2024 Board meeting summaries
The Metro North Board met at Nundah Community Health Centre on 24 September 2024
Bernard Curran.
Chair – Metro North Hospital and Health Service Board
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples on whose lands Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive.
- The Executive Director Community and Oral Health Services (COH) highlighted the exemplar work and delivery of services by COH staff, such as the Dementia Choir, and Palliative Care comfort boxes provided to patient’s families.
- The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer updated the Board on the nursing workforce and recruitment drives, noting that Metro North Health is the nurses and midwifery employer of choice for new graduates across Queensland.
- The Board met with the CEO and CE of Australian Unity, who provided history of the partnership with Metro North and an update on the Herston Quarter carpark, childcare centre and future development opportunities
- The Board endorsed the Board Chair to sign the Herston Quarter Development Agreement.
- The Diabetes Clinical Services Annual Report highlighted the expansion of the diabetes sub-stream to include participation of the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health, Clinical Excellence Queensland Diabetes Clinical Network, Diabetes Australia, MyHealthForLife and Brisbane North Primary Healthcare Network.
- The Board endorsed the Board Chair to sign the Uniting Care Wesley and Metro North Private Beds agreement.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Committee Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments and clinical incidents.
- The Board noted the People and Culture, Financial and Operations performance reports, including the positive impact so far from the opening of the TPCH Crisis Stabilisation Unit.
- The Board endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Consumer and Community Engagement Committee.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee, First Nations Health Equity Committee and Risk and Audit Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, Communications Report.
The next Board meeting will be held on 29th October 2024 at Caboolture Hospital.
Previous 2024 meeting summaries
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples on whose lands Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board Chair, Chair Board Safety and Quality Committee, and the Chief Executive met with consumers who provided feedback on feedback mechanisms and opportunities for workforce.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including the Metro North Health Heart and Lung Stream Annual Report which highlighted the commendable achievements, innovation and dedication of the staff working across Directorates in Metro North to improving health outcomes.
- The Board endorsed the Board Chair to sign the Financial Statements for FY23/24.
- The Executive Director RBWH provided an update on the hospital’s achievements in delivering excellence across MNH and beyond, as well as its dedication to strengthening connections with First Nations communities. The Board thanked RBWH for the care they provide to Queenslanders.
- The Board were briefed on the Australian Cancer Plan, the Queensland Cancer Strategy, and the First Nations Cancer Insights report by Executive Director Cancer Services.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Committee Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments and clinical incidents. The Board heard about the Ambassador Program which has been scaled across Queensland, providing demonstrable improvements to the safety and wellbeing of staff and patients.
- The Chair and the CEO of the RBWH Foundation presented to the Board, providing an update on the recent Giving Day, as well as the wonderful work achieve in Research made possible by philanthropic grants.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance, including the demand on facilities due to Respiratory Illnesses in community.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee and Finance and Performance Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, Communications Report, High and Very High Risks Report, Redcliffe Hospital Emergency Department Review, Green Metro North.
The next Board meeting will be held on 24 September 2024 at Nundah.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples on whose lands Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board Chair, Chair Board Safety and Quality Committee, and the Chief Executive met with consumers who provided feedback on their experience with our health services and suggestions for improvement.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including the Metro North Health Medicine Stream Annual Report which highlighted the incredible work and achievements of the staff working across Directorates in Metro North.
- The Board approved the Wandi Nerida proposal which sees Metro North Health, in Partnership with the Butterfly Foundation, open 8 beds at the clinic located in the Sunshine Coast for patients with eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
- The Executive Director STARS provided an update on the hospital’s activity and performance including the continued significant demand on its services, as well as its commitment to continued load-sharing across Metro North Health and other HHSs.
- The Board were briefed on the current and future infrastructure plans for Metro North by the Executive Director Strategy, Planning, Assets, Infrastructure and Strategic Developments.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments and clinical incidents. The Board was also advised of short notice accreditation successes and opportunities across identified facilities, including interim accreditation at Bribie Island Satellite Hospital and Coorinda Residential Aged Care.
- The Executive Director Allied Health presented the Chief Allied Health Practitioner Annual Update. Highlights included 467 research projects being undertaken by Health Practitioner staff as well as 114 successful new research grants. The Board was also advised of plans for meeting future workforce needs and accreditation.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as The Green Metro North update which highlighted future plans to progress the agenda towards achieving net zero emissions. This includes recent endorsement to advance facility infrastructure by implementing LED lighting.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee and Finance and Performance Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, stakeholder engagement on significant infrastructure projects, high and very high organisational risks, consumer feedback and communications activities.
