A summary of the meeting is provided below:

• The Board was briefed on patient safety and quality performance for Metro North, including key metrics such as complaints and compliments received, SAC1 and SAC2 incidents, hospital acquired pressure injuries, falls with harm, and the transfer of care reports completed within 48 hours of discharge.
• The Board noted the report from the Chair and the briefing by the Chief Executive on important issues for Metro North including the Responsible Workforce Management strategy and state budget preparations.
• The Board approved the Metro North Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), a ten-year asset planning model which all hospital and health services provide to Queensland Health. The SAMP is aligned to the Queensland Health and State Infrastructure Plan and represents a prioritised plan of new and existing assets to meet current and future growth.
• The Board noted the Clinical Services Report including the launch of the largest virtual clinic across Queensland at TPCH with 120+ separate clinical ‘rooms’ for heart and lung patients. The Metro North Women’s and Children’s Stream report was noted, with achievements including establishment of the neonatology telehealth service for NeoRESQ and introduction of Fetalink for electronic CTG Monitoring, and extensive consultation with community partners, staff, consumers and stakeholders to improve access to mental health services for young people.
• Management updates were provided on human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project and the practical completion of the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS). The Rehabilitation Engineering Centre successfully moved into STARS earlier this month, and Metro North’s research and education partners from The University of Queensland as part of the STARS Education and Research Alliance (SERA) have also moved in last week.
• Reports were noted on the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, and Communications initiatives including development of materials for Metro North wellbeing, Herston Healthcare Symposium and STARS, and stories profiling the new silicosis research out of The Prince Charles Hospital.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

A summary of the meeting is provided below:

• The Board was briefed on patient safety and quality performance for Metro North, including key metrics such as complaints and compliments received, SAC1 and SAC2 incidents, hospital acquired pressure injuries and the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies within a healthy birthweight range.
• The Board noted the report from the Chair including the video from the Conversations in Mental Health event on 14 October 2020.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on important issues for Metro North including support for the COVID quarantine hotel response.
• The Executive Director, The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) provided a detailed briefing on the key achievements and challenges for 2020 including the COVID-19 response 7 day a week fever clinic, outpatient performance, and development of the TPCH Better Together Action Plan to improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
• The Board noted the Clinical Services Report including progress of telehealth virtual clinics, progress of the Metro North Outpatient Strategy, and the GP Advice Line. The Heart and Lung Clinical Stream Report was noted, with achievements including a 25% reduction in long waits across heart and lung specialist clinics, the BeFit 4 Lungs project aimed at decreasing barriers to attendance for pulmonary rehabilitation, and cardiac and thoracic research teams being awarded over $30 million in research grants.
• The Metro North Community Advisory Committee joined the Board meeting to discuss the challenges for improving care and access to services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Management updates were provided on human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) progress and operational readiness.
• Reports were noted on the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, and Communications initiatives including development of an online form for surgery pre-admission wellness check (RBWH) and stories profiling the Caboolture Hospital redevelopment, RBWH NeoRESQ team, and whole genome sequencing.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

A summary of the meeting is provided below:

• As the Board was unable to meet at Brighton Health Campus, the Board met virtually and noted the report from the Executive Director Community and Oral Health directorate including operational activity highlights.
• Management updates were provided on patient safety and quality performance for Metro North, including key metrics such as complaints and compliments received, hospital acquired pressure injuries, a new Closing the Gap target “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a low birth weight”, and completing discharge summaries for patients within 48 hours.
• The Board noted the report from the Chair including funding outlook for 2020-21.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on important issues for Metro North including the COVID-19 response and efforts across Metro North to suppress community transmission. The Board also received an informative presentation from Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, Director of Infectious Diseases at RBWH, on lessons learnt from the Victoria COVID-19 response.
• The Board approved MN32 – Metro North’s long term outlook to 2032, and the Strategic Workforce Plan 2020-2025. The Board noted the annual progress reports on the Health Service Strategy 2015-2020 and the consumer engagement strategy, and endorsed a series of virtual forums with community and consumers.
• The Executive Director Metro North Research, Professor Jennifer Strong provided the annual progress report for the Metro North Research Strategy 2017 to 2022. Highlights include the appointment of Clinician Research Fellows, the Metro North Collaborative Research Grants, and the annual Research Excellence Awards.
• Management updates were provided on clinical services, human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) progress and operational readiness. The Board also made decisions in regard to the STARS development.
• Reports were noted on the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, and Communications initiatives including the development of materials to support the COVID-19 response.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

The Metro North Board met virtually on 25 August 2020.

