Another busy fortnight draws to a close (I wonder if I will ever write ‘well, after a pretty cruisy couple of weeks….’) which included some of the usual challenges of beds and flow which has been dramatically impacted by our numbers of long-stay patients, prepping for a Board meeting next week, and the opportunity for me to meet with some colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand to share experiences and learnings across our health systems. Amongst this we also had a two-day ministerial visit with trips to Ingham and Palm Island and the official opening of the North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS).
In his third visit to our health service, the Minister for Health, Tim Nicholls, met with staff of the NQPPMS and patient David Creighton and then toured the newly outfitted ‘one-stop-shop’, bringing multidisciplinary care to patients living with, and experiencing, debilitating pain. I then accompanied the Minister and Board Chair for a quick road trip to Ingham to meet with the amazing team there and hear their stories (and there are many) from the extreme weather event. The Minister also had the opportunity to meet new mums Khaema Greer and April Chessen whose babies were born during the tropical monsoon. The Mayor of Hinchinbrook was also present which was an opportunity for me to thank him for his steadfastness and leadership of the whole community during this event. Leadership roles can be lonely and natural disaster events are particularly taxing on our local government leaders, so I appreciated the opportunity to thank Ramon personally for his efforts.
It was also dialysis day at the Ingham Health Service, so the Minister was able to meet the patients who were successfully repatriated to Townsville’s renal unit. He was truly dazzled by the fortitude of the local patients and in awe of the Ingham team who put their own safety and comfort aside to care for others.
Then it was onto Palm Island on Thursday to meet the team at the Joyce Palmer Health Service and hear about their unique experience with the monsoon event and their daily challenges and triumphs in caring for their patients in a remote community. The Minister was also able to meet the Mayors of both councils, the local Community Advisory Network in Ingham, and staff from the Palm Island Primary Care Centre. I know the Minister was grateful for the opportunity and my thanks to the staff in both health services for making the Minister feel so welcome.
During his time in Townsville, the Minister also committed to the capital expansion program in Queensland Health. This includes West Block on the TUH campus and its 143 new beds. When the capital review is completed we will know the precise timings of going back to the market for a tender, so I will update you when more information comes to hand.
The nominations for the Staff Excellence Awards close today. Please consider nominating a colleague, peer or team who lives our Values, Vision and Purpose or who has demonstrated excellence in health, safety and wellness or rural healthcare. Everyone nominated will receive a letter and the opportunity to ask for a copy of their nomination. I know plans are underway to host a magical night on 19 June and I’m looking forward to reading each nomination before the official judging next month. I’m not, however, looking forward to making a call on the finalists and winners; this is so difficult with the calibre of nominations traditionally so strong.
Those of you who dial into the all-staff broadcast know I often lament the two issues that I detest most, carparking and smoking. This fortnight I’ve had a few staff members contact me about car parking issues and, based on their questions, it was obvious in those instances they weren’t familiar with the current options for staff parking. This is entirely understandable given the amount of changes we have had. Please take a moment to click on the link and see the latest updates for staff parking at TUH.
With the weather forecast looking decidedly more favourable this weekend, I’m hoping to drop the boat in and head into Cleveland Bay for some barra fishing and crabbing. Actually, on the fishing front, some of you might have noticed me stopping and looking into the creek on the way to the eastern campus carpark. There is a decent school of fish, probably tilapia, there that are just calling out for someone to catch and remove them (tilapia are a declared pest and if caught must be removed – you can’t even take them home to eat).
Until next time...
kk
Joyce Palmer staff with Minister Tim Nicholls, Kieran Keyes, Tony Mooney, Ann Marie Mallett, and Amanda Cooms
Dr Hannah Bennett, Bede Ashley, Minister Tim Nicholls, and Tony Mooney
Diana Friday (Ingham staff member and renal dialysis patient) with Minister Tim Nicholls
Dr Selina Porter, Janine Johnson, Tony Mooney, Minister Tim Nicholls, and Kieran Keyes
Tony Mooney, Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey, Minister Tim Nicholls, and Kieran Keyes
Childhood dream realised for nurse Brittany
Townsville Hospital and Health Service has welcomed the next generation of nurses and midwives with one of the largest intakes of graduates to date stepping into their dream jobs, including 28-year-old Brittany Hodder.
