Happy New Year to all. It’s great to be back for 2025, in what is already shaping up to be a busy year. On my second day back at work, we hosted a visit from the Minister for Health Tim Nicholls, which I was pleased about, because I was away the last time he came. The Minister launched the new BreastScreen Queensland Strategic Plan 2025-2032 in front of the new BreastScreen van, Lilly Pilly 2, which is currently parked up at Bunnings North Shore. The van even featured real lilly pillies, as pointed out by someone with a keen eye for detail. The new strategy aims to achieve a minimum screening rate of 60 per cent of eligible women by 2032. Our region is already achieving those screening rates, although I know we want to get back to our pre-pandemic levels of the high 60s. Congratulations to our BreastScreen team which does an amazing job of connecting with our community and bringing services closer to the homes of many women, often in locations where public transport is poor.
While the Minister was here, we took the opportunity to pop into our new pain service, which will see its first patients this Friday. Located in the old endoscopy unit, everyone has done a fantastic job designing a unit to accommodate the service within a contained environment. Our North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service has a local and regional remit, and the team covers some territory getting out to Mount Isa, Cairns and Mackay. For a long time, they’ve had to operate from multiple locations here in Townsville so it’s a real milestone to have everyone on the Douglas campus (well after the Medilink element of the refurbishment is done). After this, we popped into paediatrics and had the opportunity to talk with the Minister about our vision to become a children’s hospital.
The Minister was very clear in his discussions with the Board Chair and me of his intent that the TUH capacity expansion program goes back to tender as soon as possible so progress on the build continues. The Minister also discussed the election commitment regarding the new CT for the Ayr hospital (or is that Burdekin University Hospital?) which formed part of a broader commitment for CTs and MRIs in several hospitals across Queensland.
Those of you who were at TUH in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 January, may have witnessed the arrival of the CT scanner which forms part of our hybrid theatre. As you might expect, there is a great deal of detailed commissioning work that needs to be done to calibrate the scanner which all needs to be done before we can move into our own commissioning of the space. Stay tuned for further announcements about its opening.
Talking of staying tuned, in the next few weeks, be on the lookout for the opening of nominations for our Staff Excellence Awards 2025. This is the opportunity to think about our colleagues or teams who live our values, purpose or vision and demonstrate excellence in rural healthcare and health, safety and wellness. I know from talking to many of you that being nominated by a colleague is highly valued, so please be on the lookout for the opening of nominations. I am pleased to confirm that the Director-General and Minister for Health have accepted our invitation to attend this year’s awards. Speaking of invitations, I may have invited the Minister for a guest appearance on a future kkTV.
One of the most unpleasant things about this time of year must be the high humidity so early in the morning – walking the dog at 4:30 with an apparent temperature of 33 degrees isn’t fun (although Bentley doesn’t seem to mind). On the other hand, what I like most about this time of year is welcoming all the new staff, especially our most recent graduates in the various health professions. Last week, 73 new medical interns started and will soon be out and about across the health service. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with some of them this week and to hear their views about why our reputation, as a good place to work and learn, drew them to Townsville.
Looking back at my last blog of 2024, I am pleased to check off all the things I hoped to do on my annual leave. I managed a decent tidy-up of my space under the house, brewed some beer (an oyster stout for those interested, it’s a thing!), caught some good fish and played some bad golf. More importantly, I had the opportunity to have a wonderful Christmas with those I love. Here’s to a successful 2025 for all of us.
Kieran Keyes Health Service Chief Executive
Globetrotting
nurse starts career as doctor at Townsville HHS
After five years working as a neonatal nurse, caring for pre-term and critically unwell babies at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), Lisa Altmann is ready for her new challenge as a first-year doctor in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
Lisa, 37, was one of 73 interns who started their medical careers with the health service last week.
“I started as a nurse at 21 years old where I then travelled the world, working in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Libya, Laos, and Papua New Guinea,” she said.
“I was working as a nursing educator in Laos when I had to travel to Cairns to do some block modules for a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine I was doing through James Cook University.
“I fell in love with the tropical climate, the people, and the north Queensland area and that’s when I applied to study a Bachelor of Medicine at James Cook University.
“JCU accepted my application and I moved to Townsville six years ago, just after the 2019 flood.
“Since then, I have studied full time and worked casually at TUH as a registered nurse in the neonatal unit.
