Hear from the doctor who led the pioneering team to deliver improved end-of-life services in Townsville. Read more on page 4
Dear colleagues,
As this blah goes to print (digitally of course) I will be attending the North Queensland Women’s Leadership Forum where I am also on the speaker list. I was asked to speak ages ago and now, as I write this, the event is upon me, and I better get practising my speech! I’m speaking after lunch and am the last speaker before they finish which, combined with being the only male speaker that day, means plenty of pressure! Preparing for the event was a useful reflection opportunity for me. I have been incredibly lucky to have learned from some amazing female leaders over the years, from my first nurse unit managers, through to working alongside Dr Young as Chief Health Officer as just a couple of examples.
In our industry, it’s much more common for women to be in leadership roles but we still have work to do when it comes to identifying and removing barriers to women filling leadership roles. The most obvious gap for us remains in our medical stream, where women make up nearly 20 per cent of the leadership roles while the total workforce share is 50 per cent, and I know this issue is discussed at medical leadership meetings within the health service. However, it’s important we all think about the barriers to participation for women in leadership roles, whether that be the time of day leadership meetings are held and whether this impacts participation, the timing of leadership development programs, or whether selection panels are appropriately balanced to reduce bias.
I had the chance to meet with Jane Stewart from the IWFM team as we are getting closer to the end of our rollout phase. I should make clear that while we might be getting closer, we are maintaining a degree of additional support while the new system continues to be bedded down. I have some empathy for the project team because, although every HHS has the same awards, there is significant variability in work processes across HHSs. What has been good to see has been the slight reductions in payroll underpayments and overpayments, which means the system is delivering some improvements. However, I do understand some units, in particular, continue to experience some ongoing challenges and we are watching those closely. A big thank you to all of the teams and individuals going above and beyond on this project.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANCOG) who were here conducting their training accreditation audit. This is a routine audit done by colleges to ensure their trainees are receiving the best training possible and have every chance of becoming successful consultants.
At the end of every accreditation visit, they invite the Chief Executive to receive their summation feedback which can be somewhat of a rollercoaster. In this instance there are six standards that we must meet, and it was wonderful to learn that we met every standard and that we will be awarded full five-year accreditation. This is a magnificent achievement and I congratulate Dr Greet Hoet and Dr Danny Tucker for their leadership and hard work, and their many colleagues who supported this process. I also attended the same debrief for the Royal Australian College of Surgeons Cardiothoracic Education Committee. Their feedback was also very positive and I’m keenly awaiting their decision.
Also this week, I had the chance to join in the mortality and morbidity meeting for our trauma service. Curiously (well, to me anyway) this is the first M&M I’ve been to as Chief Executive and the first since I was a clinician (a long time ago in a galaxy far away…). It was inspiring to listen to the clinicians from many disciplines talking about some complex clinical and logistical challenges for particular patients and talk constructively about how best to respond to these in the future. We aim to deliver great care everyday and, as I left the room, I was really proud of how this group was putting it into practice. I was also mindful of how some of the various aspects of hospital operations are viewed from different perspectives, so I’ve taken away a few points to share with the relevant management teams.
For those of us on the coast feeling the heat, spare a thought for our western colleagues from the Towers through to Richmond. With daily maximums at or above 40, and minimums only barely below 30, it’s an ominous sign given we are still in spring. There have also been some bushfires out there that I know have also caused some worry and extra activity. Well done to everyone doing their best to keep their cool.
I’ve been asked a few times now about our usual Christmas closure memo and I’m assured it will be out next week. I’m responsible for the untimely death of a few elves as we put the Christmas tree up in our household last weekend. We have family members heading overseas for Christmas, so we had the chance for an early celebration. What I’ve just realised is that this means I am now cooking two Christmas dinners this year –just as well I enjoy doing it.
Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive
Making a difference for Indigenous women with high-complexity
Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) expanded maternal fetal medicine (MFM) and women’s clinic has seen the team grow with several key positions introduced to improve the patient experience.
