The North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) is bringing actors to Mount Isa to portray for staff and the public, the challenges faced by patients, families and staff in health care.
The Hush Health Play “Hear Me” will be performed on Wednesday 24 October, at the Spinifex Senior Campus Multi Media Room at 6pm and is free to the public.
Described as better than a textbook, a video or a lecture, the Hush Foundation uses actors and real-life scenarios to help build a kinder health care system.
Formed by Dr Catherine Crock, AM, more than 18 years ago, the Hush Foundation is an initiative focused on the needs of patients, their families and loved ones, and medical staff.
The Hush plays are a series of performances created by renowned Australian playwright, Alan Hopgood AM, and have been performed all over Australia and internationally.
Executive Director Medical Services and Clinical Governance for the NWHHS, Professor Alan Sandford, said he has been trying for some time to get the Hush players to Mount Isa.
“The Hush plays are a series of performances which focus on how a simple thing such as listening to our patients and family can fundamentally improve the experience for patients, families and healthcare professionals as they undertake the important role of caring.
“Through the sensitively created plays based on real life events, a troop of accomplished actors demonstrate in a moving and often heart wrenching manner the importance of listening. “Hear Me” is just about that – listening to our patients, their families and significant others as they try to cope with the stresses and sometimes pain that occurs as a result of our healthcare.
“In using these real and touching plays the actors seek to raise awareness and improve the system by changing the culture of healthcare for the better.
“We look forward to this important event for community, patients, families and healthcare professionals of all disciplines as we all seek to do the best possible job that we can in providing the highest quality care with kindness, dignity and professionalism.”
The play “Hear Me” is based on the story of a medication error from the perspective of the mother of a patient and the hospital staff.
It addresses issues such as bullying, poor communication, patient safety and patient-centred care.
The Hush Foundation will also conduct a workshop for NWHHS staff on better communication between patients and staff.
