blahblah
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION 2024 blah
Health service transforms into festive wonderland
The winners have been crowned for the annual Townsville Hospital and Health Service Christmas decoration competition, as the health service was transformed into a festive wonderland.
The teams behind the winning entries will start the new year with a buzz, winning $250 prizes thanks to Brighter Lives.
You can see all the winners on page 4. And you can see all the entries in their festive glory on page 6.
Conversations with Kieran
Well, it’s finally here and I’m definitely not ready. I’m talking about my last blah column for 2024. I’m also not ready for Christmas either, but I have a few more days for that which will include seeing other blokes doing their Christmas shopping around town on Tuesday. The end of a year is always an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved, what we’ve been challenged by, and our goals for the new year.
On the infrastructure front, we had the difficult news in February of the contractor for Kirwan going into administration; it’s great to see that build progressing now. This week we have had the difficult news about Stage 2 of the TUH expansion; however, I am reassured by the Minister’s comments about this being a priority. It’s great to see the progress on CTs at Ingham and Charters Towers and, next year, we’ll see some progress on the election commitment for a CT at Ayr and the rural hospital upgrades.
We had our first ever short-notice survey against the National Standards for Safety and Quality in Healthcare this year and we should all be very proud of how well we performed. Two assessors are back with us this week monitoring progress on some of the issues identified in the survey and have made some very positive observations about our progress to date.
We successfully completed our rural ieMR rollout out which has been a real team effort across our HHS and bodes well for our Prisoner ieMR rollout in 2025. We completed what became a pretty complicated rollout of Omnicell devices for medication dispensing and we also delivered new physiological monitoring devices across the HHS. It was also good to see our Clinical Equipment and Loan Service move into new accommodation at TUH. On the clinical services front, we can truly say we are delivering world-class healthcare for the people of northern Queensland. The latest example of this was our first ever CAR-T cell treatment, which also happened to be the first time such a treatment was delivered in a regional location. I’m looking forward to building on this reputation when we commence our kidney transplant
service in 2025. Supporting our purpose of providing great care every day, I want to again acknowledge the Ayr bus crash response in July.
I am very proud of this health service, and I want to reiterate how lucky I am that I’m often stopped in the most random locations by strangers that want to share with me their experience of care in our health service. When we come to work every day and it’s busy, we often overlook just how wonderful we can be and the high regard in which we are held by so many in our community.
With Christmas upon us, I’ve had the difficult job of being part of the judging panel for the Christmas decoration competition. There were so many deserving entries this year that didn’t come away with a prize so well done to all our entrants.
This year, I’m taking three weeks leave starting today. I’m grateful to Stephen Eaton for covering as A/HSCE over this time. I don’t have any major plans for the break, but it will be a good opportunity to attend to the list of jobs that I have (it certainly can stop growing, thanks you-know-who), as well as maybe a little golf, fishing, or homebrewing. Or all three.
I know many of you will be working over this time and I want to thank all of you for spending time away from your loved ones to care for our community. I’m also mindful that this time of year can be difficult for some people for a range of reasons, whether it’s because someone loved is missing from the Christmas table, financial stress, or the pressure of trying to make the ‘perfect Christmas.’ Please be kind to yourselves over this period and please be on the lookout for colleagues, family and friends who might be experiencing difficulty.
I wish everyone the very best for this festive season and for those that celebrate, a Merry Christmas, along with a Happy New Year to all. kk
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
2024 WINNERS
Winter wonderlands, Australian outback, Grinchmas and more were showcased in the 2024 Christmas decoration competition.
Health service chief executive Kieran Keyes was joined by Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton and Brighter Lives sponsors Eric Entwistle and Linda Kensington for the judging rounds. Without further ado, the winners are:
Townsville University Hospital
Pathology - Microbiology labs Rural Charters Towers Health Service
Now, kick back and enjoy the rest of the entries!
Now, kick back and enjoy a look at the entries from across the health service!
