Geoff Grima, A/Executive Director

On Wednesday, STARS was impacted by the Statewide ieMR log-in issues that occurred for the majority of the day. As Metro North’s only fully digital hospital, an outage of this type for STARS is challenging. I was so very proud of the exceptional teamwork that staff displayed to continue service delivery and ensure the excellent care and safety of patients. Particular thanks goes to those involved in extra tasks and /or who stayed back late on Wednesday to work on downtime and recovery processes.

While the day was a demanding one it has provided invaluable experience, putting STARS in good stead for any future downtime procedures and the hospital’s upcoming short notice accreditation. We are now reflecting on different learnings from the day and identifying any gaps as well as improvements that could be made to our processes.

If you have any additional feedback, please email it to EOC-STARS@health.qld.gov.au.

Short notice accreditation preparedness

In preparation for short notice accreditation at STARS, I would like this week to focus on Standards 5 and 6, the Comprehensive Care Standard and the Communicating for Safety Standard.

The Comprehensive Care Standard integrates patient care processes to identify patient’s individual needs and prevent harm.

The Communicating for Safety Standard aims to ensure timely, purpose-driven and effective communication and documentation that supports continuous, coordinated and safe care for patients.

Some tips for these standards include:

• Collaborate with patients, carers and families to develop goal-directed care.
• Use a comprehensive care plan to deliver care.
• Reassess the patient’s needs if changes in diagnosis, behaviour, cognition, or mental or physical condition occur.
• Use appropriate patient identification process during clinical handover, transfer and discharge.
• Use a structured clinical handover process.

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

Staff Shout Outs for October

There were 14 Staff Shout Outs for the month of October which is wonderful to see. Congratulations to the following staff for demonstrating our Values in Action: Jacqueline Roberts (SEALS), Kiralea Boyce (Ward 5B), Christopher Weathers (OPD), Adrianne Makutu (OPD), Kellie Lacey (6A), Jesse Hunt (OPD), Lucy-Jayne Brown (OPD), Tamsin Mahoney (Allied Health), Sharni Webster (Admin), Samantha Horne (Admin), Natalie Wanrooy (Admin), Tess Marshall (Ward 5A), STARS Allied Health Leadership Team, and Robert McGovern, Natalie Harper and David Truong (4B). Thank you also to those who took the time to nominate a colleague for a Staff Shout Out. Nominate a colleague this month.

Staff Excellence Awards

If you haven’t already organised your tickets to the Metro North Staff Excellence Awards on Friday 15 December, do think about getting a table together. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year with our work colleagues. A ticket includes a four-hour food and drinks package, the awards ceremony and a live band. Buy tickets.

Christmas baking competition

Following on from the success of the STARS cupcake competition and bake sale, the RBWH   Foundation are running a Christmas baking competition and Christmas market! Judging will take place next Wednesday 29 November, followed by the Christmas market from 10am-2pm. So put your best rum ball or fruit mince tart recipes to the test! We know we have a lot of talented bakers at STARS and we would love to see STARS staff take out a prize. If you are interested in participating, please email Christie-Lee at the Foundation on c.edds@rbwhfoundation.com.au.

Christmas day meal packs

To recognise those that work on Christmas day, the Executive Team will once again provide a complimentary meal pack to STARS staff. The meal packs will include cold ham and turkey (or a vegetarian option of pumpkin/chickpea pattie), garden and pasta salad, dinner roll and butter and a candy cane, bonbon, Christmas napkin and cutlery. Teams can pre-order their meal pack. Meal packs will be available to pick up on the day from the milk fridge in the basement.

Support for staff over the holiday season

For some staff, the holiday season can be a time of stress and anxiety or a reminder of the loss of loved ones. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage staff to utilise the support provided by our exceptional network of Peer Responders, who are trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA). If you’re experiencing challenges, visit the STARS Peer Responder link for confidential support from a peer who understands your work.

Additionally, if you’re interested in becoming a Peer Responder, please email Allison Welch allison.welch@health.qld.gov.au, the Peer Responder Coordinator, and discuss this opportunity with your Line Manager. It’s a simple process that starts with filling out an EOI form – join us in this important journey of providing support and empathy for one another here at STARS.

Next week will be my final week at STARS, and I am hoping to get around to the wards to thank everyone for allowing me to lead in such a wonderful facility. I have noticed the community feel that STARS has and a culture of kindness and caring. If you see me around please don’t hesitate to say hello.

Take care,

Geoff.