Thank you to all staff who have expressed interest in further training to allow them to work in new environments, for example the acute, emergency and critical care setting.
To date we have had over 200 staff enrolled in ICU training, over 50 subacute staff complete higher acuity training and 40 staff enrol in emergency department training. In addition to the face-to-face training program, staff are being supported in supernumerary experience in the relevant clinical settings – a supported and fun way to cement new knowledge and practise new skills.
And… it’s not too late! If you would like to further enhance your skills in the acute, emergency or critical care setting please reach out to Sally Butzkueven. Sally is the coordinator who will be able to assist. This is a great opportunity to broaden your skill set and experience work in a different environment. Plus you will be helping our community and your colleagues as we continue to prepare for any outbreaks that we may face.
Today I’d also like to reassure all staff that we have worked hard to ensure that Western Health has adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. While global shortages of PPE have been well-reported, our COVID-19 leadership team has worked closely with DHHS to ensure we have enough masks, gloves and gowns for appropriate use now and into the future. Western Health has also made face shields available for any staff members who would like one, whether you are clinical or non-clinical. More details in the bulletin below.
Thank you for reading.
Regards
Natasha
COVID-19 DAILY SUMMARY
• Respiratory Assessment Clinic presentations yesterday: 123
• Numbers of individuals tested for COVID-19 at Western Health to date: 5555
• Numbers of individuals tested positive to date: 75
• Numbers of current inpatients with COVID-19: 1
Face shields
Re-usable face shields are available to staff working at Western Health. Face shields protect us from droplet spread by protecting our mucous membranes and their use will reduce our risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus. They are not compulsory, but if you do not have a face shield and would like one, click here for details.
Hotel for Heroes
‘Hotels for Heroes’ is Western Health’s COVID-19 Healthcare Worker Emergency Accommodation Program supported by the Victorian Government.
Emergency accommodation may be provided for eligible Western Health staff who are required to self-isolate or self-quarantine because of COVID-19 and do not have a suitable home environment to do so. Western Health may also consider emergency accommodation for extenuating circumstances.
For further information, including eligibility, please see the Hotels for Heroes QRG and Screening Tool on the QRG page of the COVID microsite.
If you have any questions or believe you are eligible, please contact the Hotels for Heroes team:
When: 8am – 4.30pm 7 days per week
Email: Covid-19HotelsForHeroes@wh.org.au
Phone: 8345 6666, select Option 1, request Hotels for Heroes
Respiratory Assessment Clinic
The Coronavirus Microsite now displays current information about the Western Health Respiratory Assessment Clinic on the top banner of the home page.
Here you can find opening times, access routes and a link to the staff self-screening tool.