Message from the Acting Executive Director

With Glynis returning next week I just want to pass on my thanks and gratitude to everyone who has supported me over the past few weeks. It has been an interesting experience where I have had the opportunity to get to know more about many of the services we provide.

It is now December 1st, and another busy year is nearly finished. It is good to reflect on all that has been achieved and how all have contributed to our health service.

From myself, and all the executive members, I want to thank you all for your continued efforts and committment to improving our services and taking care of our patients and residents, and their families.

Happiness and prosperity to all!

Festival of lights celebration at North Lakes Even though we have been busy, it is always good to see our services taking the time to have fun, laugh and simply enjoy each others’ company.

Last month, Community Palliative Care and the Hospital in the Home teams brought a lot of colour, light, happiness and prosperity to North Lakes by celebrating Diwali.

Diwali is also called the ‘festival of lights’ and is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival of lights is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to many of us.

HITH and CPC like many of our oral health and community services have a large multicultural workforce. The staff members came together on their days off, and brought food and sweets to share.

Compliment – Community Based Rehabilitation Team @ Chermside

Another great compliment I would like share that shows the amazing teamwork on display at Chermside.

“The Chermside Community Based Rehabilitation (CBRT) team was almost life saving as there were many laughs and sometimes tears but with every appointment, their treatment assisted me in ways they will never understand.

“Firstly, to Deborah, thank you for being a breath of fresh air every time I spoke with you on the phone and finally getting to meet you in person – so happy, bubbly, efficient and professional.

“To Shay, who from the moment she walked into my home made me feel comfortable. Her caring and empathetic nature was truly wonderful. Shay set the tone for the entire service and gave me such invaluable advice.

“To Kieran and Anne, who helped me with exercises which assisted me in reducing my pain levels and gradually giving me additional movement. Words cannot express how this has helped me. Anne is just a lovely and easy-going person!

“To Anthony , such an empathic, caring person who designed a program of exercises and brought me specific aids to trial based on my needs which have assisted me in doing everyday tasks I did not think I would ever be able to manage on my own again – he is such a blessing.

“To Simon, who saw after the first appointment the pain the exercises were causing me, so he decided to incorporate relaxation techniques into my therapy to assist in the rehabilitation.

“And, lastly to Dr George, she is such a lovely empathetic soul and so professional, who really listened and provided me with tangible advice and supports to continue my rehabilitation journey to be the best version of me.

“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this team, what a wonderful, lifesaving service this is for patients which has exceeded all expectations. Forever I will be in your debt! “

Christmas Decorating Competition advertisement for Community and Oral Health

Nominations open for the Executive Leaders Program 2024

Nominations for the State-wide Metro North Executive Leaders Program (ELP) are now open for 2024. Senior leaders with aspirations to Executive Director roles should discuss their interest in this program with their line manager and seek endorsement from their Executive Director.

Nominations for the program will close COB Wednesday, 17 January 2024.

For more information visit the QHEPS page.

Older Persons Emergency Network (OPEN)

The Metro North Health Older Persons Emergency Network (OPEN) has recently replaced RADAR Rapid Response, offering an emergency department substitution service for older people in their own home in the Metro North catchment.

Older people attending hospital have a greater risk of hospital-based harm due to a high level of vulnerability to complications such as falls, delirium, pressure injuries and secondary infection.

The OPEN model aims to reduce these risks by providing emergency healthcare in the community, including in residential aged care facilities.

The multidisciplinary team consists of senior medical officers, nurse practitioners, specialist nurses and pharmacists. To find out more about the referral process, please visit the OPEN website.

A final shout out

For the last 19 years, dental assistant and 2IC Beth has been working hard behind the scenes providing support and care to staff and patients at the Stafford Dental Clinic.

Each year around 15,000 eligible adults are seen at our general practice oral health service like the Stafford Dental Clinic, and by the rural and remote team.