Townsville Non-TUH
Child Youth Mental Health Service Kirwan
Encouragement Award Speech Pathology/Critical Care Outreach Nurses office
Health service transforms into festive wonderland
Winners have been crowned in the highly coveted Townsville Hospital and Health Service Christmas Decoration Competition.
The team from Pathology Queensland took out the top prize for Townsville University Hospital with their labthemed creation, which included the ‘12 days of Christmas’ (microbiology style), viruses shaped as snowflakes, and their unique Christmas tree adorned with parasites.
Microbiology scientist Chiara Inglis said the team was overjoyed to be recognised with the win.
“It’s a bit of a shock really but we’re so grateful and proud to get this recognition from the health service; it’s a very special moment for all of us here in the lab, especially given the quality of all the other entrants,” she said.
Charters Towers Health Service reigned supreme in the rural category for their efforts in transforming the hospital into a winter wonderland.
Child and Youth Mental Health Services at Kirwan won the prize for Townsville-based facilities for their intricate office decorations.
Finally, there were joint winners in the inaugural Encouragement Award – Speech Pathology’s Aussie-themed Christmas and the Critical Care Outreach Nurses’ ‘Reindeer Response Team.’
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said this year’s entries once again raised the bar.
“The judges were absolutely blown away by the level of competition this year, with more than 50 entries showcasing spectacular creativity and dedication,” he said.
“It was very hard for the judges as there were so many worthy winners; some of my honourable mentions include PICU, the neonatal unit, the children’s ward, and the teams from theatres and PACU.
“I want to sincerely thank all staff who dedicated countless hours decorating their work areas, often coming in on days off, to bring joy to patients and colleagues this festive season.”
Brighter Lives chief executive officer Stephanie Naunton was also full of praise for this year’s entries.
“The decorations across the health service were so impressive this year that Brighter Lives decided to offer two additional prizes as encouragement awards,” Stephanie said.
“Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and that’s why it’s so important Brighter Lives supports hospital staff in creating these amazing displays to celebrate the season.
“Apart from the winners, some of the entries that stood out to me included the Bluey-themed Christmas in PICU, the Minion Christmas in PACU and the operating theatres.
“I also want to thank the guest judges, Brighter Lives Board member Linda Kensington and donor Eric Entwistle from Betta, for their support in making this a successful event.”
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for spreading festive cheer throughout the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
Ambulatory oncology
Child youth and family health
Adult acute mental health inpatients
Child youth mental health services
Adult community admin team
Charters Towers Health Service
Day of discharge unit
ICU
Critical care outreach nurses office
Ingham community allied health
CYMHS
Elective surgery office
Mental health acute care team
Neonatal unit
Medical ward 2
Medical ward 4
Medical imaging stores and typist office
Magnetic Island Health Service
Older Persons Mental Health Service
NQ IMG prep program
NWCCT Cambridge street
North Queensland referral hub
North Queensland distribution centre
Patient safety
PICU
Palliative care
Pathology
PACU
Operating theatres
Richmond Multipurpose Health Service
Speech pathology
Planned procedure unit
Surgical ward 1
Pod 2, Evolve Therapeutic Services
Short-stay unit
Scan to watch the Christmas decorations tour
TUH children’s ward
Townsville community care unit
Townsville prison health
Women and children’s clinics
Silent night at TUH transformed by carols and candy
A silent night at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) was transformed into a caroling wonderland last week after the Rotary Club of Ross River and The Cathedral School joined forces to bring Christmas cheer to local patients.
Club president Trevor Phillipson said the club’s annual tradition of bringing lolly bags and the choir to TUH continued again this year.
“We love coming at Christmas and we can see how happy it makes the patients,” he said.
“Nights in hospital can get lonely, and it gives the patients a bit of a perk up when they hear the choir, and they always join in with the traditional carols.”
For mum Christie Ingrey from Mackay, the carols were a reminder of Christmas for her and 14-month-old Leo who is recovering after surgery.
