It has been a very challenging week across STARS, with the recent passing of a valued colleague, Sean from 4B. I know this loss has been deeply felt by many. As we navigate this difficult time together, I wish to ensure that anyone in need receives the best psychological and emotional support possible.

STARS Peer Responder network can be accessed via QHEPS. Staff can access Peer Responders at STARS, or if they prefer, a Peer Responder from another facility. Our Staff Psychologist, Allison Welch is providing face-to-face sessions, onsite drop-in clinics, phone or Teams consultations. Staff can make a booking by calling 3647 9673 or emailing MNStaffPsychology@health.qld.gov.au.

TELUS (formerly Benestar) offers a range of services to assist with wellbeing, including counselling. Staff can access up to six free sessions per calendar year with mental health professionals. More information can be found on the website link Employee assistance program | Metro North HHS (health.qld.gov.au) or on 1800 604 640.

Additionally, line managers and team leaders are encouraged to attend the psychological first aid – foundations training available next Wednesday 24 April from 10:00am until 12:00pm in room 714. The training will offer the opportunity to gain valuable skills in supporting staff facing stress or distress, fostering a culture of care and resilience within our team. Spots can be booked via TMS.

If staff would prefer to access non-work-related support, they can contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 and Lifeline Australia Crisis Support.
• Blackdog – offers healthcare professionals free sessions and other helpful information.
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 or Get mental health support – Beyond Blue.

We are currently in discussions to determine the most appropriate way to honour the memory of Sean.

Metro North Sub-Acute Spinal Injury Services Business Case

The Business Case is progressing with the project team meeting with a number of key service leads across STARS, RBWH and QSCIS (Metro South). A Project Oversight Committee (POC) has also been established with the first meeting held this week. The POC will provide recommendations to inform the development of the Business Case as well as strategic recommendations relating to SCI sub-acute service planning and implementation.

If you would like further information about the Metro North Spinal Injuries Services Project, please reach out to your manager in the first instance.

10,000 Steps Challenge

The Queensland Health Director-General Michael Walsh is leading the way on a 10,000 Steps Challenge, hoping to increase staff connection and participation in physical activity. There is $5,000 in professional development funding up for grabs as well.

The challenge will run from 29 April to 31 May 2024, and you can add any form of activity you engage in, whether it be walking, swimming or lifting weights.

The challenge is a chance to show the whole State how competitive we are here at Metro North! Visit here to find out more information or sign up to the challenge.

• An account needs to be created for each participant.
• Each team requires a Team Captain – have them create their account first!
• Once registered, the Team Captain will need to contact Metro North Comms to create their Team (please include your Team name Facility/Directorate.)
• The Metro North Comms team will then provide the Team Captain with a code to send to Team members to use when signing up.

For more information, head to the Queensland Health Steps Challenge page or contact Metro North Comms via email metronorth-events@health.qld.gov.au.

Staff flu vaccination

The flu season has started early this year, with many cases of the flu already occurring in South-East Queensland. The best way you can protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients from the flu is to have your flu vaccination. Free staff flu vaccinations commenced this week for the Oral Health Alliance and will be available from next Wednesday 24 April at STARS. Visit here for dates and times.

I really encourage everyone to take advantage of the staff flu vaccination program. No bookings are required, you just need to show your Medicare Card or Indvidual Health Identifier (IHI). All staff, including our partners UQ, CSIRO, Cushman and Wakefield and Pathology Queensland are eligible for the flu vaccination.

So, we are able to keep track of the number of staff having their flu vaccinations, if you have your vaccination privately (i.e., at your GP or pharmacy) please let us know by filling out this brief form.

Courageous Conversations

Expressions of Interest are now open for the April Virtual Courageous Conversations workshop. Virtual Courageous Conversation: The Experience™ will provide staff with a set of tools to talk about race, intentionally and effectively. Together, these tools help to create a space that is authentic, safe, and generative for conversations about race that are insightful and compassionate.

The Virtual Workshops April 2024 dates and sessions are as follows:

• Monday 29 April – Block one and two: 9.00am – 4.00pm
• Tuesday 30 April   – Block three: 9.00am – 12.00pm
• Wednesday 22 May – Unpack Session: 9.00am – 10.30am

If you are interested in attending, please register your interest (you must have prior manager approval before registering an EOI). Participants are required to attend all block sessions, but the unpack session is not compulsory, only recommended.

If you have any queries email ATSILT_Capacitybuilding@health.qld.gov.au.

Our Journey Towards Health Equity

In July 2022, Metro North Health reaffirmed its commitment towards achieving health parity by 2033 and committed to prioritising actions to achieving equity in healthcare and service delivery for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On Wednesday, STARS staff attended the Metro North’s Journey to Equity Community Event. Hosted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team, the event provides a safe space for Elders and community members to share their experiences and feedback with us.

Funding is now open for projects that strengthen our efforts towards Our Journey Towards Health Equity. All services are encouraged to put forward a funding application that align to priority principles of eliminate institutional barriers, re-shape the system, transform care and strengthen the workforce.

You can find information on how to apply and the criteria online or contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team.

ANZAC Day

Next Thursday we will be commemorating ANZAC Day. For those who are working that day, the Last Post will be played over the hospital PA system at 8.00am followed by one minute silence and the Reveille. Staff can purchase ANZAC Day Appeal badges at the RBWH Ground Floor Atrium from next Monday 22 April to Wednesday 24 April. I also encourage teams to commemorate the day in a way that is meaningful to them.

Staff Shout Outs

Congratulations to all our wonderful staff who received a Staff Shout Out in March: Rebecca Pickering/Jane Holt and the STARS PODSS team, Lucy Guazzo, Jerry van de Pol, Kate Glastonbury, Holly Mccarthy, Donna Nicholas, Cecelia Boyd Orford, Alexis Austin, Allira Schafer, Allison Welch, the Food Services Team, the Dietetics Team and the STARS Infection Control Team. If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for the April Staff Shout Outs you can do so here.

STARS Gazer newsletter

If you haven’t already seen the March edition of the STARS newsletter, you can find it here. There are some wonderful stories featuring new initiatives, patient stories and staff profiles. If you have a story that you would like featured in the next newsletter, contact our Communications Advisor Kirsten Braun on metronorth-STARS-communication@health.qld.gov.au.

Brief the Boss

A reminder that I will be holding my first Brief the Boss event on Thursday 2 May, 11 am on the Ground Floor at STARS (in the area near the stairwell). Reminders will appear in the STARS bulletin and via email.

Kind regards,

Dale.