Jim McGowan AM, Board Chair
The Board met at Redcliffe Hospital on Tuesday 27 February.
It is pleasing to see that work has now commenced on the Redcliffe Hospital Redevelopment.The Board made two significant decisions in relation to “retained earnings”. Retained earnings is the result of a number of small surpluses which have been achieved in recent years. These funds are used to fund improvements which are not able to be funded by Government or from other sources.
Comprehensive Clinical Imaging Repository
The Board has agreed to fund the development of a comprehensive clinical imaging repository to provide a complete patient picture of the range of clinical images including MRIs, CTs, X-Rays, ultrasounds, endoscopies, photo and video files, and scanned documents.Having a single digitally based repository will enable clinicians to utilise the range of imaging to support the best possible decision making and care for our patients. The Board acknowledges the leadership of Dr Jason Brown and his team in advancing this initiative which will ultimately benefit all HHSs.
Dedicated paediatric outpatients’ area at Caboolture Hospital
Current best practice is to separate adult and paediatric outpatient clinics to ensure a safe and appropriate space for paediatric patients and their families. Unfortunately, this was not included in the construction of the new Clinical Services Building at Caboolture Hospital. While it would have been preferable for the facility to be centrally funded, that has not been possible.The Caboolture catchment has a large and growing number of paediatric patients. Currently the paediatric service of Caboolture serves about 5000 children a year.
Based upon preliminary scoping and design works, the new facility is likely to cost about $15 million. The Board was convinced of the importance and has agreed to fund this initiative.
Quality of Care 2023
The Board approved the Quality of Care Report 2023, which highlights the excellent work that is provided to consumers across our health service. Successful programs include the Deadly Feet multidisciplinary vascular outreach service, delivering care closer to home through the Caboolture and Kallangur Satellite Hospitals, and streamlining treatment for Queensland women with breast cancer through the State’s first Interoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) in Metro North. I would commend the report to you.
Mental Health
Greater investment in mental health and in particular to community-based care is a public policy priority for which we must continue to advocate. Such investment and alternative accommodation opportunities are necessary if we are to reduce the pressures on our emergency departments and mental health services.Quotes to consider:“Nursing is a progressive art such that to stand still is to go backwards.” “I attribute my success to this; I never gave nor took any excuse.” – Florence Nightingale, 1820-1910, English social reformer and founder of modern nursing. “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love for humanity.” – Hippocrates, 460BC-370BC, Greek physician who is often referred to as the “Father of Medicine”.Regards,
Jim.