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Charters Towers marks milestone anniversary
After 140 years, Charters Towers Hospital has continued to service the gold city. Story on Page 3
Dear colleagues,
As another fortnight draws to a close, there’s a lot to reflect on. We remain in an incredibly challenging, and somewhat intractable, situation regarding patients that no longer require acute care in our facilities. This is not isolated to TUH and certainly in my visit to Ayr and Home Hill their current challenges were highlighted. I don’t hold the view that this is the ‘new normal’ and there is a lot of work happening to identify solutions, including finding more interim care beds, improving our use of the Transition Care Program, a commonwealthfunded program to support discharge for patients over 65 and allowing for supports for up to 12 weeks, and embedding a new Geriatric Evaluation and Management Hospital in the Home model. Strategically, our approach has to be about finding different ways of delivering care rather than thinking we will succeed by doing what we’ve always done just a little faster or better.
This fortnight I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Education Day and it was heartening (perhaps a bad dad joke) to see so many professionals in the room and online. RHD disproportionately affects our First Nations community and there isn’t a single test that we use to detect ARF, which if left untreated leads to RHD. That’s why it’s so important we have a culturally accessible service for our community. Our team has been busy doing exactly that across a range of initiatives including home visiting as well as providing support to improve access to outpatient services. While this is a particular strategy relating to a particular condition, I’m interested to see what lessons from this approach might apply to other services that we provide.
In a much welcome quinella for me as a former cardiac nurse, I also had the chance this week to attend our inaugural Heart Kids Community Day. This was billed as an opportunity to showcase the care provided to local heart kids from the diverse range of amazing clinicians we have. Well, what a showcase it turned out to be! The foyer of the RDA was filled with a range of stalls showcasing everything from health equity to paediatric ICU retrievals to the opportunity to practise inserting nasogastric tubes. The organisers were expecting about 50 people to register and were pleasantly surprised to have over 150 people attend, the majority of which were families of heart kids. Congratulations to everyone involved not only in the event, but for delivering another example of world-class healthcare in north Queensland. Here’s to the relentless pursuit of excellence, Dr Rosh!
As I mentioned I was in the Burdekin last week for the August Board meeting. We met at the Council chambers which provided us an opportunity to meet with the new Mayor of the Burdekin. Afterwards the Board toured Ayr and Home Hill Hospitals (the collective noun being Burdekin University Hospital). It was good to be able to see the location for a CT in the Ayr Hospital, noting we are one of five high-priority sites across Queensland progressing through a business case process. During the meeting, the Board approved the re-tender of the CT and medical imaging upgrade for Charters Towers Hospital. I am looking forward to being able to confirm the successful outcome of the tender and, also, the timeline for delivery.
While on Charters Towers, the Chair and I were pleased to join the community for the celebration of 140 years for the Charters Towers Hospital last Friday. Katrina Ford and her team organised the most wonderful celebration. When you think that in 1884 there was the first telephone connection between Sydney and Melbourne and the Eiffel Tower was first presented to the United States of America in Paris, it’s a little surreal to think we are still delivering health services from a building opened in that year. It was especially nice to meet many of our former staff and patients at the celebration and I know many of the community were very proud of our Ume Koola trainee, Daisha Johnson, who delivered a very thoughtful Welcome to Country. Congratulations to everyone involved in this event as well as those behind the organisation of the commemorative t-shirt (I still want to buy one).
The other positive for me out of the visit to Charters Towers was the opportunity to pop in to see the team at Eventide and also the Charters Towers Rehabilitation Unit (CTRU). I had the chance to walk through Eventide and chat with some residents and also some visiting family members along with some staff. Renee and our team in Eventide do a great job not only providing care, but also in engaging with residents and their families. I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with members of our team at CTRU. As I said to Dan Ay, our DON, this was the first time I have ever been to CTRU where I’ve been told we are fully staffed (or thereabouts). So, congratulations to everyone involved in collaborating to create a great culture.
Until next time.
Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive
Charters Towers marks milestone anniversary
Officially opened during the peak of the gold rush era, the original and still operational Gill Street Charters Towers Hospital (now health service) has celebrated 140 years of serving the community.
The hospital was opened on 10 August 1884 at a cost of about £7000 and since then it and the staff have helped to create a legacy of resilience, innovation, and care for gold city residents.
To celebrate the milestone, a morning tea was held at the health service grounds last week attended by current and former patients, staff, and community members.
Charters Towers Health Service’s (CTHS) director of nursing Katrina Ford said it was special to see so many people celebrate the anniversary.
“There have been a lot of memories forged in the corrdiors of the hospital and that can be seen at the turnout at the celebrations,” Katrina said.
“It is one of the oldest operational health buildings in Queensland and today serves as the inpatient ward on the ground floor and a space for community health services on the second floor.
“Since opening in 1884 the hospital, and healthcare in Charters Towers, has continued to adapt and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.
“We can see that with the continual expansions and refurbishments done at the Gill Street health service ground.
“The one thing that has never changed has been the health service’s commitment to delivering compassionate and highquality care to patients.”
Townsville HHS chief executive Kieran Keyes said it was important to celebrate the individuals who had dedicated their time, expertise, and compassion to healthcare in Charters Towers.
“There have been countless nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and support staff who have walked through the corridors of the hospital,” Kieran said.
“The celebration of the hospital is as much a celebration of those people who have made Charters Towers their home and cared for its residents.
“Observing the anniversary is an opportunity to honour the past, celebrate the present and look towards the future.
“The Townsville HHS and CTHS look forward to many more years of serving the people of the Charters Towers region and ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare.”
Clinical nurse Leonie Pardon and Charters Towers Health Service’s director of nursing Katrina Ford
Current and former health service staff came to the morning tea to celebrate the hospital’s 140 year anniversary
Chole leads the way to help survivors of domestic and family violence
A nurse at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) is helping victim survivors of domestic and family violence transition into new lives with dignity and support.
TUH child protection unit clinical nurse Chole Gage has stepped into the role of leader for RizeUp’s Townsville Hub.
RizeUp Australia is a national organisation dedicated to providing essential items and creating safe, personalised spaces to help those who often leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Chole said the organisation stepped in to provide practical support by furnishing homes with everything from pantry items to furniture, ensuring the safety and anonymity of those being supported.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to create these comfortable spaces for those starting fresh after often traumatic circumstances,” Chole said.
The August RizeUp donation drive, led by Chole, was focussed on collecting essential bathroom and toiletry items in preparation for imminent home setups for victim survivors in the Townsville region.
The TUH child protection unit has a proud history of supporting local families in need through various charitable projects.
Chole said there had been a strong community response to past calls for donations.
“The frustration over the state of domestic and family violence in our community drives people to participate in campaigns like this,” she said.
RizeUp Australia chief executive officer Nicolle Edwards said she was excited to see the Townsville community provide support to make a real difference.
“RizeUp is thrilled to be active in Townsville, offering a terrific opportunity for members of the community to join our growing team,” Nicolle said.
“By getting involved, individuals can become a crucial part of the solution for those experiencing domestic and family violence.
“We now have 10 dedicated volunteers in Townsville and are always welcoming more.”
Chole said leading the Townsville Hub as a volunteer, alongside her work at TUH, was incredibly fulfilling and she was already seeing huge support for the cause from the hospital community.
“Community support can make a significant difference in the lives of victim survivors, helping them rebuild their lives,” Chole said.
Townsville residents are encouraged to contribute items for the August donation drive or volunteer their time.
New donations can be dropped off at TUH’s child protection unit until the end of August.
For more information on what to donate contact donate@ rizeup.com.au or for information on how to join the RizeUp team contact volunteer@rizeup.com.au
Back: Leone Lovegrove, Alaina Cawdron, Rebecca Bayfield, Michelle Tipping Front: Chole Gage, Mara Mattocks
Townsville sisters are doing it for Cambodia in healthcare mission
An electrocardiogram (ECG), general medical supplies, and health education resources are some of the items Townsville sisters Sarah and Katherine Glendon will take on their overseas trip.
The Townsville University Hospital employees have volunteered their time with AUS-SSC, a not-for-profit organisation made up volunteer doctors, nurses, and support staff to deliver health clinics in Cambodia.
Sarah is an enrolled nurse and Katherine is a business support officer, and they are on the ground in the Battambang Province next month helping to run free-of-charge general health clinics in several villages.
Katherine said she was responsible for gathering data, greeting people, helping to set up the clinics, and assisting people to fill out their paperwork.
