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All singing, all dancing culture and diversity on display at TUH
Townsville University Hospital celebrated its inaugural Multiculural Day today with an event brimming with food, song, dance and laughter.
Story on Page 3
Dear colleagues,
Some of you may be aware we experienced a significant data outage on Saturday at TUH whereby all network systems, applications and phones (external) were impacted. This was due to a network core switch failure locally in the TUH ICT server room, which is a vital component for processing and moving data across our network. Additionally, our central monitoring systems were also impacted. The ‘thing’ that failed was basically one of the foundation elements of our network, hence the impact. Walking around the hospital on Saturday morning it was amazing to see not only so many of our ICT people in responding to the event, but also how our clinical units were responding to the downtime. Our clinical support teams were also impacted and were doing an amazing job – I popped in to see our diet aides busy writing down meals and, of course, our unsung heroes in switch who went above and beyond to make sure important services weren’t affected. We were lucky to have Jo and Kim on that day, whose combined experience of 60 years was called into good use. As with all good emergency events there are a few learnings to take from the experience. My thanks to everyone who came in, whether on call or not, to help us. As always, it’s when the chips are down in an emergency that we show what a great organisation we are.
I am really enjoying the Olympics at the moment. Being able to watch swimming heats in the evening and then often the same athletes the next morning in a semi or final takes a bit of getting used to, as does watching the newer Olympic sports like skateboarding and BMX. Every four years I find myself trying to understand the finer points of events like gymnastics or diving. It’s never lost on me the huge diversity that is on display, with so many nations participating across a wide variety of traditional Olympic events and competing with people from countries and cultures they ordinarily would have little to do with. Sport really is a great unifier.
My thanks to everyone that participated in and contributed to our Multicultural Day. When Dr Abhi Joshi and I were having a chat at last year’s India Fest, we hatched a cunning plan to showcase some of the many cultures represented across our workforce. It was delightful to witness the enthusiasm of the dancers and singers and the many staff proudly representing their cultural heritage in traditional dress. It’s often overlooked but the diversity of our workforce is one of our greatest assets and I regularly see examples of our staff bringing their experience of working in other health care systems to bear across our HHS.
Hopefully, everyone has seen the good news about the date for our annual staff thank you BBQ. For TUH it will be on 20 September, and we have a series of dates for events across the HHS. I am going to burden my office with the challenge of getting me to more of these this year; I usually manage a couple, but this year I am going to try for five at a minimum (sorry Greta). I love the BBQ day. It never ceases to amaze me how many burgers (including non-meat based dishes) we serve in such a short space of time, however, what I really enjoy are those catch-ups with staff I don’t ordinarily get to see. I know a lot of work goes into the logistics of these events, it’s never as simple as me turning up on the tongs, so my thanks in advance to those of you involved in supporting this great thank-you event. We have a lot to be thankful for.
Until next time.
Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive
Culture, diversity on display
The multilingual, cultural melting pot of Townsville University Hospital was celebrated at the inaugural Multicultural Day today with a fusion of traditional dance, music, artifacts, and cuisine.
For registered nurses Baraka James and Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama, medical scientist Okechukwu (Maxwell) Nwankwo, and midwife Nicole Rono, the day was a chance to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and cultural harmony.
Emergency department nurse Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama, who speaks Swahili, French, and English, said being trilingual was a big help working in emergency in a multicultural community.
“Swahili is spoken in multiple countries in Africa, along with French in some parts, and when we get people into emergency from those places, I’m lucky enough to be able to help,” he said.
Nigerian born and raised Okechukwu (Maxwell) Nwankwo who speaks Igbo, a dialect from the country’s south east, said multiculturalism was well understood at the hospital and staff loved to hear stories of their colleagues’ heritage and culture.
“My time in this hospital has been both educational and spiritual,” he said.
For birth suite midwife Nicole Rono, who was born in Kenya, her fluency in Swahili has been a lifeline for African women birthing at TUH with little to no English.
“My ability to communicate has been something really wonderful, and my colleagues are very supportive of me and the role I play in translating and advocating for our mothers from the Congo and other parts of Africa.”
Registered nurse Baraka James, who speaks Swahili, said the diversity of the Townsville community was incredible.
“You don’t have to ask, you just have to observe, and celebrations like today show how multicultural and diverse we are as a hospital.
“Our values and culture bring a whole different layer to the care we provide and help our patients, who come from countries all over world, feel included.”
Multicultural Day organiser and director of medical oncology Dr Abhishek Joshi said many of the hospital staff were first generation migrants.
“We don’t have close family here, but in some of our cultures we believe the whole world is our family,” he said.
“And besides our family at home, the hospital is our only family and we wanted to celebrate our culture with them,” he said.
Abhi said many of the cultures on show today dated back centuries.