The two new cohorts for 2025 comprises 160 nurses and 24 midwifery graduates.
Brittany is one of the graduates looking forward to starting as a registered nurse in the oncology day unit, transitioning from her previous role as an enrolled nurse.
Brittany said she had dreamt of being a nurse since she was a child.
“In preschool when they asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, I always said I wanted to be a nurse so that I could look after people,” Brittany said.
“Nursing always felt like the right fit because I feel drawn to helping people and a lot of my family work in healthcare.
“I went straight into nursing studies after high school, but I struggled and didn’t make it through the first time.
“It was disheartening, and I thought that might be the end of my dream.”
But Brittany prevailed, and with her nursing degree now in hand alongside extensive experience as an enrolled nurse, Brittany said she was excited to begin the next phase of her career.
“It feels surreal to finally wear the navy-blue scrubs,” Brittany said.
“It’s something I’ve worked so hard for, and I’m incredibly proud to be where I am today.”
Brittany said her ultimate goal was to work as a nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to combine her love for nursing with her sense of adventure.
Executive director nursing and midwifery services Judy Morton said the health service was thrilled to welcome the brand-new cohorts of nurses and midwives.
“This is one of our largest intakes to date, including 11 First Nations graduates,” Judy said.
“The graduates will be placed across the health service, including rural and community sites, ensuring they gain diverse experiences and exposure to different models of care.
“Notably, this is the first year all nursing and midwifery graduates have been offered permanent positions, enhancing their job security and helping us to retain skilled workers in the region.”
Judy said each graduate would receive comprehensive support throughout the year, both within their units and from the nursing and midwifery staffing team graduate program, to help them successfully transition into their roles as registered nurses and midwives.
“We can’t wait to watch Brittany and all of the new nurses flourish and utilise their skills to care for patients across our health service.”
Registered nurse Brittany Hodder
Familiar faces, new careers in health service
Some familiar faces and some brand-new ones have officially started their allied health careers with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
Graduates Rebecca Cupo, Adelaide Nonnenmacher and Jodie Cummins were among the 30 new allied health professionals, working across eight disciplines, welcomed to Townsville University Hospital (TUH).
Formerly a veterinary nurse, Rebecca initially enrolled to become a vet, however while on her bridging course she pivoted towards human health and enrolled in a Bachelor of Medical Imaging.
“I thought about nursing but felt I would be swapping one thing for another,” Rebecca said.
“I came across medical imaging and loved the idea as I enjoyed taking x-rays at the vet clinic already.
“I decided to come back to TUH as the variety of patients was always interesting and the cases helped immensely with my learning and acquisition skills.”
For Adelaide, a placement in the Townsville rehabilitation unit as a student occupational therapist inspired her to apply for a cadetship at TUH while completing her studies at James Cook University.
“I worked as an OT cadet for two years while undertaking my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree,” she said.
“I gained invaluable knowledge and skills about occupational therapy practice within both acute and rehabilitation settings.”
Adelaide will return to the rehab unit where she got her first taste of life as a clinician and can’t wait to develop her skills.
Social worker Jodie, who previously completed a Bachelor of Psychology and was working part-time at TUH as a welfare worker, transitioned to social work following the completion of her Masters in Social Work.
“Prior to coming to TUH and Queensland Health, I had spent 10 years working predominantly in the child and family space as well as forensics,” Jodie said.
“I’ve gained invaluable knowledge over the years while working as part of various multi-disciplinary teams across the hospital and I am keen to continue to grow and develop my skills and knowledge in this space.”
Executive director allied health Danielle Hornsby said it was a delight to welcome all the new graduates who had chosen to start, or continue, their careers with the health service.
“This year is one of our biggest cohorts, with 30 new graduates commencing their careers with us,” Danielle said.
