blah blah blah | June 7

blah blah blah

7 JUNE 2024

Chief

Awards evening celebrates staff excellence

of 11 winners

Mick was named winner of the Vision award while Susanne won both the Compassion and People’s Choice categories.

A wrap-up of the gala evening, which included special guest Premier Steven Miles, starts on page 3.

Clinical nurse consultant Ali Long and nurse unit manager Samantha Johnston were recognised on International Nurses Day

engineer Mick Ward and voluntary assisted dying coordinator Susanne Thornhill were two

and 27 finalists honoured at the Townsville HHS Staff Excellence Awards on Tuesday night.

Dear Colleagues

Congratulations to the finalists and winners in our Staff Excellence Awards 2024. As always, I was incredibly proud of all the nominees, finalists, and winners. There is no health service in the country with a broader range of services than what we provide for our community. There were some incredible examples shared on Tuesday night that highlighted just how we are delivering world-class healthcare to the people of North Queensland. We were incredibly fortunate to have Premier Steven Miles attend the awards. Just as he did when he was Health Minister, he made a captain’s call selecting a winner of the Premier’s Choice award from the full pack of 179 nominations. Congratulations to a (very surprised) Surgical 1 nurse unit manager Kylie Perry.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination; without you the awards simply couldn’t happen. Thank you also to all of you that voted in our People’s Choice award, the first time we’ve held it and I think it’s here to stay. My last vote of thanks is reserved for the Media, Communications, and Engagement team for the sheer amazingness of the work they do in delivering this event. It seems every year there is a unique hurdle or two thrown their way, and this year was no different. As the MC for the event, I have somewhat of a window into the amount of preparation that goes into it, and even that small window is scary. Please enjoy the photos and stories in this edition of the blah that captured just some of the magic of the evening.

On the matter of awards, congratulations to our four finalists in the Queensland Health Awards: Paediatric Cardiology and RHD/ARF Model of Care, Acquired Brain Injury Review Clinic, Townsville Adolescent Day Program, Josephine Sailor Adolescent Inpatient Unit and Day Service, and the VTEp Project Team. We also have a sneaky part-share in a Department of Health finalist for our work on the First Nations Leadership program. I’ll be attending the awards in Brisbane on 19 June with representatives from our teams.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the 10,000 Step Challenge. It was great to see the Townsville Hospital and Health Service triumph with an average of more than 389,000 steps per day, for a total of more than 280 million steps over the challenge. Queensland Health Director-General Michael Walsh threw down the gauntlet to each health service at the start of the challenge and we set the pace, recording the highest number of average daily steps of all HHSs. A presentation will be held next Friday 14 June at the Robert Douglas Auditorium to announce the winning teams and individuals.

Preparations are now complete for our in-house training program supporting line managers to respond to sexual harassment in their teams. This will be an important training program for all our leaders to complete. Some specific communications are coming out to line managers but, until then, I’ll reinforce the obvious. Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, including ours. Leaders in our organisation have extra responsibilities, called a positive duty, to create workplaces that are free from sexual harassment. This is not just about responding effectively when concerns are raised (which is obviously important) but taking active steps to eliminate sexual harassment. It might be creating training opportunities, asking staff to complete training, raising awareness about reporting mechanisms, and making clear statements on expectations in the workplace. As well as this line manager training, a program to build awareness of how to recognise and respond to sexual harassment will shortly be available for everyone.

On a far more pleasant note, how good were the Origin wins? Let’s hope the Cowboys who pulled on the maroon jerseys on Wednesday night can bring some of that devastating form back to the club. And in the women’s Origin, it doesn’t get much better than Lauren Brown breaking the Blues’ hearts on Queensland Day no less.

‘til next time.

Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive

Doctors honoured for dedicated careers

Two eminent retired clinicians were honoured with the title of Consultant Emeritus at the Staff Excellence Awards.

Dr Michael Collins and Dr William (Bill) Frischman were recognised for their contributions to clinical practice, research, leadership, and education.

Colleagues and friends shared their experiences and the profound impact Michael and Bill have had on their lives.

Chief medical officer and paediatrician Dr Jason Yates said ‘an entire profession owed some part of their careers to the mentorship of Bill Frischman’.

“Frisch’s clinical skills are undeniable; however, I think his greatest trait was that of a teacher and mentor,” he said.