“There are treasures we can take from all cultures, but the most important are the treasures of love, kindness, and gratitude and today is a way to express all of that,” he said.
Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes said he was delighted with the success of the hospital’s first Multicultural Day.
“There was extraordinary talent on show today but more than anything there was an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and joy and an appreciation that what makes us different also binds us.”
Registered nurse Baraka James, medical scientist Okechukwu (Maxwell) Nwankwo, midwife Nicole Rono, and emergency department registered nurse Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama
Multicultural Day 2024
Dr Kavitha Dandu, Dr Trupti Jadhav and Dr Monika Joshi
Dr Tadiwa Mashavave, Nicole Rono and Baraka James
Philomena Xavier Baraka James and Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama
Okechukwu (Maxwell) Nwankwo and Nicole Rono
Mark Singzon
Anupriya Bibin
Dudley Goodman and Junise Moideen
Dr Chrispen Mushaya
Dr Sandhya Menon
Jessica Ohl and Dr Kavitha Dandu
Alec Stevens, KK, and Daniel Langridge
Physios go for gold this Active August
The Townsville University Hospital physiotherapy team is going for gold in 2024 as it kicks off its annual Active August campaign for the fourth year in a row.
Each year the physiotherapy team takes the lead position to champion the #EndPJParalysis movement, which encourages patients to get up, get dressed, and get moving. All TUH hospital staff are encouraged to join in on the initiative during the month of August.
Senior physiotherapist Eve Miller said the campaign was aimed at changing patients’ perceptions while in hospital that they must stay in bed and in their hospital gowns.
“When patients come to hospital, they often think they need to get into their PJs and stay in bed to get better,” she said.
“Evidence shows that mobility from the day of admission reduces number of falls, length of stay and prevents unnecessary patient decline.”
This year a number of staff and patient initiatives themed around the 2024 Olympics will spread the Active August message.
Engaging group exercise classes will kick off in the inpatient allied health gym on medical 4 to improve mobility and the hospital experience while exercise groups will also run on wards to increase patient activity.
All patients will be encouraged to dress in their own clothes and sit out of bed for meals. Physiotherapists will encourage patients who can move to mobilise and provide them with education on the importance of regular mobility. Fun activities aimed at inspiring patients to mobilise including riddles, jokes, and “location” posters with fun facts about Olympic years will be placed on all wards.
Geriatrics and general medicine staff specialist Dr Emma Sganzerla said there was a noticeable change across the hospital during Active August.
“Our patients are more active, and I really like seeing them out of bed and dressed in their own clothes,” she said.
All allied health, nursing, medical, and operational staff are asked to wear work-appropriate PJs to their shifts on Friday 30 August to raise awareness for the #EndPJParalysis campaign and celebrate Active August.
Eve said the team asked staff to come to work in PJs to highlight how people were perceived differently when they’re wearing pyjamas.
“It is a fun way to spark a conversation with patients about getting out of bed and getting into their ‘regular’ clothes instead of a gown.”
Surgical 1 acting nurse unit manager Leanne Ney and her ward took out of the coveted prize for “Best Engagement” last year.
“For a patient, the simple act of getting into their normal day clothes is a great motivator to complete normal activities while in the hospital environment,” she said.
“It also changes perceptions and assists clinicians to see each unique patient beyond the injury or illness which brought them to hospital.”
Once again prizes are up for grabs for the ward with the best participation on 30 August as well as the area with the biggest improvement in the number of patients out of bed and in their own clothes.
We can’t wait to see the positive change for our patients over the month of August – lets get up, get dressed and get moving!
TUH’s physiotherapy team has encouraged patients to get active this August
Rhyming besties Lily and Milly celebrate International Friendship Day
Milly Lammens and Lily Wilson are besties who share a passion for travel, adventure, and helping people.
Milly works as a registered nurse in the operating theatres and post-anaesthetic care unit, while Lily is a registered nurse in the cardiac ward at Townsville University Hospital.
The Whitsundays-raised duo found each other through a chance encounter.
“We were both going to start our nursing degrees at James Cook University, and our families thought it would be good for us to meet and get to know each other before moving to Townsville,” she said.
“From the first moment we just clicked, and we’ve been best friends ever since.”
Lily said the duo does almost everything together.
“We have backpacked across Europe together, we live together and, of course, we both work at the hospital,” she said.
“It is special to have a best friend, but it’s another thing to have someone who deeply understands the work that I do, no one gets a nurse like a nurse.”
International Day of Friendship was celebrated on 30 July to recognise the importance of friendships like Lily’s and Milly’s.
The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 with the idea that friendship between peoples can help develop bonds of camaraderie and develop strong ties of trust.