“This is the second year my sister and I have volunteered, and we are both very excited to get back to Cambodia to help out,” Katherine said.
“For more than a week the clinics will travel around to some villages in the province and see hundreds of Cambodians each day.
“These clinics are the only healthcare many of the people receive due to their limited access to health because of distance, economics, and disability.
“We were so touched by the warmth and gratitude of the people we met last year that we wanted to continue to do
everything we could to improve their health and well-being.”
Sarah said she was going to use her expertise as a nurse and tertiary qualifications in health promotion and public health to help treat and educate as many people as possible.
“The education component is an important part of why we are there,” Sarah said.
“For example, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Cambodia, and it is usually quite advanced by the time local women are diagnosed with it.
“Some of the resources I am taking over will help women be able to self-examine to feel for lumps so they can seek out medical help sooner.
“We have also purchased an ECG from fundraising which we will be leaving in Cambodia, and we will be training local health professionals how to use it.”
Sarah said each year they gave free washable menstrual liners to Cambodian women.
“Women’s health is an important concern in any community, and due to a lack of access to products like pads and liners some women are denied the ability to earn, learn and participate during their menstrual cycle,” she said.
“AUS-SSC works with provincial businesses to create reusable liners which we hand out while we are there to help give women that freedom and independence.”
Katherine and Sarah leave for Cambodia on 13 September.
To learn more about the Cambodian health clinics, or to donate, visit aus-ssc-sourcesupportconnect.net
Sisters Katherine and Sarah Glendon will fly out to Cambodia next month to volunteer at health clinics
Brighter Lives welcomes new CEO
Brighter Lives, north Queensland’s oldest, and one of its most beloved, health charities has welcomed a new chief executive – Townsville local Stephanie Naunton.
She recently took up the reins of Brighter Lives at Townsville University Hospital, saying the ‘amazing work’ of the charity was a major drawcard.
“I’m a Townsville girl, this is my community and I absolutely love it,” Stephanie said.
“I’ve been a patient at Townsville University Hospital and what a great opportunity to turn my lifeline into my livelihood.”
Stephanie said she wanted Brighter Lives to be the health charity of choice for north Queensland.
“We’re unique in that we are the oldest health charity in the north and have done much for the patients, staff, and community for more than three decades,” she said.
“How we continue that work, grow, and give back across north Queensland is the focus for the future.”
Stephanie said while Brighter Lives was based at Townsville University Hospital, it was a charity for the whole health service.
“We’re here for the whole region, and we’re also here for all patients and families regardless of where they’re receiving treatment,” she said.
“While we have always had passion for supporting children in hospital, we want to be able to fund all parts of the health service across the continuum of care.”
“North Queenslanders are incredibly generous, and I want to show people the difference this charity is making in their own backyards.
“Every cent we raise or receive stays in the north.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney, who also serves on the Brighter Lives Board, said he was delighted to welcome Stephanie to the role.
“Sitting on both Boards, I have a unique perspective and I know the difference Brighter Lives makes to the everyday care of patients.
“From the volunteer trolley with snacks and magazines to big-ticket items like the children’s burns laser, this charity is a hugely important part of what we do.”
Chief executive Kieran Keyes said Brighter Lives was part of the fabric of the health service.
“Noone wants to be in hospital and Brighter Lives, through their yellow-shirted volunteers and fund-raising efforts, makes the patient experience better,” he said.
Brighter Lives Chair Alicia Fowles said she was looking forward to working with Stephanie and the Board to grow and strengthen the charity.
“This year represents 35 years of helping patients and their families in north Queensland and that’s something to really celebrate as we look forward to our next chapter,” she said.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton
Hub puts best foot forward to improve specialist access for rural Queensland
Long-term lymphoedema sufferer Kay Jones said Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) new community foot care hub was a step in the right direction to address feet-related issues in the bush.
The Charters Towers resident was one of the latest patients to utilise the new healthcare model and said she couldn’t fault the support and expert advice she had received.
“I was hospitalised a few weeks ago because of chronic swelling in my legs and associated sores appearing, and while in hospital I was put into contact with the foot hub team,” Kay said.
“From the first conversation with them I was put at ease and my concerns were listened to. A plan involving a range of allied health professionals was created to reduce the swelling and help manage the condition long term.”
Townsville HHS was one of four health service sites in Queensland to roll out the multidisciplinary foot care teams.
