What's Happening
ADO's/ AL
25th April 2024
Short term ADO's/ AL with start to dry up in coming weeks. Still a few available for next week. Need to do some life maintenance. This is a good spportunity.
JAOTW with a difference
24th April 2024
Missed the JAOTW this week. So a little vignette in the middle of the week. How good is this !!
https://issuu.com/tamsinasa/docs/sfxnews-march2024/s/45943223
*Sonographer Positions Vacant*
23rd April 2024
It is excitiong to bring forward seven Sonographer positions to the Sonographers at Monash Health. Each provides it's own unique opprtunity. Each provides a considerable opportunity for professional advancement. And each promises the possibility of profesional enrichment. P.
Closing date May 1st 2024
US Clinical Educator Position Description
Site Lead Position Description
Safety Altert #12
22nd April 2024
Clinical Educator/ Site Supervisor Positions
22nd April 2024
This is a formal CU notification to all staff. The Clinical Educator/ Site Supervisor (Moorabbin PCC) positions will go live on CU, Wednesday 24th April AM. The application period will be one week. The documentation will include, position descriptions, advertisement and a FAQ sheet. The interviews have been scheduled for the 6th of May 2024. It is an exciting time in our life.
Global Update: Journal Club
21st April 2024
Did anyone else tune in to the first Mercy Global Journal Club last week. The first paper was on the value of MCA Doppler in a low risk population. So interesting. Would love to banter with you if you did.
Also got to hear Figueros for the first time from Barcelona. So good!
Weekend Roster
20th April 2024
The weekend roster is now finalised. Any shifts in pink are able to picked up en-masse. Thanks to everyone who work through this process patiently.
Appointment of Tutor
20th April 2024
Thrilled to circulate a memo over the weekend regarding the appointment of Joyce as tutor sonographer for the next two years. Joyce will be outstanding in this role.
Bowel- Friday
20th April 2024
Friday education featured Ray Boyapati who presented on bowel ultrasoundsound. It was an interesting insight into the benefit that the current bowel service office his patients. Took the opportunity to make a call out for someone to champion bowel. Honestly it is a wonderful opprtunity to publish and present in coming years.
Shout out to Nathan for his publication through the week.
PAU Casey
19th April 2024
From Angel
"PAU sonographers need to ask all patients to sign their medicare slips (covid rules are now over). Please then scan them into the medicare documentation on RIS or you can bring them down for reception to scan into the patient's RIS folder."
Thanks
Weekend Roster Part 2
18th April 2024
Revised weekend roster is now on-line. Opportunity now to take one extra shift from a pink slot for those who want to do a little extra. Will try and update the roster as they come through.
JAOTW #2
18th April 2024
This is another paper published this week from the group. The authorship on this one will be very familiar. This is a commentary of our experiences at Monash over the last decade. The main aim was to shed light on where the profession is headed but I also think it is a small celebration of the work of so many across this time. Hope it resonates with you and you feel a shared positivity about this.
http://doi.org/10.1002/sono.12434
3 C's
17th April 2024
In Leadership Operations this AM and there was an awful story of the wrong patient having an MR. The clips in the brain were the giveaway that this was the wrong patient. An incredibly risky situation.
The porter hadn't performed the 3C's correctly. The MIT also didn't perform three C's.
Just a reminder to us to always perform the 3C's as per the procedure. Avoid short cuts.
JAOTW
17th April 2024
Huge congrats Nathan. Exciting to get this on-line.
http://doi.org/10.1002/sono.12432
Vascular SR Update (From GJC)
16th April 2024
Minor changes to terminology on the leg artery worksheet.
- Replacing tri/biphasic with multiphasic to align with consensus statement.
- Changed terminology about the calf arteries.
Please let me know if there are any problems with functionality or report.
Thanks
Call/ Weekend roster Update
16th April 2024
Call roster for the first half of 2024 is up.
This is a completely random process. Essentially, I put the names down in the same order. There are some prearranged pinks. If someone is already working, I go to the next person (and so on). Sorry and thanks to those who ended up with the tricky days. You can put them in pink. Just no promises.
Note this time, I didn't make changes based on the annual leave roster (except Christmas/ NY). There is plenty of pink to swap into if you are on leave.
So note, this is a DRAFT only. The finalisation of this roster will happen in two stages which we will roll out very quickly.
Phase 1: Swaps only- Please check the roster for clashes with leave, social events, too many in a row or even not your preferred site. There are many blank pinks to make this easy. Note you can't swap off a public holiday into a blank pink. If you need to get off the public holiday, ask me to pink it or organise a swap.
Phase 2: Will open the roster up to everyone to take one extra shift. This will share the blanks evenly.
Phase 3: Will flag that the roster is finalised. Any blank pinks will then be available. Any swaps will need to happen through the usual process.
As always, I hope this is easy.
Philips : MSK
Angel and I attended a Philips corporate night and watch Dr Mark Cresswell from Canada scan nerves for 2 1/2 hours. Always fun to watchb the brachial plexus being scanned given we are asked to look at that area so rarely.
Update: Weekend/ Afternoon shift
The weekend/ afternoon shift issue was escalated to VHAPA (not by me). The feedback is they require a Change Impact Statement and Process to initiate this change.
Am disappointed by this. Remember, I was only asking those who are already available to do on-call, to work 8-10 afternoon shifts a year with the flexibility of swapping out of these to those who want to do more. In a world of above award agreements, which affirm this type of flexibility, it didn't seem unreasonable. C'est le vie..
Based on this, in the short term,
- I am not prepared to run the Casey PM shift as I have no sureity that I will have sufficient staff.
- It has also put an end to the 7am shift. I was going to experiment with this and had agreement from MMC and Casey to proceed. Unfortunately, any change will need a full Change Impact Statement and Process from hereon. Too hard at the moment
Please don't blame me for this. I love the flexibility of the late shift and the earlier AM shift. Am also incredbly conscious of the improved access this would bring to patients.
Am happy to discuss or explain further if needed.
Am really really sorry to all those who are impacted. Really sorry !
Christmas Leave
An update on Christmas leave is on-line. The hope is that we will get 1-2 more away when it gets closer and those in red will have first preference. Rather some get all of their preference and some get none, I have tried to divvy this fairly between everyone (with Frauke looking over my shoulder). If I have missed the mark badly, can you let me know.
Expression of Interest: Tutor Sonographer
Today we ran the process to select the Tutor Sonographer. The panel was asked whether we would entertain a 1 year appointment. It also seemed possible we may be asked this for one of the other appointments that are going to be made over the coming weeks. Based on this...
To be fair to everyone, I am coming back to the group doing a raincheck. If you didn't apply for this position because it was a 2-year appointment but would apply if it was a 1 year appointment, can you please send me a expression of interest by 5pm on Thursday. If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Women's Health Workhop
Thank you to everyone who presented at the WH workshop. (edited note from Ilona)
Jing - As usual you showed your absolute expertise in this area. The live scanning was a great addition as always.
Michaela - thank you as always for the great presentation.
Frauke - You can tell you have presented on this so many times. Came across perfectly.
Naz - hope you are feeling better, missed you today and hope I (Ilona) did your great slides justice
Apoorva - You are becoming an absolute natural at presenting and showed your experience.
Wei-lien - Really appreciate you doing this on your day off. Such a great talk for the students and staff
Charlotte - first time on the big stage and you were a complete natural. Great job
Dalena - Our IOTA/gynae expert - thank you as always
Subbie - thank you for entertaining while teaching with the quiz/cases. Great to have you back!
Overall, another excellent workshop. Thanks ! Ilona for puuting it all together once again.
Feedback - Fertility
Love this as well
This wonderful compliment provided by a consumer that had a cogu-ultrasound scan at fertility clinic. Staff were very professional at all times. They were sensitive and used great communication skills guiding consumer of next steps as they performed the procedure. They were very intuitive when consumer had reached her limit of pain and comfort and consumer believed they could not have done a better job if they tried. Consumer stated the staff (Doctor) and (Sonographer) were brilliant. Huge congratulations.
