The Greype-Vine Grey’s Hospital

Pietermaritzburg November 2011 www.kznhealth.gov.za/greyshospital.htm

East Coast Radio Toy Story visited Grey’s on 23rd November.

Editor: Alison Guise-Brown Pager 515 Members: Mr. A Chetty Occupational Therapy. 3200 Mr. Y Thambiran Quality Assurance 3326 Mr. Z Mntungwa PRO 3684 Sadly we have to bid farewell to Krithika Deepnarain. She has been an enthusiastic member of our editorial committee for a number of years and readily submits interesting articles for the Greype-Vine. She has been promoted to a chief admin clerk position at the Department of Home Affairs and commences in her new position on 21st November. We wish her luck in her new venture. Sister Loshni Maharaj, a valuable member of the Clinical Teaching Department has also left Grey’s on promotion. She took up the Clinical Tutor post at Iris Marwick Nursing College from 1st October 2012. She worked with us for 6 years and we miss her straight forward no nonsense approach to her work, as well as her dry sense of humour. Have you noticed what a fantastic job the new garden service is doing in the hospital grounds? The grass has been mowed, the flowerbeds weeded and shrubs cut back. The staff are hardworking and thorough in all they do. What a pleasure it is to walk outside the hospital again. A reminder to all nursing staff to pay your annual SANC Registration fees. Receipts need to be handed in to the Matron’s Office by 31st December. Bank deposit slips and proof of payment will not be accepted. When it comes to protecting the environment, don’t make a mistake of doing nothing because you can only do a little! Do what you can! Lewis Pugh.

Aboubakari at home in Cameroon.

How healthy he looks after his 3½ month stay at Grey’s from

December-March 2011 for an oesophagectomy and oesphago-gastro anastamosis.

Beanie knitting project.

A few months ago Mrs Fletcher-Campbell obtained knitting patterns to make a beanie for a premature baby and one for a newborn baby. She commenced knitting and regularly bbm’d me photographs of her handiwork. Eventually my conscience got the better of me and I too decided it was time to start knitting. One Saturday as I sat watching my son play cricket, I took out my needles and wool and cast on the required stitches. One of the other ‘cricket mom’s’ asked me what I was doing and I told her. Rose is the marketing co-ordinator for The Wykeham Collegiate Girls’ School, in Pietermaritzburg. She told me they have a Community Services initiative where the girls are encouraged to take part in projects that encourage awareness of social justice issues and so help develop empathy towards others. Rose asked me for the premature baby beanie pattern and ‘The beanie

knitting project’ began. It was adopted by the whole school, both junior and senior girls and their families, teaching staff and

housemothers in the Boarding Establishment. On Thursday 10th November Operational Manager Sister Leigh Scott went to the school to collect the beanies. Two little girls from Grade 1

and two from Grade 2, who each knitted a beanie, handed over a total of 213 premature baby beanies to Grey’s for use in the Neonatal ICU. Sr Umichand was extremely grateful for the gift.

For those of you who are keen to knit I have included the knitting patterns. Premie Beanie DK wool x1pr. 4mm/8 needles Cast on 37sts and K 24 rows Shape crown as follows K2 slip 1 K2 together PSSO K4 Repeat til last 4 sts, K to end [ 27 sts ] K next 2 rows P next row K 2 slip 1 K2 together PSSO to end finish with K2 together K1 K next row P next row Pull up sts on thread and sew up

Newborn beanies. Cast on 81 sts and work 25 rows rib Next row K Next row P Then k 7 - k 2 togeth - cont like this to end of row Next row P Next row k 6 - k 2 togeth - cont like this to end of row Next row P Continue by decreasing 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - until 9 sts remain. Thread wool thru and pull firmly Sew seam

LRC Office Bearers. New Office bearers have been elected for the LRC.