“We’re excited to be part of the foundations of their career and can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll achieve with us.”
Jodie Cummins, Adelaide Nonnenmacher and Rebecca Cupo with executive director allied health Danielle Hornsby
LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE
Nominations for the 2025 Staff Excellence Awards close today!
Do you know a colleague or team exemplifying the Townsville Hospital and Health Service values, vision, and purpose?
Recognise their contribution to healthcare in our region by nominating them in one of the awards categories of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Engagement, Vision, Purpose, Health, Safety and Wellness or Rural Health Worker of the Year.
Please submit your nomination by 5pm Friday 28th February 2025. For more information, please contact Public Affairs at tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au
An unlikely 50-year nursing journey for Deb
Nursing wasn’t initially registered nurse Deb Scuderi’s first choice of career, but 50 years later there’s clearly something that has worked out well for her.
“I was only 14 when I first finished school,” Deb said.
“All the courses I wanted to do were business inclined and at the time, there was only Stott’s Business College in Brisbane.
“My parents wouldn’t let me move to Brisbane to go to college.
“I went back and repeated grade 10 and when I finished again, they still wouldn’t let me go, and Mum suggested I go to work with her at the hospital.”
Growing up in Stanthorpe, in the Southern Downs, Deb was eager to move away and after a short stint in the maternity ward she decided to move, with her parent’s blessing, to Tamworth to complete her nurse training.
“I was too young to even be an enrolled nurse at Stanthorpe; I was a pupil enrolled nurse,” Deb said.
“Once I was old enough, I went to Tamworth and did three years hospital training, my post-grad work in Toowoomba, and then went on to do rural-remote work with an agency.
“I went back to Tamworth in theatre, intending that was going to be it, but I got itchy feet, went back to agency nursing, ended up in Home Hill for three months and ended up staying for 24 years before moving to Townsville.”
Juggling work and raising a family, only having taken time off to have her three kids, Deb said she was fortunate to have ended up on the surgical side of nursing.
“It’s the patients that keep giving me the buzz and passion for the job.”
Nurse unit manager surgical outpatients Daniela Donnell commended Deb on her ability to put those around her at ease.
“Deb has a wicked sense of humour and is rather witty, which enables the team and patients to smile or laugh in clinics that sometimes may bring sad news,” Daniela said.
As a new year has started, Deb has just one piece of advice to the new cohort of nurses.
“Do a bit of anything and everything,” she said.
“It’s such a wonderful career; I’ve worked with awesome people, made lifelong friends and created many memories and those are the things I’ll remember when I do eventually retire.”
Registered nurse Deb Scuderi
Special event to remember and connect after loss
Staff and members of the community who have lost a loved one in palliative care are encouraged to attend the 2025 Townsville Palliative Care Centre remembrance event on Saturday 8 March at the Palmetum.
The event will run from 9:30-10:30am and will include speeches, musical performances, and an opportunity to connect with others.
With the theme ‘resilience and celebration of life,’ the special event will provide the opportunity for family and friends to celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
The remembrance event is a collaboration between the Townsville Palliative Care Centre, Townsville City Council and Palliative Care Queensland.
Townsville Palliative Care Centre senior social worked Bronwyn Keefer said that Remembrance days provide an opportunity for people to come together to reflect and remember those who are important to them who have died.
“Being with others who have experienced grief, reminds us that we are not alone in what can be a very painful experience,” Bronwyn said.
“In the past, people from a place of good intention have spoken about needing to let go and move on from loved ones who have passed.
“However, more recently we have realised the importance of creating spaces, rituals, and traditions to remember them.
“We would like this event to be one of a number of community activities that encourage us to hold space for the people we love who have died.”
Bronwyn said anyone who has spent time with a loved one in the Townsville Palliative Care Centre who would like to stop, reflect and remember, is welcome to attend.
Palliative Care Queensland senior project officer Debbie D’Urso said the event was an important way to remind people that grief is normal, and everyone will experience it at some point.
“We hope this event will provide the opportunity for people to talk about these topics, which will increase our local community capacity to support those in need, as well as ourselves,” Debbie said.
