Jim McGowan AM, Board Chair
I write this from my isolation at home as a result of my wife, Kaye, testing positive to COVID-19. This dreaded virus continues to create havoc across Metro North and the broader health system. I know that our personal inconvenience is minimal in comparison to the pressure on those of you providing frontline services, with large numbers absent either because they have contracted the virus or are in isolation because a family member or loved one has.
It is frustrating, for it seems that every time we think that we are returning to the “new normal” post the virus, another wave or variant of COVID hits us.
The Board appreciates the impact on you and your wellbeing and the difficulties that it creates in continuing to provide excellent care, despite all the challenges that have been thrown at you.
If COVID is not enough, the adverse weather has returned to further complicate our lives.
The Board met by Teams on Tuesday. I have begun to hate this medium and cannot wait until its use as the exception rather than the main method of meeting. We had intended to meet in the renovated Edith Cavell building on the Herston site. Australian Unity has done a spectacular job with the heritage buildings, including the old nurses’ quarters which evoked fond memories for Board members Dr Kim Forrester and Bonny Barry. We did, however, enjoy a presentation from Australian Unity on possible future plans for the precinct.
The Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) has recently undergone its first full accreditation. It was very pleasing that the accreditation summation provided fantastic feedback to the STARS team, “notably the enabling team culture which supports excellent patient care”. Congratulations to all involved.
This is the last accreditation before Metro North moves to short notice accreditation in 2023. While this process may be challenging for some, the Board has great confidence in the performance of all our facilities and service areas and the professionalism and dedication of our staff on an ongoing basis and looks forward to the new process as way of reassuring our patients and consumers about the quality of their care.
It was also pleasing to note the advice from our Chief Executive Jackie Hanson and Board member Dr Rob Franz on the strong surgical cooperation across all of Metro North’s facilities.
Further evidence of Metro North’s commitment to safety and quality comes from Metro North, being the first health service in the state, and across Australia, to have all its facilities enrolled in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP).
NSQIP enables hospitals to compare surgical outcomes against local and international peers. These benchmarks can highlight areas for improvements in our models of care and clinical processes.
The Board also approved an update of the Metro North Strategic Plan so that it recognises and prioritises our commitment to our First Nations people through the health equity strategy.
We had a long discussion on mental health, and in particular the need for a facility, which would provide a better alternative to some consumers than our already over extended emergency departments. A Mental Health Crisis Stabilisation Facility would provide a more suitable short stay environment for crisis de-escalation, assessment, and the provision of integrated mental health, alcohol and other drugs care. There is also an urgent need for more community-based services. The Board has committed to advocate for further investment by state and federal governments in mental health, particularly for services which reduce the pressures on our emergency department and acute beds. We will also look at our internal options in relation to mental health services. This is an area of critical need and where we must work with primary care and community health services in a holistic approach.
Sadly, the Board farewelled Dr Paula Conroy, who was attending her final meeting. Paula did not seek reappointment as she has moved interstate for personal and professional reasons. She has been a passionate advocate for stronger engagement between the HHS, the PHN, and GPs. We will miss her insights and thoughtful contributions. We wish Paula well in her future clinical pursuits.
Fortunately, Paula will be replaced by Dr Meg Cairns. Meg is a GP and has worked closely with Metro North Health as a GP Liaison Officer since 2013. Meg is currently Chair of the Clinicians Advisory Group Brisbane North PHN.
Quotes at this difficult time:
“A good laugh is the sunshine in the house.” William Makepeace Thackeray ((1811-1863), British author who wrote “Vanity Fair”.)
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates ((470BC-399BC), Greek philosopher.)
Kind regards,
Jim McGowan AM, Board Chair