The Redcliffe-Caboolture Mental Health Service officially launched the evidence-based ‘Safewards’ program recently.

Safewards is designed to increase safety on the wards for staff and consumers, using 10 key interventions.

It has been utilised both nationally and internationally as part of a proactive approach to reduce violence, aggression and restrictive practices within acute inpatient mental health settings – aligning with the current goals and direction of Metro North Mental Health services.

Intervention methods include ‘Talk Down’ which relates to a specific de-escalation process, focused on clarifying issues with consumers and finding solutions together and emphasises that staff should maintain self-control, respect, and empathy.

Another intervention ‘Know Each Other’ involves consumers and staff sharing some personal interests and ideas with each other, displayed in unit common areas. Know Each Other has been implemented in inpatient settings with bright photo boards detailing each staff member’s name, role and a few facts about them.

For more details, contact Safewards Project Officer Deanna Krause.

Telehealth room available for patients

Caboolture Hospital has a new dedicated room for patients to connect to Telehealth appointments at other facilities if they are unable to do Telehealth from their own home due to poor internet connection, limited technology, etc.

Booking a Telehealth appointment using this room can also assist patients with travel limitations residing in the Caboolture area, preventing them from having to drive or catch public transport all the way to Brisbane, saving them valuable time and money.

It is a private, secured room just off the waiting area at Specialist Outpatients. There is enough space for support people to attend with your patient and interpreters can be supplied via Telehealth or onsite if required.

The facility organising the consult can also arrange for a support person to connect to the Telehealth appointment from a separate location if desired.

If you would like to arrange a Telehealth appointment for your patient using the room at Caboolture Hospital, contact CabH_SOPD_Requests@Health.qld.gov.au

Are you ready to Level Up?

Metro North Health is committed to improving gender equality in the medical profession.

The Metro North Health Level Up program is designed to provide all junior doctors with support and opportunities to help them reach senior positions over the course of their career, regardless of their gender.

It has opportunities for mentoring and leadership development programs.  Specific pathways for reporting discrimination, bullying and harassment are included.

To find out more, including how to become a mentor or mentee, visit the Level Up website on QHEPS.

Caboolture Hospital car parking FAQs

 The new multi-storey car park at Caboolture Hospital will open later this year. It will include more than 1000 parking spaces in a mix of multi-storey and at-grade facilities. Head to QHEPS to see the latest car parking frequently asked questions.

Staff Shout Outs

Congratulations to the CKW staff who received a Metro North Staff Shout Out in December.

Each recipient has already received an official congratulatory email, but I wanted to celebrate their success with all of you as well! Learn more about Staff Shout Outs.

• Lauren Saunderson – Operational Services
• Kristy Frazer – Student Midwife
• Bianca Schnieders (Rideout) – Outpatients
• Navdeep Kaur – Nursing
• Theresa Rudd – Midwifery
• Melanie Travis – Midwifery
• Debra Humbley and Sharon Carpenter – Birth Suite
• Robyn Alexander – Midwifery
• Jessica Linnan – Transit Lounge
• Debra Vesey – Infection Control
• Stephanie Webster and Michelle Hall – Maternity
• Kim Cooper – Antenatal Clinic
• Julie Lloyd – Antenatal Clinic
• Sandra Lee – ANC Coordinator
• Kelsey Taylor – Ward 4A
• Discharge Planners
• Food Services holiday staff

Until next time…

Angie Dobbrick will return to the Executive Director role on Monday (30 January). Thanks for your support this week while I was in big chair!

Have a lovely weekend.

Louise.