One such position has been the introduction of advanced health worker Katherine Townson who takes great pride in being able to care for the Indigenous women who find themselves at the MFM clinic.
“What I do is extremely important for the large number of Indigenous ladies who access our services,” Katherine said.
“They come from as far north as Torres, west to Mount Isa and south to Mackay and I bring that cultural support to ensure these women understand the services they’re getting from us and ensuring they are comfortable when they are here.”
Being culturally aware in the MFM clinic has been at the forefront of the new space, with MFM clinical director Dr David Watson noting this during the team’s first year celebrations of the expanded clinic, where a new artwork was unveiled.
“It’s important for anyone who needs to visit us, that they feel comfortable when they come to our new space,” David said.
pregnancies
“Dr Jake Parker, the senior medical officer from Thursday Island, has given us this artwork as thanks for looking after a couple of women from TI who had extended six-month stays in Townsville and were seeing us for care.
“This artwork will hopefully make future women and families from the Torres Strait feel comfortable, knowing that the care they’re receiving from us is delivered in a culturally aware and appropriate way that makes them feel safe.”
Katherine echoed those sentiments, acknowledging that not every woman who visits the MFM clinic is having a good pregnancy or receiving good news.
“It’s hard enough being away from family, far from home receiving treatment without your support network around,” she said.
“I bring that cultural support and understanding.
“If the outcomes are not desirable and there is sorry business that needs to be taken care of, I am able to provide that support to them.”
For all prospective donations of art to the health service visit: Approval and management of Artwork acquired by Townsville Hospital and Health Service Townsville (HHS)
MFM advanced health worker Katherine Townson with the new artwork
Townsville Palliative Care Centre marks 15 years of compassionate support for north Queensland patients and families
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has celebrated 15 years since the grand opening of the Townsville palliative care centre, offering a dedicated space for both clinical care and compassion for those at the end stages of life, and their families.
The facility comprises inpatient beds, outreach services, and research and educational facilities.
Prior to opening in 2009, north Queensland families did not have access to a dedicated palliative care hospice.
Dr Will Cairns, consultant emeritus palliative medicine at Townville University Hospital and associate professor at James Cook University, led the pioneering team that recognised the need for improved end-of-life care, which was historically under resourced and not considered a medical speciality.
“I attended the first ever palliative care conference in Adelaide in 1990 and met others working in the field,” Will said.
“That exposure fuelled my passion and helped me realise the widespread need for improved palliative care services across Australia, especially in north Queensland.
“We began on early efforts to establish a palliative care service which included collaboration with Cancer Council Queensland who provided a grant to set up the service within the old Townsville Hospital.
“The initial five-year pilot grant funded essential staff including registered nurses, two social workers, and a volunteer coordinator, with the hospital funding six dedicated inpatient palliative care beds.”
In 1991, Will was appointed the first director of the Townsville palliative care service.
“Into the mid 1990s, as palliative care became increasingly recognised as a medical specialty, the service grew to include a comprehensive education program for healthcare professionals and focussed heavily on community education and research,” Will said.
Clare Arndell, Catherine Daniels, Kellie Dunn, Dr Ofra Fried, Marj Horne, Shine Thomas, and Aaron Hanson
Will said discussions around establishing a dedicated hospice were ongoing throughout the decade, with plans initially delayed due to the new, and current, Townsville University Hospital being built.
“In 2007 discussion intensified and the cancer council took on fundraising efforts to secure funding for a 20-bed hospice, primarily raised by corporate donors and community organisations,” he said.
“Once funding was achieved a team of us visited hospices around the country for inspiration on design and for lessons learnt to make sure we built the best facility possible.
Will said the hospice was designed with a connection to nature and the diverse regions of north Queensland in mind.
“From the outback, rainforest, and reef suites, rooms have been named after locals and personal touches to create a comforting space,” he said.
Construction began in October 2008 and the Palliative Care Centre was opened to patients and their families a year later.
Nutrition assistant Marjorie Horne has been a part of the care team since the opening of the centre and organised a special morning tea to mark the 15-year milestone.
Marjorie said her time spent working in palliative care and her unique role allowed her to connect deeply with patients and families providing them not just nourishment, but connection.
“Food is more than a meal; it’s a way to
provide comfort during a difficult time,” Marjorie said.
“A big part of my job is filtering information and offering comfort where I can, as a non-clinical staff member.”
Marjorie said that some days when she passed a room and felt a patient’s absence, it was a reminder of the deep connections she had built.
“If you don’t feel something, you probably shouldn’t work in this field,” she said.
“I’ve learnt sometimes patients and their families just need a hug, and being there for them is what truly matters.”
Over time, the Townsville palliative care service has grown to include the specialist palliative care rural telehealth (SpaRTa)/ care in the right setting (CaRS) service, welcomed countless volunteers, and continued to lead the way in innovation and research.
Now retired, Will said the opening of the centre was a huge step toward improving palliative care practice in north Queensland and the specialty, once unfamiliar and stigmatised, had become a well-integrated part of the healthcare system.
“Cancer Council Queensland’s role in fundraising, along with the community’s involvement, was pivotal in bringing the hospice to fruition, and the impact of the service has been profoundly positive, offering families comfort, security, and support for the past 15 years.”
Dr Will Cairns
Townsville Palliative Care Centre under construction
First cutting-edge cancer treatment performed at TUH
Warren Hermann is a Charters Towers local, panel beater, and dad who wants to beat cancer so he can finish repairing his late daughter’s Landcruiser project car.
The 72-year-old is a long-term lymphoma cancer sufferer and the first recipient of CAR T-cell therapy at Townsville University Hospital.
The cutting-edge treatment involves removing the T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from the patient’s body and then modifying them with special receptors called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR) before they are multiplied in a lab and reinfused into the patient’s body.
The specialised T-cells can recognise and attack the cancer cells in the patient’s blood.
After battling with lung problems for more than 15 years and having relapsed from treatment for his cancer, Warren was recognised as the ideal first recipient of this cancer treatment.
He said he was determined to get better and return to work on his daughter’s car.
“My oldest daughter Vanessa was 52 years old when she took her own life and fixing her car will help to give me a bit of closure,” Warren said.”
“Through my health journey I have also been battling skin cancer and have had several surgeries, more than 60 hits of radiation, and almost two dozen doses of chemotherapy.
“I want to get back to panel beating and spray painting my daughter’s car and finishing it off and I am very optimistic about the CAR T-cell therapy.”
Haematologist and treating physician Dr Joel Wight said having the treatment available in north Queensland would make a world of difference for eligible blood-cancer patients.
“Townsville is the first regional city in Australia to introduce the revolutionary treatment and it will mean patients like Mr Hermann won’t need to travel to Brisbane,” Joel said.
“The process involved collecting Mr Hermann’s T-cells, having them flown to the United States of America to be modified to fight cancer cells, flown back to Townsville, and then reintroduced into his body.
“As part of the treatment, Mr Hermann will need to visit the hospital regularly for a month post-treatment, which could have added a huge amount of stress and anxiety if he had to travel to Brisbane.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said it was a huge team effort to bring the therapy method to north Queensland.
“We
have been pushing to bring more advanced medical treatments to north Queensland to ensure the community has access to the best possible care without the burden of travel,” Kieran said.
“It’s very exciting to see Mr Hermann receive this treatment in Townsville because of all the hard work that went into getting CAR T-cell therapy here.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of medical advancements and, by expanding our life-saving treatment option, we’re allowing some of the sickest members of our community to access world-class care close to home.”
Warren Hermann receiving his CAR T-cell treatment with Dr Joel Wight
Townsville University Hospital Remembrance Day Service
Monday 11 November at 10:50 am
Townsville University Hospital Front Garden
Guests are invited to lay a wreath or book to in remembrance. Everyone is welcome.
