Dean of Health Sciences

Dean's Report October 2009

2009-11-16T22:22:24Z

Professor Hal Swerissen

Out and About

The Faculty will hold its annual planning day in November and this, plus the budget process, will set the framework for next year. I will report back to you on the outcomes of the planning day in December.

The main priority for this month has been developing the Faculty budget for 2010. I would like to thank all Associate Deans and Tony Chrystie for this work.

I have also been a keynote speaker at the National Allied Health Conference in Canberra on workforce challenges and the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association Congress in Hobart on Governance models for Australia’s future.

It is great to see some many staff and student publications and conference presentations as well as research grant success.

Alternate format: Dean's Report October 2009 (PDF 789KB)

Staff Publications

Congratulations to the staff who have published the following articles, book chapters and given conference presentations.

Talbot, L., Verrinder, G.K. (2009) Promoting Health. The Primary Health Care Approach 4th edition Sydney: Elsevier.

For the Time Being: Understanding the Temporality of Cancer Survival, Jan Pascal, Dr., Ruth Endacott, Prof., Jennifer Lehmann, Dr., Austral-Asian Journal of Cancer, Vol 8 No 3 2009

Stocks, R., Dacakis, G., Phyland, D. and Rose, M. (2009).The effect of smooth speech on the speech production of an individual with ataxic dysarthria. Brain Injury, 23 (10): 820-829

Mok, Z & Kipka, P.F., (in press), Lexical-semantic immaturities manifesting as grammatical disorders: evidence from a child language sample. Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics

Frowen J., Cotton, SM, Corry, J and Perry, A. (2009) The impact of demographics, tumor characteristics and treatment factors on swallowing function after chemo- radiotherapy for Head and Neck cancer. Head & Neck (accepted: 24 June 2009) JIF: 2.6

Pascal, J., Endacott, R., & Lehmann, J. (2009). For the time being: Understanding the temporality of cancer survival. Austral - Asian Journal of Cancer, 8(3), 143-151.

Baker, S. & Lehmann, J. (2009). Developing Social Work Practice in a ‘Peak Oil’ Scenario with Forward by Dr. Jennifer Lehmann, Developing Practice,Issue 23, November.

McCann, T., Moxham, L., Farrell, G., Usher, K., Crookes, P. (2009) Mental Health content of pre-registration nursing curricula: Summary report and critical commentary. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. Vol 18 (1), A14.

Edward, K. Page, K., Hamilton, B., Gilbert, M., Davidson, P., Salzberg, M., Wilson, A., Castle, D., Worrall-Carter, L. (2009) Screening for depression and anxiety – Physical and mental health considerations. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. Vol 18 (1), A6.

Prestage, G. (2009). Using drugs for sex: playing with risk? Sexual Health, 6(3), 175-177.

Pitts, M., Smith, A., Croy, S., Lyons, A., Ryall, R., Garland, S., et al. (2009). Singaporean women’s knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and attitudes towards HPV vaccination. [Refereed Journal Article]. Women and Health, 49(4), 334-351.

Postgraduate student Tiffany Jones has had an article accepted by Sex Education journal.

Hobbs M, Taft AJ, Amir LH. The emergency contraceptive pill rescheduled: a focus group study of women's knowledge, attitudes and experiences. Journal Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2009;35:87-91.

McLachlan H, Forster D. The safety of home birth: Is the evidence good enough? CMAJ 2009 181(67):359-60. [Invited commentary]

Gagnon AJ, Zimbeck M, Zeitlin J and ROAM Collaboration: Alexander S, Blondel B, Buitendijk S, Desmeules M, Di Lallo D, Gagnon A, Gissler M, Glazier R, Heaman M, Korfker D, Macfarlane A, Ng E, Roth C, Small R, Stewart D, Stray-Pederson B, Urquia M, Vangen S, Zeitlin J, Zimbeck M. Migration to western industrialised countries and perinatal health: a systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2009;69:934-46.

Barton CJ, Levinger P, Menz HB, Webster KE. Gait Posture. 2009 Nov;30(4):405-16, Kinematic gait characteristics associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review.

McClelland JA, Webster KE, Feller JA. Gait Posture. 2009 Oct;30(3):288-95, Variability of walking and other daily activities in patients with total knee replacement.

Lind M, Feller J, Webster KE. Knee. 2009 Dec;16(6):447-51, Tibial bone tunnel widening is reduced by polylactate/hydroxyapatite interference screws compared to metal screws after ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts.

Book Chapters

Edward, K., Welch, A & Elsom, S (in press). Chapter 7- Resilience, recovery and reconnection in Edward, K., Munro, I., Robins, A., & Welch, A. (Eds.) (in press). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing- Theory and practice. Oxford University Press. Melbourne

Maude, P. & Edward, K. (in press). Chapter 18 - Psychopharmacology in Edward, K., Munro, I., Robins, A., & Welch, A. (Eds.) (in press). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing- Theory and practice. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.

Welch, A & Edward, K. (in press) Chapter 19 - Evidenced-based practice in Edward, K., Munro, I., Robins, A., & Welch, A. (Eds.) (in press). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing- Theory and practice. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.

Munro, I., Robins, A., & Logan, G (in press) Chapter 6 - Substance use/co-morbidity in Edward, K., Munro, I., Robins, A., & Welch, A. (Eds.) (in press). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing- Theory and practice. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.

Welch, A., Robins, A., & Edgecombe, G (in press) Chapter 15 - Creative therapeutic interventions in Edward, K., Munro, I., Robins, A., & Welch, A. (Eds.) (in press). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing-Theory and practice. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.

Fairest, K., Terriere, G., Robins, A & Edward, K (in press). Chapter 21- Case-management and community care in Edward, K., Munro, I., Robins, A., & Welch, A. (Eds.) (in press). Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing- Theory and practice. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.

Conference Presentations

Dacakis, G. and Block, S. The LaTrobe Stuttering Program. July, 2009. Presentation to the Department of Speech and Language Therapy, TEI of Patras, Greece.

Dacakis, G. Speech Therapy: An Australian Perspective. The World Professional Association for transgender Health (WPATH) 2009 XXI Biennial Symposium, Oslo, June 17-20, 2009. (Founding Member Australasian Professional Association of Transgender Health)

O’Halloran, R, Presented Communication disability in acute stroke setting to the DHS Stroke coordinators meeting 21/7 and at the Southern Health SPA week forum 27/8.

Rose, M, Presentation on Evidence-Based Practice for speech pathologists and other allied health staff at Eastern Health, July 17th.