President Mr. B Sibisi (1/2011) Deputy Mr. Z Mjoli (7/2009) General secretary Mr. V Kabela (1/2009) Deputy Ms N Mkhize (7/2010) Treasurer Ms S Nqubuka (1/2010) P.R.O. Ms A Mbele (1/2009) Sport and recreation Ms T Shababala (1/2011) House Comm Ms T Shezi (7/2008) Other office bearers Mr. V Nsimbi (7/2008) Mr. T Mncwabe (1/2010) Mr. W Khanyile (7/2011) Ms Gwija (7/2011)

Tracy Scannell

Tracy started working at Grey’s on 1st May 1988 when she commenced studying the Enrolled Nurse Course. After qualifying as a Staff Nurse she mostly worked in Wards C1 & C2 gaining surgical nursing experience. She was accepted to study the Bridging Course, to become a Registered Nurse, in 1992, and completed it in 1994.

After studying Midwifery she worked in the Grey’s Labour Ward for 9 years. In 2003 she was sent to Wentworth Hospital for 3 months

where she gained valuable experience in their Cardiac

Catheterization Laboratory. On returning to Grey’s she was given the responsibility of commissioning our ‘Cath Lab’ and in November

2004 Grey’s had its first case- A Pacemaker insertion. In 2009 Tracy was given the opportunity to study the Critical Care

Nursing Course at King Edward Hospital.

Sr Scannell with Operational Manager Sister Douglas outside

CCU.

Sadly we have lost all of Tracy’s experience and expertise, as after 23 years at Grey’s she has decided to spread her wings and has

moved to St Anne’s Hospital. We wish her well in her new job and know she leaves Grey’s with fond memories.

New Televisions in Out Patient’s Department.

Grey’s Hospital Management would like to thank The National Department of Health and Mindset Channel for reaching the agreement to donate two Mindset televisions and one Mindset Computer to Grey’s Hospital. One television is placed at the MOPD waiting area, another one is placed at the Pharmacy Department waiting area and the Mindset Computer is at Library. These televisions are for patients and are programmed

by the Mindset Channel to play Department of Health programmes only, from 07h30 until 16h00 everyday. The computer is for all Grey’s Staff Members and is also programmed by the Mindset Channel. It contains Department of Health programmes as well. Library staff will assist staff members who want to use the computer. For any information please contact the Public Relations Officer at 033-897 3684 during office hours.

SHINE GREY’S HOSPITAL CHOIR “ IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LIFE PLAY ON”.

Congratulations to Grey’s Hospital choir on winning their two prestigious trophies at the Umgungundlovu Choir Festival Competition which was held on 15th October 2011 at the Edendale Hospital Hall. The choir festival competition was attended by four Hospitals, Townhill Hospital, Apellsbosch Hospital, Grey’s Hospital and Edendale Hospital. It had three different categories of songs which were Classic, Gospel and Traditional songs. The Grey’s Hospital choir was outstanding in their performance hence they won two trophies, one for having the best conductor and another trophy and they came out as number 2 in the category of classic song. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of Grey’s Hospital Management and more importantly our choir choristers who committed themselves to practice sessions, working

hard on becoming the best choir team. Their talents have been acknowledged as they produced an astonishing performance. Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough. Oprah Winfrey

Promotions and new staff:

Mrs. Lotty Hutchinson; Our new Occupational Health and

Safety manager

Ms GN (Nelly) Mwandla- Senior Finance Management Officer in

charge of Revenue. She came from King Edward V Hospital.

Mrs. Navina Parmanand Finance Management Officer in charge

of medical records Dept. She was previously our Finance services officer

The Greys Oncology Department has recently bought a concrete garden

set for their courtyard, where the patients sit whilst

waiting to be seen. Since the opening of the

new Oncology Department in 2006, the staff members

have seen the need for some outdoor furniture. This need became more and

more apparent with ever increasing numbers of

patients visiting the Oncology Department.

The courtyard is an ideal, well ventilated open area that adds a sense of space and wellbeing. Unfortunately, due to unavailability of

hospital funds, the garden set could not be procured. As a team building exercise, the Oncology Department launched a raffle to raise funds for some concrete furniture. The Department

obtained a sponsorship from Honey Fashion and Accessories (Mrs. Juliet Morrow), who donated a watch for the raffle. Staff members

displayed great enthusiasm in selling and buying raffle tickets for this worthy cause. The proceeds from the raffle together with a cash

donation from Dr Marais (Oncology Specialist), was used to purchase the garden set.

