While we have experienced a few short weeks where many of us have had the opportunity to take a break, there are still some great things happening across our amazing teams.

Before I share some of those stories, I firstly want to remind everyone how important is it to continue to look out for each other and ensure that we are being very diligent with our infection control procedures while there is a high level of virus spreading in the community.

GOAL!!!

Recently, Walking Football started at the Brighton Wellness Hub and the fun was enjoyed by volunteers, staff and community members.

The initiative, which is supported by our volunteers Helena and Frank, is something that will be regularly delivered at the Hub.

From all reports there were lots of smiles, plenty of people giving it a go and heaps of goals scored!

And as an extra thought, Walking Football could be a fun and ‘competitive’ activity for our service lines to be part of staff wellness celebrations later in the year.

Vaccination clinics going great guns!

Thanks to everyone who has rolled up their sleaves to Give the Flu the Flick!

So far, around 500 staff have been vaccinated since the start of the campaign. A big thank you to the vaccinating team who have been at a host of sites including Halwyn, North Lakes, Oral Health and Brighton.

Tomorrow vaccinators will be at:

• Redcliffe CHC 8.30 – 11.30 am
• Brighton Health Campus 8.00 am – 3.00 pm
• Oral Health Centre 9.00 am – 2.00 pm.

Pirate king!

Avast ye! While it wasn’t International Talk Like a Pirate Day recently, we did raise the jib and celebrated the departure of the Pirate King – Craig Margetts.

Hearties, while Craig is heaving ho, I want to personally thank him for all of his work over the past year in the Director of Medical Services role.

His experience and exceptional guidance has left a tight medical ship and the directorate in great stead. Thank you Craig it has been fun.

We are delighted to welcome back Dr Stephanie Hadikusumo.  Dr Stephanie became a highly valued member of the COH family while she was relieving and has now returned as the appointed Director of Medical Services – its great to have you back Stephanie!

OVP update

We have welcomed Martin Kramer as the new Security Manager who is now fully trained to provide Occupational Violence Program training support to the whole of COH.

Thank you to the COH Operational Services and the Occupational Violence Prevention (OVP) team who have worked together to increase our capability to deliver occupational violence prevention training.

OVP training will educate our staff on how to recognize and prevent occupational violence in the workplace and provide practical strategies to reduce the risk of violence, disengagement techniques, conflict management strategies and personal safety measures.

Please contact Martin Kramer via martin.kramer@health.qld.gov.au

Short Notice Assessment priorities

Please, as a priority complete the following training by the indicated dates:

• PDP completion by 26 May 2023
• OVP completion by 2 June 2023
• Fit testing by 16 June 2023.

Influenza clinic coincides with a yarn

What great initiative and pooling of resources! The April Yarning Circle coincided with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander influenza clinic and was held in partnership with the PHU.

Vaccinations were facilitated by Jennifer Vales from the PHU and our very own Dene Campbell from the Sexual Health team.

The Yarning Circle also included presentations from the Queensland Ambulance Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team and the Redcliffe Hospital.

Thank you to everyone involved!

Chermside executive visit

Our next executive visit will be Chermside Community Health Centre on Tuesday 23 May with a staff morning tea at 11.00 am in Room 26.

The executive leadership welcomes the opportunity to hear from you so please join us for the announcement of our May Shining Star Award winners – especially focussed on our Chermside superstars.

Please nominate one of your peers from Chermside for the May Shining Star Award with a 50-100 word submission which can be sent to COH-Communications@health.qld.gov.au

Nominations will close on Wednesday 17 May.

Great compliment – Interim Care

With international nurses and midwives celebrations just around the corner I would like to share another great compliment.

“All staff nurses are very cautious, friendly, willing to explain everything clearly, patient and  kind.

“Mum feels she is receiving great care and appreciates all support provided to her. Mum is a happy little vegemite!

“This facility is always cleaned immaculately. When I come to visit mum I always feel a very calming environment. It is always pleasant and relaxed.

“To the kind-hearted nurses thank you for everything you do for mum.”

Glynis.