UNDER the direction of Dr Tony Sutherland, Ballarat Health Services’ intensive care unit has evolved into one of regional Victoria’s leading critical care units.
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It is one of many achievements Dr Sutherland is proud of as he officially retires from the intensive care unit director position he has held for almost 30 years.
“I have been really lucky. I have enjoyed it here. I have been part of a good team,” Dr Sutherland said.
I have been really lucky. I have enjoyed it here. I have been part of a good team.
- Dr Tony Sutherland
He said the health care of patients had improved over the past 30 years with a number of new initiatives, including a ward outreach and MET (medical emergency team) liason located within the ICU.
This has increased education and support for ward staff caring for patients with multiple medical inputs, resulting in less cardiac arrests, Dr Sutherland said.
When Dr Sutherland started at BHS, the ICU received a significant number of road trauma cases. Today, staff care for respiratory, cardiac and kidney failure patients, and patients following major surgery.
Dr Sutherland said there had been a shift in family involvement in decision-making and treatment with the introduction of the palliative care response.
“When I first started, patients were not told they had cancer. Now they are told their life will be shortened or they may die,” he said.
“(Today), it’s about understanding what is important to the patient to enable them to have the chance to receive care.
“So now it’s important we try to provide care that makes a difference for them.”
Dr Sutherland said he was proud of staff achievements under his guidance and support, with many registrars becoming leaders in the medical profession.
He said the hospital’s multi-disciplinary and equality approach saw ICU nursing staff progress to senior leadership roles.
BHS acting CEO Andrew Kinnersly said Dr Sutherland had been a highly respected and valued staff member.
“During his time as director of ICU Tony has been instrumental in the growth and development of the unit and under Tony’s guidance it has become one of regional Victoria’s leading ICUs,” Mr Kinnersly said.
“Tony has played a lead role in the development of the end-of-life care framework at BHS, underpinned by his passion for patient and family centred care.”
Dr Sutherland will continue with anaesthetic rounds and is looking forward to spending time with his 10-month-old grandson in his retirement.
A new ICU director has not yet been appointed.