Kipka, P, Conference/Presentations - Invited paper: Australian National Conference of Teachers of Polish (28 June)

Joffe, B, Benefits of music and movement for speech, language, learning and psychosocial functioning: Research findings(2-8years). Paper accepted for presentation to the Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts (ECCPA), 23rd August, Melbourne.

Joffe, B, Rationale & Processes for the Use of Music in Speech Pathology Intervention. Invited presentation in TCV (Teleconference with Video Format) for the Speech Pathology Association of Australia Sponsored Professional Development Programme for Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia to run 10th September 2009.

Lehmann, J. (2009, October 9). Learning from stories. Workshop presented at 2009 Conference: Celebrating Story: Approaching change one story at a time. Melbourne.

Rayner J. Building collaborative relationships with CAM practitioners and public health researchers – the case of women’s use of CAM for fertility treatment. NORPHCAN Inaugural Conference, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 17-18 October 2009.

Amir LH. Socioeconomic status and rates of breastfeeding in Australia: a public health perspective” (Plenary). ALCA National Conference, Canberra, September 2009.

Amir LH, Jayawickrama H, Pirotta M, Wong S, Daly J. GPs’ decision making when prescribing medicines for breastfeeding women: Content analysis of a survey. ALCA National Conference, Canberra, September 2009.

Amir LH, Forster D, McDonald K, Rayner JA, Stern K. Women’s attitudes and experiences of breastfeeding – does maternal weight make a difference?. ALCA National Conference, Canberra, September 2009.

Hobbs M, Taft AJ, Amir LH, Chapman C, Hussainy S, Shelley J, Smith A, Stewart K, Lumley J. ECP over-the-counter: the Australian experience. Combined annual meetings of ICEC (International Consortium for Emergency Contraception) and ASEC (American Society for Emergency Contraception), New York USA, September 2009.

Kelso G, Amir LH, James JJ, Moorhead A. Accreditation of midwife lactation consultants to perform tongue-tie release. ALCA National Conference, Canberra, September 2009.

McLachlan HL, Forster DA, Amir L, Pemo K, Moorhead A, McEgan K, Johns H, Ford R. An exploration of current breast expressing practices in the early postpartum period using an audit and focus groups in three Melbourne hospitals. Australian Lactation Consultants’ Association National Conference, Canberra, September 2009.

Moorhead A, Amir LH, Wong S, O’Brien P. A prospective study of fluconazole treatment for breast and nipple thrush. ALCA National Conference, Canberra, September 2009.

Small R. Variations in caesarean section by maternal country of birth: another cause for concern? 39th Public Health Association of Australia Annual Conference, Canberra, 28-30 September 2009, p39.

Dr Karl Landorf was recently an invited speaker at the 2009 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport in Brisbane. He was asked to speak on foot orthoses (orthotics) and plantar heel pain, a common condition affecting middle aged and older people. The Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport is as annual multidisciplinary conference relating to exercise and sports science.

Landorf KB. How do foot orthoses work? 2009 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (14-17 October 2009).

Landorf KB. What do we really know about plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis? 2009 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (14-17 October 2009).

Landorf KB. Do foot orthoses prevent injury? A systematic review. 2009 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (14-17 October 2009).

Research

Nick Taylor (through La Trobe Uni with Eastern health) has been awarded an NHMRC partnership grant in the area of allied health. The project was titled: 'Do additional allied health service for rehabilitation reduce length of stay without compromising patient outcomes? The amount of funding was: $233,079.

Keith Hill has also received one through Monash led by Lesley Day in the falls prevention area. Again a great achievement.

I am particularly happy about Nick's success because it is I think precisely the sort of activities we wanted to encourage and facilitate through collaborative research between ourselves and our clinical partners as envisioned for the clinical schools in allied health.

Professor Christine Bigby has been awarded a grant with Monash staff: Carling- Jenkins, R., Icono, T, Torr, J, Bigby, C. Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Down Syndrome: Developing a Model of Care. Alzheimer's Dementia Research Program.$20.000. 2009

Alison Perry and Kim Matthews have received a donation of $3,000 for their current research on the use of E-Stim to improve swallowing function in people with Parkinson's Disease

Congratulations to Daniel Adrian Newnham BSW year 3 who won the 2009 Disability Tertiary Scholarship, offered by the Department of Human Services. Daniel had to submit an essay for the scholarship. The scholarship is to support his studies in 4th year and the grant is $3,282. Daniel was supported by Professor Christine Bigby in his application.

Linda Bennett was successful in the inaugural round of ARC Future Fellowship funding.

Project “Monogamy as an HIV and STI prevention strategy for gay men” has been funded by the NHMRC for $394,250.00 over three years. The investigators are Anthony Smith, Jeffrey Grierson, Garrett Prestage.

Project “Sexuality education programs and resource development” has been funded by Department of Education and Training, Victoria, for $190,000.00 over three years. The Chief Investigator is Anne Mitchell.

Gilead has funded an ARCSHS project on HIV treatment combinations, “Treatment experience among HIV-positive people”, for $99,836.00. The investigators on this project are Marian Pitts and Jeffrey Grierson.

Dr Angela Taft, Senior Research Fellow at MCHR is currently a visiting fellow at the University of Bristol in the UK, working with Prof Gene Feder and others in the Department of Primary Care on a Cochrane systematic review of advocacy interventions to reduce partner violence. Whilst overseas Angela has also presented the findings of our MOSAIC primary care trial of social support to mothers experiencing partner violence at the WONCAEurope (World organisation of family physicians) conference in Basel and at the Family Violence Prevention Fund's Domestic Violence and Health conference in New Orleans. She has also visited the Departments of Primary Care at the Universities of Nijmegen and East Anglia.

Dr Kate Webster was awarded a grant from the Australian Orthopaedic Association Research Foundation Grant for the project titled “Three dimensional biomechanical assessment of rotational stability following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction”.

Funding applications

ARCSHS submitted an NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence funding application in September 2009.

Gary Dowsett, Larissa Sandy and Emma Miller have submitted La Trobe University Faculty Research Grant applications.

Sue Dyson and Michael Flood are submitting an ARC Linkage application, in partnership with VicHealth and the AFL.

Anne Mitchell has applied to the Federal Government for $400,000 for a project on the subject of violence against women.

Awards

Dr Suzane Vassallo from the Department of Clinical Vision Sciences has been awarded a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. Her thesis was entitled: Approaches to teaching: Narratives from early-career research academics in the Health Sciences.