Feedback - PoCUS
Received this wonderful note from a very senior ED consultant on Friday.
"Just a big thank you to Susan for helping me with training for POCUS.
She was amazing and super patient with me."
A note from Ilona
"Dear ultrasound family,
I am so incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by all the love today. Thank you so much to everyone for the incredibly generous presents and the beautiful words. I loved reading every single message – I can’t express how much it means to me and how much I appreciate it. Thank you!
Like I said today I have been so lucky to work with and be surrounded by amazing people and dedicated sonographers. I have made so many lifelong connections and friends. Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of my story and for allowing me to have my dream job at the best workplace. I absolutely love my special ILO bracelet which will be a constant reminder of the last 15 years. As I keep saying I’m not really leaving and will be seeing everyone regularly – 2 years will fly by J Thank you thank you thank you x"
Ilona
Note from PC- Thanks Dal/ Sree for pulling this together.
Tutor Sonographer Position- "Closes TODAY"
The education space is incredibly fufilling. Am very much looking forward to seeing the oppportunities this position offers someone.
Ilona's last day (for 2 years)
Education opportunities today over lunch. Tune in to see some of the WH presentations. At 1.50-1.55, we will take a few minutes to reflect on Ilona's time as tutor.
Daylight savings
Please check you system has been changed. If it hasn't, please change it early on Wednesday. Ta
JAOTW
Fantastic news that we have had four papers accepted to Sonography in the last month. As they get published, I will highlight these as the JAOTW as they are published. This first one, I am vicariously claiming Glenda is still one of us. (I think that's fair). This is a neat piece of creating a resaerch culture.
2024_4 - McLean - Building research capacity in ultrasound departments
Change of Shift Allowance
Just a reminder that if you worked the evening shift at Casey, there are change in shift allowances. These are manually added so please check that they are in your pay.
There are also a few memo's floating around around the EBA management of "change of shift". Have checked a few times and a change of site doesn't constitute a change in shift. A change of time enacted by the "manager" is a change of shift. If an employee chooses a change of shift, then there is no allowance.
Happy to discuss if you have any questions,
Lunch meeting
Thanks for checking in yesterday. Was a lot in one meeting.
Here's the slide pack. Would like to discuss if anyone has any unresolved issues.
Also again opening the door anyone who:
- Wants to chat about flexible work,
- Is interested in an occasional 7.00-3.30 shift.
Tomorrow: Education
Tomorrow's education is actually a staff meeting from 1.30. The plan is to chat about our EBA and flexible work. This is a feedback meeting following our recent staff member. Tomorrow's theme is "flexible work". Look forward to catching up. I'll record this in case others want to watch later.
Does Greg work with us?
Provided directly by the patient...
"Politeness and honest care for another human is the most important quality. Treating people with respect. That was something that was given. Sometimes staff can show no emotion and be rude in the way they talk and sometimes simply ignorant of how scared older people can be. Thanks to Greg I was treated with the respect and courtesy people deserve."
How much I value this !!! Thanks so much Greg
ASA SIG 2024
Am slow celebrating Dal's achievements at ASA SIG. Saw her material the week before and it was incredible. Huge shout out to you Dal. Thanks for waving the MH with such excellence. Also thrilled that Ankitha had a pivotal role in the facilitation. Sita popped along as well as another familar face that brought a smile.
Bit more reading
Jing has updated the pelvic ultrasound procedure. Definietly worth a look. Changes are highlighted with a background. Feedback to Jing within a week.
Ta
JAOTW
An oldie but a goodie...
Great skill to have if you lurk around the hallowed halls of the PCC. Heard a rumor that Aarthi was asked to do this recently and did an awesome job. Definitely worthy of reflection.
2024_3 Functional assessment Cardiac
If only...
Ouch ... this is ugly. Really ugly. The problem isn't what you think. Read below
So you've come this far. Please hear me out.
This looks like someone has dropped or gouged the transducer. That means- hours of paperwork for Frauke and more questions from our insurers. It happens that we think that this is the result of an air bubble.
An air bubble- We can send back to Samsung.
A gouge in a transducer (Read $$$$$ and hours of paperwork)
It happens that we can trace this transducer to the Moorabbin RS85 and we can see a subtle artifact over the days before this was discovered. We have no way of proving this.
The artifact is very difficult to miss (albeit comes and goes with transducer pressure)
If only... someone had've logged the artifact. or
If only, the person who was with the transducer when this happened flagged this.
If only we were better at logging equipment and transducer dysfuction.
So don't hesitate. If you see an issue, please log it. If you find a dodgy transducer and it wasn't your fault, let us know
Thanks
Weekends/ On-Call /Casey PM shifts (Part 1)
Part 1 : There is a lot of noise over my desk. I'll cover this off in four individual posts.This isn't directed at any individuals. Just a bit of a reset.
So the first part is that Casey afternoon shifts are not going to be formally activated in the short term. Angel and I will use them occasionally to manage spikes in activity. The reason they are not being activated is a combination of staffing and funding.
Casey PM shifts continue to be optional for everyone. There is a small caveat however. If you work weekends shifts, you are also to be available for Casey PM shifts if and when they are required. Weekends and Evening shifts go together.
The main reason for this is that I need to build a culture where PM shifts are part of our life. It's a major gaps in our service that we don't cover after 5 at the hospital sites.
The flip side though is that I need to be flexible for those who really need to flexibility. For some I can do this by being ever willing to facilitate the swapping of shifts (weekend or evening shifts). This is sorted when a roster is set and also through the iteration of the roster. Simply though, If you can be available for weeknight on-call, you should also to be able to be available for evening shifts.
Please please note tho' - you can do Casey PM shifts and not work weekends.
And all this is a bit of a moot point at the moment as Casey PM shifts are not a regular feature of our roster.
The following people are currently on the weekend/ PM shift schedule. Let me know if you would like you preference changed.
ALE ESP FLE DJS PRC GJC MCH JAC COR SAB LEA DAL ADI MIK NLE NIC SHO SLK ILO NAZ JSP TAY VIV WIL BCL ALS BKM CLI AGN CHA ARA AXS- All signed up for weekends and PM shifts
The following people are signed up for PM shifts only (when they eventually happen)
KIM, FYU, BEC, CCG
Please let me know if you want your preferences changed.
Weekends/ On-Call /Casey PM shifts (Part 2)
Part 2 : This post is about weekends. As of next year, there will be a minimum 12 month gap between qualification and beginning weekends. It is too late to do this for this this year as I have made too many commitments to too many folk. Why?
- You need to been able to justify and triage worklists efficiently and safely (this isn't taught in training)
- You need to be efficient in your workflow. This means that the expectations of any shift is a minimum of 16 patients however given a few qucik renals, ? joint effusuons or collections, ascites marking etc, an expectation of 18 patients in a shift is reasonable. (concession here if you have portering issues).
- You need advanced skills in a number of areas. Everyone seems worried about paediatrics. To be honest, I think the advanced gynae, vascular is as much of an issue. This training isn't suddenly created by a few days in the MCH. This comes from days working in the ward lists at Casey, DH MMC and VHH.
Having said all of this, please pick up the phone if you have a problem case on a weekend. The real problem cases will be once in a decade cases anyway.
So the message here is that I am hapyy to put anyone on the on-call/ weekend roster. Just making sure everyone is on the same page about expectations.
Weekends/ On-Call /Casey PM shifts (Part 3)
Shorter post- This post relates to VHH. There some exams done there that are not done elsewhere. eg Carotid Radials. If you are rostered to VHH you need to know how to do these. Please reach out to Claire who will teach you. These are not to be "bumped" if you are rostered there. Yes... it is a skill that can be taught without having a real patient.
Weekends/ On-Call /Casey PM shifts (Part 4)
Hopefully... I haven't exhausted you. This one is simple and picks up the themes of the last Fridays education. If you work weekends/ oncall/ PM shifts, it is especially important you know what the evacuation plan is, where the duress buttons are, and how to ring codes.