Best friends Milly Lammens and Lily Wilson
Collaboration expands stroke treatment options for patients
A Townsville University Hospital-based pilot clinical trial centre for stroke recovery treatments will be the first in North Queensland thanks to funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC).
The centre will bring together clinicians from Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Mackay, Torres and Cape York, Cairns, and Mount Isa health services as well as academic collaborators from James Cook University in what is expected to be a lifesaving endeavour.
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) director of neurology Dr Ravindra Urkude the centre would drastically improve opportunities to access to participate in clinical trials for stroke recovery.
“Our region is well positioned to offer this facility, particularly given the recent establishment of other specialist facilities at TUH which serve patients across North Queensland and beyond,” Ravi said.
“The investment in this service reflects an investment in patients in this region and will ultimately improve their recovery outcomes following a stroke.”
JCU senior physiotherapy lecturer and neurological rehabilitation researcher Dr Moira Smith said the initiative was a key collaboration between clinicians caring for patients and JCU academics studying the condition.
“The collaboration reflects the importance of this health issue to regional Australians, as well as the dedication of research teams at JCU who dedicate their time to improving outcomes for people impacted by stroke,’’ Moira said.
‘‘Northern Queensland stroke patients will now have access to clinical trials researching medication options such as thrombolysis and physical treatments such as rehabilitation.’’
TAACH Chair Professor Ian Wronski said the centre would also shine a light on locally led health research.
“This funding will create capacity right across northern Queensland by connecting hospital and health services to deliver new treatment options with underpinning research support from JCU,” he said.
‘‘TAAHC’s partners, JCU, Townsville, Mackay, Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland and Northwest Hospital and Health Services, North Queensland Primary Health Network and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council will be involved as project partners.
‘‘The commitment from these partners will be key to the centre’s success and will ensure this trial benefits the entire northern Queensland population while also placing northern Queensland at the table when it comes to delivering worldclass care and making groundbreaking research discoveries for stroke patients living in regional, rural and remote locations.’’
Dr Ravindra Urkude and Dr Moira Smith
TUH stroke unit achieves best-practice certification
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) is one of 19 hospitals across Australia, and the only Queensland hospital north of the Sunshine Coast, to achieve comprehensive stroke unit certification by the Australian Stroke Coalition.
TUH stroke unit clinical nurse consultant Nerida Myers said achieving certification was not possible without the hard work and dedication of the stroke unit staff.
“Stroke is one of the nation’s biggest killers and it is estimated that one Australian will experience a stroke every 19 minutes,” Nerida said.
“Achieving this certification is recognition of our best practice in treating stroke and our dedicated stroke-focused program staffed by qualified medical, nursing, and allied health professionals trained in stroke care.”
The World Health Organisation, World Stroke Organisation and the Australian Government’s National Strategic Action Plan for Heart Disease and Stroke has recommended hospitals aim to achieve stroke unit certification as a quality assurance and improvement activity.
Nerida said this certification would strengthen the confidence for peers and the community in the hospital’s ability to deliver quality stroke care.
“TUH’s stroke unit provides services to a large patch of the state from the north to the north-west, an area larger than some European countries,” Nerida said.
“This certification is a great pathway for staff seeking further education or who are wanting to become specialised in stroke nursing and treatments without having to leave north Queensland.”
Next week is National Stroke Week (5 to 11 August) and the stroke unit is encouraging everyone to become familiar with the signs.
“Everyone should become familiar with F.A.S.T (face, arms, speech and time) signs of stroke so they can save a life in the event someone they know experiences a stroke,” Nerida said.
“On Tuesday. 6 August, we are holding a morning tea at the accute admission unit from 9.30am, with gold coin donations going towards fundraising for the Stroke Foundation.”
National Stoke Week runs from 5 to 11 August. For more information, visit the Stroke Foundation’s website
TUH’s stroke unit has encouraged people to act F.A.S.T with stroke
Clinical nurse Nerida Myers with the stroke unit’s certification
An inspirational mission to leave a legacy of giving
For North Queensland Referral Hub (NQRH) officer Donna Kittle, nothing is an effort if you love what you do.
Donna started her time at Townsville University Hospital as part of the COVID-19 vaccination clinic, before joining the NQRH team and quickly becoming well known as a fundraising superstar.
Inspired by loved ones touched by cancer and the wonderful care they received, Donna decided to channel her gratitude into action by supporting Brighter Lives to give back to the wards that have helped so many.
“My hair was very long so I decided to fundraise for Brighter Lives and cut my hair as my way of saying thank you to the staff who support patients on their cancer journey,” Donna said.
Donna’s initial goal to raise $3,000 for the paediatric oncology ward at the Townsville University Hospital was quickly surpassed.
“It reached $7,000, and I thought why not aim for $10,000.”
Donna exceeded her goal raising an impressive $10,284.26, with the funds going towards the purchase of a specialised paediatric oncology treatment chair.
