Message from the Chief Executive

It is with great sadness that I share that Greg College, the General Manager of our Business Advisory and Commercial Services recently passed away. Greg was a long standing and loyal Metro North staff member. Over the last nine years he achieved outstanding business and commercial outcomes for Metro North including the establishment of a central commercial services team introducing big data analysis, commercial principles in a not-for profit sector, and application of an evidenced-based lens over activity and outcomes, designed and established the Metro North Procurement Services group, designed the production planning methodology, reshaped the Herston Precinct and designed and implemented arrangements to manage and support our growing car park portfolio.

Those who knew Greg well would agree that he would challenge the norm, think outside of the box and always push boundaries to achieve outstanding outcomes. My thoughts are with Greg’s wife, family and all of those that were close to him during this very sad time.

Greg was also an avid Brisbane Lions fan so on Grand Final Eve – I say go the Lions!

Have your Say staff survey

I’d like to share some more Messages in a Bottle received through the survey.

“I feel the culture of a department is set by the leader of the team. Sometimes it seems my Director is unwilling to deal with difficult situations behaviours and avoids conversations that are difficult to people who do not demonstrate MN values. This does have a negative impact on everyone. If feedback is not welcomed, there a way to give anonymous feedback.

The ‘message in a bottle’ is one anonymous way to give feedback, as a team you could suggest that the entire team participate in 360 degree survey as part of your team Have your Say plan.

Repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate update

On Monday, the decision by the A/Director General Queensland Health to repeal the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees came into effect following consultation with staff across the organisation. This is now being followed by a four-week implementation period where concerns raised during the consultation period can be addressed at a local level. If you have questions or want more information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions on QHEPS or contact your local People and Culture team.

Workforce reform workshops

Starting from next week, Metro North will host a series of Workforce Reform Roadshows across the health service for staff to hear about how our health service plans to address workload demands and global shortages of healthcare workers.

Metro North’s Workforce Reform Roadmap has been co-designed by our people, and external partners and workforce experts, and aims to support our employees by creating new and innovative ways to build and retain talent and, innovate new ways to deliver our service. The Roadmap outlines critical programs of work over the next 10 years to drive workforce reform and create a sustainable workforce into the future.

A total of 12 roadshow dates and locations across Metro North have been scheduled to enable as many staff as possible to attend. Staff are welcome to attend at any location.

View Roadshow schedule

Compassionate Care Principles

This week, we’ll look at Principle 3: Timely communication and reporting

This principle centres on the timely and responsible notification of patients falls. If a patient or resident falls, notification to next of kin and documentation in clinical record is to occur as per the Metro North Health Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls Policy.

Under this policy staff requirements are:

• In the event of a fall, with harm: Notify the patient’s Next of Kin / Substitute decision-maker(s) (e.g., family members, appointed guardian, enduring power of attorney and/or carer/s) that the patient has experienced a fall, within one (1) hour of the fall occurring and document this in the medical record.
• Document the occurrence, assessment, interventions, and outcome in the medical record within thirty (30) minutes of the fall occurring and commence a post fall pathway.
• In the event of a fall, with no harm: Notify the patients next of kin and/or substitute decision-maker(s) (e.g., family members, appointed guardian, enduring power of attorney and/or carer/s) in accordance with the fall with no harm notification agreement negotiated on admission to the facility.
• Document the occurrence, assessment, interventions, and outcome, specifying a fall with no harm has occurred, in the medical record within thirty (30) minutes of the fall occurring, and commence a post fall pathway

Following this principle supports a coordinated approach to the delivery of falls prevention and ensures patients, their families, carers and/or or appointed decision makers are engaged in their care journey to help minimise future falls risks.

Staff engagement

In my conversations with staff, it has been mentioned that while there are local events across our facilities, we don’t offer many opportunities for staff across Metro North to come together as a broader community. I am keen to hear your ideas about fun team events and activities that could bring our staff together. Please email your suggestions to MetroNorth-Communications@health.qld.gov.au

Next month

Recognising our Operational Services staff 
Throughout October we will celebrate and recognise the critical role our operational services staff play in the delivery of our healthcare services. Across Metro North we have around 2,000 staff who work across areas including Food Services, Patient Support Services, Protective Services and Engineering diligently supporting the safe and efficient operation of our services. These staff members work behind the scenes to ensure our patients, visitors and staff have a safe and comfortable experience while being cared for and working in our facilities. A range of activities will be held across the health service during the coming weeks to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions. Please look out for upcoming activities in your local facilities to help show your appreciation for the great work our operational services staff do each day.

Queensland Seniors month
Next month is also Queensland Seniors Month, encouraging us to celebrate the contributions older people make to our community and the need for us to promote age-friendly communities. This year’s theme is ‘It’s going to be a Connect Fest’, and Metro North Health services are encouraged to reflect on how we promote meaningful connections and ways we can provide age-friendly care to our patients and their caregivers. Metro North has a number of services and programs that support safe and specialised care for older patients including RADAR, Brighton Health Hub, Transition Care Programs; Eat, Walk, Engage initiatives such as Grand Pals, as well as many others across the health service.

This week on our facebook page, we featured a story on patient Harvey who was supported by the STARS team to help him regain independence following a stroke. You can read Harvey’s story here.

Shout out

I’d like to give a special shout out to COH staff member, Ronald Aquilina who was recently recognised at the SES Week State Awards ceremony, receiving a Commissioner’s Commendation of Notable Action. Ron, who has been a Gardener at the Brighton Health Campus for 15 years, was commended for his outstanding professionalism, bravery and skill in hazardous circumstances during flood boat and flood damage operations in February 2022.
Congratulations Ron!

Kind regards,

Jackie.