We would like to thank all the staff members from other departments for their support of the raffle. We salute the Oncology Dept staff members for their great team efforts, and a big thank you to our

major sponsors. Our Oncology patients can now enjoy sitting outside in the fresh air, whilst waiting to be seen. We hope that the first set

will soon be joined by a second.

We trust that this is only the beginning. More initiatives of this nature will continue in future!!

GREY’S CAMPUS AWARD WINNERS 2011

2011 LIGHT OF LEARNING TROPHY For the Professional Nurse/Operational Manager who displays the best teaching skills in the clinical situation: Operational Manager L.K. Scott 

MERIT AWARD For the Student Nurse of

the Year 2010-2011 Shantal Nicolene 

MICHAEL 

MATRON’S PRIZE For Leadership Ntuthuko Eugine MAJOZI         

SENIOR MEDICAL STAFF PRIZE For the highest aggregate in Clinical Assessments throughout training Patience Bongiwe NZIMANDE   DAVID CANNING MEMORIAL TROPHY Awarded to the 4th year student who receives the highest mark in Midwifery theory and clinical

Patience Bongiwe NZIMANDE 

Dr. WILLIAM J O’BRIEN PRIZE For the highest aggregate in Theory

Examinations throughout training Andrea NAIDOO 

  

GROUP 1/86 TROPHY For the best Student Nurse who has shown the best all round performance in Psychiatric Nursing Lesego Margaret SELALEDI   

G11/2009 TROPHY Awarded to the student who received the highest mark in the Midwifery Diploma in both theory and clinical Phindile Gcinile GWAMANDA 

DR. RUBEN NAIDU TROPHY Awarded to the Student who received the highest marks in Ethos and Professional Practice and Unit Management Sithembile Perserverance WELA  

MAVIS NASH TROPHY For devotion to duty Mandla Cornelius LITUKA 

BLAIR-TURTON TROPHY For the Student Nurse who obtained the highest aggregate in Clinical Assessments in the Second Year Amresan GOVENDER  

GROUP 1/88 FELLOWSHIP AWARD For the Bridging Course Student of the Year 2010-2011 Thembeka Goodness BHENGU  

ENROLLED NURSE AWARD ROBERT WEBB MEMORIAL TROPHY For the Enrolled Nurse of the Year 2010-2011 Sebenzile Thandekile NDLOVU  

HENRIETTA STOCKDALE FLOATING TROPHY For the Senior Student Nurse who presents the best professional image for the year 2010-2011 Faieza RAMPEAR

  Dr. R.E. STEVENSON AWARD For perseverance and achievement

Thembi Xolile KHUMALO

GROUP 4/75 AWARD For the Junior Nurse who obtained the highest aggregate in the Clinical Assessments Hewitt PILLAY 

Grey’s Hospital Long Service Awards Ceremony. On the 16th September 2011, Grey’s Hospital held a Long Service Awards Ceremony to honour Grey’s Hospital staff members who have been in service for 20 and 30 years. Hospital Management and the Hospital Board deemed it necessary to recognize and show appreciation to their employees who have continued to contribute to patient care and who have displayed loyalty and were committed to service delivery for the past 20 and 30 years at Grey’s Hospital.

The event was organized by the Events Management Team, and was sponsored by The Grey’s Hospital Board. The Grey’s Hospital Choir entertained the audience and relatives of employees who attended the event.

A delicious finger lunch was enjoyed by all

Sometimes the moments that challenge us the most, define us.

Lewis Pugh

Energy Saving Light Bulbs‐Warning!! 

