I have the opportunity to talk with a range of staff throughout the organisation. As I listen, I remain impressed by the problem solving, complex communication and decision making each of you exhibit as part of your roles. Thank you for all that you do in supporting our community, especially in these periods of high demand for our services.

Update on accreditation process

During the week of 15 January 2024, the RBWH was assessed by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS). We had a great result from our assessment with only one ‘Met with Recommendation’. The ACHS has today undertaken a virtual assessment and has advised that this recommendation will be closed due to the outstanding work that has been demonstrated. In fact, the assessor advised that the intent of the recommendation has been far exceeded. Many thanks to the Critical Care and Clinical Support Services Line and Safety and Quality for driving this exceptional work. The ACHS will now consider the outcome of today’s assessment and decide if RBWH will be awarded full accreditation.

Update on 7AN and 6AN

Over the past 12 months or so we have had additional beds open to meet demand. This includes beds on 7AN (20 beds) and 6AN (10 beds). RBWH has received a budget allocation from Metro North to permanently appoint staff to these 30 beds. This is positive news for our organisation to better support staff and patients.

Farewelling Dr Julieanne Graham

Earlier this week we held a morning tea to farewell Deputy Director of Medical Services Dr Julieanne Graham, who has been a valued member of the RBWH Executive for over three years. We will greatly miss her intelligence and her calm and caring demeanour.

Congratulations to Julieanne on her new role as Director of Medical Services for The Prince Charles Hospital, we wish her all the best.

Name change for Internal Medicine

After a successful consultation and decision-making process, I’m pleased to let you know that the Internal Medicine Services line now has a new name: Internal Medicine and Emergency Services (IMES). It is important to recognise the inclusion of the Emergency and Trauma Centre into the service line.

Flu vaccine

Next week (Monday 22 April) the RBWH staff flu vaccination program begins, located on the Level 2 walkway between the Ned Hanlon Building and James Mayne Building It’s extremely easy to get vaccinated and highly recommended that you do. There’s no need to book and you just need to show your staff or student ID. Staff who are over 65 years of age will need to book an appointment for the adjuvanted influenza vaccine by phoning 3646 1649 or emailing RBWHVaccinationService@health.qld.gov.au.

Vaccination helps protect against severe disease and complications from influenza, and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends it for all people aged 6 months and over.

I recommend watching the very informative vidcast featuring Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer Alanna Geary, Infectious Diseases Staff Specialist Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, and Metro North Public Health Unit Director Daniel Francis where they discuss this year’s flu season and flu vaccination.

Dr Hajkowicz points out that by getting the jab you are not only protecting yourself, you’re protecting your family, colleagues and patients.

Visit here to watch that vidcast and find all the dates and information about the staff program.

RSV inoculation for newborns

Queensland Health has commenced a program of free immunisation for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for eligible infants and young children.

RSV is the most common cause of hospitalisation in infants and young children, with most infants experiencing an infection in their first two years. The affects can be significant.

Under the Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention (QPRSVP) Program, which began on 15 April, the long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (TGA approved) will be offered as a dose to all our newborn infants at time of birth or prior to discharge. Infants not immunised in hospital can access nirsevimab up to 8 months of age through select primary care providers, and any First Nations infant born prior to the commencement of this program is eligible, providing they receive nirsevimab before 8 months of age. Young children with certain complex medical conditions will also be offered immunisation until 31 October 2024.

Inoculation provides protection against RSV for at least 5 months and has shown to be up to 80 per cent effective in decreasing infant hospitalisations related to RSV.

I’d like to acknowledge the work put in by Women’s and Newborns Services to prepare for and implement this program in our facility.

More information about the program can be found on the Queensland Health website.

ANZAC Day

This Thursday 25 April we will pause to remember the legacy of our ANZACs. RSL volunteers will be selling ANZAC Day Appeal badges on the Ground Floor Atrium, with all funds going to the RSL to assist veterans who may need assistance.

The Last Post will be played over the Royal’s PA system at 8am, followed by a moment’s silence and the Reveille, in what is always a solemn and moving moment for our hospital’s staff, patients and visitors.

Partnerships to support Health Equity

Last week a small group of us visited the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) in Windsor to seek ways in which we can better work together to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients. During discussions we identified at least five areas that we might collaborate on to improve care across our services and we intend to meet again in a few weeks.

Our Journey towards Health Equity funding

In July 2022, Metro North Health reaffirmed its commitment towards achieving health parity by 2033 and committed to prioritising actions to achieving equity in healthcare and service delivery for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Journey Towards Health Equity, Metro North Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 provides the pathway for cultural change and consists of five priority areas for inclusion in our local strategy:

1. Actively eliminate racial discrimination and institutional racism within the service.
2. Increasing access to healthcare services.
3. Delivering sustainable, culturally safe, and responsive healthcare services.
4. Influencing the social, cultural, and economic determinants of health.
5. Working with First Nations peoples, communities, and organisations to design, deliver, monitor and review health services.

Our Chief Executive has committed an annual allocation of funding to strengthen our efforts towards Our Journey Towards Health Equity. All services are encouraged to put forward a funding application that align to priority principles of eliminate institutional barriers, re-shape the system, transform care and strengthen the workforce.

You can find information on how to apply and the criteria online or contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team.

Positive feedback

We recently received this very positive feedback which I’d like to share with you:

“A special note of thanks following my recent admission to the RBWH – so many of the nurses and doctors were great but in particular I wish to highlight my EPIC doctor’s wonderful bedside manner and care and another doctor in DEM for her patient advocacy.

“I am very glad I chose to be assessed at the RBWH. I always felt in good hands and felt listened to as a patient about my concerns. Thank you again for delivering fantastic care.”

Thank you to all staff for the kindness and compassion you provide to patients, families and our community.

Kind regards,

Louise.