2022 Board meeting summaries2022-12-14T10:58:30+10:00

2022 Board meeting summaries

The Metro North Board met at Caboolture Hospital on 29 November 2022.

Jim McGowan

Jim McGowan AM
Chair – Metro North Hospital and Health Service Board

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board held a breakfast with consumers and volunteers from Caboolture Hospital and discussed consumer engagement including feedback on opportunities to improve health services.
  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended.
  • The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report including performance on key indicators, and received an update on short notice accreditation.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive including MN successfully being accredited as a White Ribbon workplace, an update on Health Reform highlighting that most of our programs will be completed by December 2022, an update on the Caboolture Care Collective proof of concept and success in gaining Tailored Assistance Employment Grants to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as cadets in 2023.
  • The Board approved the Strategic Asset Management Plan (2023/24 to 2032/33) which is a ten year asset planning model that aligns and provides input to the State Health Infrastructure Plan and State Infrastructure Plan.
  • The Board endorsed the updated Strategic Plan to comply with government requirements in demonstrating our contributions to a number of new sub-objectives.
  • The Board approved the Risk Appetite Statement which strengthened a number of areas for continuous improvement.
  • The Board approved the Metro North Research Strategy 2023-2027.
  • The Board was provided a facility update by the Executive Director, Caboolture Hospital highlighting a compassionate leadership plan and a communications plan, and an update on the hospital redevelopment.
  • The Board noted operations and financial performance for the month, as well as a report on People and Culture.
  • The Board noted the last financial year report on Clinical Services including Women’s and Children’s Stream.
  • The Board watched a demonstration on the PowerBI Safety and Quality Dashboard.
  • Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, Executive Committee and Community Advisory Committee.

The next Board meeting will be held on 31 January 2023 at STARS.

Previous 2022 meeting summaries

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board held a breakfast with consumers and volunteers from The Prince Charles Hospital and discussed consumer engagement including feedback on opportunities to improve health services.
  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended.
  • The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive including new leadership training and education programs, and the securing of funding for the Sistas Shawl Project to allow the provision of a safe breast cancer screening and assessment service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
  • The Board endorsed the Health Equity Strategy Implementation Plan designed to demonstrate a commitment to the health equity reform agenda and improve health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the whole health care system.
  • The Board endorsed the Employee Engagement Strategy Annual Report which focuses on staff engagement, wellbeing, and a safety and respect culture.
  • The Board was provided a facility update by the Executive Director, The Prince Charles Hospital, including transformational leadership and executive walk arounds at the hospital.
  • The Board noted the Health Reform update indicating that Metro North has made excellent progress on key programs of work within the Health Reform.
  • The Board endorsed the proposal to gain Ministerial approval for a new long-term QIMR lease.
  • The Board noted operations and financial performance for the month, as well as a report on People and Culture.
  • Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality, Finance and Performance, First Nations Health Equity Committee, Risk and Audit Committee and Community Advisory Committee.

The next Board meeting will be held on 29 November 2022 at Caboolture Hospital.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board held a breakfast with consumers and volunteers from the Community and Oral Health Directorate and discussed consumer engagement including feedback on opportunities to improve health services.
  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended and approved committee terms of reference for the Executive Committee.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive including the move to Tier 0 of the Metro North COVID-19 Response Plan in light of the mild community transmission and the return to business as usual activity.
  • The Board noted the update on Green Metro North – Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 which commits the hospital and health service to take action towards environmental sustainability and deliver high quality health services for our community and future generations. Initiatives include: sustainable design guidelines to inform the development and refurbishment of our facilities; membership of the Global Green and Health Hospitals; and a target to transition all fleet vehicles to zero-emissions by 2026.
  • The Board noted the annual progress report on the Consumer Engagement Strategy including Standard 2 and was briefed by the Executive Director Community and Oral Health on the work of the directorate including COVID-19 response, health equity and staff wellbeing initiatives.
  • The Acting Executive Director, Clinical Services and Executive Director Medicine Stream discussed the annual progress reports on the clinical services plans for diabetes, palliative care and kidney health.
  • The Board noted operations and financial performance for the month, as well as reports on People and Culture, Communications and Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project.
  • Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality, Finance and Performance, Risk and Audit, First Nations Health Equity, and Community Advisory Committee.

The next Board meeting will be held on 25 October 2022 at The Prince Charles Hospital.