Congratulations to Professor Anthony Smith who was awarded the research prize at the Victorian AIDS Council Annual General Meeting of 25 October 2009, for the ‘Mapping Gay Communities’ project.

ARCSHS Adjunct visiting research fellow Garrett Prestage has been appointed as Associate Professor, Level D, by the University of New South Wales. This appointment recognises the consistent and sustained research Garrett has done in the area of HIV prevention and sexual health.

Recent Awards at 2009 Sports Medicine Australia Conference

Asics Award for Best New Investigator - Lower Limb (Presentation package at ACSM) , Ms Clare Ardern, Musculoskeletal Research Centre La Trobe University, Hamstring strength recovery is similar regardless of which hamstring tendons are harvested for ACL reconstruction, Co-authors - K. Webster, N. Taylor & J. Feller

Ken Maguire Award for Best New Investigator - Clinically Relevant Conditions (Presentation package at ACSM), Ms Carolyn Taylor, La Trobe University & Deakin University, Groin pain and hip range of motion is different in Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous young Australian football players, Co-authors - J. Cook, T. Pizzari, N. Ames, T. Wood, B. Gabbe, M. Makdissi, E. Scase, J. McNeil & J. Orchard

Teaching

Professor Bigby is Editor of Australian Social Work. Under her editorship the journal has been accepted into the ISI ranking process and will receive its first impact Factor in 2011. This is a major achievement, a first for a social work journal in Australia and is recognised as a testament to the work of Chris as editor and her standing in research.

Professor Christine Bigby has been appointed Visiting Professor in the Tizard Centre, University of Kent from November 2009 - September 2014. This is one of the leading research centres on intellectual disability in the UK,

Hilary Johnson and Karen Bloomberg , Successful completion of the Elective Teaching for Higher Learning program.

Negotiations have progressed well between La Trobe University Division of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Singapore Nurses Association (SNA) in relation to the degree of Master of Nursing (Professional and Research methods stream). SNA have identified La Trobe as being its preferred University to conduct this program in Singapore.

The Division of Nursing and Midwifery recently had its 13th intake of bachelor of nursing students in Singapore. This intake commenced in July with the highest intake of students to date (168 students).

Sharon Gan recently attended the Australia China Business Council forum in Sydney to continue enhancing the Division of Nursing and Midwifery's profile within the Chinese community in Australia and China.

News from Regional Campuses

Mildura

¾ Re placements - 2 students on placement in Darwin, one working with the aboriginal community and the second in schools working with the aboriginal community .

¾ 2 Social work students who are also completing subjects in the BA will participate in the History excursion to Turkey in November- December2009.

¾ Several students on placement are initiating projects for the inaugural human rights festival

December 7-12th . Projects will include a mayoral reception, the Department of Justice conducting lectures, workshops, photographic exhibition & showing films to the public, Social Work Students are organising in conjunction with the Sunraysia ethnic Community Council and Oxfam the two day iterative project ' Refugee Realities" which will involve 200 secondary school students . This human rights week was initiated by Social Work students on placement and includes participation by many local NGOs and social workers.

Bendigo

La Trobe partnerships with Bendigo Health & LTU Bendigo campus:

Professor Helen McBurney and Associate Professor Mandy Kenny been successful in gaining a clinical supervision grant in conjunction with Bendigo Health.

Media

An excellent article had appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser regarding the Bendigo Occupational Therapy program on Wednesday 21st October. The article was compiled with significant involvement from students.

The Bendigo Podiatry and Speech courses had featured in the ‘My Career’ section of the Age newspaper on 10 October.

Mr Byron Perrin, Podiatry, appeared in an extensive article in the Bendigo Advertiser on 9 October.

Staff News

Sue Block has been appointed as an Honorary Fellow of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

Sally Squire, Lecturer in Nursing, Albury-Wodonga

Joanna Lee, Research Officer, Div of Nursing & Midwifery, Bundoora Kathy Tori, Lecturer in Nursing, Bendigo

Ms Lisa Hooker commences a Level A position in nursing on 9th November, Bendigo. Mr Bruce Baehnisch commenced on 12 October as the LRHS School Manager, Bendigo.

Resignations

Dr Adrian Verrinder, Human Biosciences, has tendered his resignation from 4 February 2010. Assoc Professor Helen McBurney has tendered her resignation and leaves mid December. Sean Houston, has resigned as Faculty Registrar effective from January 2010.

Institute for Social Participation

The establishment of ISP was approved by Council in May 2009.

The appointment of the Director was approved by VC on June 30 2009.

The Executive Committee has been established and consists of Heads of participating Centre’s and two other staff (Prof Chris Bigby and Assoc Prof Leanne Basser).

The Executive Committee meets twice monthly.

Dr Paul Jacobs and Dr Tenzin Bathgate have commenced work as RAs.
The web site is close to ‘going live’ http://wwwdev.latrobe.edu.au/isp/index.html

Research Developments

The Director has met with DHS and La Trobe LifeSkills to discuss possible funding in relation to intellectual disability, social participation and specifically employment. The response was encouraging and a more detailed proposal is being prepared.

The Unit for Studies in Biography and Autobiography (USBA) has joined ISP as a participating Centre. ISP has partnered with USBA to run a conference on ageing, illness and renewal in October.

ISP is supporting the 2009 National Intellectual Disability Roundtable

Monthly seminars have been agreed. An open invitation strategic planning workshop is being organized.

Prof Graeme Clarke is discussing with the Australian Government possibilities for education approaches that increase social participation for deaf children

An expression of interest has been submitted through the Dementia CRC to evaluate consumer directed care.

2 PhD scholarships have been advertised (1 of which is ½ funded by Latrobe Lifeskills)

Negotiations are in train for partnerships with Australian Unity (ageing) and also MIND (mental health).

Deans Report September 2009

2009-10-14T21:09:16Z

Professor Hal Swerissen

This month the Faculty, with the rest of the University participated in the AQUA review. I would like to thank all those staff in the Faculty who took part. This is an important process for improving the outcomes for students and our research effort.

The Faculty continues to make excellent progress in the implementation of our new curriculum model. The review of the Common First Year has highlighted a number of strengths and some important areas that need improvement. A number of changes have been made in response to the semester one evaluation. A further review will be held in semester two and the results will again be used to make improvements. I would like to thank Matt Oates and the first year team for the excellent work they have done in implementing and reviewing the program.

I have conducted a number of meetings with schools and departments to discuss the introduction of the clinical school network model for practicums with staff. The overall framework for the new model is firming up and the Faculty has a number of detailed discussions about the implementation of the model underway with health agencies. I look forward to being able to report on the outcomes of these discussions toward the end of the year.