“It has been a long road to get here, and I am looking forward to this next stage of my healthcare career and continuing to help people in need.”
Neonatologist Professor Yoga Kandasamy said Lisa had the warmest congratulations of everyone in the neonatal unit.
“Lisa has been a valuable member of our neonatal nursing team and we’re thrilled to see her achieve her dream of becoming a doctor,” he said.
Over the next 12 months, the interns will work across several areas of the health service including general medicine, emergency care, cardiology, surgery, paediatrics, rural health care and cancer care.
They will also work in some of the rural communities within the HHS with each intern doctor spending time in Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr, Ingham, and Palm Island.
Chief medical officer Dr Niall Small said he was excited to be able to welcome the new cohort of intern doctors.
“The demand for high-quality medical care in north Queensland continues to grow and these junior doctors are part of the next wave to help deliver on that,” Niall said.
Dr Lisa Altmann
“Each of these doctors has done the hard yards in studying medicine for several years and these internships are about applying that knowledge in a practical sense.
“Over the next year they will be given support and guidance to help them transition out of their internships and into work.
“Each year I look forward to welcoming the junior doctors and watching them grow their skillset and knowledge as they begin their journey with our health service.
“The experience our junior doctors will gain by interning at the only tertiary referral hospital in north Queensland is invaluable and I look forward to seeing our cohort become exceptional doctors.”
Lisa said she was both nervous and excited to start work as a doctor.
“It has been a lot of years of hard work, and it is a bit surreal to wear the red doctor’s lanyard and no longer introduce myself as a medical student,” she said.
“One day I hope to be able to work in a rural location to do a bit of general practice, emergency, and obstetric work.
“For now, I will spend the next year learning as much as I can while also training Lucy, my labradoodle puppy, to become a therapy dog.”
Dr Lisa Altmann and her labradoodle puppy Lucy who is training to become a therapy dog
It’s a knockout – Amanda’s boxing glory
Hidden in the basement of Townsville University Hospital is our very own Million Dollar Baby.
Manager support services Amanda Douglas returned from the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast in November with a gold medal in the Women’s 31 – 40 lightweight division.
Inspired by her son, who also boxes, Amanda didn’t originally plan on entering the games.
“My son’s trained at a few different gyms and I’ve always been into fitness, so when I’m there with the kids I’ll go for a run or do whatever I need to get a workout,” Amanda said.
“I was talking to one of the trainers and mentioned that I wouldn’t mind having a fight one day and that was it.
“Sixteen weeks later I’d completed a training camp and had my first fight, with my son in support in my corner.
“One of the trainers mentioned the Pan Pacific Games on the Gold Coast and I thought it’d be another good opportunity.”
Amanda said training for a fight was unlike anything she’d ever experienced; the focus and discipline required has strengthened her mindset like nothing else.
“I did an eight-week camp this time and I just knew that I was going to get the gold, I could see it,” Amanda said.
“With my first fight I listened to everyone; you get so much information and it’s a lot of noise.
“This second camp, people were still telling me stuff but I knew what I needed to do to win.
“I trusted myself, and I’ve never ever trusted myself before, and I got the result.”
Training has also helped Amanda focus professionally.
“After completing the first training camp, I felt like I could handle anything,” Amanda said.
“This is a very stressful job. There was a lot going on professionally, I’m doing my MBA as well… the training helps me manage all of that.
“Now when there’s noise and it’s crazy, I can focus on the job that needs to be done. It’s not just a sport for me, it’s a mindset.”
Amanda Douglas
Tell us what you think!
Tell us how we can improve the THHS staff health and wellbeing (Wellbeing@THHS) program so that it works better for you.
Please complete the short 5 minute survey by scanning the below QR code, please complete by date to Friday 31st January 2025.
If you would like to discuss your response or if you have any questions, please phone 4433 1752 or email wellbeingthhs@health.qld.gov.au.
Neil cultures retirement after 40-plus year pathology career
One of north Queensland’s most experienced pathology scientists, Neil Ford, has called time on a more than 40-year career in healthcare, an industry he admitted he got into by accident.
Neil recently took off the lab coat for the last time as he reflected on his more than four decades working in pathology.
He said he got his first taste of the career when he was a teenager in a week-long placement in pathology at the old Townsville General Hospital.