Also need to make sure patients have buzzers and patients who are "at risk" have a nurse with them.
Feeling tired?
Feeling tired after Easter shifts. Book your self some time off. April leave calendar has plenty of options.
Am willing to look at a full week off in April if someone wants to organise a quick trip to the Tahiti?
Important Read: Axillary nodes
Jing has put together this excellent resource on lymph node evaluation. It will be integrated into procedures and (possibly) training tools over time.
JFBR recommendations for axillary Lymph node criteria
Breast Ultrasound Webinar
Cindy Rapp works with Tom Stavros and is an excellent speaker. Highly recommend.
In the last pay
In the last pay, you should notice a 2% increase in you base salary and above award payment (if applicable). There should also be a skills payment (1 off) based on your hours - FT $750. For anyone at Grade 3 Year 4 which is most of you, there is a one off "top of band" payment. My understanding is that this should be around $349 for a full time. Both are pro rata for part timers. I can't explain why grade 4's miss this second payment (sorry!)
Again... I like it when everyone is following their pay. Please reach out if you need something clarified.
Chronos
If the Chronos errors over the weekend, can you send me the site and code via e-mail thanks
New Arrangements: Easter- Late Change
No extra shifts at Casey- See roster. Low threshhold to call the call person.
Easter TIL
Sorry that this is a recuring theme. This hasn't been allocated to many of those who are entitled. Frauke and I will sort this on Tuesday and send a list to payroll. This list will be of all staff who work strictly Monday- Friday +/- weekend overtime. The current interpretation I have been told is that MIT's who work shifts at weekends are not entitled as you are classified as weekend workers. For the MIT's, I'd encourage you to check this detail with your Chief MIT. Happy to take queries..
WFUMB Echoes
Mention for Cambodia in the latest WFUMB Echoes
T3 - Ring the correct site
Just a reminder that you need to ring the site where the woman is delivering if you have a T3 finding. (not where you are).
Example... you are at Pakenham with an abnormal UA. Woman is delivering at Dandenong. Do not chat to Pakenham or Casey. It is up to the home team (DH) how/ where they want the woman supported.
Afternoon Shifts
On the roster in the tab labelled, "March 2024", your preference for afternoon shift should be listed. This is voluntary. Can you please send me any changes to this based on your current situation. I'm beginning to think about activating this afternoon shift, as part of moving towards more flexible, working arrangements. If your current selection is accurate, there is no need to make contact.
On-call/ weekends - Second half of the year
It is also timely that I do this roster. If anyone wants to change their current rostering situation regarding weekends, can you let me know.
Christmas / NY/ January Leave
It is that time of year again where I put out a call for requests for Leave across the Christmas, New Year, January period. Please let me know if you require any leave across this period. The way this works is that I take all requests and then prioritise based on who has worked over recent years. After that it is a ballot system. If you have a special need this year that is more important than other years, I am happy to listen to this. Fruake and I will work on this together so there is transparency. Send me your interest over the next two weeks ad then I will finalise this roster.
New Arrangements: Easter
Revised arrangements around Easter to meet the expected spike in activity.
Please prioritise using BARET all weekend. Use this method of communication to communicate with rad registrars where it makes sense. (Emergency radiology opinion....search opinion in roles).
* Reminder: Shifts on a Saturday / Sunday are 0900-1700 - No formal break. Friday & Monday shifts are 8.30-17.00 with a formal 30 minute break. If you are rostered to MMC, you are welcome to start 30 minutes earlier to set up the day and pop this on your timesheet (choice).
Of note:
- VHH Easter Friday (CHA) and Easter Monday (APO) person to head to MMC to work a 4 hour shift rather than head to VHH. On-call person will cover VHH (GJC ADI). Saturday Sunday VHH sonos (TAY, ALS) should try and clear the list.
- MMC - Will therefore have an extra person 9-1 on Friday CHA), Sunday (ALE + NICU), Monday (APO). Saturday on-call person also (MIK) to plan to be at MMC at 9am on Saturday. Naz to let MIK know if not needed.
- Dandenong- Usual service
Additional porters have been arranged.
As you triage lists, please leave clear notes. If a referral is for an OP review. Ensure he message starts with "OP (date) or "OP to be arranged (Date)". If you have messaged to the team on Baret, edit the order notes "Baret" etc.
PRC is around all weekend if any issues.
Also let me know of any questions based on this note.
Thanks everyone who is working.
Special thanks to Kash and Sree who have double shifts.
Memo: EBA
This morning you received a memo that dovetails with the new EBA period. I've been involved in meetings around this and the issues rasied. Am very cognisant that all the issues are important and note, that there are a couple of areas that have caused some reflection Please reach out if you have any questions.
And to reaffirm...
Our local arrangement arrangement around overtime is based on trust and normal professional collaboration. If there is a spike in activity or late patients, you don't need to contact me. Overtime is not questioned. Occasionally we may reach out if your UKG is not clear for clarification. The details of the call (UR & site) and/or weekend shifts (site, number of patients and if the shift was extended ...why), should be put in UKG as a record.
Am simply very grateful for the work you do this in this space and especially to those who pick up more than their share.
Easter Weekend and Next Week
Three short weeks raises my blood pressure a little. We might make some last minute updates to support the service.
If you are available to do a bit of extra work over Easter can you e-mail me.
Masks
Just a reminder that a used mask shouldn't be left on desks. ;-) Ta
JAOTW
Fair bit of reading in the audits so a simpler JAOTW. This is a case published in Skeletal Radiology (see PDF). Read this before you look at the answer.
The answer to this case is found here.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-023-04345-0
Endometriosis Audit
Nice work from Jing. This is an audit of our non-COGU endometriosis experience (compared to 2018). Some minor tweaks to our procedure and some education to follow. Thanks so much Jing.
ASPRE Trial
PCC has recently started the ASPRE twins study (aspirin versus placebo RCT to prevent pre-eclampsia in twins).
Any patient with twin pregnancy before 14 weeks will be eligible. This is being led by Daniel Rolnik.
The team is interested in seeing all women with twins who arrive to us early. If you encounter twins before 13 weeks, can you explain to the woman that MH has a big research project happening in twin pregnancy. Then ask if it would be OK if you contact the research team.
Then either ring Daniel 0452105585 or e-mail Lisa - lisa.lebec@monash.edu,
Ring Joyce or I if you have questions.
March Patient feedback shout-outs
Love your work Sree and Charlotte !!
- Charlotte: imaging staff member. She was very professional and conducted herself in a happy and courteous manner.
- Big thanks to Sree for keeping us informed as she did the scans. The extra info goes on a long way to staying calm through unexpected news.
Aarti Update
Aarti's little bundle is called Aashvi. :-)
Vascular Numbers - Repost (correction)
Vascular US Room 1 47603
Vascular US Room 2 43690
Vascular Write-up room 42127/43210
Vascular reception desk 42335
Aarti & Giresh's new little bundle of joy
Awww... so gorgeous. On March 14th, 11.48 this little treasure arrived. Aarti is doing well and is completely enamoured. Name to follow after religious ceremonies.
Roster: Updated at 1830 for the week ahead
Please re-check the roster this week.
Tuesday still available for ADO/AL
Disinfection non-EV transducers- Germitec : Important
The way we disinfect non-transvaginal transducers with the new high-level disinfection devices requires a tiny bit of science. We need to be careful how these transducers are put in the new devices. Frauke has been sorting a solution to this that is being rolled out to all sites. Its very clever. Thanks so much Frauke.
Here is an explanation. Please read carefully.
2023 Chronos non-EV training tool
Friday Education
Friday education featured a presentation from the library. First, they highlighted the Monash health sonography homepage. This should be looked at by everybody at some point to see what resources are available. The main presentation, however, was a introduction to Litmaps. This is a reaserch tool used to search and prioritise data. It is fee for use until May 3. https://www.litmaps.com
At the end of Friday education, I took the opportunity to thank Ilona for everything she has contributed to our service. It was opportune because this was her last Friday education meeting. (A meeting that she has organised for the last decade). Ilona will still be around for a few weeks.
