Disability Services Action Plan

Last Thursday in our fortnightly Staff Forum, we introduced the Metro North Disability Services Action Plan (DSAP). The DSAP outlines Metro North’s vision for a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible, responsive and tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. It encompasses not just those accessing our services as patients but also our valued members of staff.

Chief Allied Health Practitioner and Executive Sponsor, Mark Butterworth provided a background to the DSAP development, including the importance of co-design. We also heard from Paul, a consumer representative about his involvement in the Steering Committee. Paul spoke about how empowering it was to be a part of the Committee, utilising his lived experience to understand the barriers and gaps in services for people with a disability accessing Metro North.

The STARS executive team is committed to the DSAP and will be working with the STARS Implementation Lead, Erin Suliman. Erin is currently inviting staff interested in being local STARS champions to nominate. She is also looking for staff who would feel comfortable with sharing their profile as a person with a disability and or carer of a person with a disability. You can express your interest in being involved and sharing your profile via MetroNorth-Disability@health.qld.gov.au.

More information, and download a copy of the DSAP.

Senior Executive Team (SET) Forum

Last week, we held our SET Staff Forum which provided STARS staff with a wonderful opportunity to engage with the Metro North Senior Executive Team. Thank you to Chief Executive Jackie Hanson, Chief Operating Officer Jane Hancock, Chief Finance and Corporate Officer Alister Whitta, Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer Alanna Geary, Chief Allied Health Practitioner Mark Butterworth and Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Sherry Holzapfel for attending. Thank you also to staff who attended the Forum. It was a really useful session and I encourage everyone to look at other occasions to engage with the Senior Executive Team.

The next opportunity will be a Listening Post on 3 April, 12.00pm-1.00pm (STARS ground floor), attended by the Chief Executive Jackie Hanson and Chief Operating Officer Jane Hancock. Come down for an informal chat about what’s happening in your area, things that you’re proud of, and things that need improving.

The Metro North Local Area Needs Assessment Survey

The Metro North Local Area Needs Assessment (LANA) consultation survey is now open. The survey will be open until 14 April and has been developed in partnership with the Metro North Primary Healthcare Network (PHN). The LANA is part of the health services planning cycle and is the first step to:

• Understanding our consumer population and health needs
• Understanding the health service needs and access to the service
• Prioritising health services into the future.

The survey can be completed by consumers, staff and community organisations. If you fall into more than one of these categories, you’re more than welcome to complete the relevant sections of the survey. (i.e. a staff member can also be a consumer of the health service).

Access and complete the survey.

STARS Staff BBQ

Next Wednesday, 20 March, STARS is holding an all-staff BBQ to celebrate Peer Responder Week and International Day of Happiness. Come to Level 3, mezzanine between 12pm-2pm (or until the food runs out) for a free sausage sizzle, with gluten-free and vegan options available. Thank you to the STARS Staff Council for sponsoring the BBQ.

Harmony Week and Peer Responder Week

Next week will be a busy one with both Harmony Week (18-24 March) and Peer Responder Week (18-22 March). Harmony Week celebrates our cultural diversity and promotes inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging, culminating in Harmony Day on Thursday 21 March.

Look out for our Staff Psychologist, Allison Welch, who will be doing floor walks today, next Tuesday and next Thursday, distributing orange Harmony Day ribbons, courtesy of the RBWH Foundation. If you would like to celebrate Harmony Day in your area, see the Harmony Week website for ideas.

As our Peer Responder Coordinator, Allison will also be letting people know about Peer Responder Week which celebrates our wonderful Peer Responders. The Metro North Peer Responder Program is designed to support staff wellbeing and promote help-seeking behaviours. This year we have some exciting initiatives for our STARS Peer Responders, including disability training and a range of other professional development guest speakers throughout
the year. More information on Peer Responder Week or becoming a STARS Peer Responder.

Blood donation

STARS staff have previously expressed a desire to donate blood as part of the quarterly Australian Red Cross Lifeblood van that visits the Herston Campus. I’m please to advise that the van will be here next week from Tuesday 19 March to Friday 22 March on Main Drive, in front of the Education Centre. To make a blood donation you will need to first register and make an appointment. More information.

Staff Shout Outs

Congratulations to those who received a Staff Shout Out in February: Vikki Goldup, Daisy Shaji, Harriet Wood, Lauren McKenzie, Samuel Frost, Lenesha Duncan, Marvis Atayi, Surendra Shrestha, Lorilee Malan, Krystal Gaudry and Brooke Gardner. Thanks also to those who have taken the time to nominate their colleagues. If you have a colleague or team
that you would like to give a Staff Shout Out to in March, nominate them.

Ramadan Mubarak

For our Muslim colleagues, I extend my warmest wishes for the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity and spiritual growth and is held on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon (this year falling on Monday 11 March). During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and drink. The end of Ramadan is expected to fall on the evening of the 9 or 10 April and is marked by Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day festival to celebrate the end of fasting, where Muslims pray, gather with family and friends, exchange gifts and share food. Find out more about the significance of Ramadan.

Lastly, I would like to share some lovely patient feedback with you from a patient who recently underwent surgery at STARS. Well done to everyone involved.

“I had carpal tunnel surgery recently at STARS. I am writing to congratulate all the staff – you are impressive! At each stage, pre and post-surgery appointments, and surgery, all staff were courteous, helpful, respectful and kind. What a wonderful service you provide to our community. Thank you“.

Kind regards,

Dale.