blah blah blah | March 15

blah blah blah

Consumers codesign new services at TUH

Consumers of the health service’s endocrine outpatient and persistent pain management services gathered at Townsville University Hospital today to workshop what the new multi-million-dollar services will look like.

Engagement coordinator Melissa Varnes said consumer codesign was key to better healthcare.

Read the full story on page 4

Engagement coordinator Melissa Varnes with engagement officer Melissa Gebert

Dear Colleagues,

As another busy fortnight draws to a close it’s useful to pause and reflect on just how much we continue to achieve for our community across all of our facilities, everyday. Our ED at TUH continues to break attendance records and is experiencing regular episodes of high inpatient numbers each morning, this is despite the temporary opening of additional beds and also some early success in reducing our numbers of long-stay patients. Sometimes it feels like we are running but barely keeping up. When we’re busy like this what impresses me is the compassion I see everyday from our staff toward their colleagues, even with simple ‘check-ins’ to make sure they’re ok. Perhaps that’s the reason that Compassion was the most-nominated category for our Staff Excellence Awards, with 40 nominations after entries closed this week. These awards are simply not possible unless colleagues take a moment to nominate a colleague or a team so to those of you behind the 179 nominations, thank you. I will be writing soon to all of the nominees and there will be more news in a few weeks concerning finalists and then, of course, we can open the judging for our People’s Choice category, where everyone gets a say in choosing the winner.

Next week we start our formal budget process with the Department of Health, which includes what is known as an ‘industry briefing’ with Board Chairs, CEs and CFOs, along with individual HHS meetings with the department, ahead of them sending out their first round offer. I’ve been fortunate to have seen many of these over the years and my observation is that the only constant over this time is change. The playing field at the commonwealth/state level has continued to evolve with the introduction of activity caps and requirements such as patient matching (which has impacts on services where we bill Medicare for outpatient episodes), and at the state level there have been similar changes with different positions taken on funding for activity over-delivery over the years and ever-changing Treasuryinfluenced positions on general growth funding, to name just a few examples. It all gets pretty complicated at times and given we are entrusted with more than $1.4 billion of our community’s money, I suppose that’s fair enough. At its core, though, it’s about ensuring we can provide the resources needed to deliver great care everyday. I’ve worked across quite a few roles in different HHSs, and also in the department over the years, and I know our HHS is very fortunate to have some great people that support us in managing all of these complex arrangements so that we are in the best position possible. We are as fortunate to have them as we are fortunate to have our world-class clinicians, so thank you team.

This week I had the chance to pop into the First Nations Leadership Programme to chat with some of our team at the

beginning of their two-day workshop. Our HHS was the first site for this pilot last year and it’s a source of some pride to note that it’s now been delivered across most other HHSs. I was only meant to stay for about half an hour but that ended up being closer to an hour as we discussed a range views and questions from the participants. Leadership development is an integral element to our strategy to improve organisational culture, and developing our First Nations leaders is critical not only from an organisational culture perspective but as part of our journey toward health equity.

Wednesday was World Delirium Awareness Day and I want to thank Lauren Matheson and her team for their efforts in shining a spotlight on this. I’m told the education session in Cannington was exceptional (unfortunately I couldn’t make it because it clashed with a prior commitment – my all-staff broadcast) with a range of speakers taking turns to highlight this condition and especially what we can do to prevent it for our patients. Delirium is a serious hospital-acquired complication experienced by about one in five people, with the incidence rising to one in three for our older patients. Programs like Eat Walk Engage are useful in reducing the incidence by about 40 per cent, which when you think about the consequences for our patients, such as increased mortality, increased risk of falls, malnutrition and pressure injuries, is important work. Congratulations to ncology, medical 2, surgical 1 and surgical 3 which were jointly recognised by a judging panel, that included a consumer, for their efforts in reducing delirium for their patients.

Thanks to our foundation, Brighter Lives, for sponsoring the prizes.

