Adj. Prof. Jane Hancock, Chief Operating Officer

The weather has cleared up overnight and while there are still a few clouds around the severe weather warning in no longer active for our region. We may see some creeks rise in the coming days as water flows down from up north.

Last night Caboolture Hospital stepped down to lean forward and then stood down to normal operations this morning. Similarly, Metro North has stood down from our response this morning.

Thank you all for your work in preparing and responding to the severe weather event so far. It is especially pleasing that we were able to convert many of our outpatient appointments into telehealth and continue providing care across our services. Thank you.

There is still clean up happening in our facilities and in the community. I’m aware that we have staff directly and indirectly affected and I want to encourage people to make use of our staff wellbeing support services as needed and to reach out to your own support network as well.

Thank you to those staff who stayed at work yesterday and overnight or picked up extra shifts where colleagues were unable to work. We have seen excellent examples of our value of teamwork across the last few days.

While the rain has eased for now, we are in the midst of storm season and may see further rain and localised flooding throughout the rest of summer. Can I please encourage those staff who live in areas which are known to get cut off to consider having a ‘go bag’ of clothing and supplies in case you are unable to safely get home from work if we see further severe weather.

I also encourage any staff on the roads to continue to do a risk assessment including weather and road conditions and check in with your line managers. Monitor traffic and road closures on the Qld Traffic website.

Where can I find out more?

Metro North Health has created an extranet site to keep staff across our emergency and disaster response activities. The site also includes links to useful resources including special leave provisions if needed.

Download the BOM alerts app on your phone and turn on the warning notifications for weather events in our region.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is providing updates on local conditions through their disaster portal.

For general information about preparing your home and family for extreme weather and natural disaster events, visit Get Ready Queensland.

Warm regards,

Jane.

Please share this information with colleagues who may not have email access.