- STARS Staff Council joined the Board for lunch. Board members also met STARS staff when they toured the STARS facility. The Board noted the incredible staff and their enthusiasm in delivering the highest quality of care to community.
The next Board meeting will be held on 27th August 2024 at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston.
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples on whose lands Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board Chair, Chair Board Safety and Quality Committee, and the Chief Executive met with consumers who provided feedback on their experience with our health services and suggestions for improvement.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including approval of the Metro North Health Strategic Plan 2024-2028 which sets out the organisation’s vision for delivering exceptional healthcare to our local community and the communities which we serve.
- The Board approved the 2024-25 budget and the service agreement with Queensland Health which sets out the funding provided for the services and activity undertaken by the Hospital and Health Service. The Board also considered a proposal to enhance our clinical innovation capability and discussed the review of the consumer and community engagement strategy.
- Queensland Health Reform Office presented to the Board on the progress of HEALTHQ32 – A vision for Queensland’s Health System.
- The Executive Director TPCH provided an update on the hospital’s activity and performance including the continued significant demand on its services.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments, clinical incidents, hospital acquired pressure injuries, transfer of care reports, and Ryan’s Rule calls.
- The Executive Director Cancer Care Services presented the Cancer Clinical Stream Annual Report. Highlights include the announcement of a new six chair cancer service at Bribie Island Satellite Hospital, to open in 2025, 16% growth in breast cancer screening by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and delivered almost 7000 new case outpatient consultations.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as the People and Culture report.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee and Finance and Performance Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, stakeholder engagement on significant infrastructure projects, high and very high organisational risks, consumer feedback and communications activities.
- TPCH Staff Council and The Common Good (TPCH Foundation) joined the Board for lunch. Board members also met TPCH staff when they visited the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Charlies Village and Memory Lane, which is a unique community village-like space in the specialist dementia care unit.
The next Board meeting will be held on 30 July 2024 at the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), Herston.
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples on whose lands Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including approval of the Board Executive Committee Terms of Reference and refreshed South East Queensland First Nations Health Equity Statement of Commitment. The Board also noted continued progress on Green Metro North strategy. Our relationship with the Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN) was reaffirmed and the Board acknowledged the significant programs initiated by the Health Alliance.
- The Executive Director Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Directorate provided an update on Caboolture and Bribie Island Satellite Hospitals, presentations, safety and quality performance and progress of Health Equity actions.
- The development of the 2024-2025 budget and service agreement with Queensland Health was noted.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments, clinical incidents, falls with harm, and clinical incident analysis.
- The Executive Director Metro North Research presented the 2023 Research Snapshot, which provides some great examples of how clinical research can transform clinical care, while supporting research career pathways and ensuring health equity across the health service. The Board supported the strengthening of our governance and management of clinical trial data.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as the People and Culture report and staff psychosocial wellbeing indicators reporting. Measures to reduce occupational violence toward staff were discussed, and the Board confirmed its support for our management and leadership teams aim to strengthen our responses and capability in this area.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee and Risk and Audit Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, infrastructure projects, high and very high organisational risks, and communications activities.
- Kilcoy Hospital staff and members of the Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary joined the Board for lunch. The Board met with members of the Hospital Auxiliary to hear about the tremendous contribution of the volunteers and discuss their feedback on hospital and health services for the local community.
The next Board meeting will be held on 25 June 2024 at The Prince Charles Hospital.
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples on whose lands Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including approval of delegations to the Chief Executive in accordance with section 30 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.
- The Chief Digital Health Officer gave a presentation on the Digital Metro North Strategy including progress of foundation projects – integrated electronic medical record (ieMR), Clinical Imaging Repository, and data and analytics capability. The Board noted staff safety and wellbeing as an important consideration for digital change. The use of AI and automated machine learning was discussed and their application to improving patient experience and health outcomes.
- The Board noted the overview of mental health services including increasing demand and complexity of patients, and the progress of initiatives such as Aspires (suicide prevention program), Shatter the Stigma campaign, and lived experience workers.
- Infrastructure overview, including projects led by Queensland Health was noted comprising the Redcliffe Hospital expansion, The Prince Charles Hospital expansion and the Queensland Cancer Centre. Prioritising maintenance within funding restraints is a priority.