Townsville City Council will be donating Little Caroline plants to attendees - a symbol of resilience amidst adversity and the celebration of life’s vivid moments.
RSVP by contacting Jolene Brabon at Jolene. Brabon@health.qld.gov.au.
Bronwyn Keefer and Jane Logan
You are invited to the Townsville Palliative Care Centre
Remembrance Event
Saturday 8th March 9:30am - 10:30am
Hosted at the Palmetum University Road, Douglas QLD 4814
Please BYO chair and meet at the front gates of the Palmetum Botanic Garden and a friendly volunteer will lead you to the location.
Light refreshments are available at Absolute Cravings Café next to the Palmetum at your own cost.
RSVP by contacting Jolene jolene.brabon@health.qld.gov.au or 0428 649 066.
Working in collaboration with
Spinal cord injury service delivers care closer to home for north Queenslanders
A groundbreaking spinal cord injury service based at Townsville University Hospital is transforming lives by delivering specialised care closer to home, sparing patients and their families the burden of travelling to Brisbane.
The North Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service has been a lifeline for Tim Perkins, a 50-year-old arborist who suffered a life-changing fall just weeks before Christmas last year.
Tim said the Townsville-based service allowed him and his wife Norina to remain close to loved ones as he recovered from his accident.
“The nightmare began when I was working on a palm tree, a job I’d done thousands of times during my 30-year career, when the fronds gave way and I fell 10 metres,” Tim said.
“I landed on my back which caused a severe injury to my T10 vertebrae, fractured my ribs in 15 places, cracked my sternum, and caused severe internal damage; both lungs filled with blood and there was swelling around my neck and heart.”
Tim said he was lucky to avoid a serious head injury, but the damage to his spine left him unable to walk.
“After a stint in the ICU here in Townsville, I eventually progressed to the rehab unit, where I’ve been learning to navigate life with a spinal cord injury,” he said.
“People think a spinal cord injury simply means your legs don’t work anymore but it is so much more complex than that.
“Your body doesn’t regulate temperature properly, so you overheat or get very cold without realising it, and simple tasks like sitting up become extremely difficult.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service rehabilitation staff specialist Dr Tracey Symmons said the local service was delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
“We have a clinical nurse consultant, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, a dietician, an Indigenous health liaison officer, administrative and medical staff, all working together to improve patient outcomes,” she said.
Tracey said it was critical for specialised care to be available close to home for patients like Tim.
“A patient like Tim exemplifies the challenges of a spinal cord injury; beyond losing leg function, he’s adapting to the challenges of relearning basic tasks like dressing himself, all while dealing with the mental toll from this injury.
“He’s now looking to the future and can see that there are so many possibilities available to him; he could still do thinks like operate a Bobcat or paddle in a kayak for example, so there is certainly a bright future for him to aim for.”
Dr Tracey Symmons and Tim Perkins
Nurses celebrate first year of practice
Nurses from the 2024 cohort of graduates celebrated the completion of their first year with a small presentation last week.
More than 150 nursing and midwifery graduates joined the Townsville Hospital and Health Service last year, and the afternoon was a chance for those who weren’t working at the time to join some of their peers and celebrate the completion of their first year.
Registered nurse Danika Gray said she loved putting the skills she learned at university into practice in the emergency department.
“It was a very big jump, going from a student with not much responsibility, to shift work and everything like administering medications on your own,” Danika said.
“The grad program really supported us, whether we just needed a debrief after a hard shift or just to have someone check in on us.”
That sentiment was echoed by Tim Marrinan who completed his graduate year in the cardiac centre.
“I felt supported the whole time, which was great,” he said.
“I’ve been very fortunate in the cardiac centre, which is an amazing team, everyone works well together, and it was good to have the extra training opportunities.
“The most helpful part of the grad program was having the reflections, it was good to actually sit down and go through your week and have a bit of face time with the team.”
Executive director nursing and midwifery Judy Morton said it was fulfilling to see the 2024 cohort make it through their first year.
