When I reflect on the past few months there are too many people across our directorate who I could list here and acknowledge for their outstanding work and commitment. As one, Community and Oral Health always comes together when there is a challenge and hard work to be done.

December Shining Star Award

In times like these it is important that we continue to recognise our staff through our formal Monthly Shining Star Award. At the same time, I would also like to thank those people who are continuing to take the time to nominate their deserving peers for this award.

In December we had four great nominations:

Sam Tapp, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Hospital in the Home 

“Sam always shows empathy, compassion and responsiveness to all Hospital in the Home patients. I have enjoyed working alongside Sam as she always works to get the best outcome for our patients.

“It is the quiet work in the background that is not always visible that ensures patients receive a great health and social outcome as Sam will always go ‘over and above’.”

Renee Meier, Executive Support Officer, Community and Oral Health 

“Renee went above and beyond to assist me with not only purchasing, but also collecting and delivering the umbrellas for the Kippa-Ring clinic recently.

“Some of this was done in her own time and with the absolute best of attitudes. This was values in action at its finest!”

Keir McEwan, Administrative Officer, Hospital in the Home 

“Keir is the most amazing administration officer. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Keir – she is so calm, helpful, friendly and goes over and above for staff and patients.

“Keir is always positive and has amazing warmth and is popular amongst all staff for her ability to make everyone feel ‘special’.”

Dental Assistants, Stafford Dental Clinic 

“For making the clinic more organised by well-arranged stocks which are easy to find and identify, plus ensuring faster ordering resulting in greater stock control.

“For also their creative Christmas decorations that made the clinic filled with joyous, positive vibes leading into a great holiday celebration.”

And the winner!

While all our nominees are worthy recipients of the December Shining Star Award. Our winner for December 2021 was:

• Keir McEwan, Administrative Officer, Hospital in the Home

Congratulations Keir! Please keep your Shining Star Award nominations coming in. This award showcases the quiet achiever, the staff member or team that doesn’t usually get recognised but are doing a great job, achieving important things to support the care we provide.

Please submit your Shining Star Award nominations (50-100 words) to coh-communications@health.qld.gov.au

Compliment – Brighton Vaccination Clinic

“I am so grateful for the way my elderly aunt was looked after. She is in her 70s and has a number of health issues. After being told by her doctor and pharmacist she couldn’t get her booster shot for at least six weeks, I decided to try walking in at Brighton.

“The staff immediately assisted her and made sure she had everything needed, and she was vaccinated quickly. I almost cried! A million thank ‘you’s’ to all the staff for doing such an amazing job!”

Thinking of others

Cental Patient Intake Unit like many areas have several staff working from home in response to COVID-19 and Metro North directives.

Each morning the team hold a morning huddle and the NUM Alice Smart and A/SAO Joshua Kutasi noticed staff seemed like they needed some pepping up.

This photo was to show staff how much they are missed and to remind the team of the awesome colleagues they are here to support them.

In normal non-COVID times donut days are something the team do each Friday.

Quote to ponder

Heidi Reeder said: “Commitment is the foundation of great accomplishments.”

Glynis Schultz
A/Executive Director
Community and Oral Health