The La Trobe Rural Health School implementation is proceeding. A formal proposal to establish the School at the beginning of 2010 has been agreed by the Faculty and will shortly be considered within the University. The positions of Head of School, Professor of Nursing and Head of Department and Professor of Allied Health and Head of Department have been advertised. The anatomy and physiology facility in Bendigo is being built, user group meetings on the design of the buildings are being held and the curriculum structure of the rural clinical school network is being finalised. I anticipate consulting with staff about organisational and governance matters relating to the school in the near future.

The building works for the new student hub in health sciences buildings one and two have gone out to tender. The new building will provide state of the art administrative space to support students and staff. As this project proceeds there will be consultation with staff to manage the building works over the next six months or so.

Alternate format: Dean's Report September 2009 (PDF 1.53MB)

Out and About

This month I have been out and about on the following activities:

Guest Editorial in VHA Health Matters;

Attended Tertiary Education Plan, Bendigo;

Premier roundtable on health reform;

State Health Minister roundtable on health reform;

Spoke to Albury Wodonga GP network on "To reform or not to reform: options for Aust Health system";

Guest Speaker Victorian Divisions of General Practice forum ”Primary Care Strategy”;

Guest speaker at Library planning day.

Staff Publications

I have received notification of the following publications and conference presentations since our last newsletter. Congratulations to the staff who have been involved.

Lee G. Comorbid illness affects health-related quality of life after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 2009; 26 (3): 24-31.

Free B, Lee G, Bystrzycki A. Literature review of studies on the effectiveness of Nurse Practitioners ability to order and interpret X-rays. Australasian Journal of Emergency Nursing 2009; 12 (1): 8-15. Doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2008.11.004.

Azzopardi S, Lee G. Quality of life two years after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 2009; 24(3):232-240. Impact Factor=1.47.

Lee G, Metcalf S. Building research capacity through a hospital-based clinical school of nursing. Nurse Education Today 2009; 29 (3): 350-356. Impact factor =0.702.

Lee G. “Commentary on Lau-Walker MO, Cowie MR, Roughton M. Coronary heart disease patients’ perception of their symptoms and sense of control are associated with their quality of life three years following hospital discharge”. Journal of Clinical Nursing. Accepted April 2009. Impact Factor=1.376.

Davis P, Lin V, and Gauld R. "Public health in Australia and New Zealand" in Beaglehole and Bonita (eds). Global Public Health. Oxford University Press. 2009.

Lin V. Looking Back to Look Forward: Lessons from Chinese medicine registration in Victoria. Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 4, 1, 2009. it was based on a keynote address at the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association national conference in May.

Sovan Dey article on Stem cell therapy is published in national news paper. Here is the link for it. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=101372.

Carey, L.B., Robinson, P. Cohen, J. (2009) Organ procurement and health care chaplaincy in Australia, Journal of Religion and Health, On-line, DOI 10.1007/s10943-009-9279-1 [In press].

Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health (AeJAMH), Volume 8, Issue 2, 2009 ISSN: 1446-7984 Toward an understanding of how art making can facilitate mental health recovery. Theresa Van Lith, 1, 2 Patricia Fenner1 and Margot J Schofield 1, 3.

Bauer, M., Nay, R., & McAuliffe, L. (2009) Catering to love, sex and intimacy in residential aged care: What information is provided to consumers? Sexuality and Disability, 27, 3-9.

Bauer, M., Fitzgerald, L., Haesler, E., & Manfrin, M. (2009). Hospital discharge planning for frail older people and their family. Are we delivering best practice? A review of the evidence. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18, (18), 2539-2546.

Conference Presentations

Kenny, A. (2009) Nursing shortages: current policy is no easy solution. Core address NET Conference, Fitzwilliam College, 7-10 September, Cambridge, UK.

Kenny, A. (2009) Conference chair. Partnership Working Theme, NET Conference, Fitzwilliam College, 7- 10 September, Cambridge, UK.

Bish, M., Kenny, A., Gussy, M., Keith, B., Kidd, S., McKinstry, C. (2009) A partnership approach to improving oral health outcomes for mental health clients. NET Conference, Fitzwilliam College, 7-10 September, Cambridge, UK.

Carey, L.B. (2009) "Chaplaincy Reporting and Coding", RAAF Chaplains Conference 17-21 August, RAAF Base Glenbrook, Sydney, NSW.

Liang Z. and Howard P. ‘Strategies to improve the use of evidence in health management decision making’, ACSHE National Congress, Aug 2009, Gold Coast.

Liang. Z. (2009) ‘The practice of evidence-based decision making among healthcare managers in Victoria: implications to researchers and research institutions’. SHAPE Symposium, July 2009, Glenelg.

Chandana Unnithan participated in the national Health Informatics Conference and presented the following research paper, published in the refereed proceedings by Health Informatics Society of Australia.

Unnithan C, Smith R, Fraunholz B (2009) Maximising the Benefits of RFID Integration in Clinical Contexts: A Linear Conduit, HIC’09 – Frontiers of Health Informatics Conference, National Convention Centre, 19-21 August, Canberra, Australia.

Vivian Lin gave the lunch time address at the annual symposium of the National Institute for Complementary Medicine in June, on "National registration of Chinese medicine – implications for researchers, practitioners, and industry".

Vivian Lin was an invited speaker on the gender equity and health panel at the International Society for Equity in Health meeting, in Crete, in June.

Dr Michael Bauer has been invited to speak at an international symposium in October organised by the Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community in Toronto. Event: Keep on Rockin: Sexuality and Aging.

Petrie, E. (2009). Paper - “Mindfulness of Care” Paper submitted for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. September 29 – October 3.

Page, K., Edward, K., Hamilton, B., Gilbert, M., Davidson, P., Salzberg, M., Wilson, A., Castle, D., &Worrall-Carter, L. (2009) – Paper - A medical record audit of current depression and anxiety screening practices in those with coronary heart disease. St Vincent’s Research Week. Melbourne, August 25.

Edward, K., Page, K., Hamilton, B., Gilbert, M., Davidson, P., Salzberg, M., Wilson, A., Castle, D., & Worrall-Carter, L. (2009). -Paper- Screening For Depression and Anxiety - Physical and Mental Health Considerations. Paper submitted for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. September 29 – October 3.

Deegan, J (2009) A View of the Cost of Failure to Identify and Utilise the Professional Skills of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Nurses. Royal College of Nursing Annual Conference Melbourne: September 2-4 2009.