“Hearing the girls sing tonight put big smiles on our faces,” she said.
“It’s a tough time of year to be in hospital and away from loved ones, but the care here has been really good.”
For student Celicia Niemandt, 17, performing the carols at TUH was an opportunity to bring Christmas joy to people who needed it.
“I adore the family feeling of Christmas and I really wanted to bring it to people who may not be able to experience it,” she said.
Celicia landed on Jingle Bell Rock as her favorite Christmas song.
“A good Jingle Bell Rock is so upbeat, and it puts everyone in the Christmas mood; honestly, who doesn’t smile when they hear that song?”
Choir director Stephanie Dick said the best part of caroling was being able to share music.
“It’s also important that our students understand perspective; when people are doing it rough, we can share our voices and the beauty and joy of music,” she said.
Matilda Schmid, 16, Christie Ingrey with Leo Ingrey, 14 months, and Celicia Niemandt, 17
Thanks for providing HOPE for others
The team behind Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) Helping Our Patients Eat (HOPE) program held a get-together to say thanks to the volunteers who have made the program a huge success in its first nine months.
HOPE is a volunteer-led mealtime assistance program currently embedded within two acute wards within TUH.
Led by dietitian Felicity Dick, the project team is made up of representatives from dietetics, Eat Walk Engage, occupational therapy, speech pathology, nursing and Brighter Lives.
“HOPE has been going from strength to strength this year, with the volunteer presence continuing to grow on surgical wards 1 and 2,” Felicity said.
“What started as an idea in casual conversation with colleagues has turned into a highly valued program showcasing the value of multidisciplinary collaboration.”
Brighter Lives volunteers Mitch Mee and Shaz Folland have been part of the program since its inception and have seen firsthand the impact it has on patients.
“You’re seeing instant satisfaction with the patient, that interaction that we’ve got going with them and you can see you’re helping somebody,” Mitch said.
“You’re helping them to eat, which is giving them fulfillment and enjoyment.”
Shaz, who began volunteering with Brighter Lives at the beginning of the year, said the role was extremely rewarding.
“Talking to the people, listening to them, helping them… not everyone that is a patient here has family for support,” Shaz said.
“Interacting and being able to help them out, whichever way you possibly can, makes it all worth it.”
Evaluation of the HOPE program after six months of implementation showed improvements in access to meals via tray tables being in reach, access to timely set-up assistance and the number of meals patients are eating.
Felicity said it was great to get together as a whole team and celebrate the achievements of the program.
“We are so appreciative of our wonderful volunteers and the time they share, helping improve outcomes for our patients,” she said.
“We are hoping as our HOPE volunteers grow in numbers we will look to expand the program to additional wards, as we know patients all across the hospital would benefit.”
If you would like to find out more information about HOPE and how the program can help patients at mealtimes on your ward, get in touch with Felicity.
Brighter Lives volunteers Shaz Folland (left) and Mitch Mee (right) with dietitian Felicity Dick.
Christmas spirit and joy come to Eventide
Residents at Eventide Aged Care Facility
Charters Towers have been getting into the Christmas spirit all month long.
It started with the children from Charters Towers Kids Early Learning Centre, who visited Eventide to sing Christmas Carols. The children drop in once a month to engage with residents through singing and craft. For Christmas, they also presented residents with handmade gifts to hang in their rooms. In return, residents made up reindeer gift bags and decorated reindeer biscuits for the children to enjoy.
The Charters Towers Choristers, a community choir with a longstanding history in the Towers community, also dropped in to sing Christmas carols.
The Choristers had such a great time, they’re planning on visiting Eventide more in the new year much to the delight of residents and staff. Eventide wrapped up its main festivities today, December 20, with staff putting on a mobile concert for each unit to enjoy.
Eventide residents and local children from Charters Towers Kids Early Learning Centre
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
blah blah blah
Maternity unit whisking up Christmas cheer for sweet tradition
The maternity unit at Townsville University Hospital wrapped up the year with its annual Christmas baking competition, bringing together doctors, midwives, and support staff to shoot their culinary shot at being crowned winning chef.