“We have some amazing, focussed nurse educators who work really closely with our graduates to make sure they can take the skills they’ve learned at university and apply them in practice to deliver the best possible care,” Judy said.
“We get excellent feedback from our graduates every year and I think the focus is on the individual needs of each graduate and making them the best nurse or midwife they can be.
“When they’re in university they don’t get to spend a lot of time with patients, and the biggest learning curve is just understanding what’s important to people and how anxious they can be when they’re in our environment.
“Our graduate program helps them meld their clinical skills along with the ability to calm and reassure people and set them up to become a well-rounded nurse or midwife.”
2024’s first year nurses with their nurse educators and executive director nursing and midwifery Judy Morton
Townsville stroke angels awarded gold
Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) stroke unit has been recognised for outstanding care with a prestigious World Stroke Organisation (WSO) Angels Gold Status award for meeting the highest standards in stroke treatment and care.
The Townsville team is one of only seven Queensland stroke units and one of 40 Australia wide to receive the accolade.
TUH stroke unit clinical nurse coordinator Nerida Myers said achieving WSO Gold Status was a great honour.
“It’s a testament to the team effort to enhance stroke care in the local area,” Nerida said.
“Acting swiftly on the signs of stroke and implementing best-practice care requires coordination between multiple teams including Retrieval Services Queensland, Queensland Ambulance Service, emergency department, radiology, interventional neuroradiology and our stroke unit staff.”
Clinical director neurology Dr Ravindra Urkude said timing was crucial when it came to treating stroke patients.
“Stroke is a time-critical medical emergency where bloody supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced,” Ravi said.
“With each minute that goes by, more brain cells can be lost and the risk of disability and death increases.”
TUH treats approximately 450 strokes each year from across northern and western Queensland.
The procedures, protocols and the performance of the hospital’s stroke team were assessed as part of the Angels Initiative, which includes a target of restoring blood-flow to the brain to more than half of eligible patients within 60 minutes of their hospital arrival.
“Ensuring appropriate patients receive clot-busting therapy within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital door is the gold standard and means that more people will survive and live well after stroke,” Ravi said.
To achieve WSO Gold Status, a hospital must demonstrate a range of outcomes, including optimum time to treatment, coordinated care, appropriate scans and screening, and ensuring patients are discharged from hospital on medications to minimise the risk of further stroke.
Dr Firas Alnidawi, Dr Abdul Shaik, CNC Nerida Myers and Dr Ravindra Urkude with their WSO Gold Status award
Be a part of the first Health Equity Showcase
The inaugural Health Equity Showcase was announced this week and registrations have been opened for teams interested in hosting a stall.
This landmark event will provide a platform for meaningful consultation, feedback, and collaboration with First Nations communities regarding the effectiveness of the Health Equity Strategy (HES) 2022-2025 and the development of the next iteration for 2026-2029.
Executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Amanda Cooms said the event was an important tool in engaging healthcare professionals, community members and stakeholders to come together and help shape the health system to better serve the needs of First Nations people.
“As part of Townsville HHS’s ongoing commitment to delivering culturally safe and accessible healthcare, the Health Equity Showcase will focus on evaluating the current HES’s impact across the region while charting a course for the future,” Amanda said.
“Health equity is more than just access to healthcare; it’s about ensuring that healthcare services are culturally safe, responsive, and designed with the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the forefront.
“The Health Equity Showcase is an opportunity for us to listen directly to the voices of First Nations people and find out what’s working, what needs improvement, and where we can make changes to provide better healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Participants will have the chance to engage with healthcare professionals, Indigenous health workers, and community leaders and contribute their insights on how healthcare can better support them and the needs of their communities.
The Indigenous health service division has opened registrations to stallholders to attend the showcase and provide information and a yarn about the programs and initiatives available that contribute to the goal of health equity.
The Health Equity Showcase will take place at Wanderers Cricket Club, Gill Park, Pimlico on Tuesday 25 March.