“I can count numerous times when Frisch was there, to reassure, to damage control, to haul me out of the fire, or to just remind me of the journey and the value that we often provide without realising.”

Director medical oncology Dr Abhishek Joshi said Dr Michael Collins was highly deserving of the distinguished title.

“The entire cancer community of North Queensland will always be indebted to Michael for his empathy, dedication, and leadership,” he said.

“Beyond his skills in complex technology and treatment in a field where every beam counts, it’s his compassion and care that has made a lasting impact on the lives of everyone he met.

“As a colleague, he has always been an inspirational figure who has demonstrated how to innovate, impact, and lead the way in personalised care for all patients.”

Chief executive Kieran Keyes said Consultant Emeritus was a peer-driven award that honoured eminent service and professional excellence.

“Bill and Michael have joined an esteemed fraternity that includes the Consultants Emeritus who have sadly left us in the past 16 months - Dr Sid Roveda, Associate Professor Vic Callanan, and Mr Reno Rossato,” he said.

“They both have our sincerest congratulations on this well-deserved honour, which affirms their legacies.”

Dr William (Bill) Frischman and Dr Michael Collins received the title of Consultant Emeritus

Susanne Thornhill and Mick Ward

Awards evening celebrates staff excellence

Chief engineer Mick Ward and voluntary assisted dying coordinator Susanne Thornhill were two of 11 winners and 27 finalists honoured at the Townsville HHS Staff Excellence Awards on Tuesday night.

Mick was named winner of the Vision award while Susanne won both the Compassion and People’s Choice categories.

Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the evening celebrated all finalists whittled down from a ‘stellar’ field of 179 nominations.

“I read each and every nomination for these awards and they reflected the magnitude of dedication, care, compassion, and skill that our staff use every day in their jobs,” he said.

“The past 12 months have really challenged us with more pressure than ever before on the public health system.

“Across the board, our staff have risen to the challenge continuing to live our values and deliver for our communities.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be the chief executive of this health service.”

Kieran said he was also delighted to introduce an extra category, the People’s Choice, in 2024.

“This award was open to the entire health service to vote for their pick from the 27 finalists,” he said.

Winner Susanne Thornhill said she was humbled by her success.

“Winning is not about me; it’s about the community and recognising that they can have a choice at the end of life about when they want to die while doing it on their terms.

“These awards have reaffirmed there is a place for this service.”

Chief engineer Mick Ward, who is responsible for the asset management and critical infrastructure of more than 185 buildings across the health service, thanked his team and his family.

“There’s no ‘I’ in team and I want to thank the whole of BEMS for the work they do every day keeping our facilities ticking over,” he said.

“I also want to thank my wife and family for understanding and forgiving what this job takes from them.”

Premier Steven Miles said he was delighted to be invited to the awards and paid tribute to the staff.

“You have so much to celebrate in this health service,” he said.

“The North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service is inching closer, national clinical trials are underway locally, you are growing and training your own specialists, and your offstretcher times are among the best in the state.”

The Premier said the excellence awards celebrated the staff who lived the organisation’s values and cared for the people of the region across life’s continuum.

“We are also celebrating those staff who support and enable healthcare by their work in administration, support services, trades, meal service, maintenance, and engineering,” he said.

Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, and winners!

Award winners:

Excellence in Health, Safety and Wellness: Richmond Health Service

Integrity: Lisa Rainbow

Compassion: Susanne Thornhill

Accountability: Nerida Firth

Respect: Sophie Deeth

Engagement: Lauren Matheson

Rural Health Worker of the Year: Gloria Brunner

Purpose: BEMS Administration

Vision: Mick Ward

People’s Choice: Susanne Thornhill

Premier’s Choice: Kylie Perry

Robert Concar, Mick Ward, Lyn Piper-Ward, Sandy Golding, Rodney Stewart, Shane Jenkin, Katy Cobden, Robert Berglin, Des McKeown

Meagan Hanks, Shannon Downward, Callum Bell, Jayden Freitas

Paul Haughton, Debbie Maclean, Ross Nichols, Ann Marie Mallett

Craig Allen and Natalie Doran

Cr Andrew Robinson, Dr Jon Hodge, Dr Jason Yates

Helen Shaw, Amy Coutts, Marika Devietti, Claire Hession

Gail Kingston, Michelle Watson, Karen Jennings

Salli-Ann Buttigieg, Amanda Cooms, Liana Schnierer, Danielle Hornsby, Sue Tench

Dr John Dick, Sophie Deeth, Dr Jack Rycen

Erica Besso, Dr John Waterfield, Dr Madelaine Tarrant, Manuel Galvez Jurado

Rejeena Abhilash, Kylie Perry

Vicki Carson, Dr Harry Stalewski, Jane Watson, Dr David Watson, Kendall George, Katrina Roberts