TUH rehab unit clocks up 10 years
The team at Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) rehabilitation unit has celebrated 10 years since the purpose-built facility was opened.
Clinical director rehabilitation Dr Paul Chapman, who was part of the foundation team of clinicians at the facility, recalled the young team that was assembled and how the place had grown and evolved over the past 10 years.
“I remember finding out that I was coming over here with about 24 hours’ notice,” Paul said.
“It was interesting on the first day, there were patients coming in, equipment was still coming in, and the world’s biggest chart trolley was rolled in and took up half of the doctors’ room.
“We were a pretty young team in general, I remember a lot of us got our start over here and we worked hard, and came together as a team, that was the most important thing.”
Opened in 2014, the $22.5 million facility was initially set up as a sub-acute unit alongside the hospital’s geriatric evaluation and management unit.
Nursing director community health, older people, ambulatory care and outreach services Mary Leech was part of the planning and design of the unit in her previous role as the nursing director for rehabilitation services.
Mary said it was incredible to see the evolution of the facility over the past 10 years.
“We did start off slow and we had to amend the model of care over time to meet the criteria and needs of the patients,” she said.
“When the facility opened, we were only using one wing and we tried lots of different things to see what would work best.
“Over the years we’ve increased the acuity of patients quite significantly. The nature of rehab patients is that at any point you can have something that flips you over into an acute state rather than a rehabilitation state.
“That’s all managed here in the facility, and we don’t send patients back to the main hospital. There’s not a lot we can’t do, it is bigger than just rehab.”
Paul agreed and said he was incredibly proud of the work that the team had accomplished over the years.
“There’s been a lot of highlights over the years for me and for us as a group,” he said.
“The complexities developed, the team’s developed and grown, and it was tumultuous on some days, but we overcame, and we are still here.
‘We are still focussed on providing excellence in patient care as much as we can, and I think this is 10 years well worth celebrating.”
Jacalyn Bates, Dr Paul Chapman, Mary Leech, Karen Jennings and Sandy Phillips celebrate 10 years of the rehabilitation unit.
A brush of compassion helps palliative patients
A student social worker at the Townsville University Hospital Palliative Care Centre has been using art as an alternative way of helping terminal patients communicate.
Currently on her final placement as a student, Hannah Nichols has been exploring how art can help patients in palliative care communicate some of the more complex thoughts about end of life.
“It’s a social work intervention based on expressive art, based on dignity therapy, compassionate communication, and acceptance and commitment therapy,” Hannah said.
“We are trying to encourage another means of communication. These patients may be at their end of life and expressing it through art can be an easier way to process and work through that.”
Hannah said despite some initial scepticism, the feedback from patients had been mostly positive.
“Some people will ask, ‘what’s art got to do with my end of life?’ but once they’ve participated in a session they respond really well to it,” she said.
“We’ve been doing some surveys to try and track some data. One of the participants rated their mental wellbeing as a three before the session and then rated themselves as an eight afterwards.”
Barbara Darwen, one of the patients Hannah has been working with, said she found the sessions thought-provoking.
“This was very innovative and a colourful and interesting way of studying the relationships between my moods and concerns by using pictorial and colour tools,” she said.
“It made me think about what is most important.”
Hannah said it’s been rewarding to see the positive impact her sessions have been having on patients and would like to see it integrated more widely.
“Often, social work can be thought of as just the people who fill in forms, but it’s a wide scope of practice that we have,” she said.
“You don’t have a to be a good artist to bring this kind of intervention into practice. It’s about creating another way of communication. It gives people control and empowers them.
“When they’re in this space, they don’t have control of what’s happening around them, so providing them all these little things that they can control, they can shape the outcome.
“Working in palliative care is a huge privilege. To sit with someone and have them feel safe enough to share their most vulnerable moments in their life, that’s pretty special.”
