Continual Improvements
During the year all areas of the organisation undertook quality improvement activities. These cover a wide range. Some of these activities are outlined below:
Radiology
Our Radiology (or X-Ray) Department is an example of a service we provide which, during the past year, has undergone several changes. Equipment improvement has been the main focus during the year. An example of this was the digitizing of ultrasound images. Previously x-rays were printed on film, which was time consuming and also meant loss of details on the film. The digitizing ensures that the image is captured directly from the machine, which is then transmitted directly to the radiology leading to improved work efficiency as well as an improved quality of image. We have also replaced the mobile x-ray machine. The old machine was not only heavy to be pushed, and leading to risk of injury to the operator, but also could only perform limited examinations. The new machine can undertake more extensive examinations as well as being motor driven.
Grant Lodge
Grant Lodge’s refurbishment program for the year has certainly improved the surroundings of the area for the residents and their visitors. These improvements included a sensory garden, a ‘snoezelen room’, new carpeting in the hall way and a new reception desk.
- The new Sensory Garden outside Grant Lodge
Needle Syringe Program
Although this program has been in place in Melton for some years, there has not been a program at Bacchus Marsh until this year when it was introduced to the Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre. Research suggests that when such a program is in place, infection rates which can occur in users of this service will decrease.
Grounds and Buildings
The grounds and buildings of Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital have undergone some renovations during the year. These included painting of all the external building, removing of overgrown shrubs up the main driveway (which were proving a security hazard) as well as providing more car parking spaces.
Infection Control
Infection Control – new air filtration system installed in theatre suite this includes hepafiltration for operating rooms resulting in improved quality of air and excellent heating and cooling
Melton Health
This new facility for Djerriwarrh Health Services commences operation early in 2007 and will bring to the local community a wide range of new services as well as an increase in some already existing services. Programs will include:
- Women and Children’s Health – obstetric and antenatal care, paediatrics, orthopaedic paediatrics, audiology
- Adult Health – day rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, chronic disease management
- Day Medical – urgent care, renal dialysis, chemotherapy
The renal dialysis and chemotherapy beds will transfer from Bacchus Marsh and will increase in number.
- The Melton Health building still has some way to go! (August 2006)
State of the Art Technology
DjHS will be fitted out with the latest clinical and administrative computer software to improve client care and to make the health professional staff member’s job easier. We have recently entered into a contract with i-Soft to provide the hub of our clinical information systems DjHS will use a ‘state of the art’ electronic medical record system, queue management and clinical systems as well as the latest equipment for video conferences and telecommunications.
Outdoor environment
Further improvements to the outdoor area of the hospital will continue. These will include an enlargement of the Grant Lodge outdoor area so that residents are able to enjoy being outside in a more garden-like environment, improved signage and the possibility of more car parking
and many more...