“A family friend’s son was doing work experience in pathology and he just did one week of a two-week stint, so I got the opportunity to fill in the remaining week,” Neil said.
“I really enjoyed it after not knowing what to expect and that’s how I got started in pathology after university and a cadetship.”
Senior scientist Rebbecca Lee has taken over Neil’s supervisor role and said he will be missed at work.
“He has been a bit of fixture around the lab and always someone you could turn to for advice or help,” Rebbecca said.
“Neil was the person you sought out when something wasn’t working because he knew how to fix it and where to get the stuff to fix it.
“He was my supervisor for more than 13 years and he has made me the scientist I am today. He gave me my first opportunity and has helped me stick with it.
“He has been a great boss in mentoring me professionally and helping me personally.”
Neil said he was very fortunate to have had the benefit of working with a group of dedicated colleagues at Pathology Queensland and the wider Townsville HHS.
“I didn’t think I would be involved in several redevelopment projects for mortuary and pathology during my time at TUH including close reliance on expert services provided by BEMS and information services,” he said.
“I have enjoyed my time working in healthcare and one of the biggest changes I have seen over the last four decades has been the significant automation of processes, advances in molecular diagnostic technology, digital pathology, and important focus on research and clinical trials in improving patient outcomes.
“Computers, instruments, and different technologies have changed significantly in my time in pathology and has helped us with increasing workloads and continual quality improvement.
“It’s been amazing to see how pathology has changed over the past 40 years and I am excited to see what it will look like in the next 40.
“As for now, I am going to take a bit of break to fix things around the house, spend time with family, travel, and get to my happy place, on a boat and on the water.”
Former pathologist Neil Ford has retired after more than 40 years in the industry.
Eight-year-old Kruze is Queensland’s robotic surgery wonderkid
An eight-year-old boy from Charters Towers has become the first child in Queensland to undergo robotic-assisted surgery.
Kruze Bott was discharged from hospital less than 24 hours after he underwent minimally invasive surgery to correct a kidney condition.
He was treated thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between Townsville University Hospital (TUH) and Mater, which doctors hope will lead to Townsville becoming Australia’s leading centre for robotic paediatric surgery.
The procedure was performed at the Mater Townsville by paediatric surgeon and urologist Dr Janani Krishnan using the $3.3m da Vinci XI surgical system, which provides surgeons with an advanced set of keyhole surgical instruments.
Using highly magnified, 3D high-definition views of the surgical area, surgeons are able to perform complex procedures through small incisions.
Janani performed the robotic-assisted pyeloplasty with the support of Cairns urologist Dr Stefan Antoniou.
“While paediatric robotic surgeries are being performed in large numbers around the world, they have not been performed widely in Australia until now,” Janani said.
“This procedure a game-changer for paediatric surgery in our state. Kruze has made a great recovery from his complex surgery and he will be the first of many young Queenslanders to benefit from robotic-assisted surgery.”
Kruze’s mother, Jade, said her son had suffered weeks of abdominal pain before he was diagnosed two ureteropelvic junction obstructions, which meant urine could not flow from his kidney to his bladder. Without intervention, these obstructions can lead to urinary tract infections and irreversible kidney damage.
“Kruze was coming home from school complaining about belly pain, so we went to our family GP and, when an ultrasound was performed, one of his kidneys was almost double the size of the other,” Ms Bott said.
“From there we were referred to Dr Krishnan and everything happened so quickly.
Dr Janani Krishnan and Kruze Bott with the da Vinci Xi surgical assist robot
“Kruze was originally expected to have open surgery, which would have left him with a foot-long scar and would have meant he had a long recovery period.
“Then Dr Krishnan phoned and said that roboticassisted surgery may be an option, which would be minimally invasive and mean a much shorter hospital stay
“After the operation, Kruze was up and out of hospital the next day – and a couple of days later you couldn’t even tell he’d had surgery at all.”
TUH director of paediatric surgery Dr Harry Stalewski said the procedure marked an important milestone for robotic surgery in Australia.
“Within a few years, robotic surgeries will be the mainstay of major surgery in Australian paediatrics,” Harry said.
“Having access to a robot in Townsville means we can lead the rest of Australia in paediatric robotic surgery and the training of specialists in this field.