Midwifery unit manager of maternity Honey Newman said the baking competition was a great way for staff in the unit to reflect on the year and relax together.
“It is such a fun event and a great opportunity to see and taste the culinary talents within our unit,” Honey said.
Abby Anderson won first place in the sweet category, with Kym Krobath and Chloe Woods securing second and third, while Emily Stone claimed the top prize for savoury dishes with her Grinch-themed cob loaf.
Special awards went to Rhi Tonga for judge’s choice, and Caitlin Borthwick for people’s choice.
Honey said the competition, an annual tradition, not only celebrated the holiday season but also helped raise funds for Brighter Lives for the first time.
“This year, we wanted the afternoon tea to go further and serve as a fundraiser for Brighter Lives,” Honey said.
“We managed to raise over $1000 for Brighter Lives, which we are very proud of.
“It’s always good to see staff having fun and connecting outside of their usual roles, while also contributing to the hospital through the charity.”
Winners of the baking competition Kym Krobath, Chloe Woods, Abby Anderson, Emily Stone and her kids, and Caitlin Borthwick
Christmas cheer served up by kitchen staff at Townsville University Hospital
While most of us will spend Christmas Day at home celebrating with family and friends, the dedicated team in the Townsville University Hospital kitchen will be working tirelessly to prepare the most special meal service of the year.
Around 50 staff will work around the clock to prepare and deliver 1,500 meals across breakfast, lunch and dinner for patients who are spending the day in hospital.
Townsville University Hospital food services manager Daniel Langridge said the kitchen staff were committed to making the day a little brighter for patients.
“Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that patients who are doing it tough at this time of year still get some Christmas cheer,” Daniel said.
“This year’s Christmas lunch will feature turkey that’s cooked and hand-sliced on site, plus delicious roast chicken, gravy and all the trimmings.
“For dessert, we’re excited to offer a special Christmas pavl0va with fresh cream and fruit salad.”
Daniel said his team would cater for patients across all diet codes and nutritional requirements.
“We’ve made sure that patients who are on a texture modified diet can still have a delicious turkey option for lunch and a minced fruit pie for dessert, ensuring they still get a taste of the Christmas cheer.”
Daniel praised his dedicated team for sacrificing time with their families to provide an important service on Christmas Day.
“It doesn’t matter if there’s a cyclone, flood, severe heat, if it’s a public holiday, or even Christmas Day; our team is here year round to ensure our patients are well fed and looked after.”
Daniel Langridge and Alec Stevens
A very meowy Christmas for TUH nurse navigators
The nurse navigator unit at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has spread Christmas cheer by donating essential supplies to support Angel Paws animal rescue as they prepare for the busy Christmas season.
Nurse navigator Chris Beatson said the team had been donating to several causes for the past eight years.
“In our roles we interact with lot of people who struggle and often, especially with older people, they struggle with their pets and animals,” Chris said.
The team also donated to Red Cross, with Chris crafting more than 20 toiletry bags from scratch and the rest of the unit donating supplies.
“We feel that the best way to give back to the community is to support the organisations that support them,” Chris said.
“We’ve done different things in the past, but we have a lot of animal lovers in the unit so donating to Angel Paws has become an annual tradition,” Chris said.
“We asked Angel Paws what they needed, and they let us know of an influx of kitten litters, so we collected some muchneeded supplies.”
Angel Paws fundraiser and event coordinator Sarah Painter said the donation to the charity was incredibly meaningful, especially at Christmas time when there was typically a massive increase in surrenders of animals.
“This donation makes a huge difference to our charity, and we couldn’t do what we do without the community and amazing individuals like the nurse navigators at TUH,” Sarah said.
“Of course, we had to bring some kittens along to cuddle and thank the team.”
Nursing director of community health, older people, ambulatory care and outreach services Mary Leech said she was incredibly proud of the team’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need.