Positive feedback from the AVF Meeting
Claire attends this meeting regularly. Feedback this week.
"The scans shown were really good. Of note the inflow volumes were all spot on and there were a few drawings that impressed the room. So very well done!
Of note, just remind people to draw in the diameters of the vessels on the sonographer drawing."
New Vascular Phone Numbers
These are now on the contacts pages
Vascular Room 1 42127
Vascular Room 2 43210
Vascular Workroom 47603 / 43690
TIn the new vascular service, the staff assist buttons in the vasc corridor don't go to DI so our nurses won't hear it. Nick has put in a Beims to change it. Until then, we always should call a code if an OP patients need medical assistance.If you work in vascular, can yo make a mental note of this.
EBA increase
The EBA was slated for March 1st. For those that checked your pay, it didn't appear. We sent off a query to payroll. This was the response.
"Thank you for your query.
As per the EBA, the rate increase is effective FFPPOA 01/03/2024 (first full pay period on or after).
This means the effective date is 11/03/2024. The increase will reflect in the next pay."
This means everyone should check their pay this week.
The new rates are:
The new HQA is -$104.88
We work a 38 week. Make sure your pay is accurate. This should be to the cent. Often payroll get this wrong, so please check the adjustment is accurate.
Laundry allowance has had a breathtaking increase. Its gone from .46c per day to .47c per day. Worth a reminder though, that if you wear scrubs everyday, you are entitled to this. Let Frauke know if you believe you are missing out.
FDU presentation
Successful meeting in FDU yesterday as we reviewed our second trimester procedure. Thanks Ilona for contributing with last minute audit work. Unfortunately it wasn't recorded.
For the minute, none of the changes are activated. No change for the minute.
There was a mountain of work in the preparation of this. As such I am behind this week. If you have anything that needs solving before the weekend, maybe flick me another note.
Vascular Service moves (repeated post)
In 2009, we took over the Vascular Imaging Service in the Vascular sciences building at Dandenong Hospital. At the time, many said, that Imaging wouldn't be able to successfully run the service. There was an implication that there would be a quality drop off.At the time they were seeing 3.4 patients per day. How wrong they were!
Over the last 15 years, the lab has thrived. It has gone from strength to strength as one of the admired Vascular Ultrasound services in Australia. The quality has improved considerably. It has also expanded facilitating important care to some of the most needy and neglected in our community.
The reason for this is simple. Our people.
Greg's (leadership), Gav (backstop support), Aadie (sorry !!), Blake, Christine, Claire, Dave, Emily, Gina, Keith, Kim, Mikaelah, Nathan, Nghi, Rebecca, Susan, Taylor
Thank -you !!
FDU meeting prep
Quiet and bedded down this week preparing for tomorrow's FDU meeting. We are reviewing our second trimester procedure with MFM FDU and the rdaiologists. This includes a few tricky topics. Meeting will start at 8.00am. See link to meeting below.. A number of sites will have time crossed off to attend. Please check today whether this is the case and whether you will pop on-line at 8am to watch and participate in the discussion. You are most welcome.
Here is the link
Link for tomorrows meeting 8am
Here are a few key references.
Corpus Callosum
USystematic Review CC Measurementf
Cignini - Reference Charts for Fetal Corpus Callosum Length
Nasal Bone
Diagnostic value of chromosomal microarray in fetuses with isolated hypoplastic
Should second-trimester hypoplastic nasal bone be sole indication for
Cerebellum
Cerebellar hypoplasia prenatal diagnosis and outcome
A babe is born
Woohoo ! A babe is born.
Shehani and Maz are thrilled to let everyone know that
Shyla Mary Ramanan ? 3.1kg arrived on the 15th of March
"She has completely stolen our hearts. Maz and I are soaking up all the newborn moments and loving every minute of it"
Germitec's
There is an increasing number of Germitec's in the various services. The current thinking is that you will wait by the device during the cycle and remove the transducer at the end of the cycle. 90 secs. Don't walk away unless you will be back there in 60 seconds.
Vascular Service moves
In 2009, we took over the Vascular Imaging Service in the Vascular sciences building at Dandenong Hospital. At the time, many said, that Imaging wouldn't be able to successfully run the service. There was an implication that there would be a quality drop off.At the time they were seeing 3.4 patients per day. How wrong they were!
Over the last 15 years, the lab has thrived. It has gone from strength to strength as one of the admired Vascular Ultrasound services in Australia. The quality has improved considerably. It has also expanded facilitating important care to some of the most needy and neglected in our community.
The reason for this is simple. Our people.
Greg's (leadership), Gav (backstop support), Blake, Christine, Claire, Dave, Emily, Gina, Keith, Kim, Mikaelah, Nathan, Nghi, Rebecca, Susan, Taylor
Am so respectful and thankful for the care and quality you have provided in the Vasc Lab over years. Thank-you. Thank-you
Also am sorry that you have had to tolerate, broken tiles, terrible access, leaky roof, dodgy heating and cooling and the occasional waft of unmentionable smells. I am sorry this has been tolerated by those around us.
After numerous failed attempts to get renovations in this space, Greg and i reached the awareness some time ago,that we needed to move. What followed was months of advocacy. Am so appreciative of Greg's patience through the process.
The lab moving? For some this will simply be exciting. For others, like Gav, there will be a sense of loss. Accessing MMC is harder for some. I wish that wasn't the case. While the lab wasn't pretty, it was strangely quiet and calming. Some will miss that. If Greg or I can help anyone with this transition, please let us know.
So on Friday, it became real. The lab moved. Looking forward to see the improvements, this new iteration will bring.
ADO's
If you have more than four ADO's owing, can you book a day off in April. Plenty to choose from.
Thanks
Starting next week: Vascular start times
From Greg:
Vascular Room1 is an 8 am start beginning next week.
Currently room 2 is 8:30 start but will move to 8 am start April 15th.
Contact details for DH
As per the procedure DH - Birth Suite Extension 48499
The Baret role is: Dandenong O&G Birth Unit Registrar
There has been a bit of confusion about this. Don't go to the midwives. Ta
Easter Support: Roster
Need someone to cover for 4 hours on Easter Sunday. It can actually be at any time through the day. The person will either do the NICU round or cover me in the main department while I pop up to NICU.
Again... flexible with timing. Thanks so much
Friday Education
Friday education was provided by Ronnie Friday education was provided by Ronnie Kuang. He presented on the embolisation of uterine fibroids. An excellent session that is worth watching on the recording.Kuan
Three bits of housekeeping…
1. Took the opportunity to reflect on everybody's current training for BLS and asked the question, if faced with an emergency, how prepared are you. Also took the opportunity to reflect on everyone's knowledge of calling for urgent support in the ambulatory services. These are disarming as you don't expect any issues in these.Time to brush up if not sure.
2. As it was international women's day, I took the opportunity to reflect on the amazing leadership that women provide in our service. Made a bit of a meal of this :) but hopefully everyone shared the intent.
Angel, Anzelle, Claire, Dalena, Frauke, Gina, Ilona, Joyce, Jing, Julie, Mikaelah, Sally, Susan, you ARE, incredible people and we so appreciate what you do. Also decided to celebrate one of this group, symbolic of how much they all are achieving in their individual spaces/ roles. Had just been to Sandy so celebrated what Joyce does in her professional life. Looks after PCC & Sandringham making a very complex, happen. She'll present nationally and internationally this year, probably will publish, and supports Cambodia. Thanks Joyce!
Finally I lloked around the room at Clayton and on-line and looked at so many other incredible women professionals, that do so much in their professional and personal lives. So appreciative.!
3. A wedding shout out for Monica and Jason- Have a brilliant day and wonderful thereafter...!
Pay Increment
Theoretically, you should see a new pay increment come through in the coming pay. Perfect opportunity to be all over your pays.
International Womens day today
Shout out to all the women who make up Ultrasound@Monash. You are remarkable!
ADO's / AL available next week
As above
Communication of T3 results
Chatting to Gill Whitely and she said she had spoken to a few sonos who said they didn't know this procedure existed. Hmmm fact or fiction? We have been over this document so many times.
Communication of 2nd and 3rd Trimester Obstetric Ultrasound Results
SR changes
Angel has been very industrious and sorted a mass of changes on the SR. If you notice any bugs, please let her know. RENAL/ABDO: Removed no focal abnormality. Replaced with "normal size and appearance, measuring ..... No hydronephrosis
RENAL/ABDO: changed order of solid, complex cyst and simple cyst report order to as above
ABDO: add headings for "free fluid" and "other structures"
BREAST: Simpilfied the description for all lesions
SCROTAL: No report wording change, just changed reporting template structure
THYROID: TIRADs criteria are a hard stop
THYROID: Parathyroid information is moved above thyroid if parathyroid is filled out.
NECK NON THYROID: No right and left subheadings, now using the anatomy as subheadings.
Amazing. Thanks so much
Thanks Em
Shout out to Emily Preston who run the vascular lab during Greg's absence. The lab didn't skip a beat. Thanks so much!
New hoist process at Moorabbin
From Jing- From now on, the nursing team will transfer the patient for us onto a trolley bed in the trolley bay and push the patient into the ultrasound room. When examination is done, the patient will get pushed into the trolley bay and hoisted back into the wheel chair by the nursing team. The new process has worked well so far.
Performance Enhancement
Just a reminder that if you have had a performance enhancement meeting with your team leader in recent times, the feedback from this needs to be registered on HR 21. All you need to do is tick the button. No upload is necessary. I can't do this at my end.
Link for Breast Ultrasound meeting
Believe the link for the Philips Breast Ultrasound meeting was deactivated. Try this if you are interested.
https://philipsapacgeneralimaging.splashthat.com
Interpreters
Thanks for spotting this Frauke. This will certainly impact me at weekends.
JAOTW
Keith... I need a few lessons on this. If you are doing a cranial ultrasound, it is worth keeping in mind.
Next week
Next week is our last week at the Dandenong Hospital Vascular Building. Memories were created in that place :-) Might eulogise a little bit more about it next week but if anyone wants one final gig there, let me know.
Sandringham
The Obstetrician has left Sandy so we are left to cover a void in the interim. This will be 1 day a week on a Monday (all day). There is a sea breeze. Am looking for a few folk who don't mind once a month heading over there for a few shifts. Given the urgent cover seems to be popping up more often than expected, I'll do a change impact statement shortly. It will be voluntary only unless something unforeseen happens at the site regarding the Alfred (who currently provide excellent sonographer support).
Early starts at Vascular/ PCC
You will begin to see a few changes on the roster around start times to align with feedback about car parking at MMC. An additional 8am start has been commenced at the vascular service (starting mid April) and PCC starting shortly. Watch out for these changes.
Reminder: Fill out all fields in thyroid.
Been a couple of instances where there are some unchecked fields thyroid nodules. Plan is for all these drop downs to be coded as compulsory fields.
FDU Meeting - Thursday 21st
There wil be a special "closed" FDU meeting on Thursday the 21st of March where we will be reviewing some of the more controversial issues in Obstetric Diagnosis.
The current list is:
- - Measurement & reporting the short CC (otherwise morphologically normal)
- - FDU referral for short NB in patient with low risk NIPT
- - Does mild pyelectasis require FDU referral
- - Patient with definite abnormality but morphology scan not fully completed- Should they go to FDU or come back for a morphology scan.
- Review the "markers- NT, CPC etc"
You can help this meeting by reading the Obstetric procedures and feeding through any issues you would liked discussed.
CPD forms
Just a reminder that if you are requiring conference leave, I need:
- Completed CPD form (on CU)
- Travel form (If you are hoping for some or all of the costs of the accomodation or flying to be reimbursed)
- Conference program in digital form. If only on a webpage, then the web address.
- Copy of your abstract if you are presenting.
Currently, the vibe from the CPD executive is to adhere reasonably strictly to the CPD procedure. Knowing this will help guide where you want the money apportioned. If you are not sure, sing out.
Parathyroid
Just a reminder to fill out the parathyroid section of the thyroid w'sheet if this has been requested.
Friday's Shout Out was so good
So good Jane!
Friday Staff meeting
Thanks everyone for chipping in on Friday. Will feed back in due course. I came into the meeting with a few thoughts and left with a few more. Ever grateful that there is a maturity in the group that I can chat about these things safely. Thanks eh
Frauke : Trailwalker
Frauke is out going on a 100km mountanous stroll this weekend. Trailwalker supports OXFAM. If you are keen to support and/or follow Frauke's progress: https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/frauke-lever
A wonderful thing to do ! ... AND she mde it !
Fertility opens
Ridculous really. Thrilled to celebrate with Sally that the new "interim" fertility service is now open. So pleased. First- a massive shout out to Sally for getting us sorted in this space!! Day one was brilliant and memorable.
Today is also more than this. This is the culmination of 7 years of advocacy to get a better space for Vascular. Huge shout out to all who work in the lab for their patience and tolerance with their environment. Huge shout out to Greg for his advocacy around the issues at DH and his incredible patience with the transition. Quietly, behind closed doors, there was a quiet high 5 between Frauke and I in relief that this is sorted. You have all contributed to get this done. Thanks so much.
Obstetric Dating
Just an update the first trimester dating is still sitting with Women's for an update. Kim raised this months ago. I have been repeatedly escalating.
Radiologist Photoboard
The radiologist photoboard has been updated with initials.
Latest UKG amendment form
The latest UKG amendment form is now on CU. Its editable which is helpful. It also doesn't ask for a DOB which is a relief to some of us.
Worth a look
This would be an interesting event. More details to come.
Philips MSK Roadshow April_Save the Date
Slow Computers
Just a note that there are two ways to get Information Technology to delete files on the computer. If you ask them, generally, they will do a superficial clean and just remove redundant files. If you suggest that your manager has approved a deep clean, they then may opt to remove all the profiles, which is the preferred option. If you any issues getting a "deep clean", message me and I will log a job. Please don't leave computers really slow. Please ring IT.
Training tools (Inc. New MRI)
There is a new MR training tool & we are also a little behind this month in TT's. Can everyone do the new MR tool and catch up on their training tools. Frauke has been busy sending reminders.
Team Update
Revision to teams to accomodate new fellows and graduating trainees. Such good people. Hey.... we will use this groups at Friday's staff meeting.
Angel Gina Nghi, Aadie, Subbie, Michaela, Monica, Tracy, Ash,
Frauke Claire Natasha B, May, Rebecca, Jess, Susan L, Anzelle, Angela,
Gavin Christine, Jennifer, Kim, Lauren, W, Mikaelah, Charlotte, Viv,
Joyce, Sally, Julie, Sree, Rowena, Sasha S, WeiLien, Fei, Aarthi, Joanna
Greg David, Emily, Karen, Nathan, Susan H, Blake, Taylor, Akash,
Ilona , Emily, Sachini Simone, Josie, Lisa, Desh, Chelsea
Jing Naz, Jane, Monique, Aarti, Lucy, Apoorva, Ankitha, Dalena
Keith Shehani, Dinuki, Lauren A, Sita, Steph, Celia, Will, Nick,
Communication
ULG have been chatting around the use of our various communication systems. We are "sort of" leaning toward:
CU- All general communication that isn't time urgent should go via CU
Sonographer CPD- Only us for CPD/ Friday meetings. The reason for this is that there are a number of non-sonographers who subscribe to this. (And you can keep your notifications on or turn them off for this)
NEW- **Urgent US Issues"*- RIS PACs outages, Issues with SR, a rain sodden ceiling in MMC or DH. all should be put here. Ideally, notifications on for this.
