Helen Boocock, Executive Director
Jackie Hanson, Metro North Chief Executive and Helen Boocock, ED STARS at the Celebration Day.
I would like to firstly thank everyone who attended our STARS Celebration Day on Friday 19 May. After a number of false starts it was wonderful to finally have a day to acknowledge STARS’ many accomplishments since opening for clinical care in February 2021. I hope most of you managed to come and have some breakfast or morning tea. A big thank you to our wonderful STARS Staff Council and QSuper for their contributions to the day, and thanks to all the team who came to help us serve the breakfast and prepare for the day.
Our morning tea was a time to reflect on all that we have achieved over the last two years at STARS. Opening a new hospital is a major feat but the opening of Metro North’s first digital hospital during a global pandemic was an extraordinary accomplishment. Despite the numerous challenges, STARS has contributed significantly to managing Metro North’s and Southeast Queensland’s ever-growing demands for care, with more people getting the care they need on time at STARS, in an amazing environment by a fantastic 
collective team. I know I’ve said this a lot in my messages, but I couldn’t be prouder of the work you all do for our patients, your support of each other, and our community.
Today is my last day at STARS and it really is bittersweet. While I am excited about my new role in the Department (of Health), I will miss STARS and the wonderful team of staff that have made it such an amazing place to work. Working at STARS is honestly the highlight of my career so thank you for the privilege of working with you all.
Thank you to my executive team and leadership team for your support, and I’m sure you’ll all support Dale Dally-Watkins as our new (Acting) Executive Director; Dale, thank you for taking on the mantle, I’m very confident you’ll do a fabulous job.
Thank you to everyone for your kind words this week; I look forward to enjoying the contents of my gift box and really look forward to watching STARS continue to fly over the coming years.
My warmest wishes,
Helen.