Palliative care patient Barbara Darwen with her artwork
Yule neve r gu es s what ’s c om ing ...
Deck-orate the halls with boughs of holly, ‘tis the season to be jolly. The festive season is upon us.
We’re looking for the best wrapped wards or work areas for the chance to win a $250 prize thanks to Brighter Lives.
Submit photos of your Christmas decorations and the details of your work area here.
Entries must be received before close of business on Friday 13 December. Judging will take place on Monday 16 December.
International waters no worries for swimming duo
Two Townsville Hospital and Health Service clinicians have shown their courage and stamina after completing two notoriously difficult marathon swims.
Registered maternal and child health nurse Julie Boxsell swam the 33-kilometre body of water between England and France, commonly known as the English Channel in September.
Oncology radiation therapist Liz Denyer swam the 31.6-kilometre Catalina Channel which separates the Californian Santa Catalina Island from the southern California mainland in August.
With varying levels of swimming experience, both Julie and Liz agreed the feeling of swimming was like nothing else.
“I started swimming at 45 with my kids at their swim training just to get fit,” Julie said.
“I rarely swam in open water and was even too scared to go to the back of the stinger nets but as time went on, I built up confidence and eventually went on to do my first distance swim which was two kilometres on the Strand.”
For Liz, a lifelong swimmer, the endorphins of swimming are what drew her to marathon swims.
“Before completing the Catalina Channel, I did the Rottnest Channel Swim, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Sorrento to Safety Beach Swim in Victoria,” she said.
“I’ve always loved the feeling of swimming.”
Julie said the English Channel swim was incredibly challenging.
“The temperature of waters in the English Channel is nothing like the water we swim in locally and there are times when you swim in almost complete darkness,” she said.
“The currents can also be unpredictable and in some instances if the conditions are unsafe to swim you may not even be able to get in the water.”
For Liz, swimming the Catalina Channel was a test in mental endurance.
“The first half of the Catalina channel swim was very rough so I knew I was going to have to work hard, and that it wouldn’t be pleasant,” she said.
Despite the challenging nature of marathon swims, both Julie and Liz intend to tackle more in future.
“There are three swims that make up what they call the Triple Crown of open-water swimming, and they are the English Channel Swim, the Catalina Channel and the Swim Around Manhattan,” Julie said.
“I’ve completed them all so my next big swim is the S.C.A.R which is like a swim camp for marathon swimmers where you swim four lakes in Arizona across four days, so I’m really excited for that.”
For Liz, the Swim around Manhattan would be the final piece in her completion of the Triple Crown.
“There are also another four swims part of the Oceans Seven that I’d eventually like to complete,” she said.
“I’m a lifelong swimmer so there will always be another swim in my future.”
Julie Boxsell and Liz Denyer
Hospital physios ‘stache up for men’s health this Movember
The Townsville University Hospital (TUH) physiotherapists may look clean cut right now, but by the end of this month the mos will be out in full force.
This Movember the TUH physiotherapy department is fundraising to raise awareness for men’s health and spark conversations about important issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Senior physiotherapist Liam Phelps said the physio department at TUH had been participating in Movember for two decades and had hosted an annual Movember trivia night for 15 years to fundraise for the cause.
“We have about 15 to 20 staff involved from directors to new graduate staff, we all give it a go,” Liam said.
“Some people definitely struggle to grow the mo, but some are able to shape their mo as
they go.
“I’ve made sure to provide all the men with a tip guide from the Movember Foundation on how to grow their moustache and, of course, hand out permission slips to make sure their partners are happy for them to be involved!”
Liam said Movember is an opportunity for the team to raise awareness about men’s health, particularly mental health.
“Considering the impact that men’s mental health has on our health service and the intense nature of working in health, it’s a good chance for us to come together as a group of males in the department with the support of female colleagues to shine a light on important issues,” Liam said.
“Plus, our repeat patients love to see the progress and even get on board as well.”
