blah blah blah
‘Founding father’ of endocrinology service retires
More than 40 years after establishing north Queensland’s endocrinology service, Dr Yong Mong Tan is hanging up his stethoscope
Story on Page 3
Dear colleagues,
Conversations with Stephen
I’m now into my second week acting for Kieran as HSCE. It’s always a good opportunity to gain an insight into the broader system issues and work with Department of Health colleagues to highlight the great work undertaken by the Townsville HHS team. Thank you to Ann Marie Mallet who has been acting in my role as Chief Operating Officer.
Last week, I attended a meeting between our Board, led by Chair Tony Mooney, and the Board of Mater and its Chair Patrick Brady. The meeting focussed on our collaboration and ways that we can continue to work together to reduce elective surgery waits and build on the city’s clinical workforce. As we all know, health services across Australia are experiencing increasing demand driven by a growing and ageing population and a higher burden of chronic disease. We discussed the opportunities to maximise the use of our shared facilities to do more elective and emergency work and brainstormed ways to create opportunities for a shared clinical workforce. A $3.3 million joint investment between the Townsville HHS and Mater in 2021 in a surgical-assist robot is enabling surgeons to continue to perform high-precision, minimally invasive surgeries, including hysterectomies and pelvic reconstructions, as well as surgeries for bowel and prostate cancer. To date, more than 960 surgeries have been performed.
Yesterday we came together for R U OK? Day, a national day that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others. The wellness team at Townsville University Hospital offered a ‘sweet start’ to the day at the front entrance to help spark a conversation. In addition to online resources, staff can access counselling and support via our Employee Assistance Program.
This week I attended the DG-HSCE forum, and it was an ideal opportunity to hear of the similar challenges other HHSs are experiencing while acknowledging the significant work that staff across Queensland Health are undertaking. Important topics were covered, including access to care, First Nations health, and occupational violence. Along with the executive team, I’m committed to providing regular updates in relation to these matters.
Next Thursday, our HHS is hosting the second Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff forum. The forum carries on from the success of the inaugural event held earlier this year and is about championing resilience. It is a great opportunity for our First Nations employees across all health areas, professions and sites, to engage in important conversations, gain insights, and contribute to the collective goal of meaningful change and true health equity for our workforce and community. Contact the Indigenous Health Service Division for more information
I’m looking forward to next Friday’s thank-you BBQ at Townsville University Hospital and to similar events across the HHS over the coming weeks. It’s a great opportunity for staff to gather with colleagues to grab a bite and have a chat. It’s also an opportunity for the leadership team to get out and about and spend time with the individuals and teams who do such great work for our communities. A huge thank you to the teams in the kitchen, BEMS, and public affairs who manage the mammoth logistics of this annual event.
Speaking of annual events, it’s formal season. For those of you, like me, who have a child graduating from Year 12, congratulations! I’ll admit to some misgivings; while I’m thrilled to see my daughter on the cusp of her adult life, there’s a dull ache for the end of her childhood. To all the parents out there, savour this special time.
Kieran will be back for the BBQ edition of the blah; I have a feeling he will enjoy writing that column.
Stephen Eaton Acting Health Service Chief Executive
Back L-R: Georgina Whelan, Gerard Houlihan, Stephen Eaton, Chris Townend, Dr Erin Waters, Dr John Rivers, Graham Pattel, Dr Peter Steer, Professor Kunwarjit Sangala
Front L-R: Luke Guazzo, Virginia Ryan, Tony Mooney, Patrick Brady, Michelle Morton, Steven Rubic
‘Founding
father’ of endocrinology services in north Queensland retires after a lifetime in healthcare
More than four decades after he established endocrinology services in north Queensland, Dr Yong Mong Tan is farewelling Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
The beloved endocrinologist leaves behind an enduring legacy, having also founded the region’s multidisciplinary diabetes and endocrinology pregnancy clinic, as well as a diabetes foot clinic – both of which have transformed the lives of thousands of north Queenslanders.
Dr Tan said the decision to retire came with mixed emotions.
“Retirement brings both a sense of sadness and relief; sadness that I am leaving my colleagues and friends and saying goodbye to my lifelong career, but also relief as I look forward to a more relaxed pace in life,” he said.
