Improving Barwon Health

We value achievements in improving care and recognise that many innovations originate from individual staff of Barwon Health. Below is a list of innovative projects that were highlighted in the latest version of the Quality of Care magazine. To download a copy of the magazine, click here.

• Helping 'clubfoot kids' without surgery - Geelong Hospital's Outpatients Department uses a non-surgical treatment (the Ponseti Method) to treat children born with clubfoot.
• Osteoarthritis hip and knee service - this Outpatients service provides a coordinated approach to referrals, which has shortened the time between patient referrals and initial outpatients appointments.
• Urology clinical nurse coordinator - improvements to access to Urology services by greater streamlining of the patient journey from initiatl referral to follow-up care.
• Men face up to health challenges - 'Finding Balance' is a community-based pilot program which aims to address the unmet psychological, quality of life and community linking needs of men who suffer from chronic disease.
• Stopping the clot - this organisation wide program routinely links deep vein thrombosis or venous thromboemobilism with preventative guidelines for all at risk patients. HIGHLY COMMENDED 'Excellence in safety of care' 2007 Public Healthcare Awards
• Caring for the carers - young carers now receive care and support through Barwon Health's Carer Respite and Carelink Centre 'Young Carers at Risk' program. WINNER 'Excellence in care and service delivery' 2007 Public Healthcare Awards
• Aboriginal Health - a whole of Barwon Health approach to the improvement of life expectancy and health experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
• Hook, line & sinker - a fishing club has been formed at residential care facility, John Robb House, giving residents the opportunity to continue their previous lifestyle and residents get immense enjoyment from the program.
• Nuturing the health of our new African communities - Barwon Health provides comprehensive health checks to African refugees and offers a streamlined approach by welcoming referrals from local GPs and other healthcare providers.
• Helping families realise they are not alone - Barwon Health's Palliative Care education service for families preparing them for the role of supporting a relative or friend with advanced cancer at home.
• Communication is the key - the establishment of a Communicative Access Care Improvement Group ensuring the needs of people with a communication disability are being met.