Helen Boocock

As we have been looking after a number of COVID-19 patients in STARS over the last few weeks, we have stood up a COVID-19 Red Zone in Ward 4B, which will be dedicated to caring for these patients.

Thank you to all who were involved in standing this up on short notice. Moving forward, any patients who become positive while with us in STARS will be moved into the new zone.

It is a requirement that all staff members entering the COVID ward must be double fit tested.

A very big thank you to all of our staff who have been caring for our COVID -19 positive patients – thank you for treating all our patients with both kindness and competence as always.

PPE and fit testing

Kellie Stockton

The current High Risk PPE guideline requires a P2/N95 mask and protective eyewear for all staff providing direct patient care. This includes staff who work in clinical areas where they have direct contact with patients. A flat surgical mask is suitable for use in all other workplace settings, remembering that any mask is only effective if worn correctly.

Please remember that a fit tested mask must still be fit checked at the start of every shift to ensure a correct fit. Fit checking videos and posters are available on the PPE resources section of the COVID extranet.

As per the Australian Government’s Infection Control Expert Group’s advice, ‘in situations where fit testing has not yet been carried out, and a P2/N95 respirator is recommended for use, a fit-checked P2/N95 respirator is preferred to a surgical mask’. See the Infection Control Expert Group Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in the context of COVID-19 for details.

If you have any concerns, you can submit them via the fit testing feedback portal. Urgent issues should be escalated to your line manager.

If you have not yet been fit tested, and do not yet have an appointment booked to do so, please email STARS EOC Duty Manager Christine.Little@health.qld.gov.au. 

Staff psychology service sessions

We understand that the current COVID -19 surge is creating additional workload for many of us within STARS, and can be worrying for staff and patients alike. Just a reminder that the Metro North Staff Psychology Service is conducting weekly sessions over the next few weeks. These are open door Teams meetings where staff can chat with colleagues and a staff psychologist.

If you’re unable to attend the session or would like to speak to someone privately, please contact the Staff Psychology service on 3647 9673 or by email at MNStaffPsychology@health.qld.gov.au. Staff wellbeing resources can also be found on the extranet and on QHEPS. Please take some time for self-care and look out for your colleagues.

Thank you all your ongoing work with all our patients – it is very much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Helen Boocock and Kellie Stockton