Dr Tan’s illustrious career in medicine in Australia began in 1977 when he arrived in Townsville with his wife Jennifer as resident medical officers at the Townsville General Hospital, having graduated from the University of Singapore Medical School.
“It was a bit of a cultural shock when we first arrived in Townsville; coming from a large city in Singapore, Townsville looked a bit like a small village, but we very quickly felt at home at the hospital.”
Dr Tan and his wife eventually left Townsville so he could complete his basic physician and advanced endocrinology training.
In 1983-1984, while working as an endocrinology advanced trainee in Adelaide, Dr Tan received an offer to return to north Queensland.
“The secretary of the Endocrine Society of Australia rang me one day and said Townsville needed an endocrinologist,” he said.
Dr Tan embraced the opportunity, becoming Queensland’s first registered endocrinologist based outside of Brisbane.
Continued on page four...
Dr Yong Mong Tan
“When I returned to Townsville, I was very busy consulting and treating patients from north Queensland, and it wasn’t unusual to work until 9pm in those days,” he said.
Over the next 40 years, Dr Tan helped grow and mature Townsville’s endocrinology and diabetes department into a much sought-after posting for advanced trainees in endocrinology.
“The highlight of my career has certainly been starting endocrine services in the region, as well as starting our multidisciplinary diabetes and endocrine in pregnancy antenatal clinic and the high-risk diabetes foot clinic so that we can address the special needs of these patients.”
Dr Tan also acknowledged the many friendships he formed throughout his career.
“I’m very thankful to my colleagues, particularly the current department director Dr Usman Malabu, and, of course, Professor Kunwarjit Sangla,” he said.
“To coincide with my retirement, Professor Sangla has graciously arranged for me to present my life story to my peers at an upcoming Medical Grand Round, which is a great honour.
“I’m very pleased to be leaving at a time when the endocrinology team is stronger than ever – it’s one big, happy family.”
Medical service group clinical director Professor Kunwarjit Sangla has helped carry on Dr Tan’s legacy, overseeing a major expansion of endocrinology services in Townsville.
“Dr Tan is a teacher, researcher, an astute clinician, and a wonderful human being,” Professor Sangla said.
“His contribution over the years to the people of north Queensland needs to be acknowledged and applauded, and I wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Women’s and children’s service group director Vicki Carson praised Dr Tan for his leadership in diabetes and endocrine care for pregnant women in the region.
“My colleagues and I have the utmost respect for Dr Tan’s clinical knowledge and skills and absolutely loved working with him because he is such a humble, kind and generous man,” Vicki said.
Dr Tan said he planned to remain in Townsville during his retirement, with his daughter, Joanne, currently working as a senior staff specialist in the hospital’s Medical Oncology Department.
Dr Yong Mong Tan started out as a resident medical officer at the Townsville General Hospital in 1977
Cutting-edge microscope a game changer for neurosurgery patient
When Susan Barlow was given the shock diagnoses of two brain tumours, she assumed she would need to travel to Brisbane to receive life-saving treatment, but with the help of a brand-new $1.2 million operating microscope at Townsville University Hospital, she was able to stay with her family and witness the birth of her grandchild.
“I was having bad headaches and stabbing pains that I thought were just related to stress from work,” Susan said.
“My husband insisted I get checked to ‘make sure it wasn’t a brain tumour’ and then it turned out to be a serious situation and a quick turnaround to go into surgery.”
Susan was rushed into surgery where her surgeon used the new microscope to remove two brain tumours located in tricky spots.
Susan’s neurosurgeon Dr Jolyn Khoo said although Susan’s case was unique, the surgery was a success with the help of the advanced features of the microscope.
“Susan had two tumours around the cerebellum that were very close together but were still separate lesions, which is quite rare,” Jolyn said.
“We were able to remove the smaller tumour through the cavity of the larger tumour thanks to the optics and features of the new microscope, and with both tumours successfully removed, we could send Susan home to her family.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service director of neurosurgery Dr Eric Guazzo said this piece of technology was a game changer for neurosurgery patients like Susan.
“The Zeiss Kinevo microscope hosts a whole range of new complex applications and possibilities in microsurgery on the brain and spine,” Eric said.
“This includes GPS navigation, advanced optics, automatic self-focus, blood vessel interoperative testing, and special dye application for the discovery of tumours.