The hope is that your phone will only ping when it really needs to ping. ULG is vexed about the need for a more general chat group where notifications could be turned off. This could be a space for random celebrations, exciting news or just a little fun. If you think this would be worthwhile, let your team leader know.
JAOTW
Angela (Radiologist) and I have been chatting about the "echogenic pancreas". Curious eh? Do you think this is overcalled or undercalled. What are the rules you use? How could we be more consistent in the reporting of this? Does it matter?
Have a read. Am interested in what you think?
Leave
Just a reminder that as of mid-March, we revert back to 7 away at a time. This is to diminish the impact of losing Shehani and Aarti to parental leave. Usual messaging beyond this. Ask a part-timer if you are keen. Then if you still need leave and you have drawn a blank, reach out to me, explaining you have tried the part timers and been unsuccessful. (And that the leave is still important). Generally there is a way for the important stuff.
Fertility Opening
Fertility opens in the old Monash Heart tomorrow. Thrilled that this is happening. Huge shout out to Sally for the preparatory work to get this to happen. Exciting phase of our service.
Senior Registrar
The senior registrar this year is Sandra Lin. Her name has been added to the call sheet on line.
Friday Education
Very informative session from Ronil on the stroke code pathway. This is an incredible service for so many people. No significant housekeekping. We did however take the opportunity to look around the new rooms in Monash Heart which are the culmination of years of advocacy. Huge shout out to Greg and Sally for supporting the planning and implementation of this space. Thanks also for your patience. We also took the opportunity wish Shehani all the best for parenthood.
HDD space
Important message : The Hard Disk message on the Samsumg should not be ignored. Some of the systems seem to be configured to stop storing images once the disk is full. You could find yourself at the end of the examination with no images. If the warning pops up, please delete images.
JAOTW
Excellent paper on the couselling for ventriculomegaly. It highlights that therei limited evidence and few answers. We aren't even sure what is mild, moderate VM.
2024_2 Counseling in fetal medicine update on mild and moderate fetal
PS. Not even a whisper about a Furcate cord this week. I've been looking.
Upcoming Workshop Flyers
These have been put on line...
2024 Woman's Health Workshop Flyer
Weekends in succession
Just a reminder of the standing orders around no more than 2 weekend shifts in a row. There is a little grace around this when there are public holidays and thus extra days off. Ta
ADO/ Annual Leave
ADO/ Annual leave is available for tomorrow (Wednesday) if you have some "stuff" you need to do.
Feedback
Always a bit spec. when it refers to a trainee.
"I also had to go for an ultrasound on Friday 9th February & had Emily doing the scan, she was really good & understanding, she explained what she was doing as she was doing it. Emily also made me feel at ease & comfortable."
Nice eh !
I just sent an e-mail to the group getting everyone to re-check the roster. If you did not get this, you are not on the sonographer mailing list. Flick
I just sent an e-mail to the group getting everyone to re-check the roster. If you did not get this, you are not on the sonographer mailing list. Flick me a note to fix this
Ta
ASA talks
If you are presenting at ASA, please let Ilona know so she can create a time for practice runs during out Friday education/group chat.
Trophon in ED MMC
There is now a functional Trophon in the cupboard of the MMC ED ultrasound room. A transducer is also to be kept in the room ongoing (stored securely on the transducer rack please).
Nebulant and other consumables for Trophon are still stored in the main department.
Picnic in The Park
Wonderful to see so many of the toddlers and young children together last night. Shehani (with Maz) and Aarti and their impending bundles were presented gifts and a few words that hightlighted how special this time is and our care for them.
Trainee tutes
Weekly trainee tutes start today at 12.15.. If you have a trainee (or Ilona / Shehani), please ensure they are available at this time.
Thanks so much.
OBSIG
The flurry of enthusiasm around OBSIG caught me a little off guard earlier in the week. Have rostered 5 folk off next week. I prioritised those who aren't going to ASA. I lost track of those who had tickets and those who didn't. If you have a tcket and aren't sure whether you are going or not, please reach. If you are rostered to go, please send me a CPD form for the leave. Ta
Travel Adaptor
Have been asked to re-iterate this message.
There was a recent incident involving an employee using an international travel adapter. When using the travel adapter, the employee received an electric shock resulting in a notification to WorkSafe due to the adapter pins being exposed. The investigation has determined that this adapter did not meet the Australian compliance requirements.
Obviously the message is to not use travel adaptors.
VHH Scheduling (from Claire)
The VHH ultrasound scheduler has been adjusted to hopefully improve patient flow. The first 3 patients of the day will be outpatients, with the first one scheduled for 8am. Due to patient's already having existing bookings there may be some days with outpatients already scheduled in an inpatient spot. Sorry for the inconvenience. There should only be 6-8 outpatients booked for the whole day though. If you have any issues, please let Claire know.
Rad Registrar Training
Thanks for the considerable interest in the interim role to support rad registrar training. Mikaelah Nielson will support Shehani's parental leave cover of this position until the new CE positions are rolled out.
JAOTW
Wasn't going with a JAOTW but I could resist. What a nice little piece of information. Have a coffee (or chai , chocolate or equivalent) for the first person to find one. :)
2024_2 Furcate Cord insertion likely relevant
Get together - Thursday
Don't forget this Thursday. Celebrating with Shehani and Aarti. Looks like a coolish pleasant evening. Bring kids and partners. Let Keith / Jing know if you want some pizza. Cheers
Microwave @ MMC
The microwave at MMC is out of service at the moment. And a timely reminder that if you are cooking food in a microwave anywhere, don't leave it unattended. Will try and sort a replacement in the short term.
ROTW
Going early this week and changing it up a bit. Instead of a "Journal Article Of The Week" (JAOTW), this week we will have a "Resource Of The Week". Claire and I was chatting about Gill Harrison through the week. This PDF of a OHS presentation was sitting on my computer. It really is an outstanding reminder of the basic things we can do right to keep safe and healthy.
Ultrasound ergonomics_Gill Harrison
This week you will have also seen that MH circulated this poster reminding us that stretching and warm-up can assist us keeping safe.
Safety Communication Poster (February 2024)
And have added to the banner, six exercises that Monash health are And have added to the banner, six exercises that Monash health are recommending as warmup exercises.
Tags with our swipe
Charlotte (TY!) was updating the phone numbers that we carry with our swipe cards. Before a new editions starts to be circulated, I thought I'd give everyone a chance to ask for any additions or make any changes.
Have a look if these are useful for you. Can site leads have a look and make sure nothing has changed.
Updated Details
New photoboard of all radiologists
New Monash Imaging Phone Directory
Monash Imaging Numbers - February 2024
Days that radiologist work and their phone numbers
2024 Consultant & Registrars details - February 2024
FDOS #3
How good are these FDOS photos from Christine.
Friday Update
Outstanding vascular presentations from Nathan/ Susan today. Nathan presented an overview of the Vascular fellowship including key learnings. Susan took us on a ride with an overview and audit of SMA Sydrome. Friday Ultrasound news attached that included a big shout-out to Iggy and the presentation of a rose. Really refreshing and interesting meeting.
Formal Nuchal Translucency Credentialing
If you are interested in formal nuchal translucency training, can you reach out to Joyce.
New mammo at Moorabbin
For those that don't get to Moorabbin often, here are the pics of the new mammo from Jing. Probably is a usual prompt to remind folk that patients misunderstand the wait between their mammo and ultrasound. It is a common place for complaints. If you see someone waiting, please apologise about the delays and if possible, a projected time.
FDOS #2
So love these. Zara is glowing...
Expression of Interest- Radiology Registrar Training
Morning
Shehani will be heading on parental leave at the end of next week, Require someone to lead this after Shehani leaves. The position will end at the time the Clinical Educators begin (or at 6 months). The key outcomes of the role are to provide:
- ongoing orientation to Ultrasound inc the Departments and staff.
- a lecture/ workshop series (typically around 10-12 sessions) to provide an overview of Ultrasound @ MH. Some materials for this are already prepared and this can involve other staff.