The Metro North Board met at the Edith Cavell Building, Herston Heritage Quarter on 30 August 2022.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended and approved committee terms of reference for the Safety and Quality Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, and Risk and Audit Committee.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations as well as key learnings from the patient hotline and open disclosure meetings.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive and key initiatives funded by Queensland Health to work across the health sector to improve patient outcomes.
  • The Board approved the annual financial statements for the Chair to sign and the 2021-2022 Annual Report. The Board also approved that the Board Chair sign the annual attestation statement, as required by the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards for all health service governing bodies.
  • Following the annual evaluation of the Board Community Advisory Committee and the current Committee term finishing, the Board approved a new terms of reference and expression of interest process to strengthen consumer engagement, particularly from consumers with lived experience in Metro North.
  • The Executive Director STARS (Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service) provided an update to the Board on STARS performance and achievements in its first 18 months. The Executive Director Clinical Services and Executive Director Heart and Lung Stream discussed the annual report for the Heart and Lung clinical stream including key achievements such as increasing virtual delivery of ambulatory services and establishing respiratory outreach service and pulmonary rehabilitation at Centre West Hospital and Health Service and expanded cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs in partnership with the Australian Catholic University at the Burpengary Leisure Centre.
  • The Board noted operations and financial performance for the month, as well as reports on People and Culture, Communications, Infrastructure program, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project, Organisational Risk, and the annual progress report for Metro North’s partnership agreement with Central West Hospital and Health Service.
  • Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality, Finance and Performance, Risk and Audit, First Nations Health Equity, and Community Advisory Committee.

The next Board meeting will be held on 27 September 2022 at Nundah Community Health Centre.

The Metro North Board met virtually due to the current Tier 3 response.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended and approved the 2023 Board and Committee meeting schedule.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations
  • The Board welcomed the discussion with the Acting Director-General Queensland Health on Queensland Health priorities.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive on the Metro North response to the COVID-19 pandemic and influenza.
  • Management provided updates on the preparations of the annual financial statements, annual report and a briefing on the HHS’s infrastructure program.
  • The Executive Director, Clinical Services and Executive Director Cancer Care Services discussed the annual report for the cancer care clinical stream and the bowel screening program.
  • The Board noted operations, HR and financial performance for the month as well as reports on Communications, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, cyber security and strategic risks.
  • Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality, Finance and Performance, Risk and Audit, First Nations Health Equity, and Community Advisory Committee.

The next Board meeting will be held on 30 August 2022 at Caboolture Hospital.

The Metro North Board met at the Clinical Skills Development Service, Herston and were joined by staff from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and STARS (Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service) for lunch on 28 June 2022.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended. The Board approved updates to the Board Charter which sets out the governance authority of the Board and is reviewed annually.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations and the Strong Start to Life report. The Board approved the annual Attestation Statement which is a requirement for all governing bodies under Standard 1 for the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
  • The Board welcomed the discussion with the Health Ombudsman Dr Lynne Coulson Barr OAM.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive and approved the Health Equity Strategy, co-designed with the community which sets out the key actions which will be delivered by Metro North Health in partnership with the community to close the gap in health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples by 2031.
  • The Board approved the refreshed Metro North Health Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and the 2022-2023 to 2024-25 Service Agreement, which sets out the health service’s funding and performance agreement with Queensland Health.
  • The Board noted operations, HR and financial performance for the month as well as the Clinical Services Report including the annual progress report on the Surgery clinical stream.
  • The Board noted reports on Communications, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project and high and very high risks.

The next Board meeting will be held on 26 July 2022 at the Edith Cavell Building, Herston Heritage Precinct.

The Metro North Board met via Teams on 24 May 2022.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive including the support provided to Norfolk Island health service as part of an intergovernmental agreement with the Commonwealth, an update on the Satellite Hospital program being delivered by Queensland Health, and the approach to refresh Metro North Health’s long-term vision MN32.
  • The Metro North Health Incident Controller briefed the Board on the COVID-19 recovery planning underway and the results of the staff debriefing survey.
  • The Board approved the Strategic and Annual Internal Audit Plans upon recommendation from the Risk and Audit Committee.
  • The Board noted operations, HR and financial performance for the month including an update on the budget development for 2022-23.
  • The Executive Director Clinical Services and Executive Director Medicine Clinical Stream briefed the Board on the Medicine Stream annual report and the progress of the Rehabilitation Clinical Services Plan 2017-2022 (2020 refresh) including work in rheumatology to provide services closer to home for Wide Bay residents.
  • The Board noted reports on Communications, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, Herston Quarter Redevelopment Project, capital program, and high and very high risks.

The next Board meeting will be held on 28 June 2022 at the Clinical Skills Development Service, Herston.