With more than 800 neurosurgery patients treated at Townsville University Hospital every year, Eric said the new microscope would improve patient outcomes.
Susan said despite everything happening so quickly she was grateful to have access to advanced care close to home.
“I am so grateful that I was able to have this surgery in Townsville and have such a successful outcome without needing to travel to another hospital away from my family,” she said.
“This was especially valuable with the birth of my granddaughter being so close to my surgery date.
“That is something I could not and would not miss.
“I honestly didn’t think I was sick, but the experience has shown me on a very personal level just how crucial it is to have advanced equipment available locally so that people like me can stay with their families in such a scary time.”
Dr Jolyn Khoo and Susan Barlow
Adolescent day program a finalist in Queensland Mental Health Week Awards
A Townsville HHS adolescent day program delivering ground-breaking intensive group, individual, family, and school-based intervention for vulnerable high school students is a finalist in the Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards.
Operating from the Josephine Sailor Adolescent Inpatient Unit and Day Service, the program’s young consumers have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and psychosis, representing major barriers to their engagement with education.
Clinical lead Kimberley Trainor said young people were typically engaged in the day program for up to three school terms, taking the lead on their own care focussing on goal setting, physical and mental wellbeing, social inclusion, and self-esteem.
“Adolescents entering the program are often experiencing social isolation, withdrawal, and high anxiety leading to significant functional impairment,” she said.
In the past two years, the intensive program has catered for 47 outpatients with high levels of clinical and social complexity.
Completing the program can take up to nine months of intensive care per adolescent.
Kimberley said 27 adolescents had successfully completed their transition back into school, three had successfully transitioned into a vocational pathway, three were currently being supported in their school environments, and nine were currently in the active phase of the day program.
“Our team works tirelessly to build mutual trust, to deliver engaging and relatable therapies, and celebrate success,” she said.
Kimberley said the program’s physical environment was key to success.
“The area has been purposefully designed with flexible seating and desk options, access to quiet spaces and equipment for sensory modulation,” she said.
“There are spaces where young people can safely go if they are feeling overwhelmed during a class, including a gym, basketball hoop, grassed area, and a sensory room codesigned with the young people to help them self-regulate.”
Acting health service chief executive Stephen Eaton said he was ‘immensely proud’ of the team’s work and its success in making the finals.
“The team is doing wonderful work in turning young people’s lives around and I wish them every success in the upcoming awards,” he said.
Hosted by Open Minds, the awards will be held on 11 October at the Brisbane Convention Centre during Queensland Mental Health Week.
Good luck, team!
Adolescent day program’s clinical lead Kimberley Trainor (front), Kate Laffey, Dr Manish Khanna, Carole Ogilvie, Kylie Smith, Carlea Jackson and Elizabeth Morris
One-hundred years a cause to celebrate
The roaring 20s were revived last month at Parklands Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) as resident Ernie Ryle celebrated his 100th birthday.
Parklands Residential Aged Care Facility director of nursing Angela Stewart said the celebration was a 20s themed party in honour of the decade of Ernie’s birth.
“Ernie is the first male resident to reach the remarkable milestone of 100 and the residents and staff were all too happy to celebrate him,” she said.
“This was an incredibly special occasion for Ernie with his 97-year-old sister, Dot, and his family surprising him by attending the party.
“We had Ernie’s favourite finger foods, birthday cake, live music, and lots of dancing.
“Ernie is a sociable resident; he plays bingo, attends BBQs and dinner parties and gets enjoyment from discussing current affairs, walking outdoors and bird watching.”
Ernie’s daughter, Coralee Jopling, said she was delighted at the effort made by Parklands RACF for her father’s birthday.
“It was mind-blowing, he thoroughly enjoyed his party,” she said.
“Parklands made sure the party was inclusive of family members and visitors from out of town.
“He was so enthralled to have his sister there and got on the dancefloor and didn’t stop dancing for about an hourand-a-half.
“He’s living the dream at the moment and loves looking at the photos from his party.
“He’s also very proud of the letters he got from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the King and Queen for his birthday.”
Coralee said it was no surprise that Ernie, who was born in Herberton, before moving to Mareeba and then to Townsville, had reached his 100th birthday.