Regular readers would know I make a point of celebrating the diversity of our organisation. More than 13 per cent of us have a culturally and linguistic diverse background. This diversity is one of our strengths. One nation whose emigration has made an impression on many nations around the world, including our own, is Ireland and we are fortunate to have many Irish people on our team. This Sunday is St Patrick’s Day, honouring the patron saint of Ireland, and I’m sure many of our Irish staff and those, like me, that claim some Irish ancestry, along with many others will be celebrating all things Irish. Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!!

I turned 50 last week and I was blessed with having a lovely celebration with my family. What I didn’t expect were letters of congratulations from my federal and state members (cheers Phil and Nick), nor a letter from Bowel Screen Australia letting me know I will shortly receive a special delivery in the mail. I can hardly wait…

Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive

SERTA grants offer staff chance to start research journey

Hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of research grants are now on offer for Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff.

The 2024 SERTA research grant funding round applications are open now and will close on Sunday, 7 April.

The SERTA grants provide funding for both established and novice researchers.

Neuropsychiatrist Dr Omer Shareef credits his ability to undertake his research to the SERTA grants.

“As clinicians, we can often find it difficult to commence our research journeys but research is critical for delivering goodquality care,” Omer said.

“To give our patients the best outcomes we need to lead the way in cutting-edge research and the SERTA grants give us a way to take our first step on this path.

“For novice researchers, this is an opportunity to work with an experienced mentor who has published their own work and has a good track record to teach them the ropes.

“My clinical understanding is different now that I’m on a research pathway.”

Omer is conducting his research on the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction on improving mental health among diabetes patients.

Omer said these grants were on par with the many research grant opportunities available for colleagues in health services in south-east Queensland.

“Having access to research grants and the support of the health service is important for attracting and retaining clinicians in regional areas,” he said.

“I’d really encourage anyone thinking about commencing research to do it; this is the best time to get started.”

You can find out about the grant categories and read the SERTA funding guidelines here.

To apply for a SERTA grant, you can do so via the Smarty Grants platform here.

Dr Omer Shareef

Townsville

Consumers codesign new services at TUH

Consumers of the health service’s endocrine outpatient and persistent pain management services gathered at Townsville University Hospital today to workshop what the new multi-million-dollar services will look like.

Engagement coordinator Melissa Varnes said consumer codesign was key to better healthcare.

“To progress our consumer engagement agenda, we’re offering two training courses for staff in April, delivered by Health Consumers Queensland, focusing on basic consumer training and principles of co-design,” she said.

Melissa said she was excited the state’s peak consumer body would deliver the training bringing consumer coaching to the health service.

“We know that there is no one better to tell us whether a service or model of care is meeting patients’ needs than the consumers themselves,” she said.

“Our patients, consumers and community are the reason we all do what we do and that’s why it’s important to partner with them in the development, design, and evaluation of service models.

“There are already staff across the health service doing amazing work partnering with, and listening to, our consumers in the Kirwan Health Campus expansion, arts in health committee, and as part of selection panels and quality improvement processes,” she said.

“This training is a chance for them to upskill and for newbies to dip their toes in the water.”

For consumer Andrea Gillham, the opportunity to be involved in the codesign of the new endocrine outpatients area has been empowering.

“Endocrine outpatients is a shared space for both adults and children and I think it’s important that that is reflected in the look and feel,” she said.

“And the health service makes it easy for me bring (baby) Gwen along as well.”

Melissa said consumers brought a unique and non-clinical perspective to healthcare.

“The research shows that not only do consumers benefit when we partner with them in their care, but staff experience improves also,” she said.

Melissa Varnes and Melisa Gebert are encouraging staff to take part in consumer engagement coaching

Basics of Consumer Training

Tuesday 2nd April

1.30PM | 2.30PM | 3.30PM

Cannington Lecture Room (Palliative Care)

Delivered by Health Consumers Queensland

Co-design Principles in Action

Thursday 4th April 9.00AM | 10.00AM | 11.00AM

Robert Douglas Auditorium

Delivered by Health Consumers Queensland

Chief executive Kieran Keyes said consumer and community engagement was a priority for all health service employees.

“Modern healthcare services embrace the idea of ‘nothing about you, without you’ and this is something we are focusing on as an HHS,” he said.

“Staff training is a major component of our consumer and community engagement strategy and HCQ is offering the perfect opportunity to get expert coaching in the best ways to work with consumers.”

The ‘Basics of Consumer Training’ session is for staff who are currently engaging with consumers, those interested in quality improvement activities, those with responsibility for any of the healthcare standards, and those who want to learn more about how consumer engagement helps us deliver better care.

The ‘Co-design Principles in Action’ session is targeted at staff who develop new or enhanced models of care as well as those involved in development and infrastructure projects.

Andrea Gillham and baby Gwen

Consumers provide insights into the new endocrine service

Young patients supported in transition to adult care

Javarlliah Summers was just nine years old and at home in the Burdekin when her body started feeling heavy and achy.

Before too long, she had gone limp and couldn’t walk.

Javarlliah was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and was transferred to Townsville University Hospital (TUH) and has needed ongoing treatment to manage the condition for the past 10 years.

Now on the cusp of her nineteenth birthday, Javarlliah is the first patient to participate in TUH’s brand new adolescent and young adult (AYA) transition clinic for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD.

“I didn’t realise when I was younger, but my condition was so severe that I could have gone to sleep and just never woken up,” she said.

“It’s frightening to be moving to adult care because in my head I’m still a child but I’m comfortable with how I’m managing my health.

“Some teens are out there doing things that are bad for them, but I like to do the things that make me happy like drawing and listening to music and just smelling the fresh air.”

In Queensland, First Nations people are 75 times more likely to develop RHD than non-Indigenous people and the average age of people diagnosed with this lifelong condition is just 16 years old.

The treatment pathways for these illnesses span years, and when not supported and managed appropriately can become a lifelong chronic health condition.

RHD clinical nurse consultant Felicity Dennis said the AYA transition clinics would help young First Nations people diagnosed with heart disease access purposeful, planned care.

“These clinics are designed to be supportive and understanding of the changes that occur in the AYA diagnosed with a chronic condition, who is receiving care at the interface between paediatric and adult services,” she said.

“There is a huge benefit to offering a transition clinic for our patients here at TUH.

“The team works together to empower these young people aged between 16 and 24 to manage their condition more independently, with support from the health service.”

The ARF RHD transition team comprises of cardiologist Dr Rahil Moriswala, RHD Aboriginal health worker Majorie Hodson, clinic nurse consultant (adult) Jessica Goodrige and Felicity.

Clinical director of cardiology services Dr Soniah Moloi said the collaboration between paediatric and adult services meant patients had access to a wrap-around service.

“This demonstrates our ability to lead the north in outcomes for ARF and RHD management,” he said.

“By doing this, we keep our young people engaged with the health system and promoting positive long-term cardiac outcomes for our First Nations community.

“I’m really delighted by the development and the roll out of this service for our First Nations youth.”

Back: Majorie Hodson, Jessica Goodridge. Front: Dr Rahil Moriswala, Javarlliah Summers, Evandah Bann, Felicity Dennis

Staff come together to shine light on misunderstood condition

This World Delirium Awareness Day, a dedicated team of clinicians has shed light on this oftenmisunderstood condition while recognising the role each of us has to play in identifying those at risk.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service senior occupational therapist and delirium standard lead Lauren Matheson said the issue of delirium was everyone’s business.

“Delirium is often referred to as a temporary state of confusion which causes changes in a person’s thinking,” she said.

“It can be triggered by illness, injury, surgery or adverse effects of medicines.

“Delirium can slow the recovery process, lead to serious complications and result in a longer stay in hospital.”

Lauren said delirium was more common in older patients and those with cognitive impairment, but the condition could affect people of all ages.

“Delirium is unfortunately commonly experienced when in hospital, but with awareness and action many cases can be prevented and, as a team, we can take steps to minimise the impact on our patients and their families,” she said.

“This year we’ve encouraged health service staff to promote delirium awareness in their wards and units through creative displays and activities.

“We’ve also been holding education sessions for staff and clinicians so they can learn more about the identification, prevention and management of this condition.”

