Louise Oriti, Executive Director
I wanted to update you on the next steps of the realignment of some services into different Service Lines through the RBWH Business Case for Change. These decisions have been made to better align clinical and business areas strategically and operationally. The next step will see the Emergency and Trauma Centre (ETC) move from Critical Care and Clinical Support Services (CCCSS) to Internal Medicine Services (IMS) on 13 November 2024. Negotiations and planning are occurring with key stakeholders. I appreciate the efforts of all concerned.
For your information, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Dermatology will remain within IMS.
National Safe Work Month – October
Safe Work Month is a time to remember and reinvigorate our commitment to building a safe and healthy workplace, free from physical and psychological harms. I would like to recognise our Health and Safety Representatives and Work Area Safety Champions for their work in creating a safer workplace for staff and patients.
This year we have a calendar of events and webinars, including an all-staff BBQ on Thursday 4 October from 11am in the Central Drive Boulevard. I encourage you all to come along, as well as to dedicate five minutes in team meetings to discuss workplace health and safety. I will be sharing more information about National Safe Work Month and activities at the Royal in the coming weeks.
World Pharmacists Day
Monday was World Pharmacists Day and I would like to acknowledge our colleagues who provide invaluable support to our patients and wards. Pharmacists play an important role in strengthening our healthcare system, including helping patients stay out of hospital and manage their medicine requirements. A pharmacy has now opened inside the Discharge Transit Lounge, which is helping support patients on their transition home and speed up discharges.
Operational Services Recognition Week 2–6 Oct
I would like to recognise our Operational Services colleagues and all they do in supporting patients and their vital work in the hospital. I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to our Security, Patient Support Services, Retail Food Services, Patient Food Services, Waste Management and Clinical Equipment Loan Services teams.
RBWH Foundation Grants closing soon
Please ensure you have finalised and submitted your applications for the RBWH Foundation grants. Applications close on 30 September. These grants are an opportunity to see your ideas for research or patient care funded.
COVID-19 vaccination
Queensland Health has lifted the directive for its workforce to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This decision will come into effect on Monday, 25 September. I would like to recognise and thank you all for your resilience in dealing with uncertainty as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times.
Workforce Reform Roadmap Roadshows
Metro North Health continues to explore how we can address workload demands and the global shortages of healthcare workers. Metro North’s Workforce Reform Roadmap has been co-designed by our people, external partners and workforce experts. It aims to support our employees by creating new and innovative ways to build and retain talent and innovate new ways to deliver our services.
Metro North Chief Executive Jackie Hanson will be attending the two upcoming roadshows at RBWH on Wednesday, 1 November at 8.30-9.30am and 2.30-3.30pm in Conference Room 2, Level 5, Clinical Skills Development Service. If you can’t make these sessions, you can attend any session at any Metro North facility.
Malnutrition Awareness Week 9-13 Oct
The Dietetics and Food Services team are working to raise awareness of malnutrition with a competition for the promotion of malnutrition awareness. I will be one of the judges of the competition, along with others from the Executive team. We are looking forward to crowning the Nutrition Champions for 2023 to the ward or clinical area with the best promotion of malnutrition awareness.
On Wednesday 11 Oct, the Nutrition Research Collaborative, coordinated through RBWH, are hosting their first symposium at the Education Centre.
Mental Health Week 7–15 Oct
To recognise Queensland Mental Health Week, there will be activities each day at RBWH, beginning on Monday, 9 Oct until Friday 13 Oct. Stay tuned for more information in the coming week.
What Matters to You – Shout out
As part of the What Matters to You initiative, clinical teams around the hospital took part in an activity with their patients and colleagues, asking ‘What Matters to You?’ The team in 6AN (Gynaecology – Women’s and Newborn Services) received excellent feedback from their patients, and the activity showed that what mattered to patients was indeed being provided to them. Patients said they felt well cared for and informed throughout their admission, and that the staff were approachable and made them feel comfortable.
On a personal note, I want to acknowledge the passing of a good colleague, Greg Colledge. Greg was super clever, calm, had a terrific sense of humour and was always helpful. I am reminded how important our collegial workplace relationships are and how much we should value them.
I hope that those of you who have a long weekend, have a safe and relaxing time off and extend thanks to our colleagues who are working. Thank you for all you do for our community.
Kind regards,
Louise.