“Dad was always a walker, a golfer and a dancer and always had a garden where he grew his own cucumbers and lettuce, so he and my mum were healthy people,” she said.
“Longevity is strong in my dad’s family; his mother lived until just before her 105th birthday so to reach this age was certainly in his genes.”
Coralee said she couldn’t ask for more in the care of her father.
“Dad has been beautifully looked after by the team at Parklands,” she said.
“They also cared for my mum until she died in 2019.”
Parklands Residential Aged Care Facility resident Ernie Ryle
Meaghan muscles up for powerlifting comp
Mental health service group director Meaghan Trovato is certainly raising the bar as she prepares to head to South Africa to compete in the World Classic and Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championship.
Powerlifting is a demanding sport revolving around three fundamental lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
At the June championships in Newcastle, Meaghan not only achieved personal bests in all three lifts but also scored national records.
“I benched 85 kilos and squatted 135 kilos which were both national records, and my deadlift was 162.5 kilos, a personal best,” Meaghan said.
“I also achieved a national total record.”
Meaghan said the Newcastle competition was intense, particularly as the win came down to the last lift.
“It was a nail-biting competition, but I managed to secure a win in the final lift,” she said.
“I’m now getting ready for the Masters Powerlifting Championship in Sun City South Africa in October.
“The Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships are being held at the same time, so it’s an exciting trip,” she said.
Meaghan’s passion for powerlifting began about seven years ago.
“I had a personal trainer who suggested I try something competitive that could ignite my passion,” she said.
Meaghan said powerlifting was about more than just physical strength.
“It’s a sense of achievement and growth as you get stronger and not only leads to physical benefits, but is also incredible for mental and emotional wellbeing,” she said.
“For women in their 40s and beyond, powerlifting is great for bone density and preventing chronic diseases like osteoporosis.
“It’s also a fantastic way to de-stress, disconnect from work and step into a different world to decompress.”
Mental health administration officer Nick Richter works with Meaghan and said, as a powerlifter himself, Meaghan’s dedication to the sport was inspiring.
“Seeing how hard she works managing a very intensive sport while being a mother of three, a wife, and a service group director is inspiring to say the least,” Nick said.
Nick said sharing a mutual hobby with a colleague in what is a niche and growing sport was special.
“Powerlifting is like my rock; it gives me goals to strive for and teaches a lot of lessons which I apply to the rest of my life,” he said.
“Having a colleague with a shared hobby and passion is a great way to feel connected to life outside of work.”
Good luck, Meaghan!
Meaghan Trovato is going for gold at the powerlifting championships in South Africa next month
Colin’s mail trolley continues to impress
In yet another feat of design genius, Townsville University Hospital mailroom administration officer Colin Paine has revealed his latest mail trolley, this time emulating an ambulance.
Colin said he started the project in mid-June and used a new level of creativity and attention to detail for the design.
“I took heaps of photos of an ambulance at the front of the hospital to ensure the small details created were mirrored on my trolley,” he said.
“I spent countless hours searching the internet for images, craft supplies and lights to help complete the project.
“I love using bright colours and lights to add extra elements to the design; the main blue and red lights on top were made using a simple flashing circuit and LED strip lights from Jaycar covered in coloured cellophane.
“For the lights at the front of the trolley I used Jibbitz, small lights designed to be added onto Crocs; they served perfectly for lights on my trolley.
“I also used a higher-voltage rechargeable battery to power the ambulance lights because the AA batteries I used on previous designs weren’t cutting it.”
Colin said the inspiration behind the design was simply to create something that was appropriate throughout the course of the year.
“A lot of my trolley designs align with certain celebrations such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter,” he said.
“An ambulance is something I can use throughout the year to spruce up what would otherwise be a boring mail trolley.”
Townsville University Hospital mailroom administration officer Colin Paine with his latest trolley design
TUH doctors gain pain certification
Two Townsville University Hospital doctors have become certified specialists in pain management.
Dr Nitinkumar (Nitin) Chaudhary and Dr Parul Sareen have been awarded fellowships of the faculty of pain medicine by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
Nitin said it was a tough and time-consuming two-year process to gain the certification.
“This is a big achievement for myself and my family who have had to sacrifice so much over the last couple of years,” Nitin said.