The team started late last year to strengthen access to care for Queenslanders to access a range of healthcare providers about issues relating to foot diseases.
Advanced podiatrist Leigh Ryan said the initiative was primarily a telehealth-based solution to addressing one of the most prominent healthcare issues in rural and remote Queensland.
“The team is made up of clinicians working in endocrinology, dietetics, podiatry, vascular surgery, infectious diseases, and psychology,” Leigh said.
“Diabetes-related foot disease is a leading cause of hospitalisation, amputation, and disability burden in Queensland. It has been shown to be significantly reducible with timely access to quality foot care.
“Access to specialist foot care is not available in most rural and remote areas of Queensland, and this is where these community foot care hubs step in.
“Our team works with doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers as well as patients right across north and north-west Queensland to deliver quality foot care. “
Leigh said the team was already seeing upwards of 60 patients per month.
“That is more than 60 people who would otherwise not have received the help they needed for their foot-related disease,” he said.
“Issues like diabetes are set to continue creating more of a burden on the healthcare sector with current statistics showing more than a thousand Australians are hospitalised every day with a diabetic foot disease, of which 12 will undergo an avoidable amputation.
“Upwards of four Australians will die every day because of diabetic foot disease, and those numbers are only expected to continue climbing.
“While it is only early days for the community foot care hubs, we are starting to see some positive results and we hope this program will continue to deliver more preventable and relevant care to people in rural and remote Queensland.”
Advanced podiatrist Leigh Ryan with telehealth patient Kay Jones
Patients, staff ‘all shook up’ by King’s return
Elvis may have left the building, but beloved Townsville University Hospital enrolled nurse Jeffrey ‘JJ’ Jarrott commemorated the anniversary of the King’s death by crooning some favourites for patients, visitors, and staff.
JJ put on his white bell-bottomed jumpsuit for the 47th anniversary of Elvis’ death on Friday, 16 August.
The Elvis routine is something JJ has been doing at the hospital since 2005 to ‘bring smiles to people’s faces’.
“It’s a privilege to do what we do here and to give someone who’s not feeling so well, or not having a good day, a bit of a lift and see them smile means the world,” he said.
“It’s also about kindness and when you are kind, you get it back in spades.”
JJ is well known to Townsville theatre goers with parts in All Shook Up, West Side Story, Singin’ in the Rain, and, most recently, The Addams Family.
He’s also a legend at TUH where he’s known to spontaneously launch into a song-and-dance routine in the wards to entertain patients and families.
JJ said impersonating the GOAT of rock ‘n roll was a great thrill, and he had no intention of hanging up his blue suede shoes anytime soon.
“I’ll keep doing it as long as it’s making patients happy,” he said.
Chief executive Kieran Keyes said JJ was a guaranteed pick me up for everyone in the hospital.
“Not only is JJ beloved by our patients, the staff get a huge kick out of his routines as well,” he said.
JJ performed crowd pleasers like Burning Love, Don’t be Cruel, and Teddy Bear.
Elvis Presley tribute artist Jeffrey ‘JJ’ Jarrott leaves registered nurses Kaitlin Male and Megha Gopalakrishnan Nair, and assistant in nursing Nina Lui star struck
Wadda Mooli celebrates two years of support and compassion
Know your hepatitis Bs and Cs
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service (ATODS) recently put on orange shirts to celebrate World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of the virus.
Hepatitis is a global health concern, with millions of people worldwide affected by hepatitis B and C.
ATODS health promotion officer Kylie Humrick said many individuals were unaware they had hepatitis B or C.
Wadda Mooli means welcome in Bindal language, and that’s something the Wadda Mooli space at Townsville University Hospital has been doing for two years.
The space is a partnership between the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and selectability and has recently celebrated two years of providing urgent non-clinical support for people presenting to the emergency department in emotional distress and crisis.
Peer workers from selectability staff the room and are there to listen without judgement, share their own journey and challenges, teach strategies to reduce stress and anxiety, and provide information about specialist services available in the community.
Mental health clinician Alex Moore said it was helpful in allowing people to have an area to get stuff off their chest.
“Some people just need someone to sit down and have someone listen to them so they can express how they’re feeling,” Alex said.
“The Wadda Mooli space has seen more than a thousand presentations since it opened two years ago.