“We had junior doctors in the room to observe this surgery and we’re excited to see how we can continue to expand the knowledge of our local specialists and attract new ones to the region.”
A partnership between TUH and Mater has allowed almost 1,000 public and private adult patients to undergo surgery using the system, but an extensive clinical governance approval process was required before children could undergo robotic surgery.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said Kruze’s surgery was a significant milestone in the partnership between the Townsville HHS and Mater.
“Delivering robotic paediatric surgery for the children of north Queensland is the result of many months of hard work,” Kieran said.
“This achievement showcases how our hospitals are working together to deliver the best possible healthcare closer to home for north Queenslanders.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service blah blah blah Page 9
Kruze Bott learns how to use the da Vinci Xi surgical assist robot with Dr Janani Krishnan
With love, from Dubai; twins return to NICU
Fourteen years after welcoming their twins in Townsville University Hospital (TUH), Heidi and Adam Kurth, who live in Dubai, brought their miracle babies back to visit the team who cared for them.
Evelyn and Amelia Kurth were born at 30 weeks and five days’ gestation on 2 November 2010.
Evelyn was just 1420 grams at birth, spending 51 days in NICU. Her sister, dubbed “Amazing Amelia” by NICU staff, was half the size of her twin at a tiny 610 grams and spent a mammoth 154 days in NICU.
“Amelia was IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction), she stopped growing at 12 weeks; she was tiny,” Adam said.
“Evelyn was growing normally, but because Amelia was so small we just tried to keep them in as long as possible.”
Neonatal nurse educator Louise Thiele, who was part of the twins’ care team, said it was heartwarming to see the girls grown up.
“It’s the best part of the job when they come back to visit us after being so tiny and so sick,” Louise said.
“Seeing them now; they’re happy, healthy and they look very similar to what they did as babies, just grown up.”
Maternal fetal medicine clinical director Dr David Watson also said how wonderful it was to see the twins thriving.
“It’s fabulous to see how things turn out all these years down the track,” David said.
“People often ask me how things will go for children and it’s hard to know but the Kurths have done extremely well.”
While their lives may be based in Dubai, Heidi, who still has family and friends in the Townsville region, said that the team at TUH would always hold a special place in their heart.
“It’s a familiar feeling seeing everybody again,” Heidi said.
“It’s reassuring that there are lots of people here that continue that care and obviously have learnt a lot of the years.
“Looking back on Amelia, who was one of the smallest babies at the time, and now seeing some of the practices that have been put in place since then, what was learned and the application of that to the new babies coming through, it’s really cool.”
Evelyn and Amelia Kurth with NICU staff
Kurth family in 2011 in TUH NICU
Marking 50 years for magnificent Maureen
After a stellar 50 years of service, a Charters Towers mental health nurse was celebrated by her peers at the end of 2024.
Maureen Thorn’s career began as an assistant in nursing (AIN) at Mosman Hall, the former psychiatric hospital on the outskirts of Charters Towers, in 1974.
“I began my career as an AIN on December 14, 1974, and later became an enrolled nurse,” Maureen said.
“The facility was vastly different then, housing 200 consumers across four wards with 27 nurses providing 24-hour care.
“Staffing was predominantly male and there were no allied health professionals; nurses managed all aspects of care.”
Over the next 50 years, Maureen witnessed many changes throughout the health service, much of which she has helped shape.
“Our understanding of mental health has evolved significantly since then, thankfully for the better,” she said.
“I played a critical role establishing the community mental health team in Charters Towers in 1996 before returning to the Charters Towers Rehabilitation Unit (CTRU) in 2014.”
CTRU director of nursing Dan Ay said Maureen was an extraordinary human and a huge asset to the health service and the community.
“Maureen has made a lasting impact across the health service, from community mental health, Mosman Hall and CTRU,” Dan said.
“Her unwavering commitment, hard work and reliability have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and the community alike.
“Her dedication has touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of care and excellence that inspires us all.”
Maureen said her passion for mental health was as strong as ever and she was looking forward to continuing her work in the field.
“Early in my career I realised I could make a real difference in helping individuals with mental illness achieve their recovery goals and reintegrate into their communities,” she said.
“This has been a constant source of motivation and a true passion throughout my career.
“I hope to continue supporting those with mental illness and share my experience with younger nurses.”