A summary of the meeting is provided below:

• As the Board was unable to meet at Kilcoy Hospital, the Board met virtually and received an update from Acting Executive Director Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Directorate on Kilcoy Hospital including operational activity highlights.
• Management updates were provided on patient safety and quality performance for Metro North, including key metrics such as complaints and compliments received, falls from harm and completing discharge summaries for patients within 48 hours.
• The Board noted the report from the Chair including the Queensland Health Hospital and Health Boards recruitment expression of interest and virtual governance education sessions for board members across Queensland.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on important issues for Metro North including the COVID-19 response and efforts across Metro North to suppress community transmission.
• The Board approved the annual financial statements which form part of the Metro North Annual Report 2019-20 and noted the draft annual report.
• The Board provided feedback on MN32, Metro North’s long term outlook to 2032, setting out how the hospital and health service is building its strategic capability to deliver world class services to people in the region.
• The Executive Director Clinical Services provided an update on the annual progress report for the Emergency Medicine Clinical Services Plan 2019-2024, and the Executive Director of the Medicine Clinical Stream presented key achievements including the success of providing virtual care during COVID-19.
• Management updates were provided on human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) progress and operational readiness. The Board also made decisions in regard to the STARS and Herston Quarter developments.
• Reports were noted on the annual risk review and strategic risks, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, and Communications Report including social media analysis.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

The Board will hold its next meeting on 22 September 2020.

The Metro North Board met on 28 July 2020 at Redcliffe Hospital Education Centre.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

• The Board visited the Palliative Care Unit and the Day Surgery Unit in Redcliffe Hospital and was briefed by the Acting Executive Director, on safety and quality performance, staff wellbeing and initiatives to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
• Management updates were provided on patient safety and quality performance for Metro North.
• The Board noted the report from the Chair and approved amendments to the Board Charter.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on important issues for Metro North including progress on initiatives to Close the Gap, the Whole Genome Sequencing Partnership Program, and ICT projects.
• The COVID-19 Response Plan was discussed including developments in Victoria and New South Wales and preparedness activities in Metro North including work with aged care facilities and PPE supplies.
• The Board considered the draft Metro North Annual Report 2019-20 and noted progress of the financial statements preparation.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on the Service Agreement, which outlines the funding provided by the Department of Health to each Hospital and Health Service.
• The Executive Director Surgery provided an update on elective surgery waiting list performance.
• Management updates were also provided on human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) progress and operational readiness.
• Reports were noted on the perinatal mental health gap analysis, the Quality Assurance Committee Triennial Report 2020 for the Board Safety and Quality Committee, and Communications Report including social media analysis.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

The Board will hold its next meeting on 25 August at Kilcoy Hospital.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

• The Board viewed progress of the Caboolture Hospital redevelopment site and was also briefed by the Acting Executive Director, Caboolture Hospital on hospital activity, staff wellbeing and initiatives to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
• Management updates were provided on patient safety and quality performance for Metro North.
• The Board noted the report from the Chair and discussed priorities for increasing employment and traineeship opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• The Board approved changes to the committee membership of the Board.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Operating Officer on important issues for Metro North including progress of key initiatives following COVID-19 to improve access to health care, the Metro North Comprehensive Breast Cancer Service, and funding proposals for a targeted response to COVID-19 for First Nations Queenslanders.
• The COVID-19 Response Plan was discussed including fever clinic services, continuing airport screening, personal protective equipment (PPE), and planning efforts with Metro South and the Brisbane District Disaster Management Group.
• The Board approved the Metro North Strategic Plan 2020-2024, the annual and strategic audit plans, and amendments to the Board Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Finance and Corporate Officer on updates to the Service Agreement, which outline the funding provided by the Department of Health to each Hospital and Health Service. The annual budget allocation was approved.
• Management updates were also provided on human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project, and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) progress and operational readiness.
• Reports were noted on the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, the annual progress report on Metro North HHS partnership with Central West HHS, and Communications report including social media analysis.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

The Board will hold its next meeting on 28 July at Redcliffe Hospital.