“It is just a comfortable, inclusive, peaceful and safe space for anyone over 18 years old who is experiencing emotional distress or is in crisis.”
“It can leave them vulnerable to long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer,” she said.
“This year’s theme is ‘Hep Can’t Wait’, to encourage us all to take hepatitis seriously.”
ATODS health promotion partnered with the Queensland Needle and Syringe Program and the Townsville sexual health service outreach team to provide liver-friendly snack packs to consumers.
Kylie said providing a liver friendly snack pack helped to promote awareness of hepatitis risk factors and symptoms and also encouraged people at risk to get tested.
“Hepatitis B and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis,” Kylie said.
“The stigma surrounding hepatitis often prevents people from seeking testing and treatment. With the liver-friendly snack packs we are hoping also to get the word out that effective and affordable hep c treatment is available.”
The packs contained hepatitis-testing information, liver friendly recipes, oats, trail mix, muesli bars and a water bottle.
To learn more about hepatitis testing and treatment and level up your liver health visit hepqld.asn.au
Mental health clinician Alex Moore and selectability peer worker Frank
ATODS wore orange to celebrate World Hepatitis Day
Alex switches up careers and finds love on the way
For Townsville Hospital and Health Service
registered nurse Alexander Paterno, the journey from operational services officer to law graduate has been nothing short of transformative.
Alexander began his health career a decade ago as an operational services officer at Townsville University Hospital, where he met his future wife, Caroline, while on shift.
“I met my wife while she was working as a nurse in one of the wards and I was doing my orderly work, and she was a big part of my decision to pursue nursing myself.”
Since completing his nursing degree Alexander has worked in the field across much of the region at Palm Island and Charters Towers, the Townsville Correctional Centre, and mental health units.
“Working in corrections has been particularly fulfilling,” Alexander said.
“It’s a setting where people often face stigma, and I’ve found it rewarding to advocate for health outcomes in this capacity.”
After years of working as a nurse, Alexander recently completed his law degree.
“I’ve always been drawn to advocacy, and law felt like a natural extension of my nursing background,” he said.
“Both fields offer a chance to stand up for people and make a real difference.”
Alexander said that despite following his legal career, he looked forward to continuing as a nurse in a part-time capacity.
“I love nursing and the people I get to help,” he said.
“Working casually as a nurse keeps me grounded and allows me to continue contributing to a field that I’m passionate about.”
Alexander said he was grateful to the health service and the support he received from his parents for the opportunities he has received.
“I can’t imagine another job where I’d have the chance to experience so much and travel while working,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating my 20th, 30th and 40th year as part of this wonderful community.”
Registered nurse Alexander Paterno
Successful first year of picking and packing for distribution centre
It was a year of picking and packing like no other for the crew at the North Queensland Distribution Centre (NQDC) who recently celebrated 12 months of operation in their new 5000-square metre facility.
On an average day, the Townsville-based facility is home to 4,000 bulk pallets full of essential supplies for northern Queensland hospital and health services including Townsville, Torres and Cape, North West, Cairns and Hinterland and Mackay as well as 128 Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) stations located across the state.
Specifically designed to meet the storage and distribution needs for Queensland Health’s supply chain, throughout the year the team has processed more than 363,000 orders for 747 northern Queensland customers.
Supply supervisor Chris Forno took a secondment to work on the team setting up and stocking the warehouse ahead of operations starting on 7 August in 2023.
He said the past 12 months had been busy and full of change.
‘‘I’d never worked on anything like this before, so I enjoyed being in a new workspace and felt a bit special being here before anyone else,’ Chris said.
‘‘The new facility has delivered a four-fold increase in capacity on the previous site along with an expanded range of stock, new ways of working for the team and spaces to get together as a team to share ideas.
‘‘In the past 12 months, we have adopted new operational processes and system enhancements aimed at supporting ongoing efficiencies across the supply chain and this is clear by what we can now get done for our customers in one day.
‘‘It now takes us less time to do more work in comparison to 12 months ago.”
NQDC business support officer Alicia Collier was also part of the project team and said the staff had established their footing well over the past year.
‘‘The team also took over the management of supplying medical consumables to more than 128 QAS stations which improved delivery times and supply resilience for our QAS colleagues across the state,” she said.
