Tami Photinos, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Metro North Health

I have been really impressed by the draft facility Operational Plans for next financial year. When we are seeing high demand it’s easy to forget that our focus is always on providing the best possible care for patients. The Operational Plans help us keep our eye on care delivery for the people who need us, rather than just looking at targets and KPIs.

We have commenced our COVID-19 and Influenza Response Plan this week which guides our response to the increase in acute respiratory illnesses during winter. It aims to minimise transmission of these illnesses for both staff and our community, and maximise health outcomes for people with these illnesses.

The plan outlines the communication pathways and basic concept of operations during the levels of activation of the plan and includes assessment criteria, short-term capacity management actions and pre-emptive strategies for flow management, and the actions to recover or return to normal operations. The COVID-19 and Influenza Response Plan supports the Metro North Business Continuity Plan and Acute Bed Capacity Plan.

It has been great to have the opportunity to visit some of you at our facilities over the past month. It is always so nice to see everyone’s smiles and I’m truly appreciative of the care being providing to our patients and each other.

Take care of yourselves.

“If you are not in the process of becoming the person you want to be, you are automatically engaged in becoming the person you don’t want to be.” How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

Regards,