Junior Nurses Gain Skills at Aged Care Symposium Around 30 junior nurses from local aged care facilities attended an inaugural aged care education symposium at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.
Emma Everingham, clinical nurse consultant with the Geriatric Outreach Service, said the day was about helping first and second year nurses expand their skills in caring for elderly residents to avoid hospital visits. “With more than 110 aged care facilities across our district, if the elderly can be looked after in their residences, it makes a huge difference to their care,” she said. “It also takes the pressure off our ambulance and our emergency department if our Geriatric Rapid Acute Care Evaluation (GRACE) team can go out there and help these nurses care for these residents instead.” The one-day course saw nurses learn about dementia and behaviour management, urinary
catheters and treating fractures from falls. The nurses also spent time at the hospital’s simulation centre, where they were given immersive training in potential real-life situations. The NSLHD has three geriatric outreach service teams. “It’s a pilot day and hopefully we can do more of this across the district,” said Emma. Knitters and Natters Support AYAH Families
Nurses at the first symposium
The knitting group, Knitters and Natters of Watermark Over 55’s Village in Freshwater, have donated hand-knitted blankets and soft toys to families at Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) as the weather cools down. Knitters and Natters started as a social gathering amongst the residents of Watermark over 55’s village. This has evolved into a dedicated team of around 20 individuals, united by their love for knitting and their desire to make a difference. The group meets twice a week to knit and crochet items ranging from blankets to soft toys. “The Knitters and Natters initially reached out to us after they raised money for us. They then hosted their own Christmas in July event and raised more money for us. They have also knitted us a beautiful Christmas Tree. They make beanies, scarves, soft toys, blankets, and fidget mats for us. Like with all of our supporters, we are very grateful for thems” said Laura Grant, Community Partnerships Manager, AYAH. In addition to their donations, the group has raised over $9,000 for AYAH. These contributions highlight the group’s
dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of AYAH families.
An AYAH patient with her new knitwear
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 12| 28 JUNE 2024
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