To register your stall, please complete the EOI via Microsoft forms by Friday 14 March: https://forms.office.com/r/Pte0uRC8Yg
Principal project officer Tegan Ely and service director Indigenous health Salli-Ann Buttigieg
Game-changing new space for persistent pain management officially opened
The new $4.4 million home of the North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) was officially opened this week by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls.
Construction took approximately 11 months to complete and is the second of three major projects to be completed as part of Townsville University Hospital’s Clinical Services Upgrade.
NQPPMS co-director Dr Hannah Bennett said the upgraded facility consolidated the entire multidisciplinary team into one location and would provide the ‘gold standard’ for pain management in northern Queensland.
“Before this service opened, our staff were located across multiple sites limiting the ability for collaboration, case conference, clinician support and joint patient consultations,” Hannah said.
“The new facility allows us to work together as a team to provide the highest quality care for our patients.
“The facility will enable us to provide the north Queensland community with the highest level of pain management services.”
The NQPPMS receives more than 2,000 referrals each year for patients with chronic and persistent pain across a large region, encompassing Mackay up to the Torres Strait, and west to the Northern Territory border.
David Creighton from Deeragun, who has had a history of complex regional pain syndrome, said the new facility had been a game changer for patients like him.
“I first came to utilise the service when I developed complex regional pain syndrome, severe nerve pain, after I dislocated my shoulder back in 2007,” David said.
“It eventually came good in 2013.
“I then had a total knee replacement back in April last year and once again started to develop severe nerve pain and I’ve been having trouble with my leg ever since.
“With the opening of this new space, I can get all of my multidisciplinary care under one roof, which is great for patients,” he said.
“It’s a lot more convenient for those with mobility problems to access this unit and I’m very grateful for that.”
The new space consists of six clinical consulting rooms, three clinical interview rooms, procedure room, and three-bed recovery-and-day infusion bay.
NQPPMS team
Special book hopes to spark inspiration
We’ve got a few mountain goats on our staff!
North Queensland Referral Hub officer Donna Kittle has taken her first steps as an author, publishing her debut book ‘DGK: 24 tear-away quotes to share, inspire and motivate’.
Donna is well-known across the health service for her fundraising efforts including past donation drives for equipment in the adult and paediatric oncology wards at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), as well as raising funds for Brighter Lives by cutting her long locks.
Donna said her goal in creating and publishing the book was to share, inspire, and motivate.
“Dreams don’t just happen on their own,” Donna said.
“It takes determination, persistence, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude to turn a dream into reality.
“I wanted to create something that reminds people, no matter how big their dreams may be, to reach for the stars because there are no limits to what you can achieve.
“And I think something as simple as inspirational quotes can have a big overall impact.”
Donna’s book is available to buy at the medico newsagent located in medilink at TUH.
Paediatrics registrar Dr Matthew Franklin, paediatrics intern Dr Noah Gray, assistant manager food services Alec Stevens, and physiotherapist Jane Davey took on The Goat, the gruelling race to find the fastest person up Castle Hill’s goat track.
Noah placed 8th in the Open Men’s division ahead of Matthew, 11th, and Alec, 13th.
Jane placed 5th in the Open Women’s division.
Huge effort by all - our legs are shaking just thinking about running up the goat track!
Donna Kittle
Dr Matthew Franklin, Dr Noah Gray, Alec Stevens, and Jane Davey
“Thank you to all the staff for the great effort they put in. I appreciate all the care given to not only my dad but also my mum.”
PARKLANDS
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
“I want to express my gratitude to the team of wonderful people helping those in need at a time that is so full of emotion and upheaval in their lives.”
“I spent 7 weeks in hospital and wanted to thank everybody for their care. The physiotherapy staff were always bright and happy. All were wonderful.”
TUH
PHYSIOTHERAPY
VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING SERVICE
A Brighter Note...
Aussie Day fun runners help raise vital funds
This week, the Townsville Road Runners donated $1,800 raised from the Aussie Day Fun Run to Brighter Lives
On Australia Day, a large contingent of keen runners woke up early, dressed in their finest Aussie-themed outfits and ran along the strand for a good cause.
