Issue 10, Monday 9 June 2003

mWard - establishing a wireless hospital

An innovative research program designed to make communication technology in the hospital ward wireless will be launched at Monash Medical Centre recently.

mWard, developed by Monash University’s Centre for Health Services Operations Management (CHSOM) in conjunction with partners NEC and Southern Health, aims to establish a wireless information technology environment in a 26 bed neurology ward at Monash Medical Centre.

The first component of the mWard research project is to establish the efficiency of a range of wireless technologies in the day-to-day operations of a clinical environment in a hospital ward.

Dr Liza Heslop, Director of CHSOM, explains. "Clinical health workers spend a significant amount of time and effort seeking information from medical charts and other sources to make the next key decision in a patient's treatment regime," she said.

The mWard project will explore how wireless technologies, such as a cordless phone or personal digital assistant (PDA), could be utilised in a hospital ward setting to improve clinical decision making systems.

The benefits of a wireless ward include immediate, point-to-point communication of patient information between health professionals, a more mobile workforce and less competition for fixed workstations.

NEC’s National Manager, Community & Health, Dr Andrew Howard said the mWard project will look at the best means of enabling immediate transmission of urgent data to clinical staff and feasibility of applications in a ward setting.

"The introduction of electronic information systems will increase the speed and accuracy of clinical information flow and deliver detectable improvements in health outcomes." 

Funding from NEC, Southern Health, the Victorian government ICT program and Monash will enable two graduates to undertake a Monash doctoral degree and further research with research training links presently being developed between the respective partners.

Staff from Monash Medical Centre test some of the devices that Monash researchers will trial as part of the mWard project.

Puppets in the round

Students from Aldercourt Primary School in Frankston North got an early taste of university life last week when they visited the campus to take part in a sculptural/puppet workshop with a difference!

The 20 primary school children visited the Faculty of Education to play with larger than life puppets, face masks and finger puppets created by university students in their Studio Arts - 3 D class.

Lighting and musical effects further encouraged an emergent and playful experience whereby the children created their own plays using the puppets and kinetic sculptures.

According to studio arts lecturer Ms Geraldine Burke, the activity provided Monash students with a way of learning about the arts and helped them locate their practice and learning experience in the realm of the local community.

"Both the primary school and university students will also benefited from the inclusion of a guest speaker from the Snuff Puppets who helped inspire the Monash students earlier in their studies," she said.

The activity was held in Education's new round, flexible space, which highlights the potential of the space for interactive engagement with art and for mixed media learning in the visual arts.

Students from Aldercourt Primary School enjoy the Education students' efforts from their Studio Arts class.

Books brought to life

Storytime Theatre will present the musical pantomime 'Hickory, Dickory Dock' in the George Jenkins Theatre during the July School holidays. The play will be performed on 3, 4 and 5 July at 10.30 am and 2 pm. Tickets are $13 for Adults, $12 for concession and $10 for children. Bookings on 9787 6845.

Farewell to campus identity

Kate Boyle is retiring after 29 years' service at the Peninsula Library.

Peninsula Library staff invite you to attend a farewell afternoon tea to celebrate Kate’s contribution to the Library and to the Peninsula campus.

When:              Thursday 19 June 2003
Time:               3 pm – 4 pm
Where:            Peninsula Library, Conference room, Level two
RSVP:            16 June to: Joyce Jenkin, extn 44303,

Contributions towards a gift can be sent to Jeanette Archibald or Joyce Jenkin in the Library.

Business and Economics seminars

'Work/Life Balance – Whose Job Is It?' will be the question posed at the next Faculty of Business and Economics' breakfast seminar on Tuesday 17 June 2003.

Guest speaker Dr. Anne Bardoel is a senior lecturer in Management at Monash University and the President of the Victorian Work/Life Association.  Her research interests include organisational strategies for work, family and life balance, organisational culture, systems thinking and management education.

The seminar will be held in the Seahorse Tavern from 7.15 am to 9 am. Cost: $35 per person. Please contact Narelle Krueger on extn 44074 to book.

The Faculty of Business and Economics' July seminar on 'Strategic Alliances in the Global Airline Industry:  From Bilateral Agreements to Integrated Networks' will be presented by A/Prof Ulrike Mayrhofer and Sylvie Hertrich on Thursday 10 July.

The presentation will analyses the evolution of strategic alliances formed in the global airline industry and will provide a better understanding of corporate linkages signed by airline companies.

Dr. Ulrike Mayrhofer is an Associate Professor of Marketing and International Business at IECS Strasbourg, Graduate School of
Management, Robert Schuman University. Her research and publications focus on international marketing and corporate alliances.

Sylvie Hertrich is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and International Communication, at IECS Strasbourg Graduate School of Management, Robert Schuman University. Her research and publications focus on international marketing and event management.

All staff are welcome. The seminar will be held from 11 am to 12.30 pm
in room 4.41. Please reply to Anne-Marie Gut  on extn 44038.

OHSE courses

Monash OHSE policies and procedures

This three hour course is designed to provide an overview of Monash's occupational health, safety and environment policies and procedures, and to give practical guidance on their applications. The course is essential for safety officers, health and safety representatives and zone OHS committee chairpersons. It is also highly recommended for all new Monash staff.

WHEN: Tuesday 17 June 2003
TIME: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm.
WHERE: A1.17

Fire safety at work

This course aims to introduce staff to the fundamental of fire prevention and to plan action in the event of a fire. The course includes instruction and practical experience in the selection and use of portable fire extinguishers. It does not include training on the conduct of building evacuations.

WHEN: Friday 20 June 2003
TIME: 2 pm - 4 pm.
WHERE: A1.17

For both courses, please contact Anne Ohlmus on extn 51013 to register.

Authorised by the Office of the Academic Director - Peninsula