Thank you for continuing to work through and accommodate the many changes we are facing with the current COVID-19 situation. This is new territory and we are doing everything possible to ensure staff feel safe and supported, both in and out of the workplace.

My message today will cover:

• Staff safety
• Hospital access
• Confidentiality obligations
• Our values
• Other TPCH news

Staff safety

With more TPCH staff now caring for COVID-19 patients, staff are encouraged to bring a spare set of clothes to change into at the end of their shift. Staff should place the uniform worn during their shift into a plastic bag to transport home. Once at home, staff can launder their uniform through a normal clothes washing process.

Hospital access

A few points on hospital access:

• Staff are requested to use the QAS corridor to enter and exit the hospital; not the main entrance.
• Patient and visitor access is via the main entrance. If you see a patient or visitor trying to exit via the QAS corridor, please redirect them.
• Please limit unnecessary movement around the hospital and adhere to all signage – particularly in COVID-19 care areas.
• TPCH now has a designated lift for the transfer COVID-19 patients. If you are not involved in the transfer of a COVID-19 patient, please use an alternate lift.

Confidentiality obligations

Please be reminded that as health care workers we are obligated to maintain confidentiality at all times – for patients and staff. This is particularly important in the current environment, where there is a level of sensitivity and concern for people’s safety. Caring for patients is a privilege and should be conducted accordingly – with respect and compassion. Staff should not be discussing or disclosing private information of patients or staff members to other patients or colleagues unless they are directly involved in their respective care or line management.

Our Values

As COVID-19 cases increase, many of us are feeling anxious and frustrated. This is normal and okay but what is not okay is to take our concerns out on other staff members who are just doing their job. I have heard of some recent incidences where TPCH staff have shown disrespect and rudeness to other members of the team while waiting for tests, vaccinations etc. This level of behaviour is unacceptable and should be called out. If you see another staff member displaying poor conduct towards another staff member, patient or visitor, please call it out and escalate to your line manager so it can be addressed. In the current environment, it is important that we support and take care of each other through this uncertain and busy time.

If you need support or someone to talk to, there are a range of wellbeing services available to you through Metro North which are:

• Peer Responder
• Benestar
• Staff Psychology

Supporting impacted staff

To allow us to support impacted staff to return to the workplace in the required timeframes, we ask that staff and/or line managers email the name and contact number of the relevant staff member/s to: TPCHContactTracing@health.qld.gov.au.

Staff should wait to be contacted by TPCH’s Contact Tracing Team to receive formal advice on their return to work.

TPCH EOC can be contacted on ext. 6127 or via email: EOC-TPCH@health.qld.gov.au

Important resources/links

I encourage staff to read the daily messages from the Metro North Incident Controller which contain the most up to date information relating to current issues and changes impacting our services and staff.

Useful links

When to get a PCR versus when to get a RAT
Self-reporting of RAT results

Executive appointment

I am pleased to advise that Katie Tully has been permanently appointed to the position of TPCH Manager Strategy and Planning.

Katie has worked at TPCH since March 2021 in the Innovation and Change Business Partner role and has been instrumental in the TPCH governance review, development of Business Case for Change, operational planning and reporting, as well as multiple other projects and initiatives.

She has extensive experience within Queensland Health and the public sector, previously holding positions as the Manager of Workforce and Establishment, HR Manager, Principal Project Officer (Project and Strategies Team) and with the Victoria Police. Please join me in congratulating Katie.

As a staff member who likes to ride bikes, I’d like to share a quote which is especially relevant at this time.

‘Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving’ – Albert Einstein

Tami Photinos
Executive Director