‘‘The distribution centre was also built with a plan to future proof Queensland for when the next pandemic occurs which means the increased capacity of this facility has enabled the storage of additional critical supplies that will secure continued delivery of essential services and safety of our frontline workers and the community.
‘‘The team has taken these changes in their stride and combined with the new facility, the year has further cemented NQDC’s reputation and relationships with its customers.’’
Alicia said she had been very grateful to work on the project, and in the team.
‘‘While it was a big year, the future is bright for our team and we look forward to continuing to deliver excellent customer service to our hospital and health service colleagues,” she said.
NQDC senior supply officers Chris Forno and Geoffrey Christensen with supply officer Meghan Klassen
am - pm
New game-changing roster system going live
Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth Service bereavement coordinator Jane Logan
Don’t wait to start a conversation about death
A new integrated workforce management (IWFM) system will go live across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service on Monday.
Following its statewide implementation, identified line managers and teams will now be able to utilise the electronic rostering system designed to streamline roster-to-pay practices from 19 August.
TUH children’s ward nursing unit manager Lynda Briggs said she had used it before and was a big fan of the system.
“I’ve been a line manager at TUH for 10 months and have missed the system terribly,” Lynda said.
“There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes and the health service has certainly prepared staff for the change, but there is also going to be lots of support going forward.”
“I would say to all the managers embrace the new system as it will be a very efficient tool and save them a lot of time in their already-busy shifts.”
A dedicated onsite command centre is available for support and any questions related to IWFM during the go-live period.
Contact the project business implementation team by phone (07) 5673 9355 or email at CES-IWFM-TVandNWHHS@ health.qld.gov.au.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth Service bereavement coordinator Jane Logan has urged us all not leave it too late to have a conversation about our final wishes.
Last Thursday was Dying to Know Day, an Australiawide initiative to start a conversation with loved ones to recognise dying, death and bereavement as a normal part of every person’s life.
Jane said it was important to have those difficult conversations.
“The theme for this year’s day was based around flowers in a shoe, highlighting that everyone walks their own path in life and we will have different final arrangements,” Jane said.
“We are each living until we die, and every moment is valuable.
“Initiating healthy death literacy within our community demystifies stigmas.
“It also leads to improved planning and support for those experiencing this time of their lives.”
For more information, visit palliativecareqld.org.au.
Nurse manager Jeffrey Souter and children’s ward nursing unit manager Lynda Briggs
TUH’s hyperbaric medicine unit director dives into retirement
Dr Christopher Jelliffe is used to working under high pressure.
The anaesthetist and Townsville University Hospital hyperbaric medicine unit director has retired after spending the past 30 years of his career mastering the art of diving medicine.
The purpose-built hyperbaric chamber uses oxygen and increased air pressure to treat patients.
The technique is used to treat divers with the bends (decompression sickness) or people with bubbles of air in their blood vessels and can also be used to treat radiation injuries, chronic diabetes wounds, hypoxic wounds and even sudden sensory neural hearing loss.
Christopher trained at the Royal Free Hospital in London and spent more than a decade working in general practice before finding his passion for anaesthetic and hyperbaric medicine.
He said making the decision to change career paths was challenging but that, once he started, he knew he was on the right path.
“General practice was just not for me, so I went back to square one as a junior doctor,” he said.
“When I was training in anaesthetics in the UK most of the doctors more senior to me were the same age as my daughter.
“It literally just clicked as soon as I started my anaesthetist training; I found it engaging, I passed all my exams and I didn’t even mind the on-call hours.”
Christopher visited Australia for a working holiday in 1999 and fell in love with the lifestyle, diving, and eventually his wife - a hyperbaric nurse he met while working in Tasmania.
“I’ve done a lot of diving here but I had always had an interest in diving medicine, even in the UK where I had done diving medicine courses and was a diving medical examiner,” he said.
“I had not had any opportunities to actually practise in hyperbaric medicine in the UK so I jumped at the opportunity when I got here.”
Looking back on his career, Christopher said he was most proud of the young doctors he helped train.
“One of my proudest achievements is that I’ve trained a lot of registrars,” he said.
“I needed a hip replacement surgery about three years ago and one of the registars I trained was the anaesthetist on the list that day.
“She asked me if I minded that she was assigned to my surgery and I said ‘of course not’ because I knew she had the skills and experience to look after me.”
During his retirement Christopher said he would not slow down and would instead use his time to travel, see family and friends, spend time with his grandchildren, and continue his hobbies, like clay shooting.
