Meeting with Western Health

We welcomed CEO of Western Health Russell Harrison to our meeting on June 4, along with Sharon Read Director of Western Health Foundation, Kellie Vivekanantham Divisional Director of Aged, General Medicine, and Subacute Services and Ibraheem Khudruj, Manager, Western Health Biomedical Engineering Workshop.

Russell acknowledged the relationship between Rotary and Western Health over decades.

He then discussed opening of new hospital, the two years culminating in transferring 115 patients from the old hospital to the new in one day.
The new hospital is four times bigger than the old hospital and has 505 bed capacity.
Equipment is all brand new and the hospital features an increased number of operating theatres, greater emergency department and imaging capacity.
Accommodation is one (55%) and two bed rooms, all with en suites and windows.
A feature of the new building is the art work including a large tapestry designed by local artists.

Kellie spoke about the “Dementia Unit Redesign” project that the club has supported with significant funds.
The aim is to make the unit safer, less clinical and more homely.

The changes implemented include an upgrade of occupational therapy services, music therapy, use of interactive robotic appliances and provision of a kitchenette for patients to do things they would do at home
Kellie acknowledged that the club foundation donation has made a big impact on the work of the unit.

Jama Farah presented certificates of appreciation from Ethiopian government and health departments in Jigjiga and Dire Wara who had received equipment donated by Western Health through the Horn of Africa Project. These donations were facilitated by Ibraheem Khudruj working with Jama over number of years.

Darcy Brennan presented a cheque valued ($40,000) from the the club Foundation, to Sharon Read to further support of the Dementia Unit.