Bernard Curran, Metro North Board Chair
Preventing occupational violence
Metro North’s Senior Leadership team, led by our Chief Executive, are committed to continuously improving staff safety. This commitment is fully supported by the Metro North Board. Occupational violence, be it physical or verbal, cannot be normalised nor accepted in any circumstance.
First and foremost, as an organisation we want to listen to our staff, acting on feedback and continuing to encourage reporting of incidents, including near-misses.
Metro North hosts the Queensland Occupational Violence Strategy Unit, Australia’s first permanently funded unit dedicated to developing strategies to reduce violence in healthcare settings. The Ambassador Program has shown to be an effective measure of de-escalation with the role focused on proactive engagement of patients and visitors to improve the patient experience and reduce and prevent aggressive and disruptive behaviours.
We will continue to work with our teams to strengthen protection and advocacy measures to promote the safety of our staff. This commitment will include working with our partners at Queensland Health, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service.
Kilcoy Hospital
A big thank you to the staff of Kilcoy Hospital for hosting the Board meeting earlier this week. The warmth and generosity of the community is apparent from the moment you enter the hospital grounds. The Board and Executive Team enjoyed a homemade lunch from Kilcoy Hospital Food Services Team and met with the hard-working members of the Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary who have contributed enormously over the years to enhance patient and staff comfort.
National Reconciliation Week
It was very fitting during National Reconciliation Week (26 May to 3 June), that the Board approved Metro North’s signatory to the South East Queensland First Nations Health Equity Statement of Commitment. The first Statement was signed in November 2021, by former Board Chair Jim McGowan AM. I am pleased to sign a refreshed Statement of Commitment, which now formerly recognises the Primary Health Networks (PHN) as a partner organisation.
The presentation of the Stolen Wages Plaque at Redcliffe Hospital yesterday was attended by Acting Chief Executive Jane Hancock. This unveiling was an important step in the reconciliation process for the Redcliffe and Metro North community. I am looking forward to joining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, Elders, staff and community members on Friday for the Bribie Island Satellite Hospital Yarning Table and tour and hearing about the services which will be provided locally when this facility opens in July.
Regards,
Bernard.
A summary of the Metro North Board meeting is available online.
If you would like to contact the Board, please email MNBFeedback@health.qld.gov.au.