Runners of all ages, including mums with prams and participants with pets, ran the 5km course starting at Jezzine Barracks, with a gold coin donation encouraged in lieu of the registration fee.
Participants embraced the occasion by dressing up in creative outfits, from Steve Irwin inspired costumes, to cricket themed ensembles, and even a three-person caterpillar.
It was a sea of green and gold to celebrate Australia Day.
Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton thanked those who participated in the fun run and those who volunteered on the day.
“The $1,800 raised will help support locals here in north Queensland needing to spend time in hospital.”
With the success of this year’s event, the running group is already looking forward to making next year’s fun run even bigger and better.
Stephanie Naunton and Dr Tilley Pain (Secretary Townsville Road Runners)
Capital works update
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
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
Works currently underway Works on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Project: Charters Towers CT Scanner
Work location: Charters Towers Health Service
Have any questions?
Project: North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service (NQPPMS) upgrade
Work location: Medilink building Level 2 current NQPMMS suite
Project: Kirwan Health Communty Campus expansion - $40 million
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 email THHSInfrastructureOffice@health.qld.gov.au.
• 4 crusty white long bread rolls, sliced lengthways
• 100g (3.5 oz) chicken liver pate
• ⅓ cup whole egg mayonnaise
• 1 small Lebanese cucumber, sliced into batons
• 1 long red chilli, finely sliced
• coriander (cilantro) sprigs, to serve.
Quick pickled carrot
• 1 large carrot, finely julienned
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar.
Method
• If your pork belly needs warming, place it into an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy at the edges.
• To make the carrot pickle, add the carrot, sugar, salt and vinegar to a small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside until ready to use.
• To assemble the banh mi, spread the pate over one half of the bread rolls. Then spread mayonnaise on the opposite sides.
• Drain pickled carrot and divide between the rolls. Next, top them with some strips of cucumber and warm pork belly slices. Add some chilli slices and a few sprigs of coriander.
Classifieds
Amarok Dual Cab Ute TDI420 with aluminium lockable canopy, 170xxx KMs, great uteonly selling due to upgrading. Service just completed, service history available and road worthy included. Includes snorkel, UHF, lift kift & more. Located in Annandale. Contact 0414599049 for photos and all details. (14/2)
Puppies – Labradoodle. 5 of 11 still available. Multi-generational, non-shedding fleece and non-allergenic coated dogs. Medium sized, 17-20kgs fully grown. Wormed fortnightly and now ready to go, 8 weeks as of 7th Feb. Final vet check, first vax and microchipped. $2,900. BIN0001101777456, Responsible Breeders Association Australia Membership 11415. Text or call Kirsten 0418 389 831. (14/2)
House for sale - 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, 2 Carspace and pool. Large front and backyard, land Size 648 m2. 5 minutes’ drive to hospital and JCU. Easy access to playground, soccer & tennis fields, fish&flip swim school and dog park. $775,000, Tim 0451394728. 34, Honeyeater Circuit, Douglas, QLD 4814. (14/2)
Purebred Mini Dachshunds (Chocolate and Tan and Chocolate). 2 girls and 1 boy looking for their forever home 15/3/25. They will be wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Both parents are DNA tested and cleared. Please contact Wendy 0438 501 796 if interested in viewing and price. BIN0012133981650
FOR RENT
Mature couple from the UK are looking for a housesit on Magnetic Island from 09/09/25 to 09/11/25. They are regular visitors as they have a daughter living here. They will look after your house as if their own. Please email helen. griffiths2@health.qld.gov.au if you have a house/unit available. (14/2)
2-Bedroom Unit in Cranbrook, $360/Week. Fully air-conditioned unit near major shopping, JCU, and hospital. Features a small kitchen with appliances, washing machine, and security screens. Off-street parking (not undercover), yard maintenance included. Electricity metered separately. Quiet location near Ross River. Contact Leigh (0401 279 911) to view/apply. (14/2)
Email classifieds to tsv-public-affairs@health.qld.gov.au with subject ‘Classifieds’. Do not send classifieds as attachments.
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