World Radiographers Day

World Radiographers Day was held on Tuesday 08 November 2011. The day was coordinated by Nateesha Singh from the Grey's Radiology Department. 3 High schools attended the event, Raisethorpe High, Carter High and Voortrekker High. Only grades 10 and 11 science students were invited. A total of 150 people attended the event. The event began at 10:00 am in the nurse’s home recreational hall, where the students were given

a few snacks on arrival. They then listened to a power point presentation about the different disciplines in radiography and what we do at Grey's Hospital. A lucky draw was also held in which two students won a prize. This was followed by a tour of the department in which the students visited the various radiology sub-departments in the hospital, including oncology. The event concluded at 14:00pm. The event was a success. We also achieved our aim of the day which was to target our community’s youth, making them aware of radiation and what exactly happens in a radiology department. Kind regards Nateesha

Healthy Staff Day: Event Summary:

Grey’s Hospital has celebrated Healthy Staff Day for the last four years and each year it feels like we set new standards of development. On 23 September 2011 we again celebrated the event and were amazed at the overwhelming support from our staff. A total of 320 staff attended the event and the combined focus on health and celebrating Heritage Day meant that the Recreation Hall was buzzing with energy and staff who were adorned with beautiful culturally representative clothing. We maintained our traditional focus on combining dynamic health stalls on display, featuring information from a multi-disciplinary team on health techniques and the opportunity to have health treatments from alternate healers. Melisha Rabilal (Physiotherapy Department, Grey’s Hospital) highlighted the advantages of walking and encouraged staff to become actively involved in the cardiac programme she co-ordinates on a weekly basis. Sr. Pam Nursoo, and

a dance company she is affiliated to, called “Step Right School of Dance”, completed education on dance moves which was a great link between effective exercise techniques and artistic movement. A particular highlight for staff was the performance of the Grey’s Hospital Choir. Staff sang and danced to the music and the atmosphere was pulsating. This year, staff were also given the opportunity to buy traditional food and we are grateful to KKS for their contribution of selling reasonably priced food with a health focus. Staff were given the opportunity to interact with nursing staff, human resource staff, allied health professionals, reflexologists,

aromatherapists, relaxation/meditation therapist, have basic medical screens (blood glucose; blood pressure, cholesterol and HIV testing), have eye screening,

receive financial advice at information tables, and have beauty care. The event featured a healthy partnership between public health care and private companies. There were lucky prize draws and each of the following candidates is congratulated for winning R100 Woolworths Shopping Vouchers: M.C Amod (Radiology Department); R.S Zuma (Nursing College); X.R Ngcobo (Ward C1); T. Mtolo (Antenatal Clinic) and Dr. K.B

Bilenge (Medical Manager/Acting CEO). There was an additional voucher this year, namely a beauty care voucher and this was won by C.N Ndlovu (Nursing College). All the winners are congratulated.

Everyone who contributed and participated in the event is thanked for making the event successful. It is a particularly special memory for me as I have resigned and will therefore no longer be co-ordinating the event. I have every confidence that the staff at Grey’s Hospital and the Event’s Committee will continue to champion this event for our staff. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our staff the best of health and hope that you will meet the challenges of your personal and professional lives with strength of conviction, dedication, humility and compassion. We should be proud of our country’s heritage and honour our cultural diversity because it makes us a truly Rainbow Nation!

Shantal Singh H.O.D of Clinical Psychology

Grey’s Hospital

Staff members who were beautifully dressed at the Healthy Staff Day event and who are proudly South African!

HR staff giving advice and support to our staff.

Farewell to Miss Gugushe.

Mrs. Mathebula, Miss Gugushe and Mrs. Mahadeo.

Miss T.P. Gugushe joined the Grey’s Nursing Campus in September 2002, from Eshowe Hospital. She began lecturing to students in the Midwifery module of their training together with Mrs F.E. Lowe. Her knowledge and clinical experience of advanced midwifery and neonatal nursing science benefited fellow tutors and students. She left Grey’s Campus in September 2011 to take up the HOD for Midwifery post at RKKhan Campus. We wish her success in this post.

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in your determination.

