MINUTES

Teleconference of members of the Pacific Working Group Wednesday 29 October 2014 1200-1300hrs

Present: / Dr Jane Skeen, Dr Scott Macfarlane, Dr Rob Corbett, Dr Rigamoto Taito (Paediatrician, Lautoka Hospital, Fiji)
Apologies: / Simon Lala, Chrissy Bond

Purpose of the meeting:

1. To progress the role of the Paediatric Oncology Community Outreach nurse positions in Fiji

(Position description as developed (2013) by Chrissy Bond included at the end of these minutes) Initially two positions planned, one in Suva and one in Lautoka. Rob recommended that should start with ‘pilot’ in Lautoka under Riga’s leadership in collaboration with her health professional team leaders at Lautoka Hospital.

If in the future Fiji move to one treatment centre for children with cancer in Suva, Riga felt that Lautoka and Labassa would then become ‘Shared Care centres’, so should the ‘pilot’ prove successful , long term, 3 such positions would be required.

Scott indicated in his role as trustee of the World Child Cancer Charitable Trust (WCCCT), that the trustees would look favourably on a detailed proposal for funding of a salary which would becontingent on a parallel transport solution, as without transport the position would be substantially less effective. Likely that such funding would be for a fixed term and if proven to be beneficial for the children with cancer and their families that the Ministry of Health (MOH), Fiji would continue to fund the position.

The issue of the transport requirements of the nursing position was raised –also potential funders of the transport? WOWS +/- Fiji Cancer Society.The catchment area of Lautoka Hospital from Rakiraki to Sigatoka is largely accessible by road.

Recommendation that Riga investigate the best mode of transport.

Agreed that Riga (assisted by Rob and Chrissy) prepare a proposal to be submitted to WCCCT.

To include:

-Agreed job description, including the clinical requirements -Who the employer / employing body would be (Riga to discuss with Dr Joseph Kado, Suva, his Cure Kids funding of the Rheumatic Fever project) -How the person would be paid -Relationship with MOH and their commitment to continue funding after the agreed term (? 3 years) –Timeline with potential start date -Transport proposal with a potential or confirmed funder/s

2. Early Warning Signs, Fiji.

Rob reported no progress to date. Janet Masina, Child Cancer Foundation awaiting wording and design thoughts to then discuss with the graphic designer in Auckland.

Next meeting Pacific Working Group: 4th December, 2014, Starship, Auckland

Jane Skeen

Convenor Pacific Working Group

______

Position Description

This Position Description is a guide and will vary from time to time and between services and/or units to meet changing service needs

Position description: Registered Nurse Paediatric Oncology Community Outreach

Principles objective

To positively influence outcomes for children and young people with oncological conditions in the Western Division through advanced clinical assessment, case management and education of children, families and their local community health providers.

The primary focus is on the care and education of patients and their families with complex oncological conditions transitioning between the hospital and home.

Reports on a daily basis to; Ward Sister Sunflower Ward, Lautoka.

Reports professionally to: Ward Sister Sunflower Ward & Lead Paediatric Oncology Paediatrician

The primary responsibilities of the role are;

  • Timely coordination of paediatric oncology care between hospital, community and home.
  • Coordination and delivery of community based palliative care.
  • Coordination of community based health professionals’ education such as Paediatric Oncology Early Warning Signs.

Key Tasks and Expected Results

Task

Delivers and promotes excellence in paediatric oncology care and educational support to patients, their families and community based health professionals.

Expected result

Provides a seamless service between the patient’s home and hospital.

Provides advanced nursing knowledge in the delivery of patient care.

Facilitates positive health outcomes for patients by providing specialist education to patients and their family, promoting improved self-management such as medication compliance.

Acts collaboratively with other community health providers and the multidisciplinary team.

Maintains patient confidentiality.

Where appropriate, schools and community agencies, receive relevant information on progress and treatment related to the patient and their family.

Task

Provides excellent nursing care and co-ordination for children receiving palliative care in their homes

Expected result

Provides co-ordinated delivery and consultation in symptom control for children requiring palliative care in the Western Division.

Provides assessment and phone triage skills and documentation to children being nursed in the community.

Care is provided in a sensitive and supportive manner.

Families are supported in their decision as to where their child is to die i.e. home or hospital.

Liaises with Non-governmental support agencies eg Fiji Cancer Society.

Provides palliative care education and support to nurses working in hospitals and the community in Western Division.

Task

Co-ordinates the delivery of paediatric oncology educational programs to community and hospital based health professionals eg Paediatric Oncology Early Warning Signs.

Expected result:

In conjunction with the Paediatric Ward Sister and Paediatrician develops and disseminates paediatric oncology teaching resources to meet needs of community and hospital based health professionals.

Shares specialist knowledge in formal and informal educational activities

Provides regular reports to the Paediatric Nursing Sister and Paediatrician, making recommendations where indicated.

LIMITATIONS OF AUTHORITY:
Matters which must be referred to the patient’s Consultant, Registrar or Ward Sister:
Any significant deterioration in the patient’s condition while at home.
Any safety concerns about the wellbeing of the patient or members of the family.
Any procedures the nurse is unfamiliar with and which by carrying out the procedure, could adversely affect the child/young person.
Any matters that do not comply with Lautoka hospital’s policies and procedures.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by staff in this job classification. Staff members may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specified.

1