Research – funding/grant success

Professor Bigby has received the following research grant:-Carling- Jenkins, R., Icono, T, Torr, J, Bigby, C. Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Down Syndrome: Developing a Model of Care. Alzheimers Dementia Research Program.$20.000.

Awards

The following staff have received awards. Congratulations!

Dr. Zhanming Liang obtained the Fellowship of the Australian College of Health Service Executives in Aug 2009.

Lynne McPherson received an award for 'excellence in service and commitment to Child Protection' from DHS Child Protection during Child Protection week.

Professor Christine Bigby has been appointed as a Visiting Professor in the Tizard Centre, University of Kent, UK from Nov 2009 to Sept 2014.

Teaching

Vivian Lin has been teaching a short course version of our health promotion leadership program (Prolead program) at the Swiss Summer Public Health School, University of Lugano, on Aug 16-22.

Inaugural Nurse Educator Workshop

Nursing and Midwifery recently held the Inaugural Nurse Educator Workshop for sessional staff on 27 August 2009. The feedback was very good and thanks to Dawn Whittall for developing and launching this initiative. Facilitators included John Hannon, Judy Lyons, and Dawn Whittall. Results of the evaluation are as follows - Number Enrolled = 20, Number Attended = 17, Yield Rate = 85.0%; Number of Respondents = 15; Response Rate = 88.2 %. More specifically, 80% of participants rated the overall value of the educational content high to very high and 80% rating the quality of the session high to very high. In terms of the presentation of the workshop 100% participants rated this high to very high.

News from Bendigo

Bendigo continues to receive significant media coverage for the new regional programs in speech pathology, podiatry and paramedics, including The Age, My Careers for the new Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Paramedic Practice course.

Bendigo campus has also successfully launched a Student Mentoring Program involving 17 year 11 students from Bendigo Senior Secondary College. La Trobe students from various FHS courses together with psychology and pharmacy students will provide mentoring for secondary students, giving them insights into university life and training for their relevant health profession. Dr Rob Townsend has provided the training sessions for this program.

The Faculty will also be involved with the Bendigo South East College year 9 Aspire Program in 2010 which is a similar program to what is conducted at the Bundoora campus with Ivanhoe Grammar students.

Bendigo South East College and Bendigo Senior Secondary College will be industry partners for the second year Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy Practice unit: Participation in Diverse Communities through Service Learning. Students will be working with indigenous students and students from a Karen refugee background at these schools.

45 year 10 students from Weeroona College visited FHS Bendigo on the 14th for experiential activities, tour of the building and campus and information on health professions and courses.

Staff Changes

I would like to thank the following staff for their contribution to the Faculty, Cathy Driver, Nursing & Midwifery, Bendigo and Natalie Humphries, Senior Executive Officer, FHS.

I would like to welcome Pam Lyons has been appointed Project Officer with the LRHS.

Dean's Report August 2009

2009-09-02T03:15:19Z

Professor Hal Swerissen

The University is strongly committed to growth in response to the Federal Government's aim to expand the number of young people with a degree by 30% over the next 15 years. Our program of curriculum change, clinical school networks and the introduction
of the La Trobe Rural Health School is a key part of the La Trobe's growth strategy, but in the end the Faculty's success is based on the commitment of the staff. In particular, I would like to thank all staff who assisted with open day activities this year. We had a great response and I look forward to it translating to greater student demand in 2010!

Out and About

Reappointed as Director of Alfred Health for a further three year
term.

Attended launch of health reform in Canberra by Prime Minister.

The regional strategy for La Trobe was launched in Albury Wodonga and Shepparton.

Attended the National Health Workforce Taskforce clinical training funding reference group meeting in Sydney.

Participated in the National Health and Medical Research Partnerships Research panel in Canberra.

Attended the Innovative Research Universities Australia Senior Management Forum.

Participated in the development of the National Primary Care Strategy as a member of the Minister for Health's External Reference Group.

Published an opinion article in The Age on health reform.

Staff Publications

Bragge, A. & Fenner, P. (2009) The Emergence of the 'Interactive Square' as an Approach to Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum. International Journal of Art Therapy 14 (1).

Liamputtong, P. (2009) Qualitative data analysis: Conceptual and practical considerations. Australian Journal of Health Promotion,
20 (2), 133-139.

Carey, L.B., Rumbold, B., Cohen, J. (2009) Health Care Chaplaincy and Euthanasia in Australia (Feature article), Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy, Vol. 12, No. 1, p. 1-9.

Williamson Dianne, Best Practice Article on the website of www.latrobe.edu.au/careers/staff/staff-profiles/DWilliamson.html

A non-residential alternative to off campus writers' retreats for academics Authors: Virginia Dickson-Swift, Erica L. James, Sandra Kippen; Lyn Talbot; Glenda Verrinder; Bernadette Ward. www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/03098770903026156

McLachlan H, Forster D. The safety of home birth: is the evidence good enough? CMAJ. Accepted for publication 9 July 2009.
(Invited commentary) IF = 7.5.

McLachlan HL, Gold L, Forster DA, et al. Women's views of postnatal care in the context of the increasing pressure on postnatal beds in Australia. Women Birth, 2009. May 22 (E-pub ahead of print). IF = 0.9.

Forster D, McLachlan H. Women's views and experiences of breast feeding:
positive, negative, or just good for the baby? In press, Midwifery. Accepted 24 April 2008. IF =1.04.

Staff Presentations

Carey, L.B. (2009) 'Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care Research': Integrating spirituality in the practice of health care', Seminar Paper presented at the 3rd Australian Conference on Spirituality and Health,
13-15 July, Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Carey, L.B. (2009) 'The Sacralisation of Identity Interfaith Spiritual Care Paradigm': Integrating spirituality in the practice of health care', Key Note Address presented at the 3rd Australian Conference on Spirituality
and Health, 13-15 July, Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Jon Willis has been invited to the 17th Ministerial Rural Health Forum
7/8/09 - he will be speaking on "Indigenous Health Issues and Rural
Victoria.

Prof Warburton chaired an international symposium on age friendly communities at the International Assoc of Geriatrics and Gerontology Conference in Paris, July; she also was invited to present at a symposium at Shandong University in Jinan, China in July on Productive Ageing.

Dr Eileen Petrie presented a paper at an International Community Health Nursing Research conference in Adelaide this month. The conference theme "Health in Transition - Researching the Future" focussed on the future of nursing, leadership roles of nurses and nurse-led policy development.

Lael Ridgway also presented to the international 'Health In Transition: Researching for the Future' conference. The talk was entitled "Use of information technology in primary health care: the views and experiences of nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service".