Mike Thomas was born at the ‘Old Grey’s’ and went to school at Sezela Primary and Mansfield High-school. He did a 5 year course at Technical College in Durban, studying to be a sign-writer. Included in his course was Building Procedures, scaffolding, spray painting and silkscreening. Once qualified, he traveled round the country working for a company that painted advertising boards on the sides of buildings and on the roadside. (He jokingly says that once they had finished the painting, he and his assistant used to go fishing while they waited for the paint to dry.) He has worked in Rhodesia- now Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania on huge tobacco farms where the only means of transport were horses. He spent 13 years in Eshowe running his own sign-writing and interior decorating company before moving back to Pietermaritzburg. Here he worked for an International Harvester Company and later for Hulamin. He

left Hulamin 25 years ago to come to Grey’s as a sign-writer. He has worked as the Reception Clerk at Maintenance, where he trained Mr. Zuma, has been in charge of CMCS later returning to maintenance, has been the foreman of the building section, has been in charge of the plantroom and the air conditioners, ground and projects. He runs induction courses in the Campus, is the chairperson of the Disaster Management Committee and trains staff regularly regarding disaster management. He is also in charge of fire equipment and servicing and pest control. Over the years he has run the Grey’s Social Club and even taught some of our nurses to ballroom dance in preparation for the Annual Graduation Ball. (He has his Natal Ballroom dancing colours.) Mr. Thomas is due to retire at the end of 2011 but has been given permission to postpone going on pension by a year. His expertise, guidance and endless enthusiasm is appreciated by many in the hospital as shown by this letter given to him by Miss Njokwe and Dr Bilenge in October.

East Coast Radio and Toy Story came to Grey’s on 23rd

November and brought toys for the children in the paediatric wards. Here Nolothando receives her doll and

blows a kiss to say thank you.

Nozipo is very happy with the teddy she received from

East Coast Radio and Toy Story.

Tracheostomy Care Service

Grey’s Tracheostomy Home Care Programme is dedicated to providing multidisciplinary, specialized, cost effective paediatric home care for medically complex, technology assisted children, through individual training of the primary care giver in the hospital to enable them to care for the child at home. Grey’s is the

second hospital in the country to run this programme. It started in 2006 and was co-ordinated by Sr Seebran who worked in PICU. Despite her leaving Grey’s on 2008, the programme continued to be a

success because of the support it received from Dr Harris and the multi-disciplinary team. Many challenges have been faced but perseverance has allowed many children to be at home with their families. After 18 months of negotiations between management and Dr Mckerrow a tracheostomy post was created and in September 2011 Sr Seebran joined the paeds trachea team. They have since started a similar programme for adults. Presently there are 11 paediatric patients with tracheas at home and one in the hospital and ±20 adult outpatients and 6 in-patients. Some of the adult patients have had laryngectomies and all out-patients are seen on a monthly basis. The multidisciplinary team’s efforts ensure that all care givers and patients have the necessary knowledge, skills, resources and essential equipment to care for the tracheostomy. Continued support and supervision is given after discharge from hospital. The team consists of Sr Seebran (co-ordinator), dietetics department, speech and audio therapists, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work department, pshycologist, Dr Harris (Paeds), Dr Essa (Adults) and Sr Carpenter who has been an absolute gem in helping and supporting the adult programme. The role of the trachea sister:

• She co-ordinates the multi-disciplinary team. • Provides primary health care to the patient and family • Educates staff, parents, children, patients, family and NGOs • Available at all times for problem solving • Follow-up clinics • Establishes community ties for individuals • Home visits for the children once they have been discharged • Motivation for and control of stock and equipment

The programme is not only of great benefit to the patient but also to the hospital because it means the patients can be discharged quicker, thus decreasing costs per day, preventing the blocking of beds and reducing the risk of nosocomial infections.

Sr Seebran.

Come and try our Bacon, Avo and Feta Sandwich,

Chicken Schwarma, Steak Rolls

Or variety of salads.

Telephone 033-8973274 or phone us on extension 3274 and we will have your order

ready for you to collect.

Business hours: Monday – Friday

07h00-17h00 Saturday and Sunday

08h00-14h00