I am excited to announce that the Caboolture Hospital multi-storey car park is set to open at 6am on Monday 16 October 2023.

There will be a two-week free parking period while everyone gets used to the new parking arrangements, and paid parking will commence on Monday 30 October 2023.

For more information on staff parking, public parking rates and concessions, visit QHEPS.

The opening of the multi-storey car park will trigger several other significant changes on the hospital campus that will impact staff, patients and visitors.

Hospital entry

On Monday 16 October 2023, the main entry to Caboolture Hospital will relocate back to the front of the hospital, off McKean Street. Patients (both urgent and non-urgent) and visitors will all enter through the front of the hospital.

The temporary main entry at the back of the hospital will revert to the original arrangements – staff will be able to use this entry and patients and visitors will be able to use the entry to travel between Outpatient Services and the main hospital during business hours.

Parking changes

• The temporary staff car park will close permanently at 6pm on Sunday 15 October 2023.

• The current public car park (P5) will revert to a staff only car park on Monday 16 October 2023.

• The Community and Oral Health car park (P8) will become patient and visitor parking only from Monday 16 October 2023.

• From Monday 16 October 2023, the current Emergency drop off at the front of the hospital will be used as the main patient drop-off/pick-up zone.

Vehicle access changes

• On Monday 9 October 2023, the western entry to McKean Street will reopen to vehicles. This will be the only entry point to Mental Health Ward 2 drop-off zone.

• From Monday 16 October 2023, vehicle access to Community and Oral Health will only be via Bury Street or the McKean Street western entry. All vehicles will be required to exit via Bury Street.

• From Monday 16 October 2023, vehicle access to P5 (current public car park) will be via Bury Street only. This is to allow construction works to be completed at the eastern end of the car park.

These changes mean more parking is available on the Caboolture Hospital campus for patients, visitors and staff, and bring us a step closer to opening the new Clinical Services Building.

Sweet fun to kick off our birthday celebrations

On Wednesday we held the first fun event for October to celebrate Caboolture Hospital turning 30 this month. Hundreds of staff braved intermittent rain to enjoy a delicious scoop at the Ice-Cream Party.

When there can only be one answer, tough decisions were made – chocolate, mint choc-chip, vanilla and sprinkles, or Ekka Strawberry?

I hear the winner was Ekka Strawberry by a mile. Thanks to The Common Good who donated the strawberry ice-cream.

Thank you to everyone who came along and to our wonderful colleagues who volunteered their time to serve, making it a great day all around.

We have two more fun birthday events coming up this month with the Birthday Cake-Off competition on Friday 13 October and the Caboolture Hospital Birthday Party on Wednesday 25 October.

To register for the cake-off or for more information about any of our 30^th birthday activities, please email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au or call 5433 8524.

I cannot wait to see all the wonderful cakes next week. What an exciting time to be at CKW and, of course, Caboolture Hospital as we celebrate such a significant milestone. I feel so lucky to be here currently and I am really enjoying the opportunity to celebrate with you.

I would like to thank Parker Michaels who has worked so hard to make this month a success and the amazing ice-cream “statue” she lovingly made with her two daughters.

On behalf of all of the team, I want to thank Parker and her family for an amazing day and a fabulous launch to our celebrations.

Shatter the Stigma Campaign Launch

Next week is Mental Health Week during which we will be launching the Metro North-wide Shatter the Stigma Campaign.

Shatter the Stigma raises awareness of the negative impact that stigma relating to mental illness has on individuals, their families, and their recovery.

It also recognises that, by feeling stigmatised or ashamed, people may be less inclined to seek support or access services when they’re experiencing challenges.

The Shatter the Stigma campaign is about shattering the stigma for all people including our patients, staff, colleagues, families, and friends.

Kicking off at the Caboolture Satellite Hospital on Monday and going to Caboolture Hospital and Kilcoy Hospital later in the week, pop-up stalls will share information and resources about this important campaign.

Breast Screen Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please remember to all those eligible to ensure that they look after their own health and remember how important regular breast cancer screening is.  Please look after you.

Frocktober

Remember also that this month is the month to support Ovarian Cancer research. As I said last week, our very own Graham Winbank is wandering the floors of Caboolture Hospital in support of this wonderful cause. If you can, I strongly encourage you to support this worthy and wonderful cause.

Vale Greg Colledge

This week, I went to the beautiful funeral of our colleague Greg Colledge.

Greg was the General Manager of Business Advisory and Commercial Services for Metro North.

He was a wonderful colleague and friend to many. He had a wicked sense of humour and was probably one of the smartest humans I have ever met. While Greg did not work at CKW, his advice and advocacy for our organisation was second to none and he will be missed by many.

What a Compliment!

Here’s a great plaudit for Caboolture Hospital Ward 3A and Food Services:

“The nurses and doctors were all very courteous and professional in their care and genuinely interested and caring.

“The catering staff also deserve a special Thankyou for their efficiency and really great meals.”

Finally,

Food trucks are back at Caboolture Hospital!

It’s a great opportunity to grab a tasty dinner each Wednesday afternoon from 4.30pm outside the Emergency Department entrance (near the ambulance bays).

This Wednesday (11 October), it will be delicious Mexican food with Carlos Tacos. Enjoy!

I love cooking when I have loads of time but if I am rushed or under pressure, which many of us are after a busy day, I find it a mind-numbing and arduous task.

Unfortunately, I have a husband who is a terrible cook and therefore I do not rely on him for my evening nourishment. So, it may just be Taco Wednesday for my household on Wednesday night!

I want to thank everyone for a great week (for many of us it was one day shorter than most) and have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Stay Safe,

Alanna.