The conference provided an opportunity for Local Health Networks to share the ways they are preparing for the implementation of new actions for caring for people with cognitive impairment, as set out in the second edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
Speakers included: Professor Sue Kurrle – Curran Professor in Health Care of Older People Medicine, University of Sydney • Associate Professor Mark Yates, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Ballarat Health Services • Anne Cumming – Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare • Local Health Network, private hospital and consumer team presentation.
A CHARITY worker, teacher, school student and consumer adviser at the Royal Adelaide Hospital are the 2018 SA Pride of Australia winners.
The inspiring community-minded quartet are the stand out choices from dozens of nominations for the popular News Corp awards, devised 14 years ago to celebrate the spirit of those doing extraordinary things to help or save others.
Charity worker Rachael Zaltron founded Backpacks4SAKids in 2014 in memory of a friend who died before her dream of becoming a foster carer came true.
The charity transforms lives by providing assistance to children in care, homeless youth and families starting again after domestic violence incidents.
WINNERS: Harriette Rogers, 9, with Brett Partington, left, Steven Cameron, and Rachael Zaltron.Picture: DYLAN COKER
Ms Zaltron is one of two full-time employees, alongside 200 volunteers, who distribute more than 2500 backpacks annually.
“It’s the first award we’ve won so it’s very special,” the Ridgehaven resident said at the medal presentation at Keith Murdoch House yesterday. “It’s such an honour and an amazing acknowledgment of all the work our team have done.”
Harriette Rogers, 9, is keen to get her medal back to Seymour College to show her classmates, who supported her growing her hair long so it could be cut off and used to make wigs for children who had lost their hair to cancer.
After two years, 35cm needed to be trimmed.
“I’m thinking of doing it again but mum’s not too excited at the prospect of all the knots,” she said.
From Stirling, Harriette is organising a bike ride fund raiser to help add to the $3200 she has already raised for Canteen, a charity supporting children with cancer.
Brett Partington, a consumer adviser who started an online support group for families dealing with dementia, with more than 1200 members, paid tribute to his family, including mum Jan and sister Jane.
“When Dad (Bob) was diagnosed we were like the Brady Bunch … we gathered up and gave each other support,” the Woodside resident said. “We’ve been through hell but hoping to help others through this journey now.”
In response to family struggles with his father’s 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Brett founded online support group ‘Dementia Downunder’ – backed by professionals – that helps Australian families dealing with dementia.
Steven Cameron, who founded the Australian Association for Men in early Childhood Education, was humbled by the support of staff at the Kidman Park’s Barbara Kiker Memorial Kindergarten who nominated him.
“Knowing they thought that much of me was special enough and winning a medal was not in mind,” the Prospect resident said.
“It’s a very nice medal … and going to go nicely next to the Kung Fu medal I’ve got, which is not quite the same quality.”
Source: Advertiser Newspaper (SA) March 1, 2018
*Brett Partington is a dedicated and passionate dementia champion and consumer adviser based in SA . He is a proud member of Dignity in Care Australia. He founded the innovative Dementia Downunder Website and National Online Support Group in 2014.
Join us for the launch of the Cognitive Impairment Campaign.
This is a vitally important campaign which will raise standards of care for people entering hospital with cognitive impairment, including the prevention, recognition and treatment of delirium
Cognitive impairment, delirium or dementia are common among older people admitted to hospital but are frequently missed or misdiagnosed increasing their risk of harm.
Delirium can be prevented with the right care and harm minimised if cognitive impairment is identified and acted on early.
We can all make a difference
Guest speakers will include:
Julia Squire
Chief Executive Officer, CALHN Brett Partington Consumer Dr. Faizal Ibrahim
Consultant Geriatrician, CALHN Fiona Mackenzie
Executive Director of Nursing, CALHN
Date: Friday 27 May 2016
Launch: 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Afternoon Tea: 2.00pm onwards
Venue:
Robson Lecture Theatre, Level 1,
Eleanor Harrald Building,
The Royal Adelaide Hospital
(Accessible from Frome Road, off North Terrace)
Adelaide
‘Dignity in Care’ has now become a community and you can join us RIGHT NOW. Share your thoughts, feedback and stories with other people that care.
This group is an ideal way to stay connected with our members and champions as we work together to give our aged community and people with dementia the respect and dignity they deserve.
