Thank you again for being kind and accommodating as I walk through the facility learning about STARS and the great colleagues that work here. I have seen many wards and operating theatres and wanted to commend all of you on how neat, tidy and clean the facility is. As I walk through, please don’t hesitate to stop me and say hello. I enjoy hearing about what area you work in and the incredible work you do each day to care for our patients.

In this week’s message I would like to remind you of some items that we can do to prepare for accreditation but also highlight some fun events happening across the organisation.

Staff Excellence Awards

Just a reminder that there is still time to get your nominations in for the Metro North Staff Excellence Awards – the closing date has been extended until this coming Monday 13 November at 5pm. Last year STARS was well represented at the awards and we would love this to continue in 2023. You can nominate here.

Staff Forums

This week we held our second Staff Forum. If you would like to suggest a topic for a future Staff Forum, you can now submit it via the QR code below, or via this link.

Short notice accreditation preparedness

Redcliffe Hospital, Mental Health and Community and Oral Health have all recently undergone short notice accreditation and next week The Prince Charles Hospital will have their turn. In preparation for short notice accreditation at STARS I would like to focus on the first two National and Safety Quality Standards.

The Clinical Governance Standard recognises the importance of governance, leaderships, culture, patient safety systems, clinical performance and the patient care environment in delivering high quality care. The Partnering with Consumers Standard aims to have consumers as partners in planning, design, delivery, measurement and evaluation of systems and services, and patients as partners in their own care.

Some practical steps that staff can take to prepare for these Standards are:

• Report clinical incidents and near misses in the clinical incident management system (Riskman).
• Escalate concerns to the relevant person in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in meetings to share information.
• Involve patients, carers and families in care planning and goal setting.
• Seek regular feedback from patients, carers and families on care planning and delivery.
• Follow up on issues identified by patients, carers and family members in a timely manner.

For more information on the National and Safety Quality Standards, including tips and vidcasts, see the QHEPS page.

Test and tag procedures

Staff are advised to check their areas and identify any equipment that has an expired test and tag sticker, or no sticker attached. For any that are found, please log a job as follows:

1. BTS maintained equipment – enter the QH barcode number (yellow/white) into BTS Online and relevant details. If it is not listed in BTS Online, please phone BTS for advice on having it added.
2. C&W maintained equipment – phone C&W Help Desk on 1300 785 113 with FM Contractor QR code (if evident), equipment details and location or use the Reach portal to log a job.
3. BEMS maintained equipment – log into S4/HANA, enter the QH barcode number (yellow/white) if available, equipment details, and then request a test and tag.

Please note that the existing test and tag sticker may not reflect who is responsible for maintaining the item.

All electrical items brought in by patients are tested and tagged by C&W.

If there are any queries, or feedback, please contact STARS_FSD@health.qld.gov.au for assistance or refer to the Furniture, Fittings & Equipment Maintenance and Repair Guidelines.

Oral Health Alliance overview

In October 2022, a review of the Oral Health Alliance (OHA) between UQ and Metro North recommended realigning the Oral Health Centre governance under STARS. The realignment aims to promote and enhance the unique identity of the OHA both within Metro North and the larger context of Queensland Health.

Whilst the transition has not had any operational impacts on the OHA, the governance structure and reporting lines of the leadership team have now been realigned with the executive team at STARS.

Welcome OHA team to STARS!

Remembrance Day

On Saturday we recognise Remembrance Day, honouring those who gave their lives in service. Saturday, 11 November marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I. Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices many have made so we can enjoy life today.

For those who are working on Saturday, the Last Post will be played over the hospital PA system at 10.57am, followed by one minute silence and the Reveille.

Remembrance Day poppies are available for sale today at the Ground Floor Atrium at the RBWH. All funds raised are used by the RSL to assist veterans, young and old, who may need help and assistance.

Diwali

This Sunday is Diwali, the festival of lights, a celebration of great significance for many Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The celebration is a time for giving thanks and offering prayers for good health and prosperity. For those staff who are joining in the festivities this weekend, I hope you enjoy the celebrations.

Free staff Christmas breakfast on 6 December

On Wednesday 6 December, STARS will hold their annual Christmas breakfast celebration, from 6.30-8.30am on Level 3. The breakfast is our way of saying thank you for all your hard work throughout the year. Get in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy breakfast muffin or croissant, while meeting some of the Executive Team and Staff Council.

Thank you again for everything you do each day, your dedication to patient care and to supporting each other is obvious.

Take care,

Geoff.