients are bornin non-English speaking countries.• 0.7% of total RDNS clients are Aboriginaland/or Torres Strait Islander.Language Services• 6% increase in the use of accreditedon-site interpreters.Staff• RDNS staff speak 39 languages.• 10% RDNS staff speak a languageother than English.VICTORIA/NEW SOUTH WALESClient admission by source of referralSource Admissions %Acute hospital / public 10,764 38.1Local doctor 2,531 9.0Acute hospital / private 1,624 5.8Relatives, friends, neighbours 1,910 6.8Self Referral 1,495 5.3Extended care rehabilitation facilities 338 1.2Palliative care / hospice 1,586 5.6Other Community Health Service 1,230 4.4Other community service non-health 240 0.9Aged Care Assessment Team 772 2.7Nursing home / hostel / other residence 96 0.3Respite care – except palliative 18 0.1Mental health / psychiatric service 9 0.0Other 5,621 19.9Total 28,234 100%26|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

new zealand main statisticsStatisticsNo.Staff (carers) 109Staff (office) 15Clients visited 1,067Visits made 71,027Hours of care delivered 117,383RDNS cars 3Distance travelled257,118 kmRoyal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 27

Our DirectorsNoel ArmstrongJan BeggDesmond BenjaminPeter BrindleyMarion LauPaul MontgomeryDr Michael MurrayProfessor Leon Piterman28|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010Michael Roberts

Noel ArmstrongFPRIA69, RDNS Director since 2006;Deputy Chairman since 2009Member of RDNS Board Committee: Audit and Risk,Remuneration and NominationsNoel’s expertise in strategic communication is supportedby over 35 years experience in the industry. Prior to movinginto corporate and public affairs in 1972, Noel had worked fornewspapers and radio; and produced television news and currentaffairs programs.In 1978, Noel established a Victorian-based strategiccommunications consultancy which he sold to Hill and Knowltonin 1989. He continued to work as General Manager, Victoria,before becoming Chief Executive of the company’s Australianoperations.He was later appointed Executive Chairman of Hill and KnowltonAustralia and New Zealand and Executive Vice President of thecompany in the Asia Pacific Region.In 1996, Noel become the Director of Corporate Affairs atEpworth Hospital and worked there until his retirement in May2006. During that time, Noel worked on the integration of theFreemasons business with the Epworth Group and was partlyresponsible for the overall administration of the three hospitalcampuses at Richmond, Box Hill and Brighton.Jan BeggBSc (Hons), MBA, FAICD53, RDNS Director since 2004Member of RDNS Board Committee: AssetsJan has extensive experience at senior executive level in theareas of strategic consulting, project management, sales andmarketing, change management, software development andbusiness unit management.As an experienced consultant, Company Director and ExecutiveManager, Jan brings a sound understanding of organisationalchange initiatives to RDNS - from strategic planning to harvestingbenefits from successful implementation.Jan’s recent experience includes corporate governance of majorprojects at ANZ Banking Group, project setup and business casedevelopment for the Victorian Public Service and pharmaceuticalresearch and development project management.She has also consulted to major government and corporatebusiness within Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA and isactive in developing scholarship funding for the MelbourneBusiness School.Apart from her role at RDNS, Jan is also Managing Directorof Azulin Pty Ltd and a Fellow of the Australian Institute ofCompany Directors.Whilst working at Epworth, Noel successfully established acompany to assess and analyse the customer performance of callcentres of major corporations throughout Australia. Noel is also apast member of the Board of Management of Alexandra DistrictHospital.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 29

Desmond BenjaminFGAA FAICD68, RDNS Director since 2001Member of RDNS Board Committee: Audit and RiskDes has had extensive experience as a Director, Chief Executive,Non-Executive Director, Chairman and Board consultant across abroad spectrum of both public and private companies.His honorary work has included past President of the CompanyDirectors Association, Save the Children, Toorak and South YarraRotary Clubs and Life Education.Des was also a past Zone Chairman of the Salvation Army RedShield Appeal and a past Treasurer of the Toorak Red Cross.Apart from his responsibilities at RDNS, Des is currently ashareholder and Director of a privately owned home gardenand agricultural chemical supplier and a Non-Executive Directorof a privately owned retail lifestyle chain and has a consultancybusiness.Peter BrindleyBachelor of Commerce (Economics & Finance), Grad Diplomaof Business (Accounting), CPA44, RDNS Director since 2009Member of RDNS Board Committee: Assets (Chair)Peter is a senior manager with a breadth of experience acrossvarious business disciplines in both local and internationalenvironments.With a strong background in finance, strategy, sales andoperations Peter has worked in key strategic planning and financeroles of major organisations such as Dulux New Zealand, OricaNew Zealand and ICI Australia, as well as in general managementroles in both mature and start-up businesses.Peter has held various directorships and specific legal entity,statutory compliance and public relations responsibilities duringhis career. He is currently working with the RACV as GeneralManager, RACV Home Services.Marion Lau OAM JPRN Div 1; RM; Certificate in Gynaecology, Diploma in NursingAdministration; Bachelor in Health Services Administration(BHA)67, RDNS Director since 1996Member of RDNS Board Committee: Clinical GovernanceMarion has excelled as an aged care consultant, registered nurseand midwife and is also a mentor and business coach to thehealth industry and small business.Her vast experience includes Matron/Manager - Avenue Hospital,Windsor, Administrator and Advisor for the CommonwealthDepartment of Health & Aged Care; Justice of the Peace; Director- Management Consultants and Technology Services; Member -Ministerial Small Business Advisory Council; President - ChineseHealth Foundation; Past President - Chinese Community Societyof Victoria and Past Chair - Ethnic Communities’ Council ofVictoria.Marion was the first woman to be elected as Chair of the EthnicCommunities Council of Victoria – the Victorian Peak Body forEthnic Specific Organisations, as well as the first woman Presidentof the Chinese Community Society of Victoria.She was awarded an Order of Australia in 1996 for her servicesto older Australians, as well as to the Chinese community. Inrecent years, she received the Centenary Medal for her services tomulticulturalism and for her work as Chair of the Victorian EthnicCommunities Council.Other roles currently held by Marion include Executive member –Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria; President 2009/2010 andCharter Member – Rotary Club of Elsternwick; Director – DouttaGalla Aged Services; Member – Small Business Mentoring Service;Victorian Multicultural Business Advisory Council Member;Member, The Royal Children’s Hospital Bioethics DevelopmentBoard; Member – Policy Council, Council of the Ageing.30|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