Premier Steven Miles with Dr Jenny Frischman, Consultant

Emeritus Dr William Frischman and Dr Jason Yates

Premier’s Choice: Kylie Perry with Premier Steven Miles and Kieran Keyes

Premier Steven Miles with Sherrie Turner Collins and Consultant Emeritus Dr Michael Collins

Accountability: Nerida Firth with Tony Mooney and Kieran Keyes

Excellence in Health, Safety and Wellness: Richmond Health Service

Engagement: Lauren Matheson accepted by Jo Stitt with Brighter Lives rep Sally Sally McCutcheon

Rural Health Worker of the Year: Gloria Brunner with Tony Mooney and Kieran Keyes

Purpose: BEMS Administration team with Kieran Keyes and Premier Steven Miles

Respect: Sophie Deeth with Tony Mooney and Kieran Keyes

Vision: Mick Ward with Kieran Keyes and Steven Miles

Integrity: Lisa Rainbow with Tony Mooney and Kieran Keyes

Compassion and People’s Choice: Susanne Thornhill with Tony Mooney and Kieran Keyes

Strong local show for Queensland Health Awards

Four Townsville HHS programs and a Department of Health program piloted in Townsville have made it to the finals of the prestigious Queensland Health Awards.

Chief executive Kieran Keyes said he was proud to see the HHS so well represented.

“These awards are very competitive, and I’m delighted to see initiatives and models of care that are making such a profound difference to patients, consumers, and young people in our community being recognised,” he said.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Brisbane City Hall on 19 June.

Our finalists for 2024

Digitising healthcare

Improving rates of Venous Thromboembolism prophylaxis: the clot thickens

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein and is a leading cause of preventable death in Australia.

The primary aim of this project is to determine whether a new clinical dashboard could significantly improve the rates of VTE prophylaxis prescription at TUH and markedly reduce the number of patients developing this distressing complication.

Transforming health

Nurturing minds and rebuilding futures: helping adolescents transition from struggle to school success

The Townsville Adolescent Day Program, based at the Josephine Sailor Adolescent Inpatient Unit and Day Service, provides ground-breaking intensive group, individual, family, and school-based intervention for vulnerable high school students, where severe emotional health concerns including complex trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and psychosis are barriers to engagement with education.

Strengthening our patients’ care

Acquired Brain Injury Review Clinic: returning to life and limb

The Townsville HHS ABI review clinic is changing lives strengthening care for north Queensland patients through a personalised, responsive, patient-centred, and value-focused health solution with tangible impact on the things that matter most to people.

The clinic gives patients living in regional, remote, and Indigenous communities the chance to receive specialist rehabilitation, which is the difference between functioning in the real world or not, for the first time.

First Nations first

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF): healthy hearts in north Queensland

in line with the Ending Rheumatic Heart Disease: Queensland First Nations Strategy 2021-2024, a dedicated RHD clinical nurse consultant has developed a holistic model of care that reduces barriers to healthcare for First Nations people while empowering children and their families to better understand and live with their RHD diagnosis.

First Nations first

First Nations Leadership Program: integrating our worlds

Following on from the development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy, a program was developed to equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff with the information and insight necessary to influence system change from within, while navigating the expectations and traditions of community and culture.

The pilot was delivered in March 2023 at the Townsville HHS. Since then, the program has been adopted across the majority of HHSs.

New program gives kids best possible start

There has been a significant boost for north Queensland children and families with the expansion of the Sustained Health Home Visiting Program into the region.

Premier Steven Miles made the announcement at the Kirwan Health Campus on Wednesday.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Child Youth and Family Health nurse unit manager Pamela Hueber said the program would help local kids have the best possible start to life and the best foundations for lifelong wellbeing.

“This is something we’ve been working towards for some time so it’s very exciting that we’re now able to announce that the Sustained Home Visiting Program is being expanded into our region,” she said.

“The program provides families with intensive support and home visiting from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday.