- The process to refresh the Metro North Strategic Plan was outlined with the Board emphasising the importance of engagement with staff and consumers to inform the new plan. The Board noted many elements of the current plan will continue but emphasis may change given the changing health landscape in Metro North and also in the national healthcare context.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments, clinical incidents, falls with harm, and clinical incident analysis.
- The Executive Director Clinical Services provided information on progress and activities related to innovation and health reform including partnerships through the Health Alliance and Brisbane North PHN.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as the People and Culture report and an update on the 2024-25 budget process.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee and First Nations Health Equity Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation and communications activities.
- Members of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Staff Council joined the Board to lunch.
The next Board meeting will be held on 28 May 2024 at Kilcoy Hospital.
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Turrbul and Kabi Kabi peoples on whose land Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including an update on the Brighton Brain Injury Service.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report which presented data on a range of patient safety and quality indicators including complaints and compliments, clinical incidents, falls with harm, and transfer of care.
- The Executive Director Clinical Services presented the presented the annual report on outpatients, noting demand has increased by 13% from the previous year with over 145,000 referrals received. More than 30% of patient activity each month is via telehealth appointments which enabled care to be provided closer to home.
- The draft Strategic Plan 2024-2028 was approved and will be submitted to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet for feedback as part of whole of government planning and reporting requirements.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as the People and Culture report and an update to the funding agreement with Queensland Health.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, Risk and Audit Committee, First Nations Health Equity Committee and Community Advisory Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, community engagement on significant infrastructure projects, and communications activities.
- The Board noted the terms of appointment of six board members who are finishing on 31 March and those board members were farewelled at an afternoon tea with staff.
The next Board meeting will be held on 30 April 2024 at Herston.
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Ugarapul, Turrbul and Kabi Kabi peoples on whose land Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report, including the report on lessons learnt from short notice accreditation and an update on short notice accreditation.
- The Executive Director Redcliffe Hospital provided an update on the operational performance and key areas of focus of the hospital including the rollout of ieMR and the hospital redevelopment.
- The Executive Director Emergency Medicine Stream presented the Stream’s annual report, noting increased presentations of higher acuity and complexity.
- The Quality of Care Report 2023 was approved and a refresh of the Risk Appetite Statement.
- Proposals were considered for the Clinical Imaging Strategy and paediatric services.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as the People and Culture report including key indicators for psychosocial wellbeing. The Metro North Have Your Say staff engagement survey action plan was discussed.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, First Nations Health Equity Committee and Community Advisory Committee. The Board approved amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Executive Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, annual review of the Metro North and Central West HHS partnership agreement, Risk and Compliance, community engagement on significant infrastructure projects, consumer feedback, clinical incident management, and communications activities.
- Board members met staff in the Emergency Department and medical ward 6 East. The Board Chair and Chief Executive met with Redcliffe Hospital consumers.
The next Board meeting will be held on 26 March 2024 at Herston.
A summary of the meeting is provided below.
- The Board acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jagera, Ugarapul, Turrbul and Kabi Kabi peoples on whose land Metro North Health delivers its services.
- The Board noted the reports from the Chair and Chief Executive including Metro North Year in Review 2023.
- The Board noted the Patient Safety and Quality Report, including accreditation readiness.
- The Executive Director STARS provided an update on the operational performance and key areas of focus of the hospital.
- The Executive Director Clinical Services spoke about the work of the Clinical Streams and the focus on strengthening connections across Streams, Directorates and Institutes to drive innovation.
- The Strategic Asset Management Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34 was approved by the Board. This plan is a 10 year asset planning model which is submitted each year by Hospital and Health Services to Queensland Health.
- The first outcome evaluation report of the Metro North Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 was noted by the Board. The Board endorsed the Metro North Disability Services Action Plan 2024-2029 which was informed by a co-design approach including people with a lived experience of disability from the Metro North workforce and community.
- The Board noted operations and financial performance as well as the People and Culture report including key indicators for psychosocial wellbeing.
- Reports were received from Board Committee Chairs including Safety and Quality Committee, Finance and Performance Committee, First Nations Health Equity Committee and Community Advisory Committee. The Board approved amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Executive Committee.
- Reports were noted on the following topics: Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, ieMR implementation, Health Services Strategy 2021-2026 annual progress report, summary of the Board Community Advisory Forum held in December 2023, and communications activities.
- Board members met staff and were shown the work of the Ability Centre on level 4, Rehabilitation Engineering, and Ward 6B Surgical. The Board Chair and Chief Operating Officer met with a STARS health consumer.
The next Board meeting will be held on 27 February 2024 at Redcliffe.
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