Throughout her time at the hospital, Donna has led several fundraisers and inspired many to do the same including NQRH colleague Rebecca McLennan.
“Donna’s enthusiasm for fundraising is really infectious,” Rebecca said.
“She invited me to her fundraiser for the children’s oncology ward, and later introduced me to the clinical nurse consultant for paediatric haematology and oncology Phillip Mauger.”
After meeting Phillip and finding out more about the ward, Rebecca decided to join the fundraising efforts for a comfort cart for families in the ward providing items like games, blankets, and even salt lamps all kindly donated by staff at the NQRH.
“Donna’s dedication has really encouraged many of us join in whether through leading a fundraiser ourselves, or supporting hers,”
Rebecca said.
“She has inspired a lot of us to try and make an impact.”
Phillip Mauger said that Donna was one of those magnetic people who knew how to rally people to a cause.
“None of us knows when we, or our children, will need hospital services, and people who go out of their way to help make this process more bearable are saints,” Phillip said.
“What she has achieved in bringing the community together is amazing for our unit and for the people of Townsville.”
Donna thanked the many people who had helped her to reach her fundraising goals including friends, extended family, and her amazing work colleagues.
“What we’ve achieved is something I will always remember and treasure,” Donna said.
“Together as one, we all can make a difference.”
Looking ahead, Donna is already planning her next big fundraiser for 2025, where she will once again cut her hair to raise funds for a special cause at Townsville University Hospital.
NQRH officer Donna Kittle
Sam’s important message this DonateLife Week
A young woman born with a life-threatening liver condition is encouraging the community to consider becoming an organ doner donor after she recently received the gift of life, in the form of a liver.
Samantha Mcgair is sharing her inspiration story this DonateLife Week to get people thinking about organ donation.
“I was born with a liver disease that affected my bile duct which meant my liver was not able to filter toxins like it should,” she said.
“From one day of being born I had all these toxins building up, my liver ended up being so damaged I needed surgery at 72 days old to survive.
“I’ve known my entire life I would need a transplant, but I wanted to hold on to my natural liver as long as possible.”
The 30-year-old said she became very sick after developing an infection in her liver last year. She was assessed for transplant and put on the waiting list.
Liver transplants are done in Brisbane, meaning Sam relocated for a short period while waiting for her liver.
“As soon as I was accepted I organised to relocate because I didn’t want to waste time,” she said.
“I was meant to go to the P!nk concert but I sold my ticket because a liver was much more important to me.
“Two weeks into being listed I got the call and the amazing thing was the day of the concert was the day I was going into surgery.”
Looking back, Sam said the experience cemented her gratitude for life.
“I’ve known from a young age that I was very lucky to be here and there is always a huge sense of gratitude that comes along with that,” she said.
“I enjoy every single moment even if it is mundane like washing the dishes because it is a gift.”
Sam said being an organ donor was giving someone else the gift of life.
“Imagine living your life to the fullest and then being able to gift some extra years to someone else,” she said.
“A lot of people think becoming an organ donor is just a tick on your driver’s licence but it’s not, you have to register.
“People beat around the big conversations, but everyone should talk to their friends and family if they want to be an organ donor.”
Donation specialist nurse coordinator Mark Singzon said patients like Samantha were the best advocates for the importance of registering to be an organ donor.
“With organ donation we think of death and the end of life but there is also another side and that is the stories of the recipients,” he said.
“Samantha’s story is something we want to continue to share.”
It takes only one minute to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register, visit www.donatelife.gov.au
Samantha Mcgair and Mark Singzon
Shining a spotlight on our aged care employees
August 7 is Aged Care Employee Day, a special occasion to extend our gratitude to our dedicated aged care staff who play a crucial role in supporting and enriching the lives of older patients and residents across our health service.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service is proud of our diverse and talented team working across both the community health and the rural hospitals service group who are the backbone of aged care services.
In this edition we shine a spotlight on some of the incredible individuals who embody the compassion and commitment required in aged care. From residential care to home and community support, each of our team members contributes uniquely to enhancing the quality of life for our senior community.
Join us in celebrating their dedication and the invaluable impact they have every day. Let’s recognise their hard work, celebrate their achievements, and acknowledge the profound difference they make in the lives of those they care for.
Kathy Burton
Kathy is a clinical nurse with the Townsville aged care assessment team at the Kirwan Health Campus. She said the team assisted with providing older people with the appropriate approvals to access long-term support and care.
Rachel Groves
Rebecca Jesser
Rebecca works in the secure memory support unit at Parklands RACF. She said her amazing team provided care to the residents with a big focus on quality of life.
Rachel’s role in the continence advisory service is to assist clients in the community with bladder and bowel dysfunction through assessment and education. She said a majority of her clients were over 65 and the service was focused on restoring dignity, confidence, improving quality of life and much more.