The Metro North Board met at the Clinical Skills Development Service, RBWH campus, on 26 April 2022.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended. The Board approved updates to Board Committees membership and funding to support Clinical and Staff Council initiatives.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations. The Board also noted the recovery plan for improving the performance of SAC 1 recommendations completed on time and SAC 1 analysis completed within 90 calendar days across facilities.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive including the transition from Tier 4 to Tier 3 in the COVID response plan.
  • The Board noted the draft Metro North Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 which builds on the work achieved through the Metro North Better Together Plan 2019-2022. The Board commended the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Leadership Team who have undertaken a co-design approach over the past 6 months with community elders, the community health sector, clinicians, and the broader workforce to identify the critical actions for the next three years which will contribute to achieving health equity by 2031.
  • Professor Owen Ung, Director of the Metro North Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute briefed the Board on the work of the Institute including research, engagement, and education. Professor Michael O’Sullivan, Director of Research and Implementation at the RBWH, briefed the Board on key initiatives including 294 active clinical trials and research partnerships such as Herston Imaging Research Facility, the Jamieson Trauma Institute, Herston Infectious Diseases Institute and QIMR Conjoint Laboratory.
  • The Board approved the further development of the Metro North Eat Walk Engage program for older people developed by Professor Allison Mudge and her multidisciplinary team at RBWH.
  • Melissa Fox, CEO of Health Consumers Queensland, discussed approaches to consumer engagement and the broader work across Queensland hospital and health services and health sector.
  • The Board noted operations, HR and financial performance for the month including Care4Qld strategy progress and planning for COVID recovery.
  • The Executive Director, Clinical Services and Executive Director Emergency Medicine Clinical Stream briefed the Board on the annual progress of the Emergency Medicine Clinical Services Plan 2017-2022.
  • The Board noted reports on Communications, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, and High and Very High Risks.

The next Board meeting will be held on 24 May 2022 at the Redcliffe Hospital, Education Centre.

The Metro North Board met via Teams, due to the Metro North COVID response moving to Tier 3, on 29 March 2022.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended. The Board noted changes to Board membership as published in the Queensland Government Gazette.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive on progress toward Metro North’s long term vision as articulated in MN32, STARS accreditation, and the launch of a junior female medical mentorship program.
  • The Board approved the draft Strategic Plan which will be issued for wider consultation in Metro North as well as amendments to the Risk Appetite Statement and progress of the development of the Metro North Health Equity Strategy.
  • Australian Unity updated the Board on progress of the Herston Quarter redevelopment, including the heritage precinct.
  • The Board noted operations, HR and financial performance for the month including Care4Qld strategy progress.
  • The Executive Director, Clinical Services briefed the Board on the five-year health care plan for older people who live in Brisbane North 2017-2022.
  • The development of a proposal for a mental health crisis stabilisation unit was noted.
  • The Board noted reports on Communications, Legislative and Policy compliance, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, and the Herston Quarter Project Redevelopment.

The next Board meeting will be held on 26 April 2022 at the RBWH, Education Centre.

The Metro North Board met at the Clinical Skills Development Service RBWH on 22 February 2022

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the report from the Chair including a summary of key meetings and events attended. The Board discussed key priorities for 2022.
  • The Board noted the patient safety and quality report including performance on key indicators and received an update on the implementation of the Caboolture Hospital Surgical Services Independent Governance Review recommendations.
  • The Board noted the briefing from the Chief Executive including COVID-19 response and the business case for change for the Metro North HR function.
  • The Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health continued to update the Board on the progress of the Health Equity Strategy development.
  • The Board approved the updated business case for the implementation of ieMR and the survey plan for the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment.
  • The Board noted operations, HR and financial performance for the month including Care4Qld strategy progress.
  • The Executive Director, Clinical Services provided an update on the Residential Aged Care Assessment Referral Service (RADAR), Fit Testing services, and outpatients strategies.
  • The Board noted reports on Communications, organisational risk, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Project, and the Herston Quarter Project Redevelopment.

The next Board meeting will be held on 29 March 2022 at the Clinical Skills Development Service RBWH.

Due to the current COVID situation, the Metro North Board met virtually on 31 January instead of holding its meeting at The Prince Charles Hospital.

A summary of the meeting is provided below.

  • The Board noted the briefing from the Acting Chief Executive on the Metro North COVID-19 response.
  • The Board noted reports on Finance and HR.
  • The Board discussed the year in review and its priorities for the next 12 months.

The next Board meeting will be held on 22 February at Clinical Skills Development Service, Herston.

Contact us

Metro North Board
Located: Level 14, Block 7
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
HERSTON QLD 4029 
Phone: (07) 3647 9702
Email:  MNBFeedback@health.qld.gov.au

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