Tami Photinos, Executive Director, The Prince Charles Hospital
Welcome to 2023! I hope you had some time to relax with your family and friends during the festive period, and recharge your batteries for what will be another busy year ahead at TPCH. I was fortunate to enjoy some much needed down time with my family and friends – way too much food of course, but good all the same!
In recent days, we’ve heard about a number of tragic incidents around our State which have sadly impacted the lives of many people and their families. These incidents are an unfortunate reminder that we need to stay extra safe, and look after ourselves and our loved ones, especially during the busy holiday period.
With this in mind, and with the turn of the new year, my resolution for 2023 is to concentrate on my health and well-being so I can be a better person for others around me. I worked out that I am certainly not a shining star when it comes to social events, and we all need to recognise our limits in order to stay on top of things. In saying that, I did go into the city on new year’s eve to watch some of the celebrations. I always love Brisbane at night – it reminds me of the beautiful city we are so lucky to live and work in.
Brisbane City on New Year’s Eve
For some good news, TPCH recently had some positive media coverage during the holiday period. Firstly on Channel 9’s A Current Affair in relation to the Grand Friends Intergenerational Care Program, an initiative of Metro North’s Older Persons Mental Health Team and TPCH Early Education Centre supported by The Common Good. This program, which received accolades at both TPCH and Metro North’s Staff Excellence Awards last year, brings older community members together with younger children at The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre. It provides a form of intergenerational play, giving a sense of purpose to older participants, and helping them stay active and engaged, which is proven to have benefits to both mental and physical health.
Watch the Grand Friends story.
The work of our talented Cardiac Surgery team was also highlighted in a positive Courier Mail article about an Adelaide teenager who recently came to TPCH as the 100th patient to undergo the innovative and complex Personalised External Aortic Root Support (PEARS) procedure which ultimately saved her young life. Some well-deserved recognition for our skilful cardiac surgical team!
Our Executive Leadership Team will shortly be resuming its regular walkarounds, so I look forward to meeting and speaking with many of you throughout this year.
Today’s quote
“Don’t make resolutions without an action plan. The secret to success is right in your hands.”
J. Allen Shaw
Tami Photinos
Executive Director