West Gippsland Hospital has today launched patient care boards in a bid to create visual communication between staff, patients, families and carers.

The patient care boards, called My Care Boards, have been placed in the hospital’s Medical and Surgical wards as part of a six-month trial, and are designed to be clearly read from the bedside.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s Director of Clinical Operations Trish O’Kelly said the My Care Boards gave patients and their families a clearer understanding of the treatment plan.

“We are excited to trial these patient care boards here at West Gippsland Hospital,” she said,

“The communication board is a tool we will use to consistently and methodically explain to patients the communications between nurses and doctors and our Allied Health staff, anticipated discharge date, pain management, and plans and goals for the day.

“This assists not only the patients and families, but the caregivers as well, with communication and keeping all parties informed from shift to shift.

“The introduction of our new patient care boards has been very well received by both patients and our staff today, and we look forward to the possibility of expanding the trial and implementing the boards throughout all inpatient units here at the hospital.”

Patient Rene was one of the first to receive a My Care Board at West Gippsland Hospital this morning.

Photo – Deputy Director of Clinical Operations Penny Woodward joins Deputy Director of Clinical Operations Jacqui Meyers and patient Rene to launch My Care Boards at West Gippsland Hospital.

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