Latest News
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100th birthday won’t wait for COVID
Centenarian Muriel Bettes marks her 100th birthday from the comfort of home. Photo: Supplied.
Turning 100 is no small feat, just ask Muriel Bettes. Instead of celebrating the milestone in isolation, the much-loved Balnarring great-great-grandmother – born in 1920 – marked the occasion in her home. Here, family and friends were able to deliver their wishes to her doorstep, by phone, or (for a select few, due to the restrictions) in person. This celebration was all thanks to our Hospital in the Home (HITH) Unit. “To be able to enjoy the day with those who I love the most, simply meant the world,” says Muriel.
“Even though glass separated me from many of those who dropped by, it was really wonderful to have that opportunity by being home.”
“We offer treatment and equipment at no cost to the patient, providing a safe, personal and effective alternative to ...
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Introducing Peninsula Health’s new state-of-the-art MRI scanner
Frankston Hospital's new SIGNA Artist, a state-of-the-art MRI scanner
Peninsula Health has installed a new state-of-the-art MRI scanner, the first of its kind in a Victorian public hospital.
The scanner, a SIGNA Artist, features the latest in MRI technology. It will allow us to conduct around 4,000 more scans per year at Frankston Hospital and enhance patient care.
“We are developing world-leading healthcare here in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” says Peninsula Health Operations Director for Imaging and Pathology, Andrew Bickell.
“Our new scanner is faster and has the latest computing power. That means we can conduct quicker scans at a wider scope, and get better diagnostics.”
Features of the new scannerTo date, Peninsula Health has conducted over 700 scans on the new machine since it began operating in July 2020. Its new and improved features include:
- two dockable tables that help with faster and more comfortable ...
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Rebuild, recover and reenage with occupational therapy
Peninsula Health occupational therapist Warne Metrowich with client Jeanette.
It is World Occupational Therapy Day and the theme of this OT Week, is about how this profession supports communities to rebuild, recover and reengage.
Take Warne Metrowich for example, one of our Mental Health Occupational Therapists at Frankston Community Care Unit (CCU), pictured with client Jeanette.Jeanette has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and states she’s struggled to live on her own for many years, but with Warne’s help, the 57-year-old is now on the verge of regaining her independence.
“The road to recovery has been tough and challenging. Since being at the CCU, I feel like I am a different person and have become more resilient thanks to the staff here,” says Jeanette.
Warne couldn’t agree more. “It’s been fantastic to see Jeanette regain confidence with those everyday activities like cooking, going out for coffees with friends or being able to ...
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Sewing up colourful scrubs
Peninsula Health staff proudly wearing handmade scrubs.
When Naomi Pratt asked the Somers Community Facebook page to help sew scrub caps for our frontline staff back in August, members were quick to respond. Despite hoping for 10 – 20 caps, the Critical Care Liaison Nurse Practitioner was overwhelmed, receiving more than 400 in six weeks. “Caps have been sewn by individuals who are part of craft groups, including the Balnarring Boomerang Bag group and the Lifestyle Village in Hastings group (AKA the ‘Busy Bees’),” says Naomi. “I’ve also had donations from local individual sewers – Jan, Helen, Judy, Diane, Marnee, Cathie and others.” Now, our staff are proudly wearing these colourful creations, bringing dashes of colour to the wards of Frankston and Rosebud Hospitals. “I’ve had messages back from a few of the nursing staff who are really appreciative that people have taken the time to make and donate the caps, and have ... -
Faces of Peninsula Health: Meet Bethany Kinsey
Peninsula Health Clinic Graduate Nurse Bethany Kinsey.
For our brilliant graduate nurse Beth Kinsey, working in a busy ward at Frankston Hospital during a pandemic is a rewarding experience like none other.
Making the transition from the lecture theatre to the fast paced Port Phillip Ward has been a steep learning curve, but one she’s taken in her stride.
With a positive attitude, Beth has embraced so much in 2020 - be it managing countless discharges and admissions to learning all there is to know about the ever-changing hospital environment.