“It enables parents to have a regular point of contact and clinical care with someone they can build a strong

relationship with during the first few years of their child’s life.

The program is great for parents because they can develop a consistent relationship with the nurse and they don’t have to repeat their story as the relationship is already built and the history known.

Pamela said the announcement of the program would lead to additional resources for the health service.

“I want to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who’s supported us at the Child Youth and Family Health Service in making this happen; it’s a wonderful recognition of the importance of the service that our teams provide for children and their families in the community.”

The Sustained Health Home Visiting Program is expected to be operational by the start of 2025.

Front: Amelia Kells with baby Lacey, Steven Miles, Grace Adamson with baby Teo. Back: Vicki Carson, Pamela Hueber, Jeanelle Leehy, Kieran Keyes

HHS farewells Judy after incredible career

Colleagues and friends of manager older persons community team Judy Rabbitt have celebrated her incredible 35 years of dedicated service, as she heads into retirement and a new adventure.

Judy has led her staff in the completion of aged care assessments, provided in-home support to enable older community members to remain at home, and developed a continence advisory service and dementia assessment service.

Allied health executive director Danielle Hornsby awarded Judy a 35-year certificate and pin at her farewell to honour her impressive career stretching from paediatrics to mental health and occupational therapy.

“Judy’s dedication and knowledge is second to none,” Danielle said.

“With more young people now being diagnosed with dementia, Judy has been a very strong advocate for bringing together a dedicated multidisciplinary team considering not only the needs of individuals but also those of their families to promote safe care at home.”

Chief executive Kieran Keyes said Judy had always remained a beacon of calm and was an optimistic and generous presence among her colleagues.

“Judy has tirelessly advocated and promoted care in the community to prevent early entry of our elders into residential aged care facilities,” he said.

“She has consistently embraced innovation and sought to share her knowledge with the broader team to encourage our community members to have choice and control over their healthcare journey.”

Judy shared her pride in being part of the important work giving patients the ability to stay at home so they could live their best possible lives.

“Community service really is the backbone of health,” she said.

“It’s been exciting to put in place programs that support and make a difference to people’s lives, especially those struggling with cognitive decline.

“However, it’s time for new energy and ideas in the older persons community team.

“I’m thrilled to be passing on the torch and to watch from afar as the programs continue to flourish.”

Judy said she was excited for her next adventure and her new full-time role as Nana.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends, travelling around Australia and trying all the best coffee shops, and spending time with my family,” she said.

In a fitting tribute to Judy’s work, she was celebrated as a finalist in the Integrity category at this week’s Staff Excellence Awards.

Congratulations Judy and all the best for the future!

Judy and her colleagues

Book nook boosts in-hospital experience

A new book exchange program at Townsville University Hospital is promoting relaxation, boosting mental stimulation, encouraging movement, and creating a greater sense of belonging within the hospital community.

Patients and staff are now able to drop off books they have finished reading while being able to borrow new titles that have been donated to the collection at the Surgical 1 Book Nook.

From best-selling novels to uplifting memoirs, there’s something for everyone on the bookshelf.

Nurse unit manager Kylie Perry said the idea behind the book exchange was a simple yet impactful way to boost the inhospital experience for staff and patients.

“For some people, coming to the hospital can be a daunting and difficult event,” Kylie said.

“Something as simple as a book exchange can make it easier for people while they are staying on the surgical ward.

“They can grab a book and escape to a different place and keep their mind off why they are in hospital in the first place.

“Reading can provide comfort and a distraction during challenging times.

“The surgical 1 book nook has also encouraged patients to be more active, getting them to get out of bed and walking to the bookshelf.

“It has also helped to foster a greater sense of community with staff and patients, acting as a conversation starter among colleagues and patients for books they have dropped off.”

Kylie said the initiative not only ensured a continual update of reading materials but also promoted sustainability.

“Donating a book helps to keep it from going to landfill and puts it into the hands of someone who will appreciate and use it,” Kylie said.

“It can also be a bit of an escape for staff, who are able to grab one of the books and read through the pages while on a break.

“We are thrilled to be able to get this initiative off the ground and we have already seen an overwhelmingly positive response.

“The launch of this service is not only good for users but also aligns with Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s vision to providing world-class healthcare for northern Queensland and its purpose of providing great care every day.”