The team will host its annual Movember trivia night on the last weekend of Movember which will involve different teams from the hospital.
“There will be a winner of the trivia competition and we will crown the man of November for the person who grows the best moustache,” Liam said.
“All proceeds from the night will go towards the Movember foundation.”
We will make sure to update you on the final mos in the December 6 edition of the blah blah blah!
Click the link to support the team and learn more about Movember.
Glen Day, Bryn Larkin, Anmol Maharaj, Luke Matthews, Jordan Rycen, Mark Gooding, Nathan Peacock and Liam Phelps
Townsville
Anmol Maharaj Jordan Rycen
Liam Phelps Luke Bell
Endocrine staff join young patients to print, press and play
Nursing, dietetics, and administrative staff from Townsville University Hospital’s endocrine outpatients’ clinic joined two of their young patients at a printmaking workshop last weekend to create new art for the soon-to-open $6.6 million space.
Nurse unit manager Angela Hubert, dietician Achamma Joseph, registered nurse Jacqui Bulbrook, nurse practitioner Ursula Togiailua, and administrative officer Emma Moro joined aspiring printmakers McKayla Bliesner, eight, and Matilda Bellamy, 10, for the workshop at Umbrella Studios.
McKayla and Matilda have Type 1 diabetes.
Annandale State School student Matilda was diagnosed with diabetes just five weeks ago.
Her mum, Melissa Crowe, said Matilda’s diagnosis was a ‘huge shock’ for the whole family.
“There’s no history of diabetes in the family, and I know now that’s not unusual,” she said.
Matilda said she really enjoyed the workshop.
“I used different elements and water colours to make my print of a boat floating on the waves.”
McKayla’s mum Renee Bliesner said her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes five years ago and the family was constantly backwards and forwards to the hospital.
“Diabetes is for life so if you have to go to hospital you want to be comfortable; the previous space was unfortunately a small area.”
Angela said the endocrine team had a great time designing and creating their prints.
“We loved being at the studio with McKayla and Matilda creating something beautiful for our unit, which we all share,” she said.
Paediatric endocrinologist Dr Jason Yates said he was delighted to see the girls involved in creating art for the new unit.
“McKayla and Matilda are perfectly placed to design something that makes the clinic environment a more comfortable place for them,” he said.
Ahead of World Diabetes Day next week, Dr Yates said parents should be aware of the 4Ts – thirst, toilet, tired, and thinner.
“If your child is urinating excessively, constantly thirsty, tired, and losing weight, make an urgent appointment with your GP,” he said.
Ursula Togiailua, Achamma Joseph, and Angela Hubert
Matilda Bellamy and McKayla Bliesner
Table tennis players rally for men’s health
Over the next two weeks, more than 70 men from across Townsville University Hospital will pick up a paddle to play table tennis and talk about men’s health.
Doctors, physios, engineers, psychologists, nurses, and occupational therapists are among the health professionals participating in this year’s Townsville Hospital and Health Service Talkin’ Table Tennis event.
Now in its fifth year, the much-anticipated amateur table tennis competition has become notorious for fast serves, highenergy action, and friendly banter.
Occupational therapist Jonathan Grigg is one of the organisers of the event and said the competition had become a way for men in the hospital to connect while having a bit of fun.
“Men don’t readily talk about their health challenges and sometimes just bottle it up and never get anything off their chest,” Jonathan said.
“For blokes, Talkin’ Table Tennis can be a catalyst to establishing relationships and foster connections with other people in the hospital.
“It helps people get to know one another and makes them more comfortable to check in on each other.
“Over the last few years of being involved in it, I have seen the benefits of establishing those connections and a reprieve from the normal clinical focus for a short time.”
Jonathan said the event has continued to grow over the years with double the number of competitors signed up for this year’s event compared to last year.
“While it has been quite the logistical assignment to try and fit everyone in to get a game around their busy schedule, it is also great to see so many guys at the hospital take an interest,” he said.
“It is just a fun and relaxing lunchtime activity for the men to get involved in where everyone doesn’t take it, or themselves, too seriously.”
Jonathan said there were still ways for the guys to get involved despite team registrations closing.
“We have warm-ups from noon to 12.30pm every day of the competition which all men are invited to along to.”
The heats have started with the finals and presentations slated for 22 November.
For more information about the Talkin’ Table Tennis event click on the tile on QHEPS.
Occupational therapist Jonathan Grigg
Harold’s 100 years young celebration
Staff creepin’ it real at Townsville University Hospital
Staff at the Richmond Multipurpose Health Service recently celebrated the 100th birthday of the health service’s oldest resident, Harold Brisbin, with a surprise party.
Family, friends, and staff gathered to honour Mr Brisbin including his sister Joyce Barker, and daughter Kim-Maree.
A beautiful cake was made by local baker Bek Kuhl, surrounded by a special photo gift from loved ones and a canvas highlighting the key milestones from Harold’s birthyear, 1924
Richmond Mayor John Wharton also presented Harold with a plaque commemorating his achievements and impact on the town.
Happy 100th, Harold!
Allied health patient services officer Jan Walden loves dressing up for any occasion and Halloween was no exception as she decked out the allied health reception with some fang-tastic decorations.
“I always try to take the opportunity to change up the space and bring a bit of fun to staff and patients,” Jan said.
Jan said Christmas will be the main show and preparations had already started.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll do, Jan!
Allied health patient services officer Jan Walden
Registered nurses Anna Neuhaus, Sarah Brown, Airi Gale also getting in the Halloween spirit
Harold Brisbin
Title Title Caption
“Words cannot express the gratitude for your exemplary care for us and our beautiful baby boy, and the way you supported us as a family through the toughest days of our lives. You treated us with kindness and transparency.
Hugs to the nurses and the rest of the NICU team involved in our baby’s care.”
NICU TEAM
“The
occupational therapist was very pleasant, caring and helpful and fully explained everything to my father.
We are all very
happy and thankful with the service and
help
provided.
The changes and tools that will be provided will make everyday life a lot safer and easier for my father and enable him to stay in his home longer.”
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CLINICS
“To all the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff who were involved with the care of my husband. He was given wonderful care from the Respiratory Dept, Medical Wards 1 and 2, the ED, Medical Imaging, Oncology and Palliative Care.
We thank you all so very much for all your time and professional care during his illness.”
MULTIPLE UNITS
Title Title
A Brighter Note...
Intensive effort drives record Giving Day
Fundraising efforts for Brighter Lives’ Giving Day saw fierce competition amongst Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) teams.
From bake sales and raffles, through to 100 boards and sausage sizzles, teams across the health service fundraised for the foundation’s annual event.
All for the honour of the title of Giving Day highest fundraiser, with a trophy and prize of a $250 gift card.
The inaugural winner of the trophy was the intensive care unit at TUH. Congratulations to ICU nurse educator Bernie Clapperton and her team.
The ICU team fundraised through a giant bake sale held in the corridor of Townsville University Hospital, as well as receiving some large donations from external sources.
“Thank you to our donors and everyone who came and purchased baked items from the bake sale,” Bernie said.
“Thank you also to all those in the ICU team who baked and volunteered to serve on the day. We are incredibly grateful for your support.”
Raising an incredible $3,427, the ICU team hoped to be able to use some of the funds raised to elevate patient comfort while in the ICU through the purchase of recliner chairs.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said she was delighted with the engagement from Townsville HHS staff and their fundraising efforts.
“Thank you to everyone who helped making Giving Day a huge success,” Stephanie said.
“With this year being the foundation’s 35th birthday, we are so grateful for the community and especially Townsville HHS staff for getting behind Giving Day.”
Thank you to everyone who helped fundraise or donated to Brighter Lives on Giving Day. Thanks to your support, Giving Day raised an amazing $91,969!
