As we draw towards the end of 2024, I turn my thoughts toward all that we are achieving at the macro level but just as importantly to all that we are achieving at the micro level daily. Much of the great work Country SA PHN and other organisations, communities and individuals are doing in primary health in our country South Australian communities is tangible and measurable. We can track the positive changes in the data. However, much of it is not quantifiable. It is the work of many in our country communities that is done with great kindness, strength, caring and compassion every day.
One such example of this is the immense contribution of Aged Care workers. When we paused on August 7th to recognise Aged Care Employee Day it was a time to reflect and acknowledge the remarkable dedication of aged care workers. Their commitment is truly inspiring, and it is essential that we recognise and celebrate the vital work that they do.
Fortuitously, the joint care finder networking meeting between Country SA PHN, Adelaide PHN, and our South Australian care finder organisations was held on Aged Care Employee Day. This event provided an excellent platform for collaboration and learning, aligned with our shared goals of supporting the aged care workforce.
The care finder program provides specialist and intensive assistance to help older people understand and access aged care and connect with other relevant supports in the community. It specifically supports vulnerable older people who have multiple reasons for requiring intensive support to interact with My Aged Care, access aged care services and/or other relevant supports in the community.
In our continued effort to support care finders, Country SA PHN partnered with MindFit at Work to offer an online wellbeing training session to all care finders across country South Australia. It focused on critical areas such as compassion fatigue, setting boundaries, and resilient thinking, with positive participant feedback provided.
This wellbeing support is now being extended to all workers right across country South Australian General Practices and Residential Aged Care Homes. I am thrilled that through our collaboration with MindFit at Work we will be providing this face-to-face and online education and support in recognition of the fact that today’s healthcare environment is demanding and the mental well-being of our healthcare workforce is more vital than ever. The pressures of the profession, especially in rural and remote areas, can lead to significant stress and burnout. This initiative focuses on the mental health and well-being of our health workforce, recognising the critical importance of supporting those who care for others. The MindFit at Work program is specifically crafted to address these challenges, offering practical strategies that help healthcare professionals build resilience, manage stress, and maintain their mental health. The program aims not only to improve individual well-being but also to enhance team cohesion and overall workplace morale. We have listened to your feedback, and we’re excited to work with MindFit at Work, who specialise in workplace mindfulness, wellness, and resilience, offering engaging and impactful learning experiences. Upcoming sessions will be offered in person in Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Wallaroo, Mount Barker, Berri and Mount Gambier and online.
I’m pleased to see that the GPEx e-Learning modules for Mastering Syringe Drivers and Opioid Administration in Home Settings - education module will be included in the Statewide Palliative Care Navigator Pilot and also on the CareSearch Network. This is a great achievement for our Country SA PHN Ageing and Palliative Care team. This training in the use of syringe drivers and opioid prescribing in palliative care means more patients receiving end of life care will be able to receive treatments to maintain their comfort and dignity. One of the benefits of using a syringe driver is that multiple medications can be combined and administered concurrently over a 24-hour period to help maintain patient comfort. Our Ageing and Palliative Care team has developed free online education modules to support the ongoing continuing professional development of general practitioners and primary health workers across country South Australia. GPEx’s inclusions will enhance promotion and uptake, broadening the impact of our educational offerings and ultimately facilitating comfort and dignity for more country South Australians receiving end of life care.
Country SA PHN is also collaborating with Palliative Care South Australia to fund PalliLEARN short courses on Palliative Care for anyone living or working in country South Australia to unlock the power of compassionate care. These courses are an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing critical illness. The next round of virtual PalliLEARN courses over the coming three months will be face-to-face sessions in Balaklava, Mannum, Goolwa, and Port Pirie. PalliLEARN aims to build community knowledge, death literacy, compassion literacy and community capacity in relation to serious illness, dying, death and grief by providing quality and easy to understand courses.
Additionally, four LastAID face-to-face training sessions will be held in Kadina, Keith, Berri, and Jamestown. Topics for these sessions include dying as a normal part of life, planning, relieving suffering and final goodbyes.
Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer of Palliative Care SA, Ms Shyla Mills has graciously offered to present a virtual information session for Practice Nurses, Practice Managers, and Aged Care staff on Palliative Care. This session will be recorded and made available for later viewing, ensuring that valuable information reaches as many staff members as possible. Thank you Shyla for the work you do and our productive Palliative Care collaborations that benefit country South Australian communities.
We are also thrilled to launch the inaugural Country SA Residential Aged Care Network Meeting. This will be scheduled bi-monthly providing a valuable opportunity for Residential Aged Care Home staff to connect, share insights, explore collaborative opportunities, and stay informed about the latest sector developments. The first meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, September 5th, and we warmly invite you to join our Aged Care team. If you want to attend, register now. The response so far has been fabulous and the team looks forward to connecting with you.
I am also pleased to report that COVID-19 outbreaks in Country SA Residential Aged Care Homes are now at their lowest levels in over six months. This significant reduction reflects the ongoing efforts and resilience of our aged care workforce. The Country SA PHN Ageing and Palliative Care Team remains committed to offering continued support in this area.
As Country SA PHN Chief Executive Officer, I would like to acknowledge the work that my Ageing and Palliative Care team do to ensure these activities happen. Each member of the team approaches their work with great passion and vigour. They are relentless in their desire to improve outcomes for ageing and palliative care for the betterment of all country South Australians and their loved ones.
