Safety & Quality Account 2020-21 | 2021-22 Future Priorities

A Workplace Culture that Drives Safety and Quality WSLHD Safety & Quality Account

WINNER OF THE BOARD CHAIR AWARD: Patient Safety First – Keeping Clozapine Patients Safe during COVID-19 (Mental Health Service) The aim of the program was to ensure the Clozapine service to 179 consumers continued during the COVID-19 lockdown. In 2020 Blacktown Clozapine Strategies such as clinical reviews via telehealth and delivering medication to consumers’ homes utilising COVID-19 safety protocols were instituted. 80% of the consumers reported that they were ‘very satisfied’ with the service. The aim of this program dubbed the ‘COVID STREET FIGHTERS’ by local media, was to work collaboratively with external partners. COVID-19 testing and flu vaccination targets were exceeded achieving almost 100% COVID-19 testing for eligible clients and almost 100% vaccine coverage for the estimated homeless population within the WSLHD catchment. WINNER OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AWARD: Supporting Our Teams – Workplace Wellness in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond (People and Culture) The aim of this program was to ensure all staff felt informed, supported, focused and valued. This translated into a number of initiatives requiring exceptional collaboration and partnerships within our directorate, across the district and with external partners. Keeping People Healthy – COVID Street Fighters (Youth Health)

A Safe and Healthy Workplace – Contain the Contagion! A Clinical Mission to Eradicate Transmission (Integrated and Community Health) The aim of this project was to ensure staff were well informed to ensure safe ‘donning and doffing’ of Personal-Protective-Equipment (PPE) required for COVID-19 precautions during a home visit. Staff evaluated the video developed: with 93% of nurses reported increased feelings of safety and 95% reporting an improved knowledge of PPE application. Innovation and Research – PPE Predict (Infection Prevention and Disease Control) The aim was to develop a best-practice, data-driven predictive model for PPE use and burn rates for WSLHD. This information informs the level of PPE required to return to full clinical services locally. Westmead Hospital’s results and approach were able to be applied at a state level to inform wider PPE needs and has been adopted by the NSW Ministry of Health. Education and Training – Flipping COVID Facedown (Physiotherapy Department, Blacktown & Mount Druitt Hospitals) The aim of this program was to increase medical staff confidence, clinical skills and familiarity with diabetes management. Medical staff completed a two week intern placement with the service. A pre and post-attachment survey was undertaken demonstrating improved competency of interns in the management of diabetes.

WINNER OF THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Newborn Education and Skills Training - NEST (Auburn Hospital Maternity Services with Westmead Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care).

This skills training program aimed to build the capabilities of staff in procedures including; airway management, nasogastric tube insertion, urinary catheterization, intubation, defibrillation and paediatric assessment.

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