Haylee Bethel
Haylee is a registered nurse in Ingham and loves working with elderly patients. She said her role gave her great job satisfaction and she found it very rewarding doing aged care work.
Veronika Canning
Veronica is a clinical psychologist at the memory and cognition clinic. Her main focus is on carrying out neuropsychological assessments of clients who present with memory or cognition issues. She is responsible for providing feedback, education, clinical advice, and recommendations for clients and their carers.
Melissa Ford
Melissa is a trust and administration officer at Eventide Aged Care Facility in Charters Towers. She loves her job and how it allows her to experience firsthand how her work can change someone’s day for the better.
Let the games begin in PACU
Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) team has come down with a serious case of Olympic fever as their ward became a celebration of the games.
Home-made medals, posters, streamers, and flags adorn the walls to create an uplifting atmosphere in the unit while serving as a conversation starter for patients and staff.
Registered nurse Lisa said the team had recieved a lot of positive comments from people coming into the ward.
“The Paris games are one of the biggest talking points around the world and almost everyone has made some comment on how good the decorations look,” Lisa said.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere that would uplift our patients and remind them that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
“We want to give anyone who spends time in the ward whether it’s patients, visitors, or staff a gold medal experience.
“The Olympics is all about perseverance and overcoming adversity and we hope doing things like decorating the ward will help to inspire patients during their recovery.”
Registered nurse Sarah said the PACU team had really got behind decorating and celebrating the games.
“Our team loves to decorate the ward for significant events and the Olympics is one of the most significant,” Sarah said.
“Everyone has contributed in some way, including keeping up with the medal tally and recording which country has won what medal.
“It has also really opened conversations with patients. They will see the decorations or the flags and start talking about the games or their heritage or something.
“Patient care is our top priority and we go out of our way to decorate the wards to make it a fun and inviting place for people to stay and recover.”
TUH’s PACU team has embraced the spirit of the games with decorations
Deadly start to healthcare career for graduates
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS)-backed Deadly Start program has helped 10 young First Nations Australians start a career in healthcare.
The 12-month program was designed to give young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the training and experience needed to graduate with a certificate three in health support assistance and allied health assistance.
Townsville HHS Board Chair Tony Mooney congratulated the 10 Deadly Start participants on graduating and starting their healthcare journey.
“Many people who come through our health service identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and we need more First Nations people to be on the frontline delivering healthcare to them,” Tony said.
“We know if there are more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people caring for people of the same culture and same background that we get better health outcomes.
“These participants have gone through a year of intense training where they’ve rotated across allied health, emergency and different hospital wards to get firsthand experience in healthcare which sets them up well for their foundational years moving into health employment.”
Zali Tambo was one of the graduating students and the 17-year-old said she was looking forward to starting her career in the healthcare industry.
“The program gave us all really good experience in caring for people and now I want to continue my studies to become a registered nurse to work in rural and remote communities,” Zali said.
“It was great to take part in the program and to do it with a group of people who are passionate about healthcare and caring for people.”
Townsville HHS worked in collaboration with Connect ‘N’ Grow and Seed Employment to deliver the program.
Seed Employment administration manager De’arne French said the program was a big success and they were looking to expand it next year.
“Some of the graduating students have already been offered jobs while others are using the program as a steppingstone for their career or further study,” De’arne said.
“We know First Nations people feel more comfortable receiving healthcare when being looked after by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and this is one of the ways we can help get more First Nations people into a career in healthcare.”
Graduates of the 2024 Deadly Start program
Townsville
Board Chair Tony Mooney, Deadly Start graduate Zali Tambo and Seed Employment’s De’arne French
Dedicated team established to support transition to electronic rostering
A roster support office has been established at Townsville University Hospital as part of the implementation of a new electronic rostering system.
This relates to the statewide implementation of integrated workforce management (IWFM), designed to streamline rosterto-pay practices.
The system is targeted to go live on 19 August 2024.
The team comprises nine roster support specialists who will work closely with nurse unit managers, midwifery unit managers, and all identified IWFM line managers on implementing changes following the transition to the new rostering solution.
Rostering, systems, and governance lead Bevan Clegg leads the roster support office which is currently participating in an eightweek capability uplift in preparation for the go live.
“Our team will be focussed on embedding the business rules and processes used by the identified IWFM line managers for roster management,” Bevan said.
“With the introduction of the new solution we will see a reduction in the duplicated rostering management efforts, as well as a reduced reliance on paper forms such as AVACs.”
Line managers will use the new IWFM electronic rostering solution to create and manage rosters, with the help of the newly formed roster support office.
“We are excited to partner with line managers and support new ways of working and will be readily available to support.”