The Metro North Board met on 26 May 2020, with Board members joining virtually and in person at Clinical Skills Development Service, Block 6 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

• Mr Jim McGowan AM chaired his first Metro North Board Meeting following his appointment by Governor-in-Council on 18 May 2020.
• The Board expressed its deep appreciation for the service of retired Board Chair Emeritus Professor Robert Stable AM and congratulated reappointed Board members Geoff Hardy, Bonny Barry, Adrian Carson and Professor Mary-Louise Fleming.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on important issues for Metro North including influenza preparation, personal protection equipment, and termination of pregnancy services since the introduction of new laws in 2018. Key initiatives including the staff wellbeing strategy, the Deadly Start School Based Traineeship Program, and the Allied Health Indigenous Cadetship Program were noted.
• The COVID-19 Response Plan was discussed including fever clinic services, screening at Metro North’s two residential aged care facilities (Cooinda and Gannet House) and planning and preparedness work across the health system.
• Opportunities for improving the delivery of health services following the COVID-19 response were discussed including the strong appetite to continue the changes to models of care, including telehealth and virtual care initiatives which have been put in place during the COVID-19 crisis.
• The Board was briefed by the Chief Finance and Corporate Officer on the Service Agreement which outlines the funding provided by the Department of Health to each Hospital and Health Service. The proposed annual budget allocation was also noted.
• Management updates were provided on patient safety and quality performance.
• Management updates were also provided on human resources, finance, operations, the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) progress and operational readiness.
• Reports were noted on the Service’s High and Very High Risks, the Metro North Integrity Unit, and Communications report including social media analysis.
• The Chairs of each Board Committee provided an update on their respective Committee’s work program comprising Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Improving Indigenous Outcomes Committee, and Community Advisory Committee.

The Board will hold its next meeting on 23 June 2020 at Caboolture Hospital.

Earlier this week, I chaired my 42nd, and very sadly for me, my last Metro North Board meeting before I step down as Chair next month and also retire from the Board. It is a decision that I did not take lightly, and I will certainly miss my regular and frequent contact with other Board members, Executive staff, and you all. I wish everyone of you the very best. It has indeed been a privilege to end my career working with you all.

Due to social distancing requirements, the Board was not able to hold the usual staff forum and facility tour. The Chief Executive briefed the Board on the COVID-19 response plan and activity to date. The Board commended the management team and all staff for their excellent work. The preparedness and response is an example of how Metro North works in a collaborative way across the whole health service. The number of rapid changes implemented on a large scale are a credit to every member of staff who is contributing to the COVID-19 effort. We cannot forget also the many staff who continue to provide care to our non-COVID-19 patients and staff in vital supporting roles.

The Board received the usual management updates on patient safety and quality performance, clinical services, human resources, finance, operations, and the Herston Quarter – including STARS operational readiness. Reports were noted on the Internal Audit Program, High and Very High Risks, and compliance with Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care).

The Board approved the signing of the Attestation Statement, a requirement of governing bodies under the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. The Board also received an update on the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment and on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the broader capital projects program.

The Board approved the updated terms of reference of the Community Advisory Committee, which is an important Board strategic committee comprising representatives from eight community partner organisations.

In May, we were due to hold the Metro North Research Excellence Awards, which I have thoroughly enjoyed in the past. Despite the awards being postponed, researchers across Metro North have continued to seek answers and many have turned their minds to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s impressive that only three months into the Australian response to COVID-19, Metro North researchers have already begun to publish their findings. Well done!

The next virtual Board meeting will be held on 26 May 2020. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Board at mnbfeedback@health.qld.gov.au.