Maureen Thorn
Brave Bella rings bell marking end of cancer treatment
Surrounded by her big family, six-year-old Bella Harris rang the bell at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) signifying the end of her treatment for brain cancer.
Two years ago Bella was diagnosed with a brain tumour located on her brain stem.
She underwent surgery in Brisbane to remove the tumour before beginning 12 months of chemotherapy.
Bella’s grandmother and carer Bronwyn Tomarra said it was a special day as the family came together to watch Bella finally ring the bell at the TUH cancer centre.
“Bella is the strongest little girl,” Bronwyn said.
“Throughout everything she kept her gentle nature.
“It was amazing to watch how she handled this whole experience.
“After each round of chemo, she’d walk out like nothing happened.”
Paediatric clinical nurse consultant oncology and haematology Phil Mauger said watching Bella’s transformation was incredible.
“Bella didn’t want much to do with us at the beginning of her treatment,” Phil said.
“But now she chats to us non-stop and has become very independent.”
Phil said the team at TUH, alongside Bella’s oncologist and team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, successfully advocated for Bella’s specific cancer treatment to be accessible in Townsville.
“This meant that Bronwyn and Bella no longer had to travel to Brisbane each month for treatment,” Phil said.
“We are so proud of this work that significantly reduced the burden on Bella and her family, bringing her care closer to home.”
Bronwyn, who cares for four other grandchildren, said it was hard to describe the impact this advocacy had on her family.
“Bella and I had to travel to Brisbane every month for 10 months, which was hard for the other kids,” Bronwyn said.
“Thanks to Phil and the team we were able to stay together; it meant the world.”
Bella Harris ringing the bell alongside her grandmother Bronwyn Tomarra
“A lot of the staff have become like family, Bella and her siblings even
started calling Phil, Uncle Phil.”
Phil said his new title as Uncle Phil was special and he felt proud to be an honorary member of the family.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to see Bella reach this milestone,” said Phil.
“She has been such a trouper, enduring each treatment with a smile, even when it was tough.
“Some kids don’t get these moments; we take the wins and bell ringing ceremonies are a big part of why we do this job.”
Bella’s Aunty Wendy Naqelece said she was excited to see Bella return to normalcy and have more time to spend with family.
“We call Bella ‘doughy’ because her nature is so gentle, but she’s so tough,” Wendy said.
“I’ve
never seen a child like her, and I can’t wait to see her continue to thrive.”
Wendy said Bella will be spending a lot of time swimming, going to the park, and cooking with her grandmother.
Bella and her family with paediatric clinical nurse consultant oncology and haematology Phil Mauger and nurse clinical nurse Jessica Loveday
Phil Mauger, Bella Harris and Jessica Loveday
Major boost for breast screening services with launch of new state-of-the-art mobile van
Breast screening services across northern Queensland have received a major boost with the launch of a brand-new mobile van, the Lilly Pilly 2.
The $1 million BreastScreen Queensland Townsville mobile van provides rural and remote communities with access to the latest life-saving breast cancer screening technology.
BreastScreen Queensland Townsville breast surgeon Dr April Miu said the Lilly Pilly 2 would visit up to 28 sites across the Townsville and North West Hospital and Health Services.
“This new van expands our capacity to deliver breast screens across the region by allowing two radiographers to screen patients at the same time,” she said.
BreastScreen Queensland Townsville breast imaging director Elizabeth Phillips said the mobile service screened more than 5000 women every year.
“The technology on board the Lilly Pilly 2 enables a fast turnaround of breast screen images from remote locations via digital upload; this allows clinicians to review the images and deliver timely results for women,” she said.
Ravenshoe mother Jan McCarthy said the BreastScreen mobile service was vital for those who lived in rural and remote communities.
“I watched a very close friend succumb to breast cancer, so I know just how important regular scans are,” she said.
“I’ve been having scans every two years since I turned 40, and I’m now 70, so I’ve had quite a few, but it’s always a pleasant experience thanks to the kind, caring and supportive staff at BreastScreen Queensland.”
April has issued a public plea for women aged 40 and above to book in a free breast screen every two years.
“Even if you don’t have any concerns about your breasts, a breast screen is able to detect abnormalities before they can be felt,” she said.
“BreastScreen Townsville continues to have the highest participation in Queensland, with approximately 60 per cent of eligible women screened through the program.