Employees will also gain new functionality from 2 September, via a ‘View Roster’ tile on myHR, enabling them to view their roster, submit shift requests, swap shifts and submit availability.
Any questions for the roster support office please contact the project business implementation team at CES-IWFMTVandNWHHS@health.qld.gov.au
Back row: Rae Marshall, Aubrey Murakami, Bevan Clegg, Tracy Richards, and Aimee Prescott
Front row: Nicole Fox, Kim Millington, Peita Dorrick, Jeri Scagliotti, and Belinda McIntyre
Thread Together brings dignity and comfort to patients in ED
Townsville University Hospital’s emergency department has partnered with charity Thread Together to provide brand-new clothing for vulnerable patients.
Acting allied health team leader Kath Laspina said the service was vital for patients whose clothing was soiled, torn, removed, or cut off during treatment.
“Thread Together enables us to offer our patients clean clothing to return home in or wear for the duration of their stay in hospital,” she said.
“This plays a valuable role in the patient retaining their dignity and provides a sense of self after a traumatic experience, simply by being able to dress in clean clothing.”
Thread Together sources brand-new, unsold excess clothing from fashion brands and retailers, distributing them to people in need across the country.
Emergency department social worker Susan Thompson said the reaction from patients to the service had been overwhelmingly positive.
“The patients are very grateful when we provide them with clothing and they can’t stop thanking us and Thread Together,” she said.
“The demand for this important service continues to grow; we provide clothing for patients from a wide range of backgrounds almost every single day.”
For more information about Thread Together or to support this amazing charity, check out their website: https:// threadtogether.org/
Susan Thompson and Kath Laspina
Community uged to complete important health survey
Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has teamed up with the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) to assess health needs and service gaps in the region.
The Joint Regional Needs Assessment (JRNA) is a national first collaboration between HHSs and PHNs to joint identify priorities for future funding and action.
A survey has been launched as part of this process to gather the perspectives of people living and working across the catchment.
Director of strategy and planning Billy Bragg said the survey was open and was open to everyone in the community, including HHS staff.
“We want as many people as possible to take part in the survey and let us know what they see as the critical needs of the community,” Billy said.
“While we are analysing lots of data, we know data doesn’t tell the full story, so it’s important we consider the voice of stakeholders.”
Survey responses will inform the identification of priorities that will be submitted to both the federal and state governments.
“Information collected during this survey will help identify our health and service priorities.
“That’s why it is important we not only hear from people in the community but also those people who work in healthcare.”
All staff are encouraged to complete the survey.
The survey takes 10 minutes, and closes on 16 August.
To complete it, click the link or scan the QR code.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Townsville HHS director of strategy and planning Billy Bragg and NQPHN’s Janine Cox
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Paediatric Cardiology Service
The journey so far and the future from here...
Join us to showcase the care provided to local heart kids and their families and to thank the community for their ongoing support.
Guest speakers will include Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Paediatric and Fetal Cardiologist Dr Alex Gooi and Queensland Children’s Hospital
Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Nelson Alphonso.
Thursday 15 August from 4:30-6:00pm
Townsville University Hospital
Robert Douglas Auditorium For more information please contact (07) 4433 1135
Light refreshments will be provided
Dr Kurinji Kannan
Trailblazing doctor takes the helm as new clinical lead for urogynaecology
Dr Kurinji Kannan has spent her career leading the way for female doctors in north Queensland and is set to continue on this path after being named Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) new clinical lead for urogynaecology.
The urogynaecology unit in Townsville is one of the oldest in Queensland and specialises in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders.
With more than a third of women set to experience an urogynaecological issue in their lifetime, Kurinji said the unit played a vital role in the region.
“A large portion of females are likely to experience issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, infertility issues and more,” she said.
“The urogynaecology team is an important function for the HHS and I am excited to lead the unit after joining the service in 2006 as a sub-speciality fellow.”
Kurinji said she was looking forward to continuing to work with the talented team to provide the best possible care for patients.
“I am also committed to furthering our research efforts and ensuring we are at the forefront of innovation in this field.”
Kurinji has been a trailblazer in her field for several years, including becoming the first Indian-born female urogynaecologist in Townsville as well as the first female doctor to perform robotic surgery in the region.
She was also the first sub-specialty fellow to join the urogynaecology unit and one of two fellows who completed the formal program in urogynaecology from the Townsville and Gold Coast units of Queensland Health.
In her role as clinical lead, Kurinji will be responsible for the overall management of urogynaecology services, including clinical care, research and education.
She will also play a key role in the development of new services and programs to meet the changing needs of the community.
“As clinical lead, I am aiming to transform the service with an integrated approach,” she said.
“The service now includes care from physiotherapists who specialise in the conservative management of pelvic floorrelated conditions.
