Abstract

Protecting Children at Risk - An Organisational Response at Werribee Mercy Hospital

Author(s)

Jenny Chapman -Werribee Mercy Hospital

Ms Anne Ingram -Werribee Mercy Hospital

Background: in 2007, Mercy Health implemented a best practice framework in response to the reform of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005.  The framework supports the principles of ensuring that (i) child protection is everyone's business, (ii) best interests of children will be at the heart of decision making, (iii) health services will act together and (iv) services will be appropriate and sensitive to individual needs (Department of Human Services.  Vulnerable Babies, Children and Young People at Risk of Harm.  Best Practice Framework for Acute Health Services, 2006).  The aim of this poster is to provide an overview of the successful response by Mercy Health to the implementation of the Department of Human Services initiative.

Method: The program was implemented in four stages with input from key stakeholders in policy development, education and clinical application.  This involved the development of policies, procedures, programs and educational tools for early identification of children at risk of harm including prenatal and cumulative harm.  The program extended to external service providers to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable children.

Results: To date, a total of 216 staff across all disciplines have participated in the education process and all 38 criterion items for the DHS evaluation tool have been successfully completed.  This included the implementation of policies and protocols, organisational commitment, community partnerships, staff training, and assessment of medical record documentation.

Conclusion: This model can be replicated in other health services to result in a positive change in organisational culture and practice.