29 March 2020

Dear colleagues,

As we wrap up the weekend, I’d like to share some updates that will one way or another impact all of us here at Metro North:

• COVID-19 in our hospitals
• Medical student placements postponed
• Flatten the curve

COVID-19 in our hospitals

I’m sure you’re aware of the sad news today regarding the passing of one of our COVID-19 patients. In the early hours of this morning, a 75-year-old woman who had been on the Ruby Princess cruise ship and subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, peacefully succumbed to the disease. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time, and I trust that you will all treat this case with respect and compassion, respecting their privacy.

I understand this event and other challenges during this time might be stressful and concerning for some of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Benestar, our employee assistance program, for support should you feel you need it. It’s incredibly important to look out for yourself and your colleagues.

Medical student placements postponed

In response to the evolving issues around COVID-19, the UQ Medical School has advised that clinical placements are temporarily suspended for Year 3 and Year 4 medical students right across Metro North.

Stewardship of medical students is an important role that we take seriously as a Service and I am sure a great many of us will miss our contact with students over the coming weeks. We will work with our University partners to support alternate methods of clinical learning until such time as we can welcome back students into our Hospital and Health Service when it’s clinically safe and responsible to do so.

Flatten the curve

Each of us play a critical role in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus in South East Queensland and I’d like to reiterate the importance of the “flatten the curve” actions.

Queensland Health’s $1.2 billion response plan supports our ability to increase ICU, ward and ED capacity, implement virtual care, hire more staff, expand our fever clinics and expand contract tracing. The graphic below details different trigger points throughout the pandemic where system capacity will be adjusted.

If we all keep doing the right thing, we’ll help to flatten the curve and ensure our hospital and health services can manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the long-term. Wash your hands properly with soap and water, practice good cough and sneeze etiquette, and keep up the social distancing. I thought I would share a meme that tickled my fancy last night:

Once again, a big shout to all of you! As a hospital and health service, we grow stronger every day. A special mention to the Public Health Unit continue contact tracing and coordinating healthcare for so many Australians. From all of us, thank you!!

Kind regards,

Dr Liz Rushbrook
Metro North Health Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 29 March 2020