Adj Prof Jackie Hanson, Chief Executive

I would like to wish all our Metro North Team a Happy New Year for 2024. I hope those of you who had time off managed to have a well-earned break over the festive period. If you worked during this period, thank you for so very much for continuing to care for our patients.

Metro North Staff Excellence Awards

A big shout out to Louise A’Allura who did an amazing job mceeing the Metro North Staff Excellence Awards in December. This event is such a wonderful celebration of the achievements of individuals and teams across Metro North and is a fantastic way to end the year. Once again, the event was well attended, and a great time was had by all. Congratulations again to all our nominees and winners on the night. Thank you also to the Strategic Communication Team for facilitating the awards and organising the gala dinner event.

Priorities for 2024

A couple of our main priorities for 2024 is the development and implementation of a Complex Consumer Complaints Framework. This framework will be codesigned with consumers and families aiming to enhance the management and resolution of complaints. The framework will describe how we will engage with consumers and their families positively and proactively and ensure quality of care is continuously improved.

In addition, a Complex Staff Complaints Framework is currently being developed by Brett Bourke. This framework will foster a positive work environment by addressing staff concerns promptly and by supporting staff and managers through what can be a difficult process.

Opportunities to engage with the Executive Team

This year the Executive Team will continue holding Staff Forums and Listening Posts across our Metro North campuses. In addition, our regular vidcasts will bring you updates on a range of topics and a chance to ask presenters questions. Please take up these opportunities to engage with us and to inform me of the things that are important to you.  

The Senior Leadership Team are not currently routinely visiting across inpatient areas due to the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Illnesses. However, if you would like a visit or a Teams meeting, please just let my office know, and it can be arranged.

Appointment of Director-General, Queensland Health

Congratulations to Michael Walsh who has been appointed Director-General, Queensland Health. Mr Walsh commenced as A/Director-General in July 2023. As the previous Director-General for over four years from 2015 to 2019, Mr Walsh has extensive experience and a strong understanding of the health system and the current challenges it is facing.

Patient appreciation

I wanted to share some lovely feedback we received from the class of a primary school teacher recently treated at STARS. The students were encouraged to write letters and create drawings to show how appreciative they were of all the staff who helped get their teacher back on board.

It is a great reminder of how the wonderful work we do here at Metro North has an impact on not just individual patients but the wider community – in this case allowing a beloved teacher to return to his classroom. Here is just a selection of the beautiful letters and drawings we received from the school children. I particularly liked the recognition given to the different staff involved, including ‘front desk ladies’, doctors, nurses and surgeons.

Warm regards,

Jackie.