Louise Oriti, Executive Director
I want to acknowledge all your work in delivering excellent care to our patients, and support to their families. Your continuous commitment to our patients and their families is what makes RBWH a world class facility.
Wear it Purple Day
Today is Wear it Purple Day, a reminder for young members of the LGBTQIA+ community to feel proud about who they are. The event began in 2010 from a need to build support for young Rainbow people, and to show them that they have allies in the wider community. The work of making our hospital a safe and welcoming place for LGBTIQIA+ consumers is ongoing, and it involves all of us.
Self-education is one of the most effective ways we can unlearn and eliminate our own unconscious biases. We often talk about being allies, but I would like to talk about the importance of active allyship. This can mean staying informed, speaking up and calling out negativity toward the LGBTQIA+ community. In a healthcare setting, it may also include understanding sensitives around disclosure, and ensuring any questions asked about gender identity and sexual orientation are relevant to care.
We often talk about improving care and providing better care, and it is important to recognise that for our LGBTQIA+ consumers, better care means safe care. Resources and educational materials can be found on the LGBTIQ+ Employee Network QHEPS page.
Research Excellence Awards
Nominations close on Monday, 28 August for Metro North’s Research Excellence Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate the many ways Metro North staff from all professions lead and contribute to clinical research. There are eight award categories, and awards will be presented at a dinner in early November.
Please don’t miss this opportunity to recognise your colleagues for their research excellence. Nominate online using either the Microsoft Edge, Chrome or Mozilla browsers.
Patient Goals of Care: Ask ‘What matters to you?’
Communication and engagement are key to safe, quality, patient-centred care. Conversations with patients and families about their values, preferences and individual needs helps everyone involved identify what is important to the patient. Creating a broader picture of the patient’s personal goals, alongside clinical goals, ensures care is individualised and meets patient needs.
World Patient Safety Day (World Health Organisation) 2023 is highlighting the importance of asking patients ‘What matters to you?’. RBWH will be celebrating this initiative on 18 September. You can join the ‘What matters to you?’ initiative by signing up to be a champion for your area, requesting an in-service for your team, initiating an activity to improve your conversations, and collaborating with your colleagues. There will be more information in the coming weeks, in the meantime you can visit the QHEPS page or contact Catherine.Ryan@health.qld.gov.au.
Speech Pathology Week
This week has been Speech Pathology Week, a time to promote the work of speech pathologists in improving quality of life, as well as to raise awareness about communication disability. One in seven Australians will experience communication difficulty during their life, and this week is about shining a light on the unique skills and qualities of Certified Practising Speech Pathologists. Through communication we tell stories, learn skills, and build relationships and community, therefore the work of speech pathologists is far reaching and invaluable.
On a personal note, I have heard many patient stories this week and appreciate just how complex patient care can be. The interactions you have, the decisions you have to make and your all-round general kindness to patients, families and carers is immense. Thank you for all you do for our community.
Kind regards,
Louise.