“This was an area I wanted to work in after working as a GP and seeing the impact chronic pain has on people.
“I wanted to help them and give them back some quality of life to gain independence to work and have a social life.”
Parul said she was keen to give back and help people across north Queensland suffering from pain.
“Hospital and health services are seeing more instances of people suffering from chronic pain,” Parul said.
“Close to
three and a half million Australians are suffering from chronic pain and nearly 70 per cent of people living with chronic pain are of a working age.
“Untreated chronic pain not only has an impact on someone’s health and social life, but also their ability to work.
“People who are in pain aren’t able to work to their full capacity, which then places a huge financial burden on themselves and their family.”
Parul said chronic pain was a complex and debilitating condition with not enough recognition across the country.
“We know a lot about conditions like hypertension and diabetes, but there is still a lack of awareness about chronic pain and how to manage it,” she said.
“I hope through gaining this certification I can help inform people about pain and the options they have if they’re suffering from it.
“Even something as small as validating and recognising someone is in pain is a big step towards getting them the support they need.”
Dr Nitinkumar Chaudhary and Dr Parul Sareen have been certified pain medicine specialists
Amanda goes bold for mental health this Liptember
Paediatric unit patient services officer Amanda Bell is turning heads this month, sporting lipsticks in every colour of the rainbow to fundraise for Liptember.
Held during September, Liptember is about raising awareness and encouraging conversations about women’s mental health.
Having experienced mental health challenges in her own life, Amanda said she understood the importance of mental health support for women.
“I have a personal connection to the cause and combined with my experience working in the paediatric unit, I was determined to create my own fundraiser this Liptember,” Amanda said.
“Working every day in a space where we support parents, more often women, and their children, it’s easy to see how mental health affects more women than people realise.
“So many women, especially mums, can often feel the pressure to be superwoman.
“Liptember really spoke to me because the charity doesn’t just spark conversations about mental health but does the full scope of work, investing in practical supports, programs, and research.
“On top of that, I love colour, and the month is all about wearing different coloured lipstick, to stand out on purpose.
“Wearing bold lipstick colours like bright blue, neon pink, and electric green is not just fun, it’s a great conversation starter whether I’m at the shops or a parentteacher interview.”
Amanda was also the founder of the online community Townsville Family Life as well as being a long-time member of Rotary Club of Townsville Saints.
“I’ve found when people feel connected to their community, the positive impact on their mental health is huge,” she said.
“My goal for this Liptember is not only to raise funds but also to foster a greater understanding of mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding them.”
Keep an eye out for Amanda’s dazzling lipstick colours around the hospital this month and scan the QR code to donate.
Amanda is hoping her colourful lipstick will encourage conversations about women’s mental health
Empowering enrolled nurses through transitional training
A recently launched Enrolled Nurse Transition Package at Townsville University Hospital is a significant step forward in supporting new enrolled nurses (EN).
The Enrolled Nurse Transition Package comprises six modules that cover essential topics including diabetes, pressure injury prevention, infection control, medication calculation, time management and prioritisation, and physical assessment.
Nurse educator Paula Pianta said the program was developed to ensure new ENs felt fully supported on the clinical floor.
“The program was introduced to bridge education gaps and provide a structured learning path,” Paula said.
“The training is hosted on learning online (LOL) and allows ENs to engage with the material at their own pace.
“It typically takes between six to 12 months to complete.
“Upon finishing the program, ENs receive a certificate that not only acknowledges their achievement but also enhances their professional portfolio.”
Line managers are strongly encouraged to enrol their staff into the program.
“By signing up their ENs, managers can contribute to increased knowledge and competence within their teams,” Paula said.
“The program also helps foster a sense of value and inclusion among ENs to strengthen overall team culture.”
Executive director nursing and midwifery Judy Morton said the Enrolled Nurse Transition Package would act as a key support for the ongoing education of enrolled nurses.
“Enrolled nurses are a vital part of our nursing teams both now and into the future,” Judy said.
“It is key that we support ENs joining our clinical teams and foster their
ongoing education as they enter our services and take care of our patients.”
Jane Murphy, Kristy-Lee Love, and Bridgette Tyrrell
THANK YOU
Join us to celebrate Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s outstanding performance in the 2023-2024 financial year.
