Helen Boocock
Thank you to everyone who has worked through the last few days to ensure we could continue to look after our patients. There has been an incredible amount of support and effort from our staff, quite a number of whom could not get home, so stayed with us and did extra shifts. I am very grateful to you all. I would also like to give a special thank you to our Cushman & Wakefield staff who went to great efforts to ensure our building remained safe and operational over the weekend and into today.
Clinical services and getting to work
While we have postponed some services today as a result of this significant weather event, and have some reductions for tomorrow (but not as extensive), our hospital and services remain open. Hospitals are classed as ‘essential services’ so if you have the ability to come to work safely then please do so (regardless if your specific work area is working at full capacity or not).
We have some significant staff shortages with some staff having major damage to their property or still isolated due to flooding. All staff presenting to work will be employed across our services to help support STARS or elsewhere nearby if required. The best way we can support our colleagues in difficulty is to help support their roles and workload, so they don’t return from a very difficult time with a backlog of work to manage.
If you cannot make it to STARS, but you could present to another facility, please let your line manager know as soon as possible. We will arrange for you to work at another facility if appropriate.
If you are unable to get to work due to damage to your property or flooded or damaged roads, we hope you are safe and we look forward to welcoming you back to us soon. Please let your line manager know as soon as possible if you require any support or assistance.
Our best wishes to our affected staff
For those staff with personal loss or damage, our thoughts are with you and please remember you can access free confidential services through Benestar when the time is right.
Where can I find out more?
- For emergency storm and flood response, phone the SES on 132 500. If you are in a life threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
- Weather updates and warnings are available from http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/
- For road closures, these are useful links:
- Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads QLD traffic website:
- RACQ Road Conditions website
- For the Moreton Bay Council area visit https://moretonbay.qld.gov.au/roadconditions/
- The Queensland Government disaster webpage provides a range of information, including traffic updates and alerts, road and school closures, emergency alerts and emergency assistance. Visit http://www.qldalert.com/
- For general information about emergencies and what’s happening in your area, visit ABC Emergency
- Information about power outages is available at https://www.energex.com.au/home/power-outages
Please continue to stay safe over the coming days. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.
Best wishes,
Helen Boocock
A/Executive Director
Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS)