EHQ

EASTERN HEALTH QUARTERLY

WINTER 2015

NEW CLINICAL TRIALS FOR

ALZHEIMERS PATIENTS

Page 4

NEW CLINICAL TRIALS GIVE HOPE

TO ALZHEIMERS PATIENTS
Eastern Health is looking for people with dementia to take part
in clinical trials that may help those with Alzheimers disease.
With treatment options for dementia limited, the
Eastern Clinical Research Unit is hoping the trials will
help unlock a condition that is affecting an increasing
number of Australians.

POSITIVE STEPS
TO CLOSE
THE GAP

Study co-ordinator Claire McCarthy said dementia

could affect the way people think, behave and perform
everyday tasks.

When podiatrist Anna Stybowski was asked to make a

pledge as part of Change Day, she jumped at the chance to
ignite her passion to make a difference in Aboriginal health.
I knew immediately that my
pledge would be to make a
contribution towards closing
the health gap, as I had
always been interested in
Aboriginal health, Anna said.
Anna was recently exposed
to the challenges faced by
indigenous Australians during
a trip to Tasmania, where she
paid particular interest
to the history of the
Aboriginal community.
I was amazed at how long
indigenous Australians
had inhabited the lands
and also felt great sadness
for the history and events
that unfolded during
colonisation, she said.

Anna was determined to

do more to help close
the health gap between
indigenous and nonindigenous Australians.
I had thought a lot about
it and wondered what I, a
podiatrist, could possibly do,
she said. The more I thought
about it the more I longed
to make a difference and
to be involved.
After making a pledge as part
of the global Change Day
movement, Anna felt more
committed than ever before.
When people asked
me about my pledge it
challenged me to think

what was I going to do?

How was I going to make
a contribution towards
closing the health gap? I
started to feel really excited
and energised by my own
commitment she said.
Anna has since enrolled to
study Indigenous Health at
Monash University in
2016 and joined Box Hill
Hospitals Closing the
Health Gap Committee.
This is something that
has been burning inside of
me for such a long time.
I am thrilled that I have
finally taken some positive
steps forward and made
this commitment.

CHANGE CHAMPION: Podiatrist Anna Stybowski is pictured with Vera Webber, Eastern Healths
Senior Aboriginal Service Development Officer.

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From memory issues and understanding information to

controlling emotions, having dementia can be difficult for
those diagnosed with it and their families, Claire said.
The program involves some participants being given a trial
medication, while others receive a placebo.
Researchers will be in regular contact with a family
member or friend, who is able to provide feedback on how
the patient is progressing and monitor administration of
the study medication.

Are you aged

between 55
and 85 years
with a diagnosis
of dementia
due to probable
Alzheimers
disease?
If so, you may
be suitable for
this clinical trial.
To take part or
find out more
information,
please call
9094 9540 or
9094 9542

NEW HOPE: Betty Hand hopes to help others by participating in a clinical trial.
Husband Derrick became concerned when Betty had difficulty remembering the names of
friends. The couple said Alzheimers disease could not be dismissed as old-timers disease
and people should consult a doctor if they had any concerns.

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THE POWER
TO STOP
THE FLU
BEGINS
WITH YOU
Flu Fighter will be out and about across Eastern
Health to spread the word about the importance of
flu vaccinations. Supported by a team of infection
prevention and control experts, Flu Fighters goal
is to vaccinate more than 75 per cent of staff and
volunteers.
Flu vaccination of healthcare workers has
significant benefits for staff, patients and visitors.
It has the potential to save lives, said Leanne
Houston, Associate Director of Eastern Healths
Infection Prevention & Control Service.
We are encouraging all staff to protect themselves,
their patients and their colleagues from the flu this
season by getting their vaccination.
Patients and members of the public are also
encouraged to consider being immunised against
the flu through their GP.
SUPER HERO: Human Resources Adviser Josh
Humphreys was in character during his time as
Eastern Healths Flu Fighter.

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SUPPORT GROUP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

ICE ADVICE

Young people with lymphoedema are finding comfort in

a support group run by Yarra Ranges Health in Lilydale.

Turning Point has expanded its drug and alcohol phone

support to include the Victorian Governments new Ice
Advice Line 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238).

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition in

which the lymphatic system is either poorly
developed or damaged due to surgery or a
range of other conditions. This can result in
an abnormal build-up of fluid beneath the
skin, causing persistent swelling, usually in
the arms or legs. It affects people of all ages
but is less common in younger people.
Paralympian Brydee Moore has attended the
support group which provides information,
management options and a support network
for young people, who will continue to meet
in their own time to share their experiences.
I suffer from cellulitis and developed
lymphoedema in my foot as a result,
Brydee said.

Meeting other young people with the

same condition has made me feel better
about myself. Its comforting to talk to
people my own age who have been
suffering alone like I have.
Many group members agreed that a
diagnosis of lymphoedema was actually
a relief because they thought it was just a
matter of having large legs and needing to
lose weight.
Anyone who is suffering from the
symptoms of lymphoedema is encouraged
to visit a health professional.

Signs and symptoms

Lymphoedema usually begins with
unexplained, slow and painless swelling
which may be indented by pressure. As
it increases, discomfort and heaviness
can contribute to loss of mobility. As the
swelling continues, it may become painful,
hard and resistant to pressure.
Eastern Health provides a range of services
to assist people with lymphoedema,
including specialised assessment, education
sessions, counselling and support,
advice on skin care and exercise, and
treatment such as lymphatic drainage and
compression therapy.
For more information about lymphoedema
support services, please call 9091 8888.

ROAD TO DOHA. Despite her condition, Brydee Moore has competed in javelin, shot-put and
discus at the Beijing, Delhi and London Paralympics. She is hoping to achieve her dream of
competing in the IPC World Championship in Doha later this year. Brydee requires donations
and sponsorship to help fund a specially-crafted seat and gym fees.
If you would like to support Brydees journey to Doha, please call 0421 953 713. She is pictured
with Eastern Healths Gini Adcock, who co-ordinates the lymphoedema support group.

06

Officially launched by Minister for

Mental Health, the Hon Martin
Foley, the service will give people
with ice-related issues, and those
who are close to them, access to
professional counselling 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
Turning Point Director Professor
Dan Lubman said a dedicated
Ice Advice Line was a muchneeded support service given that
ice, or crystal methamphetamine,
was an increasing concern for
the community.
Whether you are affected by
ice yourself or you are a family
member, friend or loved one who
is concerned about someone
who is using ice, the Ice Advice
Line is an important first port of
call for help, Prof Lubman said.
The Ice Advice Line is a welcome
addition to the range of drug and
alcohol phone and online support
services that Turning Point
provides, including DirectLine and
Counselling Online.
ON THE LINE: Turning Point
counsellors now provide phone
support for ice users and their
loved ones 24 hours a day, seven
days a week via the new Ice
Advice Line. Darryl Jones
(pictured) is the Acting Shift
Supervisor of Turning Points
telephone and online services.

07

MENDING BROKEN HEARTS

Bryan Clode was told at the
age of 40 that he may only
have five years to live. This
grim diagnosis followed the
discovery of a condition
called cardiomyopathy,
which limits the hearts ability
to pump blood properly.

Bryans heart when it begins

to beat irregularly and shocks
it back into action if it stops.

Following a triple bypass

operation and ongoing
medication, Bryan was given
some hope with a life-saving
procedure to implant a tiny
defibrillator in his chest.
This device takes control of

I felt like Id been struck by

lightning, he remembers. It
was terrible, terrifying. The
experience was so awful that
I almost wanted to have the
device removed but theres
no doubt it saved my life.

The first time it kicked into

action, Bryan was working as a
nurse in a remote community
in the Northern Territory.

The battery needs to be

replaced every 10 years and
involves delicate and risky
open heart surgery.
Since Bryans initial implant,
a device known as the
PlasmaBlade has become
available. This sophisticated
machine can be used
to reduce the risks to
patients undergoing battery
replacements, giving them a
much more positive outlook
for the future.
Having this device means
it will be a lot easier and
safer for staff to perform this
procedure. It has given me
new hope, Bryan said.
Eastern Health Foundation
is currently raising money
to purchase a PlasmaBlade
and other vital equipment for
Box Hill Hospitals Cardiology
Department.
If you are able to help Eastern
Health get this new equipment,
it would mean a lot to me and
other patients like me.

HEART-STARTER: Bryan Clode, with sister Laya. Laya says: Before the defibrillator, every time I
spoke with Bryan I wondered if it would be the last time. Now, he has hope for the future.

EASTERN HEALTH FOUNDATION

Eastern Health Foundation is the fundraising arm of Eastern Health. The
Foundation raises
HEART-STARTER:
Bryan
additional funds that enable Eastern Health to better understand our patients
and sister
their health
Clode, with
Laya.
needs, and to improve and advance their care and treatment.
Laya says: Before the
defibrillator, every time
I spoke with Bryan I
wondered if it would be the
last time.
he has hope
www.easternhealth.org.au
Directly
atNow,
any Cashiers
for the
03 9895 4608
PO
Boxfuture.
94, Box Hill VIC 3128

Ways to donate

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