Adj Assoc Prof Jackie Hanson, Chief Executive, MN Health

I have thoroughly enjoyed talking with people at listening posts this week with Jane Hancock. There are so many clever people across the organisation. This week I’ve receive some excellent ideas for waste reduction which will go to the reinvigorated Taskforce 10 for follow up.

I also received a thank you email from a staff member who attended the listening post at STARS who shared her thoughts about a new piece of robotic equipment which we will look into.

November has arrived and before we know it it’ll be Christmas. To avoid disruptions to clinical systems and applications, eHealth will be pausing any new major ICT work between 5pm 16 December 2022 and 6am 9 January 2023. There will still be 24/7 IT support as normal during this period via the IT Support Desk.

Queensland Health has confirmed the Christmas/New Year closure period:

• Monday 26 December – Boxing Day public holiday
• Tuesday 27 December – Christmas Day public holiday
• Wednesday 28 December – Concessional Day (leave on pay without debit)
• Thursday 29 December – Annual/recreation leave, TOIL or accrued hours
• Friday 30 December – Annual/recreation leave, TOIL or accrued hours
• Monday 2 January – New Year’s Day public holiday

Our successful Metro North Virtual ED model has now expanded to service patients all across Queensland. Set up during the height of COVID-19, our Virtual ED has been seeing a number of patients who would previously present to the emergency department, but can be assessed and treated from the comfort of their homes. Not only is the service easing pressure on our physical EDs and reducing wait times, it allows many of our patients to be comfortable at home and avoid having to travel the physical distance. Congratulations to our Virtual ED team who are demonstrating innovation and patient-focussed care, now to all patients across the state, not just in our Metro North catchment.

Next week we are delivering our third #NextCare Health Conference. This event is part of our commitment to developing leaders within our organisation and across the healthcare sector. I am looking forward to hearing from attendees about what practical tips and inspiration they will be bringing back into their workplace.

Have a good weekend.

Kind regards,

Jackie