Contact Kylie at kylie.perry@health.qld.gov.au to find out more about how to donate.

Kylie Perry

HHS sets winning pace in step challenge

Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff took it in their stride as they treated corridors like treadmills and stairs like step machines to clock a total of 289,443,132 steps and win the state-wide 10,000 Step Challenge.

The Townsville HHS was named the most active in Queensland with an average of 389,560 steps per day.

Queensland Health Director-General Michael Walsh set out the challenge to boost staff connection and participation in activity to benefit physical and mental wellbeing.

Staff wellbeing psychologist Gaylene Wynne said the win was an incredible achievement.

“More than 750 staff took steps towards better health,” Gaylene said.

“While the challenge focuses on participants reaching 10,000 steps a day, it’s just about setting out some time in the day for yourself, or your team, with the added benefits that come from being active.

“A big congratulations to everyone who took part to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing.

“Also, a big congratulations to the Freudian Skips who were the overall winners across each of the hospital and health services and have won $10,000 towards their professional development budget.”

A presentation will be held on Friday 14 June in the Robert Douglas Auditorium from 10am to announce what teams and individuals recorded the highest average number of steps and present gifts to everyone who participated.

Well done, Team Townsville HHS!

Step Up Speechies: Jasmine Delle Baite, Courtney Fisher, Georgia Harris, Renee Hudson, Sandra Magro and Milla Strano

The Freudian Skips

Take a seat to take a stand against DV

Two bright red benches stand as a clear message to Townsville University Hospital (TUH) staff and patients about ending domestic and family violence.

The benches are part of a nationwide initiative by the Red Rose Foundation that has been championed by the social work team.

Installed at the front entrance to TUH, the benches were unveiled at a public event on the final day of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May, signalling the health service’s stance on the importance of stamping out all forms of violence in the community.

Domestic and family violence advanced social worker Vicki O’Brien said the benches were a positive step forward in reducing the stigma surrounding the issue.

“It’s also a reminder to those experiencing violence that they are not alone,” she said.

“Each bench sends a message to our patients and consumers that we are here for you.

“The hospital is the lighthouse of our community and our lights are always on, our doors are always open, and we are, and always will be, a safe space for those experiencing violence.”

Executive director allied health Danielle Hornsby said the benches were more than just pieces of furniture.

“They encourage us all to pause and think about the impact of domestic violence and to consider what we can all do, both individually and collectively, to support survivors and families, and to prevent future violence,” she said.

“This is just the beginning for us, as we roll out red benches in other locations across our footprint.”

Find support:

DV Connect: 1800 811 811

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service (NQDVRS): 4721 2888

Liana Schnierer and Vicki O’Brien

New Board members visit Palm Island

The Townsville Hospital and Health Board’s newest members got to hear firsthand about healthcare on Palm Island following a visit to the community last month.

Dr Kunwarjit Sangla, Dr Erin Walters and Graham Pattel joined representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumer Advisory Council (ATSICAC) and executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Amanda Cooms for a tour of the Joyce Palmer Health Service.

Dr Sangla said it was good to get out and understand some of the healthcare challenges and opportunities on Palm Island.

“As a clinician, I have been visiting Palm Island for two decades,” he said.

“This was my first visit as a Board member.

“This was a chance to discuss and hear about healthcare from a different perspective.

“While there, we were able to talk to healthcare workers, the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, and Mayor Mislam Sam.

“Every community is different, and we were able to explore some of the healthcare opportunities to cater to the changing needs of the community and its workforce.

“It’s important the Board gets out across the health service area and talks with health consumers about the level of care being provided and how it can be further enhanced.

“We will continue to visit different areas within the health service footprint to talk to staff, community leaders and residents to discuss their healthcare needs.”

Dr Kunwarjit Sangla, Leisa Cusack, Graham Pattel, Letitia Murgha, Dr Matthew Bryant, Vanessa Priday, Amanda Cooms, Anita Donaldson, Francis Tapim and Dr Erin Walters

“After a oneweek stay, very professional, cleanliness impeccable and food of a high standard.”

“I was looked after very well in the ward and at no time felt neglected or lacking attention. All of the staff I encountered were excellent and could not have done anything more to look after me. My many thanks to them all.”

“Very good manner, very reassuring and calming, staff were very efficient and professional.”

FOOD SERVICES ENDOSCOPY

SURGICAL WARD 3

A Brighter Note...