Dr Christopher Jelliffe has retired after more than 30 years in diving medicine
No sinking, just SwIMming for training program
A training program designed to upskill clinicians through immersive hands-on training blocks held across the state is proving successful at Townsville University Hospital.
The SwIM (Strength with Immersion Model) is run at various sites and is an opportunity for staff to gain exposure in a tertiary facility as well as expand their skills, networks, and theoretical knowledge working alongside specialist clinicians.
Participants are encouraged to take their new skills back to their home hospitals and share them with their colleagues, increasing capacity and capability across the system.
In 2024, Townsville University Hospital was the host site for a critical care and mental health training module.
Twenty-eight nursing and midwifery staff travelled to TUH between March and July this year as part of the SwIM Critical Care program undertaking training in the intensive care unit, emergency department, and neonatology unit.
Clinical nurse simulation coordinator and Townsville HHS program lead Nichole Doran said she was ‘really passionate’ about what the SwIM program could achieve.
“The participants came from across the state including locations like Weipa and Thursday Island, Mount Isa, Augathella,” she said.
“The program is invaluable for staff working at rural and very remote sites that do not get as many training opportunities as staff at larger facilities.
“TUH’s success running this program is proof that the southeast corner isn’t the only centre of excellence in the state.”
Nichole, who worked in flight retrievals for many years, said TUH’s critical care training was particularly important for staff at regional facilities.
“I’ve travelled to many of the towns our participants come from; I know how limited their resources are and I’ve seen firsthand the amazing outcomes they achieve for patients,” she said.
“It is important to ensure our regional clinicians have these skills because they don’t get a high number of trauma cases, but the one they get is often the most serious and life threatening.
“I find it really encouraging to see so many staff throwing themselves into every bit of education they can get.”
Nichole said she wanted to make sure nurses across the health service knew the program was not only for rural and regional staff.
“Any nursing or midwifery staff member who wants to upskill in a particular area can apply to take part in the program,” she said.
Nursing director of education and research Debbie Maclean said the SwIM program recognised immersive learning opportunities in genuine clinical settings strengthened the health system’s capacity.
“While you can listen to a lecture or watch a video it does not compare to standing beside an experienced nurse as they guide you through a skill,” she said.
“In a nursing or midwifery career you never stop learning and the success of the program in Townsville shows all regional staff that you can achieve greatness without having to relocate to a metro centre.”
For more information visit clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au
Clinical nurse simulation coordinator Nichole Doran with two resusciation manikins used during the training
“Thank you all the staff for the care and treatment in the Ward. You always found time to smile, listen and answer any questions and give treatment. You are angels in disguise.”
INFECTIOUS DISEASE WARD
“I presented to my local Ayr hospital ...the midwives were so kind, patient and caring and made me feel at ease. I felt like a burden but they reassured me I wasn’t and done the right thing coming to see them. Even though I am having my baby at the Mater, the midwives at Ayr reassured me I can come back at any time.”
AYR MIDWIFERY
“Thank you to the staff who cared for me during my angiogram. You were amazing, professional and caring. The interactions with all staff left me impressed and happy with you all.”
MEDICAL IMAGING
A Brighter Note...
Celebrating 35 years of giving
This year marks a significant milestone for Brighter Lives as it celebrates 35 years of making a difference in the lives of patients and staff in north Queensland.
For more than three decades, the foundation has helped fund equipment and innovative projects that have brightened the hospital experience for patients.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said the foundation had helped to improve healthcare delivery across north Queensland.
“From funding equipment such as the most recent paediatric burns laser, to staff training equipment for regional areas, through to projects that help make the hospital a more comfortable place for patients and staff, Brighter Lives has been there to help consumers,” Stephanie said.
“This year, the foundation is hoping to celebrate its 35th birthday with the biggest Brighter Lives Giving Day.”
Held on 24 October, Giving Day is a chance for the community and staff to get involved to help fundraise for Brighter Lives and make a difference to their local public health facilities.
Stephanie said Brighter Lives had incredible support from staff across all facilities at Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) during last year’s Giving Day.
“This year, we are calling on businesses to make this our biggest Giving Day ever,” she said.
“Businesses of all sizes play a vital role in supporting Giving Day by hosting fundraising events, donating directly or providing in-kind contributions like goods or services.”