“I am passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centred care and I have a strong commitment to advancing the field of urogynaecology through research and education.”
Chief medical officer Dr Niall Small said the health service was delighted to have Kurinji as the clinical lead of the unit.
“Kurinji is a highly respected clinician and researcher,” he said.
“We are confident she will provide outstanding leadership and help the service achieve its goals.”
Call for clinicians to join safety committee
Expressions of interests have opened for an experienced clinician to join the Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) Board Safety and Quality Committee (BSQC).
The BSQC is primarily responsible for identifying risk and looking at what measures need to be put in place to protect patients and the community.
Committee chair Georgina Whelan said the committee was looking for someone who had experience and understood service delivery across the HHS region.
“Some of the key responsibilities for the role include identifying clinical trends by analysing incidents, evaluating the risks associated with various clinical services, and understanding the health service’s audit, measurement, and incident response mechanisms,” Georgina said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for any clinician to join and really gain some insight into the breadth of services the Townsville HHS offers not just in Townsville but also rural areas like Ayr, Ingham, Charters Towers, and Hughenden.
“The committee meets every two months, and members are expected to contribute to discussions and review materials in advance. This is a unique chance to make a real difference in the safety and quality of care at Townsville HHS.”
Committee deputy chair Professor Kunwarjit Sangla said the committee would play a key role during the multimillion dollar expansion across the HHS over the next few years.
“We need a clinician who can help us identify and fix potential risks that could impact the safety and usability of the hospital and health service’s facilities,” Kunwarjit said.
“I would encourage anyone with a level of experience to understand all the elements that are entwined within healthcare, including governance, to apply.”
Applications are open now. To apply, send an email to townsville_hhb@health.qld.gov.au.
BSQC deputy chair Professor Kunwarjit Sangla and chair Georgina Whelan
TUH’s oncology dieticians and speech pathologists came together to raise money and awareness for head and neck cancer
Warming the soul for head and neck cancer support
Townville University Hospital oncology
dietitians and speech pathologists held a special ‘Soup for the Soul’ event to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
For people who have been treated for head and neck cancer, a humble bowl of soup is often a lifeline, helping people to survive in the days, weeks, and months following treatment when eating and swallowing can be so difficult.
The team of dietitians and speech pathologists have held the annual event four years in a row, and senior oncology dietician Sarah Deacon said they wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon.
“We’ve had wonderful feedback, everyone looks forward to Soup for the Soul event,” she said.
“The team has had so many requests to do it every week in July for Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month but unfortunately with the time and effort that goes in, we’re happy to keep it as a once-a-year event.”
Planning started months ago beginning with the important work of choosing soup recipes to ensure a variety of options and dietary requirements were available so that everyone could be involved.
“We like to have some standard favourites available as well as some more interesting choices that people might not make
themselves,” Sarah said.
“We had nine different soups this year, which is the largest number we’ve made to date. We have also started making a “soup cake” for something fun.
“Gathering enough slow cookers from friends and family is a big part of the effort, along with setting up on the day to ensure the soups are heated and ready to go by lunch.”
Sarah Deacon said the team was humbled by the generosity of staff across the hospital who came along to donate.
“Everyone was so appreciative and it was great to see so much support for the event to help Head and Neck Cancer Australia.”
More than 5,300 people are newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year and more than 17,000 people are living with the side effects of the treatment, which can stay with a person forever.
There are no screening tests for head and neck cancer so awareness, education and early detection are key to improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
“Compliments to ROI for their prompt assistance and follow-up on everything. They went above and beyond to help.”
CLINICAL INFORMATION SERVICES
“Thank you so much for your time, assistance, and rapid response with the Support Plans and Referral Code letter for residential care & respite approvals. Your kind, understanding and respectful assistance was greatly appreciated by all of us, and has provided relief and hope for each of us moving forward.”
OLDER PERSONS COMMUNITY SERVICE
“Compliment to General Surgery. Lovely and helpful with an outsourced imaging referral. It felt like I mattered and they cared.”
SURGICAL OUTPATIENTS
A Brighter Note...
New laser helping kids like Lucy
Lucy is a cheeky four-year-old full of spark and giggles who has had more than her fair share of time in hospital during her young life.
She was born with a large congenital nevus, a dark-coloured mole that covered a significant portion of her arm.
Following surgery to remove the mole, Lucy has been left with scarring from the skin grafts.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said thanks to donations from the North Queensland community to the hospital charity Lucy can now have the treatment to help her scars.
“Through community fundraising we’ve been able to raise more than $173,000 to buy a dual wavelength laser for Townsville University Hospital,” Stephanie said.
“The laser will help more than 200 north Queensland children each year dealing with scars from surgeries, burns, and other skin conditions.