Bernie Clapperton, Carly Evans and Patrice Cleall with the trophy
Capital works update
More parking options for TUH staff soon
More than 330 additional carparks will soon be available for Townsville Hospital and Health Service employees at the eastern campus carpark at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
The newly constructed carpark will have security lighting, CCTV coverage, and duress points and is scheduled to be open from next week.
A date for the operational commencement of the new temporary helipad is to yet to be confirmed.
Access to the additional carparks will be via the main entry and through the boom gates, NOT through the newly constructed access point for emergency vehicles.
Please be reminded additional parking for day-shift staff is available at the JCU veterinary sciences carpark until 30 June 2025
Staff can collect a permit to park at this location from the Health Security Department administration office at the hospital.
Search QHEPS more information accessing this carpark as well as maps to assist you.
If you have any questions regarding parking, please contact TTHCampusOperations@health.qld.gov.au.
If you have any questions on the Townsville University Hospital expansion project, please contact THHS-InfrastructureRedevelopment@health.qld.gov.au.
Eastern campus carpark expansion
Capital works update
Works currently underway
Townsville HHS projects
Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service
Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Work location: Various locations in TUH
Project: Hybrid theatre
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
Project: Outpatients department expansion
Work location: Clinical Services Support Building Level 1
Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 1 former Endoscopy Services / Medilink building Level 2 current NQPPMS suit
Project: Ingham CT scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Works on the way
HiQ projects
Project: Kirwan Health Community Campus expansion
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Project: TUH Stage 1 expansion project
Work location: helipad and surrounding areas including eastern campus for temporary helipad location
Got questions?
Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.
To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those te ams who will be impacted by works undertaken at TUH.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any proposed changes, please contact chief operating officer Stephen Eaton via email or THHS-InfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
Recipe of the blah
Lettuce, avocado and mango salad
Supplied by TUH dietitians
Laugh of the blah
Ingredients:
• 1 green oak lettuce, torn into small pieces
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 large mango, diced
• 2 tbsp slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tbsp dried cranberries
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian white wine vinegar
Method:
1. Combine lettuce, avocado, mango, almonds and cranberries in a bowl.
2. Whisk oil and vinegar together in a jug. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over lettuce mixture. Toss to combine. Serve.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
2012 Kawasaki ZX14R. Bike has 91,700km. Recent service and dyno tune at Burdekin Motorcycles. Excellent condition, well looked after. Extras include Ventura rack and near-new bag. $8,500 or nearest offer. Selling as is. Call Chris on 0414098656. (14/10)
Foldable wheelchair. Supports up to 115kg. Good condition. $350 or best offer. Call Simon on 0409890447 (21/10)
2011 Holden Colorado LTR 3.0 litre manual 4x4 Dual cab with full-service history, colour silver, factory fitted tow pack with ARB canopy and Bull bar. I’m original owner, vehicle has been well cared for with minimal towing work done. Both paint and body in good condition. Plenty of rego fresh tyres and shock absorbers. Economical to run and service. $18000 negotiable. Call Rohan 0409139734 (8/11)
2013 Audi A6 C7 Sedan with only 109400 on the odometer. This A6 is in fantastic condition with plenty of features including cruise control, tinted windows, front and rear park sensors, 360-degree camera, LED day time running lights, 4 zone climate control, keyless entry/start, blind spot alert with auto dimming side mirrors, leather electric seats and plenty more. Open to all reasonable offers. Contact Dani 0412 133 890 (8/11)
FOR RENT
Room for rent at Bohle Plains to share with one male in his late 30s and his dog. Fully furnished house with unfurnished room with off-street parking. 15 minute drive to hospital, university, and Stocklands or 10 minutes to Willows. $250 per week. Contact Nathan on 0402415797. (16/10)
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Photos will not be included. Submissions for classifieds should be no longer than 50 word in a plain-text email. Classifieds longer than this will not be included.
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