Dr Eileen Petrie and Ms Judith Moore, Upper Hume Primary Care Partnership presented a paper at the National Rural health conference held in Perth in May. The presentation reflected the benefits and outcomes of forming an alliance between La Trobe University undergraduate nursing students and community agencies in the development of health promotion.

Dr Helen McLachlan recently presented three papers at the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference.

Research - Funding and Grant Success

Staff in Podiatry and the MRC were recently awarded a competitive, external research grant. Podiatrists Registration Board of Victoria Research Funding Scheme: $85,000,
Investigators: Landorf KB, Raspovic A, Bird AR, Menz HB, Miller J, Tenant J, Spring A., Project Title: : Offloading modalities for
healing and preventing diabetic neuropathic foot ulceration: a multi-centred, evidence-based project. This was a joint application and the last three investigators are from Austin Health and Northern Health.

Podiatry has recently finalised Memorandum's of Understanding with the University of Salford and the University of Southampton in England. These have primarily been set up to further research links and to investigate teaching staff swaps between the universities.

The large rural aged care workforce research project funded by DHS
is well under way at the John Richards Initiative with 5 research staff.

New ARC Linkage grant 2009-11, Obst, White, Warburton, Spencer, Responding to the rural skills crisis: Developing and implementing an empirical model of incentives to attract retired/semi-retired professionals as volunteers in rural areas. This model will be implemented in rural sites across Queensland and Victoria.

Two new PhD scholarships have been awarded at the John Richards Initiative (one funded by regional DHS) and both students will start on 1 September.

The Centre for Health Communication and Participation has been awarded nationally competitive grant funding from the Department
of Health and Ageing for Cochrane Collaboration activities in Australia for three years.

Pearson Education Videos

The Division of Nursing and Midwifery was approached by publishers, Pearson Education to develop nursing skills videos as a companion to their text, Fundamentals of Nursing, Australian Edition. Three skills DVDs have been produced and are currently being used as a resource for a year one nursing unit. We are currently developing another five DVDs.

Accreditation News

The Australian Physiotherapy Council has advised that full accreditation of the La Trobe Bachelor of Physiotherapy programs at Bundoora and Bendigo had been extended to 2012. The
Accreditation Panel report commended the School on many aspects of the accreditation submission and the quality of the physiotherapy program.

Social Work accreditation visit week of 17 August.

Awards

Congratulations to Robert Townsend, Social Work, Bendigo who has just had passed his PhD.

Anne Holland, Associate Professor of Physiotherapy at Alfred Health,
was recently awarded a Jack Brockhoff Foundation Churchill Fellowship. The fellowship will enable Anne to investigate new ways to deliver pulmonary rehabilitation to Australians with chronic lung disease using broadband technology. She will travel to Norway, Spain, Scotland, Canada and the USA to visit world leaders in the provision of remote pulmonary rehabilitation via the internet. Anne's project aims to address the shortage of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in regional and rural areas of Australia and to improve access to this essential service using new technologies. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships were presented at Government House by Governor de Kretser on 31st July.

Professor David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria, presenting award to Anne Holland.

Photo by Tegan Ringin.

Julie Bernhardt leads the Very Early Rehabilitation Research Program, a key aim of which is to determine the efficacy, cost effectiveness and mechanisms of very early (<24 hours) and intensive exercise for people following stroke. The National Heart Foundation Career Development Awards are highly competitive. Julie was delighted to receive an award, "to be named as the top ranked fellow for Victoria was incredibly exciting, particularly given that my research field is in the less prominent area of stroke".

Professor de Kretser presented Julie with the award at ceremony held at the National Heart Foundation head office in Melbourne. "Professor
de Kretser is an enthusiastic medical scientist and having him present the award and show interest in my research was a real thrill" Julie said.

Telmo Languiller, Parliamentary Secretary (left), and Professor David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria (right) with Julie Bernhardt.

Submission of Curriculum for Approval

The Division of Nursing and Midwifery has submitted four curriculum proposals to the Nurses Board of Victoria for approval, i.e. :

The Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

The Bachelor of Nursing (Division 2 Conversion)

The Bachelor of Nursing (Post-Registration)

Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Staff Changes

Professor Rhonda Nay is taking over as Director of the Australian Institute for Primary Care for the next 12 months. This role is in addition to Rhonda's leadership of ACEBAC and the Institute for Social Participation. Rhonda is replacing Assoc. Professor Peter Foreman, Associate Dean, International & Future Students in the Faculty.

Lorna Luke is ending a long career with the Australian Institute for Primary Care and La Trobe University. Her contribution over the years has been enormous and her absence will be deeply felt.

Shane O'Meara has been appointed to the position of Business
Manager within AIPC.

Mr Kevin Anslow, Admin Officer, Div of Nursing & Midwifery, Bundoora.

Ms Michelle Kuipers, Admin Officer, Alfred Clinical School.

Ms Joanna Lee, Research Assistant, Div of Nursing & Midifery, Bundoora.
Ms Sally Squire, Lecturer in Nursing, Albury-Wodonga. Professor Susan McDonald has been elected Co-Chair
International Confederation of Midwives Education Standing
Committee.

Student Achievements

Nicholas Gaynor, Masters of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) was recently endorsed by the Nurses Board of Victoria as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Rebecca Sedgman who completed her Masters of Nursing
(Nurse Practitioner) in June has been advised by the Nurses Board of Victoria that she has been endorsed as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Rebecca is the 50th nurse to be endorsed in Victoria!

Anne Booms a Masters of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) student, will be presenting a paper entitled: "Breaking the Silence... Autism and Palliative Care: A case Study" at the 5th Australian College of Nurse Practitioners Conference.

There were six presentations by midwifery Masters students at the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference. One of the students received the new investigator award for the best poster in midwifery.

Other Divisional News

The Division of Nursing & Midwifery hosted an Inaugural Nurse Educator
Workshop for sessional staff on 27 August 2009.

Alternate Format

Dean's Report August 2009 (PDF 2.13MB)

Community engagement

2009-07-29T01:22:18Z

Turtle Dreaming – a project for indigenous children at the Mildura Primary School participating in the HOPE project (Hope & opportunity through education) in which the School of Social Work, Mildura Campus is actively involved. Turtle Dreaming is the second public exhibition of the children's work which now has an extended exhibition at the Alfred Deakin Centre.

