Message from the Acting Executive Director

This week has highlighted the importance of teamwork.

With the wet weather challenges impacting many staff, families and facilities throughout Metro North this week, we have seen staff across the health service stepping up to ensure we can continue to provide safe high-quality care to our patients and community.

We have seen that services north of TPCH were especially impacted due to local flooding. This has had a flow-on effect to us here at TPCH including a number of our staff being unable to travel to the workplace, and an increase in presentations from the Caboolture catchment to our emergency department and Kallangur Satellite Hospital.

The ability to continue serving our community during times of extra demand relies on strong teamwork directed towards the shared goal of quality patient care. I commend staff at TPCH on their ability to work together and partner with multidisciplinary teams from within the hospital and across Metro North to ensure those patients who came through our doors were well cared for. Well done team TPCH!

We understand that the effects of this week’s weather event are ongoing for some staff; please know we are here to support you in whatever way we can.

Accreditation update

Following our Accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, TPCH has received two met with recommendations. One of these was around VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) risk assessment documentation.

VTE risk assessment is a significant factor in helping prevent inpatient harm. As per the TPCH VTE Prevention procedure, the admitting medical officer must document the risk assessment on the National Standard Medication Chart.

To further improve documentation of VTE risk, new “VTE risk assessment required” stickers are being implemented.

Nurses and pharmacists are asked to proactively approach medical officers to complete these sections on the NSMC.

The site will be revisited on 22 February 2024 and is required to demonstrate improvements in rates of documented VTE risk assessment before this date.

Inclusion in the workplace

This week saw the first meeting of TPCH’s Shatter the Stigma Working Group in recognition of our commitment to helping reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and empowering more people to seek support for mental health issues. The group discussed having a coordinated approach to recognising and valuing diversity within our TPCH community through activities and events that promote inclusivity and equality.

An example of how TPCH is working towards an inclusive environment is through this week’s implementation of gender-inclusive bathrooms across TPCH campus. Sixteen (16) bathrooms have been identified as being gender-neutral and inclusive, and have had new signs installed to recognise this. Recognising and addressing the unique needs of diverse gender identities and expressions is essential for creating environments where individuals feel respected. Such initiatives align with the principles of human rights and Metro North values and contribute to the overall mental well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Recognising excellence

Corporate Business Services Awards 2024

Nominations are now open for Metro North’s inaugural Corporate Business Services (CBS) Awards 2024 which are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible talent and dedication within Corporate Business Services at Metro North.

Nominations can be submitted for staff or teams who fall under the Chief Finance and Corporate Officers Organisational Structure such as:

• Legal Services
• Corporate Information Management
• Financial Control Services
• Health Funding and Data Insights
• Business Advisory and Commercial Services (including Retail, Procurement and Finance teams out at the facilities)

We encourage you to consider examples of excellence and achievements either individually, in teams, or through partnerships across facilities, services and streams, or with community partners and submit a nomination to recognise their hard work.

Nominations close midday Thursday 15 February 2024.

Nominate here.

Clinical Excellence Showcase 2024

Submissions are now open for the Queensland Clinical Excellence Showcase 2024 to be held on 14-15 May 2024.

The Clinical Excellence Showcase creates a platform for Queensland’s clinicians, researchers, healthcare administrators and managers to share projects that are improving the way care is being delivered. This year, the focus is on presenting projects and models of care that are shaping the future of safe, sustainable healthcare.

Abstracts should align to the following sub-themes:

• Small change; big difference: improving care at the coalface (small scale improvements)
• For the greater good: improving care for priority populations (First Nations, people with a disability, LGBTQIA+, mental health, culturally and linguistically diverse, rural & remote)
• Future focused: virtual, data-driven or technologically advanced improvements
• Better care pathways: patient flow, improved access and community initiatives
• For the people: wellbeing, environmental impact, climate change and sustainability improvements

Please read the submission guidelines before submitting to the online abstract and submission portal which closes at 5pm Wednesday 28 February 2024. Please note: Submissions will require approval by relevant TPCH Executive members prior to submission.

FAST FACTS

Today we will profile Kallangur Satellite Hospital.

Did you know?:

• The Kallangur Satellite Hospital has a Minor Illness and Injury Clinic, open 8am to 10pm daily
• That between its opening date on 11 December 2023 and 31 January 2024, the facility saw 3,407 patients – that’s an average of 67 patients per day with the highest being up to 97 presentations on one day.
• The facility is a new community-based centre intended to provide a range of services for the treatment of low acuity (Cat 4 and 5) patients with non-urgent symptoms including minor injuries, minor wounds, simple infections and simple fractures.
• The hospital’s top 3 presentations to date are: limb/joint pain, laceration/skin tear, rash or other skin complaint.
• The KSH team consists of 12 staff members each shift including medical, nursing, administration, physiotherapy, pharmacy, Indigenous Hub, security offficer and a patient support officer.
• The facility underwent interim accreditation in December 2023 with no recommendations.

Staff profile

Today we will profile Anaesthetic Healthcare Practitioner (AHP) Graduate, Masako Pont.

In her role, Masako is responsible for assisting Anaesthetists with the safety of anaesthetic procedures, and helping maximise the comfort of patients during anaesthesia.

Masako enjoys developing her skills and knowledge each day with guidance and support from anaesthetists and other colleagues. She is excited about the prospect of one day working more independently to support patient care. She values a positive learning environment where there is respect, teamwork and compassion for all.

Masako is passionate about becoming a highly respectful and compassionate Anaesthetic Healthcare Practitioner, an aspiration driven by her own interactions with an AHP during the birth of her daughter via caesarean section.

Outside of work, Masako enjoys spending time with her daughter going to the market, kayaking and just chatting. She also enjoys baking and watching Korean drama. Welcome to TPCH Masako!

Shout out

This week’s shout goes to TPCH nurse Carmen Davidson and the entire Adult ICU team who were recognised in a special obituary published by the son of late patient, Ken Brown in the Sunday Mail late last year. The moving tribute to Mr Brown speaks of the family’s gratitude for the compassion and care shown by Carmen and the ICU team during the final days of their father’s life.

This tribute reminds us of how we as health workers, can make a real difference to the lives of others during some of their darkest times. What a true privilege this is.

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler

Melanie.