Helen Boocock
Thank you for all continuing to step up and support our patients and each other during the last few days. This has been a challenging situation for everyone and for the community, and I’m grateful for your continued efforts and for remembering our values as we work through this together.
Lean Forward – Code Brown
Metro North and all of the facilities, including STARS, has moved from STAND UP to LEAN FORWARD due to the intense rainfall event. The purpose of this LEAN FORWARD is to ensure we can respond to the ongoing effects of this significant weather event and ensure we are prepared for the predicted storms and rain over the coming days. It is expected that the Brisbane area will be affected by moderate flooding again later this week.
Please continue to stay informed over the coming days by listening to messages from authorities and the latest warnings from the Bureau of Meterology.
Staffing
As the providers of an essential service, the community relies on us to be here for them. We know that some staff may not be able to STARS due to road closures, flood impact or as a result of school closures.
If you are not able to get to work for any reason, please talk to your line manager. Where possible, you may be able to work at an alternative location to ensure continued service delivery.
The Chief Human Resources Officer provided information about leave options available to staff. This includes Special Leave (flood and storm leave) and Special paid discretionary leave for school, kindergarten and daycare closures due to impacts of weather events. The latter requires details of the school/facility that the children attend and the availability of alternative arrangements and/or remote work.
If any line managers have questions regarding individual applications for Special Leave or Special paid Discretionary Leave, they should contact our local HR team.
Most schools across south-east Queensland have reopened today, Wednesday 2 March. Information on Queensland school closures can be found here.
COVID-19
While the news may have temporarily reduced, the COVID-19 response remains a priority for Metro North, and it is important staff are still following the latest requirements.
On Monday 28 February 2022, Metro North Health moved to Tier 2 in our COVID-19 response plan. Please note, we remain in the high-risk category in the Queensland Health PPE matrix. This means that P2/N95 masks and goggles are still required for staff working in clinical areas, and surgical masks are still required in non-clinical areas.
Staff may have face to face meetings again, but room limits must be adhered to and social distancing must be maintained.
In good news though, staff may now enter STARS through either the Ground Floor or Level 3 Mezzanine. Thank you for your patience and understanding over the last few months.
Impending thunderstorms and impact for STARS
We’ve received notification that there may be thunderstorms across Brisbane and SEQ from tomorrow night, but we are keeping a watching brief on this, in case they may lead to additional flooding or a slowing up of river levels receding etc. As soon as we understand more of any possible impact on our service delivery at STARS we will let you know.
Best wishes,
Helen Boocock
A/Executive Director
Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS)