Dear colleagues,

You may notice something different about today’s message – please join me in welcoming Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Alanna Geary to the Incident Controller team! Together, we will run the Metro North Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to respond to COVID-19 across a “3 day about” roster. This will enable us to cover the role of Incident Controller, as well as progress some of the ‘business as usual’ work that we have in our respective Executive roles. The daily update will continue from one of us – but today, it is both of us writing!!!!  I am very excited to be heading off for two days leave as of ….. NOW!!

Today we have some very important information for you all, including:

• Review of the PPE procedure
• Vulnerable workforce updates
• Staff Wellbeing – Chief Wellbeing Officer, Wellbeing Strategy and Wellbeing website

Review of the PPE procedure

Yesterday, with the help and guidance of Metro North’s PPE Clinical Advisory Group (CAG), we released the very first version of our PPE procedure for COVID-19.

We’ve had an overwhelming response to this procedure, thank you to everyone who took the time to read the document and provide their feedback. With a Metro North-wide collaboration and honest feedback, we can ensure that our PPE processes are safe and be confident our staff and patients are being properly cared for.

This procedure is a live document and the PPE CAG will review the procedure when it meets weekly to ensure it is clear to understand and remains up to date. The PPE CAG next meet on Tuesday and will consider the collated feedback to date.  If you have any feedback on or questions about this procedure, please escalate this up through your directorate EOC to MN EOC (Attention: Clinical Advisor) so that it can be considered by the PPE CAG.

Vulnerable workforce updates

We have made some minor updates to the Guidance note for staff in vulnerable groups to ensure it’s in line with the recently released state-wide Queensland Health guidance. We encourage you take the time to read through this document and if you have any questions, raise them first with your Line Manager.

Staff Wellbeing – Chief Wellbeing Officer, Wellbeing Strategy and Wellbeing website 

We are incredibly impressed with the care you provide to your patients, whether you’re examining patients, taking clinical measurements, making their beds, preparing their food, or helping to make their day a little easier during these difficult times, your role is essential!

It is, however, extremely important that we look after each other and we look after ourselves. Be kind to each other and be kind to yourself! Take the time to smile, and encourage each other to be the best we can be.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives and we understand this will be taking a toll on many of you. Your working life, social life and home life has changed dramatically in such a short time, and it’s not easy adjusting to situations such as these.

Today we’ve launched a HUGE staff wellbeing initiative – including welcoming our inaugural Chief Wellbeing Officer (welcome to Mr Bruce Sullivan); launching our Wellbeing Strategy; and launching a Staff Wellbeing page on the COVID-19 extranet. This page is loaded with resources that will support your emotional, physical, financial and social wellbeing.

We encourage everyone to take a look – you might find something you didn’t know you needed!

If you’re enjoying time off over the next few days, rest and re-charge! Stay indoors and remember to spend time with your families and loved ones in a safe way – let’s not undo our hard work to flatten the curve. And for those working over the Easter break, thank you!!

Last but not least, we hope the Easter Bunny rewards you extremely well for all of your hard work over the last few months.

Regards,

Dr Liz Rushbrook & Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary

Metro North Health Incident Controllers

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 09 April 2020
**Metro North has two recorded deaths