“However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, this number has fallen, so we’re encouraging women who may have suspended their screening to return to the program.”
Appointments can be made by phoning 13 20 50 or online at breastscreen.qld.gov.au. A referral is not needed.
Elizabeth Phillips, Dr April Miu and Greg Shephard
Stars align as doctors find home in Townsville
For director of clinical training and psychiatry staff specialist Dr Susannah Bond and consultant psychiatrist Dr Andrew Livingstone, the path to becoming Australian citizens was far from straightforward.
It took the couple eight years, but they can now officially call Townsville home.
“We came from the United Kingdom with two young children in tow and a plan to head back home after 12 months,” Susannah said.
“But we quickly fell in love with the city.”
The pair was on a temporary visa for four years but couldn’t get onto the next stage of the process until they took on permanent positions.
“There was always a hoop to jump through, but it was all necessary to get us closer to the life we wanted here,” Susannah said.
“Townsville is not just the best place to work but it’s given us a better life, and a lovely balance.
“We are taking on career opportunities that mean we can really affect change and work on projects that make a difference.”
With their citizenship now in hand, Susan and Andrew thanked the many colleagues and mentors who supported them over the years.
“We want to share this achievement with our colleagues, especially in psychiatry, who have helped us get this far,” Andrew said.
“And Dr Sarah Beaney who originally found us the spot at Townsville University Hospital and laid the groundwork for us to come, and decide to stay.
“We also think it’s important to understand the challenges that come with moving to a new country as a health professional.
“I think what a lot of people don’t see are the invisible barriers and challenges that immigrants face.
“We’re both British-trained doctors and English speakers and still it was a difficult process.
“Loads of people in the hospital are navigating this with additional barriers.
“Our advice would be to find your people and talk to others who have been through the process; there will always be someone who can relate to your experience.
“We were so lucky to have colleagues and mentors support us throughout our journey to becoming citizens, and we hope to be able to do the same for others working at the hospital.”
Dr Andrew Livingstone and Dr Susannah Bond
Citizenship ceremony
“I wish to commend the teams for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the principles of PatientCentred Care. Their focus on achieving the best possible patient outcomes was evident throughout my stay, and their efforts are a testament to the high standards of care within the Health Service.”
TSG3/ED/SCDU/THEATRES/ MEDICAL IMAGING
“I would like to thank all the staff involved during my stay following the birth of my newborn on the 16th December 2024 through to the 18th December 2024.
The team even though it was very early hours in the morning were informative & friendly and made the experience as pleasant and as comfortable as possible.
I would like to thank the anaesthetist who spoke to me throughout the entire procedure (whose name I’ve forgotten) and really put my mind at ease.
The whole maternity ward – they are are exceptional, friendly & approachable.”
MATERNITY WARD
$10,000 donation in Dale’s honour to cardiology
Dale “Bear” Nofz loved his golf and was a proud member of the Townsville Golf Club.
In 2017, Dale suffered a heart attack on the golf course and sadly passed away.
In his honour, the Nofz Family along with the Townsville Golf Club have held a memorial golf day every year since 2018.
This year, $10,000 raised from the event was generously donated to Brighter Lives to support cardiology in north Queensland.
Wearing red to support the message of healthy hearts, golfers played 18 holes in the north Queensland sunshine on 11 January, with money raised donated back to the foundation.
“We are so grateful that Dale’s family has chosen Brighter Lives to help support heart programs across north Queensland,” Stephanie Naunton, CEO Brighter Lives said.
“Heart attacks are responsible for causing almost one in 25 of all deaths in Australia, with twice as many men than women having heart attacks.
“Dale’s legacy lives on to help the people of north Queensland.”
Dale’s son, Shaun Nofz, said his father was a keen golfer and much loved by the club.
“Dad won many events around North Queensland as well as the 2016 NQ Senior Men’s Championship,” Shaun said.
“It is very special to see the golfing community of Townsville and north Queensland come together every year to remember him and be able to do something so tangible to help the local community by fundraising for heart health.
“We’d like to thank all of our sponsors, Townsville Golf Club and all those who played on the day for making this year’s event so wonderful.
“This year’s donations have helped support heart health here in north Queensland through Brighter Lives.”
