2016 Better Practice Award for Montefiore Home
Sydney’s Montefiore Home is delighted to be recognised with another Better Practice Award today by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency at Better Practice Sydney for its program titled, Dietary Co-ordinators Bridging the Gap.
Dietitian Jenna Rae Hallam
Montefiore was presented with the award in recognition of creating the role of Dietary Co-ordinator to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents; and advance clinical care, management, communication and engagement of staff.
“Montefiore produces 2000+ meals daily to over 700 residents. Many of the residents have specific dietary restrictions which can include the provision of specially prepared modified foods. Helping ensure every resident receives the correct meal safely every time is the primary reason for creating the Dietary Co-ordinator role,” said Robert Orie, CEO.
“Whilst the creation of the Dietary Co-ordinator role was initially to assist with reducing the Dietitian and Speech Pathologist’s workload, the key focus of the role has become cross-departmental communication that links nursing, catering and allied health specialists,” added Mr Orie.
Outcomes have included tracking near misses and incidents; improved cross-departmental accuracy of resident dietary information; point-of-contact for nursing and catering teams when dietary questions arise; a buddy checklist for catering staff; educating catering staff on the delivery of correct meals; auditing; managing supplements and thickened fluids; resident liaison; and assisting in streamlining referrals to allied health specialists.
“Nutritional care in residential aged care is paramount. For Montefiore the Dietary Co-ordinator’s role ensures a safe meal is delivered to every resident every time. It also demonstrates a cost effective cross-departmental communication bridge not dependent on the limited resources of Dietitians or Speech Pathologists,” said Mr Orie.