The Board held its March meeting via video conference with a few members attending in person at the Clinical Skills Development Service this week. All Board meetings will be moving to video conferencing and I encourage staff to use technology for virtual meetings, including consultations, as appropriate.

As part of the meeting, the Board discussed the COVID-19 response plan with the Chief Executive. This plan represents an exceptional amount of work by Metro North executives and their teams across all aspects of operations. Executive Director Operations Jackie Hanson and Executive Director Health Strategy and Planning Colleen Jen provided further detail on governance arrangements, workforce, personal protective equipment (PPE) and infrastructure requirements.

The Board noted the extraordinary efforts of all staff as we have addressed the pandemic. The Board, like many of you, has especially appreciated the prompt, calm and accurate communications from the Chief Executive (Shaun Drummond /Jackie Hanson) and Incident Controller (Dr Liz Rushbrook).

In this unprecedented time, the role of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital Foundations in raising funds to support vital research was also noted.

The Board received the usual management updates on patient safety and quality performance, clinical services including the Emergency Medicine and Access Coordination Clinical Stream, human resources, finance, operations, and the Herston Quarter including STARS operational readiness.

Approval was given for the draft Strategic Plan 2020-2024 to be submitted to the Departments of Health and Premier and Cabinet following consultation that has occurred with staff, consumers and community representatives. The Board also received an update on critical infrastructure projects and plans. The Improving Indigenous Outcomes Board Committee met via teleconference earlier this week and was briefed on the extensive work undertaken by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team and the Community and Oral Health Directorate to prepare health services to support the Metro North Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The next Board meeting will be held on 21 April 2020. The Board will continue to meet virtually and encourages you in the meantime to contact the Board at mnbfeedback@health.qld.gov.au if you have any questions or feedback.

It has been an extremely busy 2020 so far across Metro North and your ongoing commitment to our patients and each other has not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the Board I would like to acknowledge and thank you all for your efforts.

The Board held its February meeting at the UQ Oral Health Centre at Herston last week. Board members were pleased to speak to staff in patient clinics and during the lunchtime staff forum and congratulated all Oral Health staff on their very successful accreditation results.

Director of Operations Oral Health Services Sarah Asmussen briefed the Board on services offered by the centre, performance indicators and the new governance structure. The Board remarked on the significant sense of team culture and patient access initiatives including services in the community for patients experiencing homelessness. Emeritus Professor Michael Ward, Chair of the Oral Health Alliance, discussed the work of the Alliance and the strong partnership between Metro North Oral Health Service and The University of Queensland School of Dentistry.

As part of the meeting, the Board was briefed by the Chief Executive on a range of matters including Metro North’s financial outlook, progress of the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), our COVID-19 response, and the cyber security framework. The Board also received the usual management updates on patient safety and quality performance, clinical services, human resources, finance, operations, and the Herston Quarter including STARS operational readiness.

The Board approved the refreshed Working Together Strategy for Inclusive Employee Engagement and the annual progress report. The Board also received an update on the implementation of the Peer Support Framework and commended the work of all clinical councils to improve staff wellbeing.

Professor Leonie Callaway, Executive Director Women’s and Children’s Clinical Stream, presented the 12 months progress report on the stream’s achievements. This included excellent results with zero long waits for breast and gynaecological surgery and over 98 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children fully vaccinated by the age of five. Stream priorities in 2020 include child and youth mental health services, perinatal mental health support, high quality post-partum care, neonatal screening, and improving services for women and newborns affected by syphilis in South East Queensland.

In the past month Board members joined staff and the community at the Better Together Health gathering at Chermside Community Health Centre and the launch of the Caboolture Hospital Interim Emergency Department. I was honoured to attend the Metro North Australia Day Achievement Awards and the 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife Launch at RBWH. Board members are also looking forward to nursing and midwifery graduate celebrations at TPCH and RBWH later this month, as well as joining staff and consumers at the Brighton Close the Gap Day on 19 March.

The next Board meeting will be held at the North Lakes Health Precinct on 24 March 2020 and the Board looks forward to speaking with staff at the lunchtime forum. If you have any questions or feedback in the meantime, please contact the Board at mnbfeedback@health.qld.gov.au.