Jim McGowan AM, Board Chair

The first meeting of the Board this year was held last Tuesday, 30 January, at STARS. Board members reflected positively on the outcomes of what was again a challenging year.

Thank you for your commitment to patient care.

wo major reports were considered by the Board. The Metro North Disability Services Action Plan 2024-2029 is a strongly aspirational plan to improve the care to people with a disability, to ensure people with a disability are an integral part of our workforce, and to improve health equity for people with a disability. We recognise that there are challenges with our physical environments that will require prioritisation in our capital works program.

The Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 – Outcomes Evaluation discussed progress against the actions for 2023 in the Strategy. We now have benchmarks upon which to assess our performance. The Health Equity Strategy Implementation Plan has involved a massive amount of consultation and work. The performance of Metro North staff on health equity was acknowledged by assessors during the recent short notice accreditations at all the facilities and directorates involved in this assessment.

Congratulations to all involved, but we know much more is needed if we are to Close the Gap.

Short Notice Accreditation

During the last couple of months of 2023 and January this year, all our directorates, except for STARS, undertook this new model of accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. The outcomes for all the directorates were excellent, reflecting your tremendous efforts. These can be stressful events, but the assessors noted the co-operation and support which you provided. You can be proud of your efforts. The Board members are certainly proud of what you have achieved.

Adrian Carson AM

In the recent Honours list, Board member and CEO of the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) Adrian Carson was recognised with an AM for his “significant service to Indigenous health through research and development programs”. An honour well-deserved! Metro North is fortunate to have someone like Adrian on its Board and more importantly a valued partner in the delivery of health services for the Metro North community.

Other Metro North staff recognised for their exceptional contribution to the health and medical field were Staff Specialist and former RBWH Director of Neonatology Associate Professor David Cartwright AM, Senior Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Zarnie Lwin OAM, and the Oral Health Alliance’s Associate Professor David Thomson AM.

Redcliffe Hospital Redevelopment

Last Friday, 2 February, Premier the Hon Steven Miles, the Hon Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Mental Health, and local member Attorney-General the Hon Yvette D’Ath attended the Redcliffe Hospital to announce the commencement of the $1.148 billion redevelopment of the hospital. The strong growth in the Moreton Bay region is recognised by this project and the recently opened Clinical Services Building at Caboolture Hospital.

The Year Ahead

2024 will continue to be challenging, particularly with the state election in October 2024. While we all are aware that health will feature in the campaign, it is important that we are not distracted from our commitment to provide safe and high-quality care for our patients, consumers and the community.

Quotes to ponder!

“I’ve failed over and over and over in my life – and that is why I succeed.”  Michael Jordan, b 1963, legendary American basketballer.

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill, 1874-1965, British war-time Prime Minister.

Regards,

Jim.