“It’s so rewarding to know that we are making a positive impact, especially at this time of year.”
To support Angel Paws through a donation, volunteering or fostering, visit their website here. All donations are taxdeductible.
Back: Ann Burbidge, Giselle Clancy, Anna Smith, Michelle McCabe, Julie Gordon Front: Chris Beatson, Amy Frame, Jessica Ainsley-Smith, Donna Holland
Have your Christmas cake and eat it too, without the guilts
While many of us won’t need extra encouragement to enjoy our favourite foods at Christmas time, the guilt of over-indulging can take its toll. However, it doesn’t have to.
Townsville University Hospital (TUH) dietitian Anastasia Freeman said Christmas should be about enjoying our favourite foods with family and friends, and not concerning ourselves too much about the impacts of a diet blowout.
“Joking and light-hearted jabs about over-indulging at Christmas time is inevitable, but it can also be a really hard time for people who are struggling with body image and negative connotations around food,” Anastasia said.
“What we want is for people to enjoy the time spent with their family and friends, enjoy their favourite foods, and not have to think about restricting themselves from certain foods or needing to exercise to keep a weight or shape goal.
“If you feel like an extra piece of Christmas ham or you want some Christmas pudding, there’s no better time than the present.”
Anastasia also said that while family and friends may intend to say things about the way someone looks in a well-meaning light, comments on body-image, no matter how well-meaning, can negatively affect someone’s mental wellbeing.
“It can be helpful to be proactive and mention to family and friends upfront about not mentioning body image or making yourself or someone else feel guilty about food,” she said.
“If you notice those conversations coming up, you can chime in and say, ‘oh, actually can we change the conversation?’ or, ‘that’s not something I want to talk about this year’.
“I always try to shift the conversation to something else because weight doesn’t define someone.
“People have interests, hobbies, jobs, relationships, and milestones, and those things are more important and more interesting than somebody’s weight or shape.”
While feelings of guilt about over-indulging may inevitably creep into many people’s minds, Anastasia suggested that a little self-kindness goes a long way.
“Food is just food, there’s no good or bad, and Christmas is about enjoying the time spent with family and friends and making memories without feeling guilty or burdened by your food choices,” she said.
If you’re struggling or concerned about a loved one’s eating habits, resources are readily available through the Butterfly Foundation’s website www.butterfly.org.au.
Townsville University Hospital dietitian Anastasia Freeman
Prioritise your mental health this festive season
While Christmas is a time for family and festivities, for many people the holiday season can trigger feelings of isolation, stress, and sadness.
Townsville University Hospital’s mental health teams have some advice for people feeling overwhelmed this Christmas including how to recognise the warning signs and where to get help.
Mental health service group medical director Dr Jason Lee said it was important to take some time to look out for ourselves.
“We know during this period some people can feel really isolated and alone meanwhile others can feel overwhelmed and anxious,” Jason said.
“Christmas can increase or bring on feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress, and isolation which can make this time of year difficult.
“For people feeling this way during the festive period acknowledging how they are feeling and taking steps to look after their mental well-being is important.
“Seek help if needed and don’t let the pressure to be merry or bright mask what you are truly experiencing.”
Jason said there were a few warning signs to look out for.
“They include changes in your sleeping pattern, increased irritability, withdrawing from others, no longer enjoying activities you used to, and increased alcohol or drug consumption,” he said.
“These are just some of the signs to be on the lookout for, and if you are experiencing them then you should reach out to someone and get help.
“That can include a call to Lifeline Australia or Beyond Blue who are available either via phone or text 24 hours a day through their crisis support services.
“Locally, the Medicare Head to Health Centre at 32 Walker Street is open for walk-ins almost every day with no referrals required.
“Take time to enjoy the warm weather, exercise, drink and eat in moderation, and check on yourself and loved ones.
“If you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for support.”
Support Resources:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Medicare Head to Health Centre, 32 Walker Street, Townsville or call on 4766 8444
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek professional help immediately.