Paul MontgomeryBA, LLB (ANU)61, RDNS Director since 2005; Chairman since 2009Member of RDNS Board Committee: Assets, Remuneration andNominations (Chair)Paul was a partner of the leading law firm, Freehills, in Melbournefor 28 years. The last 12 years were as managing partner of theMelbourne practice.He is a director of Medisecure Pty Ltd, Now Hiring Pty Ltd, KataniClothing Company Pty Ltd and Treelots Pty Ltd – all activebusinesses.In addition to RDNS he is a director of the Mental IllnessFellowship, Victoria.Dr Michael MurrayMBBS, FRACP, MPH50, RDNS Director since 2004Member of RDNS Board Committee: Clinical Governance(Chair), Remuneration and NominationsMichael brings a broad range of management, clinical and clinicalteaching experience to RDNS.He has extensive professional networks in aged care includingNational Evaluation of the Innovative Care (Rehabilitation)Services Steering Committee; Continence Management AdvisoryCommittee; Care of Older Australians clinical reference groupAustralian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care (La TrobeUniversity); Australian Association of Gerontology (Vic Branch);Continence Foundation of Australia (National); Lynden Aged CareAssociation Board of Governance; Australian Society for GeriatricMedicine and the International Continence Society.Apart from his roles at RDNS, Michael is also Director ofGeriatric Medicine - St Vincent’s; Fellow - Australian Associationof Gerontology (FAAG) and Adjunct Associate Professor –Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care (ACEBAC)Latrobe University and Adjunct Associate Professor – Universityof Notre Dame.Professor Leon Piterman AMMBBS, MMed, MEdSt, MRCP(UK), FRCP (Edin) FRACGP62, RDNS Director since 2006Member of RDNS Board Committee: Clinical GovernanceLeon has extensive expertise in medical education, medicalresearch and clinical audit.He has published widely on clinical and educational issuesrelated to general practice and was awarded the F.H. FauldingPrize for research in General Practice in 1987, the Silver JubileeTeaching Prize in 1992 and the Hong Kong College of GeneralPractitioners Award for best research project in 1994. He has over90 publications in refereed journals and co-authored the text“General Practice Psychiatry”.In June 2006, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia(AM) for service to family medicine through distance educationfor doctors in remote areas, to research and student training, andto international education.Apart from his roles at RDNS, Leon is also Professor of GeneralPractice - Monash University; Head of School - Primary HealthCare and Deputy Dean - Faculty of Medicine Nursing and HealthSciences. He is also a member of the Board of Examiners of theAustralian Medical Council and sits on numerous university,professional and government expert committees.Michael RobertsRegistered Nurse, Grad Dip Bus Admin54, RDNS Director since 2005Member of RDNS Board Committee: Audit and Risk (Chair)Michael has more than 27 years experience in healthcare as anurse, clinical service manager, and consultant. He worked insenior management and clinical roles at St Vincent’s HospitalMelbourne and other hospitals.Apart from his roles at RDNS, Michael is also a Director ofIridium Consulting - a Melbourne based healthcare consultancy.He specialises in problem solving, change management,service redesign and planning. Iridium’s clients include healthdepartments, professional bodies, hospitals, community services,aged care services and mental health services. He is also active inseveral community service fields.Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010| 31

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 onan ‘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 Boardof Directors 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 withthe ASX Principles, RDNS Directors have determined to use them as the basis for continuingto revise 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 onthe way by which the Board/management/staff interface operates.In summary, the Board is a strong advocate of good corporate governance and seeks to ensurethat all officers and employees of the company fulfil their obligations and their responsibilitiesto all stakeholders.RDNS Limited’s Subsidiary CompaniesRDNS 2007 Pty Ltd (Trustee for the RDNS Charitable Trust)Directors:Paul Montgomery (Chairman)Noel ArmstrongPeter BrindleyRoyal District Nursing Service New Zealand LimitedDirectors:Don Hunn (Chairman)Noel ArmstrongAnne BlackburnKen MasonPaul Montgomery32|Royal District Nursing Service – Annual Report 2010

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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