2025 Dale Nofz memorial golf day
Dale “Bear” Nofz
Capital works update
Works currently underway
Project: Removal and replacement of TUH MRI
Work location/s: medical imaging and emergency departments
Project: Ward Midlife Renewal - Stage Aadditional beds -$2.1 million
Works on the way
Project: The 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 locations: TUH Acute building Level 1 former Endoscopy Services / Medilink building Level 2 current NQPPMS suite
Project: Kirwan Health Community Campus expansion - $40 million
Have any questions?
Work location: ground floor medical ward 4
Project: eHealth Infrastructure Maintenance Program
Work location/s: Various locations in TUH
Work location: Kirwan Health Community expansion – carpark
Project: Charters Towers Health Service – CT Scanner and Xray building - $4.4 million
Work location: At the front of the hospital, adjacent the Emergency Department
Project: TUH Central Equipment Loans Service (CELS) - $2.35 million
Work Location: TUH Level 2, CSSB
Project: TUH Stage 1 expansion project - $530 million
Work locations: helipad and surrounding areas including eastern campus for temporary helipad location
Plans are currently underway to support staff through the changes that will occur in the coming months. To accommodate so much growth at TUH, some staff will be required to relocate to new office spaces and to support this, we have commenced a Business Case for Significant Change with those 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
Laugh of the blah
Summer mango salad
Supplied by TUH dietitians
Ingredients
Dressing
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 shallot finely minced (generates about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Salt and black pepper to tast
Salad
• 5 to 6 cups spinach
• 1 red mango generates about 1.5 cups sliced mango
• 1/3 cup pine nuts toasted
• 1/2 shallot thinly sliced
Method
• Wash spinach thoroughly with running water. Remove and discard broken leaves and tough stems.
• Add sesame seeds into a small pan and cook over medium heat. When the pan turns hot, turn to medium low heat. Stir and cook the sesame seeds until they turn slightly golden. Transfer to a plate and spread to cool. Add the pine nuts into the same pan. Toast and stir until both sides turn golden brown. Transfer to another plate to cool.
• Prep and chop the rest of the veggies and fruits.
• Mix all the ingredients for the dressing in a small jar. Shake to combine.
• Add all the ingredients for the salad into a large bowl.
• Add half of the dressing right before serving. Gently toss it with both hands to coat the salad evenly with dressing. Taste the salad. Add a bit more dressing and toss, if necessary.
• Serve immediately. You can save the remaining dressing in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
• Use ripe ingredients, dress just before serving, don’t over-mix, and add other vegetables to make it colourful.
Classifieds
Puppies - Labradoodle. Bred by a TSV reputable ethical family breeder of multi generational, non shedding fleece and non allergenic (tested with children with severe allergies) coated dogs. They will be medium sized 17-20kgs. 4 black, 5 chocolate and 1 strawberry blonde, 5 girls and 5 boys. Ready to go at 8 weeks 7th Feb after final vet check, first vaccs, microchipping. Booking visits to meet the pups and mum and dad where the pups are born and raised (our living room) starting this weekend. $3,400. Text Kirsten 0418 389 831 to book a visit and learn more. BIN0001101777456, and Responsible Breeders Association of Australia 11415 (13/01)
Puppies - German Shepherd. 5 male 1 Female. Born 2nd December 2024. Ready week of 20th January. Wormed, micro chipped and 1st vaccination has been done. Breeder number BIN0015993022070. $2000. Contact 0417 252 772 for details.
FOR RENT
Two rooms available. Located on a hill with exceptional city view in Wulguru. Large balcony and rose garden. $260 per week, including high speed internet and bills. Two budgies, and can’t accept a tenant with a pet. Contact Sevinc 0414 479 589 or email Sevinc.Sevil@health.qld. gov.au (16/12)
Room for rent short/medium term (up to six months) located in Douglas 5 minute drive from hospital. $250/week including bills and internet. Option for room to be furnished or unfurnished. Strictly no pets, smoking or drug use. Sharing with a quiet shift working professional and a friendly indoor cat. Available ASAP, text Sarah 0400526880 (14/12)
Granny Flat/Studio under highset home, for rent short/medium term. Located Aitkenvale 10 mins from TUH. Fully furnished – self-contained –fully fenced. $300/week inclusive all bills. Open to small friendly dog. No smoking or drug use. Available Jan 2025. Text Shane 0417 624 475 (13/01)
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