Sandringham Hospital

This week is Dietitians Week, which highlights the role dietitians play in improving our health and wellbeing.

Following a car accident last November, Peter has made his way through The Alfred’s Trauma System and is now completing his rehabilitation at Caulfield Hospital.

“When you have a serious accident and your body takes a hit, there’s so many different aspects of recovery to take into account,” Peter said.

“It turns out food and nutrition is very much a part of that.”

Though dietitians might not be the first profession that comes to mind at the mention of a hospital, their work is nevertheless crucial.

Due to the nature of his injuries and the treatments he has undergone, Peter receives his nutrition directly via a tube. At first, his food was given evenly over a 24 hour period, before progressing to being given three times a day.

“Before I met Peter he had been working with Claire, our Trauma Dietitian, for over four months,” Hayley said.

"Now that Peter is at Caulfield for rehabilitation, we are working to help stabilise his weight, and most importantly, preserve and build his muscles so he can progress with his rehab and get back home.”

Reflecting on his work with Alfred Health dietitians, Peter said he is grateful for their professionalism and expertise.

“Dietitians do way more than you might think,” Peter said.

“It’s not until you have the experiences I’ve had that you begin to understand the depth of knowledge and care that is involved, so I’d like to get the word out: they do a lot.”

More here: https://bit.ly/45JXJ4L

Did you know that over 70 per cent of Alfred Health staff are women?

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘March Forward.’ We took the opportunity to ask not just what has been achieved, but what still needs to be done to achieve gender equity.

Speaking to a full house, cardiologist Dr Jessica Brown gave an Acknowledgement of Country, before handing over to host and Program Director of Surgical Services Prof Wendy Brown.

An all-star panel — featuring Chair of Victoria’s Multicultural Commission Vivienne Nguyen, Chair of Leadership Victoria and former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Christine Nixon and moderated by ABC journalist Patricia Karvelas — kicked off a wide-ranging discussion on the topic of women in leadership; comparing experiences, dispensing advice and detailing the challenges faced by women in leadership roles.

We also heard from key staff, Senior Pharmacist Linda Shi, Nurse Unit Manager Sarah Jenkins and Arrhythmia Clinical Nurse Consultant Sonia Azzopardi, who talked about the significant role mentorship has played in each of their careers.

Thanks to all who came and took part in such a special event!