Dr Jason Lee has encouraged the community to prioritise mental health during the holiday period.
Don’t let your Christmas feast become a bacteria buffet
Leaving food to sit in the north Queensland heat is the perfect gift for bacteria this Christmas.
Townsville Public Health Unit acting director Dr Kate Murton said the community should follow a few simple steps to prevent Christmas-ruining, food-borne illnesses.
“There’s not much that can ruin Christmas celebrations and the holidays quicker than food poisoning and we want people to be aware of how to store their festive feasts properly,” Kate said.
“One of the biggest problems we hear is people who thaw their food out on the kitchen bench. You should always leave it in the fridge or put it in the microwave to thaw otherwise it becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.”
Kate said people tended to overstock at Christmas which made it harder to properly store food.
“Fill an esky with ice for your drinks to give you more room in the fridge for food,” she said.
“If possible, only put out small amounts of food at a time on the table and top up once it has been eaten. After two hours put it back in the fridge, at four hours it’s best to throw it out.”
While many will be looking to cool down to escape the heat, Kate has stressed the importance of keeping hot food hot and cold food cold.
“Any hot foods should be kept above 60°C, and cold food should be stored below 5°C. If you are reheating leftovers, then make sure it above 74°C and you have cooked it more than two minutes.”
Kate said food poisoning was serious and could be particularly harmful for young children, pregnant women, and anyone
living with a chronic condition.
“Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache and fever are some of the symptoms of food poisoning, which may present several days after eating,” she said.
“If you are displaying symptoms like frequent vomiting, bloody vomit or stools, diarrhoea for more than three days, extremely painful abdominal cramping, blurry vision, or muscle weakness then seek medical advice.”
Food safety tips for a Merry Christmas:
• Thaw food safely: in the fridge or microwave, NOT on the benchtop
• Don’t re-freeze thawed food
• Prevent cross-contamination: Cover and separate raw meat from cooked/ready-to-eat foods
• Use fresh food: Check those use-by dates
• Cook thoroughly: Especially meat, seafood, chicken, and eggs
• Keep hot food hot (above 60°C) and cold food cold (below 5°C)
• Reheat leftovers properly: Above 74°C for more than two minutes
• Eat leftovers within 24 hours: Especially high-risk foods (seafood, dairy, eggs)
• Use ice and an esky for your drinks to leave more room in the fridge for food
• Put food back in the fridge after two hours, throw away after four.
Dr Kate Murton urges people to be safe with food this Christmas
Works currently underway 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 - $17 million
Work location: TUH Acute building Level 2 Operating Theatres Complex
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
Project: Kirwan Health Community Campus expansion - $40 million
Work location: Kirwan Health Campus
Works on the way
Project: Ingham CT Scanner
Work location: Ingham Health Service
Got questions?
Project: TUH Stage 1 expansion project - $530 million
Work location: 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.
I am very grateful how a staff member Tallis has helped and been absolutely professional in his engagement, support and providing care to my family member’s health and wellbeing.
MHSG HOMELESS HEALTH OUTREACH TEAM
We would like to thank all of the amazing staff that helped us with the birth of our daughter. We were absolutely blown away with how outstanding all of the staff were and the care we received.
You are all so amazing and so dedicated to your jobs.
BIRTH SUITE
I am totally happy with the people I get involved with looking after me - score 100%. The Home care service is a “Fabulous Service.”
INGHAM – COMMUNITY SERVICES
A Brighter Note...
Thank you to our volunteers!
Volunteers are often the first faces people will see when they come to Townsville University Hospital, and they all do it with a smile.
To celebrate another year, Brighter Lives volunteers were treated to a Christmas luncheon at Rydges Southbank.
It was a good chance for them to let their hair down, play some festive games, win some prizes, mingle with each other, and meet some of the other volunteers they might not normally work with on a regular basis.
Brighter Lives volunteer program manager Narelle Burns said 2024 had been a huge year of growth for the foundation.
