Glynis Schultz, Executive Director, Community and Oral Health
There is so much happening at the moment, I just wanted to add a few more important acknowledgements this week.
Every day, I am reminded by your efforts that I am indeed privileged to be the Executive Director of Community and Oral Health.
Despite the challenges for staff who are unable to come to work because they have COVID-19 or are caring for family members with COVID, other staff have stepped up to maintain services.
This includes staff support for the Virtual Ward as it continues to help people to manage their illness at home despite an increase in the acuity of the people being managed virtually.
I also want to acknowledge the contributions that many other services make to decrease the demand on our acute services.
Today I want to mention the:
- increased cohorts of people receiving Hospital in the Home services;
- expansion of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation in partnership with ACU;
- palliative care provided in people’s homes and within residential facilities across the broader Metro North catchment area;
- inclusion of a consultation with a geriatrician within the PACs service; and
- increased number of people receiving the support they need to stay in homes from the community transition care team.
This is not any exhaustive list but it’s a great effort from so many of you.
Board acknowledges our wet weather warriors
Yesterday, it was pleasing to see our Metro North Health Board Chair Jim McGowan come out to thank and chat with many of our Shining Stars for March.
At the same time he also acknowledged everyone behind the scenes who didn’t receive an award and who also played an important role in the services we deliver.
Our Wet Weather Warriors from late February were acknowledged at two ceremonies – one at North Lakes and Brighton and included many staff and teams from:
- Oral Health
- our bedded services
- nursing workforce
- emergency response teams
- support teams
- operation and food services
- home visiting services
- Cooinda House.
Thank you again for stepping up each and every time.
Oral Health welcome
A big welcome also goes to Dr Kelly Mc Gowan who will be temporarily filling the role of Clinical Operations Director at Oral Health from the 11 April 2022.
Mario is not leaving Oral Health but will have the opportunity to work more closely with the Oral Health Centre while the Oral Helath Alliance review is progressing and to utilize his experience in medical administration to allow the DMS in Community to work as a geriatrician in the enhanced Post-Acute Service.
Thank you visit from the Governor
And, the week finished with a delightful visit by the the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Doctor Jeannette Young PSM to the Aspley Community Health Centre to thank health staff for their resilience and commitment over the past few years.
Glynis Schultz
Executive Director
Community and Oral Health