“It means patients like Lucy will spend less time in hospital, with the laser helping to reduce the visibility of her scars as well as improving the flexibility of her scarring as she does what four-year-olds do best – grow.”
Lucy’s mum, Linda, said the family was so grateful to have the technology available in Townsville.
“It means so much to our family to not have to travel outside of north Queensland and being able to continue treatment in Townsville,” Linda said.
The laser fundraiser was made possible thanks to generous donations from local businesses and organisations, as well as the foundation’s fundraising event, Not-A-Ball, last year.
Stephanie said Brighter Lives would like to extend a huge thank you to the community for supporting the Laser Raiser fundraiser.
“The north Queensland community made this possible and now we have this amazing piece of equipment here to help our local kids who need treatment,” she said.
Dr Dan Carroll and Lucy
Capital works update
Works currently underway
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Work location: Various locations in TUH
Project: Hybrid theatre - $17 million
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
Project: Outpatients department expansion - $6.1 million
Work location: Clinical Services Support Building Level 1
Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade - $4 million
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 1 former Endoscopy Services / Medilink building Level 2 current NQPPMS suite
Works on the way
Project: Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit
Work location: ACC Annexure Building
Project: North Queensland Kidney Transplant Sevice
Work location: South Block Level 3 Cold Shell
Project: Ward Midlife Renewal – Surgical and Medical wards
Work location: South Block Ground and Level 1
Got questions?
Project: Kirwan Health Community Campus expansion$40 million
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Project: TUH Clinical Equipment Loans Service (CELS)$2.35 million
Work location: TUH Level 2, CSSB
Project: TUH Stage 1 expansion project - $530 million
Work location: helipad and surrounding areas including eastern campus for temporary helipad location
Project: Ingham CT Scanner and ED Refurbishment
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months.
To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those 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
Traffic diversion marks expansion progress
Entry into the hospital from Angus Smith Drive will be temporarily diverted through the former carpark 14 from 5 August as works progress on the $530 million expansion of Townsville University Hospital.
This diversion will allow for essential stormwater and highvoltage electricity diversion works to occur.
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained, but traffic may be slowed during this period.
Road signage and traffic directions will be in place for staff, patients, and visitors. Please allow additional time to arrive at hospital in peak times.
Bicycle and e-scooter users will be encouraged to dismount and use the pedestrian footpath past the charity houses. They can use the two-lane diversion along Angus Smith Drive if necessary.
This work is important to the early works to deliver a 143bed clinical building at the site of the current helipad and is a pivotal step in building the future of healthcare for north Queensland and staff are thanked for their patience.
For more information, please contact InfrastructureRedevelopment@health.qld.gov.au
Turner and Townsend TUH expansion site representative Damien Parker and Besix Watpac general foreman at the site of the Angus Smith Drive road diversion
Recipe of the blah
High protein pumpkin soup
supplied by TUH dietitians
Laugh of the blah
A high protein seasonal, vegan and vegetarian option for those colder Townsville nights.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds or 1tsp Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 knob ginger peeled finely grated or 2 tsp minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 2 stalks celery finely diced
• 1 large carrot finely diced
• 1 brown onion finely diced
• 1.5 kilograms Japanese pumpkin (Jap) skin and seeds removed, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tin lentils (brown cooked or cannelloni beans)
• 4 cups vegetable stock or water
• sea salt/ pepper to season
Optional: Crusty bread/ yoghurt (coconut for Vegan)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot to a medium heat. Add olive oil and then the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric and red chilli flakes. Sauté, stirring, until fragrant.
2. Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and stir, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Next, add the carrot, onion and celery to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent .
4. Add the pumpkin, tomato paste and vegetable stock. Stir until well combined. Add the lentils/beans and stir through.
5. Bring the pot to the boil and then reduce to a simmer, simmering until the pumpkin and lentils are soft and tender.
6. Remove from the heat and use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, cool the soup to room temperature before transferring to a blender to blend until smooth.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve warm topped with natural yogurt (coconut for vegan) and chili flakes if desired can also serve with crusty bread of choice
Notes
Store in the soup pot, with lid on, or in an airtight container with the lid on, in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, divide between individual serving sized freezer safe containers.
Freeze for up to 6 months.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Toyota Kluger 2021 Allwheel drive Petrol SUV dor sale. Excellent condition with just 42000kms done. Black colour. All services done upto date from Toyota. Priced at $52000 for quick sale. Please contact on 0435 067 937 for more details. (11/7)
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)
FOR RENT
LEASE BREAK: 4-bedroom house available for 6-month lease. $680 per week unfurnished. Can sell current furniture for cheap if needed. (4/7) Contact mickael.henain@health.qld.gov.au
One bedroom unit attached to family home, off-street parking, 10 minutes from the hospital. $250 per week. For inspection please call Albert on 0419 654 071. (10/7)
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.