EP lab visit
This week, we welcomed the much-awaited step down to Tier 2 of Metro North’s COVID and Influenza Response Plan, which means the recommencement of more planned care within our facility. You can read more about Tier 2 in this week’s Metro North Incident Controller messages.
With the move to Tier 2, I took the opportunity to get out and about with a visit to the Electrophysiology Lab accompanied by our Director of Medical Services, Dr Donna O’Sullivan, to watch the new Pulse Field Ablation procedure.
Booster clinic
This is an Australian first for TPCH and means that patients with abnormal heart rhythms can now be treated more safely and faster by our expert cardiology team. Thank you to Dr Haris Haqqani and team for your time. What a great coup for TPCH and the Cardiology Program!
I also popped down to the Education Centre to visit the booster clinic which over the last three days, has administered approximately 200 boosters to staff as part of Metro North’s booster blitz. A big thanks to the vaccination team for your ongoing support.
Executive update
Key appointments
Staff would be aware that we recently undertook a recruitment process for three new Operational Director roles which were established as a result of TPCH Governance Review last year.
I am pleased to announce that:
- Melanie Dubbelde has been successfully appointed as Director of Operations – Surgery and Critical Care Services
- Karlene Willcocks has been successfully appointed as Director of Operations – Emergency, Paediatrics, Internal medicine and Clinical support services role.
- Karen Leighton has been temporarily appointed for up to 12 months as Director of Operations – Heart and Lung.
Melanie Dubbelde
Melanie is an experienced health care administrator, having worked in a range of senior executive officer roles, business improvement, policy, business management and health project roles within different government departments, private and not-for-profit sectors for the last 15 years. Prior to TPCH, Melanie was the Complex Models of Care Project Coordinator for the Health Alliance between Metro North Health and Brisbane North Primary Health Network. Melanie is very familiar with the challenges and systems of Metro North, having worked as Director – Office of the Chief Executive, Metro North from 2015 to 2017.
Karlene Willcocks
Karlene is an experienced strategic health care leader and clinician, joining us from the Gold Cost Hospital and Health Service, where she has held a number of Executive Director positions since 2017 including Executive Director Diagnostics and Sub-Specialty Services; Cancer and Support Services, and more recently, Emergency Care Services. During her over 20-year career in health, Karlene has worked in Executive roles across public and population health services across Australia and New Zealand, where she has successfully led many system reforms and service improvements.
Karen Leighton
Karen is an experienced health care director who has worked in a range of senior executive roles within Queensland Health for the last 15 years. As TPCH’s Corporate Services Director for the past three years, and TPCH’s Human Resources Manager for four years prior to this, Karen is highly skilled in complex operational and people leadership, having successfully supported many positive change management initiatives and major capital infrastructure projects. With 30 years of experience working in Queensland public hospitals across three different health services, Karen brings extensive knowledge and experience relating to the clinical operations of large tertiary referral hospitals.
TPCH Governance Review
Changes have commenced to move positions and organisational units to align with the new structure from the Review. All remaining changes will be made with an effective date in myHR of 1 September 2022. If you have any questions about the changes, please contact Katie Tully on ext. 4364, or email katie.tully@health.qld.gov.au.
Staff Profile
Ashley Squire
This week, we will profile TPCH’s new Waste Management Coordinator, Ashley Squire.
In this role, Ashley is responsible for coordinating and managing effective operations of waste and pest management within TPCH in line with Metro North procedures and processes. He also plans, oversees and implements waste management services, recycling initiatives, infrastructure and equipment for the site.
Previously having worked as Environment and Waste Coordinator for Redcliffe and Caboolture Hospitals and Community and Oral Health, Ashley is familiar with the challenges of waste management within large health care facilities. He enjoys working with teams to achieve successful waste reduction and recycling outcomes, which can also provide potential valuable cost savings. For Ashley, knowing his work is contributing to more green and sustainable outcomes for TPCH and the broader environment is very rewarding.
When not at work, Ashley spends his time looking after his two young boys. He also enjoys catching up with friends, holidaying at Coolum Beach and staying fit and healthy.
Upcoming Vidcasts
TPCH Infrastructure Vidcast
Metro North’s Chief Executive Jackie Hanson and Executive Director Infrastructure, Strategy, Planning, Assets, and Strategic Developments Kate Copeland will provide an update on TPCH’s current and future infrastructure plans.
When: Tuesday 23 August, 10am
Where: Via Microsoft Teams
People and Culture Vidcast
Kaylene De Vries
Farewell
This week we farewell long standing staff member, Kaylene De Vries. Kaylene, who is well known by many staff across the hospital, has fulfilled a number of roles during her time at TPCH. First commencing as a Switchboard Operator almost 20 years ago, Kaylene has also been the Switchboard Coordinator, A/Manager Telecommunications and most recently, Emergency Preparedness Manager. She is known for her excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, helpful approach and commitment to the team at TPCH. Thank for your valuable contributions Kaylene and we wish you all the best. You will be missed!
Dr Ivan Rapchuk
Shout out
This week’s shout out goes to Dr Ivan Rapchuk, who was recently appointed as Director of Anaesthetics TPCH. Ivan, who commenced work as an anaesthetist at TPCH in 2011, is also Chair of TPCH’s Drugs and Therapeutics Committee, and holds a great interest in quality and safety. His leadership during the recent Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists visit was highly valued. Well done Ivan!
Today’s quote
This quote was provided to me by Dr Peter Hopkins, Director of Queensland Lung Transplant Service, TPCH.
“Don’t follow me, as I may not lead
Don’t be in front of me, as I may not follow
Just be beside me, and be my friend”
Anonymous
Tami Photinos
Executive Director
The Prince Charles Hospital