Significant improvements in clinical outcomes and accreditation results were among the highlights from 2023-2024 for Central Gippsland Health, according to Board Chair, Arthur Skipitaris.
In his report to the CGH Annual General Meeting on 11 December 2024, Mr Skipitaris said CGH had implemented new models of care and established partnerships to strengthen the allied health service.
“We have also developed a mental health model of care to improve the quality of care and service to our community,” he said. “We have fully resourced our aged care facilities, implemented all the new aged care standards, successfully passed all accreditations and spot audits, and strengthened resident care in our aged care homes.”
Mr Skipitaris highlighted several infrastructure projects underway to improve patient care outcomes, as well as staff and visitor experience.
“The future of the Victorian healthcare sector continues to be impacted by significant challenges, including workforce shortages and working towards a more efficient and sustainable financial model. In 2023/24, the Victorian Department of Health established a process to develop a draft Health Services Plan to consider the best design and governance of the public health services system. At this stage, we are yet to see the detail and understand the impact on regional health services. However, despite the ongoing and significant challenges in the healthcare sector, the CGH team continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to delivering excellent care.”
In his report, CGH Chief executive Officer, Mark Dykgraaf, detailed many significant achievements for the health service.
He highlighted the ongoing work to strengthen and improve services with CGH increasing joint replacement surgeries from two cases per week, to five cases per week. Simultaneously, the length of stay for joint replacement patients has been reduced from over five days to two days.
“This has been achieved through the excellent work of our Operating Theatre and Surgical Ward teams working in partnership together,” Mr Dykgraaf added.
“In 2023/24, we also fully implemented our Better at Home and Residential in-Reach Programs. These assist us to care for people away from the Emergency Department and lessen the number of residents transferred from residential care to the Emergency Department. CGH has also reduced the Occupational Therapy waiting list from 200 people with a nine-month wait to approximately nine people with a two-week wait. This outstanding work from our Community and Allied Health Teams has meant that people waiting for home modifications are receiving these in a much timelier fashion.
Our Excellence Program has progressed and will continue to strengthen and accelerate over the next year.”
Both Mr Skipitaris and Mr Dykgraaf paid tribute to the CGH Board, staff, volunteers and community partners.
Retiring Board Directors were Jim Vivian (nine years of service), Abbas Khambati (nine years of service), Glenys Butler (six years of service), and Helen McConachy (two years of service). New Board Directors are Adam Koster, Luis Prado and Trevor Goldstone.
Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of two Life Governorships to volunteers Debbie Sparks and Maureen McLeod in recognition of their community service.
Debbie, a dedicated and loyal volunteer at Central Gippsland Health for the past 22 years, joined the team of volunteers as a “Pink Lady” in 2002.
Debbie has maintained the cut flowers delivered to patients across Medical Ward, Surgical Ward and the Women’s and Children’s Ward, while visiting and supporting patients. She also manages the “Sparkie’s Specials” trolley at Wilson Lodge, visiting each resident’s room delivering newsletters, offering magazines, conversation and friendship. Her visits are a source of joy and connection for many residents who look forward to her regular interactions.
Maureen began her journey with Central Gippsland Health 12 years ago when a local church took up the call to support the Delivered Meals program. Maureen has been recruiting and coordinating a team of volunteers to deliver meals to those in need, managing a week of volunteer shifts herself each month.
In addition to her invaluable work with Meals on Wheels, she is a loved member of the Oncology Team, regularly serving tea, coffee and freshly baked cakes to patients receiving treatment. Earlier this year, she delivered a volunteer training session, guiding new volunteers as they support the Unit with her efforts much appreciated by staff and patients alike.
You can read the full report at www.cghs.com.au.
ENDS
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