Stephanie said Brighter Lives had also put the challenge out to Townsville HHS staff.
“We are encouraging all Townsville HHS departments to put their thinking caps on and come up with fun and innovative ways to raise funds,” she said.
“The key is to get involved, have fun, and remember that every dollar raised will go towards enhancing the care and services provided at the hospital and health service.”
How to get involved:
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Sign up to fundraise and contact Brighter Lives if you’d like to take part with a hospital team.
Reach out to businesses and encourage them to get involved by donating or hosting their own fundraising activities.
Spread the word and let your friends, family, and colleagues know about Giving Day.
Lauren Cottrell, Shae Millwood, and Jayden Philip
Capital works update
Project: Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit
Update: Reached practical completion and unit operational at new location
Work location: ACC Annexure Building
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
Works currently underway Works on the way
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
Update: Project is at practical completion commissioning phase
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
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 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.
Capital works update
Temporary helipad and 330 additional carparks at eastern campus update
Work is progressing on the construction of the temporary helipad and 330 additional parking spaces at Townsville University Hospital’s eastern campus carpark, which are forecast for completion in October this year.
As completion of these projects near closer, contractors Besix Watpac will expand their worksite to enable them to lay asphalt and integrate the 330 new parking spaces with the existing eastern campus carpark. This means an unavoidable, temporary reduction of a further 40 car spaces from Friday 16 August – Monday 16 September 2024.
Additional parking for Townsville Hospital and Health Service day-shift staff continues to be available at the JCU veterinary sciences carpark until 31 December 2024. Staff are encouraged to use this alternate carpark to avoid the further construction works and help ease parking congestion at the eastern campus.
Staff can collect a permit to park at this location from Health Security Department administration at the hospital. The carpark is accessible from Discovery Drive and purpose designed with security lighting, CCTV coverage and pedestrian footpath connections to the Medilink building and the rear of the hospital. A short walkthrough video can be viewed here
Please follow this link for more information accessing this carpark as well as maps to assist you.
These works are an important step in building the future of healthcare for north Queensland, so I thank you for your patience and understanding.
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 thhsInfrastructureRedevelopment@health.qld.gov.au
Recipe of the blah
Corn fritters
supplied by TUH dietitians
Laugh of the blah
Corn fritters
Ready in 15 minutes and serves four people.
Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup chickpea flour
• 4 corn cobs, kernels removed (1 cob for salsa, 3 cobs for fritters)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ natural yoghurt
• Black pepper
• ¼ cup spring onion tops, sliced
• ½ large red capsicum, diced
Instructions
1. Place eggs, yoghurt, chickpea flour and black pepper, to taste, into a large mixing bowl. Whisk to form a batter. Stir in 3 cob’s worth of corn kernels and spring onion tops.
2. Heat oil in a large non-stick fry pan over a medium heat. Place 1⁄4 cup of mixture into the pan and cook until the underside is golden. Flip the fritters and cook until golden on the second side. Once cooked, place onto a plate lined with absorbent paper.
3. Meanwhile, make the salsa by combining remaining corn kernels, capsicum and cucumber.
4. To serve, place a corn fritter onto serving plate and layer with a dollop of yoghurt and corn salsa. Season with freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.
Notes
• Suitable for gluten free and vegetarian diets
• Can be eaten warm or cold
• Suitable for a snack or a meal depending on how many fritters are in the stack
Classifieds
FOR SALE
HAVAL/Jolion Lux 1.5 L Turbo. Golden black in colour. 7 speed automatic drive. Petrol (unleaded) with 55L capacity. Less than 24,000. Family owned, selling for brother overseas. Seven years warranty included. Rego included, RWC on interest/sale. Price $22,500 contact Paige 0490001608 - text only. (22/7)
Brand new colourful print and cartoon scrub hats $5 each. Lightweight, tie back one size made by SKKRUBZ.Text Kathy 0431310231 (15/8)
Brand new Xmas scrub tops made by SKKRUBZ $25 each. Text Kathy 0431310231 for availability and sizes (15/8)
FOR RENT
Email classifieds to tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au with subject ‘Classifieds’. Do not send classifieds as attachments.
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.
Classifieds will stay current for two issues of the blah. If you would like your ad to be continued after this time please resend the ad. We do not advertise services in the blah.