Message from TPCH Executive Director

Today is Administrative Professionals Day where we recognise the great work of our administrative staff in supporting the delivery of high quality patient care at TPCH.

To celebrate, our Administrative Services hosted its inaugural Cheers for Peers awards to acknowledge those administration staff who do great work while demonstrating a commitment to the organisation’s values.

Congratulations to the following winners:

• Samantha Errey – High Performance
• Madison Button – Respect
• Aleisha Mackail and Chantelle McPherson – Integrity
• Lisa Dowling – Compassion
• Emily Taylor – Teamwork

This week is also Heart Week, a week close to my own heart. After unexpectedly experiencing my own heart health scare last year, with a myocardial infarction needing a stent, I have become a strong advocate for cardiac health and encouraging others to take care of their heart health. In Queensland, we are fortunate to have access to the specialist skills and experience of our highly reputable cardiology team at TPCH who have continued to support the delivery of first-class cardiac care to patients for many years.

Executive Walkaround

This week, Director of Nursing Cherie Franks and I had the opportunity to visit our Rehabilitation and Acute Stroke (RAS) Unit. This Unit cares for approximately 1,500 patients each year, who require specialised stroke support and rehabilitation services. Thanks to the staff who took the time to show us around the Unit and talk to us about their service activity and challenges.

Also this week, Director of Medical Services, Dr Donna O’Sullivan and I attended an Emergency Department (ED) planning day led by our ED’s new Acting Director, Dr Andrew Spiller where we discussed the future directions of the department. While we only stayed for a short time, we heard it was a very valuable session.

Staff Flu Vaccination Program

We’ve had a great uptake of our staff flu vaccination program, with over 1,000 TPCH staff vaccinated to date. This includes members of our Executive team who rolled up their sleeves earlier this week to get vaccinated.

While there has been a pause in flu cases for the last two years, we are now seeing an increasing number of influenza-related hospital admissions.  Another good reason to get your flu shot as soon as possible!

To get your vaccination:

• Visit the Infection Management Service office on Level 3, Clinical Sciences Building, Monday to Friday, 7am – 4pm
  OR
• Access the mobile trolley going out to clinical areas.  If you wish to book the mobile trolley for a specific date and time, phone 3139 4894.

Note: over 65 vaccinations will not be available from mobile trolley, only the Infection Control Office.

Tips – getting ready to be vaccinated:

1. Bring your Medicare Card
2. Wear short sleeve shirt/clothing
3. Make sure you have had something to eat and drink recently
4. You are feeling well.

Staff Profile

Because it is Heart Week, today we will profile Cardiac Scientist, Blake Freeman.

In this role, Blake works in the Electrophysiology (EP) lab and theatres where he assists with various EP studies and procedures including ablations and lead implants and extractions for patients with pacemakers and other implantable cardiac devices. A large part of his role is also spent in the Pacemaker Department’s busy outpatient device clinic undertaking face-to-face device checks and troubleshooting, as well as the remote monitoring of over 4,000 patient devices from their homes as well as via telehealth clinics for patients in rural hospitals.

Having worked in the role for four years and in the broader electrophysiology area for seven, Blake is extremely proud to be part of a highly skilled team which treats some of Queensland’s most complex cardiac patients. His philosophy of ‘just keep swimming’ has gradually been adopted as a mantra by the entire Pacing Department who value the support of each other to get them through the busy days.

Outside of work, Blake enjoys running and plans to compete in the Half Marathon at the Gold Coast in July.

Staff Expo next week

Farewell Dr Sue Hobbins

This week, TPCH farewelled Clinical Director Paediatric Services, Dr Sue Hobbins.

Since joining TPCH’s paediatric service in 2012, the year it opened, following a move from the UK, Sue has played an integral role in the establishment and development of paediatric services. She is a highly valued and respected member of the Children’s Services team, known for her strong advocacy and support of paediatric services, and being a fair and generous leader who cares for the well-being of her staff.

We thank Sue for her contribution to TPCH and wish her all the best in her retirement!

COVID-19 staff debriefing survey

The COVID-19 staff debrief survey is a short questionnaire that asks for your reflections, feedback, and ideas about what we have learnt from the pandemic. The survey only takes about four minutes and your input will play a critical part in the development of our Transition to Recovery Plan. The survey will be open for the next two weeks. If you can, please take the survey today

Shout out

This week’s shout out goes to all TPCH staff who wear P2/N95 masks all day. I wear my P2/N95 mask when I visit clinical areas, so appreciate how uncomfortable it can be at times. While this practice is part of our standard COVID-19 safety requirements, it is challenging, but necessary in helping keep everyone safe. A huge thanks to everybody for your efforts!

Today’s quote

‘Quality means doing it right when no one is looking’ – Henry Ford

Tami Photinos
Executive Director