Thank you Beth for caring for our community through Covid-19.
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A decade of keeping our health service smoke-free
Peninsula Health has been encouraging smokers to butt-out since 2010. [Photo: Supplied]
A smoke-free public address system is just one of the many tools Peninsula Health’s developed to deter people from lighting up.
It’s been ten years since the health service adopted its smoke-free policy, leading to the removal of smoking shelters and the banning of smoking at any site.
On September 1 2010, Frankston and Rosebud hospitals, the Golf Links Road Rehabilitation Centre and a number of community health centres all became smoke-free.
Any building or car belonging to Peninsula Health is also subject to the same rule.
Health Promotion Practitioner, Rebecca Long, is a member of the Peninsula Health Smoke-Free Working Group and says several initiatives have been developed over that time to protect the health of service users, staff and visitors.
“While smoking rates are declining across many parts of Victoria, in some of our local areas, daily smoking ...
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Protecting our vulnerable communities during the pandemic
Peninsula Health staff, predominately nurses, are helping rough sleepers get access to a mask, a Covid-19 swab test and even a meal.
Hundreds of rough sleepers across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula have become a focus for Peninsula Health, with dozens of staff joining the effort to support the region’s most vulnerable in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Staff from across Peninsula Health and Community Health from many varied disciplines have worked together to form part of the diverse team, who are tirelessly working to support people experiencing homelessness.
Director of Integrated Care and Dental in Community Health Angie Dredge says the initiative is focusing on known locations for rough sleepers, like Community Support Frankston, The Ambassador Hotel, and the Rosebud Foreshore.
“We understand the important role we can play in providing high quality healthcare to those who need it most in our community,” says Angie.
“When you can’t go ...
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Getting to know the Peninsula Health Podiatry Department
Peninsula Health podiatrist, James Canfor, demonstrating the human foot
This blog post was written by the Peninsula Health Podiatry Department to celebrate Foot Health Week 2020
Regular exercise plays an essential role in maintaining not just our physical health, but our mental health too. Therefore, in a year that has provided many challenges for us all, keeping active is more important than ever.
Our foot health plays an essential role in allowing us to participate in daily activities, so taking time to look after your feet will keep you on track and help keep you moving.
Podiatrists are foot health experts. They are university-trained in the prevention, assessment and management of conditions affecting the foot and lower leg. While foot pain may be the most common reason for seeking the help of a podiatrist, they also work as part of a healthcare team in detecting and managing ...
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Blood clots and VTE: am I at risk?
Peninsula Health Clinical Pharmacist, Esther Liu, celebrating World Thrombosis Day 2020.
Blood clots in the veins can affect people of all ages.
That’s why this World Thrombosis Day, our Pharmacy Department wants everyone in the Peninsula Health community to be aware of the key signs and symptoms of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).
VTE is a condition whereby blood clots form in a person’s deep veins (‘deep vein thrombosis’), which can travel and lodge in the person’s lungs (‘pulmonary embolism’). VTE can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
“One of the most important things you can do is to learn if you are at risk of developing a blood clot – for example, having an extended hospital stay, engaging in long-distance travel, or if you are a smoker,” says Peninsula Health Clinical Pharmacist, Esther Liu. “It’s also important to know the key signs and symptoms, and that you seek medical ...
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Faces of Peninsula Health: Meet Nicole Kruithoff
Peninsula Health Clinic Nurse Specialist Nicole Kruithoff.
For Nicole Kruithoff, some things have to be done in person.
While so many of our patients are taking advantage of telehealth through phone and video consultations, our haematology patients continue to safely come into the health service for their blood cancer treatment.
This is where Nicole comes in, as one of our amazing Clinical Nurse Specialists, who’s been with us for the past seven years.
Even behind the mask, she’s providing reassuring patient-centred care for our chemotherapy patients, some of whom may have heightened concerns about the risks associated with Covid-19.
Thank you Nicole for caring for our community through Covid-19.