North Ward Health Campus | 18 September | 12noon
Cleveland Youth Detention Centre | 20 September | 12noon
Kirwan Health Campus | 24 September | 12.30pm
Public Health Unit | 26 September | 12noon
Ayr Health Service | 27 September | 12noon
Home Hill Health Service | 27 September | 2.30pm
Magnetic Island Health Service | 27 September | 3.00pm
Joyce Palmer Health Service | 14 October | 11.00am
Parklands Aged Care Facility | 16 October | 10.30am
Vincent Cambridge Health Campus | 16 October | 12noon
Vincent Palmerston Health Campus | 16 October | 12noon
Charters Towers Health Service | 18 October | 12noon
Townsville Correctional Centre | 18 October | 12noon
Ingham Health Service | 22 October | 12noon
Hughenden Health Service | 23 October | 10.00am
Richmond Health Service | 23 October | 12noon
Eventide Aged Care Facility | 6 November | 1.00pm
Food services prepared for thank-you feast
Spotlight on allied health excellence
The ‘steaks’ couldn’t be higher for the food services team as they prepare for one of the most cherished events on the Townsville Hospital and Health Service calendar.
The food services team has finalised the food order for next Friday’s Thank You BBQ at Townsville University Hospital.
More than 100kg of steaks, 80kg of sausages, 150kg of salad, 50kg of onions, 700 bread rolls, and 65 loaves of bread will be served to hundreds of hungry hospital employees.
Food services assistant manager of operations Alec Stevens said they were fully prepared for barbecue.
“This isn’t our first barbecue and the only snag we hope to see are the ones being flipped on the grill,” Alec said.
“We have sourced all the food from local suppliers, and it should arrive late next week for our team to prepare it ready to be cooked and served.
“We know how loved this event is by everyone at TUH as a thank you for all the hard work everyone does providing health care to people in north Queensland.”
The role allied health professionals play in improving patient experience was highlighted at the Allied Health Showcase and Awards yesterday.
Executive director of allied health Danielle Hornsby said it was an opportunity to share initiatives with a focus on enhancing the experience of patients in hospital.
“I’m always so impressed to hear about work that so clearly captures the dedication of allied health clinicians to deliver care that is person-centred with a view to improving people’s quality of life,” she said.
Danielle said the quality of the nominations was extremely high, but only two winners could be selected.
“Tegan Olsen’s project Minimising Paediatric Procedural trauma was our first winner and focuses on helping children cope with procedures required as part of their treatment, but in a way that aligns with their developmental stage and epitomises improving the patient experience,” she said.
“The Eat Walk Engage Multi-Professional Assistants were also announced as winners for providing critical care with a focus on prevention of delirium and functional decline in some of our older and often vulnerable patients.
“Congratulations to all for their important work.”
Nancy Henden and David Casey
Allied health award winners senior paediatric occupational therapist Tegan Olsen and Eat Walk Engage multi-professional assistant Moana Taniwha
am - pm
Wellbeing team baking a difference with R U Ok? Day biscuits
It was a sweet way to start a conversation for patients, visitors, and staff at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) yesterday as biscuits were handed out for R U Ok? Day.
Held on the second Thursday of September, R U Ok? Day is the national day which encourages people to stay connected and have conversations which can help others through difficult times.
Wellness coordinator Toni-Marie Webb said the Wellbeing@ THHS team was greeting people with a sweet treat and flyer to help spark the question, are you ok?
“A conversation could change a life and the day was about raising that awareness to check in with your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances to see how they’re going,” Toni-Marie said.
“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Queensland, particularly among young people.
“We don’t know what life pressures people are going through and how they are feeling.
“That’s why R U Ok? Day is important, because it raises the awareness about asking how people are doing, the importance of listening to them, encouraging them to act, and checking in on them.
“It’s through having open and honest conversations with others we can identify the warning signs, offer support, reduce isolation, and create a supportive environment.”
The Wellbeing@THHS team was hard to miss in their bright yellow shirts as they went around the TUH campus to talk with people and hand out free biscuits.
Toni-Marie said it was important to continue the conversation all-year round.
“Yesterday was about raising awareness to have those conversations with people and ask them how they are, and it’s important we ask people if they’re ok on any day,” she said.