“We have seen some changes this year at Brighter Lives with Tanya Busoli leaving us in early March,” Narelle said.
“We were without a CEO until July when we welcomed Stephanie Naunton.
“Our volunteer base has grown; we currently have 134 volunteers including those at Home Hill, Eventide, Parklands and BreastScreen and we have 30 students participating in the school holiday program this year.
“In addition to regular hospital volunteers, we’ve also been represented at several fundraising events throughout the year, where collectively we’ve raised approximately $145,000.”
Brighter Lives tolunteers will be takig a much deserved break from Friday, December 20, and will be back in full swing from Monday, January 6.
Team Brighter Lives: Kim Steele, Narelle Burns, Stephanie Naunton, Annmarie Gerardis, Rebecca Alferez
Recipe of the week
All-choc (no fruit) pudding
Supplied by TUH dietitians
Ingredients
FOR THE PUDDING:
• 175g plain flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 40g cocoa powder
• 175g caster sugar
• 175g soft butter
• 60ml plain yoghurt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Method
FOR THE SAUCE:
• 125g milk chocolate (chopped)
• 125g dark chocolate (chopped)
• 250ml double cream
• 75g golden syrup
• 4 tsp vanilla extract
Laugh of the blah
You will need a 1.7 litre heatproof plastic pudding basin with lid.
1. Butter your heatproof plastic pudding basin, remembering to grease the lid, too. Make sure you have adequate boiling water in a pan (or a conventional steamer) to steam the chocolate pudding
2. Put the flour and cocoa powder into a processor and blitz to get rid of any lumps.
3. Add all the remaining pudding ingredients to the processor and blitz, for longer this time, to mix. Take the lid off, scrape it down, then put the lid back on for 3 more long pulses, scrape the chocolate batter into the prepared basin, smooth it down (the batter will come only halfway up the basin) and put on the lid. Wrap the basin tightly in foil, so no water can get in, and steam in for 1½ hours (by which time the pudding will have risen to about 4cm below the lid). To cook it for longer will do no harm.
4. To make the sauce, put all the sauce ingredients into a saucepan and place over a gentle heat to melt, stirring every now and again and then whisking, off the heat, at the very end, to combine smoothly.
5. When the pudding is ready, remove it carefully from the pan or steamer, then unwrap from its foil casing, unclick and remove the lid. Put a plate, or a stand, with a slight lip, on top, flip both upside down, so plate and pudding are the right way up, and wiggle off the basin.
6. Pour some hot sauce over the pudding, so that it just covers the top and falls in glossy, drips down the side, and pour the rest of the sauce into a jug or bowl to be served with a spoon.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
2015 Holden Cruze CDX Auto. 58,000km, White, Excellent condition and one owner. Comes with a long list of features including leather seats, proximity key, push button start, power windows and mirrors, and more. $15,000. Contact Miranda 0423 186 587 (3/12)
FOR RENT
Two separate bedrooms for rent in Carthew St Kirwan. $250 per week per room (includes the internet and electricity). Newly renovated dwelling. Aircon and fans in rooms. 8 minutes drive to TUH. Professionals may apply. (NO SMOKERS/Vapes/ Drugs – ZERO tolerance). Contact Julie 0407 115 916 (18/11)
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)
Short/medium term accomodation available in Mundingburra from 1 January, 2025. Two bedroom selfcontained unit. Contact Rufino 0419 664 534 for further information. (27/11)
Room to rent in Eyre Street, North Ward. Comes with own secure parking space. Short distance to The Strand, shops, and night life. $210 per week. Call Milicia 0458 632 279 (4/12)
The NQ IMG Prep Program is seeking accommodation for doctors participating in a 12-week program across 3 cohorts in 2025: This is a unique opportunity to welcome a guest into your home and play a part in their exciting experience in our community. To learn more or express your interest, please email nqimgprep@health.qld.gov. au for all the details. (4/12)
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)
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.