For more information about delirium, speak with your healthcare provider or visit the Australian Delirium Association website: www.delirium.org.au

Members of the multidisciplinary team at TUH unite to promote delirium awareness

“As a team they worked quickly, efficiently and with humour. It is lovely to see the respect each health professional held for each other.”

“ I have been getting help from home care for a few years now and I really like my home care worker, she is so helpful and the office people have always been very good with helping me with any changes when I need them.”

“Would like to put in a compliment for staff from Medical Imaging. Absolutely amazing, made me feel comfortable, genuinely cared and were very knowledgeable.”

ED MEDICAL IMAGING

INGHAM COMMUNITY SERVICES

A Brighter Note...

Farewell Tanya - thank you for everything!

Brighter Lives farewelled Tanya Busoli last week as she finished up in her position as chief executive officer of the foundation.

In her four-and-a-half years, Tanya made some incredible memories that will have a lasting impact on Brighter Lives, helping brighten the hospital experience in North Queensland.

Some highlights include changing the name from Townsville Hospital Foundation to Brighter Lives Here For You Here For NQ, to show Brighter Lives fundraises for the whole region.

We launched the first-ever giving day in our region and received the biggest ever donation thanks to John and Vicki Williams.

We Increased the roles of volunteers in the yellow shirts and got a buggy that seats six people (Sunshine Sally).

There was also the (unofficial) world-record breaking abseil fundraiser with QFES and so many visits – fire trucks, characters, Cowboys, Fire players, Matildas and the Brighter Lives ambassadors, Steph Reid and Reuben Cotter (and previously Tom Gilbert).

We worked alongside Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff and Amazing Grace Early Learning Centres to support the Amazing Day Out for little kids with burns injuries. Of course, we could not forget trekking through Tasmania in 2022 (we’re also about to tackle Larapinta).

The Brighter Lives’ team are still on board to answer questions about funding applications, fundraising, events and everything Brighter Lives. The team is based on the ground floor of Townsville University Hospital, feel free to pop in and say hello! Everything will be business as usual, so please submit funding applications as per normal and these will still be approved in the normal timeframes.

If you think you know someone with the skills and expertise to help right here in NQ as our next CEO, check out the job details here: www.tphumancapital.com.au/candidate/ceo-thf

Thank you, Tanya, for your commitment and passion to help North Queenslanders have the brightest and BEST healthcare experience right here in the north.

Tanya Busoli with Board Chair Tony Mooney and Bandi Bear at the launch of the rebranding 2020

Capital works update

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: 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.

Recipe of the week

Kidney-friendly braised chicken and lentils

supplied by TUH dietitians for Kidney Awareness Month

- March

Laugh of the week

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

• 1 SMALL BROWN ONION

• 1 CARROT, PEELED AND CHOPPED

• 4 FRENCH SHALLOTS, PEELED AND HALVED

• 2 GARLIC CLOVES, CRUSHED

• 8 CHICKEN THIGHS

• 250ML VEGETABLE STOCK (SALT REDUCED)

• 90G LENTILS

• 1 FRESH BUNCH OF PARSLEY AND THYME

• 1.5 TBSP DIJON MUSTARD

• 60ML COOKING CREAM

• STEAMED GREEN BEANS, TO SERVE

Method

1. Heat oil in a large, shallow heavy based casserole dish over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and shallots. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until soft. Stir in garlic for 2 minutes or until aromatic. Transfer to a bowl.

2. Season chicken. Cook chicken, 4 minutes or until dark golden. Turn and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.

3. Add stock. Stir in the vegetables, lentils, water, fresh parsley, thyme and 1 tablespoon mustard. Cover. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

4. Return chicken to pan. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.

5. Remove from heat. Cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the cooking cream and remaining mustard. Season with pepper. Serve with the steamed green beans.

Nutrition tips for happy & healthy kidneys

Kidneys are responsible for removing waste from the blood through urine. This helps maintain a good balance of water, salts, and minerals in your blood.

A healthy diet keeps kidneys healthy and can be one way to reduce build-up waste products in your blood.

