I had an infection control lesson from my youngest grandchild over the weekend and it goes like this:

• Stand far enough away so the spikes on the COVID-19 bug don’t stick on you (imagine arms outstretched as I am being told this);
• Cover your mouth so you don’t swallow the germs (hand over mouth and eyes wide open – I resisted the temptation to complicate his lesson with face shields and safety glasses); and
• Wash your hands whenever you touch anything gross (with a dramatic emphasis on the ANYTHING).

I am yet to check out whether this was from an episode of Bluey but he had certainly remembered the key points.

As we manage COVID-19 patients in our bedded services or move about the community when transmission rates remain high, its important that we remember to keep ourselves, our families and the people in our services safe.

I have spoken with a few staff members who had COVID-19 recently and again implore each of you to look after yourselves. You may be “out of isolation” but if you remain unwell please take the time you need to get well.

Agility and flexibility

Metro North Health is relying heavily on our virtual ward and hospital in the home to manage patient flow and the current demand on the system.

Both teams have been extremely responsive in meeting the complex needs of our patients, and following is a great compliment highlighting that agility.

“I would like to compliment the HITH team on their willingness to support urgent COVID-19 patient care in their home.

“They were asked to undertake a welfare and health check on a 98 year-old gentleman with COVID-19 who had been unable to be contacted and was of very high risk of deteriorating.

“Without hesitation the HITH team enabled an urgent home visit. The HITH nurse spoke with the patient’s family and ensured they were aware of the importance of communicating with the Virtual Ward so that ongoing care could be facilitated for their loved one.

“Great work HITH Team – a very responsive and patient-centred approach to ensuring this every elderly man was safe at home.”

In addition, the teams that have worked across our COVID-19 response and in the virtual ward are also getting special mentions at the Senate Estimate Hearings. Well done!

Staff movements

There have been quite a few staff movements over the past week. Firstly, I want to thank Oliver Walker who has played such a pivotal role in coordinating the COVID-19 response for our directorate as part of our local emergency team. Oliver has now taken up the Nurse Unit Manager role for the Virtual Ward.

Thank you to Dr David Moroney who departs the service tomorrow after acting as the Director CAOHS and COHS.  We wish Dr Bruce Newman every success and happiness as he has decided to retire.

A permanent recruitment process for the Director CAOHS and COHS is currently underway and in the meantime, Dr Tarini Singh will continue as A/Director CAOHS and COHS.

Kate Schultz will be returning to Community and Oral Health to act in the Allied Health Director role while Jo Walters is on secondment to the Department of Health.

Please join me in welcoming Kate to the role and thanking Anne Padayachee who has been recalled to her substantive position at Caboolture Hospital.

Pop up vaccine registration kiosks

Pop up kiosks have been set up to help staff register your COVID-19 vaccination third and fourth doses at Brighton Health Campus, Monday-Wednesday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm and North Lakes Health Precinct, Thursday-Friday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm.

If you want to register your additional doses online.

• Download your COVID digital certificate from your myGov account
• Go to the COVID-19 Vaccination Hub
• Choose the +Booster Vaccination option
• Add your booster details
• Upload or drag and drop your certificate
• Save.

Community RAT distribution

A big thank you to everyone who has helped or is involved in the Queensland Health RAT distribution points. This is being done for concession card holders through our community health centres at Caboolture, Redcliffe, North Lakes, Chermside, Pine Rivers, Keperra and Nundah.

Quote to ponder

Bill Gates said: “Agility is the ability to adapt and respond to change … agile organisations view change as an opportunity, not a threat.”

Glynis Schultz
Executive Director
Community and Oral Health