Staff Changes

2009-07-29T01:20:16Z

New appointments

Naanki Pasricha has been appointed to a full-time Lecturer B position in Clinical Education and in the CFY.
Shane Erickson has been appointed to a 0.4 Lecturer B position for the Master of speech Pathology program.
Melissa Deacon-Crouch, Lecturer, Nursing, Bendigo.
Kelly Stagg, Speech Pathology, Bendigo
Kerry Baker, Senior Lecturer, Human Biosciences, Bendigo
Robin Owen, PG Courses Officers, Nursing, Bundoora
Rodrigo Martello, Research Assistant, ACSA Prahran
Michelle Newton, Associate Lecturer in Nursing, Shepparton
Elena Harris, Lecturer in ICU Nursing, Alfred Clinical School
Dr Karen Leigh Edward, Head, Dept of Nursing, Bundoora
Dr Joan Deegan, Lecturer in Acute Nursing, Bundoora
Lael Ridgway, Lecturer in MCH/Community Nursing, Bundoora
Associate Professor Bill McGuiness, Head, Director of Nursing Research, Alfred Clinical School
Rwth Stuckey, Lecturer in OH&S
Neil McDonald appointed as Manager, Research
Carol Chenco appointed as Research Assistant for ACEBAC.
Méabh Cullinane joined MCHR in May 2009 to take up the position of project co-ordinator for the CASTLE study.
Mary-Helen Boag Administrative Officer, Social Work and Social Policy, Albury Wodonga
Belinda Cash – Student Placement Officer, Social Work and Social Policy, Albury Wodonga
Mary Whiteside (Lecturer – School of Social Work and Social Policy), Bundoora
Lynne McPherson (Lecturer – School of Social Work and Social Policy), Bundoora

Resignations

Belinda Bain, Executive Officer, Health Studies
Mark Reedman, Manager, Academic Services
Kath Brierty, Clinical Education Lecturer
Dr Colin Riess, Director, The Bouverie Centre
Margaret Psczolkowski, Lecturer in Midwifery, Bundoora
Jim Kevin, Lecturer in Nursing Bendigo
Joy Stubbings, Executive Officer, Div of Nursing & Midwifery, Bundoora
Dr Beverley Wood, Director International Bundoora
Dr Helen Aikman, Lecturer in Nursing Bendigo
Averill Deans Admin Officer Div of Nursing & Midwifery, Bundoora
Abby Hall, Admin Officer, Div of Nursing &Midwifery, Bundoora
Dr Primrose Lentin (Lecturer)

Research Announcements

2009-07-29T01:17:28Z

Institute for Social Participation (ISP)
The interdisciplinary Institute for Social Participation has been approved by the University and the Dean responsible will be the Dean of Health Sciences. Rhonda Nay has been appointed Director.

Associate Professor Margarita Frederico and Maureen Long have been engaged by Child Wise (a community service organization working within and outside Australia in the Asia-Pacific region to prevent child abuse) to evaluate its Choose with Care – Family Education Strategy which provides a locality-specific community development program to raise awareness of child abuse.

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) the lead Aboriginal child and family welfare in the state is developing a model of therapeutic residential care which will be implemented later in 2009. Maureen Long is continuing her relationship with VACCA and has been engaged to work with the organization in the development of their therapeutic residential model.

Associate Professor Amaryll Perlesz has been awarded an ARC linkages grant titled: Work, Love and Play: Understanding resilience in same-sex parented families. The research team includes Profs Margot Schofield, Marian Pitts, APDI Dr. Jen Power, Dr. Andrew Bickerdike, Relationships Australia, Dr. Ruth McNair, University of Melbourne and Rhonda Brown, Deakin University. The grant is worth $512,005 including contributions from Collaborating/Partner Organisations: ACON (AIDS Council of NSW Inc); Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria; Relationships Australia Victoria; Victorian Health Promotion Foundation; Relationships Australia Inc and Queensland Association for Healthy Communities. The success of this grant was in large part due to a Faculty of Health Sciences Research Grant that funded the pilot study.

Della Forster is a chief investigator on a new VicHealth research project grant – Exploring alcohol use in pregnancy: what questions should we be asking? CIs: Halliday J, Forster D, Elliot E, Nagle C, O'Leary C, Wake M, Carlin J. (VicHealth 2009 – $105,032).

Rob Townsend (SW&SP –Bendigo Campus) was awarded a HEESP grant of $15,000 to map peer mentoring across the whole university and to develop a model for Peer Mentoring & Peer Tutoring which is applicable to all Faculties and all campuses of LTU.

The School of Social Work and Social Policy would like to welcome Research staff who are joining us through the funding of research projects of the School.
Practice leadership and Active Support Grant (DHS) Chris Bigby and Research Assistant, Louise Mountford.

The efficacy of family mediation where family violence is present Linkage Grant (Helen Cleak) and Research Assistant, Michelle Doolan.

Take Two Research Team (DHS) (Margarita Frederico), Ndungi wa Mungai, Senior Research Officer.

Small Talk Project Research Officer (.8), Natasha Holt and Emma White who is currently a research assistant with Take Two one day per week will be .2 with this project.

Professor Hal Swerissen
Dean
Faculty of Health Sciences

Student Achievements

2009-07-29T01:16:09Z

Irene Sephton BSW Hons. - Irene Stephton’s recently completed thesis earned her a First Class pass for her innovative research into exploring an Aboriginal perspective of the ‘Best Interest Principles’.

Seher Ozonal who graduated at the Mildura Campus in February 2009 with an Honours in Social Work has now been awarded the Pauline Toner award . The Pauline Toner Award is awarded to a student who has completed at least two years of a course, to recognise contributions to La Trobe University and the wider community in the fields of social issues, education or the environment.

Grant Doxey (BSW-Hons Mildura campus), supervised by Dr Patricia McNamara is the first Mildura BSW student to receive a first class honours. Grant lives 100Ks from Mildura in Ouyen and travelled down for 2 years to attend the course (over 3,00ks in all). He presented a paper 'More than a dollar; responding to psychosocial needs identified by rural financial counsellors in rural and remote areas" at the 9th Biennial Rural Remote Social Work Conference in Geelong in July 2009.

Professor Hal Swerissen
Dean
Faculty of Health Sciences

Staff presentations, awards and recognition

2009-07-29T01:14:15Z

Members of The Bouverie Centre’s Acquired Brain Injury Team, Franca Butera-Prinzi (Team Leader) and Nella Charles were invited speakers at the First Annual International Conference on Culture, Ethnicity & Brain Injury Rehabilitation, held in Arlington, Virginia, USA, earlier this year. Their plenary presentations focused on culture, ABI and the Family to Family project, which put families facing similar issues in touch with each other.

