Louise Oriti, Executive Director

I am back onboard this week after taking a few days leave last week. October is a very busy month with many occasions of recognition, such as Operational Services Recognition Month and Safe Work Month. Along with this, it’s the final school term for the year and I’m sure the parents of school children among us are very busy too.

On Saturday, we also have the referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. I am sure you have all made the appropriate arrangements to pre-vote or postal vote if you are working on Saturday. During this period, I recognise the cultural load and extra burden placed on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. And I would also like to thank you all for the respect you have shown each other in the workplace during this time.

Malnutrition Awareness Week

A/Executive Director of Allied Health Professions Mark Cruikshank, Director of Dietetics and Food Services Merrilyn Banks and I toured wards to carefully judge the displays promoting malnutrition awareness as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week. Competition was intense, and it showed the immense dedication of those who got in involved. I really enjoyed seeing the creative ways wards have raised awareness for this issue, including activities, interactive displays and even a life-size carrot!

Additionally, congratulations to the Nutrition Research Collaborative on their inaugural symposium, which took place on Wednesday and brought together many nutritionists from across Brisbane to discuss the latest nutrition and dietetics research.

Mental Health Week

As part of Mental Health Week, we have launched the Metro North-wide Shatter the Stigma Campaign. Shatter the Stigma raises awareness of the negative impact that stigma relating to mental illness has on individuals, their families and their recovery. It also recognises that, by feeling stigmatised or ashamed, people may be less inclined to seek support or access services when they’re experiencing challenges. The Shatter the Stigma campaign is about shattering the stigma for all people including our patients, staff, colleagues, families and friends.

This week, RBWH has seen a series of activities to recognise Queensland Mental Health Week, including walking, singing and giveaways by the Staff Council. I hope you have all managed to take some ‘me time’ during the week and reflect on how you are going, as well as take steps to improve your mental health if needed.

Operational Services Recognition Month

I wanted to spotlight an Operational Services team each week this month, and this week I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to the RBWH Security Team. The work of the Security Team is often in the background, monitoring and patrolling areas, however, when an urgent situation arises our Security Officers swiftly step in to ensure the safety of our staff and patients. I wish to recognise their professionalism and the duty of care they demonstrate each day. They work with our patients in complex and challenging situations, as well as providing a vital service to our staff, enabling them to feel safe at work. Thank you for all you do in keeping our hospital safe.

Have Your Say

All areas should have already received, or be close to receiving, their Have Your Say survey results. We will be offering some sessions to share the overall results for RBWH, for your interest. This will be scheduled in November.

Feedback we have received about the Discharge Transit Lounge shows the friendly willingness to help you all demonstrate in caring for our patients.

I want to sincerely thank and send a big shout out to the ladies in the transit lounge as they took time out of their busy morning to help me with directions to the place I had to go after the taxi dropped me off in the wrong location. They were pleasant, friendly and went out of their way to make sure I knew where I had to go and even organised for me to be escorted to ensure I didn’t get any more lost! The staff member who escorted me was also friendly and helpful and didn’t leave my side the whole way. I am so grateful to them all as I am from regional Queensland and was quite overwhelmed. Please acknowledge their exemplary service on my behalf.

Thank you for all the work you do in serving our community.

Kind regards,

Louise.