- support/ teachingto any radiology registrars who are scanning in ultrasound including liaison with site to ensure they are getting hands-on scanning in the clinical areas required.
- provide guidance to the daily rostering or registrars and the scheduling at site,
- Liaise with the registrars individually and as a group to ensure their objectives are being met.
- Liaise with Dr Dee Nandurkar (Head of Training), Dr Sandra Lin (Head registrar), Dr Alexandra Stanislawsky (Dep Director Womens) to ensure outcomes are being met.
The position will be paid at Grade 4 + 7%. The position should be of interest to anyone who has an interest in Education/ Teaching & Learning.
Application is simple- 100-200 word Expression of Interest. The position will be allocated to the person who is "best-placed" to do this rather than the "best". Given the short term nature of the role, the position will be appointed without a comprehensive interview process.
EOI due by Sunday 11th February - Sent to PRC & ILO via e-mail
Training tools
Training tools dipped a little across December/ January. Timely with the new year to get these up to date.
Radiology Registrars
Radiology registrars began this week. Because of delays with the CE's, we are going back to plan A. Shehani covered the radiology registrar training position last year. Am thrilled that she has agreed to have this contract extended into this year and start off this year's registrars. Shehani will be heading off on parental leave shortly. In the next 24 hours, I will put up for "expressions of interest" to take over this role. The role will continue until the clinical educators are appointed. Can I stress, that the role Shehani is doing and the new CE role are completely different positions. And, of course, amidst the frustration of delays, I am very grateful to Shehani for being so flexible ariound this.
ADO's
A number of folk have let their ADO balance get out of control. Am relaxed about 3-4 owing. Have rostered a few ADO's randomly in March given leave is a bit lower. Feel free to move them around the month.
JAOTW
We are just heading into tender and have become increasingly aware that we are slow on the uptake of "new technologies". Most of this isn't our doing but we do need to keep these forefront of our mind. JAOTW is a study which looks at the benefits of some of these technologies in breast lesions.
Complements
These popped up from Pakenham while I was away. So good. Thanks Naz/ Mon.
FDOS 1
I love these... First day of school photos has been a long CU tradition. Bec has launched 2024 with Flynn's last "First day of school". Would love to be bombarded by these.
Clinical Educators
Couple of bits. These positions have been dealyed by around three months. I am sorry. Will explain a little more about this over the coming weeks. Don't forget though, that the Clinical Educator Lead position is available on-line at the moment. It would be exciting if this was picked up by a sonographer.
Extra Granted Leave
Just a reminder that extra granted leave must be taken in the 12 month period. We still have a large outstanding accrual. Can you ensure that you always use this leave first. Much thanks!
Perfection -
Dunki & Pasan's baby girl, Shaniah, arrived safely to us at 1pm on the 24th! Weighing 3.42kg.
Dinuki says "She's very sweet and we are enjoying being caught up in her presence at the moment!"
For the diary: Picnic
Evening picnic planned for the 15th of February (after work). This will be a very informal event with a big playground for kids. We will use the time to celebrate Shehani's Aarti's impending parenthood. Flyer to follow. Please pop it in your diaries.
New password for Vision Radiology
Thanks to the kind person who sorted us with another password for our ever expanding list. Very appreciative
Payroll amendment
The payroll amendment form has been updated on CU.
HLD- Dandenong
Note from Gavin that the high-level disinfection at Dandenong is now in full swing with the new Germitec. The old Trophons have been put away. Very important if you are down there at weekends.
JAOTW
Largely revision for most of us but, given this is a very recent publication, I thought it worth the circulation.
2024_1 Diagnosing-complex-fetal-genitourinary-malformations
UKG
Being off next week and Fruake just back on Monday, would love to sort UKG before weeks ends. Can everyone chcek their timecards and sign off. Let me know if any issues.
Nice one Celia
Australia Day Weekend- 27th
In a major pickle with Australia Day weekend call. Happy to piece anything together. Let me know if you can cover any hours. To all those who don't normally do call but are signed up to the sonographer agreement. Can you maybe take one for the team.
Thanks so much
Old Uniforms
If you have any old uniforms that you would like to discard of, there is a recycling bin for these items located in the library at MMC. It will be on site until the end of this month if you would like to make use of this.
Lead Educator: Imaging
The overarching position for the Imaging Clinical Educator went live overnight. It would be brilliant if this was led by a Sonographer.
Leave -2024
Just trying to sort a few dates for a few people. If you are a part-timer and have a little love and availability, woud you mind having a look at the calendar. See where you might be able to help. Thanks
So good
Targeted Abdomen Ultrasound
Just reaffirming the requirements of a targeted abdomen ultrasound. They must have had either a CT or ultrasound already in the preceding days (say 7 days).
When this is performed, we must include PC, Hepatic Veins, gallbladder and common duct as a minumum. If there is no recent liver ultrasound, you also need to perform a liver ultrasound to identify any masses that are occult on CT and evaluate for CLD.
And conversely, we don't do gallbladder only scans....Ta
Australia Day Weekend
Need support for call on the Saturday of Australia Day weekend. Happy to split into day and night. Can you let me know. Thanks
Friday Education: This week coming/ JAOTW
This Friday is looking at the new hepatic steatosis that has evolved on many systems but it will be available on our Philips. This weeks JAOTW is pre-reading for Friday. Please have a look so you are appropriately prepared. Thanks
Diagnostic Perf of 9 Quant US Param for Steatosis and NAFLD - 2021 from Philips (004)
2. 9.0 Liver Fat Quantification (LFQ) HRI Quick Guide_CF
Friday Education: Last Week
Slow on this. What a wonderful way to start the educational year. Ilona and Julies T2 audit can only inspire us to be better in all these areas. Thanks so so much to you both. Ilona has also pulled together a written summary. Such excellent work.
Routine Morphology Audit 2024 Results
The key items discussed in "housekeping":
ED referrals 4-5- Just reinforcing the messaging on CU
What goes where?: Reminder to read CU
Conclusions on Worksheets: This is so important and we have fallen away. Always an indication whether you think, it really is appendicitis, orchitis, CLD etc etc...
Fellowships: PC apologised for the delays and indecision. The fellows this year are:
Obstetrics: Joannna
Paediatrics: Celia, Will
Vascular: None (Sing out if this is of interest)
Women's Health: Ankitha, Beth
Congratulations to all. Hope you have a wonderful year.
Clinical Educators: PC impressed that these roles were to support all qualifieds 5 days a week. The role is 0.2 "admin" 0.8, support in the clinical spaces and as such, the role is renumerated at Grade 4 Y() +7% 5 days per week. This was established at the outset.
New Link
There is a new link on CU below for the Lumus database. Thanks Jing for sourcing this for us.
Photos
Ahh.. not one request to update photos on the photoboard. Are you sure??? No value judgements of course :-)
Red Dot Issues
Few issues with red dots being out of date. Its work in progress behind the scenes.
Ultrasound Fellowships
Slowly catching up with folk. Expect announcements around this on Friday. The interim procedure is now on Sharepoint accessed via CU.
ED patients late in the day
Was a typical Wednesday at MMC yesterday. The list was largely under contriol and then at 1630 the list started to blow out. Its our equivalent to the 1700 dump that the radiologists complain about. Anyway, Greg and I were staring at each other wondering about the late ED's. We picked up the phone and chatted to ED. They were happy for two to be seen as OP's the next day. Actually, that made life simple for everyone as we gave them a time and they would let the patient know. There was a 35yo woman with ? cholecystitis who they were going to short stay overnight if we couldn't see. So we quickly got her around. She had a normal gallbladder and was well enough to go home. Saved a night in Short stay. Thought about this on the way home and I thought it wouldn't hurt to check in that we are all on the same page about late ED patients. So the following are the broad guidelines:
- Duty person (if 8.00 start) to hand over to someone to keep an eye on the list between 16.30-17.00
- If ED patient is ordered between 1600-1700 and scanning the patient will be difficult, contact ED by phone or Baret. If Baret, ask for the doctor to ring before a time. ie if ordered at 1640- Doctor to ring before 1650 to discuss the case.