• Aim for a variety of colours in your meals/snacks (2 fruits and 5 vegetables each day)

• Eat a variety of foods from the five food groups (fruit, vegetables, grains, meat/alternatives, and dairy/ alternatives)

• Check you’re eating enough protein (but not too much) and include a variety of plant-based and animal-based protein (lean meat, nuts, lentils, eggs, poultry and more).

• Cook with herbs and spices instead of salt

• Limit processed foods, takeaway and soft drinks.

FOR SALE

Purebred Miniture Dashy puppies for sale - 6 weeks old and ready to go to a new loving home. Full vet clearance, vaccination and microchip. $2000 each. Male and female available ( 1 x tan male with the others being black and tan) Please phone - 0417835436 BIN0008843029483 (15/3)

Frankie4 ‘Jackie’ shoes, Size 5, $200 ono. As new – worn just a couple of days (just not right for me). Original packaging and extra insoles kit. Phone: 0406 969 515 (15/3)

Purebred Ragdoll kittens $900 -Looking for their forever homes. Available 20th March 2024. 2 x Females 2 x Males. Vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, kitty litter trained. Pick up Mount Low. Contact Deanne 0466 855 105 Responsible Pet Breeders Australia: 2408 (15/3)

Motorola Moto g54 5G Mobile Phone. 6.5” Full HD + display + Dolby Atmos. 50MP Camera system with OIS. $250 (negotiable) Purchased 2/2/24. Please contact Lynette 0415 481 862 (1/3)

Barry the Bull arab mix, black & white. 8 weeks old, desexed, vaccinated, wormed including heartworm. Socialised at a vet surgery, crate trained, great with dogs and catt. Cute pup, looking for a furever home, $400. Call Jess 1300287738 at the vet clinic (1/3)

2023 Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid for sale. Currently has 15,500kms, AWD, Automatic, Galena Blue. Immaculate condition. $70,000 neg. Please contact Jess for more information and photos 0411789165 (1/3)

FOR RENT

BREAK LEASE: Entire unfurnished 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, double garage duplex available for rent from the end of March until 3/09 in Mount Louisa. $480 per week. Not suitable for dogs. If interested please message 0412 074 509 for more details. (15/3)

Share accommodation available from May in Townsville City in Breakwater Villas overlooking the marina, Magnetic

Island and Castle Hill. Close to Magnetic Island Ferry, Strand and Flinders St. Furnished 2-bedroom, own bathroom, upstairs unit. Split system air-conditioning and share bills. $360 pw. Prefer older person, non-smoker. Sharing with 55-year-old professional female. Call 0419 651 101 to enquire. (15/3)

Available for rent 2-bedroom 2 bathroom semi detached unit, Electricity included. Shared driveway and double garage. 10-15 minutes from Hospital and JCUPlease message 0408000138 for more info. (1/3)

AYR. Short term, suit nursing placement, 15 minute walk or very short drive to hospital. Downstairs unit, air conditioned bedroom, own bathroom, dining and kitchen, wifi and under cover garage, $120 per week. (1/3)

Accommodation Townsville City to share. On Marina breakwater, upstairs 2-bedroom, 2 bathrooms. Comes with garage presently. $360 pw. Share with 55-year-old female who works at North Ward Health Campus.Move in from end of March. Phone: 0419 651 101 Amanda (1/3)

PLAYERS WANTED

Have you ever thought about playing WOMEN’S AFL? At Thuringowa Bulldogs we’re ready to welcome those who are new to the game, or those who already know their way around a footy field. We have a team full of supportive, fun and encouraging women who are an amazing group to be part of! If you’re keen to come along to training you can message Kelly on 0413 092 095 or just turn up at Riverways on a Tuesday or Thursday night at 5.45pm.

Western Suburbs Rugby Union Club looking for players Mixed u8, u10, u11 & u12

Young Men and Young Ladies aged 14, 15, 16 & 17 years Open Men and Women

Junior Training is 6pm till 7pm Tuesday and Thursday at Joe Baker Field JCU

Senior Training is 7pm till 8pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Joe Baker Field JCU

All skill levels wecome, any questions send us a message via Messenger.

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.