Elizabeth Watt gave an invited presentation at the 24th Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nursing in Durban, South Africa on 30 June titled – “An evaluation of a structured learning environment as a component of the clinical practicum in the final year of a Bachelor of Nursing program: A pre-post test analysis” (Watt, E., Murphy, M., Pascoe, E., Scanlon, A., & Gan, S.)

Dr Michael Bauer has been invited to speak at :
•   An international symposium in October organised by the Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community in Toronto. Event: Keep on Rockin: Sexuality and Aging.
•   A seminar on Migrant Families in Aged Care: An Intergenerational Perspective, organised by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing.

Lael Ridgway recently presented at the ‘Growing Together’ AAMCFHN conference in Adelaide. One paper was entitled, ‘Use of information technology in primary health care: the views and experiences of nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service, Victoria, Australia.’ The second paper related to early detection of autism in a community setting.

Dr Jennifer Lehmann (SW&SP Bendigo Campus) was invited to teach using her narrative method at the International Summer School of Social Work at the Fachhochschule Coburg (University of Applied Sciences, Coburg) June 2009 and to present a paper at the the Coburg House-Constructing Conference (Faculty Social Work and Architecture): Energy-efficiency- Wellbeing/Wellhousing.

Assoc Prof Carolyn has been invited to be an Adjunct Professor by the London South Bank University UK.

Dr Ettie Ben Shabat awarded a Research Thesis Merit Citation in 2009 – Leeanne Carey – Supervisor.

Dr Christine Imms awarded a Research Thesis Merit Citation in 2009 Karen Dodd Supervisor.

Janet Fricke invited by the University of Buffalo to contribute to the Centre for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) Online Encyclopaedia.

Two MCHR staff had PhD graduations in May:
•   Lyn Watson for her thesis entitled Early Births: A case-control study of singleton very preterm births;
•   Karalyn McDonald for her thesis: “What about motherhood?” Women’s journeys through HIV and AIDS.

Professor Emerita
Professor Judith Lumley received the award Professor Emerita from La Trobe University in May in recognition of her significant contributions to perinatal epidemiology and maternity services research over very many years.

The Stephen Duckett Graduate Research Prize
Mary-Ann Davey of MCHR, was recently announced as the recipient of the Stephen Duckett Graduate Research Prize for Higher Degree by Research.

McGrath Foundation Scholarship

Following an approach to the McGrath Foundation to assist with the training of Breast Care Nurses the Foundation has agreed to provide scholarships to be used towards the payment of fees for postgraduate qualifications in breast care nursing. This will be a total of $10,000 per annum to two students for scholarship support to complete either the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in breast care nursing at La Trobe.

Publications

Jennings N, Lee G, Chou K, Keating S. A survey of patient satisfaction in a metropolitan Emergency Department: comparing nurse practitioners and emergency physicians. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2009; 15 (3): 213-218.

Lee G. Comorbid illness affects health-related quality of life after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 2009; 26 (3): 24-31.

Free B, Lee G, Bystrzycki A. Literature review of studies on the effectiveness of Nurse Practitioners ability to order and interpret X-rays. Australasian Journal of Emergency Nursing 2009; 12 (1): 8-15. Doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2008.11.004

Azzopardi S, Lee G. Quality of life two years after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 2009; 24(3):232-240.

Lee G, Metcalf S. Building research capacity through a hospital-based clinical school of nursing. Nurse Education Today 2009; 29 (3): 350-356.

Nay & Garratt E, Older People: Issues and Innovations is now in print; many members of FHS contributed to the book.

Members of staff from SW&SP have four books published in 2009. Congratulations go to authors ;- Professor Christine Bigby & Dr Tim Clement, Professor Christine Bigby &Dr Patsie Frawley (a PHD graduate), Dr Helen Cleak and Dr Noel Renouf.

Faculty Citation

Geraldine Lee received a Faculty citation for outstanding contribution to student learning, La Trobe University, 2009

Professor Hal Swerissen
Dean
Faculty of Health Sciences

Dean's report - July 2009

2009-07-29T01:08:21Z

We have had a number of recent successes that puts the Faculty in a strong position for the future. The Commonwealth will provide the University with $60 million to establish the La Trobe Rural Health School. This will see a significant growth in health sciences courses, student numbers, staff and research at Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton and Albury Wodonga. New teaching and research facilities will be built at Bendigo and there will be new accommodation for students across our regional campuses. Planning for the new school is well underway.

The Faculty has successfully introduced the first year of the new curriculum during first semester and I would like to thank all staff who have worked on the new program for their terrific effort. Inevitably, there are glitches and hitches in putting such a large new program in place. A review of the introduction has been undertaken and there will be some adjustment and modification of the units in second semester to improve the delivery of the units in second semester.

Planning for the introduction of the second year and the move to a new clinical schools model for clinical placements is well underway. We anticipate presenting these changes in more detail shortly, when they are finalised.

As many of you know, we have gone through a voluntary redundancy round to address overall university budget targets. A number of highly valued and longstanding members of the Faculty have left during this process. They will be missed and we wish them well for the future.

As a result of staff leaving, the Faculty has had to make a number of significant changes to administrative arrangements for student services, academic support, research administration and finance and resources. New teams and procedures are being established and we will create a new, modern student and administrative hub for the Faculty on the second floor of health sciences 1 and 2. These changes should be complete by 1st semester 2010. In the meantime, I ask all staff to assist in making these transitions as smooth as possible.

Professor Hal Swerissen
Dean
Faculty of Health Sciences

Other News

2009-05-19T02:34:56Z

Bendigo Faculty - A number of activities are occurring related to marketing and promotion. School visits have commenced, and year ten students are being targeted and are involved in activities on campus. We are working very closely with Bendigo Senior Secondary to develop innovative programs for student engagement.

Launch of the Beacon Strategy for Alcohol and Other Drug services has led to the engagement of 17 demonstration sites implementing family inclusive practices across the state. This is a three year project that has attracted interest in other service systems.

A 4-year Paramedic Bachelor/Master course has been approved and will commence in 2010.

A response to the 59.6 million dollar Education Investment Fund proposal for regional infrastructure is expected soon.

A large group of Podiatry students and staff volunteered time at the Oxfam Trailwalker in March (a 100km walk undertaken in 48 hours). These types of events generate blisters the size of golf balls!

Nurse Practitioner

Kathy Tori, Lecturer in Nursing, Bendigo Campus was recently endorsed by the Nurses Board of Victoria as a Nurse Practitioner in the category of Emergency Care.

In March, for the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW, Professor Merilyn Annells chaired two panels to assess candidates for endorsement as nurse practitioners.