Ryde hospital’s Covid-19 response Ryde staff have been working hard managing the unprecedented COVID-19 workload and preparing the hospital for the anticipated increase. A few of the key changes include the creation of a COVID-19 clinic, a dedicated COVID-19 ward and the upskilling of intensive care and anaesthetic nurses so they can deliver the highest-quality care to those who need it. There has also been the creation of a central
storage system for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to manage the stock availability. Ryde’s emergency department has been reconfigured so there are separate areas for those presenting with respiratory symptoms and those presenting with other injuries and illnesses. This ensures appropriate management can be followed and reduces the risk of cross infection amongst patients. A clinical advisory group has been established so senior clinicians can advise and talk with members in Ryde’s executive team about clinical care amid the evolving COVID-19 situation. A Director of ICU has been appointed and together with eight intensivists who have come onboard are preparing the hospital’s HDU/ICU for critical COVID-19 patients. Ryde Hospital General Manager Heather Gough said staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the hospital is effectively responding to the virus. “We’ve established and strengthened our infection prevention and control team, and our staff have undergone extensive PPE training and continue to do so,” she said.
Staff from Ryde’s Pathology team
“The hospital is also developing and enhancing the use of telehealth particularly in its emergency department and rehabilitation services. “Some patients recovering from COVID-19 require extensive rehabilitation but may be too weak to travel, so we are working on how we can adequately provide treatment via telehealth.” Director of Nursing Drew Hilditch-Roberts encourages the community to still come to hospital for treatment if they are unwell. “While we are responding to COVID-19, it is so important that the community is aware the hospital is open and safe for those who are sick and require critical care for all illnesses and injuries,” he said. The hospital has also started an Exceptional People Program to recognise and acknowledge hard working staff who have worked above and beyond the call of duty during these challenging times.
rns patient celebrates 100 years There were 100 reasons to smile at Royal North Shore Hospital recently when patient, Marjory, celebrated her milestone birthday. Nursing staff were eager to decorate
Marjory’s room and put on a celebration, giving everyone a reason to be cheerful especially during these difficult times. The patient of ward 5 East was surprised when a cake, baked by a staff member Nompumelelo Mpande, who came in on her day off to deliver the three-tiered vanilla and raspberry creation. “She gave a little smile,” Nurse Unit Manager Rose Hills said.
Happy Birthday Marjory
The ward has two patients aged 100 currently which is quite rare. Marjory’s family sent flowers and were “incredibly grateful” of the gesture by staff.
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Share your news and achievements. Contact our team on 9463 1722 or email NSLHD-media@health.nsw.gov.au to submit your news.
6 NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 7| 23 APRIL 2020
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