In this episode, we are joined by Simon Kerrigan, Managing Director of Guide Healthcare. Simon is a passionate physiotherapist dedicated to reshaping societal views on the capabilities of older adults. He dives the importance of allied health, highlighting key professions such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dieticians, and podiatrists. He discusses the current trend of aged care providers employing their own allied health teams rather than subcontracting services, emphasising the value added by specialised providers like Guide Healthcare.

Simon explains the numerous benefits of physiotherapy for older adults, including pain management, post-surgery recovery, and fall prevention. He advocates for a proactive approach to physiotherapy, focusing on preventative care to enhance strength, balance, and confidence. The conversation also tackles ageist stereotypes, promoting the view of older adults as motivated and capable. Simon shares insights on maintaining independence and involving older adults in enjoyable activities.

Additionally, Simon discusses Guide Healthcare's innovative event-based approach to encourage physical activity among older adults, creating community and competition through exercise-inspired events.

Resources and links:

• Guide Healthcare’s website
• Simon Kerrigan on Linkedin

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Will is joined by Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners. Leanne highlights how the persistent advocacy, determination, and lobbying efforts by nurse practitioners have led to significant changes in our healthcare system. From influencing medication legislation to shaping community health services accreditation, these efforts demonstrate how small, dedicated actions can lead to substantial outcomes.

Resources and links:

• Australian College of Nurse Practitioners website
• Leanne Boase on LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Renzenbrink is the Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. She has an extensive career spanning many areas of healthcare and has spent much of the last decade working in nursing informatics. Kate has also been part of large scale electronic medical record (EMR) implementations across a number of Victorian hospital and health networks.

In this episode, Will and Kate discuss what nursing informatics is, and provide examples of small and large projects that a nursing informatician, or digital nurse specialist gets involved in. Kate also shares many examples of the micro changes that EMR systems can help to catalyse positive outcomes.

Resources and links:

• The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• Kate Renzenbrink on LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rory Tanner is a peri-anesthesia clinical nurse specialist and the Founder of both Life Saving Education which facilitates corporate staff group training & Aussie Nurse Educator which provides education & personal development content for nurses including tools, resources, coaching and courses.

In this episode, Will and Rory explore the realm of day surgery. Rory shares firsthand experiences and insights, starting with a gripping account of an anaphylactic event and its management using a recently implemented quality initiative.

From navigating the complexities of day surgery to discussing advancements in anesthesia techniques, Rory provides a vivid portrayal of the dynamic healthcare environment. He highlights the shift towards more efficient procedures and the expanding scope of day surgeries, facilitated by innovations in anesthesia delivery and patient care.

Resources and links:

• Aussie Nurse Educator
• Life Saving Education

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea is a Quality Advisor at the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA). ACCPA is the Australian national industry association for aged care providers offering retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care, and more.

In this episode, Andrea details her extensive career in the healthcare and aged sectors, she explains her approach to continuous improvement and lays out some of her ideas for making the healthcare system more efficient and more empathetic. She also opens up about how a single cup of tea completely changed the induction process for new hires at her residential aged care facilities in the past.

Resources and links:

• Aged & Community Care Providers Association website
• Andrea Waring on LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Elizabeth Deveny is the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and the former Chair of the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA). CHF is Australia’s peak body representing and advocating for the interests of healthcare consumers to ensure they achieve safe, quality, timely healthcare with accessible health information and systems. ADHA focuses on digital innovations and connections as part of a robust, modern healthcare system.

In this episode, Elizabeth discusses the history of consumer health and consumer health organisations in Australia, the importance of clear communication for accessibility, and why it is vital to integrate consumer feedback to improve the healthcare system. She also opens up about how her personal experience navigating Australia’s healthcare system has fortified her determination to ensure all consumers can more easily engage with services.

Resources and links:

• Consumers Health Forum of Australia website
• Dr Elizabeth Deveny on LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Stefan Gruenert is the CEO of Odyssey House Victoria. Odyssey House Victoria is a drug and alcohol treatment facility that sees problematic drug and alcohol use as a symptom of other underlying issues and combines peer support by others in recovery with medical and psychological expertise and support to treat addiction.

In this episode, Stefan discusses the work undertaken by Odyssey House, how they’ve changed over time to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for people in the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of finding the correct balance between peer support with lived experience and clinical staff. He also digs into emotional regulation and why it is such a vital part of treating addiction.

Resources and links:

• Odyssey House Victoria website
• Dr Stefan Gruenert on LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony McGillion is the Divisional Director of Education at Northern Health. Northern Health provides tens of thousands of patients in north Melbourne with maternity, specialist, acute, sub-acute, community, home-based, and mental health services. Northern Health staff are offered comprehensive patient-centred and evidence-based training and development opportunities through their education department.

In this episode, Tony outlines his long career in education across Australia and explains his current role with Northern Health. He lays out Northern Health's strategic goals for the future and emphasises the importance of embracing technological advancement while maintaining the basics of patient interaction and communication.

Resources and links:

• Northern Health website
• Tony McGillion on LinkedIn

Connect:

• Ausmed website
• Ausmed on Facebook
• Ausmed on LinkedIn
• Will Egan on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.