Pulling up socks for doctors’ mental health

On Friday, you may have spotted more colourful socks around the health service than usual.

Friday 7 June was Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day, a day to break down the stigma around mental health in doctors.

President of the Townsville Medical Staff Society (TMSS) Dr Amanda Seneviratne said doctors were renowned for their dedication to the wellbeing of others, yet the mental health of doctors themselves could be overlooked.

“Recognising this important issue, TMSS and Brighter Lives are raising funds and awareness for the mental health of doctors in North Queensland,” he said.

“We have organised a lot of fun activities, fundraising and, of course, the crazy socks.

“In addition to promoting wellbeing, TMSS is also encouraging everyone to #TakeABreak to decrease burn out.”

The #TakeABreak event for doctors is on Wednesday 12 June with guest speakers including the founder of Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day Dr Geoffrey Toogood, and founder of Hand-n-Hand Peer Support Dr Tahnee Bridson, discussing the importance of wellbeing amongst peers and preventing fatigue and burn out.

“There are three competitions we encourage our doctors to enter with the chance to win some incredible prizes, with the winners announced at the #TakeABreak event,” Amanda said.

1. Nominate a colleague that promotes doctors’ wellbeing in the workplace: https://forms.office.com/r/x2mGNdeC44 Prize: $250 ARDO Spa voucher thanks to TMSS

2. The most creative outfit/pair of socks worn by a doctor: https://forms.office.com/r/HKknRkEbSB Prize: $100 Experience Oz gift voucher thanks to MIPS and Doctors Health Queensland

3. The most creative outfit/socks worn by a department/ medical team: https://forms.office.com/r/HmwEQLCAFp Prize: Gift voucher + free coffee vouchers thanks to MIPS and Doctors Health Queensland

Colourful socks can be purchased from the Brighter Lives gift shop at $10 a pair, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to wellbeing of doctors.

TMSS and Brighter Lives have a ‘100 board’ at the front foyer of TUH with the chance to win $100 by buying a number for $5, with all proceeds helping mental health of doctors.

Dr Amanda Seneviratne and Dr Helen Fraser

Capital works update

Works currently underway

Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program

Work location: Various locations in TUH

Project: Hybrid theatre - $17 million

Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex

Project: Outpatients department expansion - $6.1 million

Work location: Clinical Services Support Building Level 1

Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade - $4 million

Work location: TUH Acute building Level 1 former Endoscopy Services / Medilink building Level 2 current NQPPMS suite

Works on the way

Project: Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit

Work location: ACC Annexure Building

Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Sevice

Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell

Project: Ward Midlife Renewal – Surgical and Medical wards

Work location: South Block Ground and Level 1

Got questions?

Project: Kirwan Health Community Campus expansion$40 million

Work location: Kirwan Health Campus

Project: TUH Clinical Equipment Loans Service (CELS)$2.35 million

Work location: TUH Level 2, CSSB

Project: TUH Stage 1 expansion project - $530 million

Work location: helipad and surrounding areas including eastern campus for temporary helipad location

Project: Ingham CT Scanner and ED Refurbishment

Work location: Ingham Health Service

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 teams 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.

Capital works update

JCU parking option extended for staff

Townsville University Hospital (TUH) staff can continue to park at James Cook University’s (JCU) Veterinary Science car park until the end of the year.

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and JCU have agreed to make 135 spaces available for hospital staff to help with easing parking congestion.

Executive director infrastructure program delivery Stuart Garantziotis said the additional time would allow key HHS stakeholders to plan and develop the future car parking strategy.

“We are in the process of engaging an engineering consultancy to formulate a comprehensive car parking strategy to meet future demand onsite, which will include identification of opportunities that may be available to expand car parking capacity within current areas,” Stuart said.

“TUH will see significant staff growth over the next five years, so this car parking strategy is vital to making sure we can maintain as much capacity onsite for our staff and patients/ consumers.

“Key internal stakeholders have been working together closely to ensure there are as many parking spaces available as the hospital goes through all the stages of construction and expansion.

“A working group has been operational for some time, with representation from key internal stakeholders as well as consumer and union representatives.

“We have to extend our sincere thanks to campus management at JCU for working with us and making the space available for our staff so they can continue to deliver frontline healthcare to the community.”

Staff who have been using the veterinary science car park can continue to use and display their current permits.

