Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals enhance communication to step up safety and patient care

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals have implemented a novel way of communicating with the whole-of-hospital to enhance the patient experience.

More than 60 senior nursing, medical, corporate, Allied Health and executive staff gather daily to discuss the current status and plans for movement of patients within the hospitals and discharges.

Blacktown Hospital patient flow nurse manager Aileen Tadiaman said the daily huddles that started in April and will continue throughout the winter season.

“The whole of hospital collaborative approach enables us to identify discharges, prioritise critically unwell patients and facilitate moves to accommodate admissions and discharges,” Aileen said.

“It ensures communication regarding allocating appropriate destinations for our patients in a safe and timely manner.

“Patients have more positive experiences and health outcomes with this collaborative approach.”

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospital’s general manager Ned Katrib is appreciative for the hard work and commitment from all staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients.

“Winter is almost upon us and we are already seeing an increase in people presenting to our hospitals for care.

“Our dedicated staff have been working very hard and are committed to this approach to ensure the patient is put at the centre of all our planning,” Ned said

“The huddles have assisted in streamlining and improving communication and engagement across all departments within our hospitals. It has provided an appreciation for all our staff and the challenges at both the front and back end,” he said.

Blacktown Hospital cardiology nurse manager Khris Lacampuingan is a fan of the daily whole of hospital meetings and leads his own daily huddle in his department.

 “It’s a great way to start the day and we know what’s going on with our cardiology patients at any given time,” Khris said.

“We discuss the things that went well that day and the previous day, things that we did well and how we can improve.”

WSLHD Emergency Departments assess and treat patients in order of clinical urgency. This involves assessment of the patient’s medical history and vital signs. The patient’s condition is given an urgency category and then treatment starts.

Emergency departments are for emergencies.  For less severe symptoms please visit your local GP, medical centre or pharmacist.

There is also a 24-hour service available, HealthDirect. Health professionals provide advice on health matters.  To contact, please call 1800 022 222. In a life-threatening emergency, please call 000.