“Starting those conversations can be quite difficult and that is why the Wellbeing@THHS team has resources and support available to help people.
“There are also a lot of free resources available on the R U OK? Day website, including conversation guides and conversation flowcharts.
“Our employee assistance program is also available and free for anyone who needs help.”
For help and support:
Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s employee assistance program
o Search EAP on QHEPS
o Call 1800 604 640
Lifeline Australia
o www.lifeline.org.au
o Call 13 11 14
o Text 0477 13 11 14
Beyond Blue Support Service
o www.beyondblue.org.au
o Call 1300 22 46 36
Toni-Marie Webb, Gaylene Wynne, Amy Frame, and Jo Hawkins
“We thought the service was outstanding – The VAD administration team and doctors were fantastic to work with and everything about VAD was explained clearly and delivered in a very compassionate manner.”
VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING SERVICE
The staff incredible.are Very friendly, professional, understanding, but above all, very caring.
“I was very happy with the care I received. The staff were wonderful and attentive.”
PHYSIOTHERAPY
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
A Brighter Note...
Brain Buggy: a new trolley brightening hospital stays
In a pioneering effort to improve care for older patients in hospital, the Eat Walk Engage team has introduced an innovative program on surgical wards one and two.
Dubbed the “Brain Buggy,” this special trolley brings a variety of activities, books, and magazines directly to patients’ bedsides, aiming to enrich their hospital experience and support their recovery.
Eat Walk Engage is an initiative dedicated to enhancing care for elderly patients and has rolled out this new feature to address key challenges faced by older individuals in hospital settings.
Eat Walk Engage facilitator Lindsay Parkes said the buggy helped patients with boredom and loneliness while they were recovering in hospital.
“It’s stocked with a range of engaging activities tailored to keep patients mentally stimulated and entertained, including craft materials, origami kits, puzzles, colouring books, and a selection of books and magazines,” Lindsay said.
“The goal is to provide a diverse range of options that cater to different interests and abilities, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience.”
The trolley was supported through a funding application with Brighter Lives and stocked with items donated or sourced through the Eat Walk Engage staff.
A vital component of the Brain Buggy’s operation is the dedicated volunteers from Brighter Lives.
Volunteers generously give their time to staff the Brain Buggy, ensuring patients have access to and support with the various activities.
“We are so grateful for the volunteers who give up their time to take the Brain Buggy around the wards and spend time with the patients,” Lindsay said.
“Everything has gone so well, and we are very much hoping to bring the Brain Buggy to more wards following this trial.”
The positive feedback from patients and staff has been very positive.
If you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more about opportunities within the hospital, please contact Brighter Lives or visit their volunteer page
From Left to Right: Rachel McMahon, Poonam Chandra, Lindsay Parkes, Moana Taniwha, Bev Doidge, Tyson Czinege
Capital works update
Works currently underway
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 - $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
Project: Kirwan Health Community Campus expansion - $40 million
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Works on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Got questions?
Project: TUH Stage 1 expansion project - $530 million
Work location: helipad and surrounding areas including eastern campus for temporary helipad location
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
Wholemeal fruit cake supplied by TUH dietitians
Laugh of the blah
Serves: 18
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 80 mins
Ingredients:
• 375g mixed dried fruit
• 1 cup dates, chopped
• 405ml apricot nectar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 small apple, peeled and grated
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/3 cup wholemeal plain flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 cup ground almonds
• ½ cup sliced almonds
Method:
1. Grease a 20 cm round x 7 cm deep round cake pan. Line base and sides with two layers of baking paper.
2. Combine mixed dried fruit, dates and nectar in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil. Gently boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Cool 45 minutes.
3. Stir in honey, apple, and eggs until combined.
4. Sift flour, spices, and soda over fruit mixture, then add any husks remaining in sieve to the bowl. Add almond meal. Stir until well combined. Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Smooth over top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
5. Bake in a 150 °C oven (fan-forced) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cake is cooked in centre when tested with a skewer. Cover top with a piece of baking paper. Wrap cake (still in pan) in a clean tea towel. Cool completely before turning out. Transfer to an airtight container.
Hot tips:
• Cake will keep for 1 week stored in an airtight container in a cool place, or up to 1 month in the fridge. Refrigerate in hot water.
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