A very happy Friday to you all.

As I mentioned yesterday, time seems to be moving a lot faster during this pandemic, with today being no exception.

In the last 24 hours, we have seen further expansion of testing criteria relaxed so that anyone in Queensland with acute respiratory symptoms including a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, can be tested for COVID-19.

This testing requirement was already in effect in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns, but has today been expanded to take effect across the whole state. This will allow us to improve the way we identify community transmissions and further reduce the rate of infections from this virus.

Today I would like to discuss:

• PPE updates
• ANZAC day commemorations

PPE updates

I am often asked about the noticeable differences in PPE that is being supplied i.e. different colours, styles and materials. This is due to alternative products that are being to ensure our clinicians are protected and allow them to continue to provide first class medical care. Please be assured that these products are rigorously examined against the required Therapeutic Goods of Australia standards and our usage profile. We appreciate your support and understanding as these equivalent products are introduced.

Our procurement and financial control services are working hard so that our HHS have the right PPE for health services to be provided to the Queenslanders in our care. We have dedicated supply chain staff both within Metro North and each Directorate who are working diligently to ensure that the needs of our Units and Directorates are co-ordinated and championed to Health Support Queensland for timely supply so that we are all able to safely deliver the health services needed to our population. These are challenging times, with almost everyone having an increased interest in ensuring we get this right. I want to take this opportunity to shine a light on all our procurement staff who are doing this excellent work every day. You help keep our facilities running smoothly so thank you and keep up the good work!

In other PPE news, today we released a PPE skin safety fact sheet. This document provides practical support to staff who may be required to wear PPE for prolonged periods – with the aim to prevent facial ‘pressure’ injuries. You can access this fact sheet on the extranet and I encourage you to share this around your work areas. My thanks to Professor Fiona Coyer and RBWH staff who helped develop this useful fact sheet.

ANZAC day commemorations

As Shaun communicated earlier today, social distancing rules will not prevent our HHS from doing everything we can to light up the dawn tomorrow. Mini-services and memorials are being established across our facilities so that we can all honour our service men and women. Our flags will be appropriately flown at half-mast.

RBWH will play The Last Post over the loudspeakers and TPCH will stream a multifaith chapel service on their hospital television channel.

Our Community and Oral Health Services are also getting involved. Zillmere Residential Transition Care will be streaming the ABC telecast of the Service at the Australian War Memorial and providing access to a small memorial at the facility. Cooinda House has created a memorial and will be having a small service for residents and the Brighton Health Campus will be reading The Ode and playing The Last Post for a dusk service at approximately 5.22pm.

As a service woman, with 29 proud years of service in the Royal Australian Navy (the last 4 years as a reserve member), I am incredibly proud to see these initiatives taking place across Metro North. For me, it is a time to solemnly reflect on the long journey that our Country has taken, through many conflicts around the world. I also like to take the time to think of the 2000 service men and women currently deployed within Australia and across the globe.

If you wish to commemorate Anzac Day 2020, there are many ways to join me – either by joining streamed services, standing in your driveway / living room / or on your balcony at 06:00 with a streamed service; and/ or joining the commemorations at your hospital if you are at work. For more information, visit RSL QLD.

Until tomorrow

Kindest regards,

Dr Liz Rushbrook

Metro North Health Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 24 April 2020
**Metro North has three recorded deaths (one person a return traveller into NSW, who passed away in NSW)
*** These numbers reflect the cases being managed by Metro North