Dear Colleagues,

Happy Sunday, another week down in our COVID-19 saturated world. While we are still in the thick of our response, it has been wonderful to share positive news the past few weeks as the curve flattens. Today particularly, one of our ventilated ICU patients is now a non-ventilated patient. It must be such a difficult time for families as they watch their loved ones in such a debilitated state and a huge relief when they start to turn the corner. For the staff who are caring for these patients, thank you so very much. It is through your care, compassion and expertise that we have seen many positive outcomes for the patients we look after in Metro North.

Today’s updates include:

• COVIDSafe app
• Pine Rivers Respiratory Assessment Clinic – Closed for Public Holiday
• MN EOC Hours of Operation

COVIDSafe App

The uptake of this app is extremely high on the Australian Government’s agenda and as such we will continue including this section in our Incident Controller messages as a daily reminder to download and keep the app on. Note this can be on your private device as well as your Queensland Health device, should you have one. It’s extremely user friendly and easy to download and as I said yesterday, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as you are able.

Pine Rivers Respiratory Assessment Clinic

As mentioned yesterday, our respiratory assessment clinic at Pine Rivers will be closed on Monday 4 May for the Labour Day Public Holiday. The nearest fever clinic that will be open is Redcliffe Hospital. Pine Rivers RAC will reopen on Tuesday 5 May at 8am.

MN EOC Hours of Operation

This weekend has been relatively quiet with the ramped down version of the MN EOC. The core functions have continued and in addition to many less people we have also reduced the hours of operation. There is still the ability to contact individuals in the MN EOC with the Incident Controller, Duty Manager and Communications still available on call if required.  Please don’t hesitate to call us if necessary. Contact can be made through the RBWH Switchboard.

I hope that everyone had a lovely day yesterday with slightly less restriction than was previously. While it didn’t change what I did, I have been told that despite the shopping centres having only about half of their stores open, they were packed!!! As a serial shopper I do understand the pain of not being able to shop instore, but until I can maximise the experience, I am not sure that I will be rushing to get there. My husband will be pleased when stores are at full throttle as I think he is a little tired of going to the post-office to pick up my on-line shopping purchases. Apparently, the postmaster knows him by name these days.

I do hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Despite it being somewhat chillier for we Queenslanders, the days have been glorious and while the world as we knew it has changed, we can still be very thankful for our beautiful weather. Remember stay safe, happy and to take the opportunity to have some “me” time. Whether you are working or not this long weekend, it is imperative that you look after yourself so that you can continue to look after others.

Kind regards,
Alanna Geary
Metro North Health Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 3 May 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