- If can be an OP, schedule patient the patient appropriately (probably next day), if going to be an IP, cut and paste onto the list the following day and remove the ED location so the staff the next day need to establish where the patient is.
- If definitely will change management, get the patient around from ED. (easiest way is for two folk to just go and get them). Overtime is always respected. In the unusual case that no-one can stay, ring me and I will discuss with the registrar and we will have a lower threshhold diverting the call person at that time (not ideal).
- Don't hesitate when you are chatting to the clinicians to remind them that they should ring if they want something sorted in this tricky period.
Hopefully this largely reflects what is happening. The main goal here is ensure patients have certainty. We should be able to check the ordered worklists at 1700 and there are very few if any patients on the list. ED could do better at this but least we can do our part.
Grade 3 position
Grade 3 position being advertised internally at the moment. Perfect chance to increase days if anyone is interested. Am using this to tidy up a few positions behind the scenes.
Ultrasound Trainee Workshops
If anyone who wants to present at any of the 4 trainee workshops please get in touch with Ilona ASAP. These sit across the range of our subspecialties so she is hoping to be overwhelmed by offers. Never too junior or experienced to do this. just a good thing to do. See flyer below
JAOTW (Re-post)
A new ISUOG clinical guideline popped up across the break. This one is the guidance for third trimester. Will be interested what others think.
Kingston computers
If anyyone has had an issue with the network at Kingstonm can you let me know.
Ta
Happy New Year
Hope everyone found some opportunities for relaxation and respite across the break. There were some chaotic days across the sites so a big last "shout out" to everyone who worked across the Christmas/ NY period and especially those who picked up the call and weekend shifts.
The last few weeks have become and important time in our calendar. Its become a bit of a group effort to redue services as much as we can and get as many off on leave as possible. There is also planned "quiet" and reduction of noise. Very apprecisative of everyone buying into this. Tis very important.
Its a "new year" so the perfect time to set a new year professional resolution. This may be small and personal or a large endevour liked presenting or publishing. Either way, if you need this supported, please sing out. Plenty to look forward to this year. Watch this space.
Grab a coffee. Check the rostering template. Check the leave calendar make sure you are ticking over a few ADO's
Few bits to read below.
Fellowships 2024
This definitely begins with an apology (not a great way to start 2024. Firstly, I would like to apologise to everyone who applied for fellowships in late 2023. My commitment is that we share a service that has outstanding communication and transparent process. The way this was concluded in 2023 didn't meet this standard. Putting it away for a few weeks felt like the best option as it was getting to close to Christmas/ NY.
So the transparent bit... The fellowship process went a little askew because a large number of folk applied for the paediatrics fellowship. In addition, as a backdrop to this, there was a concern raised that the fellowships were being seen as a way to get additional training rather than the original goals around creating experts and industry leaders.
And then behind the scenes, 2-3 times, I tried to cobble together a plan that would satisfy most. This wasn't working either. It was pretty clear to me that I needed to reset everyones expectations around fellowships and make sure the procedures around selection are much clearer. So across the break, I wrote this procedure based on the feedback I had received.
And now another apology. The group most affected by this are the new qualifieds. There were expectations about this year that have changed. My plan for you in to organise some dedicated rostering and support as soon as the Clinical educators are appointed.
So where does this leave us.
Expressions for 2023 have been reviewed against the new procedure and fellows will be anounced later in the week. As per this procedure, in the interim, there will be discussion with folk who have missed out on their choice (and fufill the mandatory requirements) to see how they wish to focus their year.
Am appreciative of everyones patience around this.
JAOTW
A new ISUOG clinical guideline popped up across the break. This one is the guidance for third trimester. Will be interested what others think.
Staff of 2024
Time to begin updating the photoboard for 2024. There are a few changes yet to be added but we can make sure our photos are those that we are happy with. E-mail me a replacement if you wish to update.
New Shoulder Worksheet
Angel has been busy across the break and developed a new shoulder worksheet. We are going to improve this in real-time so please feed back any areas for improvments via the link on CU. Thanks so much
ASA 2024
Absctracts to present are due next week. If you are hpoing to present,
- Sort your abstract,
- E-mail me a CPD form
- Check the leave calendar has your name on it.
Remember this can be oral or poster.
For those who want to attend but don't want to present, its timely to also reach out now. Just send me an e-mail. Make sutre you are in red on the calendar for the ASA Friday. MH will supprt the registration I would hope. This also appplies to any trainees that are hedaing up as volunteers.
Fetal Brain World Congress 2024
The inaugural Fetal Brain World Congress is being held in India in mid January. The program looks amazing. I've registered for the virtual meeting and am willing to share after the event. The presentations will only be available for 2 weeks. Think this is especially relevant as our advanced seminar this year is planned to be fetal neuro. Might be worth thinking about whether you will be presenting at that meeting and target the relevant talks with my registration.
Call / Weekend roster
Can everyone check out the weekend and on-call roster. There are a number of pink shifts that I'd love to stop worrying about. Thanks
ASA social media
Have really enjoy this ASAA social media as it has been coming through. Well done again to all involved.
Who should I ring? (Re-post)
The current standing orders are toring,
MMC central registrar desk for: Abdomen, Vascular, Neck, (& if the other subspecialty hotlines are unattended )
Womens- Obstetric & Gynae
MSK- MSK
Paediatrics- Paediatrics
Let me know if you have an issue
--------------------------
End of year
CU will now go into a holiday hiatus for the next three weeks. The roster will updated regularly however, and all changes communicated via text message. Try and take a break from the noise.
Can I stress that I am around and this "quiet time" doesn't preclude reaching out to me about anything. Please if you need anything, flick me a note or pick up the phone.
Thank you to each and every one of you for the year, pushing the boundaries of what we know through learning, teaching, audits and research and for being wonferful friends and colleagues.
And my hope is that you and yours ....
Friday Education
17th December 2023
Very enjoyable Friday education. Steph, Kash and Aarthi each presented work they proferred for the ASA Student showcase. We took the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their achievements across their training. Took the opportunity to thank Ilona and Shehani for their support of this area and Susan Ho received a Friday 'shout out" for some wonderful patient feedback. Also celebrated Sally's successes in the Masters as she had her final Masters presentation on Friday.
Who should I ring?
15th December 2023
The current standing orders are toring,
MMC central registrar desk for: Abdomen, Vascular, Neck, (& if the other subspecialty hotlines are unattended )
Womens- Obstetric & Gynae
MSK- MSK
Paediatrics- Paediatrics
Let me know if you have an issue
Training Tools:
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Monash Health
Check Latte each month- 100% -
Credential (All): Fetal Monitoring MCDA twins
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Credentialing (ind.) Neonatal Cranial
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Calendar
- Friday Education (Join in teams)
- Link for random meetings
- Passcode: 123489
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Education Calendar 2023
- 2024
- April 19th Bowel - Ray
- April 26th Short week no education
- May 3rd Lung ultrasound - Susan
- May 10th Obs workshop
- May 17th ASA practice 1
- May 24th ASA practice 2
- May 31 ASA
- June 7th Staff meeting
- Vascular Meeting Weekly - See GJC for link
- Vascular Access Monthly See GJC/ COR for link
Subspecialty Hotlines
Links to other imaging sites
- UN: wanged PW: welcome1
- UN: Nimna PW: Sarindie94
- UN: guest PW: xray
- UN: guest PW: xray
- UN: jholland PW: Welcome1
- UN: Moorhosp PW: Moorhosp123 OR
- UN: mpxneva PW: Neva2083
- Username: col.ec PW: Welcome013
- UN: nvallance PW: nvallance
- UN: mmcent PW: mia
- UN webnvallan PW: imed
- UN: fostermedical PW: Doc123 UN: visionradiology PW: password1
- Employment Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program
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Free / confidential (Click here)