Dear colleagues,

This week our Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) won two awards at the Premier’s Awards for Excellence. They were the winners of the Infrastructure and Manufacturing category and also the overall winners on the night, taking home the Premier’s Award for Excellence.

The Better Together Medication Access Program was highly commended in the Healthy and Safe Communities category.

Congratulations to all the teams involved.

As we head into December, it’s timely to remind everyone about our obligations under the Gifts and Benefits policy (link to policy on QHEPS). All gifts, benefits, or hospitality which is valued at more than $50 or could lead to real or perceived conflict of interest must be declared. This includes gifts such as dinners, event tickets, free or discounted use of holiday homes, travel and accommodation paid for by external parties, or wine. Money and items easily converted to money such as shares must not be accepted. Gift cards (link to policy on QHEPS) cannot be given to staff.

Today is the final day to buy your tickets for our Staff Excellence Awards gala dinner. The gala dinner is next Friday evening and includes four hours of dinner and drinks, 6-piece band and live show throughout the evening, dancefloor, and the awards. This is a staff only event, so get your colleagues together and celebrate the year.

This time of year can be challenging for many people. Our staff wellbeing support services are available for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Last week we welcomed our new cohort of Peer Responders to the Metro North corporate area. There are multiple ways you can connect with and have a conversation with a Peer Responder. You can choose to talk to any Peer Responder from your area or another facility. If you’d like to reach out, you can find a Peer Responder via QHEPS. Next week there will also be Staff Psychologists at RBWH and TPCH on Wednesday as part of Psychology Week. At TPCH you can visit the stall in the Safe Space from 11-12.30, and between 11am and 2pm at RBWH. You can also contact the Staff Psychology service on 3647 9673 or via MNStaffPsychology@health.qld.gov.au.

Metro North still has stock of the flu vaccine, so if you didn’t get your shot earlier in the year you can still contact your local vaccination or infection control team. And I encourage those staff due for a COVID-19 booster to take advantage of our vaccination clinics as well.

Regards,
Jackie