Any staff who wanted to use the car park and haven’t before, including new staff, will need to get a permit from health security department administration at the hospital.

Access is via Solander Road and parking spaces are towards the back of the car park. A shuttle bus service will not be provided.

For any inquiries, please contact: TTHCampusOperations@health.qld.gov.au

More information about parking at TUH can be found on QHEPS: https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/tville/district_ info/parking-at-the-townsville-hospital

Executive director infrastructure program delivery Stuart Garantziotis

Recipe of the week

Cottage pie

supplied by TUH dietitians

Laugh of the week

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP OLIVE OIL

• 1 BROWN ONION, CHOPPED

• 2 GARLIC CLOVES, CRUSHED

• 1 LARGE CARROT, PEELED AND DICED

• 2 STALKS CELERY, DICED

• 2 TBSP TOMATO PASTE

• 500G LEAN BEEF MINCE

• 800G DICED TOMATOES

• 2 TSP OREGANO

• 1 VEGETABLE STOCK CUBE

• ½ CUP WATER

• BLACK PEPPER TO TASTE

• 400G GREEN BEANS

• 700G POTATOES, PEELED AND CHOPPED

• ½ CUP MILK

• 2 TSP OLIVE OIL

Method

1. Heat oil in a large, deep frying pan. Add onion, garlic, carrot and celery and cook over a medium-high heat, stirring often for 8 minutes. Add tomato paste. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Increase heat to high, add the mince and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up for 5 minutes, or until the mince changes colour.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, stock cube and water. Season with pepper and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered a further 5-10 minutes, or until sauce has reduced and thickened. Taste and season with more pepper, if needed.

3. For the potato mash, place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water. Cover with lid and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and gently boil for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well then return to the hot pan. Mash well. Add milk and beat until smooth. Season with pepper.

4. Preheat oven to 220 °C. Spoon the meat sauce into one, 6-cup capacity ovenproof dish, or four 1 ½ - cup capacity ovenproof dishes. Top with mashed potato. Brush with olive oil. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until piping hot. Serve with steamed beans.

Tips:

• Great family friendly meal.

• Can swap mince out for mixed beans or lentils to cater for vegetarian diets.

• Good source of iron and protein.

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2023 Jayco Eagle Outback camper trailer, as new condition. Sleeps up to 6, Dometic air conditioning, 3-way Dometic fridge/ freezer, bed end fly, Fiama awning, 4 burner gas cook top (never used). Still under original warranty, serviced as per log book, travelled <3000km. $35000 neg. Message 0402738263. (7/6)

Seeking a registered Car or moped to rent or buy until mid August. Please call 0404191454(7/6)

Looking for a share ride (happy to contribute to fuel) from Henry Street, West end to Hospital/CPU Monday – Friday office hours . Please call 44331092 (7/6)

Old genuine solid Baltic Pine handmade bedroom wardrobe. Extremely difficult to find this quality. Would suit a Queenslander or homestead. Wardrobe has 5 doors with different arrangements in each to suit a wide range of clothes. (2200Hx570Dx3000W). Base with skirting boards and top architrave. Negotiable Mick 0417608211 (7/6)

Pair of Yokohama 4 wheel drive tyres. 2nd hand with very good tread and in excellent condition. 265/65R17 112H. (Cost over $300 each new). Sell both together for $100. Mick 0417608211 (7/6)

2018 Mazda 3 BN. 2L petrol, 6-speed automatic transmission.Alloy wheels, six-speaker stereo, bluetooth, reversing camera, cruise control. 116K Full service history. Rego 12/24 + RWC Price reduction $16.5K ono. Ph 0410426239 (7/6)

INSIGHT Upright Stationery bike in very good condition. It has transportation wheels, 150kg capacity, water bottle holder, 9 x pre-set programs, contact heart rate monitor, easy seat adjustment and a comfortable seat. $600.00. Call Karin on 0447 482 121.(26/4)

FOR RENT

Short-term accommodation available in Mundingburra. 1 bedroom self-contained unit, fully furnished including WiFi / Electricity. Located in a secure gated complex. Photos available on request. Please contact 0419 664 534 for further information.(26/4)

A lovely house in North Ward is avalible. It is a located in a very nice spot. Walking distance to Strand. Very suitable for young families. https://www.realestate.com.au/ property-house-qld-north+ward-439085364 (26/4)

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