KINDNESS MATTERS
A place to share stories of kindness at Western Health as we work together to care for our communities. Illustrating the many acts of kindness, connection, consideration, generosity and solidarity across Western Health through photos, videos, drawings or notes.
Please submit to Ellise McLoughlan at Public Affairs (ellise.mcloughlan@wh.org.au)
Kindness Matters podcast series
The Kindness Matters podcast series will bring you some joy and light relief as we hear from some of our staff – and the people who are important in their lives outside of work. There are some laugh out loud moments in these episodes! Visit kindnessmatters.wh.org.au or coronavirus.wh.org.au/podcasts.
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Subscribe on Android, Cast Box, Pocket Casts or search for “Kindness Matters, Western Health” wherever you get your podcasts. Please share the episodes with your colleagues and friends.
Kindness Matters
New generation thanks theatre
A bright watercolour thank you poster from thoughtful kindergarteners has provided a positive boost to theatre staff at Footscray Hospital.
A patchwork of thanks
An anonymous community member has crafted large tapestries and quietly given them to staff when receiving her COVID-19 vaccinations
Spring has Sprung in JKWC
Daffodils to mark the start of spring were enjoyed by staff in the clinical directorate at Joan Kirner Women’s and
Staff get a good wrap
A local real estate agency has shown their appreciation to staff at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital with a delivery of
Volunteers calling to connect community
Volunteers at Bacchus Marsh Hospital have made the local news for their work connecting with vulnerable members of the community
Police recognise hospital staff’s extraordinary service
The community spirit is alive and well in Bacchus Marsh, with local members of Victoria Police showing their appreciation to
“A heart-warming and overwhelming response” to families doing it tough
Sue Haines and Kylie Roper packing hampers for families in need this Christmas. An initiative to support families
Peer support protecting staff wellbeing in ED
A new peer support program in Sunshine ED is working to protect the wellbeing of staff as they deal with
A second birth after 129 days at Western Health
After contracting COVID-19 while visiting family in Melbourne from his home in India, and spending 129 days at Western Health,
Keep smiling, keep shining!
An initiative implemented by the Psychology team at Western Health to ensure patients can see the comforting smiles of clinicians
How lucky to hear from Howi from Lord Howe
In the Tasman Sea 600km east of the Australian mainland is a unique and untouched volcanic remnant known as Lord
You’re “Exceptional. Not just Essential”
Pictured: Christine Schmid, Paediatric Chief Registrar receiving a care pack from Maree Comeadow Maternity Services Operations Manager. Feedback has been
Video thanks from local Grade 6 students
A local primary school has created a video to thank all frontliners, including staff at Western Health. In an email
Interstate message of support for Paediatric Emergency
Interstate hospital colleagues have sent a message of support to the Paediatric Emergency team at Sunshine. In a card received
Keeping us safe
It’s a role with a macho stereotype, but the security guards at Western Health have skills that extend well beyond
OTs thankful for masks
Staff in our Occupational Therapy team have shown their appreciation for the reusable face masks sewn by Western Health volunteers
MAC and Birthing’s attitude of gratitude
Staff in MAC and birthing at JKWC are practising gratitude with “Words of gratitude” jars. The jars were an initiative of
Silent Heroes
“I’ve always said if you’ve got a job to do, you should do it well,” Helen says. “We are
Frontline Fan Club sends art, love and letters
Messages of support are flooding in from an Instagram page called @frontlinefanclub. Community members are encouraged to submit art, love
Survival Kits for ED
Footscray ED staff have been treated to a “Survival Kit” created by NUM Liz Borowik. The kit includes a range
Community lifting spirits at Hazeldean
From kindergarten children to committed volunteers, community support is helping staff at Hazeldean Transition Care as they manage the outbreak
PPE stars rewarded
Staff leading by example wearing correct PPE are being recognised with spot giveaways to reinforce the message that protecting ourselves
“Slow it down baby, gotta have some fun”
PICTURED: The Paediatric Allied Health (PAH) Team The dulcet and nostalgic tones of the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls and Destiny’s
“Heroes of the story”
Pictured L-R: Daniel Pandolfo, Electrician and Tiruman Muktar, Maintenance Operator. The Engineering Services team were commended by members of the
“A lovely thoughtful gift”
Janet, Patient Services Assistant from 2 East gifted the Wellness Hub at Footscray a beautiful vase that her son had
CSSD appreciate exec comms
CSSD staff at Sunshine say a big THANK YOU to the executive team and everyone involved in keeping them informed.
Lest we forget
Activities are more important than ever for the residents of the Dementia Management Unit (DMU) at Sunshine says Diversional Activities
“Like I’d never left ICU.”
L-R: Barbara Lennon and Sophie Greig Wonderful feedback has been circulating about the retraining and reskilling programs for nurses
Noice, positive moves
When actress Magda Szubanski put the call out for healthcare workers to film an “ISO dance” with her Kath and
Youngest volunteers send encouragement
Young students at Brenbeal Children’s Centre, located next to Footscray Hospital, have created a rainbow collage to thank and encourage
An innovative welcome
The Improvement and Innovation Team hasn’t let the developing COVID-19 situation diminish their warm welcome for new starter, Emily Middag, who
Medical Imaging “an absolute pleasure”
The Medical Imaging team has been recognised for their collaborative and adaptive response by Jason Heidrich, Chief Radiographer at Footscray
“Something so small can lift our spirits”
Peri-operative Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lumi Kacic, from Footscray Operating Suite has been in touch to share her experience shopping for
A very bright thank you
This gorgeous banner was sent to us through Facebook from a former Western Health staff member. The children at Green Leaves
Our Community Cares
With Western Health staff so focused on preparations for the expected spread of COVID-19, this is a lovely reminder that
The Biggest Heart
Theresa Flores, Manual Handling Educator/OHS Advisor has been helping her colleagues in the Safety, Risk and Improvement team find household
Physios active outdoors and online
A shout out to the Physiotherapy team who have working hard to keep everyone’s spirits up and maintain a sense
Information and inspiration in Theatre
Charlene Gatt, Associate Nurse Unit Manager in the JKWC Theatre at Sunshine, created a Covid-19 Bulletin board in early February
Dare to Care
3F NUM Joyce Dalde shares the fantastic work they are doing to care for each other and work as a
Surprise Supplies
The portables at SH have just set up “Supplies Surprise” box placed in the kitchen. It’s a simple gesture which
Notebooks En Masse
There was no way I would have got through everything I needed to do today without my colleagues. It was
Open and honest conversations
We are very fortunate in the Western Health Foundation, to have the guidance of our Director Julia who has been