28 August 2009

Caring Together for The Tweed Hospital

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has today announced recruitment is under way for Clinical Support Officers (CSOs) and Pharmacists at The Tweed Hospital.

“The appointment of seven CSOs and three extra Pharmacists in coming months, is a part of the NSW Government’s $117 million first year roll out of its Caring Together: The Health Action Plan for NSW,” the Minister said.

“The introduction of CSOs will allow for a change in the role of the senior nurse who’ll become the Nurse in Charge or Midwife in Charge.

“The burden of paperwork will be removed enabling them to focus on coordinating services and care around the needs of each patient,” he added.

That includes:
• Responding immediately to any deterioration in a patient's condition;
• Supervising the work of junior staff;
• Ensuring patients and their families understand what is happening with their care;
• Making sure patients’ meals are served appropriately; and
• Making sure ward areas are clean and hygiene standards are maintained.

Mr Della Bosca said, on top of that, an extra Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Intern and Pharmacy Educator will improve patient safety by monitoring the type, quantity, past use and combination of prescription medicines.

“Hospital pharmacists will educate patients about their prescribed medications and advise junior doctors and nurses on the best use of medicines,” the Minister said.

“Improvements in medication safety alone have the potential to reduce a patient’s stay in hospital and free up beds for other patients.

“It’s estimated about 140,000 hospital admissions every year are associated with inappropriate use of medicines across Australia, costing the public health system about $380 million annually.

“The focus of the Caring Together action plan is to promote a culture in hospitals where the care and treatment of the patient is at the centre of everything we do,” Mr Della Bosca said.

Another enhancement for The Tweed Hospital includes a share of $220,000 for additional trauma services staffing (2009-10 state budget).

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au